posted 03-08-2007 01:36 PM               

Author Martha Ackmann who wrote the book "The Mercury 13: The True Story of
Thirteen Women and the Dream of Spaceflight" will be the commencement speaker.

She is attending, as most probably are Rhea Woltman, Sarah Ratley and I
believe it's a safe bet to assume Wally Funk. ;0) They have not heard from
Jerrie Cobb.

Congrats to these fine women for some overdue recognition!

posted 05-08-2007 11:26 PM               

Martha Ackmann, author of “The Mercury 13: The True Story of the Thirteen Women and the Dream of Space Flight,” will serve as moderator.

Immediately following the discussion, there will be a poster and book signing with the Mercury 13 women and Martha Ackmann. There is no fee for admission.

For more information, please see:
http://www.uwosh.edu/mercury13/

This should be a real special event!

Bruce

posted 05-09-2007 09:05 PM               

I have been coordinating a meet for them with one of the US Congressmen from Wisconsin (Ron Kind) who will be drafting a proclamation for them in Congress. They're trying to meet this weekend.

The Houston Chronicle did an article:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/4782579.html

(you must've missed it in your local newspaper Robert )

A gent put an interview with Jerri Truhill on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gAp4w3BKgA

I've fielded a ton of requests for interviews (sadly they will not have time this weekend) - it's just been amazing.

And recognition long, long overdue.

I sure wish I was able to be there. Those who do go would you please report back about it or email me direct if you don't mind? Also if anyone gets any pictures, I'm sure the gal's would like to see them if you could send them to me.

It's my latest information after talking to Jerri tonight, that she will be attending, Jerrie Cobb, Sarah Ratley, GeneNora Jesson, Rhea Woltman, Kay Cagle and "B" Steadman also.

posted 05-13-2007 12:08 PM               

------------------
Jürgen P Esders
Berlin, Germany
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Astroaddies

posted 05-14-2007 07:50 AM               

Martha Ackmann moderated a discussion with the Mercury 13 women for about an hour and then there were some questions from the audience. After that they met with some local media and then began to sign books and posters. There was a very nice turnout from people of all ages, but I think the ladies were a little overwhelmed with the number of people wanting to get something signed and were getting pretty tired at the end.

Here is a link to an article on the event from the Oshkosh Northwestern.

There were many highlights, but some of my favorites were:

• Jerrie Cobb's emotional reaction to the awarding of the honorary doctorates. She commented how they were so used to being rejected, this was very special - it was the first real recognition they have received.

• Jerri Truhill saying she became interested in flying after a flight with her father at four years old and her father telling her that if she studied hard and became a registered nurse (required on commercial flights at that time) she could be a hostess on a plane. She said she had no interest in that, she wanted to fly the plane!

• Irene Leverton commenting how on one occasion she was told she had to complete a test run at a pylon racing event in Oregon before the men would allow her to actually compete. Her reaction, she told them to "stuff it!"

• Jerrie Cobb relating Vice President Lyndon Johnson's response for cancelling the Mercury 13 project as, "The country couldn't allow women in the space program because then it would have to allow all minorities in."

• And the advice they all shared to youngsters in the audience to follow their dreams and never give up.

Everyone was extremely gracious, very personable, and a lot of fun. You could just sense that true trailblazer spirit in all of them. No question, they are a very special group of women and it was a real privilege to meet them. The truly have "The Right Stuff" and it is a terrible shame that our country never gave them the chance to pursue their dreams.

Jump if you ever have an opportunity to meet any of them. You will never forget the experience!

Jerri Truhill, Gene Nora Jessen, and Sarah Ratley

Irene Leverton and Myrtle “K” Cagle


Bernice “B” Steadman, Jerrie Cobb, and Rhea Woltman

posted 05-15-2007 07:52 AM               

They were never part of any program. They never (TMK) did any astronaut-specific training, just med/psych testing. Lovelace did the testing as a private effort, without NA[S]A's knowledge or approval. There was never any intent, or presumed offer, by NA[S]A (or the White House, for that matter) for these ladies to be trained, or fly, as astronauts.

posted 05-15-2007 03:49 PM               

Thing is, there IS a lot of hype with them. Mostly from the feminist style/related groups, and there has been from one or two of their own too.

I do believe becoming informed you can easily get the real story. And that in and of itself, is very interesting, as Oberg himself said at one point.

His article was written well, but I saw some "agenda" of his own in it, and some wording that could have been better.

But then I too am prejudiced.

Was this honoring a lot of hyperbole and nonsense?

That's certainly up to you to judge, but I for one do not want to rain on these gal's parade. I know t most of them, and quite well.

But feel free if that's what you wish to do.

posted 05-15-2007 10:24 PM               

My one suggestion is Oberg should be a little more diligent himself in practicing what he preaches in terms of reporting things accurately. A simple Internet search would reveal that WFRV is the CBS affiliate for Green Bay, Wisconsin - not Oshkosh as stated in his article.

Well, he was only about 50 miles off.
LOL