The Congressional Medal of Honor is our nation's highest award for valor during combat. Citations given with the award typically include language such as "... conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty."

Unfortunately, when it comes to making the hard decisions required to develop efficient, effective, and affordable space transportation, some members of Congress demonstrate a total lack of courage and bravery when under fire from their constituents to save their jobs.  Instead, they would rather meddle in the affairs of an emerging industry that they see only as a threat to their districts.

Early this year I asked in an opinion piece in the Raleigh News & Observer, "Is North Carolina losing the commercial space race?" The answer was an unequivocal "Yes."

Now, thanks to the visionary leadership of Dr. J. Anthony Sharp, director of aviation science at Elizabeth City State University, and Bill Greuling, Vice President of the North Carolina Aerospace Alliance, our state has taken an important step toward getting in the race.

Why is this important?