THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, July 17, 1995 TAG: 9507140012
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 31 lines
I find it somewhat amusing that Norman Thagard has received the extensive press coverage regarding all aspects of his historic MIR mission. I agree that it is highly newsworthy and commendable that he has set an American space endurance record, but I'm really tired of reading about how he missed his wife and sons.
Hello-o-o! Don't members of our armed forces (particularly the U.S. Navy) do this family separation thing on a regular basis? The submarine and surface communities can easily relate to long periods of separation from loved ones while going about in ``circles.'' We call these patrol areas ``station-keeping,'' or just staying offshore ``in case needed.''
Boredom? Been there; done that! Radiation exposure? Did it! Danger? Yep, that too! Sorry, but my sympathy meter is pegged out from other just causes. And I, for one, am tired of reading about Mr. Thagard's seemingly sole membership in the lonely hearts club. If he can't deal with all the aspects of being an astronaut, then he should leave that prestigious community. I don't think he'll be missed that much.
ROBERT W. DALY
Virginia Beach, July 7, 1995 by CNB