[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 148 (Wednesday, November 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2316]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING JOSEPH P. LOFTUS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 9, 2005

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important 
contributions of Joseph P. Loftus Jr. who lived in San Antonio, Texas 
and passed away recently on September 4th, 2005.
  Mr. Speaker, Joe Loftus Jr. was a fine American citizen who served in 
the aviation and space activities division of government for 47 years. 
He wasn't always in the spot light, but he was behind the scenes on the 
Mercury capsules and the Apollo lunar missions. Because of his efforts, 
NASA created the Orbital Debris Program Office. He had an international 
reputation for his expertise on orbital debris research and he was 
awarded NASA's Exceptional Service Metal twice and upon his death, the 
Distinguished Service Metal. When Mr. Loftus retired, NASA lost a 
smart, dedicated employee whose talents were in many fields. Eric 
Hoffer, an American author once wrote, ``Our passionate preoccupation 
with the sky, the stars, and God somewhere in outer space is a homing 
impulse. We are drawn back to where we came from'' Joe Loftus Jr. has 
returned to where he came from and he will be greatly missed.
  Mr. Speaker, thank you for the time to address the House on this 
somber but momentous occasion.

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