Retiring Air Force One Pilot Praises Bush As 'Definitely a Great Man'

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By Ken Shepherd (Bio | Archive)
January 20, 2009 - 16:10 ET
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Here's a story you may not have heard as the media have all but ignored outgoing President Bush during the Obama transition.

The Air Force pilot who flew President Bush on 9/11 and ferried the commander-in-chief on secret flights to visit troops in Iraq hails the outgoing president as "definitely a great man" for whom "it's been an honor to fly."

As CBS Radio's Mark Knoller noted in a January 17 story, Air Force Colonel Mark Tillman, commander of the Presidential Airlift Group, is retiring from military service after flying President Bush back home to Texas.:

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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. 

Kudos to CBS Radio's Mark Knoller for reporting the story, and to Col. Tillman, on behalf of everyone at NewsBusters, thanks for your decades of service in defense of your country.

—Ken Shepherd is Managing Editor of NewsBusters


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Wow, if this news ever gets

January 20, 2009 - 16:25 ET by gopsteve

Wow, if this news ever gets out (and I'll bet it never will), poor Col. Mark Tillman is gonna get the Joe the Plumber treatment to discredit his "ramblings."

He'll soon be pegged as

January 20, 2009 - 17:06 ET by mattm

He'll soon be pegged as another nutcase military nazi type...

Kudos to CBS Radio's Mark

January 20, 2009 - 16:27 ET by Seashell

Kudos to CBS Radio's Mark Knoller for reporting the story, and to Col.
Tillman, on behalf of everyone at NewsBusters, thanks for your decades
of service in defense of your country.

Hear hear!  It is nice to hear that someone has something nice to say about GWB to the media, though it will not be reported.  Thank you Ken for sharing that with us. 

duty, honor, professionalism

January 20, 2009 - 16:30 ET by soosan

Thank you Col Tillman.

I SALUTE YOU, Col. Tillman for your service ...

January 20, 2009 - 16:31 ET by Jayke

... to our truly great President and your country.  Enjoy your retirement.  Off we go into the wild blue yonder!

Nice

January 20, 2009 - 16:32 ET by Blonde

The do-nothing Congress strikes again.

How typical.

Godspeed, Col. Tillman.  I hope you and President Bush have the wonderful retirement you both so richly deserve.

 

Nicely said.

January 20, 2009 - 16:39 ET by Seashell

Nicely said.

He's still going to work as

January 20, 2009 - 16:53 ET by Ken Shepherd

He's still going to work as a pilot, just in the private sector. I hope he gets great pay and nice benefits and much more time with family. I imagine flying Air Force One is a rewarding but stressful experience fraught with lots of time away from family.

Thanks again for your service, Col. Tillman.

Ken

January 20, 2009 - 17:10 ET by Blonde

As you can imagine, command of AF1 is one of the premier flying jobs in the USAF.  Probably the only better one is being a Wing King.

Out of courtesy, and in recognition of the man's (obvious) stellar career, he should have been promoted before retiring, to elevate him to general officer rank, rather than retiring as a field grade officer.  That he didn't is, I think, a sign of disrespect by the do-nothing congress for an officer who faithfully served a CIC whom they despised.

Perhaps one of our Air Force bretheren will weigh in on this subject?

 

 

IMHO, I'd say being a

January 20, 2009 - 18:05 ET by BuffNBone

IMHO, I'd say being a commander of a flying squadron is the most rewarding position.  More flying opportunities, fewer headaches, and direct involvement with the troops on a frequent basis.

"Fighters are fun but bombers make policy"

Thanks, Buff

January 20, 2009 - 18:08 ET by Blonde

I was originally going to specify what kind of squadron...but I knew that was a non-starter!

What I'd like to know, though...is it customary to promote someone at the end of a career like Col. Tillman's?

 

The 89th Airlift Wing is

January 20, 2009 - 20:06 ET by BuffNBone

The 89th Airlift Wing is unique and Col. Tillman is certainly deserving of the promotion.  Unless things changed or there was an exception, he no longer was receiving flight pay after his 25th year of rated service.  Or to be more technically correct he was receiving flight pay but at the zero rate. 

The answer to your question about is it customary is yes.  While I am not sure of the details, USAFA full professors serve as colonels and upon retirement receive benefits (retirement pay) of a B/G.  I believe this is true for the other service academies.  Nice work if you can get it.

"Fighters are fun but bombers make policy"

Good evening Blonde

January 20, 2009 - 20:56 ET by cocodrie

You're right about Col. Tilman deserving the promotion. This is another of the "stick-it-to-em" policies of the abominable democrats. How low our government has fallen. Jesus Loves You

"Probably the only better

January 20, 2009 - 20:28 ET by NL207

"Probably the only better one is being a Wing King"

There IS one other ....  CAG .... because you get to fly this.

NL

January 20, 2009 - 20:45 ET by Blonde

I was referring to the Air Force.  Isn't the CAG the Naval Equivalent of an AF Wing King?  (I know...different services, different mix of equipment....apples & oranges).

But I'm glad you're here....the F-4 was obviously the right plane, at the right time, to create a superb pilot who saved the lives of 155 of our fellow citizens.

<edit> Love those paint schemes!

CAG stands for Commander

January 20, 2009 - 21:40 ET by NL207

CAG stands for Commander Air Group, roughly the equivalent of a Wing King, but don't say that around the Navy.   In the old days, CAG was no more than a CDR, an O-5.  A Wing King is always a full bird COL, an O-6. 

Thanks, NL

January 21, 2009 - 00:19 ET by Blonde

Knew that.

I've never been able to figure out why the CAG is only an O-5.

In the Army...an O-5 commands a tank battalion....in the Navy...the same command is like what?  A billion dollars worth of equipment?  2?

Well, that wasn't my point.

F-4's were.

Awesome.

 

 

In the last 15 or 20 years,

January 21, 2009 - 10:51 ET by NL207

In the last 15 or 20 years, the CAG and DCAG are now all O-6.  Even the Squadron CO are O-6 now.  Used to be squadron CO were O-4 and only the CAG was an O-5.

A full complement CVW has more like $4 Billion worth of assets.

NL207

January 21, 2009 - 02:38 ET by DoktorFranken

Regarding your link to the Tomcat:

I WANT ONE!

They're all in the D-M

January 21, 2009 - 10:47 ET by NL207

They're all in the D-M boneyard or museums now.

NL... I thought the Tomcat

January 21, 2009 - 02:46 ET by Jer

NL...

I thought the Tomcat was being phased out in favor of the Hornet and Super Hornet because of expense in maintaining F-14s. Or is that pertaining only to carrier service?

Jer

The last tom flew in

January 21, 2009 - 10:45 ET by NL207

The last tom flew in 2006.  Understand that I date from the era of its predecessor, the F-4.   Hornets?  They're bugs, aren't they?  :)

The way things are going, there soon won't be anything on the flight deck that isn't a Hornet until the JSF is deployed.  The A-6 were scrapped by Clinton.  the A-7 are worn out and gone.  The Toms are all gone to D-M.  The S-3 are wearing out with no replacement in site.  Viggies and Whales are long gone.  The EA-6 are nearing end-of-life.  That leaves SHH-60 and E-2C left on deck with the F/A-18s.

In their prime, the CVW's had an impressive arsenal:  24 F-14's, 24 F-18 or A-7, 10 A-6E, 10 S-3A, 8 SH-3, plus several detachments with 4 KA-6D, 4 EA-6B, 4 E-2C, A COD detach with 2 C-2, and a recon detach with 4 RF-4B or 4 RA-5C or 4 RF-8.   A full complement was 96 aircraft, and yes, the big carriers could handle them all if the usual 2 A-5 and 1 C-2 were ashore.

NL

January 21, 2009 - 11:05 ET by Blonde

See below...LOL.

I had to go find that Tomcat vid at YouTube...took me a while to remember the name, but I finally found it.

BTW...I flew over D-M in 1980, before they got rid of all the WWII planes...what an unbelievable sight that was!

 

I date from the era of its

January 21, 2009 - 17:08 ET by Jer

I date from the era of its predecessor, the F-4.

That era covers a lot of time.  BTW, my father-in-law was back seat F-4 in Nam, but I'm not sure what year(s) he was there.

Jer

The F-4 served for a long

January 21, 2009 - 19:47 ET by NL207

The F-4 served for a long time.  Its first deployments were with VF-1 and VF-2 in either 60 or 61, I can't recall which.  It didn't leave frontline Navy service until 1978.  It soldiered on with the USMC, Reserves and Guard until something like 1996.   I can remember having seen a section in flight about that time.  I'm sure the exact dates it served are on the web somewhere.

Your father in law was AF?

Jer,

January 21, 2009 - 10:58 ET by Blonde

The F-14's were retired in 2006.  Only Iran flies them now, so our retired planes are strictly controlled for parts, etc.

What NL was referring to was the picture of the plane with "200" ....that is the CAG's personal aircraft.  

There are many really fascinating websites on the internet about the evolution of the paint schemes of the various squadrons (the ones in NL's link are the Jolly Rogers)....some of them go back to the advent of carrier aviation, during WWII. 

 

200 is the modex of the

January 21, 2009 - 13:24 ET by NL207

200 is the modex of the first a/c in the second squadron of the wing.

