ARC's Johnny Green Has Died
Editor’s note: Memos from ARC Center Director Pete Worden and Lewis Braxton, Director of Center Operations – and a photo of Mr. Green follows:
TO: Resident Staff
FROM: Lewis S.G. Braxton III, Director, Center Operations
SUBJECT: U.S. Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of the Passing of Johnny Green
As indicated in a prior centerwide e-mail, Security Officer John Green passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2007. John Green served in the U.S. Navy for 26 years, retiring as a Senior Chief in 1988. During his time in the Navy, he served a tour of duty in Vietnam, was stationed in Japan, and served on multiple aircraft carriers. His last duty station was NASA Moffett Field. John also held a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautics with a minor in Business from Embry-Riddle University in Daytona Beach, FL. Five years ago, he began employment with SecTek Inc, serving as a Security Officer in support of the Ames Protective Services Office. During this time, Johnny made a positive impact on every person who entered through a gate he was guarding. His encouraging words, unfailing smile, and energetic signature arm pump will be missed. Few people have found such simple ways to leave such a lasting impression in the hearts of so many.
On Thursday, March 15, 2007, the United States flags at NASA Ames Research Center are flying at half-staff in honor of John Green. John’s family has requested that a service, with military honors, be provided in a location in which all who have been touched by John may attend. While details such as dates and times are still being worked, it is anticipated that the services will be held on the Parade Grounds inside Shenandoah Historic District at the NASA Ames Research Center. Further information on services will be provided when it is known.
From: Centerwide Announcement
Subject: Message from the Center Director Acknowledging the Passing of Johnny Green
Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:56:06 -0700
To: (Recipient list suppressed)
Message from the Center Director Acknowledging the Passing of Johnny Green
In the short five years that he was here, Johnny Green became an institution unto himself at the Ames Research Center. Every single day that Johnny was on duty, he was unfailingly cheerful, ready to greet every last one of us with a broad grin and a kind word and a gentle easing into the workday.
But we have lost that welcoming voice. Johnny Green died this weekend of a heart attack while playing basketball.
We were hoping to provide you with information about funeral and memorial services, etc., but the details are not yet clear. This much I can say:
1. We had been planning to gather on March 14 at 3:30 p.m. in the Mega Bites Cafeteria. We will now take this gathering as an opportunity to remember, and celebrate the life of, Johnny Green, and to honor his rich contribution to the Ames Research Center.
2. We will plant a tree in his honor, near the front gate from which he greeted us.
We will tell you of other arrangements as soon as the information becomes available.
I can think of no other individual on the center who has touched so many lives so deeply. I share your sorrow at this great collective loss.
S. Pete Worden
Center Director
Reader note: First of all thank you so much for writing about Mr. Green on NASA watch. He was so beloved here its hard for me to even begin to tell you. One of the many things he was great at was cooking he would bring desserts to our parties. He was intending to bring a pie to our pi break tomorrow (date 3.14 1:59 pm). Please find attached an image of Mr. Green at our last pie occasion. Mr. Green is on the left in the red shirt.
