The Conservative Cave
Current Events => General Discussion => Topic started by: formerlurker on January 18, 2009, 06:26:44 PM
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Air Force One Pilot Calls It Quits
Jan. 17, 2009
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(CBS) Try to guess how many flights President Bush has flown on Air Force One since taking office.
It’s 1,675 - more than 200 flights in each of the last eight years.
And on nearly all of those flights, Col. Mark Tillman, 51, was at the controls of Air Force One.
But now, he’s got just one mission left for George W. Bush - to fly him home to Texas on Tuesday as the former president. The aircraft will be the familiar 747-400 that routinely serves as Air Force One, but that won’t be its radio call-sign on Tuesday afternoon, since Mr. Bush will be out of office. The flight home is a military courtesy to the former commander-in-chief.
“It’ll end the president’s term in office and it’ll also end my tenure at Air Force One,†said Tillman in a radio interview with CBS News.
After flying Mr. Bush to every state in the country but Vermont, and on 49 foreign trips to 75 countries, many of them more than once, Tillman will be ending his 30-year career in the Air Force.
Bush nominated him for promotion to brigadier general, but the Senate Armed Services Committee never took action on it.
So the modest and soft-spoken Tillman will be leaving the military for a pilot’s job in the private sector. He concedes that “nothing will compete†with the experience of piloting Air Force One.
“I’ll have tremendous memories of growing up as a lieutenant and working my way to be President Bush’s pilot,†he said.
Those memories include his most stressful day as the President’s pilot - Sept. 11, 2001.
“9/11 was a challenge for us because we didn’t know what was going on,†said Tillman.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/17/politics/printable4731488.shtml
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Maybe Obama's new pilot will have some politically correct name like Abdul or Muhammad :whatever:.
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That was a wonderful story. Thank you for posting it. :saluteaf:
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After flying Mr. Bush to every state in the country but Vermont, and on 49 foreign trips to 75 countries, many of them more than once, Tillman will be ending his 30-year career in the Air Force.
Hmmm. :devious:
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Hmmm. :devious:
Did GWB ever step foot in Vermont while president?
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Did GWB ever step foot in Vermont while president?
No.....since he didn't have 2 left feet, they wouldn't allow him in.
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Did GWB ever step foot in Vermont while president?
I don't know. It would be one of those curious, useless bits of trivia.
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Air Force One Pilot Calls It Quits
Jan. 17, 2009
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(CBS) Try to guess how many flights President Bush has flown on Air Force One since taking office.
It’s 1,675 - more than 200 flights in each of the last eight years.
And on nearly all of those flights, Col. Mark Tillman, 51, was at the controls of Air Force One.
But now, he’s got just one mission left for George W. Bush - to fly him home to Texas on Tuesday as the former president. The aircraft will be the familiar 747-400 that routinely serves as Air Force One, but that won’t be its radio call-sign on Tuesday afternoon, since Mr. Bush will be out of office. The flight home is a military courtesy to the former commander-in-chief.
“It’ll end the president’s term in office and it’ll also end my tenure at Air Force One,†said Tillman in a radio interview with CBS News.
After flying Mr. Bush to every state in the country but Vermont, and on 49 foreign trips to 75 countries, many of them more than once, Tillman will be ending his 30-year career in the Air Force.
Bush nominated him for promotion to brigadier general, but the Senate Armed Services Committee never took action on it.
So the modest and soft-spoken Tillman will be leaving the military for a pilot’s job in the private sector. He concedes that “nothing will compete†with the experience of piloting Air Force One.
“I’ll have tremendous memories of growing up as a lieutenant and working my way to be President Bush’s pilot,†he said.
Those memories include his most stressful day as the President’s pilot - Sept. 11, 2001.
“9/11 was a challenge for us because we didn’t know what was going on,†said Tillman.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/17/politics/printable4731488.shtml
I'll bet this guy could write a great book.
Thanks for your service amigo and I don't blame you for not wanting to ferry some kenyan empty suit around. That's what we have dry cleaners vans for.
