NASA Names Joe Acaba As First Person of Hispanic Heritage as Chief Astronaut

Veteran astronaut Joe Acaba made history when he was named chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Acaba is the first person of Hispanic heritage to be named chief astronaut, NASA said.

"As we build on the International Space Station's unparalleled success in lowEarth orbit with our eyes on the Moon and then Mars, Joe will play an integral role in ensuring our NASA astronauts are prepared for the challenges ahead," said Bill Nelson, NASA administrator.

Acaba, a California native, joined NASA in 2004, after serving as a reserve in the U.S. Marines. His first assignment with the agency was troubleshooting European Space Agency hardware with the Hardware Integration Team in the Space Station Branch.

The role of the chief astronaut is to assign crew members for future missions and manage resources and operations, according to NASA.

During his nearly 18-year career, Acaba has been part of three missions to space, spending 306 days outside of Earth's atmosphere. His first space mission was a journey to the International Space Sta - tion to deliver solar generating wings in 2009. He went on two spacewalks during this mission, according to his biography.

"Joe is an excellent leader who brings a wealth of experience to the Astronaut Office," said Norm Knight, NASA's director of flight operations. "Knowing the significance of this position and the integrity of those who have previously served, I am confident Joe will be an outstanding chief for the Astronaut Office who will successfully lead our astronauts through an exciting future."

Acaba replaces Drew Feustel, who has served as acting chief following the resignation of Reid Wiseman in 2022, NASA said.

Acaba is a distinguished graduate of the Texas Tech College of Education and a former science teacher.

Celebrate March as Month of the Family

Do you talk with your family? Do you share meals together or participate in group activities? Start now and join Parents Step Ahead in promoting family union and preserving values by designating one night a week to spend with your family.

Celebrate the Month of the Family by getting all family members together for weekly activities. Whether it is for 30 minutes or the whole day, take the time to enjoy and appreciate your family. Commit to family quality and quantity time. Make these activities a tradition that can be carried on to future generations. Schools, community organizations and businesses can also get involved by developing a series of messages and activities that focus on family unity throughout the month of March.

Visit the Parents Step Ahead website at www.parentsstepahead.org to see campaigns created to promote Month of the Family, get tips for family fun and to view videos promoting the importance of spending time with your family.

(En español, p. 20)

March Prayer

A Prayer For Today

Sacrificial Father, I confess to you that at times I am selfish. Other times my intentions are good but my follow through and faithfulness are lacking. Use your Spirit to empower and enable me to be what I hope to become to your glory. May your love be seen in my actions of genuine concern today. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." ~ 1 John 3:18

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