This cache is dedicated to the legendary Guenter Wendt. He was the engineer who ran the launch pads at the Space center through most of America's manned space flight programs. He was the last person an astronaut would see before the incredible and dangerous ride to space.
Guenter was a very interesting person. A great blend of humor and stern seriousness. He enjoyed a great prank or joke but, in the performance of pad operations was deadly serious and ruled with an iron fist. Pete Conrad especially loved Guenter and the two traded jabs at every opportunity. Pete once poignantly joked “It’s easy to get along with Guenter. All you have to do is agree." Mild mannered John Glenn nick named Guenter "Der Furehr of Der Launch Pad." Many astronauts have said on the pad "I vonder vere Geunter Vent?" This was immortalized in the film Apollo 13 by Tom Hanks. Unfortunately, NASA changed contractors in the early Apollo program and Guenter was not the pad leader duing Apollo 1. Many insiders believe if he was in charge at that time, the tragedy that killed Gus Grissom, Roger Chaffe and Ed White may have been caught and avoided. However, after the tragedy, Guenter was returned to pad leader.
All of his wonderful and historic stories are available in a book titled "The Unbroken Chain." He also talks a lot about his love for Florida's beautiful coastline.
This cache is nestled in the shadow of the historic Kennedy Space Center that Guenter dedicated his life’s work to. With cache in hand you will enjoy an AMAZING panoramic view of the icons of the Kennedy Space Center, all while standing on the edge of the natural wonder of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge that encompass the historic Space Center. In addition, this is an amazing place to view current space launches, and someday soon...The Manned Mission To Mars. Guenters spirit will surely be atop that pad and his legacy will be their safe launch from his pad. Come find this cache that answers the funny rhetorical question "Vere has Guenter vent?" Congratulations Ramen_Noodles FTF!!!!!