PROGRAMS:

COMPANIES:

• Lockheed Martin
• Martin Marietta
• North American Aviation

LOCATIONS:

Santa Susana Field Laboratory - Vandenburg AFB - Marshall Space Flight Center

POSITIONS:

Senior Propulsion Test Inspector, Saturn V S-II Battleship, SNAP10-A
Quality Control Inspector Senior, Peacekeeper, Space Shuttle, Titan, Delta

COMMENTS:

My dad, Walt Hopson, was one of those guys whose magical-ness was evidenced in all things. He was a word-weaver, and fixer of items you had no idea were broken. He was an inventor, a builder, a storyteller, and a mentor. He was more than courageous; he was brave. I am fiercely proud of his accomplishments as an Eagle Scout, Merchant Marine, Army Air Corps serviceman, and a RocketMan.

Being around my Dad could make you feel a little famous. He could also do 200 laps around Disneyland, wearing wingtip shoes in July. The soggy-diapered two-year old on his shoulders, pulling at his ears with sticky fingers, didn’t phase him. When he finished building something – whether it was a rocket, or my playhouse out back – you could be certain it would not only last forever, but it would also be impervious to the perils of launch vibrations, supersonic thrust, the vacuum of outer space, and the heat / speed of reentry into earth’s orbit. This is also true of his old Station Wagon, which I’m restoring (he rebuilt the engine; I have no doubt it will reach Mars first).

My father’s deep and shameless love for all dogs, in all circumstances, immediately outed his soft heart. As long as my Dad was around, no dog would be allowed to grow bored of dog food … there would always be a steak, or pancakes, or ice cream, to share.

My father was tough when he had to be, and tender when he did not have to be. He was, and remains, my biggest hero. He was brave and true; a good friend; a conspirator and partner in crime; a dad to me and my two awesome brothers, and to step-kids and neighborhood kids.

The profile photo is a mock-up I created, because let’s face it – the astronauts shouldn’t get all the glory. Here’s to the people like my Dad, whose tireless ingenuity and ability to dream big and never give up gave us the Space Program; to those whose contributions to science and technology so frequently came at great personal sacrifice. Here’s to you, RocketMan … Mission Control is sending you love to the Moon and back.
COREAdvocacy.org / TheAeroSpace.org