FINAL - EOS - CHAPTER 6.2

Transcription

CCT @ The Eye of the Storm
with its side-mounted artillery guns. “Yeah, Navy!” belts out a sailor upon seeing a team of destroyers cutting across
the shining sea.
This battle scene illustrates “net centric warfare,” the modern military strategy aimed at connecting command centers
to airborne control systems to warfighters around the globe.
Liaison officers like Sinor worked with director Michael Bay to ensure the U.S. military’s portrayal -- its core values
in addition to its tactics, dialogue and uniforms -- looks and feels authentic. As a testament to the military’s fondness
for technical titles, service members refer to the transformer robots as Non-Biological Extraterrestrials, or NBEs.
“Try to keep up with the acronyms,” one of the film’s characters says during an intelligence briefing.
The resolute secretary of defense, played by Jon Voight, gives a nonverbal plug during the film to America Supports
You, a Defense Department program that connects military members to a civilian support network. The lapel of the
Defense Secretary’s suit jacket is affixed with a pin bearing the ASY logo.
“(Bay) did the Hollywood part of the film, we did the military part, and it was a very cohesive, very easy way of
doing things,” said Sinor, who has worked with Bay previously on films that include “The Rock” and “Armageddon.”
Defense Department officials allowed Paramount Pictures to film at Air Force bases in New Mexico and California,
and to rent military equipment such as the CV-22 Osprey and F-22 Raptor, which made their big-screen debuts in
“Transformers.” F-22s run about $25,000 per hour, according to the rental scale established by the department.
“You can’t go to Tanks R’ Us and rent a tank or a destroyer,” Sinor said. “If you need that in the movie, you have to
come to the military.”
The film promoters, who last night treated guests to free popcorn and soda, stood outside the theater doors after the
film, asking for audience members’ reactions in an exit poll fashion. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and
one service member remarked about the Hollywood’s portrayal of the military, “This is the first time they got it right.”
“The special effects are definitely going to draw the younger crowd, and then they’ll be able to see just how the Air
Force operates,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mike Gasparetto after the film.
Gasparetto, a career field manager for Air Force Recruiting Service, said moviegoers will get a chance to see some of
his service’s more exciting missions.
“I think it will be a great branding tool for the Air Force, to let the folks know that the Air Force does more than just
move people around in aircraft,” he said. Hundreds of airmen appear in the film as extras, and nearly a dozen others
have speaking roles.
“The military cooperating with the entertainment industry puts a more personal side on what the military does,” he
said. “We’re not just about protecting the nation, although that is our primary job. This film shows that we have a
human side to us while we are there to protect and help wherever needed.”
SPECIAL TACTICS: DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? - From Air Force Print News Today - 720th OSS/AST
August 31, 2007 - Hurlburt Field, Florida -- In special tactics, just getting to work is extreme. Special tactics
Airmen freefall out of an aircraft and use ram-air parachute to land at a precise location - on land or at sea. They
infiltrate by amphibious means by either rubber raiding craft or combat dive using SCUBA gear. They operate on
airfields with motorcycles, travel cross-country on skis, or climb mountains - these are just a few of the ways to get to
work.
When these Airmen get to the job, lives can be saved or taken, whatever the mission requires. This is Air Force
special tactics, and the motto is "First There...That Others May Live." Being in Air Force special tactics is exciting.
The team members perform one of three important jobs: combat controller, pararescue or special operations weather.
Airmen who have at least two years on active duty and have considered cross-training, are eligible to apply. Air Force
special tactics is a challenging, exciting, rewarding career. Air Force special tactics operators play a key role in the
Global War on Terrorism and are in great demand. Unfortunately, these critical warriors cannot be mass produced.
Combat Control
The combat controllers' mission is to deploy undetected into combat and hostile environments to establish assault
zones or airfields, while simultaneously conducting air traffic control, air strikes, command and control, direct action,
counter-terrorism, foreign internal defense, humanitarian assistance and special reconnaissance.
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<<< Special tactics Airmen utilize a wide range of Air Force
assets to accomplish their jobs. (Courtesy photo)
Pararescue
Pararescue Airmen, known as PJs, participate in search and
rescue, combat search and rescue, recovery support for NASA
and conduct other operations as appropriate. They primarily
function as personnel recovery specialists, with emergency
medical capabilities in humanitarian and combat
environments. They deploy into restricted environments to authenticate, extract, treat, stabilize and evacuate injured
personnel, while acting in an enemy-evading, recovery role.
Special Operations Weathermen
Special operations weathermen are meteorologists with advanced tactical training to operate in hostile or denied
territory. They collect localized weather information, assist with mission planning, provide intelligence and generate
accurate, mission-tailored target and route forecasts in support of special operations.
Selection
The 720th Special Tactics Group will hold two events in March to assist interested Airmen to join our team. There
will be a recruiting brief from 1-2 p.m. March 27 in the 720th Special Tactics Group conference room, Bldg. 90310.
A pre-requisite physical ability stamina test will be held 8 am. March 31 starting at the base pool and finishing at the
Aderholt Fitness Center. The goal is to identify, train, and prepare potential recruits for special tactics training.
Interested Airmen should attend the recruiting brief on March 27 and find out how to cross train into one of these
exciting career fields. Visit www.specialtactics.com to get information on career field requirements and background
information.
FALLEN AIRMEN MEMORIALIZED FOREVER by Capt. Tom Montgomery Air Force Special Operations
Command
August 31, 2007 - Hurlburt Field, Florida -- On the heels of Memorial Day, the 720th Special Tactics Group
dedicated a state-of-the-art training center and an adjacent roadway here Wednesday in honor of four Air Commandos
killed in the line of duty in recent operations.
<<< Special tactics Airmen fast rope from an MH-53 Pave Low to
deliver the colors at the dedication of the Crate Special Tactics
Advanced Skills Training Center at Hurlburt Field, Fla., May 30, 2007.
The center was dedicated in honor of Staff Sgt. Casey Crate, a combat
controller from the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron who perished during
an operational mission in Iraq in 2005. (US Air Force photo by Chief
Master Sgt. Gary Emery) (Released)
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On May 30, 2005, an Iraqi Air Force SL7 light aircraft crashed about 80 miles northeast of Baghdad, Iraq, killing
Staff Sgt. Casey Crate, Capt. Derek Argel and Capt. Jeremy Fresques.
Maj. Brian Downs from another Hurlburt unit, the 6th Special Operations Squadron, and an Iraqi pilot were also
killed in that crash.
On a gray and misty day exactly two years after the crash, a team of Special
Tactics operators fast-roped from an MH-53 helicopter with a U.S. flag to hoist
above a new training facility that will enshrine the names of their fallen
comrades forever.
<<< Lindsey Fresques (left) and Linda Crate reflect after cutting the ribbon
dedicating the Crate Special Tactics Advanced Skills Training Center at
Hurlburt Field, Fla., May 30, 2007. Ms. Crate's son, Staff Sgt. Casey
Crate, and Ms. Fresques' husband, Capt. Jeremy Fresques, were special tactics
Airmen who died in Iraq on Memorial Day, 2005. They are escorted by Staff
Sgt. Jason Payne, a special tactics advanced skills instructor. The center will
provide advanced operational training to new special tactics Airmen. (US Air
Force photo by Chief Master Sgt. Gary Emery) (Released)
The $7.8 million, 50,000 square foot Crate Advanced Skills Training Center was formally dedicated to Sergeant
Crate. The center's auditorium was dedicated to Capt. Fresques and the aquatics facility to Capt. Argel.
<<< Sue Servais, mother of fallen Air Force combat
controller Senior Airman Adam Servais, embraces Lt. Col.
Eric Ray, commander of the 23rd Special Tactics
Squadron, during a street-naming ceremony at Hurlburt Field,
May 30, 2007. Airman Servais' father, Peter, looks on.
Airman Servais was killed in a firefight in Afghanistan in
August, 2006. (US Air Force photo by Chief Master Sgt. Gary
Emery)
The street adjacent to the facility was named Servais Way, in honor of Senior Airman Adam Servais who was killed
Aug. 19, 2006, while engaged with enemy fighters in southern Afghanistan.
"It means a lot to us that the street is forever named after Adam," said his mother, Sue Servais of Onalaska, Wis.
"When you go through this grief and loss, sometimes you want to world to stop just for you, but everybody's lives go
on. This is a way to keep his memory alive."
The keynote speaker for the dedication ceremony was Dr. James Roche, 20th Secretary of the Air Force.
"Today is a bittersweet day," he said, addressing a crowd that included several close relatives and surviving spouses of
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the honored fallen. "We can laugh but we can also have some fond memories and we can reminisce."
Dr. Roche spoke about the imperative this country is faced with to defend the idea of democracy from those who
would seek to destroy it.
"The Advanced Skills Training Center is an investment this country has made and I have no qualm in pointing out it is
an investment in democracy, because the first of those who wish to harm us will feel the brunt of those who are
trained here," he said
<<< Debra Bastain, the mother of
fallen Air Force special tactics
officer Captain Derek Argel, takes
an impromptu dive into the pool at
the aquatics training facility
dedicated in Captain Argel's
memory at Hurlburt Field, Fla.,
May 30, 2007. Captain Argel,
who died in the crash of an Iraqi
air force aircraft on Memorial
Day, 2005, was captain of the
water polo team while a cadet at
the U.S. Air Force Academy. (US
Air Force photo by Chief Master
Sgt. Gary Emery)
Sergeant Crate, Airman Servais and Captains Argel and Fresques were among the first graduates of the relatively new
concept of training called Advanced Skills Training.
According to 720th STG commander, Col. Marc Stratton, the AST concept was born of necessity when the Special
Tactics career fields were experiencing severe manning shortages and training deficiencies in 1999.
"That year our pipeline graduated seven combat controllers. Manning at operational units was at 40 percent. The
influx of new personnel was not keeping pace with those retiring or separating. Those entering the pipeline had an
eight percent success rate," said Col. Stratton. "In short, the career fields were in a death spiral."
Leadership in the Special Tactics community took immediate action to address the manpower shortage and brought
their suggested changes to the Air Force. Senior Air Force leaders, especially Dr. Roche, agreed and made Special
Tactics a high priority.
According to Col. Stratton, the new year-long finishing school initially faced obstinate organizational resistance.
Critics were silenced when AST graduates were thrust immediately into combat following the Sept. 11 attacks and
battlefield commanders praised their performance.
The results were also felt in other ways. Manning at operational units began to climb and lessons learned from combat
were immediately incorporated into training plans without being scrutinized in months of meetings and staff
coordination, said Col. Stratton.
The Crate Advanced Skills Training Center is expected to continue to improve the process of filling the ranks of
Special Tactics squadrons with superbly trained Battlefield Airmen.
Cadre and mentors expect to broaden the minds of young Special Tactics operators in the Fresques Auditorium and
push the limits of their physical endurance as they run on Servais Way and train in the Argel Aquatics Center.
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22nd STS BRINGS AIR POWER TO THE FIGHT ON THE GROUND by Tyler Hemstreet McChord AFB
Public Affairs Staff Writer
October 9, 2007 – McChord AFB, Washington – The demand for joint terminal air controllers (JTAC) in the
Global War on Terror is at an all-time high.
In deployed locations, JTACs work closely with Special Operations Forces from the Army, Navy and Marines to
integrate air power with ground forces movements. 22nd Special Tactics Squadron Airmen here not only fill the role
of JTACs, but are also trained to conduct assault zone surveys, provide air traffic control services and execute airfield
seizures -- giving them the ability to quickly take over and transform a sub-standard airfield for friendly aircraft to
land safely.
"Every Special Forces team [from the other branches] wants a JTAC with them because they are so valuable to the
fight," said one 22nd STS lieutenant combat controller who recently returned from a five month deployment. "The
teams want that contact with air support when they're out there."
And that's a demand the 22nd STS here is happy to supply. Through constant training on various insertion methods,
22nd STS Airmen build conformability with high-risk activities such as jumping out of aircraft, riding dirt bikes and
all-terrain vehicles and performing deep water dives, said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Lamonica, 22nd STS.
"The ultimate goal is to insert into any environment safely and without detection," Sergeant Lamonica said. "The goal
of the training is to get it to be second nature because once you arrive at your destination, the hard part of the job
starts."
Playing a big role in the vital link between ground forces and air power is something all up-and-coming JTACs take
very seriously.
"Working with the SOF units, there's going to be all eyes on you when it comes to talking to the aircraft, so you really
want to have all your training down tight," said one senior airman combat controller who's scheduled to deploy in a
few months.
Knowing how to handle various weapons, calling in air strikes, moving and working with SOF teams are all tasks of a
combat controller, Sergeant Lamonica said.
"Our combat controllers provide an Airman's perspective to solving the problems on the ground when talking to
ground forces commanders," he said. "Our guys know what the capabilities of the firepower and what each air strike
can or can't accomplish.”
The wide range of skills the job of combat controller requires excites those who have yet to work in a deployed
location with another service's unit.
"The level of multitasking required was a big surprise to me," said another 22nd STS senior airman who recently
completed combat control training and is awaiting his first deployment. "But it's great because others can depend on
you for anything out there."
Due to the special nature of the squadron's duties, it requires a large support staff to pack parachutes and maintain the
radio equipment, tactical vehicles, snowmobiles, ATVs and dirt bikes. There are also Airmen who work to maintain
the squadron's many weapons and overall equipment supply.
"They play an important role because we have needs that are unique to us," Sergeant Lamonica said.
When the 22nd STS is tasked for a deployment, the Airmen and civilians of combat support also play a role in
completing the mission, he said.
That can sometimes mean riding on a convoy to deliver a fixed radio to a team or accompanying the combat
controllers on the aircraft during an insertion, Sergeant Lamonica said.
"They embrace the warrior culture," he said. "The warrior ethos bleeds throughout every section in the squadron."
AFSOC AIRMEN PORTRAY WARRIOR SPIRIT by Aaron Schoenfeld AFSOC Public Affairs
October 15, 2007 - Hurlburt Field, Florida – Four AFSOC airmen are among 13 heroes from around the Air Force
featured in the new volume of the "Portraits in Courage" publication.
Staff Sgt. Eric Ezell, 20th Special Operations aerial gunner; Capt. John Groves, 20th Special Operations Squadron
pilot; Staff Sgt. Kenneth Webb, 15th Special Operations Squadron loadmaster and Master Sgt. Mike West, 720th
Operational Support Squadron superintendent of weapons and tactics, all represent Air Force Special Operations
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Command in the second volume of vignettes.
Each vignette highlights America's Airmen and their distinguished service and
actions that have significant scope and impact on the Air Force mission. The
vignettes of the four AFSOC Airmen are ones that encompass just that.
<<< MSgt Mike West, 720th Operational Support Squadron superintendent of
weapons and tactics, is featured in the second volume of the Air Force Chief of
Staff's “Portrates in Courage” book. Sergeant West is credited with coordinating a
successful special operations mission that allowed coalition forces to take control
of a strategic mountain position in Afghanistan. He is one of 13 Airmen featured in
the book. (US Air Force photo)
Sergeant West, a combat controller with experience in close air support and joint terminal attack control, is credited
with actions taken as part of a special forces team operating in Afghanistan in 2006.
As a coalition team near Sergeant West's unit moved toward a strategically important position, they came under heavy
fire by enemy forces and lost radio communications. Sergeant West took control of the situation by identifying the
friendly forces and calling in close air support to assist the team. He directed several types of aircraft, including
bombers, fighters and a Predator UAV to eliminate the enemy threat and allow the coalition forces to safely seize their
target location.
Following the fight for the mountain, a week-long battle ensued where Sergeant West and his teammates coordinated
multi-national aircraft in the area, allowing critical supply drops, medical evacuations, as well as calling in 130 close
air support missions, killing an estimated 750 enemy combatants.
"I'm honored to be in the book," said Sergeant West. "But I won't take the credit. I was on the mountain with another
combat controller and a special forces team, who all ensured we could complete the mission."
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley commissioned the book to make sure Airmen like Sergeant West
get the credit they deserve. He wanted to create a reminder of the courage and sacrifice American Airmen experience
every day.
"This program is a big deal because it allows me to highlight the honor, valor, devotion and selfless sacrifice of
America's Airmen," said General Moseley about the project.
The book is a biannual product, with nominations going to Air Force leadership through the major commands. There
are several levels of approval for Airmen to make the book.
The other AFSOC Airmen who made the second volume also demonstrated the warrior spirit found throughout the
command.
Sergeant Ezell was on his sixth deployment to Iraq and providing cover for an unsecured landing zone during a
mission to capture or kill a high-value target. In the midst of the firefight that broke out during their approach,
Sergeant Ezell was shot in the head by an accidental discharge inside the helicopter. He maintained his crew position
and alerted his crewmembers that he was injured.
After fighting to remain conscious throughout the evacuation flight, Sergeant Ezell walked off the helicopter under his
own power. The book further describes the determination shown by Sergeant Ezell during his recovery process.
Two more AFSOC Airmen are included in the book for displaying valiant acts of courage in the face of danger.
As the commander of the second aircraft in a two-ship formation, Captain Groves watched the MH-53 PAVE LOW in
front of him go down when hit by enemy fire. The enemy then engaged Captain Groves' aircraft as he made several
attempts to rescue the crew of the downed helicopter.
Captain Groves performed evasive maneuvers and steered away from the threat by flying as low as 80 feet among
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power lines and buildings to avoid further detection.
The captain then landed in an extremely hostile area with zero illumination to send his crew with several special
forces passengers to rescue the downed personnel. Using additional defensive maneuvers, he was able to depart and
avoid the enemy fire to save the lives of nine fellow servicemembers.
In another in-flight emergency situation, Sergeant Webb was returning from a re-supply mission in Iraq when the
cargo compartment of his C-130 burst into flames. Flying at 20,000 feet with 30 passengers on board, Sergeant Webb
responded quickly to ensure the safety of those around him.
Taking action to revive an unconscious passenger by providing rescue breathing, replacing a failed oxygen mask with
his own and reviving a second unconscious passenger, Sergeant Webb successfully handled a potentially catastrophic
situation.
Despite the book's descriptions that highlight the bravery of these four Airmen, Sergeant West insists nothing can be
done alone.
"We all work side by side and can't get anything done without each other. Everyone should be in the book," said
Sergeant West. "These are just individual commitments to a group effort."
Editor's note: Due to operations security, some 22nd Special Tactics Airmen are not fully identified in this story.
GATES SALUTES US SERVICE MEMBERS AT AWARDS DINNER by Gerry J. Gilmore - American Forces
Press Service
October 16, 2007 - Washington, DC – Six U.S. military members recognized by a local patriotic organization for
their overseas service in the war on terror also received Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates’ personal thanks here
yesterday evening.
<<< Secretary of Defense Robert
M. Gates takes a photo with
Grateful Nation Award recipients
at the Jewish Institute for
National Security Affairs annual
dinner in Washington, D.C., Oct.
15, 2007. Shown second from
right is Combat Controller Ssgt
Ryan A. Wallace (Defense
Department photo by Cherie A.
Thurlby )
You are the best, and we all owe you. And, in all sincerity, we’re all humbled by you,” Gates told the Grateful Nation
Award recipients at the start of his remarks at the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs’ annual award dinner.
“It’s surreal,” Grateful Nation Award honoree Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Jason T. Fetty said of his meeting with Gates.
He said the experience was “an incredible honor.”
Fetty received the Silver Star for actions in Afghanistan in February, when he stopped a suicide bomber from killing
hundreds of innocent people at a hospital opening in Khost. The staff sergeant forcibly maneuvered the would-be
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killer away from the crowd when the bomb went off.
Fetty, who’s recovering from his wounds from the blast, said he was pleased to learn later that the grateful Afghans
had staged a huge anti-Taliban demonstration after the incident.
