NASA awards service medals to two ‘Remembering Columbia’ Museum board members

Posted by'Remembering Columbia' MuseumPosted inNews releases

HOUSTON, TX – NASA has awarded its Exceptional Public Service Medal to volunteers of the Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum ‘Remembering Columbia’ in Hemphill, Texas.

On February 18, Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche awarded the agency’s Exceptional Public Service Medal to Belinda Gay, Marsha Cooper, and Dr. Estella Hernández Gillette.

The agency’s Exceptional Public Service Medal (EPSM) is awarded to any individual who was not a Government employee during the period in which the service was performed. This award is granted for exceptional contributions to NASA’s mission.

Gay serves as curator of the ‘Remembering Columbia’ Museum, and along with Cooper have served on the museum’s board since its inception. Gillette is president of the NASA Alumni League – JSC Chapter and has been a dedicated volunteer and supporter of the ‘Remembering Columbia’ Museum for a number of years.

The award certificates were signed by then NASA Administrator Bill Nelson on September 6, 2024.

‘Remembering Columbia’ Museum board members Belinda Gay and Vickie Thomas attended the February 18 awards ceremony virtually.

Gay’s citation reads: “For outstanding dedication and contributions to the NASA community for Space Shuttle Columbia recovery efforts and the commemoration of Columbia’s historical significance.“

Cooper’s citation reads: “For exceptional public service as a member of the first search team of communication efforts coordinator during the recovery operation for the Space Shuttle Columbia accident.“

Gillette’s citation reads: “For embodying with exceptional grace and timeless devotion, unwavering dedication, selflessness, and commitment to public service.”

Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche and JSC Director of Engineering Julie Kramer accepts the Exceptional Public Service Medal on behalf of Marsha Cooper.

Gay and fellow ‘Remembering Columbia’ Museum board member Vickie Thomas attended the ceremony virtually. Cooper was unable to attend, so Julie Kramer, who is JSC Director of Engineering and a friend of Cooper, accepted the award on her behalf.

Dr. Estella Hernández Gillette and JSC Director Vanessa Wyche.

The Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum ‘Remembering Columbia’ serves as a memorial to the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy and as an educational facility dedicated to creating science and technology-inspiring learning opportunities for children and adults. Learn more at www.NASAColumbiaMuseum.com.

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Published by 'Remembering Columbia' Museum

The Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum 'Remembering Columbia,' located in Hemphill, Texas, serves as a memorial to the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy and as an educational facility dedicated to creating science and technology-inspiring learning opportunities for children and adults.