posted 07-07-2002 02:57 PM              

I'd like to give another side to Mr. Aldrin and sincerety and free autographs.
I recently drove 400 miles to see General Dr. Aldrin Aldrin receive the Harry Truman Good Neighbor Award in Kansas City. ( Besides admiring Astronauts and Heroes, Harry is one of my favorites).

Although General Dr. Aldrin wasn'there due to illness, I got some cherished autographs on the program from former Senator Eagleton, some local Generals and military men, a Congressional Medal of Honor winner from Viet Nam, and a Truman asward winner who flew at great danger the last helicopter to the US Embassy in Saigon in April 1975 to rescue 11 stranded forgotten US Marines; the last flight out.

I sent this program to General Dr. Aldrin expressing dissappointment at not meeting him and thanking him, wished him good health and recovery, reminsced about what a splindid plane the North American F-86 Sabrejet was ( he flew one), and asked if he'd add his autographs to the heroes I already had.

From all I heard I expecected no response, or a standared reply noting signing fees.

You can't believe my pleasure upon returning from seeing my new born Grandson Keegan in Racine, Ws; (and having the pleasure of meeting James Lovell and having him sign my 1960 slide rule, a very nice, interesting man) at finding the program signed by General Dr. Aldrin, inscribed Apollo 11, in the mail with a nice note.

While these heroes are overwhelmed by public acclaim ( God knows how you or I would handle it), I still think they are fine decent gentleman serving us and their country, and I thank them all.

God Bless All;

Steve Smith, Wichita, Kansas

posted 07-07-2002 03:11 PM               

I know alot of people critisize Mrs Aldrin when she tells people that they can't have an autograph. but she is exactly what Buzz needs.
If Mrs Aldrin didn't keep Buzz moving and let him sign, the man would never get any work done or get to any functions.
I've seen it for myself when he has been going to a lecture in London. Once the lecture had finished and Buzz had a bit of spare time, Mrs Aldrin had no problem letting Buzz sign items for people for nothing.
As well as being Buzz's wife she is something like his business manager, therefore she has to keep him on schedule, (and it is a busy schedule from what I have seen !).

Get well soon Buzz and keep up the good work Lois.

Adam

posted 07-07-2002 11:25 PM            

Buzz was extremely warm & gracious, and had presented my son with an Apollo 11 mission patch, and went on to explain to him the symbolism of "the eagle and the olive branch".

What I didn't mention was the fact that Buzz had signed a very important piece of memorabilia for my son, and refused an offer of financial compensation by me, for doing that.

The experience we had of sharing time with that man, and all that he had done for us, came from the heart, and no where else.

I just thought that it was appropriate to share this now with some of you folks.

Buzz was in fine shape when we met this past February, I hope he is doing well.

Aloha,

Frank