Other 2007 Grateful Nation Award recipients are:
• Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jose Romero,
• Navy Lt. Seth A. Stone,
• Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Jesse K. Gitchel,
• Air Force Staff Sgt. Elizabeth C. Spradley, and
• Air Force Combat Controller Staff Sgt. Ryan A. Wallace.
It was “terrific” to visit with the service members, Gates said as he thanked each one prior to the start of the dinner.
“It’s such an honor to be with them and meet them,” he said.
Spradley, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, helped clear more than 5,000 miles of Iraqi roads from
improvised explosive devices during her recent tour of duty in Kirkuk. She participated in 170 high-risk missions and
neutralized 35 improvised explosive devices and two car bombs.
“We would disarm and mitigate any hazards along the roadways in Iraq,” Spradley recalled, noting she was too
focused on her missions to be distracted by the danger.
She said meeting the defense secretary and receiving the JINSA award “truly are an honor.”
Stone, a Navy SEAL special warfare operations specialist, earned two Silver Stars and a Bronze Star with a “V”
device for valor for service in Ramadi, Iraq, in September 2006, where he led his team in fighting off a group of
insurgents that threatened to destroy another SEAL unit.
Coast Guardsman Gitchel was in temporary command of a 110-foot-long cutter when he and his crew stared down a
group of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-crewed ships in the North Arabian Gulf in August 2007. The Iranians
were threatening Iraqi oil rigs.
Romero served with distinction in combat with a tank battalion that participated in the drive to Baghdad during
Operation Iraqi Freedom in the spring of 2003. Afterward, he became a renowned Marine drill instructor noted for his
leadership and team-building skills used in molding the lives of young Marines.
Wallace is an air force combat controller who earned the Silver Star medal for more than 24 hours of continuous work
calling in airstrikes against insurgents during combat in Najaf, Iraq, during his October 2006 to April 2007 service in
Iraq. About 250 insurgents were killed in the battle.
“It was a surprise, and it is an honor, as well,” Wallace said of receiving the Grateful Nation Award. Meeting Gates
was an awesome experience, he added.
Gates received the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs Henry M. Jackson award for his contributions to
national security as a former career Central Intelligence Agency officer who worked his way up to director. Later,
Gates was a key national security advisor, and he now serves as defense secretary. Previous Jackson Award recipients
include Vice President Richard B. Cheney and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace.
Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright assisted David P. Steinmann, chairman
of JINSA’s board of advisors, during the Grateful Nation Award ceremony. Cartwright saluted the awardees as well as
all U.S. servicemen and women engaged in the war against terrorism.
“These young people will just flat knock your socks off,” the four-star general said. “They are our greatest generation
and our greatest treasure, and we should never forget that.”
“I think nothing gives JINSA greater institutional gratification than tonight,” Steinmann said before the service
members’ award ceremony.
“We need our Grateful Nation Award winners. They represent the best that our country can produce.
“We need to be reminded that our country produces men and women like this,” Steinmann said.
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CCA REUNION from AFSOC Public Affairs
November 3, 2007 – Air Commando Air Park, Hurlburt Field, Florida -- More than 100 people gathered here November 3 to ho
fallen combat controllers and special tactics officers during the Annual Combat Control Association reunion.
Active duty and retired Combat Controllers watch as family members
of fallen combat controllers laid a wreath in dedication to all fallen heroes.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Dawn Hart
>>>
Valerie Chapman (left), wife of
fallen combat controller and Air
Force Cross recipient Tech. Sgt.
John Chapman and Doris
Maitland, sister of Andre Guillet,
listed as missing in action from
the Vietnam Conflict, laid
wreaths in honor of all the fallen
controllers during the Combat
Control Association reunion.
Assisting the family members are
Chief Master Sgt. Michael
Ramos, 720th Special Tactics
Group and Chief Master Sgt.
Timothy Hoye, 23rd Special
Tactics Squadron. (U.S. Air
Force photo by Dawn Hart) >
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<<<
Honor Guard members post the colors during
the Annual Combat Control Association
reunion and memorial held here Nov. 3 to
honor fallen combat controllers and special
tactics officers. (U.S. Air Force photo by
Dawn Hart)
>>>
Colonel Marc
Stratton, 720th
Special Tactics Group
commander, leads a
flight of current and
retired combat
controllers in
memorial push-ups
here Nov. 3 during the
Annual Combat
Control Association
reunion and memorial
service. More than
100 people gathered
for the ceremony to
honor their fallen
comrades. (U.S. Air
Force photo by Dawn
Hart)
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AIR COMMANDOS EARN AIR FORCE AWARDS by Ms. Dawn Hart, AFSOC Public Affairs
November 12, 2007 - Hurlburt Field, Florida – Four Air Commandos were recognized as best of the best for 2006
when they were presented Air Force-level awards Nov. 1 at the Crate Advanced Skills Training Center here.
The award recipients were: Capt. Stewart Parker, 21st Special Tactics Squadron; Master Sgt. Anthony Baldwin, 720th
Operations Support Squadron; Tech. Sgt. Richard Jaillet, 24th Special Tactics Squadron and Senior Airman Daniel
Adams, 321st Special Tactics Squadron.
Maj. Gen. Kurt Cichowski, special assistant to the Air Force Special Operations Command commander, presented the
awards on behalf of Lt. Gen. Howie Chandler, Air Force deputy chief of staff for Air Space and Information
Operations, Plans and Requirements.
"Our special operations Airmen are out doing good things taking care of the enemies who want to destroy us and our
way of life," said General Cichowski.
The general said that in the past six months, special tactics officers and combat controllers have been involved in 404
troops in contact situations; they have controlled 586 fixed-wing close air support missions and 525 rotary-wing fire
support missions. They also freed 10 hostages and saved an untold number of troops.
He impressed upon everyone in attendance that although these Air Commandos are the "quiet professionals," they
needed to be appreciated as "national treasures."
The Air Force Special Tactics Officer of the Year award was presented to Captain Parker for leading his 15-man team
of combat controllers during the global war on terrorism. His team killed 248 enemy combatants in Operations
Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.
Captain Parker fought alongside Army Special Forces and hunted the enemy, killing 70 in a single 14-hour battle.
Despite constant gunfire, he saved the life of a soldier by guiding a helicopter to the landing zone for the soldier's
evacuation. He was also credited with killing 72 enemies during a 21-hour battle.
Sergeant Baldwin earned the Air Force Combat Control Senior NCO of the Year award as superintendent of current
operations with the 24th STS in which he led squadron operations support for 1,400 missions, 400 alert sorties, 100
airstrikes, eight airfield surveys, 3,000 enemy killed or captured and 20 friendly lives saved.
As deployed mission commander during Operation Enduring Freedom, Sergeant Baldwin led his teams of combat
controllers, pararescuemen and support elements during 16 missions in which 51 enemies were captured and 17 were
killed.
The Air Force Combat Control NCO of the Year award was bestowed upon Sergeant Jaillet. He conducted more than
120 missions, killed more than 100 enemy combatants and detained 300 during the 184 days he was deployed to
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
As the sole combat controller with an Army special forces team, he was personally credited with killing 50 enemy.
On one occasion, he engaged several enemy forces with his personal weapon, forcing them back to a barricaded
position. He then directed airstrikes onto the target buildings, killing 20 enemies and destroying their stronghold. He
also developed a new restricted operating zone procedure that is now used as the command standard.
Airman Adams was awarded the Air Force Combat Control Airman of the Year award for serving as the primary joint
terminal attack controller with an Army special forces team in which he called in multiple CAS strikes and saved the
lives of fellow soldiers during a blistering firefight. He conducted hundreds of combat patrols and was responsible for
killing dozens of Taliban insurgents and saving Afghans during combat operations in Operation Enduring Freedom.
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“Talk to any combat controller,” Maki said. “They’ll tell you that they’re tired of moving, but they want to
contribute.”
Activating a Guard Special Tactics Squadron on the West Coast will offer geographic flexibility. Based in Portland,
the 125th is an ideal location to scoop up controllers leaving the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron at McChord Air Force
Base, Washington, Maki said.
These operators are FAA-certified air traffic controllers. While that might conjure an image of a safe job in control
towers, combat controllers have more in common with the elite ground forces they support.
Trained in numerous forms of infiltration, from high-altitude parachuting to combat diving, Air Force combat
controllers accompany Army Special Forces, Rangers and Navy SEALs during missions.
“There’s no movies made about us,” said Sgt. Jim Hotaling, a decorated detachment commander with the 125th
Special Tactics Squadron, reflecting a common attitude among controllers that their work often goes
unacknowledged.
AIR GUARD TAKES STEPS TO RETAIN SEASONED COMBAT CONTROLLERS by Michael Peck
December 14, 2007 – Portland Air National Guard Base, Washington - Located at the Portland Air National
Guard Base, the 125th has 47 slots for combat controllers and, so far, has filled about 10.
Finding those extra controllers won’t be easy. The Air Force Special Operations Command is supposed to have about
384 combat controllers in its 10 active-duty and Guard special tactics squadrons, but currently it only has about 200,
said Air Force Lt. Col. Terry Maki, a special tactics officer.
The sole Air National Guard special operations squadron is the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, in Kentucky. This
leaves few options for special operators leaving active duty who may want to serve in the Guard, but don’t want to
have to move to Kentucky.
When seizing airfields, the controllers immediately begin directing the influx of warplanes and supply aircraft, no
matter what the dangers or conditions.
“We’ll do the mano a mano combat action, take the control tower down, and control the initial flow of aircraft,” said
Hotaling. “What that means is the full gamut—airborne operations, seizing airfields, providing close air support
capabilities and controlling that initial 72 hours of air operations until the situation is stabilized, and we can bring in
regular air traffic controllers.”
In addition to calling in air strikes, combat controllers in Iraq and Afghanistan operated navigational aids, conducted
bomb damage assessment and collected intelligence with unmanned aircraft, Hotaling said.
Each of the 125th controllers is a combat veteran of Afghanistan or Iraq, and many served in both theaters. Hotaling, a
former Washington state trooper, estimated that the members of the unit average about 12 years of combat experience.
Hotaling noted that combat controllers’ jobs have evolved over time. In Operation Anaconda, in Afghanistan, Hotaling
directed aircraft using old Soviet maps—which he found to be surprisingly accurate—and a grease pencil. He also had
to haul a 143-pound rucksack over 10,000-foot-high mountains and won a Distinguished Flying Cross for the
attempted rescue of a downed F-15 pilot in Iraq.
A year later, during the Iraq invasion, the rucksack’s weight had been reduced by 25 percent. Using wireless
equipment has saved controllers from carrying eight pounds of cable. They now have laptops to receive satellite
imagery. Instead of having to call in a Predator unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, controllers have their own portable
drones.
Some special tactics squadrons are proficient in pararescue and combat weather work. The 320th Special Tactics
Squadron in Japan and the 321st in England have multiple capabilities. The Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd
Special Tactics Squadron focuses on pararescue and combat control missions.
Oregon’s 125th is one of three squadrons that specializes in combat control. It varies from other units in that it is
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funded entirely by the Air Force, and does not get financial support from the U.S. Special Operations Command,
according to Maki. It will only report to the Air Force Special Operations Command, unlike other special tactics
squadrons, which report to U.S. SOCOM.
This move was intended to enhance the Air Force’s combat control capabilities, said Hotaling. “The problem is that so
many of our guys are off doing classified missions with special operations forces, that the Air Force has lost a bit of its
ability to control (combat controller) forces.”
Hotaling emphasized that the new Air Force unit is very much aimed at joint-service operations. A series of miscues
during Operation Anaconda served as valuable lessons, said Hotaling. He recalled coordination problems, for
example, between special operators and conventional forces.
While special operations units had combat controllers squadrons, the conventional forces had “tactical air control
parties,” said Hotaling. “Up until Anaconda, we [special operators and the combat controllers] were the only guys in
town. Then the conventional guys came in, and you have this clashing of SOF assets with conventional assets, who
have their own close air support guys [TAC-P].
“So it ended up being a juggling match between all the terminal attack controllers over who was going to get the
priorities,” he continued. “Troops in contact have the highest priority for close-air support. The problem, as in
Anaconda, is when you have multiple troops in contact. Who’s deciding who is getting the aircraft?”
Calls for close-air support today are executed by joint terminal attack controllers, and they are supposed to follow a
common doctrine, regardless of service.
Air Force combat controllers are learning how to interoperate with the Army and Marines, Hotaling said. “Most teamlevel operators are more comfortable talking and being with the other services than being with the Air Force,” he
noted. “It’s not like you go to school to speak Army. It’s just osmosis.”
When seizing airfields, the controllers immediately begin directing the influx of warplanes and supply aircraft, no
matter what the dangers or conditions.
“We’ll do the mano a mano combat action, take the control tower down, and control the initial flow of aircraft,” said
Hotaling. “What that means is the full gamut—airborne operations, seizing airfields, providing close air support
capabilities and controlling that initial 72 hours of air operations until the situation is stabilized, and we can bring in
regular air traffic controllers.”
In addition to calling in air strikes, combat controllers in Iraq and Afghanistan operated navigational aids, conducted
bomb damage assessment and collected intelligence with unmanned aircraft, Hotaling said.
Each of the 125th controllers is a combat veteran of Afghanistan or Iraq, and many served in both theaters. Hotaling, a
former Washington state trooper, estimated that the members of the unit average about 12 years of combat experience.
Hotaling noted that combat controllers’ jobs have evolved over time. In Operation Anaconda, in Afghanistan, Hotaling
directed aircraft using old Soviet maps—which he found to be surprisingly accurate—and a grease pencil. He also had
to haul a 143-pound rucksack over 10,000-foot-high mountains and won a Distinguished Flying Cross for the
attempted rescue of a downed F-15 pilot in Iraq.
A year later, during the Iraq invasion, the rucksack’s weight had been reduced by 25 percent. Using wireless
equipment has saved controllers from carrying eight pounds of cable. They now have laptops to receive satellite
imagery. Instead of having to call in a Predator unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, controllers have their own portable
drones.
Some special tactics squadrons are proficient in pararescue and combat weather work. The 320th Special Tactics
Squadron in Japan and the 321st in England have multiple capabilities. The Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd
Special Tactics Squadron focuses on pararescue and combat control missions.
Oregon’s 125th is one of three squadrons that specializes in combat control. It varies from other units in that it is
funded entirely by the Air Force, and does not get financial support from the U.S. Special Operations Command,
320
according to Maki. It will only report to the Air Force Special Operations Command, unlike other special tactics
squadrons, which report to U.S. SOCOM.
This move was intended to enhance the Air Force’s combat control capabilities, said Hotaling. “The problem is that so
many of our guys are off doing classified missions with special operations forces, that the Air Force has lost a bit of its
ability to control (combat controller) forces.”
Hotaling emphasized that the new Air Force unit is very much aimed at joint-service operations. A series of miscues
during Operation Anaconda served as valuable lessons, said Hotaling. He recalled coordination problems, for
example, between special operators and conventional forces.
While special operations units had combat controllers squadrons, the conventional forces had “tactical air control
parties,” said Hotaling. “Up until Anaconda, we [special operators and the combat controllers] were the only guys in
town. Then the conventional guys came in, and you have this clashing of SOF assets with conventional assets, who
have their own close air support guys [TAC-P].
“So it ended up being a juggling match between all the terminal attack controllers over who was going to get the
priorities,” he continued. “Troops in contact have the highest priority for close-air support. The problem, as in
Anaconda, is when you have multiple troops in contact. Who’s deciding who is getting the aircraft?”
Calls for close-air support today are executed by joint terminal attack controllers, and they are supposed to follow a
common doctrine, regardless of service.
Air Force combat controllers are learning how to interoperate with the Army and Marines, Hotaling said. “Most teamlevel operators are more comfortable talking and being with the other services than being with the Air Force,” he
noted. “It’s not like you go to school to speak Army. It’s just osmosis.”
COMBAT CONTROLLERS RECEIVE SILVER STAR, BRONZE STARS, PURPLE HEARTS, AIR FORCE
COMBAT ACTION MEDAL by 1LT Amy Cooper, AFSOC Public Affairs
December 21, 2007 - McChord AFB, Washington -- Twenty-five medals were presented to 15 combat controllers
and special tactics officers during a ceremony here Tuesday in Hangar 9, presided over by the Air Force Special
Operations Command commander. One Silver Star, seven Bronze Stars with Valor, three Bronze Stars, two Purple
Hearts and 15 Air Force Combat Action Medals were presented to the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron Airmen for
their actions during the unit's recent deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan.
"These Airmen represent what each of us hopes still resides in America,"
said Lt. Gen. Donny Wurster, Air Force Special Operations Command
commander.
"We are fortunate to find young American heroes in waiting who are willing
to answer the call when we need them."
<<< Tech. Sgt. Scott Innis and Tech. Sgt. Jason Dryer, 22nd Special Tactics
Squadron, applaud during the awards ceremony Tuesday in which they were
both decorated for their actions in combat. (Courtesy Photo)
The ceremony recognized these "mighty men," as the general called them,
who "fight beyond their size" alongside Army and Navy special operations
forces.
"Much of what combat controllers do goes unrecognized," said Lt. Col
Jeffrey Staha, 22nd STS commander. "But not today."
Combat controllers and special tactics officers, the officer corps equivalent,
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are highly-trained special operations forces and certified FAA air traffic controllers who deploy undetected into
combat and hostile environments to establish assault zones or airfields and then provide air traffic control and fire
support.
During the unit's last six-month deployment in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, 22nd
STS Airmen performed more than 1,000 combat missions, coordinated the drop of more then 260,000 pounds of
ordnance and removed more than 1,500 enemy forces from action, said Colonel Staha.
The Silver Star, the nation's third highest decoration for valor, was presented first to Tech. Sgt. Scott Innis for his
actions during a fire-fight with enemy forces in Afghanistan during spring 2006.
Sergeant Innis was deployed with an Army Special Forces unit to a forward operating base in a heavily contested
region of Afghanistan. One day, a team on patrol outside the wire came under enemy fire. Sergeant Innis was able to
call in close air support for the team and help them return to the base. Shortly thereafter, their base came under heavy
enemy fire from rocket-propelled grenades, mortar fire, and small-arms and machine gun fire. Risking his own life,
Sergeant Innis climbed up a small, wooden observation tower in the middle of the compound, openly exposing
himself to the enemy.
Once on the tower, Sergeant Innis lay on his back while the enemy fired small arms and RPGs desperate to take him
out. For 24 hours, he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire as he periodically sat up to observe the enemy's
location and pass their coordinates to coalition attack aircraft.
After the aircraft dropped their munitions, Sergeant Innis sat up to observe their impact and relayed the information
back to the aircraft, again marking himself as a target. At one point, Sergeant Innis was able to direct fire onto and
destroy an area being used by the enemy to store a large weapons cache.
In the middle of the intense firefight, Sergeant Innis also coordinated medical evacuation for several seriously injured
American and coalition troops. His actions lead to the destruction of more than 100 enemy forces.
However, the combat controller would not consider himself a hero. He credits his actions to the training he and other
combat controllers receive.
"You could have replaced me with any of the other Airmen on the stage with me today," he said. "They would have
done the same thing."
AIRPOWER IN A RUCKSACK by Col. Michael E. Haas, USAF, (CRO) Retired, former Deputy Commander,
720th Special Tactics Group
2007 witnessed a dramatic surge in the Air Force Special Operations Command’s ongoing transformation
program. Despite an unrelenting operations tempo, the Air Commandos focused with remarkable success
on three primary transformation targets: advanced technologies, new concepts of operation,
and organizational change.
December 31, 2007 – Hurlburt Field, Florida - “The Year in U.S. Air
Force Special Operations Command: 2007 A Remarkable 12 Months”
includes the following article about Special Tactics and combat controllers.
Those who have seen the battlefield devastation brought about by a single
Special Tactics (ST) combat controller will well understand the adage, “The
most dangerous American on today’s battlefield is a Special Tactics combat
controller with a radio in one hand and the U.S. Air Force overhead.”
