Memories About Dave

Dorothy "Dot" Brown, Mother

Dave was active in the Boy Scouts and attained “Life” Scout – one step short of “Eagle.”

All of his life Dave reached out for new experiences. In the 7th grade he asked if he could spend his newspaper route savings to join a school group’s trip to the British Isles (his first overseas adventure). While in London got together with a friend he had talked to on ham radio.

Dave and Steve Wilbur, a high school buddy, got involved with a neighbor’s research project for the Smithsonian at the National Zoo. They had to get up about 5 a.m. and ride brother Doug’s motorcycle to the zoo. The project was the study of animal behavior – namely African antelopes. They sleepily observed and recorded every movement from behind a blind. Their high school teacher gave them school credits for their activities. They loved it.

While serving as a flight surgeon at Top Gun, Miramar Ca. Dave learned hang gliding. He brought his equipment east (on the top of his car), jumping off a spot in the Massanutten Mountains of Virginia.

Dave was part of a rowing crew in Houston during his astronaut training.