Mark Kelly retiring from NASA to be with wife

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and astronaut Mark Kelly. / AP

Astronaut Mark Kelly says he is retiring from NASA and the U.S. Navy to be with his wife, Rep. Gabrielle, as she continues her long recovery from a gunshot wound.

In a Facebook posting, Kelly says he has reached a "crossroads" in his life and is focused on spending time with his wife and daughters.

"Gabrielle is working hard every day on her mission of recovery. I want to be by her side," Kelly said. "Stepping aside from my work in the Navy and at NASA will allow me to be with her and with my two daughters. I love them all very much and there is no doubt that we will move forward together."

Kelly, who served in Operation Desert Storm and captained the Space Shuttle Endeavour's final mission during a 25-year career, said the decision to retire was not easy.

"Public service has been more than a job for me and for my family," he said.

Kelly added that after taking some time off, he will explore "new opportunities" to serve the country again.

Meanwhile, Giffords and Kelly announced Tuesday that they have a deal for a joint memoir. It is to be an intimate chronicle of everything from their careers and courtship to the Jan. 8 tragedy when a gunman shot Giffords in the head as she met with constitutents in Tucson, Arizona. Six people were killed in the attack and 12 others besides the congresswoman were wounded.

Gabrielle Giffords has deal for a memoir

"Since Jan. 8, it's been really touching to us to see how much support there is for Gabby and her recovery, and how much interest there is in how she's doing and her story," said Kelly.

[Noval53]

Politics aside for a moment. Here is a man that takes his wedding vows and promise seriously. He is there for his wife and family; for better or worse. Honor, integrity, loyalty, and strength of a good husband is considered rare in the world today; and real men such as this are often not recognized for what they do. In the world of politics and media, where real men of character are hard to find; Mark Kelly is a good man.

[rexrox2]

Dear bilrobi1, I too am very concerned about the BROWN SHORTS showing up, especially without a yellow tie. I think the group you're referring to are the BROWN SHIRTS. The ease at which you folks are able to dial-up any group from history to make your point about a contemporary issue is so farcical. STOP SOCIALISM'S comments are detailed and extensive. No doubt a mere "brown shirter", and you answer him with pity and disdain. Good for you!!

[stn_sage]

Well...when it comes right down to it,
what's more important?
Your job, or, the love of your life?!
He's resolved that issue and made his choice!
I doubt he'll regret his decision!

[TheKnowerseeker]

Gee, everything's a book deal nowadays.

[knucklecheese]

Hogwash! He's retiring because there isn't a job for him (or any other astronaut) there anymore! After the final shuttle mission, the days of manned space flight at NASA will be all but over. Although, I guess he could get a job as a "weather plane" pilot.

Nonetheless, it's good that he'll be home with his wife. I'm sure she needs him. I know I'd need my wife if I were in that poor lady's shoes! Godspeed to her and her recovery. I certainly hope she is able to return to her career. She's a good egg.

[hbevis]

NASA may be down for a bit but they are not going to go away. There will always be things to do out in space. The several space programs will continue on. There is much to be gained by knowing about space and what is out there.

[midwestkris]

He was a combat pilot in Operation Desert Storm. There is work for him if he wants it...but right now, he has other priorities. Good for him.

[credibility2]

God bless them both. "...for better or worse, in sickness and in health...". Kelly is a man who knows how to live his vows that he made to his wife.

[goffredo29]

Maybe this is a good opportunity to ask a question that I've not heard asked here or elsewhere. First, I was new someone who was dying from cancer. About a week before their death they appeared to lose the ability to talk. However, I always wondered why they (those taking care of her) didn't give her a keyboard or even a pencil in order to see if she could communicate. The same question arises here. All that time we were waiting to hear if Giffords could speak or not, was anyone giving her an alternative way to communicate such as a computer keyboard or even a pencil? The media was always careful never to bring that sort of question up because it would spoil the scenario they wanted to unfold. And, now, are they going to WRITE this memoir together or is he going to be the one actually writing it because she can't write?

[jose_z1]

so they are going to try to make money from being shot??

[hbevis]

Maybe, but what would you do?

[jose_z1]

She is a member of congress, so health care and retirement are taken care of. He is retired military with full benefits so he has income coming too& so its not like they NEED the money (yes you can always use more).. So they are making money from being shot or do they think that their 15 minutes is almost up and thus need to write a book to make it 20 minutes?

[zunitribe]

He never really had a choice, that is what you do for your wife.

[imnho]

I thak Mark Kelly for his long years of servicce to the public.