When the 2009 Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce (GTACC) Holiday Parade, Holidays Around the World, takes off this Nov. 21, an experienced astronaut will be leading the way. Ret. United States Air Force Col. Steven Nagel, a former NASA astronaut, will serve as grand marshal of the parade.

Nagel recently confirmed his attendance and added that his 9-year-old daughter, Lauren, will be joining him.

At left, Steven Nagel, retired United States Air Force colonel and former NASA astronaut, will serve as grand marshal of this year’s Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade.

“I am very pleased and honored to be the grand marshal of the Tomball Holiday Parade,” Nagel said. 

The former Air Force fighter pilot first flew for NASA as a mission specialist on the Shuttle Discovery in June 1985, then piloted the West German D-1 Spacelab mission in October 1985. On his third flight in 1991, Nagel was commander of the Shuttle Atlantis.

In all, Nagel completed four flights and spent a total of 723 hours in space.

Prior to his NASA career, Nagel was the recipient of the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters, both awarded for individual acts of heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.

After his retirement in 1995, Nagel was named Deputy Director for Operations Development, Safety, Reliability, and Quality Assurance Office for the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

GTACC Holiday Parade Chair Janie Aud-Riney said she is thrilled to have Nagel serve as grand marshal.

“I am elated that Col. Nagel and his daughter are coming to be a part of our annual parade,” she said. “What a fitting pair: Nagel and this year’s parade theme, Holidays Around the World.”

The application deadline for the Greater Tomball Chamber of Commerce 44th Annual Tomball Holiday Parade on Saturday, Nov. 21, is nearing.  Applications to participate in this year’s parade are due Oct. 16 and are available at the Chamber offices, 29201 Quinn Rd., and online at www.tomballchamber.org.

The GTACC 2009 Tomball Holiday Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Nov. 21 on Main Street.

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