By Capt. Mackenzie Golka
U.S. Air Force
Brig. Gen. Charles “Dan” Cooley, currently serving as the commander of the 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, has been officially promoted to brigadier general, marking a meaningful milestone in a career shaped by service, steady leadership and an enduring focus on Airmen and mission.
For those who knew Cooley long before his Air Force career carried him across the globe, his promotion reflects the same grounded character formed during his early years in the Morgantown area — humility, hard work and an unwavering commitment to the more than 8,000 people he leads on Guam. While his responsibilities now have him operating at some of the highest military leadership levels, Cooley remains clear about where the credit belongs.
“This promotion isn’t about me. It’s about the Airmen who show up every day and execute the mission with excellence,” said Cooley. “My role has always been to support the team, remove obstacles, and ensure our Airmen have what they need to succeed.”
As commander of the 36th Wing and deputy commander for Joint Region Marianas, he oversees one of the Indo-Pacific’s most strategically important installations, supporting U.S. and allied operations across the region.
“Our mission is bigger than any one individual,” Cooley said. “Every achievement we celebrate is the result of a collective effort, from the newest Airman to the most senior leader, and it is an honor every day to get to serve alongside each and every one of them.”
A Morgantown High School alumni, Cooley commissioned in 1999 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps as a graduate of West Virginia University. He is a Command Pilot in multiple airframes with more than 3,100 flight hours, including more than 1,000 in combat and combat support roles.
He has served in a variety of staff positions at the 618th Air Operations Center, Air Mobility Command, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, United States Congress, and the personal office of the Secretary of Defense.
Cooley is the son of Chuck and Lou Ann Cooley of Morgantown. He has been married to his wife, Terese, for 26 years. They have two children, Ty and Gavin. His oldest son, Ty, recently commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Despite everything that he has endured throughout his career, Cooley continues to highlight the importance of mentorship, accountability and shared purpose within the ranks, traits that have stuck with him since his childhood.
“Leading at this level is a responsibility I don’t take lightly,” Cooley added. “My focus will always be on the operational readiness and mentorship of our people because the first job of a leader is to make more leaders.”
