The U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) in collaboration with the nonprofit Space Center Houston, will host the first, live oath of enlistment, or “swear-in,” ceremony administered by a NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) at 11:50 a.m. on Feb. 26 at Space Center Houston. This historic event will mark a transformative time in the lives of these future soldiers.
U.S. Army Colonel and NASA astronaut Andrew Morgan, currently on the ISS, will swear in future service members from across the country during a call from the space station. The ceremony will stream live to venues nationwide and numerous social media channels.
“This is an incredible opportunity for us to partner with Space Center Houston to recognize future soldiers across the nation with a truly unique experience,” said Brig. Gen. Patrick Michaelis, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Recruiting Command. “This is the first event of its kind and will allow us to show the nation the breadth and depth of opportunities the Army offers today’s youth.”
This collaboration allows both organizations to highlight important career opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
“Space Center Houston and the U.S. Army have joined together to create a unique experience for youth who will begin their next mission as they pledge their honorable service to the United States,” said William T. Harris, president and CEO of Space Center Houston. “As these young adults announce their commitment to the country, they will hear directly from Col. Morgan on his experience in the Army, life aboard the ISS and his contributions to positioning the U.S. as a leader in space exploration.”
Space Center Houston guests are invited to join the ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. In addition to the ceremony being shared on the U.S. Army’s and Space Center Houston’s social media platforms, it will also stream live on NASA TV to feed into high schools around the nation who can also participate in the event. Following the oath of enlistment, Morgan will answer questions from the new enlistees at Space Center Houston and students from participating schools during the live event moderated by Michaelis.
The U.S. Army and Space Center Houston share a commitment to develop people who thrive in training and education with a willingness to benefit humanity. Steeped in dedicated leadership and history, both organizations support life-long learning, innovative thinking and the development of critical 21st century skills to support the future workforce in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Connect with the U.S. Army and Space Center Houston to watch the ceremony on social media following the event. For more information, visit spacecenter.org.
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The U.S. Army Recruiting Command is responsible for bringing in quality young men and women to serve both in the Active Army and the U.S. Army Reserve, ensuring security and readiness for our Nation. The command operates over 1400 recruiting stations nationwide and recruiting operations are conducted throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and at U.S. facilities in Germany and Asia. For more information about U.S. Army Recruiting Command go to recruiting.army.mil or for information about how to join the Army go to goarmy.com.
The Manned Space Flight Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit science and space exploration learning center with extensive educational programs. Space Center Houston is the cornerstone of its mission to inspire all generations through the wonders of space exploration. The center draws more than 1.25 million visitors annually, was named “Best Museum in Texas” by USA Today and generates a $118.7 million annual economic impact in the greater Houston area. Space Center Houston is a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center and a Certified Autism Center. More than 250,000 teachers and students from around the world visit the center annually to experience the educational space museum with more than 400 things to see and do. For more information, go to www.spacecenter.org.
