Meet the boss

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  When you get the chance, ask a youngster what he or she wants to be when they grow up. The responses will likely be imaginative and outlandish. Could you imagine living out your wildest childhood dream?

Believe it or not, Col. Tim Bush, 319th Air Base Wing commander has lived his dream.

"When I was in third-grade I rented a book from the library called 'Johnny visits the Air Force Academy'," the colonel said. "After I finished reading the book, it was almost as if the skies parted and it dawned on me as I immediately thought -- 'I have to go there'."

Wanting to do something is one story, making it happen is another.

"From the age of eight, I was absolutely focused on going to the Air Force Academy and flying planes," said the energetic colonel. "My father instilled in me a love for military history and aviation, and because of that I am truly living my boyhood dream."

Having logged more than 2,100 hours in the air as a senior pilot, you might think flying has been the highlight of his career.

"I used to think flying airplanes would be the most rewarding part of the job," said the avid golfer. "But commanding Airmen is without a doubt the most rewarding job I have ever had."

Outside of work, the father of two and husband to wife, Cathy, knows exactly how and where to spend his free time.

"I love the outdoors," he said. "I enjoy golfing, hunting, cycling and spending time with the family."

Fortunately for Colonel Bush, athletics are a big part of his life - whether he likes it or not.

"I was born in Tuscaloosa, on the campus of the University of Alabama," he said. "Just by birthright and genetics I have no other option but to be an Alabama fan.

"I like to follow all the Air Force Academy sports teams and have also just experienced a recent conversion," he smiled. "I have now become a hockey fan."

That recent development has seemed to sit just fine with the locals.

"The friendliness, hospitality and warm reception my family and I have been welcomed with here has been absolutely overwhelming," he said. "On top of that, this is some of the best weather I have ever experienced, and I hear it is like this year round."

All humor aside, Colonel Bush said he is both excited and focused on the future here.

"It is my job to take care of every Airman in this wing professionally, technically and personally," he said. "My number one mission is taking care of them so we can all take care of the mission together."