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Bush nominated him for promotion to brigadier general, but the Senate Armed Services Committee never took action on it.
As CinC, couldn't Bush just order the promotion? Why does the Senate have anything to do with the issue?
They didn't teach us this stuff in PLDC or BNCOC.
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promotions to flag rank have to be approved by congress... even though it is usually a rubber stamp. GEN Dunwoody was nominated for her fourth star months before it was awarded, waiting for congressional approval
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promotions to flag rank have to be approved by congress... even though it is usually a rubber stamp. GEN Dunwoody was nominated for her fourth star months before it was awarded, waiting for congressional approval
I know doc; my question is why? It's sure not mentioned in the COTUS. At what point did it come to require congressional approval? Or has it always been that way?
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The article title should be changed to read:
"Air Force Col. Gives The One, The Bird".
:-) :innocent:
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He really doesn't have a choice but to retire. He can do 30 years as Colonel, but has to get bumped up to one star to stay longer. Because the Senate Armed Forces Committee wouldn't allow it to go to the floor for vote (they hold up promotions all the time), then he has to retire.
They screwed him.
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I know doc; my question is why? It's sure not mentioned in the COTUS. At what point did it come to require congressional approval? Or has it always been that way?
Always been that way.
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promotions to flag rank have to be approved by congress... even though it is usually a rubber stamp. GEN Dunwoody was nominated for her fourth star months before it was awarded, waiting for congressional approval
Actually, not totally true. The Senate has to approve all promotions to 3- and 4-star rank. O-7 and O-8 promotions are still handled by their respective service selection boards. Typically, if a flag officer fills a post which calls for a higher rank, they're typically promoted to that rank as a matter of protocol. Happens at lower grades as well; aka "spot promotions". I've had a couple of engineers who were O-3's when they reported but got spot promotions to O-4, and they then later became permanent.
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Actually, not totally true. The Senate has to approve all promotions to 3- and 4-star rank. O-7 and O-8 promotions are still handled by their respective service selection boards. Typically, if a flag officer fills a post which calls for a higher rank, they're typically promoted to that rank as a matter of protocol. Happens at lower grades as well; aka "spot promotions". I've had a couple of engineers who were O-3's when they reported but got spot promotions to O-4, and they then later became permanent.
Sparky, Flag rank officers have to be approved by Congress.
On a spot promotion you still get paid as an O-3 until it is approved. The Navy may do that, but does it happen in other branches anymore?
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You're sure it's ALL flag ranks? Last time I checked it was just O-9 and -10.
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You can get more "political" than promotions to general officer (also known as "Flag Officer"). General Officers (Flag Officers) are those in the paygrades of O-7 through O-10. Fewer than one percent of career officers will ever be promoted to Flag Rank.
O-7 - One Star. Brigadier General. Rear Admiral (Lower Half) in the Navy/Coast Guard
O-8 - Two Stars. Major General. Rear Admiral (Upper Half) in the Navy/Coast Guard
O-9 - Three Stars. Lieutenant General. Vice Admiral in the Navy/Coast Guard
O-10 - Four Stars. General. Admiral in the Navy/Coast Guard
General officers are nominated for promotion by the President of the United States, and confirmed by the Senate. You can't get more "political" than that. The services hold in-service promotion boards to recommend officers for general officer promotion to the President. When vacancies occur (a general officer gets promoted or retires), the President nominates officers to be promoted from these lists (with advice from the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the applicable service, and the Service Chief of Staff/Commandant).
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/promotions/l/blofficerprom.htm
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You're sure it's ALL flag ranks? Last time I checked it was just O-9 and -10.
I just asked my husband and he thought it was Colonels and up whose promotion lists have to be approved by Congress, but it looks like it is 0-7 and up.
It's all nonsense politics.
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Politics has been a part of military reality for some time now.
History is rife with examples of fine military men who have flipped the bird at the system or who have remained loyal to the "wrong" officer, to be punished by non-promotion.
