Oklahoman to be first American Indian in space

<br>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ When Cmdr. John Bennett Herrington was a boy, he played in a cardboard box and pretended that it was a vessel that would carry him into space. <br><br>When the space shuttle is

Tuesday, November 5th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ When Cmdr. John Bennett Herrington was a boy, he played in a cardboard box and pretended that it was a vessel that would carry him into space.

When the space shuttle is launched early Monday morning, Herrington's dream of space travel will be realized when he becomes the first American Indian astronaut.

Herrington is a registered Chickasaw and will carry a Chickasaw flag presented to him by Bill Anoatubby, Chickasaw Nation governor, among the few personal possessions he is allowed to take into space on the 11-day mission.

Born in Wetumka, Okla., Herrington's father taught him to fly an airplane when he was 14. Nearly 30 years later, his spaceship is no longer make believe.

``It was a dream, obviously, and the reality doesn't sink in until you've been here (NASA) for awhile, and it certainly sinks in this close to flight,'' Herrington said.

Herrington, 42, said he hopes he is breaking through certain stereotypes about American Indians.

``We (crewmembers) all have our cultural differences, but we have the same common interests,'' he said. ``The stereotypes still exist and I just realize that it is an opportunity for me to learn what people think and it is a chance for me to share what my culture is.''

Herrington said he's glad to be an inspiration to other Chickasaws.

``I'm really fortunate to be in a position where people can make a connection they might not have otherwise made (and say) 'Oh, he's an Indian, he's a Chickasaw. I didn't realize I could do that,''' Herrington said. ``That's a good thing.''

Several students and elders from within the Chickasaw Nation have been selected to attend the launching in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

Aviatrix Pearl Carter-Scott, also a Chickasaw Nation member, will be a special guest. Carter-Scott was taught to fly by legendary Oklahoma aviator Wiley Post when she was 12. A year later at 13, she obtained a pilot's license.

While at NASA, the members of the Chickasaw Nation will attend a symposium designed to discuss educational opportunities for students and to strengthen NASA's education partnerships with the American Indian community.