Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • European Rubber Journal
  • Plastics News
  • Tire Business
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • Best Places to Work
    • Rubber Division IEC
    • War in Ukraine
    • Automotive
    • Tire
    • Non-Tire
    • Suppliers
    • ITEC
    • Silicone
    • Online Exclusive
    • Latex
    • Technical Notebooks
    • Executive Action
    • Government/Legal
    • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Sustainability
    • Products
    • Wacky World of Rubber
  • Airless Tires
  • Custom
    • Sponsored Content
    • White Papers
  • Resources
    • Directory
    • Classifieds & Mold Mart
  • Data
  • Events
    • RN Events
    • RN Livestreams/Webinars
    • Industry Events
    • Past Events
    • Rubber News M&A Live
    • Ask the Expert
    • Healthcare Elastomers Conference
    • Rubber In Automotive Conference
    • Women Breaking the Mold Networking Forum
  • Advertise
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
April 04, 2017 02:00 AM

Photo gallery: Astronaut's keynote one of NAHAD highlights

Bruce Meyer
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Share
    Bruce Meyer, Rubber & Plastics News
    Astronaut Mark Kelly received a standing ovation after delivering the keynote address to NAHAD's annual convention, held this week in San Antonio.
    Share
    Bruce Meyer, Rubber & Plastics News
    Capt. Mark Kelly took time after his talk to have his photo taken with numerous attendees. Here Kelly poses with John Pope of Anco International Inc., who got the astoronaut to autograph a copy of Kelly's bestselling children's book, "Mousetronaut."
    Share
    Bruce Meyer, Rubber & Plastics News
    A highlight of the luncheon was the awarding posthumously of the George W. Carver Outstanding Commitment to Industry Excellence Award to Robert Mitchell, former CEO of Omni Services Inc. His family, including a daughter who works at Omni, was on hand to accept the honor on his behalf.
    Share
    Bruce Meyer, Rubber & Plstics News
    Jeremy Jackson (left) and Ed Cordiano of Smithers Rapra pose for a photo during a break in day two activities at NAHAD's annual convention in San Antonio.
    Share
    Bruce Meyer, Rubber & Plastics News
    During the Manufacturers Hospitality Night, Roy Pyle of Jason Industrial and his wife pose with the greeting committee at the party hosted by Eaton Corp.

    SAN ANTONIO—One of the highlights of the second day of NAHAD's 2017 convention in San Antonio was the keynote address of astronaut Mark Kelly, the retired U.S. Navy captain, also the husband of former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who survived a January 2011 assassination attempt.

    NAHAD delegates gave Kelly a standing ovation following his hourlong address, which was equal parts inspirational, poignant and humorous. The veteran of four trips to space told stories of how he actually was a poor pilot when he first began his flight training, along with a harrowing account of what it's like to bring the space shuttle in during re-entry—basically piloting a "fireball" that has to be flown like a glider.

    Kelly also recounted some of the events that have happened since the attempt on his wife's life, an attack which left six others dead. When Giffords was still in the hospital, Kelly received a phone call from U2 lead singer Bono, who told him he found his photo of the singer and congresswoman. Kelly said he knew the photo well, because his wife had the photo of her and Bono on her office desk, while having no photos of her and Kelly displayed. "Needless to say, I didn't invite him to the hospital to visit," Kelly quipped.

    The astronaut also told of the bravery his wife showed in returning to Congress to cast her vote on the controversial bill to raise the debt ceiling to keep the federal government open. He said it was the one moment that brought Congress together, with his wife showing tremendous courage "just to do her job."

    He closed with a statement Giffords asked him to read from her to the NAHAD attendees: "Be bold, be courageous and be your best."

    Another highlight of the luncheon was the awarding posthumously of the George W. Carver Outstanding Commitment to Industry Excellence Award to Robert Mitchell, former CEO of Omni Services Inc. His family, including a daughter who works at Omni, was on hand to accept the honor on his behalf.

    And the day ended with the Manufactuers Hospitality Suite night, where the producers of hose and other accessories used in the industry entertain their distributor customers.

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Rubber News wants to hear from its readers. If you want to express your opinion on a story or issue, email your letter to Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].

    Most Popular
    1
    EV owners: OE tires falling drastically short of treadwear expectations
    2
    80 years later, PPG silicas still driving tire performance
    3
    Michelin reaches deal to sell Russian operations
    4
    Bolder, Liberty Tire collaboration sets stage for more circular industry
    5
    VMI outlines tire technology upgrades for efficient, sustainable manufacturing
    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Get our newsletters

    Staying current is easy with Rubber News delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge.

    Subscribe Today

    Subscribe to Rubber News to get the best coverage and leading insights in the industry.

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    MISSION

    To serve companies in the global rubber product industry by delivering news, industry insights, opinions and technical information.

    Contact Us

    2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000
    Cuyahoga Falls,
    OH 44221

    Customer Service:
    877-320-1726

    Resources
    • About Us
    • Digital Edition
    • Staff
    • Advertise
    • Order Reprints
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Partner Sites
    • Tire Business
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Plastics News
    • Urethanes Technology
    • Automotive News
    • Crain Brands
    Copyright © 1996-2023. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • Best Places to Work
      • Rubber Division IEC
      • War in Ukraine
      • Automotive
      • Tire
      • Non-Tire
      • Suppliers
      • ITEC
      • Silicone
      • Online Exclusive
      • Latex
      • Technical Notebooks
      • Executive Action
      • Government/Legal
      • Opinion
      • Blogs
        • Products
        • Wacky World of Rubber
      • Sustainability
    • Airless Tires
    • Custom
      • Sponsored Content
      • White Papers
    • Resources
      • Directory
      • Classifieds & Mold Mart
    • Data
    • Events
      • RN Events
        • Healthcare Elastomers Conference
        • Rubber In Automotive Conference
        • Women Breaking the Mold Networking Forum
      • RN Livestreams/Webinars
      • Industry Events
      • Past Events
      • Rubber News M&A Live
      • Ask the Expert
    • Advertise
    • DIGITAL EDITION