Heritage in Action: The Coffey Family’s Service Spans Four Generations
October 15, 2025 | By Bob Hill
A deep legacy of service runs through the Coffey family, where dedication to the Air Force mission spans four generations. Maj. Ben “Irish” Coffey, the Chief of Air Staff at the 48th Fighter Wing and F-15E Strike Eagle pilot assigned to RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, carries that tradition forward with distinction.
During the massive Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel in April 2024, Coffey and his weapons systems officer, Capt. Lacie Hester, intercepted six attack drones and directed air operations amid heavy fire. After a weapons malfunction forced their aircraft to return, they launched a second sortie, expending all available ordnance and remaining in the fight until the end of the assault. For his extraordinary heroism, Coffey was awarded the Silver Star, the nation’s third-highest decoration for valor in combat.
The mission was nothing short of historic. The U.S. Air Force produced a short documentary called “Dangerous Game” that tells the story. A few weeks after the documentary was released, Coffey and Lt. Col. Timothy “Diesel” Causey, the 494th Fighter Squadron Commander, discussed the legendary operation during a panel at AFA’s 2025 Air, Space & Cyber Conference.
That courage and commitment reflect a family story steeped in service. The Coffey lineage traces back to Maj. Walter Coffey, Irish’s great-grandfather, who served in the Army Air Corps. Both of Irish’s grandfathers enlisted in the U.S. Air Force before transitioning to and retiring from civil service — one with the Navy and the other with the Air Force. Irish’s younger brother, Ethan, continues the family’s tradition as a civilian with the Department of the Air Force.
Irish’s father, retired Col. Ben “Whiz” Coffey, has devoted more than three decades to the Air Force mission — four years at the U.S. Air Force Academy, 27 years on active duty, and more than seven years as a Department of the Air Force civilian after his retirement from the uniform. Whiz has also been a steadfast supporter of AFA: He’s attended nearly every Air, Space & Cyber Conference since 2011, served as a delegate to AFA’s National Convention for the past four years, and led the Eglin Chapter in Florida as its president until November 2024.
“At Eglin AFB, the AFA focused on inspiring the next generation,” Whiz said. “By connecting high school and college students with opportunities in the Air and Space Forces, we build pathways for future service.”
Like their military service, the Coffeys’ dedication to AFA is also multigenerational. Both Whiz and Irish are Life Members — a membership Ben gifted to his son upon his commissioning. Their shared commitment illustrates the powerful role AFA plays in uniting generations of Airmen and Guardians, strengthening ties across the Total Force, and preserving the heritage of service that defines the Air and Space Forces.
“My father, Ben ‘Whiz’ Coffey, has held AFA in the highest of regards and being able to participate in this event was a shared dream,” said Irish. “Although it was my first time attending this conference, it certainly will not be my last.”
From the Army Air Corps to today’s modern Air and Space Forces, the Coffey family story is one of enduring service, sacrifice, and leadership. Their legacy — and their partnership with AFA — continues to inspire future generations to Aim High.