The Municipality of Loški Potok awarded Ronald Šega with the title of honorary citizen ten years ago, but only now came the opportunity for him to personally receive the award.

At the age of 66, Šega is still active. As a retired US Major General and former Under Secretary of Air Force, who has published over 100 scientific papers, he teaches physics at the University of Colorado. Nevertheless, he has now found enough time to visit Europe and the birthplace of his ancestors.

Šega was thrilled with the welcome he received. "This visit is special for me in many ways, especially because I’ve brought my family here with me for the first time. I’m really excited when meeting my distant relatives, getting to know the places where my ancestors lived, and the wonderful church on top of the hill in Loški Potok where my grandparents got married."

Other astronauts of Slovene descent are Jerry Linenger, Sunita Williams and Randy Bresnik.