Robin Mark Kozelka

COLONEL ROBIN MARK KOZELKA
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Colonel Robin Mark Kozelka was born in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Robert F. and Miriam Ashley Kozelka. He was a member of the historic, "First Class" to graduate from the United States Air Force Academy. Entering the Academy on July 11, 1955, he was part of the foundational group of cadets who established the traditions of the institution. He earned his commission on June 3, 1959, embarking on a distinguished 34-year military career. Over more than three decades of service, Colonel Kozelka served as a tactical fighter pilot, instructor, and systems logistics leader through multiple global deployments and extensive combat operations in the Vietnam War.

MILITARY CAREER & OPERATIONAL SERVICE

Following commissioning, Lieutenant Kozelka entered undergraduate pilot training across Bartow, Reese, and Perrin Air Force Bases. As a command pilot, he found his primary operational calling in the cockpit of the F-4 Phantom II. His assignments spanned the globe, beginning with tactical fighter duties and flight test maintenance operations with the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Torrejon Air Base near Madrid, Spain, from 1961 to 1964.

COMBAT COMMAND & STRATEGIC PROCUREMENT

Colonel Kozelka deployed to Southeast Asia twice during the Vietnam War, distinguishing himself under fire and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross alongside the Bronze Star Medal.
• 1965: Served as an air controller with the III Corps Direct Air Support Center in South Vietnam, coordinating vital close air support for forces on the ground.
• 1969: Returned to combat operations flying the F-4 Phantom II with the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing out of Phu Cat Air Base. This deployment followed his time at Arizona State University, where he earned a Master of Science in Engineering Mechanics.
As his career advanced, Colonel Kozelka seamlessly balanced high-stakes squadron leadership with critical technological development. He lent his engineering and operational expertise to the F-15 Systems Program Office at Wright-Patterson AFB, serving as the Deputy Director of Logistics during the aircraft's crucial development phase.

He later served as Operations Officer for the 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron and Commander of the 417th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Holloman AFB. In 1977, he reached a prime military educational milestone by graduating from the National War College. His leadership extended to senior staff roles at Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Headquarters in Hawaii, as Director of Operations and Vice Commander (DO/CV) for the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, and Vice Commander of the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing at Myrtle Beach AFB. He wrapped up his active-duty career at Langley AFB and back at Wright-Patterson AFB, retiring in 1989.

A SECOND CAREER & CIVIC DEVOTION
Following his retirement from active duty, Colonel Kozelka transitioned into a successful second career in defensive aerospace technology. He worked as a representative for Loral Electronic Systems, which later evolved into a core component of Lockheed Martin.

Settling in Virginia, Robin became a pillar of the Poquoson community. He was a proud member of the Order of Daedalians (the national fraternity of military pilots) and dedicated extensive time to the Kiwanis Club of Poquoson. Believing deeply in the power of education, he spent his retirement years volunteering as a math and reading tutor within the Poquoson public school system as part of the Kiwanis International Service Organization program.

FAMILY & LEGACY
Colonel Kozelka was a devoted family man, remembered for his quiet courage, intellect, and profound sense of service. He is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Beverly Kozelka; his children, Peter Kozelka, Andrew Kozelka, and Jenni Kozelka (alongside her husband Troy and their two children); and his step-son, Chris McCarley (alongside his wife Emily and their children, Sebastian and Josephine). He is also survived by his sister, Francia Hawkins, and was preceded in death by his older brother, David Kozelka, and sister-in-law, Reba Kozelka.

EDUCATION
Degree / Course Institution Year
Bachelor of Science United States Air Force Academy 1959
Master of Science in Engineering Mechanics Arizona State University 1969
Senior Professional Military Education National War College 1977

MEDALS & AWARDS

• Legion of Merit (1)
• Distinguished Flying Cross (1)
• Bronze Star Medal (1)
• Meritorious Service Medal (4)
• Air Medal (7)
• Air Force Commendation Medal (1)

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Years Duty Location / Unit
1959–1961 Pilot Training Bartow AB / Reese AFB / Perrin AFB
1961–1964 Pilot & Flight Test Maintenance Officer 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Torrejon AB, Spain
1964 Pilot 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, George AFB, CA
1965 Controller III Corps Direct Air Support Center, South Vietnam
1966–1967 Instructor Pilot / F-4C Pilot 68th TFS / George AFB, CA
1967–1969 Post-Graduate Student Arizona State University
1969 Combat Pilot 37th Tactical Fighter Wing, Phu Cat AB, South Vietnam
1970–1973 Deputy Director of Logistics F-15 Systems Program Office, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
1973–1976 Operations Officer & Commander 9th TFS / 417th TFS, Holloman AFB, NM
1977–1979 Fighter Operations Staff HQ PACAF, Hawaii
1980 Director of Operations / Vice Commander 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Kunsan AB, South Korea
1981–1982 Vice Commander 354th Tactical Fighter Wing, Myrtle Beach AFB, SC
1982–1985 Director, DOC Headquarters Tactical Air Command (TAC), Langley AFB, VA
1985–1989 Director, Tactical Systems Office ASD, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH