Retired NASA astronaut Col. Robert ?ÄúBob?Äù Springer will present ?ÄúStories of a Small-Town Boy in Space?Äù at the Stearns History Museum?Äôs Sixth Annual History Makers Gala which takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 11, at the Gorecki Center on the campus of the College of
St. Benedict, St. Joseph. Tickets are $75.
Springer, a true national hero, was a mission specialist on STS-29 Discovery in 1989 and STS-38 Atlantis in 1990. He will take us on his journey that began in a small county much like Stearns and weave his way through his experiences to the ultimate adventure of space travel.
A Marine Corps veteran, Springer flew 550 combat missions in Vietnam and was a test pilot for more than 20 different types of aircraft. He became an astronaut in August 1981 and logged more than 237 hours in space as a mission specialist on STS-29 Discovery in 1989 and STS-38 Atlantis in 1990.
The gala evening begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Gorecki Center on the campus of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph. There will be a silent auction, full cash bar and dinner, beginning at 6:15 p.m. Springer, a true national hero, will speak at 7 p.m. following the presentation of the Zapp Historian Award to the St. Cloud Antique Automobile Club.