Herrington Visit Highlight Native American History Month Activities at Goddard

Astronaut John B. Herrington

"Celebrating Our Journey, Sharing Our Vision," is the theme for this year's national observance of Native American history throughout the month of November.

For Goddard, the highlight of a month of activities will be a visit by John B. Herrington, the first declared tribally enrolled Native American (Chickasaw) astronaut to fly into outer space. He will spend the day, November 12, visiting Goddard and the surrounding communities.

"Our desire is that he not only be able to spend time with Goddard employees but that he be able to spend some time with our youth," said Wanda David, Native American Program Manager at the Equal Opportunity Employment Office.

Herrington is scheduled to spend the morning meeting with students from surrounding communities to share his experience of a dream come true, venturing into outer space. Not only was STS-113 his first flight but, he was also able to participate in a space walk. Aboard Endeavour, Herrington logged over 330 hours in space, including 3 EVAs (Extra Vehicular Activity), totaling 19 hours and 55 minutes.

According to David, Goddard's observance is intended to enlighten our communities about contributions made by Native Americans in support of NASA missions. Herrington was recently acknowledged for his participation in the recovery efforts of space shuttle Columbia. Herrington was assigned to the command center in Lufkin, Texas, coordinating helicopter searches from the operations office.

A full day of activities for Herrington will include an opportunity for Goddard employees to spend some time with the astronaut. He is scheduled to be in the Building 8 auditorium at 2 p.m. to talk about his experience as an astronaut. Time has also been allotted for Herrington to tour some Goddard facilities.

"His visit is just another opportunity for the Goddard community to gain a better understanding and appreciation of Native American history and culture," said David. "He is a living hero to all who strive to achieve the dream of exploring outside Earth's atmosphere," added David.

Other activities for the month include a video presentation entitled "500 Nations" co-hosted by Kevin Costner, November 25, 11:30 a.m., Building 8, room 121. This 8-part series documents the history of Native people of North and South America from before Columbus through to the United States Civil War. There will also be Native American jewelry on display outside the Building 8 auditorium during Herrington's visit.

"When I saw him blast off aboard Endeavour I knew then that I wanted him to visit here," said Marcellus Proctor, Native American advisor at Goddard. "I know this will truly inspire our youth as only a NASA experience can do."

For more information about Native American activities at Goddard contact Wanda David at 301-286-1091 or Marcellus Proctor at 301-286-9402.