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January 9, 2007
ASTRONAUT HANK HARTSFIELD TO SPEAK AT ATA SHOW IN TEXAS
The National Topical Stamp Show 2007, (NTSS ’07) which is held annually in different cities
across the United States, is scheduled to have retired astronaut Hank Hartsfield of
Houston, Texas as its guest speaker at the Awards Banquet on Saturday, June 16th.
Hartsfield was the guest speaker at the American Topical Association’s TOPEX 1977. That was
the predecessor name of this same show when it was held in Dallas, Texas. At that time, he
was an unflown rookie astronaut and that was one of his first public appearances as a NASA
Speaker. Now, 30 years later, Hartsfield has flown in space three times and is returning
to update his NASA experiences from that earlier time.
He received his BS degree from Auburn University in 1954 and performed graduate work in
physics at Duke University and in astronautics at the Air Force Institute of Technology.
He was awarded a Master of Science degree in engineering science from the University of
Tennessee in 1971. He was awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, the Gen. Thomas
D. White Space Trophy in 1973, inducted into the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame in 1983,
awarded the Distinguished Civilian Service Award (DOD) in 1982, NASA Distinguished Service
Medals in 1982 and 1988, NASA Space Flight medals in 1982, 1984 and 1985, the NASA
Exceptional Service Medal in 1988, an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Auburn
University in 1986, and the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive in the Senior
Executive Service in 1996.
His experience listing is as formidable as the above including logging 483 hours in space
on three missions. Because the Johnson Space Center is in Houston, Texas, NASA plays a
significant role in this themed Texas stamp convention and exhibition. NASA is also
loaning the ATA several space artifacts to display at the Space Unit Society table at the
show.
As a philatelist with an interest in Austria, and past collections of gliders on stamps and
covers as well as space covers, Hank Hartsfield is unique among the astronauts insofar as
philatelic ties are concerned.
Prior to his talk, a live Texas Mariachi Group will serenade the diners at the Awards
Banquet to add to the overall Texas theme of the show. At the President’s Reception on
Friday night, an excellent country music act, The Furlong Sisters will entertain those who
choose to attend the Reception meal. Badged Volunteers and Dealers will be given free
access to this performance to acknowledge their efforts in making this show possible.
Pre-registration forms, along with a show prospectus are now available from the ATA Central
Office. Reservations for tours on Thursday, June 14th and Monday, June 18th are also being
taken at this time. The show hotel is the Sheraton Grand in Irving, Texas and rooms are
available for only $89.00.
For more information about pre-registration and other activities, contact the American
Topical Association – PO Box 57 – Arlington, TX 76004-0057;
email
americantopical@msn.com
or see their website at
www.americantopicalassn.org.
For information on the world’s largest all-topical philatelic organization, contact the ATA
Central Office, P.O. Box 57, Arlington, Texas 76004-0057 (telephone: 1-817-274-1181; email
americantopical@msn.com; or visit their
website at
www.americantopicalassn.org.
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