Katie Porter: “spaceship Shuttle Pilot Commander William McCool, 41, a beloved father, husband, son and brother was a man who most of…”

“spaceship Shuttle Pilot Commander William McCool, 41, a beloved father, husband, son and brother was a man who most of the world could only aspire and dream to become. Commander McCool spent his life in the service of his country and in the service of humanity. He dedicated his life to not only his family but to his dream of one day becoming an astronaut. McCool was an experienced Navy pilot with more than 2,800 hours in flight. He graduated second in his 1983 class at the Naval Academy, went on to test pilot school and became an astronaut in 1996. His excitement for space travel was solidified when on his first and last mission he exclaimed, 'there is so much more than what I ever expected, it's beyond imagination, until you actually get up and see it and experience it and feel it.' The tragic loss of the Columbia Space Shuttle crew and their sacrifices will never be forgotten, not by William McCool's family, the families of the other crew members, and not by his countrymen. They were as gracious, courteous and giving in the last weeks of their lives as they were in all the other weeks. William McCool will forever be remembered for his dedication and contributions to science. His adventurous and brave personality is what made this man into an American hero. The legacy of Commander McCool will vicariously live through the next generation of space explorers, for his bravery in the face of death will surely inspire others to pick up where he left off.”