[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 123 (Tuesday, July 18, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E687]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING NORMAN CHAFFEE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CLIFF BENTZ

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 18, 2023

  Mr. BENTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired NASA engineer, 
Norman Chaffee, and to recognize his achievements and outstanding 
efforts in inspiring countless rural students across Oregon through the 
Rural Schools Education Initiative program.
  Throughout his 37-year career at NASA, Mr. Chaffee held several 
positions at the NASA Johnson Space Center from 1962 to 1998. He 
contributed to the Mercury program, Gemini, Apollo, Lunar, and Mars 
exploration programs. Mr. Chaffee has received numerous awards in 
recognition of his accomplishments including JSC Engineer of the Year 
in 1987, NASA Exceptional Service Medals in 1983 and 1991, a 
recognition from the State of Texas for his efforts in education 
outreach, and many more well-deserved awards and citations.
  Continuing his devotion to education, Mr. Chaffee has continued to 
sustain a commitment for education and science having served as the 
Manager of the Space Settlement Design Competition for High School 
Students from 1999 to 2012 and continuing to be a champion for STEM.
  After retiring in November 1998, Mr. Chaffee helped to create unique 
hands-on experiences for students in Oregon. In 2017, he led a personal 
tour of NASA's Robotics Lab at Johnson Space Center in Houston for 
students competing in the 2017 First International Robotics World 
Championship. Over 250 Oregon high school students participated in this 
experience. His remarkable work has served to promote Science, 
Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, Math, and Medicine educational 
opportunities to Oregonians of all ages.
  On behalf of Oregon's 2nd Congressional District, I ask my colleagues 
to join me in honoring Mr. Norman Chaffee.

                          ____________________