GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 17th Training Wing chapel staff hosted Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John Tillery’s, 17th TRW, retirement ceremony at the Taylor Chapel June 10.
“Lt. Col. John F. Tillery distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as wing chaplain, 17th Training Wing,” said Chaplain (Capt.) Bryan Fox, 17th Training Wing and master of ceremonies. “The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lt. Col. Tillery culminate a distinguished career in the service of country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”
Col. Michael Downs, 17th TRW Commander, retired Tillery from active duty and presented him with the Meritorious Service Medal third oak leaf cluster. He also presented him and his wife with a citation and commemorative plate from Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Dondi Costin, Air Force Chaplain Service Chaplain Corps Chief.
“I find it ironic that as a young man I wanted to take up arms and I wanted to fight in Vietnam, as my brother had, only to find myself fighting a different war, a spiritual one,” said Tillery. “That almost cost me my life. Looking back truly I am stunned to how insensitive to life I was. Suffice to say, I count one of life’s little miracles that I was not dead by the age of 20.”
Downs also presented Tillery with a letter of appreciation from former President George W. Bush. Tillery’s wife pinned on his retiree pin and she received a certificate of appreciation for her volunteerism on base from Col. Christopher Harris, 17th Mission Support Group Commander. His wife also received the President’s Life Time Volunteer Service Award Certificate signed by President Barack Obama.
Tillery received a flag flown over Iraq with a cavalry unit, which was then placed in a shadow box. To mark the end of the ceremony, Tillery’s wife and daughters led the Air Force Hymn for the room to chime in with as Tillery was officially retired from Air Force active duty.
“I thought it was impactful even in this space that he was taking every moment still to touch people,” said Tillery’s daughter. “That just speaks to how wonderful my father is.”