182nd vice commander promoted to colonel

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lealan Buehrer
  • 182nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The vice commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing was promoted to the rank of colonel during a commander's call at the 182nd Airlift Wing here Oct. 3, 2015.

Col. Timothy D. Stumbaugh is a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate with more than 10,000 hours flying military and civilian aircraft. He served as the Operations Support Squadron commander before becoming the wing vice commander in 2014.

"Col. Stumbaugh is one of the best examples I've ever seen of a leader and a mentor, and as an officer he's also just a top-notch guy. He's the kind of guy we want in those positions," said Col. William Robertson, commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing.

Stumbaugh's wife and two sons joined him on stage to pin on his new rank.

"It's a very proud moment for me. I was very grateful for Col. Robertson to give me the opportunity and the trust to be the vice wing commander," said Stumbaugh. "I feel like I've worked hard and done a good job my whole career, but I've just been very blessed to be put in a situation where I could achieve this rank."

The rank of colonel is the highest rank authorized at the 182nd, and Robertson said he believes it will fit the vice commander well.

"Guys like him don't come around very often, and those guys are very deserving of that rank," said Robertson. "He carries it well and knows how to use that rank for the betterment of this wing and the betterment of our Airmen."

Stumbaugh has 20 years of service and is a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Medals, the Air Achievement Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He will continue to serve as the vice wing commander, where he oversees multiple wing programs on behalf of the commander.