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Little did Pimentel know that his answer would allow him the opportunity of meeting a real astronaut who grew up in Franklin Square. When organizers announced the "Salute Parade" honoring Astronaut Michael Massimino, Alfano thought it would be a "perfect fit" to have the Gotham sixth grader meet a true American hero. "We called Diego to see if he wanted to meet Mike and talk to him and see someone who is doing exactly what he wants to," said Alfano.
This past Sunday, people lined the streets of Franklin Avenue to see the local hero come home and be greeted by an adoring community.
Pimentel, was Assemblyman Tom Alfano's guest at the parade where he introduced the sixth grader to Massimino. "When Massimino asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up, I said be just like him go into space," Pimentel said. Massimino interjected immediately "that's great!" and added "I grew up right here just like you and you can do anything you want."
Alfano introduced Pimentel to Massimino before the parade started. The NASA astronaut talked to him as marchers organized on Franklin Avenue. As they parted, Massimino gave Pimentel a special NASA patch that has a picture of the Space Shuttle and identifies the United States Space program. Massimino and Assemblyman Alfano encouraged Pimentel to keep working and studying. "Diego is a bright star in our community and I know the one of these days we'll be hearing great things about him," Alfano said.
Massimino grew up in Franklin Square and attended local schools. He was selected as an astronaut in 1996. His first mission was servicing the Hubble Telescope on the Space Shuttle Colombia. He performed two space walks totaling 14 hours.
