OKLAHOMA CITY – Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, and Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, today issued a statement commenting on the passing of General Thomas P. Stafford.

"Today is a sad day for our state and nation as we mourn the loss of Gen. Thomas P. Stafford," McCall said. "His service to our country inspired generations who came after to dream big and reach for the stars. His commitment to public outreach through the Apollo Program allowed millions of Americans to experience the wonder of space, something that has continued at the Stafford Air & Space Museum that shares his name. My sincere condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. He was a truly great Oklahoman and will be missed."

Gen. Thomas P. Stafford was an American Air Force officer, test pilot and NASA astronaut, and one of 24 astronauts who flew to the Moon. He also served as Chief of the Astronaut Office from 1969 to 1971.

"General Stafford played an instrumental role in leading humanity to the stars," Moore said. "As a little boy growing up in western Oklahoma, he had no idea the immense impact he would eventually have on space exploration. His storied career opened unprecedented horizons of scientific exploration and brought a new understanding of our universe. His hometown of Weatherford and all of western Oklahoma have remained and always will be eternally proud to call him one of our own, and I pray that his loved ones find peace during this time."

After graduating from the United States Naval Academy, Stafford was commissioned in the United States Air Force, flying the F-86 Sabre before becoming a test pilot. He was selected to become an astronaut in 1962, and flew aboard Gemini 6A in 1965 and Gemini 9A in 1966. In 1969, Stafford served as the commander of Apollo 10, the second crewed mission to orbit the Moon. On the mission he, along with Gene Cernan, became the first to fly an Apollo Lunar Module in lunar orbit, descending to an altitude of nine miles.

Born in Weatherford, OK on Sept. 17, 1930, Stafford attended Weatherford High School and went on to play football at the University of Oklahoma and attend the United States Naval Academy. He was 93.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Speaker Charles McCall

Phone: (405) 557-7412

Contact: Rep. Anthony Moore

Phone: (405) 557-7325