State-Of-The-Union Guest: Astronaut Mark Kelly

Former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly, the husband of critically wounded U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, will be a guest of First Lady Michelle Obama at the Capitol tonight when President Barack Obama delivers his 2012 State Of The Union address.

A White House list of the First Lady's special guests calls Kelly "an American astronaut, retired US Navy Captain, best-selling author, and an experienced naval aviator who flew combat missions during the Gulf War."

"The winner of many awards, including the Legion of Merit, two Defense Superior Service Medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses, Kelly was selected as an astronaut in 1996. He flew his first of four missions in 2001 aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour, the same space shuttle that he commanded on its final flight in May 2011. He has also commanded Space Shuttle Discovery and is one of only two individuals who have visited the International Space Station on four different occasions.

"Already a celebrated American, Kelly became the center of international attention after the January 2011 assassination attempt on his wife, US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. In their best-selling memoir, Gabby, the couple shares their story of hope and resilience with the world."

Check out the full list at the bottom left of THIS PAGE.