Indianapolis, Ind., Aug. 26, 2012 – It is with great sadness that the United States marks the passing of one of its greatest sons, NASA Astronaut and American Hero Neil Armstrong.
On the night of July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong electrified the nation with the words “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”. In that unforgettable moment, uttering the words that have become etched into the annals of American History, the hopes and dreams of a nation were solidified into reality as the 38 year old space veteran became the first human being to set foot on the surface of the moon. In doing so, Neil Armstrong and his Apollo 11 crew members manifest the dream of “landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth” by the end of the decade, a national goal set by the late President John F. Kennedy in his May 25, 1961 speech to a joint session of Congress.
A native of Ohio, Mr. Armstrong was a longtime resident of Cincinnati, having worked as a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Cincinnati following his retirement from America’s space program. Mr. Armstrong’s family remembered the 82 year old hero in a statement released by NASA Saturday:
“Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job. He served his Nation proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. He also found success back home in his native Ohio in business and academia, and became a community leader in Cincinnati.
He remained an advocate of aviation and exploration throughout his life and never lost his boyhood wonder of these pursuits.
As much as Neil cherished his privacy, he always appreciated the expressions of good will from people around the world and from all walks of life.
While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.
For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.”
Additional information about Armstrong is available on the Web at: http://www.nasa.gov.
As a fellow engineer, Brand recognizes the critical importance of science, technology, engineering and research – the kind that propelled the US into space and which fueled our undisputed global dominance in those areas. Brand’s 30+ year career in computers both as a programmer and consultant make him uniquely suited to the challenges our state and country faces. Recognizing the need for increased focus and rededication on science and math curriculum in secondary schools Brand emphasizes “we are at-risk of losing our edge and are forced to catch up to a world better prepared than we are for leadership in technology arenas. The time to seize the opportunities of the rapidly changing global dynamic is at hand.”
Kim J. Brand is the 2012 Libertarian Party Candidate running for the Indiana State House District 53 seat held by incumbent GOP State Representative Robert “Bob” W. Cherry.
Kim J. Brand is President and CEO of Computer Experts, Inc., of Indianapolis, a full-service computer consulting firm. Mr. Brand is also a Partner in Server Partners, LLC, a developer of Linux-based small business file server appliances. Kim also currently serves as Vice President of the Cumberland, Indiana Redevelopment Commission, and is a 33rd Degree Freemason affiliated with the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple. Kim and wife Beth Ann are both Indianapolis natives, but have resided in Hancock County for the past 25 years. They have been married for 37 years and have 3 children.