A fundraiser for the Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum On Thursday, August 4 you can meet retired Viroqua, Wisconsin astronaut Mark Lee! The Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum in Sparta, Wisconsin will be having a fundraiser dinner with a presentation by Mark at the American Legion in Sparta. You will be able to ask him questions, take pictures, and get an autograph. This is a night you do not want to miss! Retired astronaut Mark Lee was born and raised in Viroqua, Wisconsin. After graduating from Viroqua High School, he attended the United States Air Force Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He later earned a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering at MIT. In 1984 Mark was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate. Upon finishing his one-year training and evaluation program, he was qualified to be a mission specialist on future Space Shuttle crews. During his 17 years with NASA Mark flew 4 space shuttle missions, traveled over 13 million miles, went around the world 517 times, spent 33 days in orbit, and did 4 spacewalks totaling 26 hours. Mark retired from the Air Force and NASA in 2001. Tickets for the event are $40 each. Dinner will be a buffet with a choice of entrée, broasted chicken or baked ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, salad, and roll. The event is being held at the American Legion, 1116 Angelo Rd, Sparta, WI. Tickets are available on our website dekeslaytonmuseum.org.