February 18, 2012
At the AAUW Santa Barbara County Interbranch Council Annual Luncheon, held in the Sycamore Room at Alisal Ranch, was a very special speaker: United States Air Force Lt. General Susan J. Helms. General Helms is currently both Commander, 14th Air Force (Air Forces Strategic), and Commander, and Joint Functional Component Command For Space at Vandenberg Air Force Base. A former NASA astronaut, Helms was a crewmember on five Space Shuttle missions and was a resident of the International Space Station (ISS) for over five months in 2001. While participating in ISS Expedition 2, she and Jim Voss conducted an 8 hour and 56 minute spacewalk, the longest to date.

We were so honored to hear the general speak at our Inner Branch event. She spoke of her experience as an astronaut, which was very interesting. How the body changes in outer space was particularly interesting. She explained her present job with the Air Force, which was enlightening to us who live in this area. We are happy to know the future of Vandenberg Air Force Base is considered so important. Great activities are taking place there in regards to space exploration, our security as a nation and the tracking of activity all over the world. Listening to Lt. General Helms was a wonderful experience and a most worthwhile way to spend a Saturday morning.

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