Back in 1987, I was in my early 20's working at my first full time job, writing and producing commercials at a radio station. The building where the station was located still contained the original theatre from the days of live radio, and sometimes the radio station allowed civic groups to use the theatre.

My workday was 9 to 5. When I would get done, my best friend would just be coming in to get ready for his 7:00 PM radio shift. One day I was sitting in the production studio with him chatting. Back then, he and I were really into aviation - jet planes, rockets, and movies like "The Right Stuff." During our small talk, there was a pause in the conversation and I sort of "zoned out" and began thinking about being in outer space, what it must have been like for the astronauts, etc. I broke the silence by saying, "Imagine what it would be like to meet an astronaut. Think about what he would have to say, etc, etc."

My friend made a comment about my thought of meeting an astronaut, and that thought was left hanging in the air. Just then, someone knocked on the studio door. It was a sergeant in an air force uniform. He asked us if we had an extension cord. As we looked for one, we asked him why he was at the radio station. He said he was a local Air Force recruiter, and they were having a program that night in the radio theatre. They had a group of high school seniors coming in who were interested in an air force career.

Then his face lit up, and he said, "And, oh yeah! Ronald Evans, one of the astronauts from Apollo 17 is going to be their special guest!" At that moment, it felt as if the room had a blast of cold arctic air. I got a chill and looked at my friend and we both smiled. Because, if you work in radio, you never wonder "if" you will be able to meet someone. You just know you will. And we did.

We spoke with Colonel Evans, and asked him a few questions. Unfortunately, it was in the lobby, and there were a lot of people milling about, so we didn't really have an intimate moment to delve into his deeper thoughts. But that was ok. My rhetorical question of meeting an astronaut became a reality!

Alexander P.

Posted Feb. 13, 2011