Maj Gen Bolden and Artist Timothy D Thomas with Ever Vigilant artwork.
Photo Credit -
Ever Vigilant artwork on display for auction at Gathering Of Eagles banquette.
Photo Credit - Timothy D Thomas
Ever Vigilant by Timothy D Thomas, professionally framed by Jeff Kimball of Matted Memories and More, LLC, Pike Road, Alabama.
Ever Vigilant: American Bald Eagle finds a new home with Charles Bolden
Watercolor Artist Timothy D. Thomas Honored at Gathering of Eagles Foundation Banquet and Fundraiser
Montgomery, AL – May 2025 — Renowned watercolor artist and U.S. Navy veteran Timothy D. Thomas was honored at the 2025 Gathering of Eagles Foundation Banquet and Fundraiser for his artistic and patriotic contribution to this year’s commemorative celebration. His striking watercolor painting, Ever Vigilant: American Bald Eagle, was the centerpiece of the evening’s silent auction and was acquired by none other than retired Marine Corps Major General Charles F. Bolden Jr.—a decorated pilot, NASA astronaut, former NASA Administrator, and 2025 Gathering of Eagles inductee.
Held annually, the Gathering of Eagles event celebrates the lives and legacies of aerospace pioneers, military heroes, and leaders who have advanced aviation and space exploration. This year's banquet brought together service members, veterans, leaders, and community supporters in recognition of the honorees and the enduring spirit of service they embody.
Thomas’s painting, Ever Vigilant, captures the unwavering gaze of the American Bald Eagle, symbolizing courage, strength, and watchful guardianship—qualities embodied by General Bolden’s career in both military service and space exploration. The painting, rendered in Thomas’s luminous watercolor style, stood out as both a tribute to American resilience and a poignant reminder of the values the Gathering of Eagles Foundation seeks to uphold.
“It was an incredible honor to contribute to such a meaningful cause,” said Thomas. “To know that Ever Vigilant now belongs to Major General Bolden, a true American hero, is both humbling and inspiring.”
General Bolden, who has logged over 680 hours in space across four shuttle missions and led NASA from 2009 to 2017, expressed admiration for the painting’s symbolism and Thomas’s artistry. As the 2025 Gathering of Eagles honoree, Bolden’s acquisition of Ever Vigilant further united the evening’s themes of legacy, service, and vision.
Proceeds from the auction support the Foundation’s educational programs, which aim to inspire future generations through the stories of aviation and aerospace trailblazers.
Timothy D. Thomas, whose work often bridges the worlds of art, military service, and education, continues to paint with a purpose. His watercolor works, often depicting wildlife and American themes, reflect a deep commitment to both his craft and country.
For more information about Timothy D. Thomas and upcoming exhibitions or artwork, please visit www.timothydthomas.us.
Bolden, Charles F. Jr
Major General Bolden is the first African American Marine to serve as a NASA Space Shuttle pilot and commander. He successfully completed four missions, flying aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia (1986), Space Shuttle Discovery (1990), Space Shuttle Atlantis (1992) and Space Shuttle Discovery (1994). He left the space program having logged more than 680 hours in space. Throughout his career, he has logged more than 6,000 flying hours in over 30 different fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
As a young A-6A Intruder pilot in 1972-73, then-Captain Bolden flew more than 100 combat missions in Southeast Asia with the "Hawks" of VMA(AW)-533. He became the first black Marine to pilot and command the space shuttle, flying four missions aboard Columbia (1986), Discovery (1990 and 1994) and Atlantis (1992), and accumulating more than 680 hours in space. Throughout his career, he logged more than 7,000 flying hours in more than 30 different fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, ultimately reaching the rank of major general.
On 3 February 1994, Bolden and the STS-60 crew welcomed the first Russian cosmonaut aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. With the participation of Sergei Krikalyov as a mission specialist crew member, this historic mission was the first involving a joint-American/Russian Space Shuttle crew. The flight also carried Space Habitation Module-2 (SPACEHAB) and the Wake Shield Facility. While in space, the crew conducted a number of joint science activities culminating with 130 Earth orbits. The mission ended successfully on February 11 1994, with touch down at the Kennedy Space Center.
Gathering Of Eagles
The Gathering of Eagles Foundation is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that aims to preserve the United States Air Force’s legacy through the celebration of 75 years of Airpower and empowerment of youth in Alabama’s River Region. The GOE Foundation provides financial support to enhance Air Command and Staff College’s Gathering of Eagles program, an annual educational event geared to allow the local community and military members to learn from and honor men and women (our Eagles) who have made significant contributions to air, space, and cyberspace power. For over 40 years, Eagles have shared their stories with ACSC in an effort to inspire future leaders to achieve greatness. Additionally, the GOE Foundation works with community leaders to promote educational opportunities for River Region youth and support community initiatives such as Civilian Air Patrol and Starbase. Finally, the GOE Foundation provides annual scholarships to ROTC cadets and River Region youth interested in aviation and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
In addition to displaying finished works, the studio functions as a hub for demonstrations, workshops, and one-on-one sessions, where Timothy shares his techniques and artistic process with others. Through the online studio, enthusiasts can access virtual classes, tutorials, and exclusive insights, making his expertise available to a broader audience. Whether visiting the gallery or engaging online, the studio invites others to learn, appreciate, and be inspired by the world of watercolor.
