Our nation suffered a great tragedy this past weekend when we lost the seven crewmembers of the Space Shuttle Columbia. Since then, citizens around the world have taken time from their busy schedules to pay their respects to the brave souls of the Columbia crew and to the loved ones they left behind.

HUD had the good fortune to work directly with Columbia Payload Commander Michael P. Anderson back in March 2000 during a HUD-NASA initiative designed to create excitement about math and science for youth living in HUD public and assisted housing. During a web cast on HUD's Neighborhood Networks web site, Lt. Col Anderson spoke to children from across the country on the importance of education and shared his experiences as an astronaut and a pilot.

The HUD family is deeply saddened by this national tragedy and we mourn the loss of those seven courageous heroes. Through their exploration of space, they sought to make earth a better place to live. They, the men and women of the Columbia crew, were pioneers and they did their jobs brilliantly. And like the Challenger crew before them, they understood the inherent dangers in space exploration. Yet they persevered.

Read the full statement by Secretary Martinez.

If you've ever dreamed of owning your own home, plan to take part in today's free HUD Employee Homeownership Fair. Beginning at 11 am in the Headquarters cafeteria, on HUD TV, and the Internet via a HUD web cast, YOU can get a head start on becoming a homeowner. Whether you work in a HUD field office or Headquarters, you'll learn that anyone with the desire - and just a little discipline - can become a homeowner.

The fair is open to all, but is especially intended for the Department's many potential first time homebuyers. The HUD Employee Homeownership Fair will demystify the home buying process, show you the ABC's of buying a home and give you the help and inspiration you need to live the American Dream. Beginning at 11 am EST, a variety of interesting and informative presentations will teach you the A-B-Cs of home buying - all about home financing; the importance of housing counseling, and much more. This is a unique opportunity for both Headquarters and the field, but if you're in HUD Headquarters, you can meet with representatives of 12 housing-related organizations and agencies following the presentations.

You'll find clearly written publications to take home and read - like HUD's popular "100 Questions and Answers about Buying a Home." (You also can read the publication on the Internet anytime simply by typing www.hud.gov/newhomebuyer into the URL box on your browser.)

Often overlooked by potential homebuyers is the importance of housing counseling. At the Homeownership Fair, you can meet with a counselor, or set up an appointment for a later time. On HUD's special Homeownership web site, you can get information about housing counselors across the nation. (You can get this and more great information on homeownership by typing www.hud.gov/homeownership into the "location" or URL box anytime of the day or night. Don't forget to share this easy-to-remember "homeownership" link with your family and friends.)

Don't miss your chance to take the first steps to live your own American Dream�today at 11 am Eastern Standard Time, 9 AM Pacific.