Charles F. Bolden Jr. received a bachelor of science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and a master of science degree in systems management from the University of Southern California. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, Maryland.

He has received honorary doctorates from several distinguished universities. He was a space shuttle pilot astronaut for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for 14 years, flying four space missions. Bolden was assigned deputy commanding general, 1MEF, Marine Forces, Pacific in 1997. He served as commanding general, 1MEF (FWD) for Operation Desert Thunder in Kuwait from February to June 1998. In July 1998, he was promoted to major general serving as the commanding general of the Third Marine Aircraft Wing.

Bolden retired from the United States Marine Corps on January 1, 2003, after serving more than 34 years. He has been awarded a number of military and NASA decorations. He is currently the senior vice president of TechTrans International, Inc. He is married to the former Alexis Walker, and together they have a son, Major A. Che' Bolden, USMC, a daughter, Kelly M. Bolden, and two beautiful granddaughters, Mikaley and Kyra.

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