Donald Tillotson - Honor Guard Commander - US Air Force

Donald Tillotson served in the Air Force Reserve from 1982 to 2012, beginning with the 913th Airlift Wing and later joining the 514th Airlift Wing at McGuire Air Force Base. During his career, he held many leadership roles, including COMSEC Manager and First Sergeant. He deployed multiple times across Central and South America, Panama, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Norway, and Hawaii, including wartime service during Desert Shield and Desert Storm and 2 deployments in support of Southern Watch. His military decorations include Meritorious Service Medals (3), the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, and multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Valor.

 

Donald earned a degree in Applied Science from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in 1981. In his civilian career, he worked as an NCR field engineer, a Central Bucks school bus driver, and later as a Safety and Occupational Specialist and Regional Manager with the Department of Labor, where he developed programs to support veterans and help them access service-related benefits.

 

Donald joined the Guardians Honor Guard in 2019 and was appointed Honor Guard Commander on May 1, 2024, serving on the Guardians Board in that capacity. In this leadership role, he oversees all Honor Guard operations, trains and recruits new members, and ensures every veteran laid to rest at Washington Crossing National Cemetery receives full military honors. His work is critical to sustaining the mission that began in 2010, ensuring it continues with strength, dignity, and respect while guiding the next generation of Honor Guard members.