LI Air & Space Hall of Fame Honors Astronaut Mike Massimino

Photo Credit: Gene Lesserson L to R: Astronaut Mike Massimino, Newsday Editor in Chief, Deborah Henley, President Mid Island Air Service, Lou Mancuso, Jr.

NASA Astronaut and NY Times Bestselling Author, Michael J. Massimino, Aviation Pioneers & Developers, Louis & Connie Mancuso, and Aviatrix and Newsday Founder, Alicia Patterson were inducted into Long Island's Air & Space Hall of Fame, at the 10th Annual Induction Ceremony & Luncheon, presented by Curtiss-Wright Corporation, held on Thursday, June 21st, 2018 at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City.

The luncheon was well-attended by family, friends, colleagues, mentors, and local supporters of the three honorees. The acceptance speeches focused on similar themes of gratitude, passion, community, and perseverance.

Accepting for Newsday, Editor in Chief, Deborah Henley, recognized Alicia Patterson's vision and accomplishments as an aviatrix and publisher. "Alicia saw the future of post-war Long Island and championed the important role than Newsday would play. I know our owner Pat Dolan, who is with us today, shares Alicia's passions. He too is an avid pilot and fervent champion of Newsday's importance in the community. And at his Newsday in 2018, women hold positions as Publisher, Editor in Chief, Editorial Page Editor, Head of Advertising, and General Counsel. "

Lou Mancuso, Jr. accepting for his parents, Lou and Connie Mancuso, discussed the motivation and drive behind his Dad becoming a pilot and how his Dad used his training to help other pilots learn to fly, aiding in the war effort. He also spoke of his mom's incredible strength often referring to her as "The General". She too helped in the war effort, as a Rosie the Riveter for Republic Aviation.

NASA Astronaut, Mike Massimino, recognized the importance of having mentors and using local community resources to help him learn more about how to become an astronaut. He referenced the a summer day in 1985 when his mom showed him an article in Newsday about a Space Fair being held at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, that Massimino would later attend and meet other neighborhood locals with similar interests.

Each year the Long Island Air & Space Hall of Fame honors and inducts those individuals who have played a major role in advancing aeronautical and technological achievement. Proceeds generated from the luncheon support the Cradle of Aviation Museum’s efforts to educate school children throughout the region on the role that Long Island has played and will continue to play in aerospace history. “The LI Air & Space Hall of Fame serves as a major tool in our efforts to inspire a new generation of astronauts, pilots and engineers. The stories of many of our inductees shows that anything is possible,” said Andrew Parton, Executive Director, Cradle of Aviation Museum & Education Center.

Later in the evening, in conjunction with the Museum’s dynamic, multi-year “Countdown to Apollo at 50” program, which celebrates one of the greatest achievements in US History of man landing on the moon, NASA Astronaut, Michael J. Massimino held a Meet and Greet with Museum Members and free evening lecture to the public about his journey to become an astronaut and journey into space.