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Former astronaut and Lynchburg native Leland Melvin holds book signing

Former astronaut Leland Melvin greets fans at his book signing event at the Liberty Bookstore.

Just before 1:30 p.m. on Friday, a line had already formed around the clothing displays at the Liberty University Barnes & Noble Bookstore. Dressed in T-shirts with NASA logos and other space-themed clothing, dozens of people were excited to meet Lynchburg native and astronaut Leland Melvin, as he signed copies of his new book, “Chasing Space: An Astronaut’s Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances.”

One of the youngest fans was 4-year-old Myles Brown, who was grinning from ear to ear as he handed Melvin his copy of the book while mom, Sherita (’09, ’17), snapped a picture on her phone.

“Myles talks about how he wants to go to the moon every day,” Sherita Brown said. “I had to take him to meet the astronaut who’s been to space. It was an exciting car ride over here.”

It’s not the first time Melvin has come to Liberty’s campus. Melvin spoke to students at Convocation in April 2008, where he shared about how he overcame hearing loss from a training exercise to be declared medically approved for space travel. He was involved in two space missions; in 2008 and 2009 he served as a mission specialist on two flights aboard the Shuttle Atlantis, working on the International Space Station. Melvin retired in 2014 and returned to his hometown of Lynchburg.

“I remember walking the stage (at Liberty’s Convocation) and telling my story and what it was like in space,” Melvin said. “I’ll never forget when (Lynchburg) Mayor Joan Foster gave me this big hug that showed up in a picture in the newspaper. I never felt so much love and so much excitement.”

Melvin said a lot has changed on Liberty campus since he spoke in 2008, but he said he was glad to be back to share his story and encourage others.

“Liberty has such an influence on the community, and it’s incredible,” he said. “I think about all the changes in space industry, too, since I’ve been here. We’ve retired the space shuttle. The last time I was here, we were still flying it. Now the space shuttle’s gone. It’s in museums now.”

Leland Melvin shares a hug with a woman at the book signing event on Friday.

“Chasing Space” tells Melvin’s incredible story, but also the stories of many men and women, scientists and mentors who helped him defy the odds. Melvin said one of the biggest lessons he wants readers to learn from his book is how to have the grit and grace to overcome any obstacles life throws at you.

“If you have faith and believe, then you get through some really, really incredible things. It’s not the destination, it’s the journey. There have been times where I’ve asked God, ‘Why are you doing this to me? What’s going on?’ and still have to be faithful to keep that journey going.”

It’s a message Melvin strives to give back to his own community. Throughout his career, he has spoken in Lynchburg area schools to encourage interest in STEM learning and inspire students to follow their passions.

For Lynchburg teachers and Liberty alumni Kirsten Filiberto (’09,’13) and Melissa Schools (’12), Melvin’s message has not only inspired their students, but has also encouraged themselves to be better teachers.

Both Filiberto and Schools teach at Perrymont Elementary School, where Melvin attended as a child. In the hallway sits a case filled with pictures and mementos of Melvin’s accomplishments.

“Every time the kids get down on themselves, I tell them to remember what Mr. Leland was able to do,” Schools said.

“Leland is an inspiration,” Filiberto added. “The kids just get so excited whenever they see him and talk to him.”

As Myles skimmed through his newly autographed book, Sherita Brown said that she was happy that her alma mater wants to host events for the community.

“If the bookstore didn’t hold this event, I don’t think Myles would have ever gotten the chance to talk with a real astronaut,” she said. “It makes me proud to call Liberty home.”

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