U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for November 20

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20: FIRST AMERICAN INDIAN ASTRONAUT

Profile America — Saturday, November 20th.  One of the people noted during National American Indian Heritage Month is John Bennett Herrington, the first American Indian astronaut.  Born in Wetumka, Oklahoma, he became a naval aviator, then was  selected for the astronaut program. Herrington logged 330 hours aboard the space shuttle Endeavor, including almost 20 hours working outside the space craft.  He recently rode a bicycle across the country, speaking at schools to encourage students to study math and science.  Herrington is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw nation and active on its behalf.  He holds degrees in mathematics and aeronautical engineering, one of the 13 percent of American Indians and Alaska Natives to earn at least a bachelor's degree.  Profile America is in its 14th year as a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sources:  Chase's Calendar of Events, p.547

               National Aeronautics and Space Administration

               U.S. Census Bureau, Facts for Features, CB09-FF.20

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).  

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau