Honoring Our Heroes

Major David Timothy Boyle

Major David Timothy Boyle served 20 years in the United States Air Force. His Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) was communications operations officer and communications staff officer. He received the following decorations, medals and awards: Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Training Ribbon and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Device.

Major Boyle was born in Burlington, Iowa, and was reared in rural areas of Iowa. He graduated from Burlington High School and then in 1966 graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.S. Degree in General Sciences. Boyle volunteered for military service during the Vietnam War era, and he enlisted January 2, 1968, in the United States Air Force.

Major Boyle's military service began with his attendance and then graduation from Office Training School at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB), TX, March 28, 1968. His first assignment was to Clark Air Base (AB) , Philippines, March 1969 to August 1970 to the First Mobile Communications Group which provided communications support to many locations in southeast Asia. He was deployed to Korea, Taiwan, Laos, Australia and Thailand to provide quick response to mobile communications to support Air Force operations.

From August 1970 to October 1072, Major Boyle served at Robins AFB, GA, to the Fifth Mobile Communications Group as an Exercise Planning Officer and provided continency communications support to the 9th and 19th Air Forces. His next service was as an Active Duty Air Force Advisor working closely with the 244th Mobile Communications Squadron (ANG) at the Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, OR, October 1972-April 1976. This ensured that the unit met operational readiness to support Air Force operations plans.

Major Boyle was deployed to RAF Upper Heyford, UK, from April 1976 to June 1977 to a classified location to provide contractor oversight of a remote tropospheric radio site. Returning to the United States, he attended the Communications-Electronics Staff Officer School June 1977 to April 1978. Boyle was then assigned to the Air Force Communications Command Inspector General office at Scott AFB, IL, from April 1978 to November 1979 where he inspected Active Duty, Reserve and Air National Guard communications units to ensure that they provided necessary support to their operational commands. In addition, he ensured the combat communications units were operationally ready to meet their contingency missions. Next, Major Boyle was assigned to the Air Force Manpower and Personnel Center at Randolph AFB, TX, from November 1979 to December 1984 where he provided communications support to the Air Force's personnel system which consisted mostly of data communications in support of the personnel computer system which spanned from Europe to Japan. His last assignment was to Offutt AFB, NE, from December 1984 to January 1988 where he served as an acquisition officer in support of all Strategic Air Command (SAC) bases, and he participated in source selection boards that provided complete changeover of base telephone systems at three SAC bases and also ensured competition in contracting for both computer and communications systems. Major Boyle retired from military service and was discharged January 31, 1988.

Major Boyle and his wife, Dr. Linda L. Boyle, a retired Air Force Colonel, have been married for 41 years, and they have three adopted children and three grandchildren. He supported his wife in her military career by rearing, caring and nursing their children. While they were stationed in Alaska, from April 2009 to October 2017, he volunteered full-time for a free market think tank, the Alaska Policy Forum. It focused on improving K-12 education for all children, transparency and accountability in government and personal responsibility. In addition, he provides a website for Alaskans to easily follow their legislative happenings so they can understand and support or oppose current legislation. He provides a "report card" on each legislator for the general public. He enjoys fishing, hiking and gardening.

When reflecting on his military service, Major Boyle says, "I fortunately was not to be in any battles or combat locations; however, I did go TDY to Laos to support our forward Air Force people. We improved their communications from the local operating locations to their headquarters thus improving Air Force operations in Vietnam and Laos. Serving as a military officer has meant carrying on the tradition of upholding our US Constitution and all for which it stands. It has been a privilege and an honor to follow in the footsteps of such hallowed men as George Washington, our Revolutionary War heroes and those who suffered and died in WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam It truly was and is a brotherhood, one that civilians will never understand."

-------------------------------------------

Col Linda Lake Boyle

Col Linda Lake Boyle served 24 years in the United States Air Force and 18 years with the Veterans Administration's healthcare system. Her Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) was Medical Commander, Nurse Administrator Commander, Nurse Administrator, Technical instructor, clinical nurse, flight nurse, flight nurse instructor and flight nurse examiner. This charismatic and systems thinker has been a talented and innovative leader of organizations and in executing multi-discipline programs at local, Veterans Integrated Service Networks and national levels. Her medals, awards and decorations included: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (five), AF Accommodation Medal (two), Air Force Training Ribbon (three), Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon and National Defense Service Medal.

