On the recordDecember 16, 2011
it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Guion S. Bluford, Jr. for being the 2011 recipient of the Pennsylvania Society Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement. Mr. Bluford was born on November 22, 1942, to Guion Senior and Lolita Bluford in Philadelphia, PA. Mr. Bluford grew up in inner-city Philadelphia during a time of great prejudice and social change. As a youth he spent his free time reading about aviation technology, building model aircrafts, and dreaming of flying aircrafts. Mr. Bluford attended Pennsylvania State University and joined the Air Force ROTC Program, receiving his FAA pilot license while still a senior in college. After graduating college in 1964 Mr. Bluford was assigned to the 556th Tactical Fighter Squadron in Vietnam and flew over 140 combat missions in Southeast Asia. In 1978, Mr. Bluford was selected as one of NASA's class of 35 astronauts. On August 30, 1980, Mr. Bluford became America's first African American in space when he flew to orbit aboard the shuttle Challenger. During his career at NASA he flew on several other space missions, and when he retired in July 1993, he had logged more than 688 hours in space. Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Guion S. Bluford, Jr., for his years of service to our country. I invite my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Bluford for his recent award and wish him well in the future. ____________________
