Wing vice commander retires after 30 years Published June 16, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVER BASE, Ind. -- For a man who made it a point to remember everyone's name, his retirement ceremony was packed with what seemed like everyone who remembered him. Col. Timothy Cox was surrounded by family, friends, coworkers and those he influenced throughout his career as he retired as the 434th Air Refueling Wing vice commander in a heart-warming ceremony at Grissom May 14. Colonel Cox began his 30-year Air Force career in 1981 after receiving his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind. After graduating from undergraduate pilot training at Vance Air Force Base, Okla., he attended KC-135 Combat Crew Training at Castle Air Force Base, Calif. In 1983 he was assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, where he served as a KC-135 co-pilot and aircraft commander. The then Captain Cox transferred to the 64th Flying Training Wing at Reese Air Force Base, Texas, in 1986 where he was a T-38 Talon instructor pilot, academic instructor, class commander and wing safety officer. In 1989, he transferred to the Air Force Reserve and became a KC-135 aircraft commander, instructor pilot and evaluator pilot before being named as the 74th Air Refueling Squadron Commander in 2005. It was in 2007 that Col. Cox became the 434th ARW vice commander where he was responsible for assisting the wing commander in the management, training, and command and control of one of the key aerial refueling wings in the Air Force Reserve Command. During the retirement ceremony, Col. William T. "Tim" Cahoon, 434th ARW commander, presented Colonel Cox with a Meritorious Service Medal as well as a certificate of retirement and a certificate of appreciation from President Barack Obama. And though Colonel Cox was showered with praises and thanks as speakers took their turns remembering his Air Force career, perhaps the biggest sense of appreciation was felt as Colonel Cox brought his wife and three sons on stage separately to thank each one of them for their support of his career. Mrs. Cox also received a certificate of appreciation along with the Military Spouse Medal. While the colonel retired from his military career, he said he still plans on continuing his civilian career for the next few years as an airline pilot flying the Boeing 777. Col. Bryan Reinhart succeeds Colonel Cox as the 434th ARW vice commander. The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
