The science team will be responsible for analyzing the returned images and mapping the asteroid to identify scientifically interesting sites for the sampling maneuver.  The 3-component camera suite has been designed, built and tested here at the UA.  Furthermore, the mission will be operated during its 7 years in space from the Drake building on Sixth Avenue, the same facility where the Phoenix Mars Mission was managed.

Dr. Smith, now retired, was the Thomas R. Brown Distinguished Chair of Integrated Science and is a Professor Emeritus of Planetary Science at the UA.  He is a long term Tucson resident and previously a member of the Tucson Rotary Club.  Professionally, he has been involved in missions to Mars: building the camera for Mars Pathfinder in 1997 and leading the Phoenix Mission in 2008.  These activities led to NASA bestowing on him the Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal in 2010, NASA’s highest recognition.  Smith is a member of the imaging science team on the OSIRIS-REx mission.

Where were you when the world stopped turnin’

That September day?

Out in the yard with your wife and children

Or workin’ on a stage in LA?

Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke

Risin’ against the blue sky?

Did you shout out in anger, in fear of your neighbor

Or did you just sit down and cry?

          (lyrics to a song by Alan Jackson)

 

Where were you, fifteen years ago on Sept.11th? You probably don't have to think very hard to remember where you were on this day of tragedy for our country.

 

I was in New York just three weeks after this horrific terrorist attack that claimed the lives of over 400 New York City firefighters and police officers and over 3000 other people on airplanes, at the World Trade Center in NYC, in Washington DC and Pennsylvania. I was surprised and thankful that the convention I was attending was not cancelled, even though the hotel where I stayed in Manhattan was on lockdown and guards stood erect at the large lobby entrance and side doors. Evidence of such normalcy reminded me of the resolve of this great city, even as thousands of families mourned the loss of loved ones.

 

Upon arrival I immediately hailed a taxi and was transported as close as the driver could take me to Ground Zero. What was I expecting? I really didn’t know but my heart was beating loudly as I quietly walked closer to the gigantic still smoldering ash heap that was once the World Trade Center. The sounds I heard said so much - sounds of sobbing piercing the still smoke-filled air and equally loud were the sounds of silence. The smell of loss permeated the air.  I’ll never forget the parking garages nearby with half burned cars and smoldering building parts. I’ll never forget the hundreds of memorials that were set up on the sidewalks throughout the city, photos of lost family members looking much like you and me. Candles, flowers and mementos adorned each personal memorial. One memorial I remember well had a pair of skis since the handsome and healthy-looking man, a claimed victim, loved skiing according to the writings of his family. Skis seemed a perfect memento to honor this husband and father, lost with thousands of others.

 

My life, just as each of us, changed forever on 9/11, but as one of the survivors from the 87th floor in 1WTC wrote: "the very moment the first plane was hijacked, democracy won."

 

My thoughts since then have turned from tragic memories to thoughts of Rotary and why this international organization serves as a strong reminder of all that is good and all that can be good, or, as the fairy godmother said about Cinderella, “she continued to see the world not as it is, but as it could be if only you believe in courage and kindness."

 

As Rotarians, we are dedicated ambassadors for peace throughout the world. We are improving lives through thousands of service projects from Back to School Back Packs, to adult literacy, to eradication of polio, to renovation of health clinics, to safe water projects, to immunizing children, just to name a few.

 

Our Tucson Rotary club is currently funding a global grant whose area of focus is peace and conflict intervention. And let's not forget all of the local non-profit organizations who are and have been beneficiaries of funds from our annual Tucson Classics Car Show.

 

We are one with Rotary International’s mission: ……advance world understanding, goodwill and peace…….

Hamburgers, Grilled Chicken Breast, Potato Salad, Cheese, Fruit, Lettuce, Tomato, and all Condiments

Chocolate Chip Cookies Served Family Style

Iced Tea, Coffee