Strap in – because this story is literally out of this world.
Meet Joe Allen – a current resident at Wellbrooke of Wabash. Known by his peers as a joke-teller, magician, and, oh, guest star in the 1998 film Armageddon, we didn’t think there was much Joe could tell us that would surprise us– but alas, we were wrong.
As it turns out, Joe is a former astronaut – having been to space two times, completing the first ever untethered spacewalk. And while that may have been one small step for him, it was one giant leap for Wellbrooke of Wabash gossip. After all, how incredible would it be to share a home with someone who has their very own Wikipedia page?
Eventually, this news made its way to Wabash Executive Director Deana Jones, who immediately assembled campus leadership to discuss how they might celebrate Joe’s legacy. They began sharing Joe’s story with their community partners.
It didn’t take long for the governor’s office to take an interest.
Led by U.S. Representative Jim Baird and Indiana State Representative Beau Bair, state officials decided to present Joe with the Sagamore of Wabash – Indiana’s highest civilian honor. Once he heard his story, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb requested that the award be fast-tracked so that Joe could be recognized without further delay.
This award comes as the latest in a lifetime of achievement for Joe, who has also been recognized with:
- A Fulbright Scholarship
- An Outstanding Flying Award
- Two NASA Group Achievement Awards
- The Yale Science and Engineering Association Award for Advancement of Basic and Applied Science
- The DePauw University Distinguished Alumnus Award
- The NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal
- The NASA Exceptional Service Medal
- The NASA Superior Performance Award
- An Honorary Doctor of Science from DePauw University
- A Komarov Diploma from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale
In 2005, Joe was also inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
As a trailblazer and beloved friend, Joe continues to inspire residents & staff alike for his resilience and lasting curiosity for the world around him. We’re so honored that Joe chose to land at Wellbrooke of Wabash – and we can’t wait to see where his spirit of adventure takes him next.
Wellbrooke of Wabash is a Trilogy senior living community located in Wabash, Indiana. We offer Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Services with a staff that’s committed to exceeding resident expectations every day. Whether you’re going for a hot air balloon ride or going for a community trip into town, we make it our mission to make each residents’ day more special than the last. To learn more about Wellbrooke of Wabash, visit our website located here.