Air Force veteran honored for over 30 years of service

TYLER – Veterans Day is the time we honor the men and women who fought for our freedom. On Tuesday, KETK had the opportunity to meet a local hero who served the nation for over three decades. Colonel Junior Tilley served more than 30 years in the United States Air Force, but service was not his original plan. Tilley recalls the time when his life unexpectedly changed and set him on a heroic path.

“I was 18 years old, and offered a free physical in Dallas.” Tilley said, “While there, we quoted these words, which at the time I didn’t know what they were, but they were the oath to join the military.”

Tilley began his career at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, later serving overseas in Germany as a ‘Medical Resource Manager’ in medical services.

The colonel was emotional as he reflected on how he felt when he first joined the Air Force. “I was nervous because I had never even been in an aircraft before, but excited to learn. It’s the camaraderie that we as veterans have, If you see a veteran anywhere and we have the cap on, we love each other. We really are proud of each other. We appreciate each other. And you can’t describe it until you experience it. As I always say, once a Veteran-Always a Veteran, it’s a lifelong thing.” Tilly said.

Smith County Judge Neal Franklin and  U.S. Rep. Nathanial Moran, attended Tuesday’s event to thank East Texas veterans for their service.