Carol Timmons was a remarkable woman who served her country with courage and honor. She was a pioneer in the military, becoming the first female general in the Delaware National Guard and the first female combat pilot in the Middle East. She was also a survivor of the September 11 attacks, as she was the co-pilot of a flight that could have been the fifth target of the terrorists. But despite her achievements and bravery, she succumbed to a long battle with metastatic breast cancer on August 2, 2020, at the age of 62. This article will explore her life, legacy, and cause of death in detail.
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A Passion for Flying
Carol Timmons was born on January 2, 1958, in New Castle, Delaware. She developed a passion for flying when she was just five years old, and her parents encouraged her to pursue her dreams. She joined the Delaware Air National Guard after graduating from high school in 1977 and became the first female member of the Security Police Squadron. She then attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and received her Army Aviator Wings after completing Rotary Wing Flight Training at Fort Rucker, Alabama. She served as a UH-1 helicopter pilot with the Delaware Army National Guard until 1985.
She then switched to the Air Force Reserve and learned to fly a C-141B transport plane at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma. She was assigned to the 514th Military Airlift Wing at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, where she flew non-combat missions until 1993. She then returned to the Delaware Air Guard as a C-130H Hercules pilot with the 166th Airlift Wing. She rose through the ranks and held various positions such as aircraft commander, current operations officer, assistant chief pilot, assistant operations officer, commander of the 142d Airlift Squadron, commander of the 166th Operations Group, deputy commander for operations of the 166th Airlift Wing, and director of the Joint Staff for Headquarters, Delaware National Guard.
A Combat Veteran
Carol Timmons was not only a skilled pilot but also a combat veteran who participated in several major operations in the Middle East. She flew in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Joint Guard, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. She also served as a commander of the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, deputy commander of the 455th Operations Group, and director of mobility forces for United States Air Forces Central Command. She was awarded several medals and decorations for her service, including the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, and Combat Readiness Medal.
A September 11 Survivor
Carol Timmons was also a survivor of one of the most tragic events in American history: the September 11 attacks. She was the co-pilot of United Airlines Flight 23, which was scheduled to depart from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City to Los Angeles on that fateful day. However, as she and her crew were preparing for takeoff, they heard an announcement that all flights were canceled due to an emergency. They returned to the gate and later learned that two hijacked planes had crashed into the World Trade Center towers.
According to some sources (such as The Cinemaholic), there is evidence that Flight 23 could have been the fifth plane targeted by the terrorists that day. After all passengers were evacuated from the plane, authorities reportedly found Al-Qaeda documents and box cutters in the carry-on luggage of three Arab men who had left the plane earlier. The men were never identified or captured.
A Delaware Icon
Carol Timmons was not only a respected military leader but also a beloved figure in her home state of Delaware. She was inducted into the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame in 2004 and into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame in 2007. She was also appointed by Governor Jack Markell as the adjutant general of Delaware in 2017, becoming the first woman to hold that position. She retired from active duty in 2019 after serving for nearly four decades.
She was also involved in various community and civic activities such as serving on the board of directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware and supporting organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Special Olympics Delaware. She was known for her kindness, generosity, humility, and sense of humor.
A Cancer Fighter
Carol Timmons was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2004. She underwent several treatments and surgeries over the years but never let her illness stop her from fulfilling her duties and passions. She continued to fly and serve until her retirement in 2019. She also participated in fundraising events and awareness campaigns for cancer research and support. She was grateful for the care she received from the Huntsman Cancer Institute, which helped her live longer than expected.
However, her condition worsened in 2020, and she passed away peacefully on August 2, surrounded by her loved ones. She is survived by her husband, John, her son, Ryan, her daughter-in-law, Amanda, her grandson, Jack, her mother, Joan, her siblings, and many other relatives and friends.
Carol Timmons Cause of Death: A Tribute to a Heroine
Carol Timmons cause of death was metastatic breast cancer, but she will always be remembered as a heroine who fought for her country and her life with courage and dignity. She was a trailblazer in the military, a survivor of the September 11 attacks, a leader in the Delaware National Guard, and a role model for women and girls. She was also a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She left behind a legacy of service, excellence, and compassion that will inspire generations to come.
