Anthony Gonzalez: “Today I rise to recognize Westlake, Ohio, resident Colonel Guion ``Guy'' Bluford, who received the Ohio Distinguished…”

“Today I rise to recognize Westlake, Ohio, resident Colonel Guion ``Guy'' Bluford, who received the Ohio Distinguished Service Medal last week. Guy became the first African American astronaut to travel into space in 1983. He earned the Ohio Distinguished Service Medal, the highest noncombat decoration for service awarded by the State, for his commitment and dedication throughout his historic career in aviation. Before joining NASA, Bluford flew over 144 combat missions with the United States Air Force in South Vietnam. He later went on to earn his master's and doctorate degree with aerospace engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. We are proud and eternally grateful for Bluford's military service and dedication to space exploration. As NASA looks to expand mankind's horizons in space, his life achievements and aviation accomplishments serve as an inspiration to future generations. ____________________”