In the know.

Houston is so well-known for its connection to NASA, even its MLB and NBA team names tie into it. The legacy of this long-standing institution can be seen almost everywhere you look - including local retirement community, The Crossings. Larry Bell and Chet Vaughan are two of several NASA retirees who call The Crossings home. They both worked at NASA during the heyday of the moon missions; now they’re working to make sure NASA retirees are properly honored when they pass. “When someone who worked at NASA passes, NASA lowers the flags at what was that employee’s headquarters. They also help provide a flag ceremony where people outside of NASA can pay tribute to that former employee, and we want to make sure the families know that recognition is available,” explained Bell.

 Vaughan most recently officiated the ceremony this past July for fellow The Crossings resident and 30-year NASA veteran, Jack Johnson. “NASA families are so incredibly proud of their loved one’s service to the space program. You could see it meant a lot to Jack’s daughters to see him get the recognition he deserved,” said Vaughan.

 “We’re just so grateful we have the opportunity to do something like this for our residents,” said Debbie Zienty, Marketing Director for The Crossings. “They did amazing things during their lives and to be able to honor that when they pass is really at the root of our mission.”

 Larry and Chet’s story was featured in the Galveston Daily News as well as a PBS affiliate in a feature called Houston Matters.

Written by Jeff Bell

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