Posts: 1634
From: Smithfield, Me, USA
Registered: Mar 2005

posted 06-22-2011 08:56 PM               

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Today I had the pleasure of meeting and having breakfast with Terry Terhune, a retired electrical engineer who worked for NASA and several contractors from the late 1950's up through the shuttle program. His story is fascinating and he has some great stories, as well as strong opinions on where our space program is headed.

I wrote down what I could recall and hope to capture more (he promised to invite me over for wine and cheese soon).

There must be so many others like him whose stories have not been captured. Does anyone else have similar experiences?

Posts: 946
From: Washington, IL
Registered: Jan 2006

posted 06-23-2011 04:58 PM               

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Yes, I, too, have had and still do have the pleasure of meeting Sam Beddingfield.

Every time I go to Kennedy Space Center, I always make a point to get in touch with Sam and to plan a day with Sam. It is neat to ride in his car with him driving and showing and telling you about buildings and other landmarks at Titusville and KSC.

We usually have lunch together at one of his favorite restaurants and I could listen to Sam talk all day long about the "good old days" of the NASA program.

I also respect Sam's view of our future in spaceflight. Sam is a class act all the way!!!

Posts: 1634
From: Smithfield, Me, USA
Registered: Mar 2005

posted 06-25-2011 11:54 PM               

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I had the chance to talk to Terry for a bit this evening at a party. I asked him if he knew a Sam Beddingford, and he immediately corrected me; the name was Beddingfield. We were interrupted and I didn't get to find out if they worked together.

But he did say that Robert Crippen roasted him when he retired. I hope to get more details.

Posts: 1634
From: Smithfield, Me, USA
Registered: Mar 2005

posted 09-16-2011 08:44 PM               

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I had the pleasure of spending the evening with Terry Terhune listening to story after story about NASA during the 1960's as well as early shuttle days. I could have listened all night long. The point is if you get the chance to get to know any of there unsung heroes, I strongly suggest you do so. They have great stories to tell.

In addition I've recently made contact with retired Major General Bob Behler who also lives nearby. Among other duties, Bob just happened to fly the SR-71 for 6 years. Hope to have a talk with him soon.

Posts: 1634
From: Smithfield, Me, USA
Registered: Mar 2005

posted 11-09-2011 08:13 AM               

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Looks like this will be my personal post. After the Nov 4-6 ASF show I spent the night with my NASA friend Terry in Titusville. He showed me some of his collection, including some nice autographs and flown items and told lots of stories. At one point he mentioned that all his NASA friends had kids the same age, to the month. Of course I asked why and he replied; "you have a successful launch, celebrate, go home, and..."

Talking with Terry gives me a better perspective of the kind of hours these guys had to work. Not sure I could have done it. Terry lives on the Indian River with a wonderful 4th floor view of the VAB! And all the support guys at the show knew Terry.