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For Immediate
Release
Feb. 1, 2003
Contact Information:
Bruce Palmer
307.335.2230
Lander, Wyoming - The National Outdoor Leadership
School (NOLS) is deeply saddened by the news
of the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy.
The entire crew of seven participated on a
NOLS training August 20-31, 2001 in the Wind
River Range of Wyoming. The training was
developed between NASA and NOLS to help astronauts
develop leadership and expeditionary skills in
the outdoors. These skills translate well to
the astronauts’ expeditions
into space. NOLS runs several courses a year
for NASA astronauts.
All members of this crew were excellent participants
on their NOLS expedition; they were enthusiastic,
interested in learning new skills and excited
about their experience.
John Kanengieter, the Director of the Professional
Training Institute of NOLS and one of their instructors
said, “When
you spend twelve days in the backcountry with others on an
expedition, you develop a strong sense of a person’s
character. Each individual of this crew was an exceptional
person. I’m proud to have had the opportunity to know
each one of them and to work with them as a team.
Most of all I am saddened at the loss of friends. While I
know we
were the teachers of leadership, I am the one
that learned the most from this incredible team. ”
NOLS sends its condolences to all of the
families of the Space Shuttle Columbia crew as well
as
to NASA.
The first NOLS/NASA course was offered in
November of 1999. Since then 61 NASA astronauts have
participated on NOLS courses.
NOLS was founded in 1965 by legendary mountaineer,
Paul Petzoldt. Since then, over 60,000
students have graduated from NOLS, which teaches leadership,
teamwork, environmental
ethics and wilderness skills.
Related Links:
NOLS in Space by John Grunsfeld
It's Not Rocket Science: Astronaut Jeff
Ashby Navigates Utah's Canyonlands by
Kerry Brophy
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