<<< Combat Controllers in Action Air Force
Special Operations Command Graphic
(Courtesy AFSOC Public Affairs)
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Some may argue the proud claim but it does have its supporters; “real believers” one might say. For example, the
Taliban and al- Qaeda survivors of the initial American special operations campaign in Afghanistan – Task Force
Dagger – would likely vouch for the claim from personal experience.
In January 2007, another group of Islamic insurgents, some 600 Iraqi Jayish al Raab (“Soldiers of Heaven”) had the
misfortune to discover what their Afghan cohorts already knew. The lesson took place in a fortified village complex
located near Najaf, a town located 100 miles south of Baghdad.
Even by jihadist standards, the Jayish al Raab are considered extreme, and this unusually large group was wellequipped with heavy machine guns as well as mortars. During the ensuing two-day fight that followed initial contact,
the three ST combat controllers fighting with the American-Iraqi special operations assault force never stopped
controlling both resupply airlift as well as close-air-support-helicopter and fixed-wing airstrikes.
AC-130 Spectre gunships called to the fight during hours of darkness expended more than 3,500 cannon rounds as
well as 269 of their massive 105 mm howitzer shells at targets designated by the controllers. Forty-eight hours later,
the remaining 300 survivors threw down their arms in surrender.
The battle of Najaf remains one of the most deadly brawls of the post-invasion phase of Operation Enduring Freedom
and highlights, as few other events can, the violent world of ST operators in combat. There are, however other, more
painful reminders. As Col. Marc Stratton, commander of the 720th Special Tactics Group recalls, “The U.S. Air Force
has awarded a grand total of just two Air Force Crosses in the Global War on Terrorism. One went to a combat
controller and the other to a pararescueman … both posthumously.”
AFSOC records note more than 3,000 insurgents estimated killed or wounded in 2007 after their battlefield encounters
with Special Tactics personnel. But no less important is the long list of other impressive but non-lethal statistics
attesting to ST’s core mission areas: terminal control, personnel recovery, and reconnaissance. As impressive as such
results are in many respects, there is one problem in the ST program that stubbornly resists solution.
The perennially undermanned ST units have achieved the aforementioned successes despite a long history of
operating at perhaps three-quarters their authorized strength. Unlike the Army Special Forces and Navy SEALS,
which possess well-thought-out and-funded recruiting programs, ST forces have long struggled for recruiting support
within their parent service.
Recruiting improvements are on the horizon, however, as AFSOC turns to some innovative in-house recruiting
measures of its own, e.g., hiring retired Chief Master Sgt. Wayne Norrad – a highly regarded, combat-experienced ST
combat controller – to work the problem. Norrad has since gained invaluable support from an Air Force Recruiting
Command not traditionally enthralled with having beret-clad warriors accompanying its recruiters in their talent
search for technically minded young men and women.
Which is not to suggest that merely volunteering for the combat control or pararescue fields assures eventual award of
the coveted scarlet or maroon beret. Before starting months of intense training in their technical core skills, the ST
volunteers will first undergo challenging selection courses designed to weed out all but the most motivated and
mentally and physically fit. Those who complete this phase will then attend basic parachute, free fall, survival, combat
diver, and a host of other courses that prepare the ST operator to fight and survive battles such as that at Najaf.
The combat control applicants in the volunteer group arrive at Hurlburt to continue their professional honing at the
Special Tactics Group’s Advanced Skill Training (AST) Center. Advanced communications field skills in particular
are a priority and individuals from other national-level agencies may be found in such classes.
Those who have completed the tough pararescue training will join their combat control peers in Phase III of the AST
training, giving both career fields an opportunity to familiarize themselves with each others’ tactics, techniques, and
procedures before deploying to a combat zone as an ST team.
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The Special Operations Weather Teams provide another key component in the “battlefield-airmen” concept, providing
meteorologists with the advanced tactical training needed to fight and survive in hostile territory. They are particularly
active in support of U.S. Army Special Forces and Ranger teams, providing all-weather, day-night weather reports
critical to today’s complex air-ground operations.
Beyond the latest equipment and training simulators, the AST offers the incoming airmen something unusual;
something this author hasn’t seen since a visit to Israel some years ago. The most elite special operations unit in that
country – the Sayeret Mat’kal – includes in its organization a small number of retired combat veterans of the unit who
supplement the instructor staff by returning as informal mentors to their replacements – so too in the case of ST.
AFSOC TO FIELD BACKPACK-SIZED UAV by Erik Holmes – Air Force Times Staff Writer (Excerpt)
January 4, 2008 – Washington, DC - Air Force Special Operations Command began testing the tiny unmanned
aerial vehicle (UAV) in October and is expected to field the system with AFSOC combat controllers soon.
The Wasp III has a wingspan of 29 inches, weighs 1 pound and carries forward- and side-looking color cameras,
according to an AeroVironment press release.
Wasp III
The Wasp Micro Air
Vehicle (MAV) is a
small, portable,
reliable, and rugged
unmanned aerial
platform designed for
front line day/night
reconnaissance and
surveillance. With a
wingspan
of 29 inches (72 cm)
and weight of one
pound
(430 grams), the
Wasp is AV’s smallest
UAS. Wasp
can be manually
operated or programmed for GPS-based autonomous navigation. (Courtesy of AeroVironment Inc.)
The aircraft can fly for up to 45 minutes and up to 5 kilometers from the control transceiver, according to the release.
It can be controlled manually or set to autopilot, according to an AFSOC fact sheet.
The Wasp III will eventually become part of the standard kit carried by combat controllers as they go on missions
with other special operators, an AFSOC official said in October.
The UAV was developed through a program with the Washington, DC based Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency, better known as DARPA, he said.
In November 2007, the U.S. Marine Corps awarded a $19.3 million contract to buy Wasp III systems under the Air
Force BATMAV contract, according to an AeroVironment press release.
21 STS AIRMAN WINS SIJAN AWARD by 2nd Lt. Chris Hoyler 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
January 14, 2008 - Pope AFB, North Carolina -- A Pope Airman has been awarded the 2007 Lance P. Sijan Air
Force Leadership Award for distinguished leadership.
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Capt. Stewart Parker, 21st Special Tactics Squadron, was named the junior officer category winner for the coveted
award.
<<< Captain Stewart Parker, 21st Special
Tactics Squadron, is shown on patrol in a
village near the base where he was deployed
as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Captain Parker also deployed separately in
2007 as part of a 12-man Army Special Forces
team in southern Afghanistan. (Courtesy
Photo)
Captain Parker led a team of combat
controllers into combat in Iraq and
Afghanistan, reaping an impressive list of
combat effects. As the critical link to a full
array of air power capabilities, Captain Parker
precisely integrated fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft and fused intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
capabilities with timely firepower. The results proved devastating to enemy forces.
"Captain Parker is absolutely vital to the success of the mighty 21 STS," Lt. Col. Michael Martin, 21st STS
Commander, said. "His combat experience and superb leadership has been key in our preparation for our next
deployment. His success on the battlefield and as a leader in garrison and deployed made him a logical choice to
command a mission during our next deployment."
<<< Captain Stewart Parker,
21st Special Tactics Squadron,
stands atop a mountain in
southern Afghanistan during a
deployment last year. Captain
Parker was honored as the Lance
P. Sijan Air Force Leadership
Award winner in the junior officer
category for 2007. (Courtesy
Photo)
The Lance P. Sijan Award
recognizes the accomplishments
of officers and enlisted members
of the Air Force who have
demonstrated the highest qualities
of leadership in the performance
325
of their duties and the conduct of their lives.
The closely evaluated criteria for the award include scope of responsibility, professional leadership, leadership image
and community involvement.
This is the second consecutive year a Pope Special Tactics officer has received the award in the junior officer
category, as Capt. Matt Allen was the recipient in 2006.
As a flight commander, Captain Parker was in charge of 15 enlisted combat controllers deployed in support of
Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
His day-to-day operations ranged from holding meetings with local leaders, to training Afghan troops, to spending
days on end tracking and fighting terrorist cells.
"From controlling C-130s landing on dirt airstrips, to directing A-10 strafing runs against attacking terrorists, to
storming enemy strongholds alongside joint special operations forces, 21st STS combat controllers brought the might
of the entire Air Force to the front lines in the war on terror," Captain Parker said.
Captain Parker's flight safely controlled hundreds of airlift and strike aircraft, many of which were flown by Pope
aviators.
"I've never been more proud to work with such individuals," Captain Parker said.
In addition, Captain Parker deployed separately later in the year, spending the majority of his time fighting alongside
a 12-man Army Special Forces team in southern Afghanistan. The unit's mission was to capture and kill enemy
fighters in their area, bolster support for the Afghan government and provide for the local populace, and they often
worked with NATO and Afghan troops.
"I was responsible for mission planning, air support and rear security with the M240B machine gun mounted on the
back of my Humvee," Captain Parker said.
"We were in several battles lasting up to 14 hours, in which I directed airstrikes, airborne reconnaissance &
intelligence, and medevac helicopters to (remove) wounded troops."
Not all operations were about taking the fight directly at the enemy, as Captain Parker and his flight also conducted
many humanitarian missions.
"We delivered four tons of humanitarian supplies, including food, shoes, and blankets to villagers in need during the
harsh winter," Captain Parker said. "We helped build police checkpoints and distributed medical supplies to hundreds
of Afghans suffering everything from indigestion to broken bones."
He said the most memorable event was his assistance in the opening of a new school in Afghanistan. It was the
culmination of an effort that reached across the globe, as people across the U.S. donated school supplies, which
Captain Parker said he and others proudly handed to 650 children attending class for the first time in their lives. His
willingness to teach extended to the Afghan soldiers he worked with.
"At night, I gave informal English classes to some of my Afghan counterparts," Captain Parker said. "Truly, I was
amazed at the tenacity and willingness to learn of the Afghan people."
His focus on humanitarian relief is no surprise, as he is very active in the local community at Pope. He mentored Air
Force Academy, ROTC and JROTC cadets as a member of the Air Force Cadet Officer Mentor Action Program and
spends a great deal of time participating in base and squadron events, which included representing Pope at the
"Warriors on the Water" military appreciation bass fishing tournament in May 2007.
Colonel Martin says Captain Parker's success can be attributed to the instructors and training pipeline necessary to
become a Special Tactics Officer.
One of Captain Parker's instructors, Master Sgt. Calvin Markham, is a Silver Star recipient from the initial stages of
Operation Enduring Freedom and now serves as the 21st STS Chief of Current Operations.
"The same pipeline that produced Captain Parker has produced the finest non-commissioned officer corps," Colonel
Martin said. "You can't replace instructors that have been on the target and executed this nation's highest priority.
They have invested their knowledge and experience in (Captain Parker), which collectively has made him a great
leader."
326
WAR STORY by MSgt Dennis Brewer, 325nd Special Operations Group
Combat controller's actions epitomize the ethos of special tactics
February 2, 2008 – RAF Mildenhall, England - Staff Sergeant Robert Gutierrez, Jr., an Air Force Special Tactics
Combat Controller assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Group at RAF Mildenhall, deployed to Afghanistan in
early January 2008.
<<< SSgt Robert Gutierrez Jr. (foreground) keeps a
watchful eye out for insurgents or threats to his
Operational Detachment A-team during one
of many patrols he took part in while deployed in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air
Force photo)
During one of many missions, Sergeant Gutierrez was
on patrol searching for a high-value target when his
Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA)
team was ambushed.
Traveling along a mountain road, his team's convoy
took insurgent fire from the right of their position as
they neared a bridge -- across from the compound they
were to search.
Countering the small arms and machine-gun fire with the organic weapons in their convoy, Sergeant Gutierrez added
lethal gun and bomb passes from F-15E and A-10 aircraft overhead. Once the initial contact seemed finished, all
became quiet according to the Sergeant. "We then dismounted the convoy to conduct an assessment of the situation
after the air strike," he said.
His ODA team crossed the bridge by foot to check houses in the compound, and once again came under intense
enemy fire - this time from three sides of their position.
Cut off from the heavy weapons in their convoy and pinned down by insurgent fire, the situation grew worse with
each passing moment. The team leader was incapacitated within minutes and another team member was wounded and
stranded in the enemy "kill zone." With the enemy pressing for advantage, Sergeant Gutierrez went to work.
He directly engaged and killed four insurgents with his M-4 Carbine and orchestrated eight strafing runs from A-10
aircraft onto multiple targets threatening to overrun their location.
The A-10 passes gave him and a team member the opportunity to run in and out of the "kill box" to retrieve their
critically wounded teammate.
Consolidating the team's position, Sergeant Gutierrez then directed more than 70 close air support strikes over the
next five plus hours while repelling numerous attempts by insurgents to overrun their position. His focus and
technical battlefield expertise were deciding factors to the team's survival - a fact born out by the operation's final
numbers.
"I determined the enemy's positions as fast as I could," he said. As he continuously directed A-10 Thunderbolts, F-15
Strike Eagles and AH-64 Apache helicopters onto multiple targets surrounding their position, often with the enemy
just meters away.
Afterward, he used both A-10s and UAVs, to keep the enemy at bay and gain information on enemy positions,
maintaining a protective fire suppression blanket for his team from the air.
After the battle subsided and the area was secure, he called in two medical evacuation flights for his wounded and
fallen teammates.
During the engagement, Sergeant Gutierrez synchronized airstrikes, utilized UAVs, and his team's organic firepower
to effectively incapacitate more than 240 insurgent enemy fighters, including the "high-value target," the objective of
the entire mission.
327
A senior leader from his unit said, "Sergeant Gutierrez's actions that day epitomized the ethos of special tactics. He
willingly risked his life to save a teammate. He maintained his composure in the darkest of circumstances and
aggressively pursued the enemy using every asset at his disposal. Sergeant Gutierrez is a warrior in every sense of the
word."
Incidentally, Staff Sergeant Robert Gutierrez Jr. reenlisted in the United States Air Force during his deployment to
Operation Enduring Freedom.
LACKLAND COMBAT CONTROLLERS RECEIVE BRONZE STAR MEDAL by Tony Perez 37th Training
Wing Public Affairs Office
February 15, 2008 - Lackland AFB, Texas – Staff Sgt. Joseph Pearcy and Tech. Sgt. Jared Antoni, both from the
342nd Training Squadron, were presented the Bronze Star Medal with Valor on February 1, 2008.
It is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. armed forces.
The two Air Force combat controllers faced heavy fire on separate missions while deployed to Afghanistan.
On June 1, 2006, Sergeant Antoni and his team were outflanked and engaged by Taliban insurgents.
"We had a guy walk right into our observation post within four hours of our site being operational," said Sergeant
Antoni. "We took that guy out silently, but two spotters came looking for him. The two spotters returned fire after
being detected, and that is what started the whole situation."
During a 48-hour span, Sergeant Antoni and his team were engaged in heavy fire. Still, he gained communication
with a flight of A-10s that aided his six- man team's escape by firing 30 mm rounds and dropping 500-pound bombs,
which gave the team time to reach safety with a larger coalition team.
"When I was up there, I just concentrated on gaining communication with another team. I was in the zone and
everything was kicking in," Sergeant Antoni said.
Almost a year later to the day, Sergeant Pearcy was put in a separate dire situation.
On June 11, Sergeant Pearcy's team was called in to assist an Afghan national security force that was surrounded
during an ambush. Sergant Pearcy's team was outnumbered.
To observe the target's area and deliver air power, he moved from his secured position to one that exposed him to
heavy fire.
At one point during the 9-hour time period, he had a rocket-propelled grenade fired directly at him.
"It was an interesting experience," said Sergeant Pearcy. "I tried to make sure the training took over, so that I could do
my job to the best of my abilities and make sure everybody made it back alive."
Before coming to Lackland, the two Airmen were stationed together at McChord AFB, Wash. They have known each
other since 2002 and went through most of their training together.
"Our main job is terminal guidance. If we are doing our job, we are definitely changing the battlefield," Sergeant
Antoni said. "If a combat controller is working, it probably means that someone else is in a bad situation."
Currently, the two Airmen are taking the lessons they learned on the battlefield to the classroom. Sergeant Pearcy is
currently a Common Battlefield Airman Training-Bridge Course instructor, and Sergeant Antoni is the superintendent
for the Combat Control Selection Course.
"The fact that we can say we have been in those situations really helps when we are talking to trainees, because we
actually know what it is like over there," Sergeant Pearcy said.
Still, both sergeants would like to see more people become conscious of their career field. "Unfortunately, there isn't a
lot of awareness," Sergeant Antoni said. "We don't sell combat control enough."
Sergeant Pearcy feels that one of the reasons for the lack of awareness is that they are one of the lesser known Special
Forces units in the U.S. armed forces.
"Everyone knows about the Army Special Forces and the Navy SEALs, but we don't get a lot of press, so a lot of
people don't know what we do," Sergeant Pearcy said.
The small number of Airmen joining concerns both men.
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According to Sergeant Antoni, the training is so tough that approximately 80 percent of the Airmen who attend
Combat Controller training don't pass the course. Combat controllers are also deployed roughly 280 days out of the
year.
"We are changing the fight," Sergeant Antoni said. "There would be a lot more lives lost in all branches of the armed
forces if we weren't out there doing the jobs that we do."
PRINCE HARRY SECRETLY SERVING IN AFGHANISTAN excerpts from guardian.co.uk © Guardian News
and Media Limited article by Audrey Gillan, Mark Tran and Peter Walker
Thursday 28 February 2008 – Southern Afghanistan - Prince Harry has been secretly serving on the front line in
Afghanistan with British troops since December, it emerged today.The 23-year-old, who is third in line to the throne,
has spent the past 10 weeks as a forward air controller (FAC) in the dangerous southern province of Helmand, guiding
fighter jets towards suspected Taliban targets.
The army – which decided last year it was too dangerous for Harry to serve in Iraq – deployed him to Afghanistan on
condition that his whereabouts remained a secret, in case he became a Taliban target. Operating out of a forward
operating base in Helmand province, Cornet Wales, as he is known in the army, has been working as a forward air
controller (FAC) and is responsible for coordinating air support and aviation across the area, calling in fast jets to drop
500lb (227kg) bombs on enemy positions.
<<< During his tour in Afghanistan, Prince
Harry worked with Special Tactics Combat
Controllers. He is shown here with a purposely
unidentified Combat Controller.
(AFSOC Public Affairs Release)
He has been fighting what he calls "Terry
Taliban" and taking the opportunity to be
"normal" like other soldiers. In interviews, the
prince, whose job was to monitor enemy
soldiers' movements transmitted on to screens
nicknamed Kill TV, said: "Terry Taliban and his
mates, as soon as they hear air they go to
ground, which makes life a little bit tricky. So having something that gives you a visual feedback from way up means
… we can follow them.”
Like his brother, Prince William, Harry had trained with the Blues and Royals to be a troop leader of a group of four
to six Scimitar armoured reconnaissance vehicles that usually operate on the frontline. However, he retrained to
become what is in effect an air traffic controller after being refused permission to fight in Iraq.
AFSOC AIRMAN DIES IN AFGHANISTAN from AFSOC Public Affairs
March 24, 2008 - Hurlburt Field, Florida -- An Air Force Special Operations Command combat controller died
March 22 while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
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<<< Tech. Sgt. William Jefferson Jr. died March 22 near Sperwan
Ghar, Afghanistan, of wounds he suffered when his vehicle
encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the
21st Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, N.C. Will is
shown here during a graduation ceremony of a combat control class.
He was an instructor at the Combat Control School for several years.
(Courtesy photo)
Tech. Sgt. William Jefferson Jr., 34, of Norfolk, Va., died near Sperwan
Ghar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered
an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 21st Special
Tactics Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina.
The 21st STS will hold a memorial service honoring Sergeant
Jefferson 10 am. Wednesday at Pope AFB.
