By: Kubiak H.R. No. 583 73R9275 SDU-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor 1-2 Kenneth D. Cockrell of Austin, who served with distinction as a 1-3 crew member of the space shuttle Discovery during its historic 1-4 mission in April 1993; and 1-5 WHEREAS, A member of the 1968 graduating class of Rockdale 1-6 High School, Mr. Cockrell earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical 1-7 engineering at The University of Texas at Austin in 1972 and a 1-8 master's degree in aeronautical systems at the University of West 1-9 Florida in Pensacola two years later; and 1-10 WHEREAS, He received a commission through the Naval Aviation 1-11 Reserve Officer Candidate Program at the Naval Air Station at 1-12 Pensacola, Florida, and during an illustrious career as a Navy 1-13 pilot, logged more than 5,100 flying hours and made 650 landings on 1-14 aircraft carriers; and 1-15 WHEREAS, After 17 years with the Navy, this distinguished 1-16 pilot joined the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 1-17 1988 and was selected as an astronaut in 1990; and 1-18 WHEREAS, Mr. Cockrell served as a Missions Specialist 2 1-19 aboard Discovery on its recent mission, which was designed to 1-20 gather important data about the interactions of solar energy, 1-21 chlorofluorocarbons, and ozone in the thin upper reaches of the 1-22 atmosphere; and 1-23 WHEREAS, Kenneth D. Cockrell is a living symbol of the United 1-24 States' continuing commitment to world leadership in space, and his 2-1 exemplary record of achievement is a source of inspiration and 2-2 justifiable pride to his fellow Americans; now, therefore, be it 2-3 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas 2-4 Legislature hereby honor Kenneth D. Cockrell for his outstanding 2-5 contributions to manned space flight and extend to him sincere best 2-6 wishes for continued success and happiness in the future; and, be 2-7 it further 2-8 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-9 prepared for Mr. Cockrell as an expression of high regard by the 2-10 Texas House of Representatives.