[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 172 (Wednesday, November 7, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO CLAYTON ANDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ADRIAN SMITH

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 7, 2007

  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, today, Wednesday, November 7, 
2007, astronaut Clayton Anderson will touch down at Kennedy Space 
Center aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. Clayton, a native of 
Ashland, NE, returns home after spending 5 months in space aboard the 
International Space Station.
  I had the distinct honor of having a brief telephone conversation 
with Clay during his time aboard the International Space Station. It 
was truly an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.
  Born in Omaha, Clayton received his bachelor of science degree in 
physics from Hastings College, Nebraska in 1981 and a master of science 
degree in aerospace engineering from Iowa State University in 1983. He 
joined the Johnson Space Center in 1983 and was selected as a mission 
specialist by NASA in June 1998. He launched to the Space Station on 
June 8, 2007 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis with the crew of STS-117 and 
was assigned as Expedition 15 flight engineer.
  Nebraskans from Omaha to Scottsbluff are proud of Clayton and all he 
has accomplished. He is an inspiration to all who wish to pursue their 
own goals--whether of one day traveling to and exploring space, 
teaching the next generation of students, or simply being the best 
person they can be.

                          ____________________