Maj. Gen. Carol Timmons, Delaware’s adjutant general from 2017 to 2019 died at age 62 yesterday August 2, 2020.
General Timmons began her military career in 1977 as an enlisted member in the Delaware Air National Guard, and was the first female air policeman for the 166h Airlift Wing. She then transferred to the Delaware Army National Guard, earning her commission in 1980 from Officer Candidate School, Fort Benning, Georgia.
In 1981 she earned her Army pilot wings from Fort Rucker, Alabama and in 1985 she was awarded her Air Force pilot wings from Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma.
General Timmons is a veteran of numerous contingencies and seven deployments, to include Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Joint Guard, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve. Her deployed experience includes Commander of the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, Deputy Commander of the 455th Operations Group and Director of Mobility Forces, United States Air Forces Central Command.
General Timmons accrued more than 5,000 flight hours in the C-130H “Hercules”, C-141 “Starlifter” and the UH-1 “Huey” including more than 400 combat flight hours.
Timmons was a trailblazer for women in the military and the Delaware National Guard. She was one of the first female combat pilots, the first female brigadier general, then adjutant general in the Delaware National Guard. She also chaired the Delaware National Guard’s Joint Diversity Executive Council, and is a member of the Delaware Aviation’s Hall of Fame.
Timmons served for more than 42 years in the military.
“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,” said Governor John Carney. “She served her state and country for more than four decades in the Guard, rising to the position of Adjutant General. General Timmons had the respect of her colleagues and Delawareans up and down our state. 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.”
She will forever be remembered by her humble leadership style, and her love of her Citizen Soldiers and Citizen Airmen.
“Our Delaware National Guard Family has lost a true American Hero,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Berry, Delaware Guard’s current Adjutant General who assumed command from Timmons in March 2019. “Maj. Gen. Carol Timmons personified excellence while serving in our Profession of Arms. She was a true warrior who understood the importance that each service member plays in the defense of our Nation and our way of life. She ensured all members of her team had a voice and always put the welfare of her military family members ahead of her own. She was an outstanding officer, leader and role model, and her dedication to our State and Country will be missed.”
U.S. Senator Chris Coons released the following statement on the passing of Air Force Maj. Gen. Carol A. Timmons.
“With a career spanning 42-plus years of service, Carol Timmons rode many first waves along her journey from second lieutenant to major general with the Delaware National Guard,” Senator Coons said. “Carol’s quiet confidence and determination propelled her to the position of a well-respected leader of leaders. She was deeply sincere and positive, and she had a unique gift for making those around her feel valued and appreciated. A decorated aviator devoted to her country, her family, and her fellow airmen, Carol trailblazed her way over the clouds and onto countless airfields in far-reaching corners of the world. During her remarkable career, she carried with her the principles of fairness, kindness, and equality. Annie and I are heartbroken by Carol’s passing, and we pray for Lynn and the rest of their family and friends. May Carol be remembered always as a genuinely humble, good-natured, and decent person.”
Timmons was a veteran of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Joint Guard, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. In 2008, she earned a Bronze Star Medal for her service commanding a combat deployment in Afghanistan. She also earned both Army and Air Force pilot wings, flying both helicopters and cargo aircraft.
In February 2017, Maj. Gen. Timmons, serving as adjutant general of the Delaware National Guard, joined Sen. Coons as his guest at the State of the Union Address. Carol Timmons, who also flew passenger aircraft for both Pan Am and United Airlines, died August 2. She was 62 years old.”
Source: Delaware National Guard and Sen Coons Office