Des Moines, Iowa -- A retirement ceremony was held for Chief Master Sergeant Timothy E. Cochran, Command Chief Master Sergeant (CCM) of the Iowa Air National Guard (ANG), who selflessly served the National Guard of Iowa for thirty-eight years.
Serving in his current position as State CCM from July 2015 to October 2019, Chief Cochran supported enlisted airmen and their families all over the state.
"Chief Cochran, thank you for your focus on the airmen. That was always your focus. And, it was my pleasure to work with you; you were an outstanding wingman," said Brig. Gen. Shawn Ford, Deputy Adjutant General for Air, Iowa National Guard. "You would take me up to Sioux City or Fort Dodge where I didn't know any airmen very well, and you would pull all of them aside and [for] every single one of them, say, 'This is Airman so-and-so,' and tell a story about them. Which meant you invested the time to learn about them, so much that you can talk about their backgrounds with me."
Cochran is an advocate for Enlisted Professional Military Education (EPME) and mentorship programs. He believes that supporting these programs establishes growth within the enlisted ranks and secures the future leadership of the Air National Guard.
His son, Maj. Brandon Cochran, shared with his dad, "When most of us think about leadership, we think about the immediate impact." He continued, "Described best as a 3rd generation leader, I would submit that the true legacy of a leader is measured in how one prepares their followers to lead others." Maj. Cochran explained, "A third generation leader, and that's you, not only develops their followers to be successful in the near term and future, but through formal and informal mentorship and by personal example."
Chief Cochran began his career as a member of the 132d Tactical Fighter Wing, Iowa ANG in November 1981; he worked in the Propulsion Section, 132d Field Maintenance. In August 1982 he accepted a full time position within that shop, and subsequently held several full time positions within the 132d Maintenance Group. Then from 2008-2015, he served as the Lead Site Facilitator for Satellite EPME, also at the 132d Wing.
In his outgoing remarks, Chief Cochran stated it simply, "You truly are family and I am in awe, I am honored, I am totally humbled by everyone in attendance. My brothers and sisters from both sides of the service in Iowa, retirees, this room being full," he said, "Thank you for coming. Please make the time to come through and shake Theresa and my hand, and thank you for being here."
Cochran is the 6th CCM of Iowa; his successor, Command Chief Master Sgt. Thomas (T.J.) Fennell assumed responsibility in November.