Danville native Joe Tanner is back in town and the retired astronaut says he is looking forward to some talks at the Vermilion County War Museum on May 2nd. Tanner says he likes to call them ”talks” because he enjoys not only talking to the crowd but also answering questions from those attending.
The 1968 graduate of Danville High School and U. of I. grad says he got interested in space at an early age….
Tanner made four flights aboard the space shuttle, and although those were years ago he says talks – like the one coming to the War Museum – bring back fond memories…
Although participating in four flights aboard the space shuttle was thrilling, Tanner noted on WDAN Radio’s Newsmakers program that he realized the flights were also anxious times for his wife and sons. On the program Tanner recalled his first flight when before the launch NASA let he and his wife use a beach house….
And Tanner added his fourth and last flight was particularly anxious because it was after the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy.
Those planning to attend Tanner’s presentations on May 2nd were asked to RSVP the Vermilion County War Museum because seating is limited. (Late Thursday only a few spots were still available for the free presentations.)
Since leaving NASA in 2008, Tanner has spent eight years teaching in the Aerospace Engineering Department at the University of Colorado. He and his family now live in southwest Colorado.
