On The Side: Brad Hicks

My wife and I recently visited the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.
From the Wright Brothers, to 20th century war plane development, to the space program, and even the retired planes used by our presidents, it’s a great destination. And if you heard a big boom, that was me crashing the space shuttle three times in the simulator. So much for a career upgrade.
In driving to the museum, we spent some time on Colonel Glenn Highway, named for space hero and U.S. Senator John Glenn of Ohio. He was one of the nation’s daring test pilots in the 1950s and early 1960s and one of the men portrayed in the movie “The Right Stuff.” He was the first American to orbit the Earth. And, he is the oldest man to go into space, taking a shuttle trip at the age of 77.
John Glenn left his earthly body last week. Amid the political chest-thumping, it was great to remember one who exemplified the virtues of service to country. He was a true American.

Contact Brad Hicks at publisher@redoakexpress.com.