Cheyenne civic leader earns Distinguished Public Service Award

Published Feb. 22, 2011
By 1st Lt. Brooke Brzozowske
90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WYO -- Retired Col. Tucker Fagan received the Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award during a ceremony Feb. 4 at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

The award is the highest honorary civilian award the Secretary of the Air Force may grant to a private citizen, and was earned for his advocacy of Air Force issues and for his dedicated support of Airmen and their families while serving as a member of the Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program.

"This has been an amazing experience to be asked and selected to be a part of this program for the last six years..." Colonel Fagan stated. "...and to receive this award, is such an honor. I was blown away."

As an Air Force Civic Leader, Mr. Fagan served as an unpaid advisor, key communicator and advocate for Air Force issues. He provided ideas and feedback to the SecAF, Chief of Staff, and other Air Force senior leaders about how missions can best be accomplished in his respective area and about public attitudes toward the Air Force and Air Force activities.

"I was the guy who brought the missile perspective to this group of people," Mr. Fagan stated. "F. E. Warren Air Force Base was my first assignment. I pulled crew here for five years. I have lived and breathed this mission since my first day on the job."

"A few years ago, the CSAF brought AF senior leadership and the Civic Leader Group out to F. E. Warren to help them understand the 20th AF mission. Most of them never knew what goes on here and at Minot and Malmstrom.

"I remember it was a windy day, like most here, and a little chilly," he continued. "Some individuals didn't even want to get off the bus. I reminded them that our cops, our crews, our maintenance teams travel these roads every day. Our cops stand top-side in this kind of weather securing our weapons. Our crews drive this every day, and our maintenance teams work outside in these conditions."

Current 90th Missile Wing commander, Col. Greg Tims, admits he is a big fan of Mr. Fagan, who was also a former wing commander and vice commander of 20th AF here.

"This man and his understanding of our mission have been essential to fostering strong support within our local community and as a liaison to senior, military leadership," said Colonel Tims. "Colonel Fagan has proven to be a mentor to every wing commander and 20th AF commander since his retirement. His continued support is truly invaluable."

Mr. Fagan was the interface between the Air Force and the civilian community near F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. In this role, he explained and interpreted Air Force programs, positions, and problems to other key communicators through his personal contacts and correspondence, and to the general public through statements, appearances and speeches.

"The job as a missile crew member was absolutely the hardest job I have ever had," Mr. Fagan confirmed. "The constant evaluations, the constant need to study...codes, security checklists...I never made less than a 100 on every test I ever took on crew. I took it then, and still take this mission now, that seriously.

"That job while pulling crew prepared me for every other job, and made every other job look easy in comparison," he said.

Colonel Fagan is now an Emeritus member of the program but continues to serve as an advocate and ardent supporter of Airmen and their families.

"The Air Force and Wyoming has been so great to my family and me," he said. "It is my turn to give it back."

The Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program is comprised of two representatives from nearly every major command, National Guard Bureau and Headquarters Air Force. Its members serve for a three-year term.