For any officer to reach general/flag rank, there are an awful lot of people pulling for that guy/gal. Mavericks often don't succeed in getting there.
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As CinC, couldn't Bush just order the promotion? Why does the Senate have anything to do with the issue?
They didn't teach us this stuff in PLDC or BNCOC.
Once you reach the flag officer level it all has to be approved by Congress.
Kinda like when we get to the SFC/E-7 level it goes from local promotion boards to a centralized one.
IMHO not promoting him to BG was one last middle finger to the POTUS not to mention the military courtesy of the Democrat controlled House and Senate.
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Maybe Obama's new pilot will have some politically correct name like Abdul or Muhammad :whatever:.
Better keep that @#$%er away from tall buildings...or else Biden will be the next prez.
:bawl:
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I'll bet this guy could write a great book.
Thanks for your service amigo and I don't blame you for not wanting to ferry some kenyan empty suit around. That's what we have dry cleaners vans for.
I'm not 100% sure but I beleive it is customary for the new POTUS to get a new pilot.
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The History Channel is showing a program on Air Force One. Col. Tillman gets plenty of camera time. :-)
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Sparky, Flag rank officers have to be approved by Congress.
On a spot promotion you still get paid as an O-3 until it is approved. The Navy may do that, but does it happen in other branches anymore?
In the Army it's called Frocked. It is not allowed anymore.
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I'm not 100% sure but I beleive it is customary for the new POTUS to get a new pilot.
CNN did an interview with COL Tillman, he's been with that wing since GHWB.
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Well....being that I live right here in Midland, Texas (home of W & Laura Bush, Tommy Franks
and TxRadioGuy) I have some awesome pictures of Col. Tillman buzzing the crowd for W when
they flew over the welcome home crowds before landing. I looked around to see if there was
already a thread about Pres. Bush's homecoming, and finally found one. I'll post the other pics
I have over there. Here's one of my favorite pictures of Col. Tillman's next to last landing as he
flew into Midland that afternoon. I didn't take this, a friend did and emailed to me:
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j52/kaycrawford/Bush%20Welcome%20Home/IMG_4789-1.jpg)
I have another that is much closer as they flew just feet away from the rooftops of the buildings
downtown, but it's within a powerpoint slide show, and I don't know how to post it. If someone
else does, I can email you the PP file and you can post it here.
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j52/kaycrawford/Bush%20Welcome%20Home/IMG_6886copy1.jpg?t=1232915987)
In the one below, you see both President Bushes and their First Ladies.
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j52/kaycrawford/Bush%20Welcome%20Home/IMG_Bonus_copy1.jpg?t=1232916338)
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From what I've read, the colonel should been promoted to brigadier general, almost as a matter of form.
Seems the article implied that there was get-even-with-Bush politics involved.
I hope not.
The pilot deserved that star for his fine service to our country.
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From what I've read, the colonel should been promoted to brigadier general, almost as a matter of form.
Seems the article implied that there was get-even-with-Bush politics involved.
I hope not.
The pilot deserved that star for his fine service to our country.
He was nominated by President Bush for selection to Brigadier General.
The Armed Services Committee never acted on it. Which pretty much killed his career.
It was one final middle finger from the Democrat House and Senate to an outgoing President.
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Is there an airfield in all of VT that cah safely handle a 747?
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Is there an airfield in all of VT that cah safely handle a 747?
Bradley International in Hartford could handle it. They've got a 9,500 ft runway.
If they can put Air Force One into the airport in Midland. They could put it in there as well.
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Bradley International in Hartford could handle it. They've got a 9,500 ft runway.
If they can put Air Force One into the airport in Midland. They could put it in there as well.
CT?
Burlington has an airport don't they? They have an Air Guard unit in VT also -- no idea how long the runway is.
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So, no one has a clue. So I searched vermont heavy aricraft commercial airport. Two hits that were relevent. Berlington was thre, BUT, it sure seems, from the Foto's, a 747-400 heavy's not in the mix there. So, maybe thart's why the AF-1 was not landed there...unsafe.
