[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO NEIL ARMSTRONG

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB PORTMAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 20, 1999

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to rise in tribute to my 
good friend, neighbor and constituent--Neil Armstrong.
  Thirty years ago today, our nation, and the entire world, watched in 
awe as Neil Armstrong--a thirty-eight year-old Ohionan--became the 
first person to set foot on the moon. He forever etched the words, 
``That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,'' into our 
national consciousness. And, as so many authors, journalists and 
historians have noted, he put his name alongside Charles Lindbergh and 
the Wright Brothers as the great explorers of the 20th Century.
  Neil Armstrong's many accomplishments are too lengthy to adequately 
list here. He flew 78 combat missions as a fighter pilot in Korea, and 
later went on to become a highly respected test pilot. In addition to 
his historic role as commander of Apollo 11 in 1969, he also commanded 
Gemini 8 in 1966--and later served as NASA's deputy associate 
administrator for aeronautics from 1970-71.
  Over the years, Neil Armstrong has chosen to look beyond the 
temptation to exploit his accomplishments for personal gain. His 
disinterest in the limelight and in self-promotion hides a remarkable 
level of civic involvement. From 1971 to 1979, he served as a professor 
of aeronautical engineering at the University of Cincinnati--where he 
not only conducted research projects, but also got into the classroom 
and inspired hundreds of students during this tenure.
  He also worked with another famous Cincinnatian--Dr. Henry Heimlich--
to develop a miniature ``heart-lung'' machine--a forerunner of a modern 
``Micro Trach'' machine that is used to deliver oxygen to patients.
  Neil is a strong believer in giving back to the community. Among the 
many group with which he has been involved, he served as a member of 
the board of the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History. He wasn't just 
an ordinary member--he served as board chairman--rolling up his sleeves 
and making many of the important decisions that have allowed that 
institution to experience a renaissance in its new home at Union 
Terminal. He has also served as a director of the Cinergy Corporation 
and Cincinnati Milacron, Inc.
  Neil also owns a small farm in Warren County and has been an active 
and involved citizen of that area. From the time he first moved to the 
area, he took on the life of an unassuming local farmer and proud 
father--getting involved in auctions at the annual Warren County fair 
to support local 4-H programs; participating in the local Boy Scout 
troops; and helping to coach the high school football team. And he has 
continued to give back to the Warren County community as well--for 
example, by working with other community leaders to build the 
countryside YMCA in Lebanon.
  Neil Armstrong continues to handle his celebrity with his quiet, 
unassuming manner. Today, on the thirtieth anniversary of his historic 
accomplishment, he not only provides our nation with a hero for the 
ages, but a powerful model of humility and dignity.

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