Rockets in Rural West Virginia: 

Hickam Heads Home 

Carl Martin wanted to share a piece of history with his Sunday School class. On October 6, 2007, the DOC (Disciples in Christ) Class took a “field trip” to rural Coalwood, WV and participated in the 9th annual October Sky Festival.  The class watched the movie “October Sky” on October 5 to become familiar with the story of Homer Hickam and the Rocket Boys.

The festival celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Russian Sputnik and over 4,000 people came out to see Mr. Hickam, who spoke and signed autographs. Homer also reunited with the other Rocket Boys (Roy Lee Cooke, Billy Rose and O'Dell Carroll).  Scott Miles (who portrayed Homer’s older brother Jim in the movie), and NASA astronaut Bill Readdy were the other dignitaries in attendance.

Our young people got to watch several rockets launch after hiking the scenic half-mile to Camp Coalwood, the launch site. Carl Martin and Jackie Jenkins kept a watchful eye on this group during the proceedings on a sunny Saturday.

                   

NASA Astronaut Bill Readdy & Homer Hickam ride around town;    Group Shot of the DOC class;      Actor Scott Miles signs autographs
 

                          

At the Rocket Launch                              Carl poses for a photo with Homer Hickam

 

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