The Dream of Achievement

Pilots work to establish memorial, scholarship to honor fallen astronaut

2/24/2009 10:37 a.m.

Shortly before Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson flew aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, he said in a televised interview: "This is what I've wanted to do since I was a little kid. I urge you all to remember that if you apply yourself, work hard to be persistent and don't give up, you can achieve anything you want to achieve."

A Washington native, Anderson was one of seven crew members who lost their lives aboard the Columbia on Feb. 1, 2003. Anderson's dream, however, lives on.

Seven Alaska Airlines pilots have been involved in a fundraising campaign since June 2007 in conjunction with the Museum of Flight in Seattle to honor Anderson's dedication to flight and space.

With the goal of raising $150,000, the campaign will place a bronze statue of Anderson in a new, permanent aerospace exhibit at the museum. The proposed design features Anderson in his space suit, kneeling with his right arm extended upward to represent his lifelong dream of space flight.

Their efforts have received a boost from Alaska Airlines, which is donating $10,000 toward the statue.

The campaign will also establish the Michael Anderson Aerospace Scholarship for Children of Color, enabling underserved youngsters to participate in scholarly programs at the Museum of Flight in science, technology, engineering and math.

The Alaska Airlines Foundation, which contributes to educational efforts, is donating $25,000 to help fund the scholarship.

"Following the example Anderson set in his life, the summer camps hope to encourage and inspire careers in aerospace," said First Officer Ron Limes, one of the campaign's organizers at Alaska. "It's a great opportunity, and we're hoping to get people within the company onboard."

The Michael P. Anderson Memorial Aerospace Scholarship Fund is accepting donations at all levels. For more information, visit www.michaelandersonmemorialstatue.org.