In honor of the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing, I’m proud to share that my Dad was a machinist who worked on parts for Apollo 11’s two capsules. It’s only recently that my Dad has begun sharing some of his fond memories of that time in his life. It’s been great hearing his stories about how dedicated and disciplined he and his co-workers were to make sure every part and every detail was just right for this historic mission.
My Dad had previously worked as a machinist for automobiles, helicopters and airplanes. He enjoyed some of those projects, but he’s still over the moon about having worked on parts for the lunar module.
My Dad became fascinated with space exploration during his teen years. He founded two mountain climbing clubs at his technical high school in Ecuador. When he would reach the mountains’ summits, including the towering Cotopaxi volcano (more than 19,000 feet above sea level), the stars would really seem within reach.
Once he was in the United States and he had the opportunity to work on the lunar project, he says he was very excited.
My Dad recalls working 70 hours a week and how everything had to be super precise. He knew how to work basically any machine needed, so his supervisors loved that.
He was one of the youngest on his team and one of only two Hispanics.
My Dad worked on parts for the capsule that landed on the moon and the one that remained in orbit with the 3rd astronaut. He worked on the project for about 2 1/2 years.
He cheered when their mission was accomplished on July 20, 1969.
After the successful mission, work soon slowed down and my Dad eventually switched fields. He would go on to run a successful business for years and has been involved in community service (and has even met two or three Popes over the years) but he still beams when he talks about working on Apollo 11.
It was a blessing to get to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the lunar landing with my Dad at the Hall of Science.
Here’s what my Dad had to say on the historic anniversary:
“It was a privilege for me to work as a first class machinist building parts of the lunar module project, especially the capsule that circled around the moon and the capsule that took the astronauts from the cycling capsule onto the moon. Happy 50th Anniversary! Congratulations United States for conquering the moon. God bless America!”
He added that he felt like he was celebrating his own birthday. Sweet!
Growing up, I didn’t know I had a connection to Apollo 11. I’m so happy to now know that my Dad played a role in helping “The Eagle” soar and land on the moon.
I was also so touched to hear that upon landing on the moon and before even stepping out of the capsule, the first thing Buzz Aldrin did was take Communion.
It’s a great reminder that God is Good and Lord of all 🙌
“When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:3-4 NIV)
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