"They were never defeated, they were only killed."
Saying about the French Foreign Legion
21st SPECIAL TACTICS SQUADRON REMEMBERS FALLEN COMRADE by 1LT Amy Cooper - AFSOC
Public Affairs
March 27, 2008 - Pope AFB, North Carolina -- It was standing room only at a memorial service held here March 26
honoring a combat controller recently killed in Afghanistan.
Tech. Sgt. William Jefferson Jr., 21st Special Tactics Squadron, died March 22 near Sperwan Ghar when the vehicle
he and his Army special forces teammates were riding in encountered an improvised explosive device.
The C-130 hangar where the ceremony was held was full of special tactics Airmen and members of the joint special
operations community who came to honor the life of Jefferson. Members of the Jefferson family were there as well.
"The strength of special tactics resides in its (non-commissioned officer) corps," said Col. Marc Stratton, 720th
Special Tactics Group commander. "For it is there that one can find the combination of practical combat skills and
experiences that serve two purposes: seeing a mission through to conclusion, often adapting and overcoming an
obstacle, and building and mentoring less experienced enlisted and officer personnel, thus ensuring the continued
health and capability of the force.
<<< Colonel Marc Stratton speaks during the
memorial ceremony for TSgt William Jefferson on
March 26 at Hangar 4 at Pope AFB, NC. Sergeant
Jefferson of the 21st Special Tactics Squadron died
in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on
March 22. Colonel Stratton is the 720th Special
Tactics Group commander. (US Air Force photo by
Mike Murchison)
330
"Will fulfilled both these roles with dedication and professionalism."
Jefferson began his military career as a force reconnaissance Marine before transitioning to the Air Force in 1996 to
become a combat controller with the 21st STS. In 2002, he volunteered to become an instructor at the Combat
Control School at Pope.
"This is where many will say Will was most successful, and he had the greatest impact on the special tactics corps,"
Colonel Stratton said.
During his time at the schoolhouse, he replenished the career field, training more than 400 combat controllers in the
four years he was an instructor.
"As a senior NCO, he left behind a legacy of excellence to the operators he trained," said Stratton.
In 2006, Jefferson returned to the 21st STS where he served for the remainder of his career.
Jefferson's final deployment took him to Afghanistan in January where he served as a joint terminal attack controller
with an Army special forces detachment. His team encountered a number of troops-in-contact situations leading up to
his final mission, Stratton said.
"In each [situation] Will performed superbly, directing a sequence of synchronized and coordinated air power, often
under enemy fire," he said. "His call sign ... became well-known to the aircrew overhead, always a calm grounded
voice despite the short-term chaos that often follows contact with the enemy."
At the end of his remarks, Stratton formally retired Jefferson's call sign.
<<< Master Sgt. Bill Adams speaks
during the memorial ceremony for
Tech. Sgt. William Jefferson Jr., 21st
Special Tactics Squadron, at Hangar 4
at Pope Air Force Base on March 26.
Sergeant Jefferson died in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom March
22. (US Air Force photo by Mike
Murchison)
During his remarks about Jefferson, Lt.
Col. Thad Allen, 21st STS acting commander, referred to a quote from John Stuart Mill, reading, "The person who
has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a
miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than
himself."
In his role as mentor and teacher, Sergeant Jefferson made the junior enlisted and company grade officers he worked
with better men, said Allen. However, his influence also made an impact off the battlefield. He was described
repeatedly as a true family man, who tore through the mail piles while deployed searching out letters from his wife
and daughter.
"Kristy, Will taught husbands and fathers how to be a better man," Allen said to Jefferson's widow.
Jefferson was described several times as "jovial" by his teammates. His jovial spirit was present at points during the
somber ceremony. "Have you ever made the mistake of sitting at the table and playing a little Texas Hold 'Em with
Will? You know who the better man is," Allen said, referring to the sergeants cunning card skills. Also during the
ceremony, letters were read from 21st STS Airmen still deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and
Enduring Freedom. "This nation lost a great warrior, son, father and husband," Lt. Col. Mike Martin, 21st
Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron commander, said in a letter. "He gave his life doing what he loved and what
331
we expected him to do... I could not have asked anything more from him. He was absolutely brilliant on the
battlefield."
"He was always eager, but not anxious. He cared about doing his job to the best of his ability and not for reward,"
read another letter.
The same letter referred to the sergeant's ability to "make calm out of chaos," at one point helping his team out of a
four-way ambush.
"For my fallen brother, I will fight on and fight harder, and never forget your sacrifice," the letter continued. "You will
live on forever in all our memories, and it was a privilege to fight on beside you."
Another letter said Jefferson was "as lethal as any of the ordnance and tools of the trade we employ." He was a true
role model who, "kept his friends as brothers and his teammates as equals."
"It saddens me to know that you have lost a hero of a father, a commando of a husband, a warrior of a son, and a fine
combat controller as a brother," that letter continued. "We all have a long road to travel."
Following remarks from his teammates, Jefferson was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Air
Force Combat Action Medal, which were placed next to a single helmet atop a rifle and boots displayed at the foot of
the stage.
A funeral for Jefferson will be held March 30 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
SPECIAL FORCES SOLDIERS PAY TRIBUTE TO FALLEN COMRADES by USASOC News Service
April 2, 2008 - Bagram AB, Afghanistan - Early Thursday morning the Combined Joint Special Operations Task
Force-Afghanistan honored two fallen comrades in a memorial ceremony.
<<< 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Commander Col Christopher
K. Haas and CJSOTF-A Support Command Sgt. Major, Command Sgt
Maj. Edward A. Bell, pay their respects to their fallen comrades Staff Sgt.
William Neil, Special Forces engineer and Tech. Sgt. William Jefferson Jr
and Air Force Combat Controller, during a memorial ceremony at
Bagram Airbase, March 27. Both men died in combat March 22, 2008
while conducting combat operation near Sperwan Ghar, Afghanistan.
(CJSOTF-A photo by SSG Marie Schult - Photo by USASOC News
Service)
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. William Neil and Air Force Tech. Sgt. William
Jefferson Jr. were killed in action March 22 while conducting combat operations near Sperwan Ghar, Afghanistan.
Both men were killed when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.
"Their sacrifice exemplifies all that we value in Special Operations and the armed forces," said Lt. Col. Lynn Ashley,
Special Operations Task Force commander. The memorial took place during a bright sunny day at Bagram Airbase.
Nevertheless, there wasn't a dry eye once members of their team honored them with remembrances.
"Bill Neil and Will Jefferson were decent men they were honest, passionate, fun to be with," said one team member.
"They loved life and they loved their families.
Neil was a Special Forces soldier with C, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Fort Bragg, NC. He was
a dedicated soldier who served in both the Army and Navy. He took a break in service to work on Wall Street but
traded in his suits for a Green Beret.
Jefferson was a combat controller assigned to 21st Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, NC. Prior to
enduring the rigors of the Combat Control School, Jefferson served as a Force Recon Marine.
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"In peace, sons bury their fathers; in war, fathers bury their sons."
Herodotus
Both men distinguished themselves apart from the typical service member by volunteering for special assignments
and special duties.
"Instead of simply clamoring for peace where no peace can be had or turning a blind eye to the violence in the world.
They made peace in the world on the only terms the enemy has offered us; by running and bravely patrolling the most
dangerous places in the world," said one team mate though stifled tears.
While Neil was a permanent member of the Special Forces team Jefferson was an attached combat controller. He
easily integrated himself into the team through exceptional duty performance on a daily basis; performing air traffic
control functions, communicating with aircraft, and directing them to drop ordnance on enemy positions.
"From the first day that Will (Jefferson) walked into our camp to our last ride together Will was and forever will be
part of our team," said the team engineer.
In addition to remembering the fallen for the lives they lived they tried to answer questions and bring comfort to each
other.
"Will (Jefferson) believed in trying to teach us his job, just in case the worst should happen, he wanted his team to be
prepared for anything and he made sure we were," the engineer said. "But some things you can never prepare for.
Like hearing that you have just lost a good friend who you were joking with just 30 minutes before is impossible to
prepare for."
"His life was not a loss but a fulfillment. A fulfillment of God's work," said one team member, about Neil.
"To their families those actions are merely the latest in a lifetime of devotion to others," said Ashley.
NEW SCHOOL GRADUATES FIRST CLASS by Gene Adcock, CMSgt, USAF (CCT) Retired
April 17, 2008 - Pope AFB, North Carolina - Their Class Number may be 08002, but they are really number one; ie,
the first class to graduate from the brand new Combat Control School at Pope AFB, NC. One day ahead of the
formal dedication and grand opening of the new Combat Control School, a class of brand new combat controllers was
graduated. Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) President, John T. Carney, Jr. USAF (CCT) Retired was
the guest speaker. Also attending was Combat Control Association (CCA) President Wayne Norrad, CMSgt, USAF
(CCT) Retired.
<<< Combat Control School Commandant
SMSgt Sean Gleffe chats with the guest
speaker - Colonel (Ret) John Carney - during
the CCS graduation ceremony. (Photo
courtesy of the Combat Control School)
333
>>>
Colonel (Ret) John Carney presented the
Distinguished Graduate Award to SSgt George
Thompson. (Photo courtesy of the Combat Control
School)
<<<
CMSgt (Ret) Wayne Norrad, CCA President
presented the Jerome E. Bennett Award to A1C
Zephan Spencer. (Photo courtesy of the Combat
Control School)
>>>
Graduating Class 08002 is shown for the first
time with red berets and bloused blues. Front
Row, Left to Right: Dustin Sorensen, Robert
Winkle, Zephen Spencer, George Thompson.
Back Row, Left to Right: Joshua Dotzler, Jordan
Killam, Gilbert Gunsen. (Photo courtesy of the
Combat Control School)
"To lead untrained people to war is to throw them away."
Confucius
334
COMBAT CONTROL SCHOOL (CCS) REPORT
COMBAT CONTROL SCHOOL REPORT by Jim Lyons, CMSgt, USAF (CCT) Retired
April 14, 2008 – Pope AFB, North Carolina - This is an amended version of the CCS Association newsletter, dated
14 April 2008. Articles have been updated and opening-days photos added.
--Newsletter Lead Story—
BUILDING THE BENINI HERITAGE CENTER by Gene Adcock, CMSgt, USAF (CCT) Retired
Pope AFB, North Carolina - Several weeks ago, the Combat Control School (CCS) Staff and CCSA Staff voted
unanimously to name the Heritage Center for CMSgt Alicide S. Benini, USAF (CCT), Retired. In January 1953, then
A/1C Alcide S. Benini was the first man selected to be as a USAF combat controller. (Benini enlisted in the USAF as
an A/1C and was promoted to TSgt on the same orders, with the promise of MSgt in six months.)
Benini was the NCOIC of the first team and served the career field from its inception in 15 January 1953 until his
retirement in July 31, 1970. During his illustrious career, the Chief was instrumental in building Air Force Combat
Control Teams into a world-class organization they are today. (For more about Chief Benini's career see the 30 July
1970 section of this history.)
In late 1952, Benini was the first man selected to be as a USAF combat controller. He is shown here, at left, in this
15 January 1953 photo.
--Newsletter Story—
PREPARING THE BENINI HERITAGE CENTER FOR GRAND OPENING by Gene Adcock, CMSgt, USAF
(CCT) Retired
335
17-20 March 2008 - CCS Pope AFB, North Carolina – For nearly a week I worked at the school with Ron Brown, Jim
Lyons and members of the CCS Staff. The primary purpose was to assist Ron in preparing the new CMSgt Alicide
“Bull” Benini Heritage Center (Museum) for the grand opening on 18 April 2008. Unfortunately, I was scheduled to
be out of the country and would be unable to attend grand opening day activities.
<<< When driving to the new CCS, enter Pope through the Riley Road Gate.
Follow Riley Road for approximately one mile. As you pass the north end of the
runway, you will see Pope Park in the distance. Look for the sign above as you
approach the park entrance. Mailing address for the school is Combat Control
School, 1 Matero Drive, Pope AFB, North Carolina - 28307 (Combat Control
School Photograph)
First and foremost, I applaud Ron Brown and the CCS staff for a job well done. Although there is still much to do, the
School and Heritage Center are taking shape. And, unlike the projects that we worked 20-40 years ago, this project is
being skillfully finished with great financial support. The financial support is evident in the quality of the product, the
displays and the presentations. When completed, Combat Controllers will have a museum worthy of their heritage.
The Combat Control School - with its circular drive - is shown in this preconstruction rendering by the architect. In
front is the main building, with its white columns and peaked entry. On the ground floor, in the area behind the
white columns and running front to back is the Heritage Center and Historical Displays. At back-left is the Pool &
Gym building; at right is the Firing Range. (Courtesy of the Combat Control School)
FACILITY STATUS - The CCS consists of three buildings and surrounding grounds (approximately two acres)
where several outside displays will be installed. As of March 20, 2008, only the MAIN BUILDING was occupied.
<<< SMSgt Sean
Gleffe, CCS
Commandant speaks to
visitors at the CCT
Memorial Opening
ceremony. (Photo
courtesy of the Combat
Control School)
336
BENINI HERITAGE CENTER - The main building is a two-story facility consisting of approximately 35,000
square feet. The entry way is an open (ground-to-roof) atrium. The atrium (Heritage Center) is dedicated to the
CMSgt Alicide S. “Bull” Benini Heritage Center; it is approximately 1,500 square feet.
<<<
CMSgt Benini (USAF CCT
Retired) chats with LTC
Shively, Commander, 3rd
Aerial Port Squadron during
opening day ceremonies on 18
April 2008. (Combat Control
School Photo)
>>>
Shown here are
some of the
modern day
displays of
uniforms and
equipment.
(CCS Photo)
337
<<< On the opposite
wall - from the
modern day display
above - is the Global
War on Terrorism
display. It
memorializes
America's response
to the 11 September
2001 terrorist attack
on the United States.
(Combat Control
School photograph)
January 2008 FACILITY ACCEPTANCE - In January 2008, the main building was conditionally accepted by the
Air Force Contracting Office and a class started almost immediately. At the same time, the building contractor was
cleaning up last minute details and the CCS Staff was installing furniture and office accessories. By mid-March, the
CCS staff was installing signs and photographs. There are hundreds of photos and mementos to be exhibited.
<<< Here is a view of the main building
with the newly installed O-1 Bird Dog
memorial aircraft. This photo was taken
about a week prior to opening day. At
this point the Laos memorial stones had
not yet been set. A later photo will show
the completed memorial.
338
GROUND FLOOR – At center is the atrium; it is dedicated to the Benini Heritage Center and its historical displays.
On each side are wings: The right wing is used primarily for LOGISTICS and SUPPLY; while the left wing is used by
students and staff for individual equipment storage cages, showers, laundry room and more.
<<< This is an
overview of the
exhibit area
from the
second floor
bridge.
(Combat
Control School
Photo)
UPSTAIRS On the second floor, a bridge crosses the atrium connecting the two wings. The left wing is used for Cadre Offices,
Staff Offices and a huge conference room. The right wing is Class Rooms, Break Room, a Medical Facility and more.
In back of the main school building is the Pool &
Gym Facility, shown here several weeks before
the grand opening on 18 April 2008. (Combat
Control School Photo) >>>
CCS POOL & GYM FACILITY - The new
Combat Control School is equipped with its own
NFL-equivalent gym (out back - west) with a
near-Olympic-size swimming pool. No more are
the days of making do with a pint-size gym. The
new CCT students will work out in their own
full-size gym and develop their water skills in a
dedicated pool. It a lot deeper than standard
pools!
WEAPONS RANGE – A second building (out back - east) is approximately 8,000 square feet. It features a 1,000inch range with 10 firing positions.
339
<<< The Fallen CCT Memorial
Monument was donated by the
Combat Control Association
(CCA) more than thirty years
ago. Shortly before the new
school opened it was moved
from the old school - and
mounted on a new base. All of
the work was funded by the
CCA.
OUT FRONT - There is a circle drive in front - in the center is the flagpole and Fallen CCT Memorial Monument.
From the front door, looking through the CCT Memorial & Flag Pole you can see the north end of Pope's Main
Runway. At front right (maybe 50 meters west) is the Pope park and just around the corner is the SPRING LAKE
GATE. To the immediate west of the Circle Drive is space for the O-1 Bird Dog Memorial and memorial stones.
HERITAGE WALK – Memorial bricks are being offered as a fund-raiser to Combat Controllers and other
associates. The donations from these bricks will be used to build a Heritage Memorial Walk around outside displays.
Proceeds will be used to fund future historical projects.
<<< Pope AFB Honor
Guard conducts dual Flag
Folding
Ceremony at
Fallen Combat Control
Memorial Monument. In
this view, you are looking
across the north end of the
main runway, the trees in
the distance are near the
post office and the old
Base Exchange. (Photo
courtesy of the Combat
Control School)
340
>>>
One
Memorial
Flag is
presented to
Doris
Maitland,
sister of
Andy
Guillet.
(Photo
courtesy of
the Combat
Control
School)
<<<
A second Memorial
Flag is presented to
Pat Patton, widow of
Captain Lee Harley.
(Photo courtesy of
the Combat Control
School)
341
>>>
Combat
Control
Historian
and
Heritage
Center
Curator
Ron
Brown,
MSG, US
Army (SF)
Retired
speaks to
visitors
attending
the
dedication
ceremony.
(Photo
courtesy
of the
Combat
Control
School)
<<< O-1 Bird Dog
Memorial is dedicated to
Combat Controller Andy
Guillet and O-1 Pilot Lee
Harley. They were shot
down in an identical O-1
aircraft in Laos, during the
Vietnam War and are still
listed as Missing In Action.
(Photo courtesy of the
Combat Control School)
342
>>>
It didn't take long
for a group of
active duty and
retired combat
controllers to put
the O-1 to good
use as a backdrop
for this memorial
photograph.
<<<
One of the memorial stones is
dedicated to Captain Lee
Harley, Pilot and A1C Andre
Guillet, a Combat Controller
shot down on May 18, 1966,
over Laos. Both are still listed
as missing in action (MIA).
343
>>>
This is a
memorial dedica
ted to those
Combat
Controllers who
deployed in
support of
Project 404 - the
SECRET WAR in
Laos.
<<<
This memorial stone describes the Project 404
mission. The last sentence reads: "Airmen
operating in Laos gave up their Geneva
Conventions rights, thus exposing them to
capture, trial and sentencing as mercenaries."
344
>>>
The Pope AFB Honor Guard
shown during opening
ceremonies in front of the Fallen
Combat Control Memorial.
(Photo courtesy of the Combat
Control School)
<<<
Colonel Marc Stratton,
Commander, 720th Special
Tactics Group, Hurlburt Field,
FL was the guest speaker.
(Photo courtesy of the Combat
Control School)
345
>>>
SMSgt Gleffe,
CC
Commandant
leads the
ribbon cutting
ceremony.
(Photo courtesy
of the Combat
Control
School)
<<< SMSgt Gleffe,
CCS Commandant
chats with senior
officers following the
dedication ceremony.
They are shown here,
in front of the Silver
Star Memorial Wall.
(Photo courtesy of the
Combat Control
School.
346
MRC-108 RADIO COMMUNICATIONS JEEP - The M-151 (jeep) bodywork and painting was completed on
Wednesday, 19 March. The same day, Adcock cleaned and assembled the MRC-108 radio pallet. About a week later
the MRC-108 was placed on an aluminum-runway planking platform, surrounded by sand bags. A CCT manikin is
manning the MRC-108. In the future, a huge Khe Sanh mural (wall paper) will become the background; the mural has
been completed, but not yet installed.
