News from AFA's San Jacinto Chapter, Houston, Texas

Below is a press release from AFA Houston San Jacinto Chapter:

We are pleased to announce that Headquarters Air Force ROTC, United States Air Force, has selected Gene Kranz as a 2013 AFROTC Distinguished Alumni. Mr. Kranz was the NASA Mission Control Center Flight Control Director made famous during the Apollo Moon Landings and famous world-wide for his “failure is not an option” approach to bring the Apollo 13 Astronauts safely back to earth.

The AFROTC Distinguished Alumni Program honors graduates from AFROTC and OTS who have achieved significant distinction during or after their career in the Air Force. The award is granted to an exceptional few, whose incredible legacy continues to shape the character of the Air Force and its future leaders. 

Mr. Kranz continues to share his legacy with military units, colleges and civilian organizations across the nation. In 2013 he made some 79 presentations to these organizations detailing America’s achievements in space. He is one of America’s great heroes. His famous white vest, sewn by his wife, Marta, is enshrined in the Smithsonian Institution. 

Mr. Kranz is a dedicated member of the Houston area Air Force Association, providing services to our local universities and colleges.

From more information, contact Bob Kjar, Vice President, Communications, AFA Houston, at bob@kjar.org.

The San Jacinto Chapter will be presenting Kranz with an award on March 19, 2014, where he will also retire his AFA white vest to the historical library at Detachment 003, University of Houston.

Chapter member Bob Kjar holding a replica white vest presented to  Kranz at Vintage Uniform Night

Congratulations to Gene Kranz and we give our sincerest gratitude for his service! Learn more about Mr. Kranz here: http://history.nasa.gov/SP-4223/ch6.htm.

Kranz, flight director, is shown at his console on May 30, 1965, in the Mission Operations Control Room in the Mission Control Center at Houston during a Gemini-Titan IV simulation to prepare for the four-day, 62-orbit flight. Photo courtesy of NASA.