Meet the 325th CS commander Published July 16, 2013 By Senior Airman Christopher Reel 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A youth of rich military heritage grows a man into an Airman of leadership and family. While accomplishing goals and creating a path of his own military heritage, a new chapter unfolds for him at the 325th Fighter Wing. "My father, a lieutenant colonel, retired from the U.S. Marine Corps and served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam," said Lt. Col. Patrick Godfrey, 325th Communications Squadron commander. "He was a carrier pilot and primarily flew the F4U Corsair and was the main reason I joined the service." The Wheaton, Ill. native was only 17 and still at Wheaton North High School when he joined the Illinois Air National Guard. Col. Godfrey's mother signed for him to join and he was based out of the Chicago O'Hare International Airport as a member of the 264th Combat Communications Squadron. While there, he worked as a satellite-wideband radio technician and later worked a few years as a civilian Air Reserve Technician. "When I was a kid, I wanted to go to college and serve my country." Colonel Godfrey earned his degree in actuarial science from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Ill. "If you have a dream, pursue it," Colonel Godfrey said. "You never know where it will take you. I enjoyed my time as a technician and would have continued down that path but I had a desire to join the officer corps like my parents. I was accepted into Officer Training School, made the transition from Guard to active duty, and was able to pursue a career in communications where I already had some experience. "Don't wait until the window of opportunity closes, and you have regrets the rest of your life," added the colonel. "My path led me to my wife and three kids, and I wouldn't change it for the world." He met his wife Amy Weatherill in 2004 in Davis, Cali. while stationed at Travis Air Force Base, Fairfield, Cali. They now have three children: Tyler, Ryan, and Kylie. Col. Godfrey enjoys spending time with his family, and he's a die-hard Cubs fan. "I still question the Cubs decision every season but it is a hard habit to kick," he joked. "But I also like playing soccer, softball, skiing, and working with computers." The Godfrey's are still getting settled in from their move from Hawaii, where Col. Godfrey was previously deputy of communication systems at Joint Interagency Task Force West, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii. "We are still figuring out what to do in the area," Colonel Godfrey said. "Coming from Hawaii, the kids are all about the beach. Once we unpack the beach toys from our shipment, you'll find us on the water every weekend. The kids still think they are in Hawaii, minus the mountains!" The beaches aren't the only thing the Godfrey family is excited about. "Some say squadron command is the best job in the Air Force, and I'm thankful I get to experience it," said the colonel. "I'm extremely proud and honored to be selected for command. I look forward to supporting Team Tyndall with world-class communications services. We have an outstanding team here at the 325th CS, and I am thrilled to work with them."