[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 MR. JAMES McBARRON II

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CLIFF BENTZ

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 18, 2023

  Mr. BENTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the late 
NASA Engineer, James McBarron II, and to recognize his lifetime 
achievements and commitment to inspiring countless students in rural 
Oregon through the Rural Schools Education Initiative.
  Throughout his 38-year career at NASA, from 1961 to 1999, Mr. 
McBarron II contributed to the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Space 
Shuttle, International Space Station missions. He began his career in 
1961 as an aerospace technologist with the Crew Equipment Branch, Life 
Sciences Division, Space Task Group at Langley Field, Virginia. His 
positions throughout his career included working as Crew Chief Crew 
Systems Division, CTSD chief engineer for EVA projects, and Spacesuit 
Systems Manager. He earned numerous prestigious awards for his 
achievements including the American Astronautical Society Victor A. 
Prather Award for outstanding contribution in the field of EV 
protection in space in 1979 and awarded the Presidential Medal of 
Freedom by President Nixon in 1971 as a member of the Apollo 13 Mission 
Operations Team.
  Mr. McBarron II assisted in the promotion of the Rural Schools 
Education Initiative program in Oregon which helps bring retired NASA 
engineers to rural areas in Oregon to share their stories and inspire 
young students. By sharing his story and experience with Oregon 
students and community leaders he inspired hundreds of students to 
reach for the stars, to continue their education, and to enjoy their 
work while being successful.
  On behalf of Oregon's 2nd Congressional District, I ask my colleagues 
to join me in honoring the life and accomplishments of Mr. James 
McBarron II.

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