fred haise
Apollo 13 Astronaut | Biloxi, Mississippi
Fred Haise is a legendary test pilot and astronaut whose grit and calm under pressure helped save one of NASA’s most harrowing missions. Born in Biloxi, Mississippi in 1933, Haise served over two years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a fighter pilot before continuing his military aviation career with the U.S. Air Force and the Oklahoma Air National Guard. He logged more than 9,300 flight hours, including 6,200 in jets.
In 1966, Haise was selected for NASA’s astronaut program. He served as backup crew for Apollo missions 8 and 11 before being assigned as the Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 13. Intended for landing on the Moon, the mission was aborted after an oxygen tank explosion crippled the spacecraft. Haise, along with Jim Lovell and Jack Swigert, worked with mission control to convert their lunar module into a lifeboat, ultimately returning safely to Earth after nearly six days in space.
After Apollo 13, Haise played a key role in the development of the Space Shuttle program, piloting the Enterprise during its 1977 Approach and Landing Tests. He later served as Vice president for Space Programs at Grumman Aerospace Corporation.
Haise’s contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
In 2022, his hometown of Biloxi honored him with a statue near its historic lighthouse, celebrating a local hero whose legacy continues to inspire.
ronald l. green
18th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps & Veteran Advocate | Jackson, Mississippi
Ronald L. Green is a distinguished Marine Corps veteran whose 36-year career exemplifies unwavering dedication and leadership. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1964, Green enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in November 1983, attending recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. His early assignments included serving as a field artillery cannoneer with the 11th Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton, California, and later as a field artillery nuclear projectileman after attending the Nuclear Field Artillery School in 1987.
Throughout his career, Green held numerous leadership roles, including drill instructor, senior drill instructor, and drill master at Parris Island; assistant Marine officer instructor at Southern University and A&M College; and sergeant major positions at various commands, such as Marine Corps Forces Europe/Africa and I Marine Expeditionary Force. His deployments spanned multiple operations, including Operation Restore Hope in Somalia (1993), Operation United Americas (UNITAS) in South America (2002), and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2006).
In February 2015, Green was appointed as the 18th sergeant major of the Marine Corps, serving as the senior enlisted advisor to the commandant until Green’s retirement in July 2019. His tenure of four years and five months marks the longest in the history of the position.
Post-retirement, Green continues to serve the military community as an ambassador for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s “Hiring Our Heroes” program, advocating for veteran employment and transition support. He also contributes to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and holds a senior management role in cybersecurity at Southwest Airlines.
Green’s educational achievements include a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity and a Master of Science in cybersecurity policy from the University of Maryland University College (now University of Maryland Global Campus). His personal decorations encompass the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars, Meritorious Service Medal, and multiple commendation and achievement medals.