Jan. 22, 2009

John Yembrick
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
john.yembrick-1{at}nasa.gov

James Hartsfield
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
james.a.hartsfield{at}nasa.gov
MEDIA ADVISORY: M09-015

SPACE SHUTTLE CREW VISITS TROOPS ON OVERSEAS TRIP

WASHINGTON -- NASA astronauts of the STS-126 space shuttle mission
will begin a new journey next week -- an 11-day trip to greet U.S.
military personnel serving overseas. Shuttle Endeavour's crew will
pay a special visit to troops in Germany and the Middle East from
Jan. 26 to Feb. 5.

The trip is sponsored by Armed Forces Entertainment, the lead
Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S.
military personnel serving overseas. The shuttle crew members
visiting the troops are Navy Capt. Chris Ferguson, who commanded the
flight, Air Force Col. Eric Boe, who served as the pilot, and Mission
Specialists Donald Pettit, Navy Capt. Steve Bowen, Navy Capt.
Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Army Lt. Col. Shane Kimbrough.

"We are really looking forward to visiting the men and women who
support and defend our country overseas," Ferguson said. "Although
our jobs are different, we know it's tough being away from family and
friends -- and being far from home. As a military family, we know
that support and a pat on the back go a long way."

During their visit with the troops, the shuttle crew will present an
overview of the STS-126 mission, which completed a 16-day flight in
November 2008. The mission delivered equipment to the International
Space Station that will allow the outpost to house up to six
astronauts for long-duration stays.

"This is the first time in Armed Forces Entertainment's 55-year
history that we have hosted astronauts on a tour to visit our troops
overseas," said Air Force Col. Edward Shock, chief of Armed Forces
Entertainment. "And with this crew, it makes it even more poignant --
since five of the six crew members are U.S. military themselves. They
know the risks and the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make,
and have a deep appreciation for their dedication."

For more information on the astronauts' overseas tour and updates,
visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/where126.html

For more information on Armed Forces Entertainment, visit:

http://www.armedforcesentertainment.com

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