Col Boyle was born in Philadelphia, PA, May 6, 1949, to her parents, Larkin and Mary Jo Lake. She was reared in Plymouth Valley, PA, and graduated from Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School in 1966.

Col Boyle's military service began when she joined the Air National Guard of Pennsylvania in September 1970, and her active duty began March 29, 1977, in Philadelphia, PA. Col Boyle selected the field of nursing as her career. She received a B.S Degree in 1971 and a M.S. Degree in 1974 in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania through grants from Health Education and Welfare. In 2014, she received a Doctor of Management, Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix online funded by the G.I. Bill. Col Boyle had five years of clinical experience including nurse manager during 1969-1974 with the Air National Guard of Pennsylvania, prior to Active Duty in 1977 out of the Inactive Ready Reserve.

Col Boyle served with distinction in positions of leadership with nine assignments at Air Force Bases. First, she served as a Flight Nurse Instructor/Flight Nurse Examiner with the 57th Aerovac Squadron (AES), Scott Air Force Base (AFC), Il, 03/29/1977-07/01/1979. She evaluated performance of flight nurses for crew qualifications by performing check rides, assured quality control of all manuals and supervised personnel in maintaining manuals currency. Her second assignment was as Course Supervisor and Instructor, School of Aerospace Medicine Flight Nurse Program, Brooks AFB, TX, 07/01/1979-05/31/1983. She then served as the Assistant Nurse Manager, Neuro-surgical Unit, Wilford Medical Center, Lackland AFB, TX 06/01/83-12/31/84 where she was responsible for planning, organizing, implementing, evaluating, documenting and participating in all nursing actions within a 29-bed unit. She was recognized as a neuro-surgical expert. Next, she served as the Nurse Manager and Clinical Specialist at Ehrling Bergquist Regional Hospital, Offutt AFB, NE, 1/1/1985-6/1/1998. She managed a 22 bed unit of short term surgical patients and served as nurse manager for the emergency room with a staff of 22 technicians rendering care to 37,800 patients annually and coordinated 720 patient transports a year. Following this assignment, she served as Course Supervisor, Nursing Service Management at Sheppard AFB, TX, 06/01/1988-01/01/1991 where she planned, organized, directed, coordinated and implemented the activities for the yearly training of 126 active duty and 78 reserve component nurse mid-level managers. She then served as Chief, Medical Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA)/ Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) Management Division, Air Reserve Personnel Center, Lowry AFB, CO, 01/01/1991-07/01/1995 where she was responsible for 2,062 Reserve personnel and direct responsibility for 679 nurses. Next, she served as Deputy Command Nurse, Air Mobility Command Scott AFB, IL, 07-01-1995-07/01/1996 where she was responsible for nursing practice, standards of care within 12 Air Force medical facilities throughout the United States, 57th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard units. Her next assignment was as 3rd Medical Support Squadron Commander (CEO), Elmendorf AFB, AK 07/02/1996-05/26/1999, where she was responsible for planning, programming and directing manpower, facilities and funding for a 300 member squadron supporting a 825 member medical group. Her next leadership position was 45 Medical Group Commander (CEO), Patrick AFB, FL, 07/10/1999-07/31/2001 providing medical and dental care to more than 50,000 beneficiaries. Col Boyle retired from active military service there July 31, 2001.

Following military retirement, Col Boyle continued her exemplary leadership by working with the Veterans Administration (VA) from September 2001 to September 28, 2019. Her service with the VA included work as Associate Director for Patient/Nursing Service and as Interim Director in Alaska at the Alaska VA Healthcare System (HCS) from September 2001 to November 2016. She then served as the Director of Central AL VA HCS from November 2016 to September 2019.

Col Boyle and her husband, Major David Timothy Boyle, who also served in the U. S. Air Force for 20 years, have been married 41 years, and they have three adopted children and two grandchildren. They enjoy traveling and have gone to Alaska, New Mexico and Colorado to visit family and friends. She has volunteered at the Central Alabama VA Health Care System teaching Whole Heath.

Col Boyle describes her military service saying, "I joined the Air National Guard in 1970 while still in college to serve my Country. It was the time of Vietnam. I believed as a nurse that I could help my fellow countrymen who needed compassionate nursing care. I live by the Air Force's core values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in all that you do. I have a strong love of my country, the U.S.A., and a willingness to serve whenever and wherever that they wanted me to go. The camaraderie is unbelievable. If asked, I would readily do it again."

