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NEWS | Jan. 14, 2020

Timko assumes command of the 167th Airlift Wing

By Senior Master Sgt. Emily Beightol-Deyerle 167AW

Col. Marty Timko assumed command of the 167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard, during a change of command ceremony Jan. 12, 2020. Col. David Cochran also relinquished command.

The Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, who presided over the ceremony, said the Wing commander is responsible for 1,100 Airmen and their families and every decision they make impacts someone’s life.

Hoyer stressed the significance of Timko’s responsibility as a wing commander to both his Airmen and the country.

Hoyer also commended Cochran’s leadership of the wing. Cochran commanded the 167th since August 2018.

“You lived the values, not just talked about them but lived the values,” Hoyer said. “And Marty, you wouldn’t be up here today if I didn’t have the confidence that you could continue us on the focus going forward.”

Timko, who served most recently as the commander of the 167th Operations Group, said he does not assume the responsibility of the wing commander position lightly.

“I must emphasize greatly how much I appreciate the trust and faith placed in me to lead this wing forward into the future,” Timko said. “The accomplishments of the state and wing are a testament to the men and women of this wing. It’s my responsibility to carry on the legacy of this wing and its excellence worldwide.”

Timko is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and served two tours at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., before joining the West Virginia Air National Guard in 2001 as a C-130 evaluator navigator.

When the 167th converted from C-130 to the C-5 Galaxy aircraft, Timko transitioned to become a pilot. He has held numerous leadership positions within the 167th Operations Group.

Cochran, who will be retiring from military service later this year, said, “It has truly been my honor and my privilege to serve as the 167th Airlift Wing commander.”

Cochran encouraged commanders in the wing to “exercise deliberate, passionate and inspirational leadership” and said to the entire wing, “Know your job. Do it well. Your contributions are valued so have pride and professionalism.”

Cochran will continue his career as a commercial airline pilot.

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