Phoenix Leadership Transfers With the Passing of the Mic.

The Very Moment Set Directorship Passed. The Phoenix Enters a New Era.

Hello Troops,
A leadership change happened at the Space Center tonight at 6:40 P.M. Megan Warner, Alex Anderson, Bracken Funk and I stepped into the Phoenix Simulator for the traditional passing of the Set Director’s Microphone. It is the Space Center’s way of saying goodbye to one Set Director and welcoming another.

I appointed Alex Anderson to become the new Phoenix Set Director. Bracken Funk will be his 2nd. The two will work as a team administrating the Phoenix until Bracken leaves for university in August.

Alex is a long time volunteer and the programmer of the Phoenix. He is a Phoenix Flight Director and knows the ship inside and out. I couldn’t think of anyone better to assume Megan’s responsibilities and continue the fine work she did for several years.

Bracken on the other hand, well.... what can one say about Bracken? I learned a long time ago that it is best to let Bracken speak for Bracken. He does a better job than any of us could :)
What.... I tell a lie. There is one thing Bracken would appreciate me sharing with the Space Center extended family. Bracken would like everyone to know that he is the "God of Flight Directing". I'll leave that said without further comment.

“If it breaks, fix it,” were Megan’s final words to Alex as she passed the mic. Having completed her last official duty as a Set Director she rushed out of the ship, grabbed her jacket and left the Briefing Room saying those words many of you will eventually say when your time comes.
“Mr. Williamson, I officially quit,” and that was that. The Space Center’s loss is the Church’s gain.

Megan leaves behind a well cared for ship and a Space Center full of friends. Tonight she will be set apart as an LDS missionary for deployment to South Korea (after religious boot camp of course).

Good luck to you Megan and Welcome Alex and Bracken into our administrative collective. I know the Phoenix will continue to develop under steady hand and leadership.

Staff and volunteers, Alex and Bracken would like to encourage everyone to continue to offer your services as Phoenix staff. Their goal, with your help, is the make the Phoenix the Space Center's most sought after simulator for our discerning young clientele.

Mr. Williamson

PS. Your comments are welcome on this post. Please feel free to offer your congratulations or sympathies to Alex and Bracken. Please limit your comments to no more than 1000 words (volunteers) or 2000 words (Flight Directors).

Kevin Roberts, The Space Center's Newest Flight Director

Hello Troops,
Congratulations are in order for a certain Kevin Roberts, a long time Space Center volunteer. Kevin was presented his Flight Director shirt during our post camp meeting on Saturday by Megan Warner - Set Director for the Phoenix. Kevin trained in the Phoenix for quite some time before formally putting his name forward for test missions.

Becoming a Flight Director is real challenge. It can be a lengthy, involved process that starts by becoming a volunteer. You must be a good volunteer, someone that demonstrates a commitment to the Center. We look for students that can multitask, are good actors, and can ad lib a part quickly when called upon. Kevin had these qualities and the experience necessary to attempt his climb up the mountain to the dizzying heights of Flight Directing. He presented himself to Megan and asked if she would be willing to accept him into training. She agreed. The last step of the process is getting my permission to train as a Flight Director.

Training involves multiple volunteer missions in the ship where you’re seeking your pass. Your trainer will begin by making sure you understand the equipment. As time passes you’ll be given the microphone to flight direct small portions of the mission. Over time those few minutes stretch into half hours, then hours and finally we see how you handle yourself with a full private mission.

Once you’ve proven you can handle a private mission I set up test missions for you using our frequent flyers or Central volunteers. You do test mission after test mission until your performance is perfected to the point the simulator’s Set Director proclaims you passed.

Kevin finished his formal training last Thursday by passing off his test mission.

Welcome to our Flight Director’s Guild Kevin!

Mr. Williamson

Megan's Last Overnight Mission and the Dance that Ended it All.

Hello Troops,
OK, I'm posting my very own video on YouTube and the Blog. Let me set the stage. This was Megan Warner's last overnight camp. Taylor came to me on Friday asking if I had any objection to some of the staff dancing the summer camp's Disco Pizza Dance for the campers.
"Why Not?" I said. "You can do it just before we do votes on Saturday morning."

So, our overnight camp is drawing to an end. The campers are in the gym filling out their post camp surveys. It's time to cast their votes for Lord of the Votes. I call the staff in from the hallway.
"Troops," I say to the assembled group of sixth graders from Mountainville Academy and Wasatch Elementary, "This is Megan Warner's last Overnight Camp before leaving on a mission to South Korea on Wednesday. They are going to perform the famous Summer Pizza Disco Lunch Dance for you right now." With that, Bracken started the music. I had my Fuji picture camera on hand and shot this video.

Welcome to the end of the overnight camp at 9:55 A.M. on December 12 and Megan's Last Dance! Please watch to the end. The camper's get involved. It was a great way to send Megan on.



Thanks Megan for all the years of service to the Space Center and our campers. Thank you for your hours of unpaid work, given unselfishly to our students. Thank you for your devotion to the Phoenix. I really wonder if the Center will be the same with you gone. You've been a good friend to all and yes, from time to time a thorn in the side to a few but that is just the way you are and the way we want you to stay! We wish you all the best in this next challenge you face. Remember us and don't forget our love and support when times get tough.

We got your back! :)

Mr. Williamson