T-Minus Space Daily: “Space and Veterans” – Episode Summary
Introduction
On November 11, 2024, T-Minus Space Daily by N2K Networks presented a heartfelt Veterans Day special edition titled “Space and Veterans.” Hosted by Maria Varmazas, the episode paid tribute to military veterans who have significantly contributed to the aerospace industry. The program highlighted personal narratives from veterans, illustrating how their military service has shaped their careers in space exploration and related fields. This edition underscored the deep-rooted connection between the U.S. military and NASA, emphasizing the pivotal role veterans play in advancing space technology and exploration.
Honoring Military Contributions to Aerospace
Maria Varmazas opened the episode by acknowledging Veterans Day, dedicating the program to honor both the veterans within the N2K team and those globally who have propelled the aerospace sector forward. She emphasized NASA's historical reliance on military pilots, noting that out of 360 astronaut candidates selected since NASA's inception, 212 hailed from military backgrounds. Varmazas highlighted a 1959 press conference where John Glenn remarked on the profound sense of duty fueling both his Marine Corps service and his role as an astronaut.
Notable Quote:
John Glenn, 02:06: “...we stand on the verge of something as big and as expansive as [the Wright brothers’] achievement 50 years ago.”
Charles Bolden: A Journey from the Marines to NASA
The episode featured an in-depth interview with Charles Bolden, a former NASA administrator and astronaut with a distinguished 34-year career in the Marine Corps, including 14 years with NASA’s astronaut office. Bolden recounted his early aspirations, inspired by a television program about the Naval Academy, and his determination to join the military despite initial reservations about the Marine Corps.
Bolden detailed the challenges he faced in securing a Naval Academy appointment during the Jim Crow era, overcoming racial barriers with perseverance and support from influential figures. His narrative illustrated the transformative impact of mentorship and advocacy, particularly his relationship with Major John Riley Love, a Marine Corps officer who played a pivotal role in Bolden’s development as a leader.
Notable Quotes:
Charles Bolden, 03:36: “I pulled out an old typewriter and I typed out a letter to the President of the United States...”
Maria Varmazas, 08:45: “There are so many threads in your story that I'm hearing about perseverance and also being open minded to new experiences...”
Bolden articulated the seamless transition from military service to NASA, attributing his ease of adaptation to the structured, mission-focused environment shared by both institutions. He highlighted the similarities in operational dynamics and the mutual emphasis on precision and teamwork that facilitated his shift from commanding space shuttle missions to leading roles within the Marine Corps and NASA.
Maria Varmazas: From Military Brat to Marine Officer
Maria Varmazas shared her personal journey, reflecting on her upbringing as the daughter of a United States Marine and astronaut. Moving to Houston, Texas, during her childhood fostered a profound respect for military values and the individuals who embody them. Varmazas described her aspiration to serve, leading her to the United States Naval Academy in 1993.
Her military career encompassed various roles, including Naval aviator training in Pensacola and serving as a weapons and sensors officer in the F/A-18 Delta. Varmazas emphasized the importance of adaptability, transitioning from crewed to uncrewed aviation roles, and eventually leading an unmanned aircraft squadron. Her experiences underscored the belief that technology should enhance human interactions and effectiveness, shaping her post-military entrepreneurial endeavors.
Notable Quote:
Maria Varmazas, 17:43: “...technology is there to improve the way human beings work and interact with one another.”
Sassy Duggleby: Pioneering Women in Military Aviation
Sassy Duggleby, CEO of Venus Aerospace, recounted her trailblazing experience as one of the first women to undergo military pilot training in the U.S. Air Force. Selected for an elite pilot program in 1978, Duggleby navigated the challenges of being among the earliest female pilots at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma.
Her narrative highlighted the resilience and determination required to succeed in a predominantly male environment. Duggleby emphasized the collective effort of her fellow female pilots to ensure the continuation of the program, advocating for future generations of women in military aviation. Her story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the significant contributions women have made to aerospace through military service.
Notable Quote:
Sassy Duggleby: “...we were doing it for ourselves as well as other women.”
Che Bolden: Legacy of Service and Innovation
Che Bolden, president and CEO of the Charles F. Bolden Group, shared insights into how her father’s military career influenced her own path. Andrew Bolden’s service as a U.S. Navy reservist and engineering duty officer, particularly his deployment to Japan, inspired Che to explore entrepreneurial ventures in aerospace. The conception of Venus Aerospace emerged from discussions during their time abroad, envisioning advancements in rocket technology to enhance global connectivity.
Che highlighted the synergy between military discipline and innovative leadership, underscoring the lasting impact of military values on her business endeavors. Her story exemplifies how military experiences can inspire and drive innovation within the aerospace industry.
Notable Quote:
Che Bolden, 22:09: “...we think we have something here and we really need to go pursue this.”
Brandon Karpf: From Navy Cryptologist to Aerospace Leader
Brandon Karpf, executive producer of the episode, detailed his journey from a naval cryptologist to a leader in the aerospace sector. Inspired by his grandfather’s World War II service and the call to defend national security post-9/11, Karpf pursued a career in the Navy, ultimately specializing in cryptologic warfare.
His military tenure at Fort Meade and subsequent roles in cybersecurity and cyber operations fortified his expertise, which he seamlessly translated into the private sector. Karpf’s dedication to developing talent and enhancing professional capabilities in high-tech environments underscores the transferable skills gained through military service.
Notable Quote:
Brandon Karpf, 25:12: “...the skills, the proficiencies, the knowledge, the capabilities I have and what I've accomplished in the private sector to the years I spent in the Navy.”
Alice Carruth: Bridging Military Service and Space Production
Alice Carruth, producer of the episode, shared her connection to military service through her marriage to Adam Carruth, an Army veteran. Adam’s role in the Signal Corps and his deployments, including tours in Iraq and service in Qatar, introduced Alice to the aerospace domain. Their relocation to New Mexico facilitated her involvement in the space industry, highlighting the intersection of military experience and space communications.
Alice’s story exemplifies how personal relationships and military backgrounds can influence career trajectories, fostering pathways into specialized fields like space production.
Conclusion
The “Space and Veterans” episode of T-Minus Space Daily offered a rich tapestry of narratives illustrating the profound impact of military service on careers in aerospace. Through the stories of Charles Bolden, Maria Varmazas, Sassy Duggleby, Che Bolden, Brandon Karpf, and Alice Carruth, the program celebrated the dedication, resilience, and leadership of veterans who have propelled the space industry forward. The episode not only honored past and present service members but also inspired future generations to pursue careers that bridge military excellence with the limitless possibilities of space exploration.
Notable Closing Quote:
Charles Bolden, 33:26: “...Cloudflare created the first ever connectivity cloud. Visit cloudflare.com to protect your business everywhere you do business.”
This summary captures the essence of the “Space and Veterans” episode, highlighting key discussions, personal stories, and the overarching theme of military service fostering advancements in the aerospace sector.