Texas/16-20 JANUARY 2008

I begin my visit at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The Johnson Space Center focuses mainly on manned space flight. Astronaut training occurs here, and other projects such as the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station are planned here as well. Immediately after a shuttle launch, control of all manned missions is shifted to Houston Control at the Johnson Space Center.

I also examine the International Space Station’s long-range plans, current status, and protocols of working with allied governments. The International Space Station, the largest international scientific and technological endeavor ever undertaken, is taking shape in factories and laboratories of 13 nations around the world. Canada, Japan, nine members of the European Space Agency, and Russia are our partners. The Space Station is a permanent laboratory where gravity, temperature, and pressure can be manipulated in a variety of ways that are impossible in ground-based laboratories. This laboratory is designed to test advanced industrial materials and communications technology as well as perform medical research.

From NASA, I travel to College Station, TX. Here we will visit the George H. Bush Presidential Library and the George Bush School of Government and Public Service. Established in 1995, the George Bush School of Government seeks to develop future leaders in government and public service. Additionally, the School undertakes research on policy issues related to non-profit, state, and federal agencies and international organizations.

I also travel to Lockheed in Fort Worth, TX. Lockheed is currently building the Joint Strike Fighter. During this visit, I receive an overview of the company, learn about the Joint Strike Fighter, and then tour the production line. This is my only opportunity to see a production line.

And finally, what would a visit to Texas be without cowboys and country music?! Friday evening you'll have a great cultural experience - a western rodeo. The Rodeo will be outstanding and action packed…I see lots of Bronco and Bull riding and a tremendous amount of live stock!

Saturday morning is the chance to examine the Reserve Force structure of the US military. Ft. Worth Joint Reserve Base has many Reserve Component units from most of the Services. The organization of our Reserve Forces is very complicated, and most US military personnel don't even understand it. I probably will not fully comprehend it either, but at least I have a better understanding of it.

Saturday afternoon I visit the The Dallas/Ft Worth area, the largest metropolis in Texas. We will stay in Ft Worth, but visit the 6th Floor Museum in Dallas. Dallas is forever etched in the minds of Americans over 40 yeart old as the sight of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The assassination marked the end of the post-World War II era, and marked the beginning of our serious involvement in Vietnam. The next two decades were marked by race riots across the country, anti-war protests, and a general break down of American society. Not until the 1980's did America begin to recover.

Saturday night I eat at the Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, and I also have the opportunity to take in live country music and two-step at Billy Bob’s, the world’s largest Honky Tonk!