Major General Charles Bolden with one of his cousins Tommye Martin McMillan Many relatives, classmates from C.A. Johnson, friends and long- time supporters from S.C., Florida, New York, Tennessee, Maryland, and Philadelphia attended the confirmation hearing for Major Gen. Charles F. Bolden Jr. July 8, 2009. Around 3 pm, after a brief recess, Senator Rockefeller presided over the hearing and began asking specific questions regarding Major Gen. Bolden's plans to re- energize the current space program under NASA.

Many family members and friends were in the overflow conference room at the Russell Building viewing the hearing. Senators who spoke in support of Major Gen. Bolden included Sen. Bill Nelson, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson- Lee, and Congressman James Clyburn.

After the hearing, family members and friends gathered at the Westin Hotel in Washington to celebrate Major Gen. Bolden's accomplishments during a special recognition dinner. Tommye Martin McMillan, first cousin of Bolden's, spoke and reflected on his early accomplishments and challenges as a scholar seeking admission into the Naval Academy.

(l- r) Christina Young, Bruce James Martin, and Donna Jean Martin- Young, all cousins of Major General Charles Bolden At the end of the dinner, Congressman James Clyburn made a surprise visit and addressed the group. Afterwards, his classmates from C.A. Johnson High School gathered in a circle and sang the high school alma mater.

We received the great news on July 16, 2009, that Major General Charles F. Bolden Jr. was appointed to head NASA.