2010 NASA team grants announced

[Beth Sweet]

Holy cow, I just read through that list and there are a lot, a lot of teams on there. I don't know if it's the recession or just FIRST having more teams, but way to go NASA on stepping up to the plate!

Congrats to all of the teams who received funding!

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Beth Sweet

Holy cow, I just read through that list and there are a lot, a lot of teams on there. I don't know if it's the recession or just FIRST having more teams, but way to go NASA on stepping up to the plate!

Congrats to all of the teams who received funding!

It's pretty amazing. I love seeing Utah teams on the list. (It shows growth and development.) The fact that there are so many teams listed also shows that teams took the time and made the effort to do this correctly. It's great. Thank you, NASA!

[Chris is me]

Congratulations to every team on this list, and especially to team 2502! I know they needed this grant for a well funded season this year; I'm glad to see the team earn it.

Hey, cool, 1714's a NASA grant team again!

[RogerR]

NASA (and Dave),

Speaking on behalf of team 3259, we can't express enough the appreciation we feel; Thank you for the work, time, and money that you have put into providing these grants!! As mentor, and product of this program, I've seen how FIRST can (and has) impacted lives, and can't wait for what's in store for my team. Thanks again,

-Roger

[ebarker]

Dave,

Will you please post an official snail mail address so we can send a proper thank you letter.

Thanks in advance.

Best Regards
Ed Barker

[Daniel_LaFleur]

Originally Posted by ebarker

Dave,

Will you please post an official snail mail address so we can send a proper thank you letter.

Thanks in advance.

Best Regards
Ed Barker

Seconded.

... and an e-mail address as well.


And to NASA, Thank you very much. Words cannot express the thanks for the opportunities you've given.

[yodameister]

On behalf of 2791, we would like to thank NASA for the opportunity to bear the NASA name again this year. We eagerly look forward to seeing a snail-mail address to send our thanks in writing.

[Rich Kressly]

Dave,
Is this still the best place for a formal thank you?
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...1&postcount=49

[dlavery]

Originally Posted by Rich Kressly

Dave,
Is this still the best place for a formal thank you?
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...1&postcount=49

Yes.

For those that didn't follow the link -

Dr. James Green
Director, Planetary Systems Division
Science Missions Directorate
NASA Headquarters
300 E Street, SW
Washington DC 20546

Dr. Ed Weiler
Associate Administrator
Science Missions Directorate
NASA Headquarters
300 E Street, SW
Washington DC 20546


Jim is my division director, and a great supporter of FIRST, BotBall, BEST, the NASA Robotics Academy, and many other programs. Jim and I both work for Ed. Ed is one of the greatest unsung heroes of this community. He has gone to bat to get (and restore) resources to support this effort at levels that very few will ever know. He has laid his (and my) job on the line to make some of this stuff happen.

You may not see either of their names frequently within the FIRST community, but without their advocacy and support NASA would not be able to participate at anywhere near the level that we do.


-dave


/

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by dlavery

Ed is one of the greatest unsung heroes of this community. He has gone to bat to get (and restore) resources to support this effort at levels that very few will ever know. He has laid his (and my) job on the line to make some of this stuff happen.

I have a cardinal rule at work, even during my lunch hour. I don't cry or get emotional. Thanks for making me break the rule, Dave. It is worth it.

Jane

[Trying to Help]

Dave,

As a mentor from a team that received a Sustaining Grant, I have to say thank you for the time, effort and capital that you, Jim and Ed have spent on this program. I was simply stunned when I heard the news that we were chosen. Hopefully over the course of the year, we'll be able to demonstrate the impact that NASA has had on our group.

Thank you again,

Trying to Help

[Akash Rastogi]

On behalf of the 9 NJ teams (2753 is listed as a ME team for this process) receiving grants and those who we have mentored/are mentoring elsewhere, thank you NASA for the continued support!

I'm really looking forward to 2502's season as well.

[Lowfategg]

I would just like to say THANK YOU again to NASA on the behalf of 2753. We were proud to wear and display the NASA logo on our team shirts and robot last year. We can't wait to have the honor to do so again.

Tyler

[roborat]

On behalf of Team 1249, once again, thanks for your support of FIRST and providing us the opportunity to compete in a new region North Carolina. Look forward to making new friends and see some old friends from Pittsburgh region, Team 48

[David Brinza]

What an awesome show of support by NASA to invest in so many FIRST teams!

NASA's Science Mission Director (Ed Weiler) and Solar System Exploration Program Executive (Dave Lavery) truly embrace NASA's Vision Statement:

To understand and protect our home planet,
To explore the Universe and search for life, and
To inspire the next generation of explorers... as only NASA can.

They've put the agency's (actually, our taxpayer's) money where their mouth is, a heroic task in such a difficult budgetary environment.

Teams that received a NASA grant this year should use this support to encourage other sponsors to invest in their teams future as well. There's an big opportunity to leverage the NASA grant money and recapture support from the corporate sector. In the eyes of the public, NASA holds a special place among government agencies, rooted of integrity and "can do" attitude. Placing NASA logos prominently on your robot, team shirts, and website not only acknowledges NASA's support, but can also help attract sponsors.

Please thank NASA by making the most of their commitment to you. Have a safe, successful season and be inspired!