OKLAHOMA CITY – Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, and Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, today issued a statement commenting on the passing of General Thomas P. Stafford.
'Today is a sad day for our state and nation as we mourn the loss of Gen. Thomas P. Stafford,' McCall said. 'His service to our country inspired generations who came after to dream big and reach for the stars. His commitment to public outreach through the Apollo Program allowed millions of Americans to experience the wonder of space, something that has continued at the Stafford Air & Space Museum that shares his name. My sincere condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. He was a truly great Oklahoman and will be missed.'
Gen. Thomas P. Stafford was an American Air Force officer, test pilot and NASA astronaut, and one of 24 astronauts who flew to the Moon. He also served as Chief of the Astronaut Office from 1969 to 1971.
'General Stafford played an instrumental role in leading humanity to the stars,' Moore said. 'As a little boy growing up in western Oklahoma, he had no idea the immense impact he would eventually have on space exploration. His storied career opened unprecedented horizons of scientific exploration and brought a new understanding of our universe. His hometown of Weatherford and all of western Oklahoma have remained and always will be eternally proud to call him one of our own, and I pray that his loved ones find peace during this time.'
After graduating from the United States Naval Academy, Stafford was commissioned in the United States Air Force, flying the F-86 Sabre before becoming a test pilot. He was selected to become an astronaut in 1962, and flew aboard Gemini 6A in 1965 and Gemini 9A in 1966. In 1969, Stafford served as the commander of Apollo 10, the second crewed mission to orbit the Moon. On the mission he, along with Gene Cernan, became the first to fly an Apollo Lunar Module in lunar orbit, descending to an altitude of nine miles.
Born in Weatherford, OK on Sept. 17, 1930, Stafford attended Weatherford High School and went on to play football at the University of Oklahoma and attend the United States Naval Academy. He was 93.
Rep. Hefner Champions Safety for Vulnerable Communities with Two Landmark Bills OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, spearheaded significant legislative strides in safeguarding Oklahoma's vulnerable communities with the passage of two pivotal bills through the House Floor. These legislative measures respond to pressing concerns within the disability community, particularly in the wake of alarming allegations of abuse towards patients with intellectual disabilities and mental illnesses at a prominent facility in Enid.
HB 3797 marks a pivotal step toward ensuring the protection of our state's most vulnerable individuals by mandating the notification of the Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Oklahoma’s Protection and Advocacy System, whenever reports of abuse or neglect emerge. Hefner emphasized the importance of streamlining information flow across agencies, asserting, 'When abuse occurs, reports may be dispersed across multiple agencies, hindering effective response efforts. This bill facilitates comprehensive monitoring and tracking of reports, ultimately safeguarding families and ensuring the well-being of their loved ones.'
Meanwhile, HB 3793 addresses the critical need for age-appropriate and secure environments to facilitate the effective treatment of children and adolescents. This legislation mandates that facilities catering to this demographic are tailored to meet their safety and developmental requirements. Hefner underscored the significance of these provisions, stating, 'Establishing age-appropriate and secure environments is fundamental for delivering effective treatment. These facilities must cater to the safety and developmental needs of younger individuals, offering age-appropriate activities and supervision. Segregating children and adults also serves to mitigate potential risks of abuse.'
Both bills have cleared the House and are poised to advance to the Senate, with HB 3797's Senate author being Senate Minority Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, and HB 3793's Senate author being Senator Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan.
With these legislative initiatives, Hefner demonstrates unwavering commitment to championing the rights and safety of Oklahoma's vulnerable communities, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and protective environment for all.