-------------------------------------------

Chief Warrant Officer Buddy Martin Wilson: Age 87

Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Buddy Martin Wilson served 25 years in the U.S. Military including four years in the Navy, 12 years in the Air Force and nine years in the Army. His Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was installation and maintenance of medical equipment. His medals, award and decorations include: National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Small Arms Expert, Marksman Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal with two bronze stars and Legion of Merit.

CWO Wilson was born January 3, 1934 to his parents, Albert Jack Wilson and Alice Mixon Wilson in Greenville, AL. He attended schools in Greenville, AL, Lowndesboro, AL, and East Point, GA, graduating from Russell High School in East Point, GA, June 9, 1952. He attended the University of Georgia at Atlanta for one semester and worked as a shipping clerk at a battery plant in East Point, GA. Having joined the U. S. Navy Reserve just prior to his high school graduation, he entered service in the Regular Navy in January 1953. He completed Basic Training at the Great Lakes Naval Station, IL, followed by training at the Navy's Hospital Corps Training School at Portsmouth, VA, and by assignment to the Naval Hospital at Pensacola, FL, for the remaining time of service 1953-1955 in the Navy CWO Wilson attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) for three semesters in pre-med. He then began service in the U. S. Air Force at Maxwell Air Force Base (AFB) AL followed by a faulty assignment to a weather equipment repairing school at Chanute AFB, IL., but he was reassigned to the hospital at Chanute AFB as a striking medical equipment repairman. He was deployed to the Army medical depot in northern Japan where he was trained in medical equipment repairs. For two years, he served at Itazuke Air Base (AB) Japan where he created a design for an incubator for babies. He returned to a hospital at Chanute AFB and to Gunter Air Field, AL, to attend a biomedical school for 20 weeks and another long course for 32 weeks.

After being promoted to Warrant Officer, CWO Wilson enlisted in the U. S. Army, and he supervised military and civilian personnel in installation and maintenance at military hospitals. He was assigned to serve at the many Army Martin Community Hospital at Ft. Benning, PA, where he retired June 30, 1977.

After his military retirement, CWO Wilson worked with Baptist South Medical Center for two years installing and repairing medical equipment. He was then employed by Narco Airshields, a company manufacturing heart rate monitors and respirators, ventilators, incubators, etc. for one year. Next, he was employed by Rendhaw-Heilman Associates located in Columbia, South Carolina, engaging in hospital planning for updates and new hospitals. When he was chief of the Bio-Mecal division, he also served as Executive Officer for a Radiological Emergency Medical team covering Mississippi west to Taiwan. The team worked in conjunction with a world team from Sandia, New Mexico located in Albuquerque, NM. He worked in Melbourne, FL, with a 500 bed facility. One of the new hospitals was a new medical center for the University of Michigan. He was involved in redesigning many hospitals including two in Pensacola, FL, one in Brookville, FL, one in Mobile, AL and a planned medical center for Saudi Arabia at Jubail which he did by himself.

CWO Wilson and his wife, Barbara Helen, were married 62 years before she passed away, and they had two children, and five grandchildren. His wife, Sandralee, and he have been married one and one-half years, and they enjoy traveling. They are members of Frazer United Methodist Church where he has served as the President of the Men's Club and Chairman of the Hospital Visitation Team. He still enjoys playing golf. He has served as the representative for the Scottish Rite Foundation Masons for the Montgomery valley covering 39 counties within AL. He has been the liaison for supervision and the membership chairman of Masonic clubs in AL since 1998. This organization cares for over 600 children affected by dyslexia in Alabama.

CWO Wilson's conclusions about his military service are, "I would like future generations to remember me as the friendliness person that they have ever known. The military experience was wonderful. I met many super persons and made great friendships. The professional experience was also very gratifying. The world's greatest people such as Dr. Michael De Bakey, the famous vascular surgeon, many professional golfers and too many others to name. I met manufacturers with input and receiving input with ideas received and put into practice such as the Infant Baby transport system, intensive care utilities and special devices for diagnosis and treatment. Over all, this included management skills and ideas. I had privilege in serving in one of the largest medical centers in San Francisco with 1650 beds, a research center serving military ships with medical units. I assisted in design and in opening a 850 bed hospital to care for the many U. S. military patients returning from Vietnam. Military medicine is most important to support our brave young men and their families. Regretfully Congress has eliminated many fine military medical facilities around the world. This has resulted in great values going to waste, but life goes on. Thank God! I could go on forever, but I hope it will be known that I am one proud soldier. Thanks for allowing me to serve.

