Lt. Col. (Ret) Theodore "Turtle" Wilson

so much on October 17, 2020 at the age of 52 in Colorado Springs. His passing

followed a storied life of career, educational, and personal accomplishments, and a

positive influence on so many that the list would take more columns than we can put in

this paper.

His last moments with us were spent with close friends on the amazing trails behind the

home he shared with Gwenn, the love of his life. He spoke often about the blessings of

going out the back door -- sometimes on two wheels, sometimes with two dogs -- and

the adventure of life they created in Colorado. His enthusiasm and energy were with

him on his last ride as he challenged himself and motivated his friends. He rode into the

arms of God pushing life and his bike to the fullest.

Lt Col (Ret.) Wilson earned his commission and graduated from the United States Air

Force Academy (USAFA) in May 1990. His experience in political-military policy and

analysis, intelligence operations, and as an instructor spanned a career of twenty years.

His career also included numerous deployments and leadership positions; as the

Commander, National Intelligence Cell, U.S. Forces, Pristina, Kosovo, and as the

Deputy Chief of Intelligence Plans, Multi-National Force-Iraq. He served in leadership

at HQ US European Command J2 Plans, and at the Joint Staff J2 Directorate in his final

tour of active duty. He retired from the USAF in 2010. He later joined MITRE corporation

where his work included a multi-month “deployment” to Afghanistan to conduct a

data-sharing optimization study. He also provided systems engineering for HQ U.S.

Africa Command, including playing a critical role in the design and stand-up of a new

Joint Operations Center at Campbell Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany.

TURTLE’s academic accomplishments included a Bachelor of Science from the

USAFA, a Master of Science from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock, and a Master

of Science from George Mason University. He was a graduate of USAF Squadron

Officer’s School, Air Command & Staff College, and Air War College. He was a life-long

learner with numerous professional certificates.

A Chicago native, he lit up any room he entered and had a gravitational pull stronger

than Jupiter. Always radiating positivity, TURTLE, will be remembered for his booming

laughter and endless skills that benefited all of us, especially his chef-level cooking and

love of cycling! Most remarkable though was his endless positivity, support, and

generosity. This wonderful man made any organization, team, family, party, or bike ride

better.

The “before TURTLE” was a patriotic military officer with a tremendous sense of service

to the nation. Shortly after retiring from the Air Force began the “After TURTLE” where

he became so well known that if you asked about “Theodore”, no one would know who

you were talking about. He took so much pride in his nickname that it became an

indelible part of his persona that created so much love. TURTLE transcended a sport

that is often far too focused on success and winning, and he made it about bringing

good people together to share a joyous experience. He brought out the best in us by

emphasizing that friendship, good food, good drink, and believing that stopping for an

espresso and cake (and beer), AKA Kaffee and Küchen, were as important as how

many miles you ride or the kind of bike you owned.

He may not have known how many friendships he created just by being a good friend

and connecting the TURTLE world to others. His approach of LIVING OUT LOUD

infused energy and light into every situation, and his unfailing belief in each one of us

often exceeded our own. That is his magic and his legacy – that he inspired us, showed

us what we were capable of in the face of our own doubts, and loved so many so much.

This great friend lived life in The Big Ring.

TURTLE is survived by his wife Gwenn Afton; his daughters Helena Wilson and

Johanna Wilson; his mother Kathryn LaVerne Wilson; his father Paul Edward

Price—who served honorably in the United States Marine Corps; his siblings Darnell

Wilson, Adam Gaden, Marina Joyner, Kylie Anderson (Russell), and LaSar Martin; and

a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. A viewing will be held at Swan-Law Funeral

Directors in Colorado Springs on Sunday, October 25, 1100-1300. An honor guard

burial will be conducted at United States Air Force Academy on Tuesday, October 27,

1300.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting TURTLE’s can-do attitude and willingness

to always help by donating to The TURTLE Effect Foundation. Your contributions will

help spread TURTLE’s unmatched positivity and generosity. https://turtleeffect.org/