The man affectionately known as "Rocket Man" was part of a fundraising event in Lloydminster, benefitting Habitat for Humanity, Sept. 17. Long-time fan of space flight and NASA programs, Unity's Kiley Uzelman travelled with his nephew, Dallas Spendelow, to Lloydminster to hear Canadian astronaut, Chris Hadfield, speak.
Col. Hadfied began his career as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and proceeded through various pilot-related positions until he was selected as a Canadian astronaut. After being posted by the Canadian Space Agency to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Hadfield held an array of impressive positions including acting as chief CAPCOM in Mission Control at the Johnson Space Centre for 25 shuttle flights, amongst other adventures.
In 2010, Hadfield served as commander of the NEEMO 14 mission, spending two weeks on the sea floor aboard the Aquarius underwater laboratory. That same year NASA announced Hadfield would become the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station, leading Expedition 35 after its launch from Kazakhstan in December of 2012. This put Hadfield into orbit aboard the space station for five months before returning to earth in May of 2013.
Uzelman thinks there were more than 500 people in attendance at the Lloyd exhibition grounds to hear Hadfield's presentation.
"Chris spoke about his experiences in space and the events leading up to his long excursion in space commanding the International Space Station. I would have to say the most fascinating part of his presentation was definitely his recounting the space flights he has been involved in," said Uzelman.
The audience learned of Hadfield's adjustment once back on earth after a month's long extended stay on the International Space Station, especially readjusting to gravity. Uzelman said he was also amazed at Hadfield's musical talent when Hadfield broke out his guitar and strummed some tunes while singing to his audience, including the famous Elton John tune Rocket Man.
Uzelman commented, "The thing I learned from his presentation is that, no matter what, you can accomplish anything, even if it appears impossible. Chris encouraged listeners to reach high for their goals."
Uzelman admitted definitely his favourite part of the event was meeting Hadfield himself and having him sign his book, Chris Hadfield, An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth. Uzelman also acknowledged what a "down to earth" (no pun intended) gentleman Colonel Hadfield was to everyone in attendance. He was approachable and enjoyed interacting with the audience.
Dallas Spendelow, who accompanied Kiley, was equally impressed with Hadfield's presentation. Dallas had received Chris's book for a Christmas gift and had read it right away. Dallas says he has always been a fan of Hadfield as well as being interested in space travel. In fact, he had watched many of the YouTube videos Hadfield made while on the International Space Station.
Dallas noted what a good speaker Hadfield was, making his presentation easy to understand and listen to. Dallas said, "Even if you didn't have the knowledge or background Uncle Kiley and I have, it wouldn't have stopped you from understanding his presentation."
Dallas said he definitely would recommend to his friends Hadfield's presentation after enjoying the experience so much. He was thrilled Hadfield showed some photos from his stay on the space station, one of them depicting the country Australia. Dallas likes how Hadfield outlines in his book the comparisons of the experiences he had in his astronaut career to a guide for day-to-day living here on earth.
As a guitar man himself, Dallas was impressed with Hadfield's musical skills.
It was an "out of this world" experience for Uzelman and Dallas, who are followers of Hadfield and his space adventures, in addition to being fascinated with many of NASA's space achievements. Not being from Lloyd or the surrounding area, both gents felt fortunate to have been given the tickets to attend this event by friends as they wouldn't have otherwise known about it. It was a memorable experience they will both share for a lifetime.
