By Curt Hendel
Veteran Writer
Last month, Bob and Cindy Wolf, along with son Brandon, made the trip to our Nation’s Capitol for a very special ceremony. That ceremony was son Derick’s promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. Derick has been in the Air Force for fifteen years, and making that rank that quickly shows a sliver of his career to date. He entered the USAF in 2003 after doing his ROTC at Iowa State University.
The weekend started on Thursday with the flight to Washington DC. On Friday a reception for family and friends was held at Derick’s work place, the Pentagon. On Saturday there was a golf outing, with family time on Sunday.
Early Monday morning was the Pinning Ceremony at the National Archives Building from 7:30 till 9:00 AM. The ceremony had to be held early, before the archives open to the public. In the room where Derick was promoted was the original copy of the Constitution of the United States of America.
Also in attendance for the ceremony was Derick’s wife Katie and children Gavin (12), Landon (9), and Clara (6). When you look at the success of any service member, the military spouse certainly plays a huge part in this. Derick is a great example of this. Through many moves and deployments Katie has taken care of the home and family so that Derick can apply himself to his work.
The Pinning Ceremony opened with Gavin, Landon, and Clara leading the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Attention then turned to Derick and his career, fifteen years marked with success at every turn. As a 2nd Lt. at Wright Patterson AFB he was the lead Engine Project Engineer with the C-17 and F-117 engine projects. He was rapidly promoted to 1st Lt and then on to Captain, where he became the Turbine Engine Performance Assessment Engineer.
In 2008 they moved on to Offutt AFB, where he took over as Flight Commander for Technical Signals Analysis and Reporting Lab. He led a crew of 53 enlisted personnel and 10 contractors. It was also from here that Derick was deployed to US Central Command in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He was allowed to pick his second deployment after excelling on his first and chose to deploy to US European Command where he was selected to lead a Squadron of 250 personnel and billions in assets.
Tinker AFB was their next home. Derick was assigned as the B1 Integrated Battle Station Engineer and was now a Major. He worked on modernizing the cockpit and controls of our frontline bomber. He also deployed to Afghanistan from Tinker and was the Joint Staff Officer supporting NATO HQ International Security Forces and US Forces in Afghanistan. He earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and was selected Engineer of the Year in 2014 and 15.
Today Derick works out of the Pentagon for the Directorate of Global Power Programs and is Executive Officer for the Directorate.
Believe it or not, this is the short list of Lt. Col. Wolfs Air Force career! To accomplish what he has in a short span of 15 years is absolutely impressive by any standards. It is also a tremendous reflection of his early years in Adrian surrounded by a strong family and friends that helped him develop character that can be hard to find in 2018!
Also reflective of the Pinning Ceremony and Derick and Katie’s success come from a certain set of parents. When asked to put down a thought or two, Cindy started; “Overwhelmed with the blessing God has bestowed on us, giving our son back to accomplish great things, God truly had a plan for him. So very proud and grateful.”
Bob, also a veteran of the United States Air Force also had some thoughts; “As a father and Air Force Veteran it is with great pride and honor to have your son achieve such and accomplishment. I am so proud of his family also, because they are serving along side of him.”
To date, Lt. Col. Derick Wolf has served his entire 15-year military career in a time of war. As a veteran myself, I can tell you that his years have been marked by making those around him better, serving his nation at a great time of need, and maintaining a family balance while raising three children. None of this is easy. All of us back here at home should be very proud of this young man from Adrian that is making a huge difference in service to our nation.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Teresa Clancy Jackson of TCJ Design to view more photos visit her website at www.tcjdesign.com
