[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 16 (Thursday, January 28, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S1104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO ROBERT J. SCHWINGHAMER

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Robert Schwinghamer on the occasion of his retirement for his 
significant contributions to our nation's space and rocket program. He 
served most recently within the office of the Director as the Associate 
Director, Technical, at NASA's George C. Marshall Space Flight Center 
in Huntsville, Alabama. Bob Schwinghamer's legacy is one of outstanding 
leadership, unselfish professional service, and a steadfast dedication 
to America's space program. It is a personal honor for me to recognize 
the more than 40 years that Bob so willingly committed to our country. 
I salute the distinguished achievements of this remarkable Alabamian 
for what his service has meant to the State of Alabama, the Nation, and 
NASA.
  Bob's splendid record of achievement speaks for itself. He has been 
the recipient of several NASA Outstanding Leadership and Distinguished 
Service Medals; the Presidential Rank Distinguished Executive Award 
from President George Bush in 1992; Top Engineer in NASA and one of the 
Top Ten Engineers in Federal Government in 1990 and 1992. He also 
received numerous Group Achievement and Sustained Superior Performance 
Awards. With an ebullient leadership style, Bob Schwinghamer also led 
NASA investigation teams through times of crisis. In 1973, he received 
the NASA Medal for Exceptional Service to the Apollo Program. In 1986, 
he led the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident Solid Rocket Motor 
Investigation Team. In 1998, he received the NASA Outstanding 
Leadership Medal for leadership in Returning the Space Shuttle Safely 
to Flight, and in 1990, he led the Space Shuttle Hydrogen Leak 
Investigation Team. His outstanding record of service and his unfailing 
loyalty to the U.S. space program cannot be paid its proper due with 
mere words.
  Bob Schwinghamer received his Bachelor-of-Science Degree in 
Engineering from Purdue University in 1950 and then completed his 
Master of Science Degree in Management from the Massachusetts Institute 
of Technology in 1968. During his notable career, he served as a 
registered professional engineer in the States of Indiana, Ohio, and 
Alabama.
  Bob is a member of several highly regarded professional and honorary 
societies including the American Society for Materials, International; 
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics; Society of 
Manufacturing Engineers, and the Society for Advancement of Materials 
and Processes Engineering. His devotion to the field of science has 
earned him continuing recognition throughout the space and missile 
community all over the country.
  Mr. Schwinghamer's professional prowess and outstanding leadership 
are certainly noteworthy, but he also deserves recognition for being a 
devoted husband and father and an involved citizen. As an active member 
of his community, he has given his efforts to outside activities 
including service as Vice President of Grissom High School's PTA, 
President of the Lily Flagg Club, and President of the MSFC Skeet Club. 
He has and continues to inspire individuals in his workplace, 
community, and home. Bob's generosity and willingness to serve others 
is a trait which endears him to all of us.
  It is with warmest regards and best wishes that I offer Robert J. 
Schwinghamer and his family every happiness in all of their future 
endeavors. It is right that we honor and celebrate his retirement. I 
salute Bob Schwinghamer as he embarks on the beginning of the next 
chapter of his life. Our nation's space program will have to replace 
one of its finest. His presence and expertise will certainly be 
missed.

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