Today the flags of the United States and the Swiss Confederation fly at half staff in memory of Romeo Durscher, who passed away on Monday, March 3rd.
Without any hesitation, I can say that Romeo was the only person I have ever met because of a rubber chicken. Romeo served as executive assistant to Camilla SDO, who was a mascot for NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory satellite. With Romeo’s help, Camilla went everywhere, including to the edge of space on the BTS 1 mission. Following the successful conclusion of that mission, a brunch was held in Sausalito, California where I met Romeo for the first time.
Meeting his was an amazing experience, he brought a wonderful presence to any room he was in. In our conversations during the brunch and afterwards, I learned so much about him, his native Switzerland, and his humanity, among others topics. It was an amazing experience!
After leaving NASA, he dove into the drone industry with such gusto and became an sought after expert in the field. It was amazing to see his amazing skill in communication come across in this new field.
My first interactions with Romeo were on social media. It’s only fitting that I learned of his passing on the same medium. Social Media has changed so much since I first met Romeo on it. All these years later, I know that my life was touched by Romeo, though I don’t know whether he would even remember me.
Godspeed to you Romeo, and thanks!
Cruesbreck Flags 