Space Forum / Shuttle / February 2005

Marta Metelko
Headquarters, Washington                              Feb. 17, 2005
(Phone: 202/358-1642)

Doug Peterson
Johnson Space Center, Houston
(Phone: 281/244-8406)

RELEASE: 05-050

NASA ASTRONAUT ALVIN DREW WAS BORN TO FLY

    Alvin Drew didn't always want to be an astronaut, but after watching
the Apollo 7 mission, he knew what he wanted to do with his life. At the
ripe old age of 5 and a half, Drew decided he wanted to fly in space.

Drew was born and raised in Washington. He credits his parents and teachers
with his success. They, according to Drew," had to suffer me most during my
growing up, but they also had the greatest influence. They impressed on me,
not only that I could do anything in life I wanted, but that I also had an
obligation to pursue things that inspired me."

Drew's flying career began at the United States Air Force Academy. He
received his commission as a second lieutenant in May 1984. He completed
Undergraduate Helicopter Pilot Training and earned his wings at Fort Rucker,
Ala. in March 1985.

His initial assignment was to the HH-3E helicopter flying combat rescue. He
transitioned to the MH-60G helicopter and was assigned to the Air Force
Special Operations Command. He flew combat missions in operations Just
Cause, Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Provide Comfort. He completed USAF
Fixed-Wing Qualification in April 1993 and the United States Naval Test
Pilot School in June 1994. He has commanded two flight test units and served
on the Air Combat Command Staff. He is a Command Pilot with 3000 hours
flying time in more than 30 types of aircraft.

In July 2000, Drew was selected as a mission specialist by NASA and reported
for training in August 2000. Following the completion of two years of
training and evaluation, he was assigned technical duties in the Astronaut
Office Station Operations Branch, Houston. He will serve in technical
assignments until assigned to a space flight.

Throughout his career, Drew has been awarded a number of special honors;
Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Medal; Aerial
Achievement Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal
with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Force Achievement Medal; Air Force Outstanding
Unit Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters; Combat Readiness Medal with 5 Oak Leaf
Clusters; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal;
Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters.

Drew has worked hard throughout to achieve his goals and advises young
people to,"...understand any goal is attainable, but it becomes a matter of
how hard you have to work at it. The sooner you know what you want to do or
want to be in life, and the sooner you start working at it, the more you can
spread out the work, so no one challenge is insurmountable. But, no matter
what your pursuits in life, having good habits in studying, staying fit and
healthy, and developing good character will always aid you on your journey."

For information about NASA and agency programs on the Internet, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

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