Rob's History
Gone But Not Forgotten
Robin Tornow passionately served his God, country, family and community. Rob lost a courageous battle with cancer on Aug. 22, 2010, in Newnan, GA. He left behind a legend.
Rob was born April 30, 1942 in Monroe, WI. Following graduation from the Air Force Academy in 1964, he attended pilot training at Reese AFB, TX. From there, he went to Dover AFB, DE, before serving in Vietnam 1967 to 1968, supporting the 101st Airborne and Special Forces. After an assignment in RAF Lakenheath, England, Rob earned a master's degree in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Texas, and later taught at the Air Force Academy. He was an Operations Officer in South Korea and an F-4 Squadron Commander at Seymour-Johnson AFB, NC.
After completing Air War College in 1983, Rob was stationed at the Pentagon. In 1985 he flew the F-16 at MacDill AFB, FL. and moved to Luke AFB, AZ. where he was Wing Commander of an F-15 unit. Rob became commander of the AF Southern Air Division and was promoted to Brigadier General in 1989 while serving in Panama. His final assignment was as Commandant of Air Force ROTC in Alabama. Rob retired in 1993 with more than 4,000 flying hours in a variety of aircraft and received a number of medals and commendations including the Silver Star.
Upon retirement Rob moved to Newnan, GA. where he served his community. For 11 years Rob was director of the satellite campus of the University of West Georgia. During this time, student population grew ten-fold and a number of degrees, including graduate, were added to the curriculum. He served on a variety of education boards and commissions. He was chair of the local United Way and later joined the Atlanta Metro board. He was active in Rotary and served as president. His dedication to his church was evidenced by faithful attendance and untiring service as he headed a successful building campaign. Rob led the way in developing a Veterans Memorial Park in Newnan. For all his community service and accomplishments, General Tornow was recognized as “Citizen of the Year” in 2008.
His wife, Barbara, was by his side and a strong supporter for 45 years. They have two children, Kelli of Dallas, Texas, and Brett of Roswell, Ga. and four grandchildren: Jordan, David, Ryan and Jackson.
(Walt Thompson and Barb Tornow, Robin's wife, Gone But Not Forgotten, December 2010)
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