Generations

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Imwalle | Commentary was originally published on Page 18 of the December 1, 2018, issue of "Locked On Magazine." It may also be found at www.138fw.ang.af.mil.  

TULSA, OK, UNITED STATES

12.01.2018

Story by Staff Sgt. Rebecca Imwalle 

138th Fighter Wing

1933 marked the beginning of a rich military family heritage when Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Joseph W. Turner joined the Army Air Corps.

Joe Turner would be the first of three generations of pilots to serve with the Oklahoma Air National Guard. Throughout the span of 75 years, the Turner family has served in nearly every major war campaign since World War II.

In 1943, five days after his first son, Ronald Turner, was born, Joe Turner was called to active duty service during WWII. On his second mission during the war, his B-17 bomber was ambushed by a flight of German Messerschmitt fighters. He received a Purple Heart that day, but continued to fly another 28 missions, including on D-Day, before returning home more than two years later.

In 1947, Joe Turner became the commander of the 125th Fighter Squadron here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, flying the P-51 Mustang. In 1959, he was appointed assistant adjutant general for the OKANG. Throughout his career, Joe Turner flew more than 6,500 hours in 17 different aircraft, and received the Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, and many other medals. He retired in 1966 after 33 years of service.

After seeing his father’s numerous years of service, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Ronald Turner decided to follow in his footsteps, joining the OKANG in 1966 as a transport loadmaster. He eventually become a pilot and start flying the C-97/C-124 with the 125th Military Airlift Squadron out of Tulsa.

Ron Turner spent his entire career in the Tulsa ANG, holding various positions including 125th Tactical Fighter Squadron commander, 138th Fighter Group commander and was the 138th Fighter Wing commander from 1994 until 1996. He flew many exercises and support missions including during the Vietnam War, earning the Legion of Merit and numerous other awards and decorations.

Ron Turner retired in 2003 at the rank of brigadier general after serving as the OKANG assistant adjutant general, the same rank and position that his father retired from 37 years prior. Throughout his 43 year career, Ron Turner flew more than 4,000 hours and eight different aircraft, the last being the F-16 Viper.

For Lt. Col. Todd Turner, the biggest factor in becoming a third generation pilot for the OKANG was the legacy that his grandfather and father had created. He joined the OKANG in 1993, graduated pilot training in 1995 with his pilot wings and become a command pilot. He is currently serving as a 138th FW inspector general.

Todd Turner has flown more than 4,000 hours throughout his 25 year career with the OKANG, including deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Flying the C-130 and KC-135 has taken him to every continent except Antarctica.

The Turner family has more than 100 years of military service and counting. Todd Turner and his wife Melissa have five children, so the tradition of military service may continue with a fourth generation of Turners to serve in the Oklahoma Air National Guard.

• Date Taken: 12.01.2018
• Date Posted: 01.23.2019 12:27
• Story ID: 307929
• Location: TULSA, OK, US