June 30, 2025, Press Release from the United Way of Auglaize County:
WAPAKONETA, Ohio - Michael J. Foreman (Captain, U.S. Navy, Ret.), who served as a NASA Astronaut from 1998 to 2015, is returning to Wapakoneta later this month as the special guest of the Run To The Moon and Summer Moon Festival on Saturday, July 19.
Foreman logged 26 days in space on two space shuttle missions and conducted five spacewalks totaling more than 32 hours assembling the International Space Station. Designated a Naval Aviator in 1981, Foreman has flown more than 7,000 hours in 50 different aircraft. He also served as a Navy test pilot and flight instructor.
More than 500 runners are expected to be a part of the Run To The Moon, a project of the United Way of Auglaize County. Capt. Foreman will be on hand to greet runners as they arrive at the Armstrong Air and Space Museum, will count down the start of the 10K and the 5K/1-mile runs, and will help distribute medals and place winner awards.
"We're excited to welcome Mike Foreman back to Wapakoneta and to the Summer Moon Festival," said Deb Zwez, executive director of the local United Way. "His experience in space is a fascinating look at the continuing importance of space exploration and we're all looking forward to hearing more about his time with NASA."
Capt. Foreman was born in Columbus but considers Wadsworth to be his hometown. He graduated from Wadsworth High School in 1975; received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1979, and a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1986. After retiring from the Navy and NASA he was elected to serve as the Mayor of Friendswood, Texas.
Capt. Foreman's visit is made possible in part from a grant from Wapakoneta's Lodging Tax Fund, which not only promotes activities and projects that make Wapakoneta a destination for visitors but improves the quality of life for residents. His schedule on July 19 features events open to the public:
- Noon - 1 p.m. Meet and greet Armstrong Museum Stem Center
- 1:30-2:30 p.m. - Meet and greet downtown in the park gazebo
- 3-4 p.m. -- Presentation/meet and greet Armstrong Museum Stem Center
"The Run To The Moon is not only an important fundraiser for the United Way, it is a significant event of the Summer Moon Festival," Zwez said. "Inviting an astronaut to be a part of the run is a tradition we're proud to continue and are looking forward to Capt. Foreman's visit and introducing him to the runners, local residents and festival-goers."
The Run To The Moon starts and finishes at the Armstrong Museum in Wapakoneta. The run is still accepting registrations; to register or for more information, visit runsignup.com/race/oh/wapakoneta/runtothemoon.
