Trip to Western States: White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. President John F. Kennedy (right, wearing sunglasses) looks through binoculars at the White Sands Missile Range in White Sands, New Mexico; President Kennedy visited White Sands to view missile demonstrations. Commanding General of the White Sands Missile Range, General J. Frederick Thorlin, sits at left; the Pershing missile is visible in the background.