Impressive humans. One of the Commanders on that list worked with us about 7 years ago. At the time he was active duty, going to school, and I am sure volunteering in his community.
I worked with Rick a long time ago.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_A._Searfoss
He did 3 Shuttle launches and 39 days in space per wiki. Great guy to work with and someone else told me he was an astronaut, it wasn't something he really talked about. I can't remember even talking about space with him, we mostly focused on airplane stuff.
I would like to think if he saw me on the street he would remember my name. Not because of the work we did or because I was some significant figure, but he was so damn sharp. A good dude and I didn't realize he passed. RIP Rick.
As a side story, I got a small taste of what being an Astronaut feels like. Early 2000s a small group of us went to Beale for a chamber ride. I was the only flyer so I had to wear a tan flight suit with the ubiquitous meatball on it. At lunch on base a worker there thought I was an Astronaut and was just soo excited. Even after I said I was a nobody, she wanted my autograph. It was crazy. I kept in touch for a few years and sent her a bunch of swag for her and her kids.
It was awesome to watch the launch yesterday with my own child. I am hoping we get more kids that want to become astronauts as opposed to youtube dickheads.