Annie Glenn

The Glenn family was thrust into the national spotlight after John Glenn made the first supersonic transcontinental flight in 1957 in a F8U-1P Crusader. Only two years later, the spotlight would grow brighter when Glenn was selected as a Project Mercury astronaut in 1959. The success of the Friendship 7 flight made Glenn an instant hero. Annie had to navigate a new life in the public eye along with the other astronauts’ wives, but she was severely handicapped by her stutter. She experienced social slights and challenges but maintained a positive outlook.

John Glenn entered the political arena when he joined the race for one of Ohio’s Senate seats in 1964. When he became bedridden due to a head injury, Annie undertook a full schedule of public appearances in an effort to keep his campaign going. Despite her efforts, Glenn was forced to drop out of race due to his injuries. The Glenns remained politically active, campaigning for Robert Kennedy in 1968. John Glenn was elected to the Senate in 1974 and throughout his 25 years in the Senate and a presidential campaign in 1984, Annie was an active participant, meeting constituents and giving speeches in support of her husband’s candidacy.

 

In 1973, Annie attended a three-week program with Dr. Ronald Webster at the Hollins Communication Research Institute in Roanoke, Virginia. The treatment vastly improved her speech and while she never considered herself cured, her life was transformed. Annie became known for her inspiration story and her tireless advocacy for the handicapped.

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