Laser Scientist/Professor Hildreth “Hal” Walker the first person to successfully fire the Laser to the Moon during the Apollo 11 Moon Landing Mission, has received another honor by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by naming him Veteran Of The Day for his service in the Navy.

Also, the prestigious global Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), spotlighted Professor Walker at a virtual event recently. The purpose of the IEEE’s TryEngineering Live: Engineer Spotlight gives a glimpse into the careers and lives of engineers to university and pre-university students that are interested in possibly becoming engineers. Students from around the world were very excited and asked Prof. Walker questions about his journey.

About Hildreth “Hal” Walker

Aerospace engineer and scientist Hildreth “Hal” Walker, an early pioneer in the field of laser telemetry who, amongst other accomplishments, was the first person to successfully fire the Laser to the Moon during the Apollo 11 Moon Landing in 1969. In 1991, Walker and his wife, Dr. Bettye Davis Walker, a former K-12 school principal, university professor and researcher, co-founded the A-MAN International STEM Discovery Center in Los Angeles, California. In 1997, as part of a youth education expedition to South Africa, the Walkers had the opportunity to meet President Nelson Mandela. Impressed with their work, Mandela invited the Walkers to extend their A-MAN, Inc. STEM programs to his country. Prof. Hal and Dr. Bettye made history again.  On February 27, 2019,  South Africa welcomed the opening of the first chapter of the National Space Society (NSS) on the African Continent: The Cape Town Space Society (CTSS).  Prof. Hal and Dr. Bettye Walker founded this first-ever Chapter.

About VAntage Point Blog 

VAntage Point is the official blog of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Here you will find stories from around VA and the Veteran community. These stories and blogs include coverage of health care, education benefits, VA careers, homelessness, recovery, mental health and messages from the Secretary.

About Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

IEEE and its members inspire a global community to innovate for a better tomorrow through its more than 419,000 members in over 160 countries, and its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities. IEEE is the trusted “voice” for engineering, computing, and technology information around the globe. www.ieee.org

Thank you Professor Walker for your service!

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