[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 121 (Tuesday, September 11, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1477-E1478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF CAPTAIN ALAN G. POINDEXTER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 11, 2012

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an American 
hero, Captain Alan G. Poindexter, United States Navy, simply known as 
``Dex'' to those of us who were blessed to know and work with him. 
Captain Poindexter's deep sense of patriotism, selfless

[[Page E1478]]

dedication to others, jovial nature and innate leadership capabilities 
were evident in all facets of his life. Whether serving his Nation for 
26 years as a combat-proven Naval Aviator, decorated Fighter Pilot, 
experienced Test Pilot, respected Astronaut and Space Shuttle Pilot, 
esteemed Dean of Students at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School or, for 
nearly 30 years, living out his enduring love and respect for his 
wife--Lisa--and his steadfast devotion to his beloved sons--Zachary and 
Samuel--``Dex'' made a profound difference on our world that will never 
fade away.
  Born on November 5, 1961 in Pasadena, CA, Alan Poindexter grew up in 
Rockville, MD and Coronado, CA. As a youngster, he served in the Cub 
Scouts and Boy Scouts and fulfilled his interest in aviation by playing 
with model aircrafts and watching the Apollo flights. Following his 
graduation from Coronado High School in 1979, Alan attended junior 
colleges in both California and Florida.
  While in Florida in 1981, Alan met Lisa A. Pfeiffer of Pensacola, FL. 
They married on December 23, 1983 while Alan was a midshipman in the 
Georgia Institute of Technology Navy ROTC program. Their son, Zach, was 
born on August 9, 1985. Alan earned a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering 
degree in 1986, graduating with highest honors.
  Following his commissioning in the U.S. Navy, and eventual 
designation as a Naval Aviator in 1988, Alan reported to Fighter 
Squadron 124 located at Naval Air Station Miramar, CA, for transition 
to the F-14 Tomcat. Following his initial training, Alan--whose call-
sign was now ``Dex''--was assigned to Fighter Squadron 211, also at 
Miramar, and made two deployments to the Arabian Gulf during Operations 
Desert Storm and Southern Watch. During this time, Alan, his wife, 
Lisa, and their son, Zach, welcomed a second son, Samuel, on October 
30, 1989.
  While on his second deployment in 1993, Dex was selected to attend 
the Naval Postgraduate School/U.S. Naval Test Pilot School Cooperative 
Program. Following graduation in December 1995, he was assigned as a 
Test Pilot and Project Officer at the Naval Strike Aircraft Test 
Squadron (NSATS), Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD. Dex was with 
Fighter Squadron 32, NAS Oceana, VA, when he was selected for Astronaut 
training in June 1998. As a Naval Aviator, Dex logged over 4,000 hours 
in more than 30 aircraft types with over 450 carrier landings.
  Alan reported for Astronaut training in August 1998 and initially 
served in the Astronaut Office Shuttle Operations Branch performing 
duties as the lead support astronaut at Kennedy Space Center. He later 
served as a Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) for several missions and was 
a veteran of two space flights--he served as Pilot on STS-122 aboard 
Atlantis from February 7-20, 2008 and from April 5-20, 2010 he was the 
Commander of STS-131 aboard Discovery. During his NASA career, Alan 
logged over 669 hours in space. After his retirement from NASA in 
December 2010, Dex returned to the Navy and was assigned to the Naval 
Postgraduate School as the Dean of Students until his untimely death.
  Alan's many decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service 
Medal, two Legions of Merit, NASA Outstanding Leadership Award, NASA 
Aviation Safety Award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 
Combat V and various other service awards. Always active, Alan's 
recreational interests included motorcycling, cycling, photography, 
running, weightlifting, boating, hunting, fishing, and spending quality 
time with family and friends.
  But a man is not measured alone by the awards he earned or the medals 
he wore, nor even for his personal interests, sense of humor and honor, 
his courage and compassion. It is all of that and more.
  Alan's wife, Lisa, and his two loving sons, Zach and Sam, will always 
remember Alan for his unflinching willingness to be the one who ``slept 
on the rock'' at the campsite, so that they could take the more 
comfortable places. He became fondly, and gratefully, known to them 
over the years as the ``guy who slept on the rock.'' Nothing greater 
could be said, with more love, of any man.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that I speak on behalf of the entire House, when 
I offer the Nation's deepest sympathies to Alan's wife, Lisa, his sons 
Zach and Sam, and to their entire extended family. Captain Alan 
Poindexter, loving husband and father, fighter pilot, astronaut, and 
friend, demonstrated for all of us the qualities that characterize the 
greatness of America.

                          ____________________