Dear SFA Thank you so much for an unforgettable experience. I know that a lot of planning and work went into this event. Everything was perfect. You have been part of a dream come true for me. I have worked at JSC for 26 years and this is the first time that I've seen a launch. If there were any snags or problems, I was oblivious to them. From the reception to the banquet/program and the awards breakfast everything was perfect. I really appreciated how management mingled with the honorees and their guest. I was unaware of their titles, just the warmth of their appreciation of the attendees. There wasn't a dry eye in the audience after the National Anthem was sung on Saturday. The program was top notch , even Disney couldn't do better.

I really enjoyed seeing the shadow of the Shuttle on the side walls. It sure made me proud to be part of the NASA team. Then came our field trips to see Kennedy and then to actually be part of the Launch of STS120. It doesn't get any better than that. I've been involved in engineering flight support for the past 10 years, and I never knew that they sang the National anthem at L-4 minutes. With the flag blowing to my left and the vehicle straight ahead of me, it was pretty amazing. I felt such pride to be an American and to be part of something so much larger than myself. To realize that the efforts of so many are required to make this dream a reality.

Experiencing the actually launch brought on so many emotions within me that I couldn't really put my mind around it. I know tears were flowing and that a deep acknowledgement of what this is really about settled within my soul. I still don't know if the shaking I experienced was from the force of the vehicle leaving the pad or just my body reacting to the experience. The energy that was conveyed by the spectators as we counted down those last few seconds, then lift off, the smoke, fire and roar as it ascended into the sky. Then the crowd went silent and the only sound was the vehicle as it disappeared into the clouds and shouts again as it reappeared with the sun shining upon it. At 2 minutes into launch cheers of joy and relief at separation, as we will never forget Challenger.

Thanks again for a job well done.
Peggy Hill
Lockheed – Houston, Texas