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Thoughts from Bruce Kelly, Tripoli President |
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2001 Archived News by Tripoli Rocketry Association
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Tuesday, September 11, 2001 |
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WORLD WIDE WEB -- To All Tripoli Members, Friends and Associates:
Just a few hours ago an attack was launched on the United States of America. The devastation of the attack in both New York City and Washington D.C. overshadows the destruction of Pearl Harbor, which attack forced our country into World War II. And there can be no doubt today's actions by cowards who thrive on terror and disruption will place our country into another war.
At this time, however, my thoughts and prayers are with those injured survivors and the families and friends of the slain.
When the dust literally settles, I would like a report from our Prefects on Tripoli members affected by these actions; reports on the injured and the dead.
We do not know how this will impact the hobby, but surely it will. I will say this, not to spread any rumors, but as a means of caution and preparation - it would not surprise me if the FAA halts all pending FAA waiver applications. They have a serious security breach to deal with and will have precious little time to accommodate hobby activities.
Please, if you have applied for a waiver, do not bother the FAA with any inquiries for a few days. If for any reason they deny the application, do not complain or get upset. Just cancel your launch and look forward to a brighter day.
If you have a waiver that has been approved, chances are you will be fine. But since you have people traveling some great distances to attend your launches, you should contact your local or regional offices of approval no later than tomorrow. The purpose for this contact is, of course, to make sure there will not be any cancelled waivers. This is of particular concern for Utah (hosting Hellfire this coming weekend) and those sponsoring the AeroPac and BALLS launches in Northwestern Nevada at the end of the month.
Let us all remember that our activity is only a hobby. Thousands of our fellow countrymen lost their lives a few hours ago. It is time to show proper decorum, patience, and support with all those agencies and personnel involved in sorting through the security breaches and those who will be responsible to find those terrorists and to bring them to justice.
At this time we find two generations joined together as one. The younger generation never really understood how the attack on Pearl Harbor affected that generation. Now we do, and it is my prayer that we will all unite and rise to this tragic occasion with the same dignity and resolve as they did.
Bruce E. Kelly, President Tripoli Rocketry Association |
