From space shuttle forecasts to fairways

By Matt Saintsing

Francine Goode's first assignment as an Air Force meteorology officer couldn't have been more exciting. Shortly after reporting to Patrick Air Force base in Cape Canaveral, Florida, she learned she'd be forecasting for NASA's space shuttle program.

A trailblazer as both the first Black person and woman to track and predict the weather for American spacecraft, Goode recognized the significance of her role in assisting each shuttle mission that carried astronauts and payloads into orbit for scientific research, deployed satellites and helped build the International Space Station.

However, tragedy struck on January 28, 1986, when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded and broke apart shortly after takeoff, killing seven astronauts, including Christa McAuliffe, a teacher and the first civilian selected for the Teacher in Space Project.

"It was very life-changing," Goode said.

Shortly thereafter, she was assigned to teach mathematics at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Goode served 21 years, retiring in 2004 as a lieutenant colonel.

As a disabled veteran, she found community, drive and belonging in the world of adaptive sports.

"I got involved with it after I had some amputations," Goode said. "That's why I'm still alive."

Her right hand and all of the toes on her right foot were removed following a battle with sepsis, as well as partial amputations of her left fingers and toes.

"I used to be right-handed, so I had a lot to learn, but by the grace of God, I'm still doing it," she added. "And the adaptive sports programs have set a new thing for me to be in—a new direction and purpose."

While she's a newcomer to golf, she isn't a stranger. Goode participated in an adaptive golf tournament earlier this year, thanks to her coach at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Perry Point, Maryland. As a first-time participant at this year’s National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic, she hopes to improve her game and enjoy the sport.

“I’m looking forward to playing with other veterans and learn from those with injuries similar to and different than mine,” Goode said.