My Roots Are Right Here
Hero Astronaut Returns to Roosevelt High School

Slideshow WDMC Video Previous Space Shuttle Coverage US First Robotics Teams Coverage Roosevelt High School Class of '79 graduate Colonel Ronald J. Garan, Jr. was one of seven astronauts on board the Space Shuttle Discovery for a 14 day mission to the International Space Station. Garan took 3 spacewalks to install the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory on the station. My Heroes are Teachers "People ask who are my heroes. My heroes are teachers. I really think that teachers have a wonderful opportunity to really affect our world and affect our future and how important our kids are for our future." -- excerpted from the NASA preflight interview with Col. Ronald J. Garan, Jr. Roosevelt High School Class of 1979.   Original Photos and biographical data courtesy of NASA.

United States Air Force Colonel Ronald J. Garan, Jr., NASA astronaut, humanitarian and graduate of Roosevelt High School returned to his alma mater Wednesday, October 22 to speak with students about his experiences during the 5.7 million miles he traveled aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery from May 31 - June 14.

As a mission specialist, Colonel Garan's central responsibility was to perform the work necessary to install the Japanese KIBO scientific laboratory on the International Space Station -- work he performed on three separate space walks.

Roosevelt High Schools's Air Force Junior ROTC cadets presented the Colors in honor guard formation upon Colonel Garan's arrival at the school.

The School Patch in Space
In a ceremony led by Superintendent of Schools Bernard P. Pierorazio, Colonel Garan formally returned the school's patch that travelled in space with him for 13 days, 18 hours, 14 minutes and 7 seconds.

Roosevelt High School Varsity Football team members presented a team jersey to Garan, himself an avid and tenacious defensive and offensive player on the team in the late 70's. Colonel Garan, who makes his home near the Johnson Space Center in Houston, was especially touched by the gesture. His original jersey, which he kept all this years, was destroyed last month when the high winds and eye wall of Hurricane Ike caused extensive damage in the city.

Students from the Yonkers Academy of Mathematics, Engineering, Technology and Science at Roosevelt High School met with Colonel Garan to review their participation in the NASA sponsored US FIRST robotics competition and to learn more about his use of a robotic arm to install the Japanese built KIBO laboratory on the International Space Station.

About Colonel Ronald J. Garan, Jr.
This 3rd generation Roosevelt High School graduate was born a native son of Yonkers October 30, 1961. He makes his home in Houston, Texas near the Johnson Space Center with his Brooklyn born wife, Carmel and their children. His mom, Linda Lichtblau, is a gifted wildlife artist whose work hangs in many government buildings in Florida. His dad, Ron Garan, Sr., the proudest pop in all of Yonkers, and himself a Roosevelt High School graduate, owns the family salvage business on Saw Mill River Road.

After his graduation from Roosevelt High School in 1979, Colonel Garan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics from SUNY Oneonta, where he will be honored Monday, October 20. He earned a Masters of Aeronautical Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1994 and a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Florida in 1996.

Garan received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and was deployed in 1990 in support of Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm where he flew combat missions in the F-16. His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross for Combat Valor, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Award and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.

Selected as a pilot by NASA in 2000, Colonel Garan became an aquanaut through his participation in the joint NASA-NOAA, NEEMO 9 (NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations), an exploration research mission held in Aquarius, the world's only undersea research laboratory. He completed his first space flight in 2008 on STS-124, and has logged over 13 days in space and 20 hours and 32 minutes of EVA (extra vehicular activity) in 3 spacewalks.

Garan is a member of Engineers Without Borders, and founded The Manna Energy Foundation which is bringing water treatment plants to provide clean water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene to 400 secondary schools throughout Rwanda. More than 250,000 students and teachers are benefiting from the work of the Foundation.

About the United States Air Force JROTC at Roosevelt High School
Leadership Studies include Air Force customs and courtesies, cadet corps activities, study habits, time management, communication skills, leadership and management studies, with the primary mission for cadets to become better citizens now and in the future

About Yonkers Academy of Mathematics, Engineering, Technology and Science at Roosevelt High School
Offers a four-year engineering concentration in mathematics, science and technology focused on real world applications of robotics & aerodynamics including hands-on projects developed with NASA.