Carol A. Timmons facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carol A. Timmons
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| Born | January 2, 1958 |
| Died | (aged 62) |
| Buried |
Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Air Force Delaware Air National Guard Delaware Army National Guard |
| Years of service | 1980–2019 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands held | Delaware National Guard Delaware Air National Guard 166th Operations Group 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron 142d Airlift Squadron |
| Battles/wars | Gulf War Iraq War War in Afghanistan |
| Awards | Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal |
Major General Carol A. Timmons (January 2, 1958 - August 2, 2020) was an important American military leader. She was the first woman to become a general in the Delaware National Guard. From 2017 to 2019, she was the Adjutant General of Delaware. This means she was the top military officer for the state.
Contents
Becoming a Military Leader
Early Life and Training
Carol A. Timmons was born in New Castle, Delaware. She finished high school in 1977. Soon after, she joined the Delaware Air National Guard. She was the first woman to be part of their Security Police Squadron.
In 1980, she went to Officer Candidate School. The next year, she earned her Army Aviator Wings. She learned to fly helicopters at Fort Rucker, Alabama. She then became a UH-1 helicopter pilot for the Delaware Army National Guard.
Becoming an Air Force Pilot
In 1985, Timmons earned her Air Force pilot wings. She flew C-141B planes for the U.S. Air Force Reserve. She was stationed at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey.
In 1993, Captain Timmons returned to the Delaware Air Guard. She became a pilot for the C-130H "Hercules" plane. She took on many roles, like aircraft commander and operations officer.
Rising Through the Ranks
In 2005, she became the commander of the 142d Airlift Squadron. Two years later, she led the 166th Operations Group. As a colonel, she helped lead the 166th Airlift Wing. She also directed the Joint Staff for the Delaware National Guard.
In April 2011, she was promoted to brigadier general. This made her the first female general officer in the history of the Delaware National Guard. She also worked as an assistant to the commander of the Air National Guard. In 2017, she became a major general. Delaware Governor Jack Markell chose her to be the state's Adjutant General.
Serving Her Country
Combat Missions
Major General Timmons served in many important military operations. These included Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Joint Guard, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve.
When she was deployed, she commanded the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. She also helped lead the 455th Operations Group. She was in charge of moving forces for the United States Air Forces Central Command.
Flying Hours and Awards
General Timmons was a highly skilled pilot. She flew over 5,200 hours in military planes. About 400 of these hours were during combat missions. She received more than 30 awards for her service. These included the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Air Medal.
Life Outside the Military
Commercial Pilot Career
In her civilian life, Carol Timmons was also a successful pilot. She worked as a captain for United Airlines. She flew 757 and 767 aircraft for them. From 1987 to 1991, she was a flight engineer for Pan American World Airways. In total, she flew over 10,000 hours in commercial planes.
Education and Recognition
General Timmons studied at Delaware Technical Community College. She earned both bachelor's and master's degrees from Wilmington University. She also graduated from the Air War College.
She has been honored for her achievements. She was inducted into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame. She is also in the Hall of Fame of Delaware Women.
