Timothy Shawn Madgett, 59 of Orlando, FL passed away on June 3, 2022 from a traumatic brain
injury after an accidental fall. He was born on November 2, 1962 in Hastings, Nebraska to
Robert Kivett Madgett (now deceased) and Joan (Horan) Madgett. Tim was a highly decorated
combat fighter pilot (with nearly 2800 total flying hours,) and was an incredibly gifted man who
served over 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

1970’s
Tim was the middle of 3 sons who moved to Novato, CA in Junior High and later graduated
from Novato High School, excelling in baseball and wrestling.
U.S. Air Force Academy
In 1980, Tim received a prestigious appointment as a cadet to the U.S. Air Force Academy
(USAFA) in Colorado and graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in
International Affairs. He was in Cadet Squadrons (CS) 14 and 31. Tim excelled in varsity
wrestling and enjoyed all intermural sports--especially softball. As a highlight, Tim got to solo
in the Cessna T41 and earned his freefall parachute jump wings. However, his fondest memories
there were from his leadership as a cadre of the Basic Cadet Training Obstacle Course. It was
also there at the Academy that Tim was affectionately given the nickname “Goof” by his
wrestling friend, Billy Walker--who thought he walked like a goof! --So, this stuck and became
his pilot call sign!
Williams AFB
After graduation, in 1984, Tim entered pilot training at Williams AFB, near Phoenix, AZ, where
he trained in the Cessna T-37 “Tweet” and Northrup T-38 “Talon.”
Marriage
Tim married his Cadet Squadron (CS-31) sweetheart, Maria Marzano in June of 1985. The funny
thing is that their Class of ’84 senior yearbook photos are side-by-side! They went on to have 5
children together: 4 sons and 1 daughter and were married for nearly 37 years.
Mather AFB
Tim’s initial flying assignment was as a First Assignment Instructor Pilot (FAIP) at Mather AFB,
near Sacramento, CA, where he logged 1000 hours of instructor time in the T-37B. He also
became an award-winning Flight Safety Program Manager during that time. He completed his
MBA at night school at National University.
Cannon AFB
In 1989, he was then assigned to F-111D fighter training at Cannon AFB in Clovis, NM.
RAF Lakenheath
In 1990, Tim was assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF (Royal Air Force) Lakenheath,
England, where he flew the fighter-bomber F-111F “Aardvark.” Later that year, he was sent to
Taif, Saudi Arabia to support Operation Desert Shield when Kuwait was invaded by Iraq.

Gulf War
During the subsequent Gulf War in early 1991, Tim flew numerous missions in the F-111F,
supporting DESERT STORM, and racking up 280 hours of combat time. It was during that time
that he and his Weapon Systems Operator, (WSO, Scott Ludlow) were locked-on and fired upon
by 2 heat-seeking missiles from MiG 29 enemy aircraft; At the warning of his WSO, Tim
expertly maneuvered his aircraft and evaded the missiles and firepower, returning to the targets
to complete his mission. For this, he was awarded numerous Flying and Air Medals--foremostly
earning the Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 oak leaf cluster.
Bosnian War
In 1993, Tim retrained into the F-15E Strike Eagle and later flew in support of NATO in the
Bosnian-Herzegovina War between 1994 and 1995.
Flight Safety School
Tim was also sent to the University of Southern CA, (USC) Flight Safety School and became
proficient as an aircraft accident investigator.
AFIT at Wright-Patterson AFB
From 1996-1998, Tim attended the prestigious Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) at
Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH where he earned a Master’s degree in Operations
Research, with an emphasis in Combat Modeling and Simulation.
Langley AFB, VA
He then headed to Langley AFB and became the Chief of the Air Engagements Analysis Team,
part of Air Combat Command. There he worked on various programs including the F-22 Joint
Strike Fighter and evaluated various weapons systems.
Mountain Home AFB, ID
His final base assignment was to the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home AFB, ID where he
was a member of the 391st Fighter Squadron: the “Bold Tigers.”
Haiti Coup d’état
As a highlight of his military career, just before retiring, Tim was chosen to be the Commander
of the 474th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. In support of
Operation: SECURE TOMORROW, Tim was the only U.S. Air Force Commander on the
ground during the Haiti Coup d’état. Responsible for over 100 personnel, he completely set up,
managed, and secured the entire military airfield operation.
Retirement November 2004 and Military Career Awards
Tim retired on November 30, 2004, having served 20 ½ years, and being deployed over 5 years
out of the 20! His awards and decorations were extensive: Air Force Achievement Medal, Air
Force Commendation Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 device, Aerial Achievement