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CT?
Burlington has an airport don't they? They have an Air Guard unit in VT also -- no idea how long the runway is.
You're right. I had a brain fart about which Yankee state I was looking up. :thatsright:
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He was nominated by President Bush for selection to Brigadier General.
The Armed Services Committee never acted on it. Which pretty much killed his career.
It was one final middle finger from the Democrat House and Senate to an outgoing President.
It sickens me that this soldier suffered just because he flew President Bush safely.
It also never ceases to amaze how absolutely petty and childish and mean-spirited that the Democrats, liberals and leftists can be.
Their stupidity, too.
They're too stupid to know that the pilot is the kind of experienced soldier America needs in uniform.
And, BTW, by "soldier," no offense meant to anyone, past or present, in USAF.
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So, no one has a clue. So I searched vermont heavy aricraft commercial airport. Two hits that were relevent. Berlington was thre, BUT, it sure seems, from the Foto's, a 747-400 heavy's not in the mix there. So, maybe thart's why the AF-1 was not landed there...unsafe.
Burlington's main North-South runway is a shade over 8,300 feet.
Probably explains why they didn't try to put AF One in there.
If he'd gone to Vermont, more than likely they'd have taken the 757 that belongs to the Air Wing.
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No, Bush never set foot in Vermont during his presidency, and yes, there is a VTANG outfit that flies out of Burlington. F-16's make their first bank after takeoff right over my head at work. I'm not sure if 747's fly in and out. Being that Vermont is such a tiny market, most flights connect at JFK and Ohare. I was looking to fly to Pittsburgh to go visit my lady friend in Youngstown OH, but even that leg required a minimum of one connection, and as many as three. Being an hour from the airport where I live, and 90 minutes from Pitts to where she lives, I opted to do the ten hour drive to Ytown. Wasn't that much longer than flying would have been door to door.
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I know lots of folks who live in eastern VT who also fly into Manchester, simply because flying into Boston then taking the puddle jumper into Burlington simply isn't financially feasible.
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That is ****ed up that he was passed over. I mean, damn, how much higher can one get than being the pilot of Air Force One? :whatever:
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That is ****ed up that he was passed over. I mean, damn, how much higher can one get than being the pilot of Air Force One? :whatever:
I'd be willing to bet that he is/was an exceptional pilot, and totally immersed in all the activities associated with driving that aircraft. I'd also submit that as a pilot, he had little or no time for bullshit, petty politics that does consume the higher echelons of all services, not just the Air Force.
From my armchair, it looks like Bush tried to reward him with a star for long and faithful service.
But politics and "it ain't whatcha know, it's WHO you know" is the pathway for acquisition of stars. Sadly, competency in one's profession isn't enough.
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I just watched an amazing show on The National Geographic Channel on Air Force One. If any of you get a chance try to find it and watch it! He was an exceptional commander of the crew and I was fascinated by all that he did every time Bush flew. After watching it, it seems fitting he retires as Bush leaves.
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I just watched an amazing show on The National Geographic Channel on Air Force One. If any of you get a chance try to find it and watch it! He was an exceptional commander of the crew and I was fascinated by all that he did every time Bush flew. After watching it, it seems fitting he retires as Bush leaves.
Saw it tonight and the pilot, Colonel Tillman, is the one we're talking about.
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Yes and right after that, did y'all see the next show that came on "On Board Marine One"?
My son was in that - he's an HMX-1 Marine. I'm almost sure I saw him in a few scenes in
the background. He was the one in the olive drab flight suit with short hair.
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Yes and right after that, did y'all see the next show that came on "On Board Marine One"?
My son was in that - he's an HMX-1 Marine. I'm almost sure I saw him in a few scenes in
the background. He was the one in the olive drab flight suit with short hair.
Danm! I missed that one! I'll have to check and see if it is on again!
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He was the one in the olive drab flight suit with short hair.