<<< Shown here is a side view of the
MRC-108 Radio Communications (M151) Jeep displayed at the Benini
Heritage Center. The MRC-108 was
widely used by Combat Control Teams
throughout the Vietnam war. A
companion MRC-107 was
operationally identical to the MRC108, but built by a different
manufacturer. The MRC-107 was
typically found at some CONUS
locations and in Europe. A backdrop
mural of the Khe Sanh LZ in Vietnam
is in-work. When completed, it will be
placed on the wall behind the MRC108 Radio Communications Vehicle.
(Photographs from Ron Brown
collection)
This view from above of the MRC-107 was taken from the
bridge connecting the second story administration section
and the classroom section of the Combat Control School.
(Photographs from Ron Brown collection) >>>
PROGRESS - Ron Brown, Heritage Center Curator
completed a majority of the displays before the April 18
opening. Others were delayed; but will be completed as
time and funding permits. Improvements to the Heritage
Center are expected to continue for the next several years.
Once the initial phase is completed, the displays and
artifacts will be refreshed on a routine schedule. The
scheduled refreshment process gives the return visitor anever-changing look at CCT history and provides rest for
light sensitive documents and artifacts.
347
--Newsletter Advertisement-SHOP AT THE CCA COUNTRY STORE!
The Combat Control Association’s Country Store offers great logo items - T-shirts, polo shirts, mugs, pins, and other
great mementos will exhibit your pride and association with Combat Control. Be sure to visit the Country Store at the
next reunion; it is scheduled for 29 October 2008 at Ft. Walton Beach, Florida.
THE COMBAT CONTROL SCHOOL AIR PARK by CMSgt James Lyons, USAF (CCT) Retired, Former
Commandant of the Combat Control School.
A couple of years ago, (during my term as CCS Commandant) I remember being told by a Colonel at Air Education
and Training Command (AETC) that the Air Force does not 'hero worship' and the CCS would have to make some
changes to its exhibit plans. Fortunately for CCT, a couple 'can-do' instructors pushed forward with two projects: the
CCT Silver Star Wall and a memorial for A1C Andre Guillet.
Those two projects consumed thousands of volunteer man-hours and great perseverance to complete. But it was well
worth it since they now serve as centers of attraction at the CCT Heritage Center.
Today, when you drive into the circle driveway - leading up to the school - you will immediately see a O-1 Bird Dog
guarding the right flank of CCS. "It amazes me that airmen actually flew these slow, vulnerable aircraft into battle."
<<< More than a year before the fully
restored O-1 Bird Dog was placed at the
Combat Control School, the Combat
Control School Association’s (CCSA) staff
liberated it from the US Forestry Service.
Pictured here are two of the 21st STS
Combat Controllers (L) Roger Pursley and
(Top) Mike Anderson, next is CCSA
President CMSgt Jim Lyons, CCSA
Chairman CMSgt (Ret) Gene Adcock and
Heritage Center Curator MSG (Ret) Ron
Brown. The photo was taken on the day the
group retrieved the aircraft. (Photograph
courtesy of the 21st Special Tactics
Squadron)
This extraordinarily well-restored Bird Dog was fully refurbished - at no cost - by the 43rd Airlift Maintenance
Squadron; only the exterior paint was purchased by the Combat Control School Association. The O-1 Bird Dog
memorializes A1C Andre "Andy" Guillet; a Combat Controller still listed as missing in action (MIA) in Laos.
(Editor's note: The CCSA is working with the Air Force monuments office to have the O-1 Bird Dog designated as an
official USAF monument. When approved, the USAF will provide perpetual funding for the care and maintenance of
the aircraft.)
The Guillet Memorial was two years in the making and more than forty years late, but from this day forward Andy
will be recognized, remembered and honored by students, instructors, cadre and visitors to the school complex. Read
more about Andy Guillet's last mission, beginning in March 1966 of this history.
348
On the inside, when you enter the school you are greeted by a wall covered with citations and pictures of Silver Star
recipients. Each with a unique story of how Combat Controllers courageously performed their mission no matter
what the risk. There can be no better honor for a Combat Controller than to be recognized and remembered by
comrades and fellow warriors for ages to come.
It took awhile, but Combat Controllers, the CCA and CCS Cadre have finally given CCT history a home.
ITS NICE TO KNOW THAT SOME THINGS DON’T CHANGE by CMSgt James Lyons, USAF (CCT) Retired
Early April 2008 – Pope AFB, North Carolina - On my most recent
visit to the CCS, I was stricken with curiosity about a gaggle of young
men - obviously students - standing around the Fallen CCT Memorial. At
first I thought it was new class memorizing the names before their first
memorial push-ups; when they are required to recant all of the names
before knocking out a set of prefect airborne push-ups.
<<< CCS students do their part in preparing for the grand opening.
Here they are shown cleaning the Fallen CCT Memorial – a memorial
donated more than thirty years ago by the Combat Control Association.
But when I got closer - to give some unneeded advice - I quickly noticed
a couple of the troops were on their knees armed with toothbrushes cleaning the memorial. The others were just there
to provide moral support, give advice and point out spots needing further attention.
The fun did not stop there, in the first classroom I entered was a young man seated on the floor with his hooded
sweatshirt on backwards and covering his face. He was practicing setting up a SATCOM radio.
HOYAH TEAM!
MAKING THE WORLD A LITTLE BIT BETTER - A tongue-in-cheek vignette by Gene Adcock, CMSgt, USAF
(CCT) Retired
March 24, 2008 - Pope AFB, NC -- Last week I was at Pope volunteering my time at the new Combat Control
School. We were preparing for the grand opening on April 18, 2008.
While there, I was frequently asked by the Instructors, "What do you find to do now that you are really retired?"
I said, “Well here's one example:”
“Last week I drove up to the Sumter Landing town square and walked into Starbucks. I was only inside long enough
to get a cup of coffee.
When I came out there was a cop writing out a parking ticket. I said to him, "Come on, how about giving a retired
person a break?"
He ignored me and continued writing the ticket.
349
I called him a "Nazi." He glared at me and wrote another ticket for having worn tires.
So I called him a "doughnut eating SOB!”
He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first. Then he wrote a third ticket.
The more I abused him the more tickets he wrote - four in all!
But I really didn't care. You see, I drove my golf cart to the square.
The car that he was putting the tickets on had a bumper sticker that said: "HILLARY IN 2008."
Now that I am retired, I try to have a little fun each day.
It's important to my mental health.”
--Newsletter Story-THE COMMANDANT'S COMMENTS by Sean Gleffe, SMSgt, USAF
On behalf of all the team members who made this a reality, we are excited to say the new Combat Control School
officially opened on 18 April 2008. Several weeks earlier, electronic invitations were sent to the entire career field
and to all that are listed with the Combat Control Association.
The new facility is amazing. It’s divided into three focused areas. Building number 1, the main building is 35,000
square feet and houses three classrooms, administration and office space for the entire staff, logistics and supply, and
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divided cage and showering facilities for students and instructors. The centerpiece of the main administration
building, is the USAF-sanctioned Combat Control Heritage museum.
The main building - shown at center above - houses administration, offices, classrooms, logistics support and other
operational functions. The entryway - behind the two white runs front-to-back. The Benini Heritage Center occupies
that space. Building number 2 is in back- at left. It houses an aquatic training facility (under gray roof) and gym
(under black roof). Building number 3 is in back - at right. It houses the indoor firing range.
Another addition we’re excited about is Building Number 2, the aquatic training facility. It’s 6,400 square feet and
encompasses the heated indoor 10 lane, 12 foot deep swimming pool and a gym that may be the envy of most base
facilities.
Building Number 3 the indoor firing range. It has 10 firing lanes at the 3-yard and out to the 25-yard position and in
total is around 2,500 square feet. It’s complete with a cleaning area and bulletproof control room. To be added still is
a computerized targeting system. Completion of the firing range is ongoing and a date is yet to be determined, we’re
at about the 85%-complete point.
It’s taken an incredible amount of hard work and long hours to get the school ready for students and the grand
opening. MSgt Bill Adams and Mr. Ron Brown spent countless hours and days scanning and collecting items for the
museum. Combat Control’s birth and evolution through the decades has been painstakingly captured with hundreds of
pictures and artifacts’, donated by a host of Combat Controllers. They are now on display for all to see.
It’s difficult to accurately capture and describe all that the new school has to offer. The only way to understand is to
make your way back to Pope and see it for yourself. If you didn't make it to the dedication, drop by anytime you find
yourself back at Pope. We hope to see as many Controllers and their families as soon as possible. We are located at
the north end of the runway, adjacent to Pope Park.
We are currently running two classes, with a total of 26 trainees, with another around the corner projected to have 25
students.
"Do not gauge success on what you have, but what you have done."
Richard Farthing
HELP ME HELP YOU! by Ron Brown, MSG, US Army (SF) Retired CCSA Historian and Benini Heritage Center
Curator
I need your help in filling the display cases at the Combat Control School Heritage Hall; I want them filled with real
CCT artifacts. In the past we have gathered stuff like a VC toothbrush, a VC pencil and some raghead's shaving kit.
These are not true CCT artifacts; I want artifacts that tell the Combat Control story. I am asking for your help in
filling the cases with true CCT artifacts. I want items such as official documents, mission equipment and uniforms
worn on operations; items that tell a story. If you have a story that goes along with your donated item, tell it! The
information will be included with the item, when exhibited.
Donate the items you have been storing in the attic for years and CCSA will mail you donation letter - for IRS credit.
If you don't want recognition for an artifact; it will be accepted and listed, simply as FOUND ON BASE.
I love you all more then my 2nd pair of Jungle boots.
Ron Brown
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“Do you want to know who your are?
Don't ask, Act!
Action will delineate and define you.”
Thomas Jefferson
COMBAT CONTROL SCHOOL REPORT SUPPLEMENTAL
RECOMMENDED READING
September 10, 2008 - CLASSIFIED SECRET - Controlling Air strikes in the Clandestine War in Laos by Jan
Churchill
Jan Churchill has donated the original painting commissioned for the cover of her book - CLASSIFIED SECRET to the Combat Control School's Benini Heritage Center. The book is recommended reading for Combat Controllers.
The following describes Jan's book about the combat controllers who operated in the SECRET WAR in Laos.
<<< The original painting - commissioned for the cover of her book Classified
Secret was donated to the Benini Heritage Center by Ms. Jan Churchill.
BOOK REVIEW - It seems that the more questions are answered about those
confusing times during the war in Southeast Asia, the more questions there are. Even
those who were there are still not quite clear about what went on. Never has that been
more clearly illustrated than in Jan Churchill's latest book, Classified Secret:
Controlling Airstrikes in the Clandestine War in Laos. After building up the trust of
several veterans, she has put together a work on a hitherto unknown facet of U.S. Air
Force history.
Hunting ground targets is inherently dangerous, regardless of the weather or the time
of day. Regardless, the fast movers, as the jet guys were called, did not have time to
search around for targets (fuel considerations), so the forward air controllers (FACs)
were tasked with that job. These men provided a vital link between the forces on the ground and the incoming strike
aircraft. Early in the conflict and the story told in this book is about combat controllers who directed air strikes as
Butterfly FACs. Later, the relatively well known Ravens took over.
It was a secret aspect of a clandestine war, and Churchill has done a wonderful job bringing this lost story into the
open, where its participants can now be honored for the great job they did under the most trying conditions. They
deserved better than they were given. This work is the perfect companion to Churchill's earlier "Hit My Smoke!
Forward Air Controllers in Southeast Asia." Together, the two books are particularly fascinating.
Published by Sun flower University Press, 1531 Yuma, P.O. Box 1009, Manhattan, KS 66505-1009;
162 pages; 110 b&w photographs; $23.95.
WARTHOG PILOT DESCRIBES FIGHT IN AFGHANISTAN an email from Captain Tim, a USAF Warthog
pilot in Afghanistan
May 29, 2008 – Mountain Area, Afghanistan - “...I just had a rather exciting flight. Blaz (my wingman) and I
launched to support standard tasking and were immediately retasked airborne to a
troops in contact (TIC) situation near the location the French lost 10 troops two days
ago. Unlike the French, these were Army SF supported with attack helos and us.
From the second we showed up it was a running gun battle with the SF guys taking
RPGs, sniper and Heavy machine gun fire. We took out two sniper positions with
confirmed kills in the first 5 minutes. The helos were marking the locations they
were taking fire from with WP (white phosphorus) rockets and we were cleaning
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things up with the 30MM.
I shot 1,100 rounds of 30MM and my wingman shot 750. I then used WP rockets to get my #2's eyes on a heavy
machine gun position so he could put a 500lb airburst on it. Which he did.
In the middle of the fight we were running low on gas so I sent Balz to the tanker and I remained on station single ship
suppressing enemy fire on a helo trying to extract the team. I told Balz to have the tanker drag him as close to the
fight as the KC-10 crew felt comfortable.
Balz comes off the tanker and I asked him for its location because I was on fumes. He said look up! The tanker was
in the target area at 20,000ft exactly were I needed him. I jumped on, took 8,000lbs of gas (the jet only holds 10,000).
I recommended the tanker stay West of the fight due to possible man pads but when I came off the boom I looked
down and I was again directly over the fight, exactly where I needed to be.
I did 8 total gun runs and 2 rocket attacks. A CH-47 and a HH-60 extracted the team while we laid cover fire along
with the OH-58s. We then did a low altitude helo escort providing hover cover. They were hauling ass at 50 ft while
we kept eyes on from 3,000-5,000ft. The Army helos guys said they thought their helo was coming apart when we
shot the 30mm. They thanked us for the heavy guns and cover then landed safely at their FOB.
We then proceeded North to the High Mountain area looking for more action but not much can compare to the fight
we were just in. I can't believe how awesome the embedded Air Force Combat Controller was. He was one cool cat
as he laid waste to anything (expletive deleted) around his guys.
Having fun at summer camp.”
Tim
Editors Note: In the preceeding article the pilot's last name is omitted for security purposes.
AMERICANS JOIN FORCES FOR EXERCISE TEAK TORCH by Master Sgt. Marilyn C. Holliday - 353rd
Special Operations Group Public Affairs
May 8, 2008 -Kadena AB, Japan – The language of friendship forged through any communication barriers as Royal
Thai air forces and the United States Air Force joined together for exchange training here recently.
About 130 members from the 353d Special Operations Group, whose home station is Kadena, traveled to Udon Thani
Air Base, Thailand, for Exercise Teak Torch.
"The joint combined exercise training events are designed to enhance U.S. military training and are conducted in
many countries in the Pacific Command area of responsibility each year," said Lt. Col. Toby Wong, mission
commander. "JCETs also enhance bilateral relations, contribute to regional stability and increase interoperability."
<<< A combat controller from the 320th Special Tactics
Squadron (right) gives the final count for a static line
jump to Royal Thai Air Force Special Forces aboard an
MC-130P Combat Shadow. The U.S. and Thai Airmen are
participating in Exercise Teak Torch. (U.S. Air Force
photo/Master Sgt. Marilyn Holliday)
Pararescuemen and combat controllers from both nations
conducted friendship personnel airdrops from the group's
Combat Shadow MC-130P throughout the exercise.
Thai jumpers, many whom had never jumped at night and
some who had never been a part of water survival airdrops were a part of daily airdrops.
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"The first time I left the plane it felt good and then strange to land in the water," said Thai Major Surapond
Apitachapan, Special Operations Regiment squadron leader. "Normally we jump twice a month, with this exercise we
jump every day and are able to correct our mistakes."
<<< A jumper from the Royal Thai Air Force heads toward the point of
impact at Lukpad drop zone near Udon Thani, Thailand. Jumpers from
the RTAF and the 353rd Special Operations Group from Kadena Air
Base, Japan Teak Torch, a joint combined exercise training event. (US
Air Force photograph by MSgt Marilyn C. Holliday)
Even though the two military's speak different languages, there were no
differences when it came time to exchange information and train
together.
"When Americans want to tell us something, sometimes they must show
us for us to understand," said Flight Sergeant First Class Nathaphun
Junkeeree, a pararescueman from the Search and Rescue Division. "In
the end, we all do the same job, even though we are from different
places."
Along with PJs, security forces and aircrew members were paired up for
exchange training throughout the annual exercise.
"It's a unique opportunity for us to demonstrate our specialties and train with Thai forces," said Staff Sgt. Sarah
Valdovinos, 353d SOG security forces member. "It's good to know that we can all work together."
Emergency responders from both nations also exercised together and brought together medical, security and safety
personnel.
The 353d SOG, the Air Force's only special operations forces assigned to the Pacific region are referred to as the Air
Commandos of the Pacific. In addition to the Combat Shadow, the group also maintains and flies the MC-130H
Combat Talon II.
The 353d SOG is a 750-member strong organization, with its headquarters at Air Force Special Operations
Command.
The U.S. has participated in JCETs within the PACOM AOR since 1984.
RUGGED RACE TO RAISE FUNDS by Geoff Ziezulewicz, Stars and Stripes
May 28, 2008 - RAF Mildenhall, England - Sometimes helping out can be fun. And a bit extreme! That’s the
mindset pushing five England-based Air Force officers who will take part in The Hebridean Challenge 2008, which
takes place June 29 to July 4.
Set within the rugged Hebridean islands off Scotland’s west coast, the six-day race will see participants negotiate a
700-kilometer course through the archipelago with kayaks, bikes and their own leg power. When they’re not
navigating mountains, waterways and beaches, teams also will get the fun task of cramming all their gear into one
vehicle and camping out each night.
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Besides being an awesomely extreme and unique challenge, the officers involved also want to raise money for a
fallen comrade, said the team’s leader, Capt. Jake Miller of the 352nd Special Operations Group’s 321st Special
Tactics Squadron. "I’ve been looking for a reason to get back up there and do something," he said.
While he had wanted to explore the Hebrides before, Miller said the death of combat controller Tech. Sgt. William
Jefferson earlier this year in Afghanistan spurred him to action. Jefferson was an instructor during Miller’s time at
combat control school.
Through the race, Miller and his buddies are raising money for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which
helps the families of fallen special ops troops, regardless of service branch. Miller said he isn’t looking for huge
donations from people. If folks would sacrifice the cost of one night out and instead donate it to the foundation, it
would go a long way.
"It’s something I strongly believe in," he said.
Miller noted the foundation covers any military member lost in a special ops mission, regardless of whether they fall
under the special ops job category.
Other officers involved include 1st Lt. Serge Mettes of the 501st Combat Support Wing, 1st Lt. Peter Doyle of the
422nd Air Base Group and 352nd Capt. Matt Allen. Another participant, 100th Air Refueling Wing 1st Lt. Bethany
Salinas said she’s excited and a bit nervous about the trip. "I haven’t seen Scotland yet and wanted to go," she said.
"It’s supposed to be really rugged."
Salinas, who is married to Mettes, said she ran marathons before but nothing like the "Heb" challenge. "It was cause
and effect, like, ‘Hey, let’s do the Heb challenge and while we’re at it raise some money,’ " she said. Sometimes,
charity and extreme adventure can go hand in hand.
"The special ops guys do this stuff for a living," she said, laughing. "We’re just trying to keep up with them."
COMBAT CONTROLLERS START PATH AT POPE by Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem, 43rd Airlift Wing
Public Affairs
May 29, 2008 - Pope AFB, North Carolina – Air Force Special Operations
Command's combat controllers go through months of rigorous training. And
when all is said and done they finally receive their coveted prize - They don their
career-field specific scarlet beret.
<<< A combat control trainee negotiates the 60 foot
caving ladder while carrying a 40-pound ruck sack on his back.
(U.S. Air Force Photo)
The Combat controllers originally wore blue berets but switched to the red beret
in the mid 1970s. The switch was made in order to easily distinguish skill sets of
Combat Controllers from Security Forces, who had adopted the blue beret for
their career field.
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"The beret holds a lot of meaning for me," said Senior Master Sgt. Sean Gleffe, 342nd Training Squadron. "It
represents excellence, honor, pride and commitment to duty. I have a knot tied for Mark Lee, John Chapman, Scott
Sather, Martin Tracy and Christopher Matero in the black band that holds the beret together for each of these personal
colleagues-brothers who perished in the line of duty."
