[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 141 (Monday, October 3, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    TRIBUTE TO DR. JERRY M. LINENGER

                                 ______


                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 3, 1994

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the first 
astronaut from the city of Eastpointe, MI, Dr. Jerry M. Linenger. Dr. 
Linenger is a native of Eastpointe, formerly East Detroit, which is 
also where I was raised.
  Astronauts have captured the imagination of Americans since the first 
suborbital flights in 1961. Even though shuttle flights have become 
almost commonplace, the commitment, know-how, and work required to 
launch a shuttle remains truly impressive.
  There are many of us who dream about what it would be like to travel 
in space. For those of us who still dream in Eastpointe, MI, Jerry 
Linenger has become a hero. For several days prior to the launch and 
during the mission of the space shuttle Discovery, the Macomb Daily, 
our local paper, ran front page stories on Dr. Linenger and his family, 
and how proud the community of Eastpointe is of his accomplishments. 
The city is planning a homecoming reception and dinner for its favorite 
son on October 17. The reception is titled ``An Out of This World 
Experience'' and it will provide everyone in attendance the opportunity 
to hear about his space experience first hand. Dr. Linenger is also 
being honored by serving as the grand marshall for East Detroit High 
School's homecoming parade.
  Dr. Linenger exemplifies the imagery of a hometown boy who has made 
good. He has worked and studied hard and been rewarded for his efforts 
as an adult. Only a privileged and qualified few have had the 
opportunity to do what he has done. Without his faith in his abilities 
and his commitment to education, Dr. Linenger's dreams would have never 
been fulfilled.
  Many children walk the same streets and attend the same schools that 
Jerry Linenger once did. He has made his dreams come true and become a 
role model for children everywhere, especially in Eastpointe. We are 
all proud of his accomplishments and are truly excited that he is 
coming home to Eastpointe, MI to share his experiences. Dr. Linenger, I 
salute you and your crewmates on the space shuttle Discovery. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in offering heartfelt congratulations and a warm 
welcome back to Earth.

                          ____________________