Millions are expected to watch the Artemis 1 launch on Monday, but for a group of veterans, it’s not about what they’ll watch, but how they’ll feel.
America’s next step in space exploration will be to fly that day. A very special trip to Ed Vrona.
After serving with the Air Force in World War II, Vrona helped NASA on projects, including Mercury, Apollo, and Hubble Telescope. “I’ve worked with people from NASA since 1959,” Vrona recalls.
On Monday, he will not work, but testify.
“The earth will shake,” Vrona said. “26 feet in diameter!”
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NASA expects 250,000 people to be in Florida to watch the launch of Artemis 1. Eddie Tardy will join Vrona.
“I’m excited,” Tardy said. “I can’t wait to hear, see, and feel what’s going to happen.”
The Vietnam Veteran has never seen it, but he has an idea of what it is.
“I’m a veteran,” Tardy explained. “I felt like a B-52, and if I multiplied that 50 times, that’s what I imagine it would be like.”
The launch is unique to vets because they won’t see it like others do. They are visually impaired, but this does not dampen their enthusiasm.
“Oh my God, I don’t know how to explain it,” Vrona explained. “Goosepimples over goosepimples. I’m careful not to fall over or anything so it doesn’t ruin my plans.”
Wisdom 4 Blinded Veterans does just that. There will be a few visually impaired vets only miles from the launch.
It’s a release that means more than just how they feel.
“I think we have the greatest country in the world,” Vrona said. “Yes, we have problems, but everyone wants to come to America. Why? Because we are the best.”
On Thursday, NASA said the launch is still ready. A Space Force meteorologist said there’s a 70% chance of favorable weather conditions for the launch window. It is scheduled to launch around 7:30 a.m. Houston time.
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