MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. -- The promise of sweltering temperatures in the upper 90s did not deter the almost 200 people who showed up to Marine Corps Air Station New River Thursday morning to bid farewell to Col. Timothy Salmon who turned over command of the air station to Col. Russel Burton at a military change of command ceremony June 23.
Before an audience of Marines, staff, friends, family and community leaders, Salmon thanked God for His presence in his life and His protection over the air station while he served as commander these past three years. He also offered thanks to the many people who helped his tour to be the success it is.
"Thank you to the wonderful staff and the great community. This is the best military-civilian community in the United States," Salmon said.
Salmon also mentioned his time at New River area more than 30 years ago.
"I have some great friends here today from when I was an enlisted Marine here. It’s been almost 33 years since those days," referring to his time at Infantry Training School at Camp Geiger in 1982.
He also thanked his wife, Annette. "My wife bleeds red and black—the Marine Corps Air Station colors. She is a better Marine spouse than I am a Marine."
Salmon and his family will be heading to Brussels where he will be reporting to NATO Headquarters.
Brig. Gen. Thomas D. Weidley, commanding general of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, was the presiding official and mentioned many of Salmon’s numerous accomplishments right after presenting him with the Legion of Merit, gold star in lieu of second award.
He spoke of the improved quality of life for the Marines, sailors, civilian Marines and their families with the execution of upgrades and construction projects which totaled over $330 million during his tenure. He also mentioned the highly successful 2015 Marine Corps Airs Station New River, Red Bull Global Rally Cross event that attracted approximately 10,000 guests.
"This is the kind of commander he is," said Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations East – Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, speaking of Col. Timothy Salmon. "He gives back. He helps the community build that relationship between the military and the community and I can tell you again that it is not finer anywhere than it is here at New River and our surrounding communities out in Jacksonville and Onslow County."
The incoming commanding officer, Col. Russell Burton most recently served as the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Assistant Chief of Staff, Operations at Marine Corps Air Station Okinawa, Japan. He thanked his family and friends for supporting his journey to his present command.
"Neither I nor Tim would be here without the influence you have had on our lives."