Well damn he'll stick out like a sore thumb then
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I watched both shows. They were both very interesting.
He was the one in the olive drab flight suit with short hair.
OH! I saw him! Or many of him. LOL!
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Well damn he'll stick out like a sore thumb then
:rofl:
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But politics and "it ain't whatcha know, it's WHO you know" is the pathway for acquisition of stars. Sadly, competency in one's profession isn't enough.
True.
But this appears to be, as someone posted earlier, a final one-finger salute to a good man who the Democrats, liberals and lefitsts in the House and Senate used as a proxy to get back at President Bush.
Of course, life's not fair. But this truly stinks.
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Well....being that I live right here in Midland, Texas (home of W & Laura Bush, Tommy Franks
and TxRadioGuy) I have some awesome pictures of Col. Tillman buzzing the crowd for W when
they flew over the welcome home crowds before landing. I looked around to see if there was
already a thread about Pres. Bush's homecoming, and finally found one. I'll post the other pics
I have over there. Here's one of my favorite pictures of Col. Tillman's next to last landing as he
flew into Midland that afternoon. I didn't take this, a friend did and emailed to me:
I had an 85 year old cousin of mine in Midland who went to see Bush last Tuesday and this is what she wrote to me about it.
Yesterday former Pres. W and Laura came to Midland on their way to Crawford and Dallas to begin living out from under the heavy load he has carried for 8 long years. I took advantage of the opportunity to go to the rally, along with about 20,000 others. He was not scheduled to arrive until about 5:30. I went at 1:30, was able to get a seat in the bleachers. Bands played, the Gatlin brothers entertained, along with some others. Exerpts from their lives were shown on the screen: at hospitals, schools, 9-11, at the ranch, in Air Force I, etc., etc. It showed his humanity. Many secret service people were there. They checked us as we entered- just as they do when you are flying. Large red, white and blue "W"'s were passed out and widely displayed during the gathering. At 5:00, this huge, beautiful plane swooped down out of the sky and flew right over us- terribly low!
Then in about 20 minutes they arrived. He spent a long time greeting old friends who were on the podium- Gov. Perry, and many others. Finally he addressed us for about 20 minutes, giving praise to his parents, Midland, his friends and West Texas. He mentioned things that he felt he had accomplished and disclosed things that I wish he had shared during his presidency. He praised Laura for her loyalty and steadfast love. They seemed truly happy to be "where they are at this time".
I hope that in time his presidency will prove to be more than the liberal media and people protrayed him as being- the dumb cowboy. They never gave him a chance!!! But he was above that and didn't seem to let them bother him!!
Just thought I would share that experience with you. (normally I wouldn't walk across the street to see a celebrity- but I wanted to be a small part in honoring them.)
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Wow what a great letter. Everyone here is still talking about it. Here's the letter of thanks that W sent to the City of Midland:
A letter from George W. Bush to the people of West Texas
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Laura and I thank the people of Midland, Odessa, and other towns in West Texas for the Welcome Home rally on the last day of my Presidency. The crowd was huge. The enthusiasm was high. The smiles were heartening. The warm welcome reminded us that after eight fascinating years in Washington, Texas is still our home.
Our return to Midland was a perfect bookend to the journey we began in the same place in January 2001.
We are grateful for our friends who sustained us and for the prayers of millions, which comforted us. We are grateful to the event organizers and to the City of Midland for ensuring the success of the event. Most of all, we are grateful to all who came to welcome us.
Thank you all, and God bless.
George W. Bush
Here's the link to the article: http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2009/01/26/news/top_stories/doc497a3e0b36892027279768.txt (http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2009/01/26/news/top_stories/doc497a3e0b36892027279768.txt)
There is also a video clip of his speech that day there on the same site somewhere.
My son was privileged to be part of the last official flight, for his trip from the Waco airport that night on Marine One out to the Crawford ranch. He's supposed to be sending me some pictures he took, but haven't gotten them yet. I'll post them when I get them.