The CAG doesn't necessarily fly 200.   The 100 bird sometimes is the CAG bird, as are the 300, 400 and 500 modexes.   In general, naval aviators don't usually fly the aircraft marked with their personal data.  They fly whichever a/c is available for service when their event is scheduled.  

Being CAG or even squadron CO requires rank and rank has its privileges.  There are a couple of CAGs / COs in particular that I know were fond of flying the 201 bird and would 'adjust' the duty roster to get it as often as possible consistent with conformance to regulation!

Thanks, Ken for letting us know about this

January 20, 2009 - 16:55 ET by Cape Conservative

great story.  

And thank you, Colonel (should be General) Tillman for your service to our president and to our country!  May God bless you and bring you many years of retirement!

Nice to know there is no partisanship on the Senate Armed Services Committee - and if you are wondering who the members are - here's a link

http://armed-services.senate.gov/members.htm

Gosh, why am I not surprised that one of our state senators is the ranking member????  The illustrious E. Moore K. - you know, the guy who had he been running for Senator as Edward Moore, would have LOST!  Our country is soooo doomed if we can't break out of this governance by nepotism!  I cringe when I think who they have in mind to continue his seat once it opens up.

It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue. ~ Sam Adams

And my state's

January 21, 2009 - 08:56 ET by UpNorth

senator is the Chairman.  I'll just bet that Red Karl loves the title Chairman.  Just like Stalin and Mao loved the title.  What a bunch of classless loons. 

Thank you

January 20, 2009 - 17:03 ET by avenar

Thank you Col. Tillman.  Thank you President Bush.

Oh kudos indeed to

January 20, 2009 - 17:03 ET by bigtimer

Oh kudos indeed to Col.Tillman!

I would have known nothing about this if it wasn't for you Ken.

Kudos to you also.

Shame on the Senate.

A crying shame.

Col. Tillman, If you happen to see this...

January 20, 2009 - 19:19 ET by CapeCodScott

Thank You Sir for your service to our country and The President. 

"definitely a great man" for whom "it's been an honor to fly."

And I imagine that Pres. Bush was appreciative of your service and was not just a "great man" but a true Gentleman to you and all your fellow PAG members. I would enjoy reading about your experiences over the years, I hope you would consider it and I hope it would be cleared for publication...Well Done Sir.

www.ScottOnCapeCod.com

"Most men lead lives of quiet desperation"... until they get fed-up enough to finally say something about it!

Usual MSM accuracy

January 20, 2009 - 19:56 ET by canuck

Shouldn't have been real hard to figure out that AF1 (both of them) are 747-200s not 744s.  They are old and about to be replaced likely with a 747-800 but there is lots of babbling about AirBusted offering an A380 as new AF1.  Not likely to happen as this is highly political and the 380 can't land on or take off from many of the fields that the 747 frequents and probably doesn't have the range.

Personally I suspect the AF will fit out a 777 or a 787.  This will be fun to watch as various folks try to cook the bidding process like they did on the tanker bids, further screwed up by McCain.

Having been involved...

January 21, 2009 - 13:15 ET by Wilbur747

with training the VC-25 crews transitioning from the VC-137 back in 1989/90, it was brought out that the two overriding reasons the 747 was selected over the DC-10 was space and 4 engines. There was also the ability to turn around on a taxiway only 147 feet wide.

It's doubtful that a two engine aircraft will be selected as a new AF-1. True, it would be more fuel efficient, but that takes a back burner status to security and redundacy.

I do feel that it will be a Boeing, most likely another 747.

Of course, who knows how much the Obamessiah will stick his nose into it.

God Bless you Col. Tillman,

January 20, 2009 - 22:29 ET by TN Mom

God Bless you Col. Tillman, THANK YOU for your service!

 

I salute you Col. Tillman,

January 20, 2009 - 22:34 ET by Clear thinker

I salute you Col. Tillman, and I thank you for keeping our president safe during all those flights.

Two very good men!!!

 

God Help Us!

 Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/  

Thank You Col. Mark Tillman

January 20, 2009 - 22:44 ET by scc

Thank You Col. Mark Tillman for your service to our country and also for your Service to President Bush.

I too hope that both of you have many great years of retirement. You are men of great integrity.

 

Fox is a Friend...

January 21, 2009 - 01:02 ET by Deskpilot

of America's great military. All members of the Fox News Team have ALWAYS treated the military well. As "payback," Col Tillman hosted Chris Wallace recently (Videos below).

As is the norm with Fox News, Chris treated Col. Tillman and his crew with dignity and respect.

I also watched the History Channel special on Mon when Col. Tillman hosted them for a 5 day trip to Africa.

In listening to this American Hero, I believe that in his heart and mind, Col Tillman felt it the HONOR of a career to serve President Bush. If Col, Tillman doesn't get accepted for promotion by our militaryily blind Congress, he will loose no sleep. He knows that he served an honorable man in the most honorable, certainly the most visible, though unspoken, and underreported (no surprise) position.

