Mrs. Wilma Hucks Tirrell

Mrs. Wilma Hucks Tirrell. . Among the unsung heroes were the civilians who worked at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. Mrs. Wilma Tirrell, also known as “Miss Wilma,” is a native of Horry County who grew up on a tobacco farm about five miles south of Aynor. This farm has been in her family since 1771, when King George III granted it to her great-great-great grandfather., Mrs. Tirrell attended Horry County Schools, graduating from Aynor High School in 1949. In 1951, she received an associate degree in business from Coker College, Hartsville, South Carolina. She began a nine-year career in 1952 as an executive secretary for a state senator, the legislative delegation and the Horry County Board of Commissioners., She began her 30-year career in civil service at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in 1961. During three decades, she worked under 26 Wing Commanders, saw three types of jets (F-100s, A-7s, and A-10s), and had 44 bosses., Her first position at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base was Secretary to the Personnel Services Officer. After two and half years, she transferred to the Director of Materiel’s office, where she was secretary for the director for five years. During the next five and half years, she was Executive Secretary for the Base Commander., In April 1974, she was promoted to the Wing Commander’s office, where she held the position of Executive Secretary to the Wing and Vice Commanders for the next 17 years. During this time, she worked for 12 Wing Commanders and 19 Vice Commanders., Throughout her career at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, she received numerous awards, as well as letters of commendation and appreciation.