By Michael Tolzmann
Hometown News Service
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CALIF. ó It was 50 years ago this year when rocket scientists and airmen gathered here at this rugged, coastal base with nothing more than chalkboard theory, and test fired a missile capable of dropping a nuclear bomb on an enemy located thousands of miles away. The successful test put the Soviets on notice and spawned an Air Force space program.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Jamie J. Lessard, daughter of Jean Jenrette, of Seventh Street, Spencer, is a member of a now modern space program here and stands in the tradition of those who developed this science a half-century ago. Launching rockets equipped with high-tech satellites into outer space or launching nearly pin-point accurate intercontinental ballistic test missiles thousands of miles away into the South Pacific are routine practices here for the airmen affiliated with the 30th Space Wing and for Lessard.
Lessard contributes to Vandenberg’s space missions as a multimedia photographer assigned to the 30th Space Wing.
“As a public affairs photographer, I take pictures at events around base such as change of command ceremonies, concerts and sporting events,” said Lessard.
“Many of my photos appear in our base’s newspaper or online.
“I am also in charge of equipment in logistics and also play a role as an exercise evaluation team member,” she said.
Airmen here like Lessard support space missions for the Department of Defense, along with cooperative support to private companies and other U.S. governmental agencies. As illustrated in March with the first successful West-coast launch of an Atlas V rocket, the biggest and most powerful rocket launched from Vandenberg, these airmen understand the importance of their space mission.
“The Air Force sends missiles into space to provide proficient communications. My job is to photograph those missions and let the public see what’s going on,” said Lessard. “I don’t think that citizens realize how much they depend on what the Air Force puts into space such as GPS and weather satellites.”
Being a part of space missions that hold international interest can be exhilarating for even the most salty of scientists or airmen.
Lessard admits the space program here will leave a lasting impression on her.
“Supporting the space mission is completely different than the rest of the Air force,” she said. “This is the only place you get to see real rocket scientists at work.”
Lessard is an eight-year Air Force veteran who has been assigned to such places as Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana and RAF Molesworth in England and, in a few months, will be transferring to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.
The fruits of her labor will continue to assist vital American space developments, on the ground and in outer space, holding true to the traditions first developed here 50 years ago with chalkboard science.
Contact Army and Air Force Hometown News Service at 203 Norton St., San Antonio, Texas 78226-1848. Call 210-925-5961 or e-mail to hometown@afnews.af.mil.