These battlefield Airmen take their decision to join this career field seriously but also realize the demands of the job
are not without its rewards.
"I've been a combat controller for 22 years and have seen a lot of things change," Sergeant Gleffe said. "A couple of
things have remained the same. First, there is strong bond amongst combat controllers -- a common ground knowing
what each has gone through in training and on the teams. You can trust that guy when you need to.
<<< A combat control school instructor provides instructions at the
control point during a field exercise on the Luzon Landing Zone at
Ft. Bragg, NC; near the Combat Control School at Pope AFB, NC.
(US Air Force Photograph)
"Second, you're constantly challenged as a professional and as an
individual by your teammates and the other services. You are that
link to air power for that ground force commander; a huge
responsibility when you think about it.
The tight bond these members have for each other and the pride they
feel about the job comes as no surprise, especially when one
considers the intense preparation they must go through before
making the cut.
Training is always tough, always challenging," said one senior airman currently going through Combat Control
School here. "The second week of this course you go through a week of strenuous activities where you get very little
sleep - if you're lucky, two hours a night. You go on rucks with probably 50 to 60 pounds then you come back and go
on a run, come back and go on another ruck. That goes on for about a week. It's stressful field training. "
<<< Combat control trainees at the Combat Control School learn
advance shooting techniques on line. These techniques are taught
during their tactics block. (US Air Force Photograph)
The training begins in Lackland with a two-week introductory course.
Then it's off to Keesler for more than 15 weeks of air traffic control
school. Once this training is completed, trainees go to U.S. Army
Airborne School in Fort Benning, Ga., where they are taught
parachuting skills. From there, trainees go to survival school in
Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. After all of this initial training is
completed, they are then sent to Pope for 13 weeks of Combat
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Control School. Once this training is successfully completed, the trainees have finally earned their right to wear the
red beret and receive their three-skill level.
However, these special operations members are not finished with training once they graduate combat control school.
Instead they go on to Special Tactics Advanced Skills Training, U.S. Army Military Free Fall Parachutist School and
U.S. Air Force Combat Driver School.
<<< An airman cleans his weapon before using
paint rounds (simulated ammunition) for their
M-4s on the instructors posing as the enemy
combatants during their immediate action
drills while at the Combat Control School at
Pope Air Force Base, N.C. These drills provide
a foundation for muscle memory so when the
time comes the training will kick in providing
split second reaction to the situation. (U.S. Air
Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Mindy
Bloem)
A second lieutenant at combat control school
here heard about this career field while he was
attending the Air Force Academy when some
people from the career field came to his school
to talk about it.
"When I initially went to the Academy I was going to do finance because I was interested in business economics, but I
have always liked outdoors activities," the lieutenant said. "I wasn't sure what my job was going to be when I started
the academy. I was pilot qualified but wasn't sure if I wanted to fly. I found out about Special Tactics and I knew it's
exactly what I wanted to do.
"I like being with the guys. I like the leadership aspect of it and that's one of the reasons I wanted to be on the ground.
It's one of the few jobs in the Air Force I think where you can lead troops on the ground and actually be with the guys
and have an impact on their lives in a positive way. In a lot of other jobs, you don't get leadership experience at that
level until you are higher ranking. That attracted me to it and just the aspects of the job."
Sergeant Gleffe offers this advice to Airmen who are thinking about joining the team.
"I would say stop thinking and act," he said. "The longer you wait the more reasons you'll find not to give it a shot.
Come by the school and take a look at our Heritage Center, our Silver Star Wall. If you truly have the desire and
motivation to be a Combat Controller the Silver Star Wall will be a turning point for you. Yes the training is tough,
but its progressive and you'll meet the required standards if you have the right mind-set.
"I guarantee, for those who successfully complete the training, they'll have absolutely no regrets. I would go back and
do it all over again."
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SPECIAL TACTICS TRAINING SQUADRON TAKES FLIGHT,WELCOMES FIRST COMMANDER by 1st
Lt. Amy Cooper Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs
June 6, 2008 - Hurlburt Field, Florida – The squadron charged with training Air Force Special Operations
Command's special tactics operators unfurled its flag and welcomed its first commander today during a ceremony at
the Crate Advanced Skills Training Center.
<<< The Special Tactics Training Squadron cadre honor guard
presents the colors during the STTS assumption of command and
squadron activation ceremony on June 6 at Hurlburt Field, FL.
Major Christopher Larkin assumed command of the unit, which
was formerly the 720th Operations Support Squadron Advanced
Skills Training Flight. (US Air Force photo by A1C Emily Moore)
Maj. Christopher Larkin assumed command of the Special Tactics
Training Squadron, which was activated June 1. The squadron
was formerly the Advanced Skills Training Flight and fell under
the 720th Operations Support Squadron. Now, it becomes the
seventh squadron operating directly for the 720th Special Tactics
Group.
<<< Major Christopher Larkin (right) accepts the Special
Tactics Training Squadron guideon Colonel Marc Stratton, 720th
Special Tactics Group commander, during the STTS assumption
of command and squadron activation ceremony June 6 at
Hurlburt Field, FL. Major Larkin is the first commander of the
new unit, which was formerly the 720th Operations Support
Squadron Advanced Skills flight. (US Air Force photo by Airman
1st Class Emily Moore.)
The STTS houses the final phase of training for combat
controllers and special tactics officers before they depart for
operational special tactics squadrons. It's at the STTS that
"practical combat skills are honed to a fine edge," Col. Marc
Stratton, 720th STG commander, said.
<<< Major Christopher Larkin (right) Special Tactics Training
Squadron commander accepts command of his new unit from
Colonel Marc Stratton, 720th Special Tactics Group commander,
during the STTS assumption of command and squadron
activation ceremony June 6 at Hurlburt Field, FL. (US Air Force
photo by Airman 1st Class Emily Moore.)
"The (720th STG) Chief and I meet with each incoming class
their first week, and for the past two years, I've been able to
continually give them a promise - that each of them, upon
graduation would be deployed in harms way in the service of this
nation within eight to 12 months of their graduation," Colonel
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Stratton said.
The unit has grown substantially since its inception as a training program within the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron
here in 2001. It was then-Capt. Christopher Larkin, a special tactics officer with the 23rd STS, who served as the
unit's first flight commander.
It grew from a flight with a handful of instructors and virtually no equipment or funding into a flight under the 720th
OSS, occupying portable buildings. Last year, the flight moved into the Crate Advanced Skills Training Center, a
state-of-the-art building complete with an aquatic training center for pre-scuba training.
But even from its "humble beginnings," the "focus has always been training," said Colonel Stratton.
<<< A formation of Special Tactics Training
Squadron Airmen render their first salute to the unit's
new commander Major Christopher Larkin, outside
the Crate Advanced skill training Center at Hurlburt
Field, FL on June 6, 2008. (US Air Force photo by
Airman 1st Class Emily Moore.)
Today's ceremony marked the unit's newest chapter as
a squadron, and now Major Larkin, a prior-enlisted
combat controller, is back at the helm. But instead of
a handful of people and equipment, the commander
has a staff of 56 military members, civil service
employees, and contractors teaching and supporting
83 students in three different phases of special tactics
advanced skills training and one security forces
course.
"I promise that I will care for, cherish, provide for and ensure the future of (special tactics)," Major Larkin told
Colonel Stratton during the ceremony. "Next to the war, I believe the biggest special tactics issue is manpower, and
this squadron has a big role in that."
The STTS mission of training Battlefield Airmen will also be expanding, said Colonel Stratton. The unit will train
more special operations weather Airmen as that career field begins to grow. Also, it will expand training for AFSOC's
Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element and integrate Tactical Air Control Party Airmen into the third phase of
the special tactics advanced skills training curriculum.
However, the most significant event in store for the new squadron is its transition from under the 720th STG umbrella
to the new Air Force Special Operations Training Center, which will stand up in October.
"SHOTS WERE RINGING OFF ... MY SEAT" by Jennifer H. Svan -Stars and Stripes Heroes, Saturday
June 14, 2008 - McChord AFB, Washington -- Master Sgt. Scott Innis knows war can be ugly. He’s seen comrades
killed and he’s shot the enemy in the face from close range.
But he keeps going back.
With three combat deployments to Afghanistan under his belt, the Air Force combat controller often shares his war
stories with newer members of his unit, the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron at McChord Air Force Base, Wash.
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They always want to know, "Were you scared?" says Innis.
Everybody gets scared, he tells them. But "you don’t have time to think about it. You just accept the fact ‘I may get
shot. I may get blown up with an [improvised explosive device], but this is the course I chose.’ As soon as you accept
that fact, it gets a lot easier."
The story that Innis gets asked about most these days ends with the 40-year-old native of Secaucus, N.J., receiving the
Silver Star and Bronze Star with "V" device for valor during a deployment to Afghanistan from February through
June 2006.
Two particular days from the deployment stand out. At the time, Innis was attached as a joint terminal attack
controller to a U.S. Army Special Forces team in a heavily contested region of Afghanistan.
On March 25, the team was ambushed while trying to secure some helicopter landing zones.
The bullets and rocket-propelled grenades started flying while Innis’s convoy of more than two dozen Humvees drove
on a road squeezed between 10-foot-high compound walls. "Shots were ringing off the side of my seat into the
vehicle," Innis said.
Innis shot an insurgent in the face from about 80 feet away, putting his rifle down only to call in air support. Airstrikes
delivered 2,000-pound bombs and rockets, leveling the compound and destroying a weapons cache.
Before the team pulled out, Sgt. 1st Class Chris Robinson was fatally shot under his body armor.
"We limped our way back," Innis said.
The team was operating out of a remote forward operating base in southern Afghanistan, living out of steel truck
containers with a perimeter of razor wire and dirt security barriers. The highest point was a plywood observation
tower. Two days after the ambush, a coalition convoy on its way to the base was attacked.
Most of the 80 vehicles made it to the base. But shortly after the last one pulled in, after midnight on March 28, hell
broke loose.
The base received a heavy barrage of rocket-propelled grenade, mortar, machine gun and small-arms fire from three
sides.
Innis quickly scaled the observation tower, where minutes before he had left his body armor and communications gear
to type up a situation report from a secure area.
"I spilled myself into the tower," Innis said. "I tried to get as flat as I could."
Bullets "were snapping past my head," he said. A rocket-propelled grenade that passed within a foot of the tower
looked like a football with sparks as it whistled by.
At first, Innis lay on his back. After he got his radio gear together, he rolled over onto his stomach, sticking his face
over two sand bags — his only buffer.
He sat up to watch for mortar fire, hitting the flashes with a laser range finder, and then quickly ducking to calculate
the target with his Global Positioning System. Innis then called for close air support from A-10s, Predators, B-52
bombers and other attack aircraft. He also guided Black Hawk helicopters evacuating the wounded.
During the battle, Innis had a Predator watch the base perimeter near an area from which small-arms fire was
originating. It ended up following about 12 people to a ferry crossing point at a nearby river. Innis directed a Predator
Hellfire missile on them.
About an hour later a vehicle retrieved the body parts and returned to a compound "where someone we had been
looking for was living," Innis said.
Innis used A-10 attack jets to secure the area before a Special Forces team cleared out the compound of enemy
personnel. A large weapons cache was found, including 1,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate, which can be used to
make explosives.
After the team pulled out, Innis directed more aircraft to the compound, destroying it.
By then it was 2 p.m. the next day. Innis hadn’t moved from the tower.
"I wasn’t tired. and pumped up," he said. "I was just going and going and going."
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On the coalition side, about five were dead, another 15 wounded. Enemy losses, however, were much higher.
"During the 24-hour pitched battle, Sergeant Innis defeated the enemy through the decisive use of air power that
resulted in the death or injury to over 100 insurgents," his Silver Star citation reads.
Innis is getting ready "to roll out again. We’re at war right now. We’re prepared," he said.
AIR NATIONAL GUARD'S AIRMEN OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED by Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith National
Guard Bureau
June 18, 2008 - Washington, DC – Air National Guard officials identified six Airmen as their Airmen of the Year for
2008 following their arrival here June 15 for a week-long celebration and tribute to their achievements.
This year's Airmen of the Year were chosen through a process of unit, state and national selection panels and included
the ranks of senior airman through senior master sergeant. The 2008 Airmen of the Year are:
• Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Charity Orriss, security forces journeyman, 168th Air Refueling Wing,
Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska
• Noncommissioned Officer: Staff Sgt. Scott Geisser, CCT journeyman, 125th Special Tactics Squadron,
Portland, OR
• Senior NCO: Senior Master Sgt. Donna Goodno, communications-computer systems operations
superintendent, 147th Combat Communications Squadron, San Diego.
• First Sergeant: Master Sgt. Daniel Mitchell Jr., first sergeant, 177th Fighter Wing, Atlantic City, N.J.
• Honor Guard Member: Senior Master Sgt. Rolando Garza, fire Protection supervisor, 110th Civil Engineer
Squadron, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Mich.
• Honor Guard Program Manager: Tech. Sgt. Raquel Soto, services craftsman, 105th Services Flight, Stewart
Air National Guard Base, N.Y.
The group was presented with coins, plaques and many other rewards during ceremonies June 15-19. The guardsmen
toured the National Capital Region including the Pentagon, Capitol and Senate buildings, Arlington National
Cemetery and other historic sites. They were commended by the Guards senior leaders including Lt. Gen. Craig R.
McKinley, Air Guard director; Col. Joseph Lengyel, Air Guard Readiness Center commander; and Command Chief
Master Sgt. Richard Smith, Air Guard command chief.
"When you think about what makes our units -- it's these great people," General McKinley said to the group at a
welcome reception June 15 at Bolling Air Force Base, Wash D.C. "You are the best of the best," he said.
One of General McKinley's "best," First Sergeant of the Year Sergeant Mitchell, also earned the distinction of 1st Air
Force's First Sergeant of the Year.
Mitchell said he was happy to have his 8-year-old son, Daniel, with him on Father's Day and throughout the week's
events. Both traveled from their hometown near Atlantic City, N.J., where Mitchell works full time in local law
enforcement and serves as first sergeant for the 177th Security Forces Squadron.
"He was the one who was most affected by my deployment," Sergeant Mitchell said. "This is a great opportunity to
come down here, meet the leadership and show my son the important role we play in the military."
Sergeant Mitchell credited his achievement to serving as a first sergeant in Afghanistan. There, he managed more than
450 active-duty and Reserve Airmen. "I was fortunate," he said. "I had some really dedicated, committed Airmen who
volunteered to go and make that country better."
Like Sergeant Mitchell, Airman Orriss is also one of Pacific Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year.
Airman Orriss' accomplishments sprang from her assignment at the 168th Security Forces Squadron, Eielson AFB.
She has since been reassigned to the Alaska Air Guards 212th Rescue Squadron as a combat arms trainer.
Airman Orriss, who admitted she had never shot a weapon before she joined the Guard three years ago, deployed to
Kirkuk, Iraq, in 2007 as a security forces specialist and .50-cal gunner on a six-member patrol team, which secured
the base's perimeter.
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"Everyone I deployed with were more than deserving of this recognition," she said. "They all went above and beyond
during their duties."
But until next year's winners are announced, Airman Orriss said she will take on a "great responsibility" to represent
security forces as well as Airmen everywhere.
The other Airmen of the Year, Sergeants Geisser, Goodno, Garza and Soto, served with distinction and accomplished
last year, but they gave similar, modest answers this week by pointing out teams and fellow Airmen as the reasons to
their successes.
As one of only a handful of Air Guard combat controllers, officials said Sergeant Geisser "played a vital role" in the
combat readiness of his special tactics squadron, performed stateside humanitarian missions and deployed overseas
last year to support combat operations in Iraq.
Sergeant Goodno earned two associate degrees, volunteered time in her community as well as volunteered to serve in
Iraq as maintenance superintendent for the 447th Air Expeditionary Squadron.
Sergeant Soto coordinated joint honor guard details between Air Guard, Army Guard and Marine Corps service
members for functions that included the retirement of New York's adjutant general and the dedication of the National
Purple Heart Hall of Honor.
Sergeant Garza served on his base's honor guard team as an additional duty to full-time firefighting. During his recent
deployment to Sather Air Base, Iraq, Sergeant Garza volunteered his time as NCO-in-charge for an honor guard flight
and worked "patriot" details, which rendered honors to fallen service members.
"We've got to know these six outstanding Airmen, said the Command Chief Smith, during their awards ceremony
June 17 at the Air Guard Readiness Center, Andrews AFB, Md. "They truly represent the 93,000 men and women in
the Air National Guard who wear stripes on their sleeves. They represent our best."
720th SPECIAL TACTICS GROUP WELCOMES NEW COMMANDER by Captain Amy Cooper Air Force
Special Operations Command Public Affairs
July 1, 2008 - Hurlburt Field, Florida – The Air Force's only special tactics group welcomed a new commander
today during a ceremony at the Hurlburt Field Air Park.
<<< Colonel Brad Thompson (right), new 720th Special
Tactics Group commander, accepts the unit's flag from
Lt. Gen. Donny Wurster (left) Commander, Air Force
Special Operations Command during the 720th STG
chain of command ceremony on July 1 at Hurlburt Field.
Colonel Marc Stratton relinquished command of the Air
Force's only special tactics group and leaves Hurlburt
Field to become commander, US Military Group, Chile,
at the US Embassy in Santiago. (US Air Force photo by
Senior Airman Stephanie Jacobs)
Col. Brad Thompson assumed command of the 720th Special Tactics Group from Col. Marc Stratton during the
ceremony, presided over by Lt. Gen. Donny Wurster, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command.
"This, like all changes of command will be a brief, but historic ceremony," General Wurster said. "The change in the
mantle of leadership is significant, but it represents a brief ripple in the current of an organization like the 720th
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Special Tactics Group.
"You are doing things right and I expect to see continued success as you build on the successes of the past," he said.
Colonel Stratton, who was awarded the Legion of Merit during the ceremony, had high praises for the Airmen and
civilian employees he led since taking command of the unit in August 2006.
"To the men and women of special tactics, I salute you," said Colonel Stratton. "Never in my two years here did I hear
the words 'that's not my job'... You are simply the best."
The 720th STG has seven squadrons with more than 900 combat controllers, pararescuemen, special operations
weathermen and support personnel.
"It's a tall order to take this group, and I'm up to the challenge," said Colonel Thompson. "To the men and women of
the 720th STG - it's a privilege and honor to be your boss.
As the unit's new commander, Colonel Thompson is responsible for the training, support, and worldwide deployment
of Battlefield Airmen to support a variety of special operations missions, providing special tactics forces for
worldwide deployments.
"The joint partners who depend on their combat control teammates to connect to air have high expectations, whether
they need lift, medical evacuation or fire support," said General Wurster. "They turn to one of our Airmen to deliver
the goods.
"There are countless stories of our Airmen making the critical difference at the critical time," said the general of the
unit's combat controllers. "During my travels, more than once the ground force commander has pulled me aside to tell
me that he would not be here today, were it not for the guy over there in the red beret."
General Wurster also commented on the work of the group's pararescuemen.
"On the PJ side, we have begun to see an upslope in the training and certification of PJs," he said. "Efforts by the Air
Force and Air Education and Training Command have increased production within this difficult pipeline... For
combat search and rescue, like everything we pursue in special operations, we need to organize, train, and equip for
excellence in execution and a no-fail standard of performance."
Special operations weathermen compose the third group of operators in the 720th STG. Their mission of gathering
and interpreting weather data and providing intelligence from deployed locations while working with Air Force and
Army special operations forces, is a mission area in which General Wurster said, "the correct combination of the right
humans and the right hardware are the key to moving ahead in this important mission area."
