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Glenn Mahone/Robert Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington             Feb. 08, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600)

RELEASE: 03-060

ASTRONAUT SPOUSES & CHILDREN RELEASE STATEMENT

     The Astronaut Spouses Group released the following 
statement on Friday, Feb. 7.

"We, the spouses and children of the NASA astronaut corps, would like 
to thank the people of the world from the bottom of our hearts for the 
incredible outpouring of support and love that you have shown us in 
our time of deep grief.

"NASA centers have been overwhelmed with cards, letters, emails, and 
phone calls from you expressing your concern and support.  We have 
also received hundreds of personal calls, emails, flowers, food, and 
cards at our homes. The makeshift shrine in front of the Johnson Space 
Center is overflowing with flowers, signs, and balloons from well 
wishers from all over the world.  Memorial services throughout the 
world have honored our dear friends. You, our brothers and sisters of
the world community, have been a tremendous source of comfort and love 
to us and we are so grateful. We are deeply mourning our dear friends 
Rick, Willie, Mike, Kalpana, Ilan, Laurel, and Dave and we ask that 
you continue to keep their parents, wives, husbands, and children in 
your thoughts and prayers.

"We would also like the world community to know that as terrible and 
as difficult as this journey has been and will continue to be for all 
of our families, we cannot stress enough how blessed and honored we 
feel to be counted as members of the NASA family. We proudly support 
the noble goals and objectives of NASA and we will continue to support
NASA in its finest and its darkest hours.  It is our deepest hope that 
you also will continue to share in our belief and support of NASA's 
dreams.  We believe NASA is a beacon of hope and light to all nations, 
for NASA has proven beyond the shadow of a doubt, that peoples from 
all races, genders, cultures, religions, and political backgrounds can 
transcend those differences and become the closest of friends. And
these friends will continue to pursue space exploration and scientific 
discovery for the single purpose of helping and furthering all of 
mankind. Thank you for your love and support.

"The husbands, wives, and children of the NASA Astronaut Corps."

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