Neil Armstrong and the X-15 by Bob van der Linden, Posted on Tue, July 23, 2019, Aeronautics Department, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum “Released from duty in mid-1952, Armstrong returned to Purdue where he earned his degree in aeronautical engineering in 1955. His love of flight and engineering drew him to the National Advisory
After serving in the USAF, Bob Blocher worked as the Business Manager of Mountain States Research & Development subsidiary of MSME in Tucson, AZ. From 1983-1984 he was the Director of Corporate Planning at Mountain States Mineral Enterprises, Inc., in Tucson, AZ. From there he and his wife Sandy became Co-owners and operators of their own commercial pecan tree orchard from 1995 – 2008 in Elfrida, AZ. They retired in 2008 and began living the good old life in Sahuarita/Green Valley, AZ.
Bob spent many hours volunteering Voluntary services since 1980 USAF Retirement including Vice President Health Systems Agency of Southeastern Arizona Board of Directors, Tucson, AZ from 1984 – 1987; Founding Director Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc., (clinics in Elfrida, Douglas, &
Bisbee) from 1995-2008; Supervisor & Vice Chairman; Whitewater Draw Natural Resources Conservation District (NRCD), 1996 – 2004; Founder, Editor, & Publisher of Elfrida Vision News – a quarterly newspaper from 1998 – 2000; Vice-Chairman, District 2 Cochise County Board of Adjustment, Bisbee, AZ from 2003-2008; and Director, Arizona Pecan Growers Association. 2004- 2008.
