[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 184 (Tuesday, December 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO NASA FLIGHT DIRECTOR MATT ABBOTT

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                        HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 4, 2007

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, with great appreciation I rise today to 
honor a dedicated and highly respected western New York native, Matt 
Abbott, for his leadership in directing the recent space shuttle 
mission Endeavour.
  As lead flight director on the recent space shuttle mission 
Endeavour, Matt has proven that when you put your mind to something 
anything is possible. Since he can remember, Matt has dreamed of 
working in Mission Control. When he was 6 years old, he watched on 
television as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to 
walk on the moon. While most of Matt's friends dreamed of becoming 
astronauts, Matt saw the challenge and inspiration in working behind 
the scenes, leading the mission.
  While not physically aboard the shuttle, Matt has become one of the 
most important members in Mission Control, as the ultimate 
responsibility for decisions made during the flight lies on his 
shoulders.
  After graduating from Texas A&M, Matt started working at NASA's 
Johnson Space Center in Houston as a Mission Control flight dynamics 
officer. In this position he was responsible for monitoring the 
location and performance of the shuttle during flight, as well as 
planning maneuvers. He then took a position with the Canadian Space 
Agency in Montreal, working with the Canadarm2 robotic arm on the 
International Space Station. He eventually returned to the Johnson 
Space Center, where he became a flight director. Matt has worked on 40 
shuttle missions in flight dynamics, including 27 launches and 11 
landings.
  Throughout his life, Matt has been committed to pursuing his dreams. 
His achievements serve as an excellent example of how to make your 
dreams a reality, and he serves as a true role model for children 
across the country.
  Madam Speaker, in recognition of his tremendous service, for his 
leadership, his dedication to our country, I ask this honorable body 
join me in honoring NASA flight director Matt Abbott.

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