He was the American who was in Russia when the shuttle was docking with MIR and there was a problem with an antenna on Mir which was in the way. The problem wasn’t solved until the last minute, and up until then it was questionable whether the docking would take place.

My neighbor came over and invited me have a beer with them. I took a diet cola, and wandered over. The session lasted several hours.

The guy told about controlling the shuttle, and gave details about that famous docking. I remember in particular one comment he says he made to his boss. When his boss questioned the ability of the Russians to handle the matter, he told him that the Russian was handling it exactly the way he would, and any confidence the NASA official had in him he could have in the Russian.

A serendipitous evening, most enjoyable, much like yours. Congratulations on setting up a wonderful evening for everyone. What a rare privilege.