At the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex, David E. Bartine, chief technologist and associate director for the Spaceport Technology Development Office, reads a proclamation honoring John J. “Tip” Talone . The proclamation named April 3, 2004, in Knox County, Tenn., as John J. “Tip” Talone Jr. Day, in recognition of his being given the 2004 Debus Award. KSC’s Director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate, Talone was presented the award for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974.