Reviews

I bought this book to read to my 90-year-old dad who is blind. The book opened describing how America secured missiles and German Engineers such as Von Braun at the end of WWII. Initially everything was sent to White Sands, New Mexico to start Americas missile testing program. My dad’s interest immediately peaked as he began to tell me stories about his time in the army when he worked in White Sands, New Mexico during the initial testing and that he met and worked with Von Braun. We only made it through Chapter 4, as I would read, and dad would share his stories. Not only has the book been a great read but listening to my dad relate to the information and his stories has been priceless. I would highly recommend this book which provides valuable historical information about the military and early space workers not often shared. The book also made me more interested in the space program because of all the love and effort by people that really had a passion for space exploration. It made me realize that it's not all about obtaining space property and making money.

It's about the unknown and adventure.

Lucia McClellan

The author gives an excellent close-up look at the beginnings of our space program beginning when he was hired to work with the tracking cameras at Cape Canaveral in the 1950s. His descriptions of the primitive life at the Cape and Cocoa Beach in those early years was of particular interest to me as I moved there as a child with my family in 1961. His being dumped by the program when it no longer needed him was very common in the space program as we reached the moon. Instead of being bitter, he used his experience to expose young people to science as a school volunteer. I didn't know him, but I wish I had. This book will give you an excellent ground-level look at an aspect of the space program that you probably haven't heard about and I recommend it highly.

Paul Davison, Kathleen GA

Growing up in the 60’s & 70’s in Brevard County, FL many of us were “space brats” whose parents worked in the early NASA missile program. At the time I did not understand the magnitude of the challenges that our parents shouldered and the sacrifices that they were asked to make for science and our country’s defense. Now older and wiser, I recognize and appreciate their difficulties and their dedication and am proud of the roles they played in making history. This book, “NASA Range Rats; The True Beginnings,” gives a factual account of the undertakings and hardships that these pioneers of the space industry endured, and the modest rewards they reaped. I could not put the book down as I read each page with admiration, respect, and gratitude.

Michelle Patskoski Booth

David A. Hepker

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