NASA astronaut to come to San Angelo for Hispanic Heritage Month banquet

Aaron McGuire
·2 min read
14

SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — From outer space to San Angelo, a former NASA astronaut is coming to our slice of West Texas for the Hispanic Heritage Museum and Cultural Center’s 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Banquet.

Dr. Jose M. Hernandez, a former NASA astronaut hailing from California, will be featured as the keynote speaker for the banquet. The event will take place in the McNease Convention Center on Sept. 16, with tickets to the occasion going on sale on June 6.

“As a city that thrives on cultural diversity, San Angelo recognizes the invaluable contributions of its Hispanic community,” the museum said. “The banquet is a key initiative in our efforts to foster an inclusive environment that celebrates and honors this rich heritage.”

The banquet will also celebrate local heroes through the presentation of prestigious awards and showcase vibrant cultural entertainment. To this end, the museum is accepting nominations for its distinguished awards on its website up until July 31.

“These awards recognize individuals in our community who have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, and commitment,” the museum said.

The museum is also seeking partnerships and sponsors for the banquet and for the development of the Hispanic Heritage Museum.

Hernandez’s journey from working in agriculture fields to exploring what lies beyond Earth is documented in “A Million Miles Away,” a biographical drama available on Amazon Prime. While at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, he also worked on advanced imaging technologies, including developing the first full-field digital mammography imaging system, which significantly advanced early breast cancer detection. His work earned him recognition awards and demonstrated the impact of applying space-age technology to medical advancements.

Hernandez also engaged in international diplomacy, representing Lawrence Livermore and the U.S. Department of Energy on Russian nuclear non-proliferation efforts.

“Join us in making the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Banquet a landmark event in the journey toward establishing the Hispanic Heritage Museum in West Texas,” the museum said. “Your support, attendance, and contributions are essential in bringing our shared vision to fruition, celebrating the culture, traditions, and achievements that form the fabric of our diverse community.”

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