posted 08-06-2012 01:53 PM               

Memorial for Captain Alan "Dex" Poindexter Set for August 10 at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School

A memorial for Captain Alan Poindexter, the former NASA astronaut and space shuttle commander who died July 1, has been set for 1:00 pm on Friday, August 10, at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

The memorial will take place outdoors on the lawn adjacent to Hermann Hall. Eulogies will be delivered by U.S. Air Force Col. James P. Dutton Jr. — the pilot of the STS-131 mission to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Discovery, which was led by Alan from April 5-20, 2010; Vice Admiral Dan Oliver (Ret.), President of the Naval Postgraduate School; and Lt. Col. Lang Sias, a life-long friend and distinguished pilot. A missing man formation will be flown by the VX-9 Vampires, the Navy's premier Air Test & Evaluation Squadron, immediately following the memorial.

Throughout the various facets of Captain Poindexter's 26-year career as a combat-proven Naval Aviator, decorated Fighter Pilot, experienced Test Pilot, respected Astronaut and esteemed Dean of Students at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, all who met "Dex" were immediately cognizant of his selfless dedication to our nation, his innate leadership capabilities, his steadfast devotion to his beloved sons, Zachary and Samuel, and his profound love and respect for his wife, Lisa.

posted 08-06-2012 01:54 PM               

Establishment of a Beneficial Trust for Captain Alan "Dex" Poindexter's Son

The family of Captain Alan Poindexter, the former NASA astronaut and space shuttle commander who died July 1, has announced that a beneficial trust has been established for his son, Samuel Poindexter. The trust — created in response to the outpouring of concern and support from those who knew and respected Captain Poindexter -- will provide for the long-term health, support and maintenance of Poindexter's severely autistic and epileptic son.

Needing 24-hour care, Samuel Poindexter's acute and challenging special needs will be supported for the rest of his life via the Samuel Pfeiffer Poindexter Special Needs Trust. Those interested in making a gift of a donation may do so via:

Wells Fargo Advisors
208 Golden Oak Court, Suite 300
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Donations are not tax deductible. Questions and requests for information may be addressed to Chris Holladay or any other member his team at Wells Fargo Advisors via 866.377.4950 (Toll Free) or 757.431.6311 (Office).

Throughout the various facets of Captain Poindexter's 26-year career as a combat-proven Naval Aviator, decorated Fighter Pilot, experienced Test Pilot, respected Astronaut and esteemed Dean of Students at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, all who met "Dex" were immediately cognizant of his selfless dedication to our nation, his innate leadership capabilities, his steadfast devotion to his beloved sons, Zachary and Samuel, and his profound love and respect for his wife, Lisa.

posted 11-05-2013 12:26 PM               

Clay Anderson, who flew with Poindexter on STS-131, paid tribute to his former commander on Facebook:

Today was the formal tree planting ceremony for my (STS-131) Shuttle Commander Alan "Dex" Poindexter at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Any time an astronaut passes - Dex died unexpectedly while enjoying jet ski time with his two sons in Pensacola not quite two years ago - a tree is planted in a special grove commemorating their life and career. I am saddened by both the loss of a dear friend and consummate leader and the fact that my schedule has me in a place where I was unable to attend the ceremony.

During my 30 years at NASA, 15 of which were spent as an astronaut, I had the opportunity to observe the behaviors of many of my astronaut colleagues, the majority of which would become commanders in some form or fashion. Dex was one of the "good ones." A man of integrity, highly skilled and intelligent, he was also able to understand the assets brought to the table by his crew. In addition, he had compassion; knowing when to step in or back off, or to allow an early departure from a training exercise to tend to a personal family matter.

I learned a lot from Dex. Watching his leadership, enjoying his smile and sense of humor... sticking him in the rump during our mission quarantine and then again 225 miles above the earth as I, the crew medical officer, gave him shots to help combat the injustice of zero gravity and its potential to cause motion sickness (Yes, Lisa, Dex did have a tight buttocks! ‹grin›).

Dex is now exercising his command authority from a far better place than this Earth. I look forward to one day, God willing, joining his crew once again, and sharing stories of the fifteen days we shared together in outer space.

Thanks Dex... I miss you.