Homer h hickman biography
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Homer's father, Homer Sr., worked as the mine superintendent, setting expectations for his son's future.
Coalwood's close-knit community and the omnipresence of coal mining shaped young Hickam's early worldview. His story continues to inspire countless individuals to pursue their dreams against all odds.
Influence on Education and Aerospace Aspirations
Hickam's memoir "Rocket Boys" sparked a renewed interest in science education across the United States.
A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Hickam served as a First Lieutenant in the Fourth Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1967-1968 where he won the Army Commendation and Bronze Star medals. Hickam's writing captured the essence of small-town life, family dynamics, and the pursuit of seemingly impossible dreams.
Adaptation into the Film 'October Sky'
Universal Studios acquired the rights to 'Rocket Boys' and transformed it into the biographical film 'October Sky'.
During his NASA career, Mr. Hickam worked in spacecraft design and crew training.
Saturday, September 27
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In recent years, Hickam has written a variety of fiction and nonfiction books, including We Are Not Afraid, a response to 9/11 through the lens of the Coalwood community, and his Josh Thurlow series — The Keeper’s Son (2003), The Ambassador’s Son (2005), and The Far Reaches (2007).
They often repurposed mining equipment for their projects.
Homer's academic interests faced resistance from some teachers who prioritized practical skills over scientific pursuits. His success at the National Science Fair validated his passion and expertise in rocketry.
From Coal Mines to NASA
Homer Hickam's journey from a coal mining town to NASA was marked by determination and a passion for rocketry.
Rocket Boys has since been translated into eight languages and also released as an abridged audio book and electronic book. These two series have been heavily praised by critics and readers as have Homer’s novel about a coal miner’s wife in Red Helmet, and a thriller set in modern-day Montana titled The Dinosaur Hunter.
In 2017 the critically acclaimed “nearly true family legend” Carrying Albert Home: The Somewhat True Story of a Man, his Wife, and her Alligator was published as the 5th book settled in Coalwood.
While working on his writing career, Mr.
Hickam was employed as an engineer for the U.S. Army Missile Command from 1971 to 1981 assigned to Huntsville, Alabama, and Germany. This created tension within the family, as Homer Jr.'s interests diverged from his father's expectations.
Homer's mother, Elsie, supported her son's dreams and encouraged his pursuit of rocketry. He won:
A gold medal in the propulsion category
A coveted college scholarship
These accomplishments opened doors for Hickam, paving the way for his future career in aerospace engineering.
It garnered praise for its performances, period accuracy, and inspirational message, introducing Hickam's story to an even wider audience.
Lasting Impact and Legacy
Homer Hickam's journey from a small coal mining town to NASA engineer and bestselling author has left an enduring mark on education and space exploration.
His pursuit of education and engineering expertise paved the way for a remarkable career transition.
Educational Journey Post-High School
Homer Hickam attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) after graduating high school.
He contributed to the development of spacecraft for both crewed and uncrewed missions. His transformation from a coal miner's son to a NASA engineer and accomplished author demonstrates the impact of following one's passions, even when they diverge from societal expectations.
The Early Life of Homer Hickam
Homer Hickam's formative years were shaped by his upbringing in a coal mining town, a pivotal moment in space history, and his early educational experiences.
Resources for rocket materials were scarce, forcing Homer and his friends to be resourceful.
The books, however, for which Hickam is most admired are his Coalwood memoirs. His work continues to bridge the gap between rural America and the frontiers of space exploration.
About Homer
Homer H.
Hickam, Jr. was born on February 19, 1943, the second son of Homer and Elsie Hickam, and was raised in Coalwood, West Virginia. October Sky reached the New York Times # 1 position on their best-seller list.
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