NEW CASTLE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Del. -- On October 15th, 2020, the Delaware National Guard celebrated the life and legacy of a true warrior and pioneer Maj. Gen. Carol Timmons, who passed away earlier this year.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions the military memorial was delayed ensuring proper protocol and safety measures were taken.
With a Delaware Air National Guard C-130 Hercules as a backdrop, the event hosted many family members, friends, co-workers and VIPs. Distinguished guests included Delaware Governor John Carney, Senator Tom Carper, former Delaware National Guard TAG Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala (ret.), and Maj. Gen. Timmons’ widow, Dr. Lynn Wass.
To begin the ceremony, Chaplain Anthony Giamello delivered an affective and poignant homily. After a DE ANG C-130 flew a perfectly timed low pass over the crowd, each VIP took to the podium to reflect on their personal memories and admiration for MG Timmons and thank her for a lifetime of service and dedication to the state and nation.
"General Timmons was a pioneer as a helicopter pilot and the first female Adjutant General of the Delaware National Guard. She was the epitome of a public servant. She was also just a kind, decent person who put others before herself and lived a life of service. Tracey and I are thinking about General Timmons’ family and many friends during this difficult time," said Governor John Carney.
Timmons received her Air Force pilot wings from Vance AFB, Oklahoma in 1985. A decorated veteran of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Joint Guard, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve, she had been awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star.
Maj. Gen. Michael Berry, DNG’s current TAG, spoke on Timmons’ impact on anyone she came in contact with, regardless of rank, gender or background.
"I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that everyone here today, or watching online, was a VIP to Carol," Berry said. "She truly understood the importance of everyone on our team. She had the art and the knack of making sure that we were all recognized, and heard."
Timmons was a trailblazer and inspiration for women in the military, especially those aspiring to become pilots. She served as the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs Representative to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services. According to their website, the Committee is composed of civilian women and men appointed by the Secretary of Defense to provide advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment, retention, employment, integration, well-being, and treatment of servicewomen in the Armed Forces.
The ceremony was capped off with the unveiling of artwork painted on the fuselage of the C-130 naming MG Carol Timmons the Delaware National Guard 2020 Honoree of the year.
She will forever be remembered by her humble leadership style, and her love of her Citizen Soldiers and Citizen Airmen.