October 17

William Anders was a United States Air Force Major General and NASA astronaut born in 1933. He flew on Apollo 8, the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon, helping capture the iconic Earthrise photograph. His technical skill and calm leadership were essential to the mission’s success. After NASA, Anders continued his military career and later held leadership roles in aerospace organizations. He received honors including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. Anders passed away in 2024 but is remembered as a pioneer of human space exploration.

Carlos Buhler is a distinguished American mountaineer celebrated for his bold first ascents in high-altitude ranges. Born in Colorado in 1954, he has explored peaks across the Rockies, Alaska Range, and Andes. His mountaineering achievements include solo climbs and challenging winter expeditions. Buhler is known for his meticulous planning and technical proficiency on ice and mixed routes. He has contributed articles to climbing publications and guided aspiring climbers on remote expeditions. Through lectures and workshops, he continues to inspire a new generation of alpinists with his passion for exploration.