AFRS marketing legend retires after 44 years of service Published April 2, 2008 By Chet R. DelSignore Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The man known as the cornerstone of Air Force advertising and marketing retires from federal service April 3 after 44 years in the public affairs, advertising and marketing arenas. Tim Talbert, Air Force Recruiting Service Strategic Communications Division deputy chief, has served as the consummate advertising watchdog since 1984 under the leadership of 13 commanders. He is widely known as the go-to person in Air Force marketing circles, having crafted several advertising contracts over the years; however, he started in AFRS as a copywriter and an account executive before becoming the marketing deputy. "I pleaded with him to give me one more year, and he did, but now family comes first, and as an author on the side, he does everything so well. I can't wait to read his book, and sincerely wish him well in whatever his future holds," said Brig. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot, AFRS commander, reflecting on the impact of Mr. Talbert's retirement. During his AFRS tenure, Mr. Talbert has overseen the Air Force's national advertising campaigns, including slogans such as "Aim High," "No One Comes Close," "Cross Into the Blue" and "Do Something Amazing." Additionally he has seen the Air Force become involved in major national sporting events including NASCAR, Monster Jam, snowmobile, wakeboarding and motorcycle racing. A lifelong sports fan, Mr. Talbert made a failed attempt to plead his way on to the University of Texas football team upon finishing high school in 1958. After waving Austin goodbye, he ultimately earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Texas Christian University in 1963. Shortly after college, Mr. Talbert said he signed up to serve his country as an Air Force public affairs officer instead of taking an offer to become a sports reporter for a top national newspaper. His first Air Force assignment brought him to Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio where he met his future bride, Cherie. The couple was soon married in the base chapel and raised two children, Lea and Chip, who have since added three grandchildren to the Talbert tribe. "My wife, Cherie, deserves all the medals and honors I've received over the years," he said. "She lit our path as we traveled both sides of every road. The girl still has moonlight in her eyes." Mr. Talbert ultimately served 20 years in public affairs, retiring in the grade of major. His last assignment was as a squadron commander at Officer Training School at Lackland AFB, Texas, before breaking into federal service at AFRS. Reflecting on his 44-year Air Force career, Mr. Talbert cited his many opportunities to meet presidents, kings, queens, emperors and despots. He has had the distinction of rubbing elbows with national media notables, actors, famous writers and comedians throughout his career. Mr. Talbert has seen and experienced things that most people only read about in New York Times headlines, or been reminded of in movies like Forrest Gump. He has even written radio and television scripts for former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, and traveled with the White House Press Corps. "During the past 50 years, I've been challenged, learned that I never stopped learning, contributed to a better world, been fulfilled, and worked with teams of top-notch Air Force people," he said. A Fort Worth, Texas, native, Mr. Talbert has found the path to success to be to "remember who you are and where you're from." He says he has tried to do that ever since graduating with the class of 1958 from Fort Worth Polytechnic High School, with whom he will celebrate a 50-year reunion next month.