Farewell to Col John Coulthard

Story & photos by Maj Herb Porter

MG Scoggins (l), Mrs. Coulthard (m) and Col Coulthard (r)

The Washington Air National Guard recently paid tribute to one of its outstanding members.  Colonel John S. Coulthard, joined the retirement ranks after a distinguished career, completing 32 years of military service, 26 of which were in the Washington Air National Guard.

In his final assignment as Director of the Sector Air Operations Center (SAOC) at the Western Air Defense Sector (WADS), McChord AFB, WA, Col Coulthard was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the facility that provides air sovereignty and defense for the entire Western United States.  With a standing room only crowd present at the 241st Civil Engineering Squadron Auditorium, Camp Murray, WA, numerous dignitaries, colleagues, and friends honored Col Coulthard.

MG Barlow (l) with the Coulthards

Among the special guests were the Adjutant General of the State of Washington, Major General Gregory P. Barlow, the Commander of the Washington Air National Guard, Major General Frank Scoggins, and members of the Royal Canadian Air Force.  Colonel Coulthard received numerous awards and plaques, including the prestigious Legion of Merit and the Washington State Distinguished Service Medal.  There were many accolades of praise as he was recognized for his outstanding professionalism and integrity, and for his caring attitude.

It was clearly apparent that Colonel Coulthard had made a significant impact to the mission of the Air National Guard, touching the lives of many military members in a very positive way.

Col Coulthard was born in 1944, graduating from high school in Cashmere, WA.  He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Management from Washington State University in 1967.  Following graduation, he was commissioned through Officer Training School (OTS) and subsequently served in the United States Air Force at air defense installations in Iowa and Montana, as an Intercept Director and Weapons Director.   He then transferred to Clark AB in the Philippines with the Tactical Air Command, serving as a Weapons Controller, Commander, Forward Air Control Post, and Chief of Standardization and Training.

Col Coulthard and family

Col Coulthard separated from active duty in 1972 and joined the Washington Air National Guard the following year, as a Weapons Controller and Operations Officer with the 105th Tactical Control Flight, Cheney, WA.  He remained at the 105th for the next 16 years serving in numerous capacities, including Chief of  Standardization and Evaluation, Senior Director, and Detachment Commander.  In 1987, Col Coulthard became the Executive Support Officer at Headquarters, Washington Air National Guard, Camp Murray, WA.

A year later, he assumed the position of Director of the SAOC at McChord AFB, playing an integral role in the transition of the WADS from an active duty Air Force mission to an Air Guard mission.