By Jim Siegel
COLUMBUS – Port Columbus International Airport could soon get a new name, honoring an Ohio-born hero known for his groundbreaking flights.
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If things progress as expected this week in the Statehouse, passengers will soon be flying out of the John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
What better tribute, some say, for the decorated Marine Corps and Air Force aviator who flew in two wars, broke the transcontinental speed record in 1957 as a test pilot and in 1962 became the first American to orbit the earth.
“I can’t think of a more fitting honor,” said Dale Butland, a veteran Democratic strategist who worked with Glenn in the U.S. Senate for 20 years in roles including press secretary and Ohio chief of staff.
Combining his wartime record, exploits in the early space program, political record as the state’s only four-term senator, and business career, “he’s led a pretty extraordinary life,” Butland said.
“And on top of all that he’s just a very nice person. I don’t think I ever met anyone who handled fame better than John Glenn.”
House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) has spearheaded the effort to honor Glenn, 94, who returned to space in 1998 at age 77 aboard the shuttle Discovery, making him the oldest person in space.
“I believe it is only fitting to rename the Port Columbus International Airport after him for his countless contributions to space exploration and to Ohio’s rich aviation history,” Rosenberger said. “There is no doubt that John Glenn is an American hero, and I am honored that we are taking steps to further secure his legacy here in our great state.”