Medal with 1 device, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Medal with 4 devices, Meritorious
Service Medal with 1 device, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Combat Readiness Medal,
Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal with 1 device, Air force Overseas
Long Tour Ribbon with 1 device, Air force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Armed Forces Service
Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 devices, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force
Longevity Service Award with 5 devices, Kuwait Liberation Medal Saudi Arabia, Kuwait
Liberation Medal Kuwait, NATO Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force
Civilian Career, Post USAF Retirement
Upon retirement from the USAF after 20 ½ years of service, Tim continued his support of our
country’s defense, by continuing his service as an Operations Researcher and Systems Engineer
Analyst, working for numerous prestigious companies, such as: STR L.L.C., Lockheed Martin:
Missiles and Fire Control, General Dynamics, SAIC, Alion Science and Technology, and
Raytheon Missile Systems.
JIEDDO at Al Sahra Airfield/COB Speicher near Tikrit, Iraq for IRAQI FREEDOM
In 2008, Tim worked for 6 ½ months in Iraq in support of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device
Defeat Organization (JIEDDO,) and provided analytic tools and tracking that helped to prevent
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from killing our troops.
Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan
In 2011, Tim was the lead analyst in the support of the Combined Joint Task Force, Regional
Command East and routinely prepared assessment reports and briefings for the Commanding
General in a fraction of the time than it was needed.
Family
More important than his career, Tim was a devoted husband and family man who adored his
children and spent all of his free time involved in their activities and sports. He leaves behind
his former wife of nearly 37 years, Maria (Marzano) Madgett, His Mother, Joan (Horan)
Madgett, 5 Children and 1 Granddaughter; 1) Michael (Sabrina) Madgett; 2) Jeffrey (Clancy
Leonard) Madgett & their daughter Aubrey; 3) Kyle Madgett; 4) Tara (Joshua) Peters; and 5)
Timothy Joseph Madgett.
Also surviving him is his older Brother: Mark (Lizanne) Madgett & their children: Sean (Kasey)
Madgett and Meaghan (Casey) Rodgers & Family; and younger Brother: Brian (Seri) Madgett
and daughters Alyssa & Hannah; His Beloved Aunt Therese Kehoe and cousins: Patricia (John)
Bock, and Kathleen Kehoe, and his Uncle Paul W. Madgett.
Organ Donation
Tim was able to donate his kidneys and liver and possibly other tissue to several individuals.
“Greater love hath no man than this, than to lay down his life for his friends.” --Jesus words in
John 15:13

Faith
In 2008, Tim was baptized and believed that the Lord died on the Cross in his place so that his
sins would be paid in full by the grace and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Despite great struggles and
setbacks in his life, we are believing that we shall see Tim again at the promised resurrection of
believers at the second coming of the Lord. We are so grateful for everyone’s support. We will
miss him dearly!

He will be interred with Military Funeral Honors at Arlington National Cemetery on October 19, 2022 at 11:00 AM.
Please arrive between 10:15AM - 10:30AM for the service.

Donations in Tim’s Honor
Donations, if desired, may be given in honor of Timothy S. Madgett at the Tunnel to Towers
Foundation at: https://t2t.org