[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1449]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING JOSE M. HERNANDEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 21, 2004

  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor NASA engineer Jose M. 
Hernandez. Mr. Hernandez is an exceptional individual who worked hard 
all of his life in accomplishing his ultimate goal of becoming an 
Astronaut. On May 6, 2004 NASA announced the ``Next Generation of 
Explorers,'' and all of us in the 18th Congressional district of 
California were very proud to hear Jose Hernandez as one of the 11 
named in the new class of astronauts.
  Mr. Hernandez was born in French Camp, CA and as the son of farm 
workers, he grew up in the fields of the Central Valley. Mr. Hernandez 
dreamed of becoming an astronaut, and knew that in pursuing his dream 
he would face many challenges. However he also knew that life as a farm 
worker was not for him. He worked hard and obtained his education from 
the University of the Pacific and then a Masters from UC Santa Barbara.
  Mr. Hernandez worked as an engineer for Lawrence Livermore Lab and 
then moved on to become an engineer for NASA. He applied to become an 
Astronaut three times never giving up hope that one day his goal would 
be fulfilled. On May 6 his dream came true.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Jose 
Hernandez for his accomplishments. I am delighted to recognize all of 
his achievements, and thank him for being a role model in his service 
to our community, and our country.

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