Like the rest of AFSOC, the 720th STG is constantly evolving, whether it means revamping training, developing new
tactics or taking on new missions. Colonel Thompson is taking the reigns of the 720th STG as the unit prepares to
gain a portion of the Air Force's Tactical Air Control Party Airmen.
"(TACPs) represent a new specialty on our AFSOC battlefield Airman team, but their reputation with the Rangers and
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others is well established," said General Wurster. "As the Air Force adapts to more closely integrate with future Army
combat formations and structure, they will need many more TACPs to meet that requirement."
Prior to taking command of the 720th STG, Colonel Thompson served as the 720th STG deputy commander.
Colonel Stratton's next assignment will take him to South America where he will serve as commander, U.S. Military
Group, Chile, at the U.S. embassy in Santiago.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RESOLUTION 1364 by Geoff Davis (R-KY) US House of Representatives
July 22, 2008 – Washington, DC - HOUSE RESOLUTION NUMBER - 1364. Recognizing the persons who are serving or have served in the airborne forces of the Armed
Forces was introduced on July 22, 2008 by Rep. Geoff Davis (R-KY):
110th CONGRESS - 2d Session - H. RES. 1364 - Recognizing the persons who are serving or
have served in the airborne forces of the Armed Forces.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 22, 2008
Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky (for himself, Mr. HUNTER, Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN, Mr. WILSON of South Carolina,
Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, and Mr. ALEXANDER) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
Committee on Armed Services
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the persons who are serving or have served in the airborne forces of the Armed Forces.
Whereas the airborne forces of the Armed Forces have a long and honorable history as units of adventuresome, hardy,
and fierce warriors who, for the national security of the United States and the defense of freedom and peace, project
the effective ground combat power of the United States by Air Force air transport to the far reaches of the battle area
and, indeed, to the far corners of the world;
Whereas August 16 marks the anniversary of the first official Army parachute jump on August 16, 1940, an event that
validated the innovative concept of inserting United States ground combat forces behind the battle line by means of a
parachute;
Whereas the United States experiment of airborne infantry attack began on June 25, 1940, when the Army Parachute
Test Platoon was first authorized by the Department of War, and was launched when 48 volunteers began training in
July 1940;
Whereas the success of the Parachute Test Platoon in the days immediately preceding the entry of the United States
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into World War II led to the formation of a formidable force of airborne units that have served with distinction and
have had repeated success in armed hostilities;
Whereas among those airborne units are the former 11th, 13th, and 17th Airborne Divisions, the venerable 82nd
Airborne Division, the versatile 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and the airborne regiments and battalions
(some as components of those divisions, some as separate units) that achieved distinction as the elite 75th Ranger
Regiment, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the 187th Infantry (Airborne) Regiment, the 503rd, 507th, 508th, 517th,
541st, and 542nd Parachute Infantry Regiments, the 88th Glider Infantry Regiment, the 509th, 551st, and 555th
Parachute Infantry Battalions, the 325th and 327th Glider Infantry, and the 550th Airborne Infantry Battalion;
Whereas the achievements of the airborne forces during World War II prompted the evolution of those forces into a
diversified force of parachute and air assault units that, over the years, have fought in Korea, Vietnam, Grenada,
Panama, the Persian Gulf region, and Somalia, and have engaged in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, the Sinai
Peninsula, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bosnia, and Kosovo;
Whereas the modern-day airborne force that has evolved from those World War II beginnings is an agile, powerful
force that, in large part, is composed of the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and
the 75th Ranger Regiment;
Whereas the modern-day airborne force also includes other elite forces composed entirely of airborne trained
and qualified special operations warriors, including Army Special Forces, Marine Corps Reconnaissance units,
Navy SEALs, and Air Force combat control teams, all or most of which comprise the forces of the United
States Special Operations Command;
Whereas in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, the 75th Ranger
Regiment, special forces units, and units of the 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Division (Air
Assault), together with other units of the Armed Forces, have been prosecuting the war against terrorism by carrying
out combat operations in Afghanistan, training operations in the Philippines, and other operations elsewhere;
Whereas in the aftermath of the President’s announcement of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003, the 75th
Ranger Regiment, special forces units, and units of the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division (Air
Assault), the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) of the 25th Infantry Division,
together with other units of the Armed Forces, have been prosecuting the war against terrorism, carrying out combat
operations, conducting civil affairs missions, and assisting in establishing democracy in Iraq;
Whereas the airborne forces are and will continue to be at the ready and the forefront until the Global War on
Terrorism is concluded;
Whereas of the members and former members of the United States airborne forces, all have achieved distinction by
earning the right to wear the airborne’s `Silver Wings of Courage’, thousands have achieved the distinction of making
combat jumps, 69 have earned the Medal of Honor, and hundreds have earned the Distinguished-Service Cross,
Silver Star, or other decorations and awards for displays of such traits as heroism, gallantry, intrepidity, and valor;
Whereas the members and former members of the United States airborne forces are members of a proud and
honorable fraternity of the profession of arms that is made exclusive by those distinctions which, together with their
special skills and achievements, distinguish them as intrepid combat parachutists, special operation forces, and (in
former days) glider troops;
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Whereas the history and achievements of the members and former members of the airborne forces of the United
States Armed Forces warrant special expressions of the gratitude of the American people; and
Whereas since the airborne community celebrates August 16 as the anniversary of the first official jump by the Army
Parachute Test Platoon, August 16 would be an appropriate day to recognize as National Airborne Day: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives–
(1) recognizes the importance, heroism, and sacrifice of the men and women who are serving in or have served in the
airborne forces of the Armed Forces;
(2) urges the American people to remember and teach future generations about the contribution and dedication that
persons serving in the airborne forces have made to and for the United States; and
(3) urges the President to designate a National Airborne Day.
COMBAT CONTROLLER AWARDED TWO BRONZE STARS, PURPLE HEART by Master Sgt. Buffy
Galbraith AFSOC Public Affairs
July 23, 2008 - Hurlburt Field, Florida -- A 23rd Special Tactics Squadron combat controller was awarded two
Bronze Stars, one with Valor, and a Purple Heart during a low-key ceremony at the 23rd STS auditorium July 21.
<<< Colonel Bradley Thompson, 720th Special Tactics Group
commander, presents Staff Sgt. Dean Conner, 23rd Special
Tactics Squadron, with the certificate to accompany the Purple
Heart during a ceremony here July 21. The combat Controller
was also awarded two Bronze Star Medals, one with Valor, for
his heroic actions during a hostile fires situation. During a hail
of incoming enemy fire, Sergeant Connor suffered a gunshot
wound. He continued to return fire and call in support from
above, despite his injury. (US Air Force photo by Senior
Airman Emily Moore)
Staff Sgt. Dean Conner stood at attention before a standing-room-only crowd as Col. Bradley Thompson, 720th
Special Tactics Group commander, presented each of the three awards.
"Sergeant Conner epitomizes the warrior ethos - he is always professional and always humble," said Colonel
Thompson. "One aspect I appreciate most about special tactics is that our Airmen constantly put the team before
themselves - always. Dean was doing exactly that when he was wounded twice in nearly a week's time."
According to the citation that accompanied the Bronze Star with Valor, Sergeant Conner was involved in an ambush
where he was knocked unconscious when a rocket-propelled grenade impacted the side of his vehicle. After regaining
consciousness he immediately returned fire, prevented the enemy from surrounding his team, and directed air strikes
onto known enemy locations.
Little more than a week after this incident, his skills were put to the test again when his patrol was struck by a hostile
force. He returned fire and called in support from above as the enemy continued to attack. During a hail of incoming
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enemy gunfire, Sergeant Conner suffered a gunshot wound. Despite his injury he maintained composure and
situational awareness, and continued identifying targets and calling in air strikes while he received life-saving
medical attention.
"What you do not read in the citation is that right up until the time he was airlifted out for his wounds he was thinking
about his team's welfare above his own," said Colonel Thompson. "His last words to the support aircraft overhead
were to please be sure his team got out of there safely."
A pilot providing close air support in communication with Sergeant Conner said he was impressed with the clear and
calm voice of professionalism that the noncommissioned officer displayed.
"The person standing next to you becomes more important than you," said Senior Master Sgt. Antonio Travis, 23rd
STS chief enlisted manager. "You find that you will do anything for that person, and Sergeant Conner exemplified
that by his actions that day."
Sergeant Conner doesn't feel he did anything that anyone else in his situation wouldn't have done.
"This is what we, as special tactics combat controllers, do," said Sergeant Conner. "I was only doing what the Air
Force trained me to do. To be decorated does feel good, but this is for my career field - my team."
Sergeant Conner's modest and team-focused attitude is what superiors say make him stand out.
"Dean is a great teammate and a phenomenal operator," said Capt. Steven Cooper, 720th STG executive officer and
former team leader. "His medals are well-deserved, and it is great that he and special tactics as a whole are getting
recognition for their great contributions and sacrifices."
Sergeant Conner is quick to acknowledge that contributions and sacrifices are made by many.
"We are nothing alone - it takes the hard work and dedication of many people to be successful, and we are proud of
what we do," he said.
A MESSAGE FROM COLONEL BRAD THOMPSON COMMANDER, 720 SPECIAL TACTICS GROUP
July 31, 2008 - Hurlburt Field, Florida -- "Special Tactics family - late Thursday 31 July – we were notified that
SSgt Shaun Meadows of the 22 STS (McChord) team was wounded in action when the HMMWV he was riding in as
rear gunner was struck by an IED. Sadly, his wounds include the amputation of both legs – one just below the knee
and the other above the knee. He is receiving superior care and is being evacuated to Lahnstul, GE where fortunately,
his spouse Nicole – also an AF member – will be able to meet him there.
<<< Shaun prepares for a Pre-SCUBA
surface-swim, while attending Advanced
Skills Training (AST) at Hurlburt Field, FL
(AST Photo)
As expected – the entire ST community
starting w/his leadership and team have done
an extraordinary job ensuring everything is
in place for him and embracing his family
during this arduous time.
In order to allow the 22 STS to work this -please direct any questions/queries you may
have to the Group/vault. We will keep you
apprised of his situation.
Please keep he and Nicole in your thoughts and prayers."
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GENERAL NORTON SWARTZ RELATES STORY OF COMBAT CONTROLLER'S PROFESSIONALISM
an Email Vignette from Jim Malone a friend of CCT
August 16, 2008 - Offutt AFB, Nebraska – Gene - This is from a friend I went to high school with. I thought it
might interest you. Small world indeed. -- Jim Lundie
-----Original Message----From: Jim Maloney <[email protected]>
To: Jim Lundie <[email protected]>
Sent: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 9:59 pm
Subject: Update
Jim,
Today I attended a leadership seminar / briefing at Offutt AFB by the new Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton
Schwartz.
· Occasionally, when I'm not babysitting one of the grandkids or playing golf, I take the opportunity to attend some
of the presentations available on the base.
Anyway, General Schwartz recounted in his briefing that as a 1st Lt. (C-130 pilot) in the Philippines in 1976 a
Combat Controller, MSgt Freedman failed him in an airdrop evaluation.
He went on to talk about Freedman's professionalism and high standards that he was expected to meet.
He then told the story about you and Mort Freedman's rescue at Kham Duc by Lt. Col. Joe Jackson – inspiring!
It's a small world and the 3-degrees of separation principle is alive and well....
I thought you might get a kick out of the incident...
Blue Skies & Tailwinds
Jim
[email protected]
Editors Note: Jim Lundie and Mort Freedman were two of those rescued by Colonel Joe Jackson at Kam Duc.
Colonel Jackson was subsequently award the Medal of Honor for his actions.
AIRMAN FULFILLS "LIFELONG CAREER DREAM," RETURNS TO SPECIAL TACTICS by 2nd Lt.
Raymond Gobberg, 27th Special Operations public affairs
August 28, 2008 - Cannon AFB, New Mexico – This October, an officer with the 27th Special Operations Logistics
Readiness Squadron will return to the special tactics arena as a battle-tested special tactics officer.
After serving as an enlisted combat controller, 1st Lt. Gabriel Brown, 27th SOLRS fuels flight commander,
completed his education and became a commissioned officer, fulfilling, in his words, a "lifelong career dream."
This did not come easy, according to Lieutenant Brown.
During deployments and between operations, he honed his skills and eventually completed an 18-month industrial
technology program, with an emphasis in manufacturing, through a Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
extension program. Upon receiving his degree, he left the special tactics community and began his stint as a logistics
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readiness officer, an experience that has proved to be extremely beneficial, said the lieutenant.
"This experience broadened me, made me a better person and gave me a better picture of the Air Force," Lieutenant
Brown said.
He said the logistics career field provided him with an invaluable look into broad Air Force operations and taught him
lessons that he can apply to his career as it progresses.
"The biggest thing was, after seeing how the big Air Force operates, I gained a lot of insight that will serve me in the
future," he said.
Lessons learned aside, Lieutenant Brown itched to get back into the fight.
"I miss being a combat control operator," he said.
The desire to return to special tactics was satisfied in March of 2008 when he successfully completed the week-long
STO selection course at Hurlburt Field, Fla.
The lieutenant is no stranger to the elite community that undertakes the most dangerous missions behind enemy lines
and prides itself on being the 'First There.'
Lieutenant Brown, then a staff sergeant with a detachment of the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron at Little Rock Air
Force Base, Ark., was an essential part of a quick reaction force sent in March 4, 2002, during Operation Anaconda.
What began as a search and rescue mission in a remote region of Afghanistan exploded into a fierce firefight that
culminated with the battle of Takur Ghar.
As the helicopter that Sergeant Brown and other special operations forces were riding in approached the rescue
landing zone, they encountered a barrage of gunfire.
"Three or four rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire ripped through the airframe," said Lieutenant Brown. "I
remember seeing the bullet holes coming through the side of the helicopter, daylight popping through and dust
floating in the air."
"All I could think was, 'Here we go.' I knew we were going to war," he continued.
The helicopter was finally brought to rest on a flat area of the mountainside and several of the crew members had
been killed or were wounded.
Sergeant Brown immediately jumped to action and assessed how he could positively affect the situation.
"[I thought] what is my job here? What is my role? How do I make an impact," said the lieutenant.
He found a dry spot of land and linked up communications to coordinate close air support for the special operations
team engaged in the harsh firefight.
For the duration of the 18-hour struggle on the mountainside, Sergeant Brown called in airstrikes from various
coalition aircraft, eventually neutralizing the enemy threat.
"I spoke with at least ten different airframes that day, and they all had a role," said Lieutenant Brown. "From
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance [aircraft] to fighters to bombers, some foreign as well; the whole gamut
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was participating in this event."
Sergeant Brown's extreme professionalism and brave action on that mountainside led to several lives being saved.
For his gallantry he was awarded the Silver Star medal, the third highest award given for valor in the face of the
enemy.
It is these types of situations, ones that most people would avoid at all costs, that Lieutenant Brown has volunteered to
lead by crossing back over to the special tactics arena as a STO.
"I am ready to go back and be a part of that," Lieutenant Brown said. "I don't want to be deployed and not be on the
pointed end."
As a STO, he will train and equip special tactics Airmen as well as operate much like he did in Operation Anaconda.
"I miss the people and want to make a direct impact. That is why I am going back to combat control," said Lieutenant
Brown.
HUMANITARIAN MISSION
SPECIAL TACTICS UNIT ARRIVES IN HOUSTON TO AID IKE RELIEF by TSgt. Matthew McGovern Air
Force News Agency
SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 – HOUSTON, TEXAS (AFPN) -- Members of the Oregon Air National Guards 125th
Special Tactics Squadron arrived at the Reliant Center in Houston September 12 to assist with Hurricane Ike relief
efforts.
The team's primary focus is to provide command and control where needed and work with other federal agencies to
establish helicopter landing zones and run air traffic control operations for fixed wing aircraft.
<<< Members of the 125th STS Combat
Control Team communicate via computer and
satcom radios on the ramp at Houston's Air
Port. They were prepared to conduct search and
recovery operations with motorized rafts and
all-terrain vehicles.
"I'm tasked to do what it takes to minimize the
loss of life and work cohesively with other
agencies while we're down here," said Master
Sgt. Raymond Melendez, a 125th STS team
member. "I enjoy missions like these; you get a better understanding of the plight of those in need of our expertise."
The team of about a dozen Airmen includes combat controllers, intelligence, radio maintenance, life support and
medics. The members are dual tasked and all have training in swift water rescue.
"We have the experience from three hurricanes, including Katrina. Everyone knows each other, and I know they can
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get the job done," said 2nd Lt. Scott Berg, the operations officer of the team.
Lieutenant Berg, who personally pulled survivors out of the water from Hurricane Katrina, said he witnessed the
good and the bad of the rescue.
"During the Katrina rescue, we saw people tired, hungry and crying," he said. "Then, we got to see the relieved look
on their faces as we took them away. I tried to stay focused on the mission and not to let my emotions get in the
way." Lieutenant Berg said he learned from previous experience that equipment is the key to success.
"We are taking better equipment and more of it than in previous hurricanes," the lieutenant said.
Their equipment includes night-vision goggles to aid in directing aircraft and search and rescue after nightfall.
Sergeant Melendez said he expects the team to assist with relief efforts around the clock until Sept. 20.
The operations officer is sure the team will be able to perform this post hurricane mission.
"I have the highest confidence in our team, and I've noticed there are more federal agencies here to assist than
hurricanes in the past," Lieutenant Berg said.
Editors Note: About 25 combat controllers, pararescuemen and support troops from the Kentucky Air Guards 123rd
Special Tactics Squadron began deploying to coastal Texas 14 Sept 08 to conduct rescue operations for victims of
Hurricane Ike.
STTS GRADUATES AST CLASS 26
September 19, 2008 – Hurlburt Field, Florida - Special Tactics Training Squadron (STTS) graduated AST Class
26 on 19 September 2008. SMSgt Ray Colon-Lopez, Commandant of the Pararescue School at Kirkland AFB, NM,
was the Guest Speaker.
AST Class 26
TSgt Jonathon Gilbert* 23 STS, Hurlburt Field, FL
SSgt Danny Dumlao 321 STS, Mildenhall, UK
A1C Bryan Charles 22 STS, McChord AFB, WA
A1C Jonathan Ford 320 STS, Kadena AB, Japan
A1C Daniel Sanchez 23 STS, Hurlburt Field, FL
A1C Carlos Sarmiento 21 STS, Pope AFB, NC
A1C Robert Sears 23 STS, Hurlburt Field, FL
A1C Gary Cobb 23 STS, Hurlburt Field, FL
A1C Jonathan Hulsey 22 STS, McChord AFB, WA
A1C Daniel Skidmore 21 STS, Pope AFB, NC
*John Chapman award winner
Major Chris Larkin, CMSgt Mickey Wright and their STTS staff produce a well organized function that the families
and other guests of the graduates really enjoy. If you’re in the Hurlburt Field area during these events -- you are
invited to attend and offer congratulates to the graduating ST warriors (STO, CCT, PJ and SOW).
Other STTS personnel notable achievements: MSgt Tony Baldwin was selected as a Distinguished Graduate from
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the Senior NCO Academy, and CMSgt (Ret.) Mike Steinbeck was selected as the 720th Special Tactics Group
(STG) nominee to AFSOC for the “National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Special Operations/Low
Intensity Conflict Achievement Award.
ACADEMY HONORS GRADS WITH MEMORIAL DEDICATION by Staff Sgt. Tim Jenkins, Academy Public
Affairs
September 21, 2008 – The Air Force Academy, Colorado - The Academy honored two 2001 graduates with the
dedication of memorial display cases Friday in the McDermott Library.
Academy staff, cadets, members of the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron and Air Force Special Operations Command,
and family and friends honored Captain Derek Argel and Captain Jeremy Fresques with displays containing items
from their days as cadets and their time as special tactics officers. The two were killed in plane crash while deployed
to Afghanistan and Iraq in 2005.
<<< The memorial display
for Captain Derek Argel is unveiled.
