Columbia's own astronaut, Maj. Gen. Charles Bolden, bade a tearful goodbye Friday to the Marine Corps, retiring after 34 years of service that included four flights into space.

During a ceremony at the Miramar Air Station near San Diego, Bolden, 55, said all the honors and accomplishments accumulated during his long career couldn't match the two-year stint he served as commander of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

http://www.thestate.com/mld/state/20...ws/3836127.htm