At the launch of STS-118
As clock nears 6:30pm.
Minutes from the Kennedy Space Center,
Florida
Along SR528 in Merritt Island ...
Florida’s Space Coast …
Where dreams are launched!
The radios blared launch status along the same hallowed roadways
that have brought millions of launch watchers to see so many of the
stunning successes of our great national space program. Cars
pulling off … people in a festive mood … a celebration atmosphere
for America’s pride. We’ve put people on the moon, launched probes
of far off planets, sent up science experiments to benefit mankind,
led a cooperative International Space Station … and so much more …
Along the road side … a group of space center workers who made
those dreams come true spent four hours cheerfully showing their
support for Rudy Giuliani for the next President of the United States.
Rudy’s Rocket Scientists … doing their part in launching Rudy into the
White House in 2008!
John Ippolito, a facility engineer with over 20 years at the Space
Center took a break from sign waving, “By my estimate, over 15,000
cars went by today. Probably as many as 45,000 people. It was
incredible how many “thumbs up” and enthusiastic waves we saw! A
lot of people like Rudy.”
One family, vacationing from New York, stopped by for some drinks
and chips, “I liked Rudy so much I named my dog after him!”, said
Noreen with her husband and children echoing the praise.
Nick Herron, shared these words, “Rudy seems like such an obvious
choice … he has such a positive vision of our country, has
demonstrated very strong leadership, and he actually achieved
specific results. Not many politicians can say that. How can you beat
that?” Nick, an operations manager and veteran of over 25 years in
the space business, once helped write some of the early shuttle
launch procedures.
Another launch watcher was drawn to the group’s enthusiasm and
sign waving - Harry, a “chap” from England, shared the sentiments of
many of his countrymen, “W really like Rudy in our country … as a real
leader. With all that is going on around the world, we hope he wins.”
Alani Star, an expert documentation specialist with more than 15 years
at the Cape, said, “What a beautiful launch! The weather was so
cooperative. I counted over 80 honks of support for Rudy in the first
hour alone!”
Vic Cassella, an operations engineer on the Shuttle and Space Station
programs since the early 80s, marveled, “Wow, what an experience!
10 rocket scientists, banners, signs, food, drink … and thousands of
cars cheering us on! Go Rudy!” Vic captured the fun as group
“photographer”. Thanks Vic!
Joe, a lead singer for a local band, took a break from his own
countdown party to join in with roadside vocals, “Rudy, Rudy, Rudy!”
One big supporter stopped by on her way to the sick bed, “I wasn’t
feeling 100 % today health wise”, said Ellen Brown, “but I wanted so
much to show my support for Rudy. The response from passers by is
terrific! But hey, its easy to get excited about Rudy!” Ellen is a Safety
engineer with 20 years experience keeping people safe while
preparing spacecraft for missions.
Roger Carroll, a property manager with over 15 years experience on
the Shuttle and Space Station programs, offered this insight, “You
know what was neat? There were all kinds of people cheering on
Rudy … older couples … middle aged workers commuting home from
work … a carload of women, a carload of younger guys coming back
from the beach, a bunch of teenagers in the back of an SUV
…truckers honking … motorcyclists waving. Rudy really has
connected with everybody!”
Charlie and Maria Brown came up from Palm Bay to watch the launch
with Rudy’s Rocket Scientists. Maria shared her motivation for
cheering on Rudy. “We lost dear friends on 9-11. Rudy deserves a
lot of credit for his leadership in crisis and what he did for people.
We also love the space program. When we heard about Rudy’s
Rocket Scientists, we wanted to show our support for the space
program too. What a nice group of people!”
Charlie added, “There were license plates from New Jersey, Illinois,
Ohio, Georgia … all over … honking for Rudy!”
One lady came running up to us … with very little English and a
beaming smile. She kept pointing at one of our cars, pointing to a
Rudy bumper sticker. With a gesture to the heart, Marta from Chile
got the point across. She loves Rudy … and now has her very own
Rudy bumper sticker!
Mike Gisondi, an engineer with over 25 years experiencing launching
people into space put it this way, “Working on the space program has
always been about vision … about the best and the brightest … about
doing what others dream. We see the same in Rudy. He really does
believe in our country, our ability to proceed into the future … and he
has results to back it up. Being a bunch of engineers … a visionary
leader who gets results really means a lot to us.”
10 – 9 – 8 … everyone’s gazing upward …
3 – 2 – 1 … Liftoff …
STS – 118 was a beautiful sight! The engines thrusting, the white
smoke piecing the warm blue Florida sky … once again succeeding in
President Kennedy’s vision of space travel … “the best we have to
offer” …
And down below … a motivated, cheering bunch … Rudy’s Rocket
Scientists … showing their support for a visionary among the
hopefuls … “the best” .. Rudy Giuliani … for President.
Rudy's 12
Commitments
to the
American
People
of Public Service,
Leadership, and
Results
Alani, Roger, Nick, Mike, and Ellen get a honk
from a trucker!
Scientists did on Wednesday
is too good! Great work by all
of you!" Roy Bailey, National
Finance Director, Rudy
Campaign
"Great job! Can you send us
some pictures? We are
opening the Rudy Florida HQs
in Orlando next week and want
the national campaign people
to see your success!" Kathryn
Staczek, Rudy Campaign,
Orlando
Maria stops traffic!
Rudy Stands on
Issues!
"Wow! What you did for the
launch was great! Your
enthusiasm is contagious!" Bob
Rusbuldt, Rudy DC Strategist
"You are all doing an
outstanding job, thanks for
everything!" Paul Seago, Florida
Rudy Exec Director
"Way to go! I heard from local
people already about your
enthusiasm at the launch!"
Jackie Colon, Brevard Chair,
Rudy Campaign
very own bumpersticker!
roars into space!
excellent pics!
John Ippolito gets a big thanks for
providing soft drinks!
Great job to Holly at Quizno's on
SR3 in Merritt Island for the
delicious subs!
for info on Rudy's Rocket Scientists
mmgisondi@yahoo.com
For more information on Rudy Giuliani
check out JoinRudy2008.com
4/19/07