PINCKNEY, VICTORIA

Victoria “Tori” Pinckney was born on September 28, 1985 in Denver Colorado to Larry and Michelle Castro and went on to become a 2003 graduate of Palmdale High School in Palmdale California. After graduation, she spent one year at the Air Force Preparatory School then on to the United States Air Force Academy where she would play on the Women’s Rugby Team, and was a member of Cadet Squadron 15, the War Eagles. Tori graduated the academy in 2008 with a B.S. in Systems Engineering. 

Tori was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on May 28, 2008, and on May 31, 2008, she married Captain Richard Pinckney. Both attended pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma where she would fly the T-6 and T-1 trainer aircraft. On May 28, 2010, she was promoted to First Lieutenant and received her wings as a pilot and was assigned to fly the KC-135 Stratotanker, and air-to-air refueling tanker aircraft at Fairchild AFB in Spokane Washington.   

In May of 2012 she earned the rank of Captain and completed her master’s degree in psychology later that year. Victoria shared a smile and a positive attitude with everyone she encountered. She was extremely proud of her military service and was always generous with her time and talents. Tory enjoyed scrapbooking, snowboarding, and crocheting. She also had a black belt and red stripe in karate. She loved to bake and share her goodies with friends and neighbors.  

She was a beloved daughter, a devoted wife, and a caring, loving, and attentive mother to Gabriel. 

Captain Pinckney was killed along with 2 other Airman on May 3, 2013, in Kyrgyzstan, when her KC-135 aircraft crashed. All 3 were assigned to the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, and their home unit is the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington.  

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers Captain Victoria “Tori” Pinckney for her service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. Our hope is that her life continues to inspire all who learn her story.