My guest is Colonel Bruce “Baghdad” Cox, USAF, Retired and we will be discussing his career in the Service, and now that he is retired what programs and projects he is involved with Veterans groups. On July 31, 2017, after more than 31 years of service, Col Cox retired from the United States Air Force. In early 1991, during his first tour flying the F-16, Col Cox was sent to the hostile skies of Iraq, where he flew combat missions in Desert Storm. It was here he received the call-sign “Baghdad”.
Baghdad was commissioned in 1986 from Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. A Distinguished Graduate from pilot training, he next went to Luke AFB, where he was in the first class to be qualified in the F-16C aircraft. Over the next three decades, Baghdad would maintain combat mission-ready status in front line fighter squadrons, where he deployed 11 times, participating in 13 named combat operations. Racking up nearly 4,200 hours in the F-16C (more than 500 hours in combat), Baghdad received countless decorations and many medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Baghdad culminated his career as Wing Commander of the Air Force’s only unit operating two bomber aircraft, the 307th Bomb Wing. In this final assignment, he commanded over 2,000 Airmen and DoD civilians tasked to train and deploy the mighty B-1 as well as the timeless and venerable B-52. In 2016, on behalf of those he led, he was honored to receive the Fort Worth Airpower sponsored Power & Vigilance Award, where the 307th Bomb Wing was recognized as the top wing in the 10th Air Force. Col Cox is a Fort Worth Airpower Council Member, a Proud Texas Aggie, Class of ‘86. Most importantly…and Husband to Wanda, father of six, and Papa of four grandchildren. For more information on the Airpower Foundation go to www.airpowerfoundation.org