August 26, 2007
THE ILOCOS TIMES - NEWS

Astronaut’s parents visit son’s GK village

Barry and Audrey McCool, parents of the late astronaut Commander Willie McCool, recently visited the GK village dedicated to their son’s memory.

In June 2006, the GK Commander Willie McCool village began with the donation of land by Atilana Rambayon to the people of Moncada, Tarlac in honor of her son-in-law Willie. Married to her daughter Lani, U.S. Navy Commander Willie McCool was one of the seven astronauts who died in the fallen Columbia space shuttle mission in February 2003.

Commander McCool, whose legacy is now immortalized through this GK village, would have been glad to see the many children running happily around his community with newfound hope in their eyes.

“Willie was always interested in children, in their learning and in giving them a (bright) future,” his mother said. She added that Willie would have been astounded with the accolade for he was very quiet and unpresuming and would have thought of himself unworthy of the honor since he was just an ordinary guy. Still, “he would have been very proud to be part of this (in transforming children’s lives). And if he were with us, he would be smiling,” his parents said.

“I am very glad that the McCools came,” said Atilana. She related that Willie died very young at only 41 years old and he could have done so much more. “It was only fitting to give this to him.”

The McCools joined Atilana in handing out the certificates to the families who would now have their own homes where their children could start dreaming of a good future. “Kung wala siya, wala rin kami dito (If it were not for him, we wouldn’t be here),” expressed 13-year old JR Capudoy who was happy that his family could now sleep well at night.

About 30 homes have been completed in partnership with the Pascua family, Tony and Marietta. The local government headed by Mayor Estellita Aquino jumpstarted the productivity program for the community by providing seedlings, with plans for goat raising to assist the livelihood of residents here who can also enjoy the fruits of 52 mango-bearing trees in this orchard turned GK village.

Marjorie Ann Duterte

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