Thanks Fox News. For you too treated President Bush with dignity and respect, and I'm sure he respected you too. You may have disagreed or criticized the ADMINISTRATION, but never the man. Thank you for your integrity. 

Men of Honor in action around the world.

Salute to you Colonel Tillman.  

Part 1 

http://www.youtube.com/v/jXozuPxhZBg&hl 

Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSwasXqNA04

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read it in English, You're welcome - Deskpilot, AM(H)1 (AW), USN (Ret)

Rebroadcast

January 21, 2009 - 01:16 ET by Deskpilot

National Geographic rebroadcasting on Sunday. Check your local listings. 

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read it in English, You're welcome - Deskpilot, AM(H)1 (AW), USN (Ret)

My thanks also, to two

January 21, 2009 - 03:42 ET by thebutlerdidit

My thanks also, to two great men. Slightly off topic, but when Obama was at the Military Ball, Megyn Kelly said she had spoken with quite a few soldiers, and they wanted her to say on air their thanks to President Bush. They just wanted to let him know that they were proud to have served under him. She also said that they were telling her that they were not wanting Obama to revoke Don't Ask/Don't Tell. Evidently, quite a number of them were telling her this, so it was interesting she mentioned it, just a few minutes before Obama spoke to some of the soldiers.

 

Bringing the government in to run Wall Street is like saying, "Dad burned the dinner, let's get the dog to cook." PJ O'Rourke

Mutual respect thought...

January 21, 2009 - 06:05 ET by Deskpilot

I can totally imagine this scene:

Col. Tillman, now responsible for for the courtesy of transporting Mr. Bush home, unburdened by the fact that he is NOT flying the president, invites 41 AND 43 to the flight deck and give them a chance to fly SAM27000, before their arrival in Texas.

How cool would that be. Slightly, but both Bushes are trained as pilots after all

 

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read it in English, You're welcome - Deskpilot, AM(H)1 (AW), USN (Ret)

Wasn't 41 the youngest

January 21, 2009 - 09:03 ET by Lord Elicani

Wasn't 41 the youngest naval aviator in WWII?

"The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so." 

- Ronald Reagan

Minor trivial point...

January 21, 2009 - 13:26 ET by Wilbur747

just for some gee whiz, who cares info. SAM 27000 was the old VC-137 (Boeing 707). The tail numbers of the VC-25As (it's official AF designation) are 28000 (primary) and 29000 (backup). Minor point, I know.

Tail numbers 26000 and 27000 have been in museums for quite a few years now.

The 'SAM' designation refers to 'Special Airlift Mission', which is given to all the aircraft (C-32, C-37, Gulfstreams, etc) not flying the Prez or VP. Whether flying a Secretary of something or the Prez's wife, it'll have 'SAM' plus the tail number of the jet.

Thank you.

January 21, 2009 - 19:54 ET by Deskpilot

Please accept my humble typo.

Were I Tim Geithner, it would have been SAM 87400

 

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read it in English, You're welcome - Deskpilot, AM(H)1 (AW), USN (Ret)

I will, of course accept your humble typo, but...

January 21, 2009 - 20:37 ET by Wilbur747

I will also accept your gracious donation, in cash of course, and in small denominations. Please contact Monica. She'll be in the office next to the Secretary of State's office. If she's not there, just ask for Bill.

I'll be he's glad...

January 21, 2009 - 07:19 ET by Uncle Don

..he is retiring anyhow as he'd never be able to

Normal
0

chauffeur Obama around after being with President Bush for these many years. He just wouldn't be able to stand the crassness and lack of class after being with the perfect Gentleman all this time.

Going out on Top

January 21, 2009 - 08:28 ET by CapeCodScott

Another On Time Performance for Col. Tillman

www.ScottOnCapeCod.com

"Most men lead lives of quiet desperation"... until they get fed-up enough to finally say something about it!

Well Done Sir!

January 21, 2009 - 16:08 ET by Ole_Sarge

I had the honor of meeting Colonel Tillman at one of our friends' retirement ceremony, she was an In-flight Passenger Attendant (Stewardess) on the VC-25 aircraft, (including many Air Force One Missions), as well as other DV aircraft.  He was the officer that presided over her retirement ceremony.

BTW, that nomination was over a year ago, but yes, politics (espeically partisan politics) plays into EVERYTHING now (with Reid and Pelosi at the helms).

That job is not the easiest one, it is a tight-rope walk, and there is no margins for error, human or mechanical, or mercy from the weather. 

Again, well done sir! 

Thanks, Ole Sarge

January 21, 2009 - 16:13 ET by Blonde

....for the confirmation.  I suspected as much when I read this piece.