Tennessee Technological University PRIDE!!

Image above: On the front row are Commander Charlie Hobaugh (left) and Pilot Barry Wilmore. On the back row (from left) are astronauts Leland Melvin, Mike Foreman, Robert Satcher and Randy Bresnik, all mission specialists. Image credit: NASA

My brother John and I are both graduates of TTU. TTU is located in Cookeville, TN and has one of the best Engineering programs in the nation. Needless to say I was quite happy when I recieved an invitation as a TTU Alumni to attend the shuttle launch because Barry "Butch" Wilmore is also a TTU Alumni! The only thing that could have made this day better is if he was wearing a purple and gold space suit!!!
Here's a little information about Mr. Wilmore:
EDUCATION: M.S. Electrical Engineering, Tennessee Technological University (TTU). M.S. Aviation Systems, University of Tennessee. B.S. Electrical Engineering, TTU. Mt. Juliet High School, Mt. Juliet, TN
SPECIAL HONORS: Air Medal (5), 3 with the Combat 'V' designation. Navy Commendation Medal (6), 3 of which also hold the Combat 'V' designation. Navy Achievement Medal (2) and numerous Unit decorations. Aviation Officer Candidate School (AOCS) “Distinguished Naval Graduate”. Initial Naval Flight Training “Commodores List With Distinction”. U.S. Atlantic Fleet “Light Attack Wing One - Pilot Of The Year” (1991). U.S. Atlantic Fleet "Strike Fighter Aviator of the Year" (1999). Recipient of the Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic “Scott Speicher Award” for Weapons Employment Excellence (1998). Tennessee Technological University “Sports Hall of Fame” - 2003 Inductee (Football).

NASA EXPERIENCE: Selected as a pilot by NASA in July 2000, Wilmore reported for training in August 2000. Following the completion of two years of training and evaluation, he was assigned technical duties representing the astronaut office on all propulsion systems issues including the space shuttle main engines, solid rocket motor, external tank, and also served on the astronaut support team that traveled to the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, in support of launch and landing operations. Wilmore has been assigned as pilot on the STS-129 crew. The mission is targeted for launch in November 2009, and will deliver two Express Logistics Carriers (ELC racks) to the International Space Station. The mission will also feature three spacewalks and will bring back to earth NASA Astronaut, Nicole Stott.