WW II veteran’s military service recognized by AF Chief of Staff

  • Published
  • By Raquel March
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. --  World War II veteran, retired Air Force Maj. Ike Farrar, received an honorable recognition for his military service on July 22 from the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh III.

The Air Force Test Center Commander Maj. Gen. Arnold W. Bunch Jr. presented a letter of appreciation to Farrar from Welsh which expressed the importance of Farrar's contributions.

Welsh wrote, "Like so many brave Americans, you joined the military after the attack on Pearl Harbor and during our Nation's greatest time of need. Your service in the Pacific flying transport and medical missions let us take the fight to the enemy, while providing our wounded warriors urgent medical support. In the end, you and the other veterans of the 'Greatest Generation' won World War II and showed us the meaning of words like sacrifice, courage and humility. Our Air Force stands on your shoulders."

Welsh thanked Farrar for his service in his letter on behalf of the 690,000 men and women currently serving in the U.S. Air Force and the millions who have served and will serve.

Farrar's family and friends attended the ceremony where Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) Commander Col. Raymond Toth gave an overview of Farrar's career.

"Ike dedicated himself not only to the Air Force, but also to his community and his family for more than 70 years," Toth said. "His experiences during World War II flying medevac [medical evacuation] missions in the Pacific left indelible imprints on him that forged his selflessness and dedication to others for the rest of his life. I am proud [that] the Air Force Test Center and AEDC could play a part in recognizing such a great airman and patriot."

Farrar was drafted into military service while attending the University of Tennessee. He spent part of his military career as a flight instructor in the Army Air Corps, a precursor to the U.S. Air Force. He was eventually assigned to fly a C-46 cargo plane and flew supplies to Pacific islands during World War II.

Welsh also mentioned in his appreciation letter the recognition Farrar received from Bedford County Mayor Eugene Ray, who declared Jan. 20, 2014 as "Farrar Day" in Bedford County due to Farrar's contributions to the community.

Air Force Civic Leader Walt Wood presented a Chief of Staff Challenge coin to Farrar and Arnold Community Council (ACC) President Elect Jim Jolliffe presented an ACC coin to the veteran.

Farrar resides in the Flat Creek Community where he maintains a dairy farm.