Paul Ryan: “on Saturday, our nation was unified in sorrow, as we suffered the shocking loss of seven courageous individuals aboard…”

“on Saturday, our nation was unified in sorrow, as we suffered the shocking loss of seven courageous individuals aboard the space shuttle Columbia. Among the astronauts who gave their lives in service to our country and in pursuit of knowledge for the betterment of our world was Commander Laurel Clark of Racine, Wisconsin. Laurel Clark was an inspiration to the people she came in contact with and to many others who read or heard about her numerous achievements. She dared to dream great things and worked hard to make those dreams a reality. A graduate of Racine's Horlick High School as well as the University of Wisconsin, Doctor Clark is a fine example for our students of how much one dedicated person can accomplish when she sets her mind to it. Clark was a Commander in the U.S. Navy, a flight surgeon who was trained as an undersea medical officer and served with a submarine squadron in Scotland prior to becoming an astronaut. While her education and career achievements are unquestionably impressive, Clark's inquisitive mind, adventurous spirit and positive outlook are even more remarkable.”