Anyone willing to put on a uniform for the American Armed Forces is a hero for our nation. With that being said, if you haven’t heard about Jonny Kim, it’s about time you give the man his due. You see, the headline above doesn’t even cover everything Dr. Kim does. Yeah, that’s right, he’s also a Harvard Medical School graduate who went on to become a flight surgeon. Jonny Kim and his wife somehow find time to raise three children with his growing number of titles. It pretty much doesn’t matter, if you can do it, Kim probably has, and if he hasn’t, it won’t be long.
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Did Jonny Kim Go to Space?
So far, Jonny Kim hasn’t gone to space; however, this is where the whole “it won’t be long” caveat comes in. You see, Jonny Kim, astronaut extraordinaire, is waiting for his first flight assignment with the Artemis program.
During Jonny Kim’s education at Harvard, he met Astronaut Scott E. Parazynski who helped inspire the career path. Out of the 18,300+ in 2017 who attempted to join NASA Astronaut Group 22, Kim was successfully selected as one of the twelve.
Jonny Kim’s NASA career began and in January 2020, he would graduate from his training. For now, Kim awaits his mission at the NASA Astronaut Corps in Houston, TX, but is one of 18 candidates landing on the moon.
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What Can’t He Do?
Jonathan Yong Kim suffered a rough childhood that someone, like myself, who doesn’t know him personally should probably just let be as such. Whatever it was, it stands to say that such an environment is less than ideal to provide anyone with a foundation for success.
However, Kim chose to overcome such circumstances and would end up thriving academically. First pursuing mathematics and eventually becoming a doctor. This went on after a teenage Kim decided to enlist in the U.S. Navy.
Rather than remain insecure, Jonny Kim started to grow confidence from working out in preparation for life as a Sailor with the dream of operating in Special Warfare. After joining SEAL Team 3, Kim would serve a variety of roles, including as a sniper and medic.
As mentioned above, Kim thrived in his roles but was still inspired to pursue exploring the heavens. After earning a Silver Star in the War in Iraq, Lt. Cmdr. Kim went after the role of astronaut, where he continues to train now.
This is obviously an abridged version of his resume and it’s still stronger than most. Still, the man wasn’t (and isn’t) done. That’s because, in 2023, Kim completed Navy Flight Training.
Now, not only is Kim a flight surgeon but he’s also a naval aviator. This means that if there is an engine out on an aircraft or a medical emergency on board, Kim is possibly the most qualified person available for both jobs.
Does Jonny Kim Have a Book?
Alas, maybe there is one thing missing from Jonny Kim’s resume: author. There is no Jonny Kim book just yet. Perhaps it’s due to an avoidance of the limelight and simply doing one’s duty, or maybe he simply hasn’t had the time or interest.
Interests can change; however, maybe one day we will get an autobiography. Then again, if it’s due to a lack of time, one could certainly understand how that might be when you have so many impressive commitments already.
Jonny Kim doesn’t do it alone. His actions are in conjunction with those defending our nation and pushing it forward each day. Yet, Kim’s inspiring skill and work ethic are a reminder to us all that the sky is the limit, and even then, maybe not.
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