-------------------------------------------

Colonel Anthony (Tony) Baggiano

Col Anthony (Tony) L. Baggiano served 20 years in the United States Air Force. His last Air Force assignment was the Commander of the San Antonio Data Services. His medals, awards and decorations included: Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Longevity Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and Airborne Badge.

Col Baggiano was born February 12, 1939 in Jamestown, N.Y., to his parents, Sebastian and Frances Baggiano, where he was reared and graduated from Jamestown High school in 1957. He graduated from The Citadel with a B.S. Degree in Physics in 1961, was commissioned as a Lieutenant and then entered service in the U.S. Air Force August 31, 1961, at James Connally Air Force Base (AFB), Waco, TX. His first assignment was to attend Texas A& M University where he received a Master's Degree in Mathematics in 1963. Col. Baggiano continued his education by completion of the Air Force educational programs at the Air Force Squadron Officers School in 1968 at Maxwell AFB, AL, the Armed Forces Staff College in 1972 in Norfolk, VA, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1978.

After receiving his degree from Texas A& M University, Col Baggiano's illustrious military service began with his assignment to the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C. where he served as a numerical analyst conducting system design, system development and testing, implementation and follow-on maintenance of large computer systems involved with highly classified projects from 1963-1966. He then completed an assignment as Associate Professor and Deputy Division Chief, Department of Mathematics at the USAF Academy 1966-1968 and 1969-1972. During this time, he completed one year of deployment as Chief, Programming Branch, Intelligence Data Handling Systems, U.S. Military Assistance Command in Vietnam 1968-1969.

Col Baggiano's expertise in computer technology was effective in his service at three Air Force bases. In 1972-1976, Col Baggiano served as the Chief, Operations Research Division, Air Force Data Systems Design Center at Gunter AFB where he supervised 56 officers, enlisted and high-grade civilians engaged in a variety of highly technical and complex computer related projects involving the technical management of 135 computers installed at major Air Force bases worldwide. He served as the Deputy Program Manager-Chief, Systems Engineering Division, Phase IV Program Management Office 1976-1980 at Gunter Annex, Maxwell AFB, AL, where he was responsible for the definition of the architecture and the writing of the technical specification for the Base Level Data Automation program which included the replacement of over 260 computers at every Air Force Base worldwide, supervision of 29 officers, high-grade civilians and enlisted personnel. His final military service was as Commander, San Antonio Data Service Center in 1980-1981 where he managed the only Air Force consolidated computer center dedicated to providing automatic data processing service to the Air Force, Army, Navy and other Federal agencies on a fee-for-service basis. Col Baggiano retired there from military service August 31, 1981.

After military retirement, Col Baggiano worked as the Assistant Director of Data Systems Management Division with the State of Alabama in 1981-1985. He performed administrative and professional work assisting in the state's information systems programs. From 1985-2004, Col Baggiano worked with Robbins-Gioia, Inc. which specializes in program management services for the federal government. In 1985-1992, Col Baggiano served as the Director of Southern Operations where he directed all aspects of the Robbins-Gioia program management support system. From 1993-1998, he served as President/Chief Operating Officer and was responsible for all operations of the corporation including revenue growth and profitability. From 1999-2004, he served as Chief Management Consultant where he focused on leveraging clients' investments for strategic advantage, developed and led Robbins-Gioia's management consulting groups offering services in strategic planning and assessment, capital investment planning, portfolio management and IT planning.

Col. Baggiano and his wife, Faye, have been married 59 years, and have five children and eight grandchildren. He has been deeply involved with serving others in the Montgomery, AL, community. He has served with the Montgomery Area Food Bank as President and Member of the Board for 13 years. His other service includes membership on the Board of Directors of The Citadel Alumni Association, the Air University Foundation, the USA Water Ski Association, the U.S. Olympic Committee, the American Water Ski Foundation, the Central AL Football Officials Association, the Central AL Basketball Officials Association, the Downtown Optimists Club, and the Montgomery Rotary Club.

Col. Baggiano reflects upon his military service saying, "I was reared by Italian immigrant parents who taught me to respect and love this country and to be very patriotic. My military service was the best thing that ever happened to me. What higher calling is there?"