Eugene (KMTR) - When Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off next month a Eugene native will be the pilot.
James Dutton, 41, will be part of Discovery's crew for the April 5th launch.
Dutton attended Sheldon High, Cal Young Middle, and Meadowlark Elementary Schools.
His 13-day mission takes him to the International Space Station to deliver supplies, new sleeping quarters, and lab equipment.
Tuesday, Colonel Dutton told NewsSource 16 this trip is something he's dreamed of since he was ten years old.
That’s why his advice for kids is to dream: “I really encourage kids to dream big, to find out what they love to do and pursue that, and to enjoy the journey. Don't fill your life with pressure, and certainly, don't live under the illusion that the only way you can be happy is by achieving that high dream, because I don't believe that's true. You need to be happy along the way, to be able to enjoy the day-to-day process of getting there.”
The Space Shuttle program is supposed to retire this fall, with just four more missions planned.
Dutton says he hopes people appreciate the contributions the program has made.
