Political Quotes

“He has won numerous medals and commendations. His first flight in space was on August 30, 1983. He became the first African American to fly in space. Subsequent to that, he went on three missions in space in the shuttle and logged over 688 hours in space. In 1997, he was inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame. Since his retirement, he has continued to excel in private enterprise since 1997 and is now president of the Aerospace Technology Group. As I mentioned, one of his greatest accomplishments is graduating from Penn State University, my alma mater. He has an aerospace engineering degree from Penn State. He has a master's degree of science, Ph.D. degree in aerospace engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and an MBA degree from the University of Houston. His education is phenomenal. His accomplishments in the military and space and now in the private sector are something of which to take note. We recognize today his great contribution to this country. The example he sets is as a terrific role model for young people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds. He is a man who has accomplished a tremendous amount in his life and obviously has a lot more to contribute. He and his wife Linda are here today, and we will have a reception for them starting at 10 a.m. in one of the reception rooms behind me. I invite my colleagues to stop by and meet Dr. Bluford and his wife Linda. I thank him for his tremendous service.”