Years of service 1963-2003 Name Philip Killey Unit Air National Guard Other work Defense consultant | ||
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Awards Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force)Legion of MeritOrder of the Sword (United States)Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)Meritorious Service MedalAir MedalAir Force Commendation MedalArmy Commendation Medal Commands held 114th Fighter Wing, First Air Force | ||
Allegiance United States of America | ||
Philip G. Killey is a retired United States Air Force officer. He attained the rank of Major General, and served as Adjutant General of the South Dakota National Guard, Director of the Air National Guard and Commander of First Air Force.
Contents
- Early life
- Start of military career
- Later military career
- National Guard Bureau
- 1st Air Force
- Return to South Dakota
- Retirement
- Legacy
- Awards and decorations
- References
Early life
Philp G. Killey was born in Monmouth, Illinois on October 1, 1941. He graduated from Monmouth High School in 1959, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and mathematics from Monmouth College in 1963.
Start of military career
Killey received his commission in 1963 through Air Force Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Upon qualification as an F-4 pilot he was assigned to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
During his career Killey attained the rating of command pilot and flew more than 6,500 hours. His list of military aircraft flown includes the T-37, T-38, F-4, F-100, A-7, F-16 and C-21.
From May, 1967 to February, 1968 Killey flew 129 combat missions as an F-4 fighter pilot in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, assigned to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand.
He left active duty in 1969 and joined the South Dakota Air National Guard in 1970. He held a variety of training, staff and command positions, including Deputy Commander of the 114th Tactical Fighter Group. In March, 1983 he became Commander of the Group.
Later military career
In March, 1987 Killey was named Adjutant General of the South Dakota National Guard and promoted to Brigadier General. He served until November, 1988, when he was appointed Director of the Air National Guard and promoted to Major Ganeral.
National Guard Bureau
Killey served as Director of the Air National Guard until January, 1994, and was acting Chief of the National Guard Bureau from December, 1993 to January, 1994.
1st Air Force
In January, 1994 Killey was named Commander of First Air Force and Continental United States North American Aerospace Defense Command Region. He was the first National Guard officer to hold this position, and he served until January, 1998.
Return to South Dakota
From January, 1998 until retiring in May, 2003 Killey served again as Adjutant General of South Dakota.
Retirement
After retiring from the military Killey was a consultant on government, military and homeland security issues. He was also active in business, including a position on the advisory board of Previstar, Inc.
Legacy
In 2009 the new First Air Force and Continental NORAD Region headquarters was dedicated as the Killey Center for Homeland Operations.