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Fairborn Grad Embarks on First Space Mission

Posted on: Saturday, 8 March 2008, 00:00 CST

By Christopher Magan Staff Writer

FAIRBORN -- If all goes as planned, a Fairborn son will soon pilot the space shuttle Endeavor into the heavens.

Col. Gregory Johnson is preparing for the Tuesday, March 11, launch of Endeavor, which will be his first space mission.

The crew will carry the first piece of a Japanese laboratory called "Kibo" to the International Space Station. A February launch date was scrapped because shuttle Atlantis arrived home late.

Tuesday's launch is something Johnson, a 1980 valedictorian of Fairborn Park Hills High School, has been preparing for all his life.

""He's like a kid in a candy store," said Bob D'Epiro, a former high school band instructor who has remained friends with his former first chair trumpet player.

After graduating from Fairborn, Johnson went on to the Air Force Academy, Columbia University, test pilot training and was selected by NASA in 1998, according to the space agency.

He's flown more than 4,000 hours in 40 different aircraft.

"From what I can remember, this is what he always wanted to do," D'Epiro said.

The former band instructor will join a host of Fairborn residents heading south to Cape Canaveral to watch the shuttle lift off at 2:28 a.m. Tuesday. Included in the group are a number of science teachers from Fairborn schools.

Students across the district have been learning about Johnson's mission and career, said Pam Gayheart, district spokeswoman. City officials recently posted signs at community gateways honoring Johnson.

Students and residents will meet with the astronaut at an event set for spring after Johnson returns from space.

"He's really looking forward to the adventure," D'Epiro said.

Source: Dayton Daily News

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