21-03-2025
Wilmore returns to Earth after extended stay in space
Barry Wilmore, a Mt. Juliet native, returned to Earth after an extended stay at the International Space Station.
What was originally meant to be a mission lasting just a week turned into a nine-month stay on the ISS due to technical problems with the Boeing Starliner ship that carried Wilmore and Williams to the station. NASA sent the Boeing ship back to Earth uncrewed.
During the extended stay, residents of Mt. Juliet kept Wilmore on their minds. Tim Bryant, Wilson County Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter director, had what he called 'Wilmore Wednesdays' where he asked community members to remember Wilmore and the other crew stuck on the ISS.
'Through social media, we're asking friends every Wednesday to say a prayer for Barry and the crew's safe return,' Bryant said. 'Barry and I grew up together. He's a real great fella, really down to Earth.'
At FCA meetings, members would take a moment to say that prayer.
Just a day before the SpaceX Crew Dragon Freedom carried a new crew to the ISS, Mt. Juliet leaders gathered at the Barry Wilmore tribute display on 11222 Lebanon Rd. MJPD Lt. Sean Ronan and Deputy Fire Chief Joey Edwards placed a yellow wreath at the display.
According to Mt. Juliet city leaders, the yellow color represents the community's prayers for Wilmore's safe return. Indulgence Salon and Medi Spa provided the wreath.
Wilmore is a retired U.S. Navy Captain, a graduate of Tennessee Technological University and completed three missions in space. He's done 21 hours and 2 minutes of total spacewalk time.
On Tuesday, Crew Dragon Freedom, carrying NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Sunny Williams, Barry Wilmore, along with cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, splashed down off the coast of Florida.
'Welcome back to Earth!' the City of Mt. Juliet posted on social media after the landing.
Bryant said he'd like for Wilmore to travel to Mt. Juliet for a celebration, a sentiment shared by residents on Facebook asking for a parade in Wilmore's honor.
'I'm sure he's just ready to be home with his family for the time being,' Bryant said.
