posted 12-30-2017 08:56 AM               

Many of us are familiar with the harrowing story of the Apollo 13 space mission, commanded by our hospital's namesake, Captain James A. Lovell. This morning, we heard the story of an FHCC hospice patient's vital role in ensuring the Apollo 13 crew's survival, during Captain Lovell's visit with Air Force veteran Gerry Gibbons and his family at the hospital.

As a vehicle director for Grumman Aerospace following his military service, Gibbons worked with the team that built and tested the LM-7 lunar module, nicknamed "Lifeboat" after it safely carried Lovell and his crew back to Earth. Last week, Gibbons' son Bill shared this story with FHCC staff, which ultimately led to today's visit by the acclaimed astronaut, fulfilling Gibbons' longtime wish.

"The fact that I'm standing here talking to you is due to some of the work that you did on that lunar module," said Lovell to Gibbons, before presenting the veteran with an Apollo 13 patch that was flown in space, as a token of his deep appreciation. Flanked by proud children, siblings and other family members, Gibbons also received a pin and certificate from our hospice team to honor him for distinguished service to our country.