On August 9, 2012, The Tone Wranglers were given the honor of playing a concert at the NASA Facility on Edwards Air Force Base for the 2012 Dryden Music Festival.  What a day! Not only did we get to play to a live audience of employees and their guests, but the concert was broadcast live to other NASA Facilities and directly to employee computers as a live feed for those who could not get away to come to the concert.  We performed on a large stage with a brilliant  blue backdrop with an American Flag placed on the right hand side (…..revelation here in a moment).  I would like to thank everyone at NASA Dryden for welcoming us to their “home away from home”, for their hospitality, enthusiasm and support.  I want to also thank Brian, Jamie, EZ, Ruben and Lisa, The Tone Wranglers – You guys are the best!

A story which will lead to my revelation –  I have had the opportunity to visit Edwards AFB on several occasions — each time it is an honor.  As you drive through the gates and start heading toward the different facilities, you are reminded of the magnitude of the technological accomplishments by the most amazing people and brilliant minds, that have made the journey from just an idea, all the way through to reality.   We, as Americans, owe a debt of gratitude to each and every member of our military every member of our aerospace industry.

On August 9, 2005, two very dear friends, Kris and Nicole, (who actually lived on EAFB at the time) made it possible for me to sit on the flight line on the wing of a KC135 and watch history being made – the landing of Space Shuttle Discovery, piloted by the first woman Space Shuttle Commander, Eileen Collins. My friends were able to (okay, sneak me in) to the after landing press conference. I was able to watch the press conference while standing behind the FOX news cameras.   I remember watching all of the Shuttle crew on a great big stage with a brilliant blue back drop with the American Flag in the corner.  I watched and listed as they talked about their mission and I was just captivated.

Fast forward several years.  I was standing on the stage at the Dryden Summer Music Festival with the Tone Wranglers and we were playing and singing our hearts out.  I turned away from the audience quickly to take a drink of water and as I lifted the water bottle, I looked at the brilliant blue back drop and that American Flag.

It was lost on me until that very moment – We were standing on the very stage that Commander Collins and her crew sat to give their press conference.  I gotta tell ya  – it actually took my breath away for a moment. It transported me right back to that historic place in time — I could vividly remember the excitement of all who were present on that historical day!  Now here is the kicker – it was 7 years ago to the day! You can’t plan that!

After the show, Brian made it possible for me to go test out the F18 flight simulator – what a thrill. I was able to fly a few approaches around Southern California – things move just a little bit quicker sitting on those two giant engines!