It will be permanently displayed in Cadet
Squadron 2, the squadron Captain Argel
was assigned to as a cadet. Capt Jeremy
Fresques' display will be in CS-29.
"These displays will serve as reminders to all
who view them, not only of those who came
before, but also the service, sacrifice and the
very real cost of war," said Cadet 1st Class
Jared Tuinstra, the master of ceremonies for the
dedication.
Captain Argel and Captain Fresques were
assigned as special tactics officers to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla. In 2005, Captain Argel
and Captain Fresques were deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, and on Memorial Day that year, Captain Argel and
Captain Fresques, Major William Downs, SSgt. Casey Crate and Iraqi Air Force Captain Ali Abass died when the
Iraqi reconnaissance aircraft they were in crashed in the eastern Diyala Province, Iraq. Debbie Argel-Bastian, mother
of Captain Argel, spoke at the ceremony.
"Derek was an absolutely remarkable person. He was 6 foot 6 and everyone said that if he shook your hand you had a
friend for life," she said. He made a decision in the 5th grade that he would attend a service academy and become the
best officer he could. He loved what he was doing, and at one time he said to me, 'Mom, I'm not going out behind a
desk. I'm going out on a mission.'”
Todd Allison, also a 2001 Academy graduate and former roommate of Captain Fresques, spoke at the ceremony,
remembering Captain Fresques as fierce and competitive with unmatched loyalty, courage, integrity and passion. He
said the dedication of the memorial displays will help him and the Fresques family with the healing process.
"It's healing I think for the both of us. For me, losing a best friend --a brother, and for (the Fresques family) losing a
son, it's a good therapy," he said. Lt. Col. Eric Ray, 720th Special Tactics Group deputy commander, also spoke at the
dedication and reflected on the importance of the memorial displays and of remembering the sacrifices made by
Captains Argel and Fresques.
"This memorial serves as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by these two men," he said. "As time passes,
memories fade and details forgotten, these memorials remain to serve as a compass for future leaders and warriors. A
guide to the values we embrace: integrity, selflessness, excellence and courage. This will serve as an inspiration to
other young men and women willing to dedicate their lives to this country, their service and their team."
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Following Colonel Ray's remarks and the unveiling of the memorial displays, Senior Master Sgt. Tony Travis from the
23rd STS lead ceremony attendees in memorial pushups on the Terrazzo.
The memorial display cases will be located in the captains' former cadet squadrons: Cadet Squadron 2 for Captain
Argel, and CS-29 for Captain Fresques. "The cases are absolutely beautiful, so our hope is that all of the cadets who
come through here are able to take a look at them, read about Derek and Jeremy and see what their lives were like,"
said Mrs. Argel-Bastian.
17TH ASOS TRANSITIONS FROM ACC TO AFSOC by Master Sgt. Buffy Galbraith, AFSOC Public Affairs
October 6, 2008 - Hurlburt Field, Florida – The 17th Air Support Operations Squadron transitioned from Air
Combat Command to the 720th Special Tactics Group, Air Force Special Operations Command, in a ceremony at the
Hurlburt Field Air Park Oct. 1.
The 17th ASOS has 61 special operations forces Tactical Air Control Party Airmen and support personnel. The
squadron will join the ranks of more than 900 special tactics combat controllers, pararescuemen, special operations
weathermen and support personnel.
<<< Colonel Bradley Thompson, 720th Special Tactics Group
commander, hands the guidon to Lt. Col. Christopher Cronk, 17th
Air Support Operations Squadron commander, during a ceremony
Oct 1. The ceremony signified the 17th ASOS's transition from Air
Combat Command to Air Force Special Operations Command.
The 61 Tactical Air Control Party Airmen of the 17th ASOS join
the ranks of more than 900 elite special tactics Airmen and
support personnel. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Sheila
DeVera)
"The men of the 17th are the crown jewel of all TACPs- the top 10 percent of their career field," said Col. Bradley
Thompson, 720th STG commander. "They are the most highly decorated TACP unit in the Air Force and have been
involved in every contingency since 1983. The Air Force knows how valuable they are and we are so lucky to have
our SOF brothers join us."
Among the many awards the 17th ASOS has earned are four Outstanding Unit Awards, one with valor, and the
Gallant Unit Citation. The Gallant Unit Citation recognizes organizations for outstanding heroism in combat and is
only second to the Presidential Unit Citation. Units must have performed with marked distinction under difficult and
hazardous conditions in accomplishing its mission so as to set it apart from and above other units participating in the
same conflict.
<<< Lt. Col. Christopher Cronk, 17th Air Support Operations
Squadron commander, speaks during the ceremony to signify
the transition of the 17th from Air Combat Command to Air
Force Special Operations Command. "Not only am I the
commander of the best TACP squadron in the Air Force, but
now we join the ranks of the most outstanding group in the Air
Force," said the colonel. The squadron provides terminal
attack control and liaison services. (U.S. Air Force
photo/Senior Airman Sheila DeVera)
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The 17th ASOS is bringing a rich history of proven combat experience and this move is beneficial to everyone
involved, said Lt. Col. Christopher Cronk, 17th ASOS commander.
"Not only am I the commander of the best TACP squadron in the Air Force, but now we join the ranks of the most
outstanding group in the Air Force," said Colonel Cronk. "This move is beneficial because we provide Joint Terminal
Attack Controllers - JTACs - to all special operations forces and the SOF mission belongs in AFSOC."
<<<Airmen from the 720th Special Tactics Group stand
at parade rest during the 17th Air Support Operations
Squadron transition ceremony, signifying the transfer
from Air Combat Command to Air Force Special
Operations Command. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior
Airman Shelia DeVera)
The squadron provides terminal attack and liaison
services to the 75th Ranger Regiment and its 1st, 2nd, 3rd
and Regimental Special Troops Battalions, and the 1st,
3rd, 5th, 7th and 10th Special Forces Groups.
"These men have the right leadership and the right
synergy and this transition was the right thing to do," said Colonel Thompson.
The 17th ASOS will remain at Fort Benning, Ga., with operational locations at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., Fort
Campbell, Ky., Fort Bragg, N.C., Fort Carson, Colo. And Fort Lewis, Wash.
COMBAT CONTROLLERS EARN BRONZE STARS, COMBAT ACTION MEDALS by Master Sgt. Buffy
Galbraith, AFSOC Public Affairs
October 16, 2008 - Hurlburt Field, Florida – Ten medals were presented to seven combat controllers during a
ceremony Oct. 14 at the Hurlburt Field Air Park.
Three Bronze Star Medals, two with valor, and seven Air Force Combat Action Medals were presented to 23rd
Special Tactics Squadron Airmen for their actions during a recent deployment in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom.
<<< Combat controllers from the 23rd Special Tactics
Squadron stand at attention while Lt. Gen. Donny Wurster,
Air Force Special Operations Command commander,
presents each Airman with the Air Force Combat Action
Medal during a ceremony at the Hurlburt Air Park Oct. 14.
Three Bronze Star Medals, two with valor, and seven Air
Force Combat Action Medals, were presented during the
ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Emily
Moore)
"The citations record the words that describe action on the
battlefield, but the words do not equal the experience," said
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Lt. Gen. Donny Wurster, Air Force Special Operations Command commander. "Our special tactics team members are
performing in extraordinary ways in extraordinary circumstances."
The 720th Special Tactics Group has more than 900 special tactics combat controllers, pararescuemen, special
operations weathermen and support personnel. The mission of the combat controller is to deploy, undetected, into
combat and hostile environments to establish assault zones or airfields while simultaneously conducting air traffic
control, fire support, and command and control.
<<< Lt. Gen. Donny Wurster, Air Force Special Operations
Command commander, presents Staff Sgt. David Solis, 23rd Special
Tactics Squadron combat controller, with the Air Force Combat
Action Medal during a ceremony at the Hurlburt Field Air Park Oct.
14. Sergeant Solis was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal with
valor for his actions during a recent deployment in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior
Airman Emily Moore)
General Wurster spoke of the great courage and personal acts of bravery and heroism exhibited by the squadron
members.
Tech. Sgt. Christopher Grove was one of the three who received a Bronze Star Medal with valor and the Air Force
Combat Action Medal.
The Bronze Star Medal, established in 1944, is awarded to someone who distinguishes him- or herself by heroic or
meritorious achievement or service in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.
While deployed, Sergeant Grove prepared the battlefield by calling in artillery fire while his team approached an
ambush of 80 insurgents. Though severely outnumbered, he guided the release of 20,000 pounds of ordnance that
destroyed an enemy compound.
<<< Lt. Col. Brett Nelson, 23rd Special Tactics Squadron commander, provides
opening remarks during a medals ceremony at the Hurlburt Field Air Park on
Oct 14. The ceremony was presided over by Air Force Special Operations
Command commander Lt. Gen. Donny Wurster(seated in center).(U.S. Air
Force photo/Senior Airman Emily Moore
During a subsequent four-day combat patrol, Sergeant Grove identified targets
and directed airstrikes while under attack. He controlled airstrikes during this
time without regard for his own safety and was lauded for his heroic actions.
However, the combat controller does not consider his actions heroic, instead
honoring the efforts of his fellow teammates.
"It's good to see these guys getting the recognition they deserve for all they do,
because many times their actions go unseen and unheard," he said.
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Another combat controller whose unseen actions were highlighted during the ceremony was Staff Sgt. David Solis,
who also earned the Bronze Star with Valor and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.
The Air Force Combat Action Medal was established in March 2007 to recognize any service member who actively
participates in combat. The individual must have been under direct and hostile fire while operating outside the wire or
physically engaging hostile forces with direct and lethal fire.
Sergeant Solis provided close air support during 20 patrols that included three troops-in-contact situations where his
air-to-ground proficiency allowed him to call in airstrikes that killed 21 insurgents and wounded more than 50 enemy
combatants.
During one mission, his patrol came under direct fire while conducting a weapons cache demolition operation.
Sergeant Solis immediately directed suppressing fire, directing airstrikes that killed 10 enemy fighters. During
another situation, he helped defend his fire base from accurate rocket and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Disregarding
his own personal safety, he moved to the top of the base tower to accurately employ close air support overhead where
he successfully released a 2,000 pound bomb that eliminated an enemy position.
"I just did what any other person would do in that situation," he said. "We are trained to do our jobs and do them well,
and I was only doing my job. There's nothing heroic about that."
The third Bronze Star Medal recipient was Staff Sgt. Joseph Hepler. The other Air Force Combat Action Medal
recipients were Master Sgt. Terrance Saltzman and Staff Sgts. Michael Blout, Ryan Carter, Joseph Hepler and Adam
Malson.
The combat controller's motto, "First There," reaffirms their commitment to undertaking the most dangerous missions
behind enemy lines by leading the way for other forces to follow.
"In the entire Air Force today, there are very few Airmen who do more to create victory, or face more danger routinely
than those in special tactics," said General Wurster. "I am proud of each and every one in this community."
COMBAT CONTROL ASSOCIATION REUNION - 2008
November 2, 2008 – Fort Walton Beach, Florida – Another Combat Control (CCA) Reunion has ended
successfully. A crowd estimated at more than two-hundred attended the Friday night (Nov. 1) banquet at the Ramada
Inn Beachfront Resort. The following are just a few notes and photographs from the reunion.
THE CCA PRESIDENTS WELCOME LETTER
My Fellow CCA Members,
I’m looking forward to see many of you at the CCA Reunion. During the Banquet, the CCA will honor Maj. Gen.
(Ret) Bob Patterson as an Honorary Life Member. At the Memorial Service on Saturday morning we sadly unveil
the latest addition to the CCT Memorial, the name plate of TSgt Will Jefferson. Will’s spouse Kristy, two daughters
and his parents plan to attend.
The Friday night Texas Hold ‘em tournament, honoring Will, should be lots of fun, with proceeds going toward our
memorial fund and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Please bring your $30 entry fee, have some fun, and
maybe win a prize or two.
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My wife Tracy and I were in Washington, DC recently and had the chance to visit SSgt Shaun Meadows, his wife
Nichole and three year old son Trevor. Shaun, as you recall was severely wounded by an IED on July 30, 2008. He
is healing quite well.
He may have lost his lower legs, but he didn’t lose his determination or spirit. His immediate goal is to attend the
CCA Reunion to pay his respect to TSgt Will Jefferson and his family, play a little Texas Hold ‘Em, and walk into
the Banquet with the help of
crutches and at least one
prosthetic leg. I’m sure he’ll
also have a determined smile
on his face… ... that’s the kind
of man he is. If Shaun can
make it to the reunion, why
can’t you?
<<< Trevor, Nichole and
Shaun Meadows are shown at
left. Nichole and Shaun
attended the 2008 reunion.
True to his word, Shaun
played Texas Hold 'Em and
walked into the reunion
banquet on two prosthetic legs
– to a rousing round of
applause.
I’m puzzled at the numbers of
CCT and STOs who are not
CCA members. I’ve been amazed when looking through the CCA Directory of the names missing. I’m not just
talking about new controllers, I’m talking about Squadron Commanders, Chiefs, Superintendents and others in
leadership positions who have not joined or let their membership lapse. WHY? Is it the cost? Is it lack of CCA
production or leadership? Or is it… WHY should I join?
The CCA is about camaraderie, it’s about caring for the troops and each other, it’s about capturing our history
(thanks Gene), it’s about honoring those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, it’s about caring for their families, it’s
about honoring our heroes, it’s about brotherhood, it’s about them – the TEAM! CCA Life Membership is $150,
basically one month of demo pay. Or you can join annually at just $25 a year. I’m asking you to make a copy of this
newsletter, attach a CCA Membership Form to it and give it to a teammate who is not a member. If they still don’t
want to join, ask them why. We want their feedback and hope to gain them as part of the team.
For the CCT active duty and ANG members who continue to serve in “harm’s way”, we appreciate your sacrifices
and pray you will return home safely. We’re very proud of you, your professionalism and determination. Keep
kicking butt!!!
Fraternally,
Wayne G. Norrad
CMSgt, USAF, Ret.
President, Combat Control Association
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<<< CCA Memorial
The first event Saturday was the
CCA Memorial at the Hurlburt
Air Park at 1000. The speaker
is CCA Life Member, Colonel
Bradley Thompson, (shown
here) Commander of the 720th
Special Tactics Group.
Families, friends and
teammates of fallen comrades
attended. Everyone was invited
to join in for Memorial PushUps at the end of the ceremony.
(Adcock collection)
Memorial Push-Ups >>>
At the end of the memorial
service Combat Controllers,
STTS, squadron cadre and a
few brave retirees form as
they prepare for the
traditional memorial pushups. (Adcock collection)
<<< Annual CCA Business Meeting
At 1300 on Saturday, President Wayne Norrad opened the
annual business meeting at the Ramada Inn in the Forum
Room. It was regular members only and doors were shut at
1255. Highlight of the meeting was the proposal to conduct
the 2009 CCA Reunion in Fayetteville, NC. (Adcock
collection)
378
CCA Banquet
The Banquet began with a pay-as-you-go cocktail hour from 1730-1830. At 1830, after opening comments and
introductions, a buffet meal was served. Available options included carved Round Roast of Beef, Baked Amberjack
with caper sauce and Baked Chicken. The buffet included: salads, rolls, dessert, coffee, tea and water. The highlight
of this year’s banquet was the induction of Major General Robert B. Patterson, USAF, (Ret) as the fifth Honorary
Combat Control Association Life Member. General Patterson was a long-time combat control advocate and the first
AFSOC commander.
<<< At the CCA Banquet, Major General Bob
Patterson was inducted as Honorary Combat
Controller #5. In his nomination letter, he
was cited for long-standing support of combat
control. Shown presenting the award is CCA
President Wayne Norrad, CMSgt USAF
Retired. (Ron Childress collection)
UNIT FINDS IT PLACE IN LOW PROFILE, HIGH SPIRITS by Henry Cuningham Military Editor
Fayetteville (NC) Observer
October 25, 2008 - Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina - When Aaron Zadalis was a high school senior, he was
accepted at the Air Force Academy and seemed on track to be a pilot, just like his dad.
Then one day, the younger Zadalis went to work out at a gym on Pope Air Force Base, where his father was wing
commander, and started talking with a combat controller.
His father, Tim Zadalis, who is now a brigadier general, spoke with a mix of pain and pride about what resulted.
“My son doesn’t want to be a pilot,” Zadalis said earlier this year when he helped dedicate Pope’s new $14.6 million
Combat Control School, where trainees graduate and receive the scarlet beret.
He paused with emotion, then added, “My son wants to walk through these doors.”
About five times a year, the school will crank out a class of about 17 or 18 bright, well-exercised young men in their
early 20s with fresh young faces. At that point, the taxpayers have invested almost $100,000 in each one.
The demand
Like other secretive special operations forces, combat controllers pride themselves on being “quiet professionals.”
But when it comes to recruiting and telling their story, they may be almost too quiet for their own good.
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Combat controllers train for two years at Pope and elsewhere to do mostly covert missions in hostile territory. The
“battlefield airmen” can parachute or infiltrate into enemy territory to set up drop zones, do air traffic control or call
in aircraft to shoot or drop bombs on the enemy. They often work on an Army Special Forces or Navy SEAL team
and fight alongside soldiers and sailors while summoning Air Force firepower from overhead. But other special
operations branches — such as the Green Berets and SEALs — get a lot more publicity.
There are only about 500 combat controllers in the Air Force, but since the Vietnam War, they have received 32
Silver Stars and a Distinguished Service Cross, the military’s second-highest award for valor.
Col. Marc F. Stratton, commander of the 720th Special Tactics Group at Hurlburt Field, Fla., said the demand for
combat controllers on the battlefield “has never been greater, both in quantity and quality.” The other armed services
are calling for them and their skills.
A good candidate has played team sports and can handle stress and make good decisions quickly. The two years of
training to be an Air Force combat controller is demanding mentally, physically and emotionally. Then the job itself
is all that, plus dangerous.
“Trying to find that right person to fit that mold is difficult because what we’ve been doing through the years isn’t
well known,” Senior Master Sgt. Sean T. Gleffe said. Gleffe, a patient but no-nonsense veteran of Iraq and multiple
tours to Afghanistan, is commandant of the Combat Control School at Pope.
Since the 1960s, the Green Berets have had a book, a hit song and a John Wayne movie. In the 1990s, Richard
Marcinko let loose with his rowdy Rogue Warrior books about Navy SEALs. Fort Bragg’s supersecret Delta Force
keeps getting more famous with a television show, Chuck Norris movies, “Black Hawk Down,” and a steady stream
of books by veterans.
It was not until 2002 that Air Force special tactics units got a plug when retired Col. John T. Carney Jr. published
“No Room for Error.”
But, Gleffe said, “If you don’t know what combat control is, you’re not going to pick up that book and start reading
it.”
The lack of public awareness makes it hard for the Air Force to tap the talent pool of candidates to be combat
controllers, Gleffe said. It is a pool that is already small, because — like other special operations units — the
combat controller program accepts only men.
“It’s difficult to find people who will go to an Air Force recruiter to inquire about combat control or special tactics in
general,” Gleffe said. “When it comes to word of mouth, combat controllers can be extremely persuasive, but there
aren’t many to spread the word.
Another problem is that Air Force recruiting efforts are targeted at bringing people into the Air Force, not specific
career fields, Gleffe said.
“My opinion is that, in itself, is affecting our recruiting,” Gleffe said.
The men
Instructors say combat controllers come in all shapes and sizes but wiry guys with endurance are the most likely to
succeed.
<<< Graduates of Combat Control School sing after the graduation
ceremony in June at the Pope Air Force Base Club.
(Courtesy of the Fayetteville Observer)
Trainees say the hardest part can be losing friends who don’t make it
through the training.
Joshua, an airman first class, played football, baseball and basketball
in high school, but 50-pound rucksacks and little sleep were wearing
on him during a field exercise. Like other special operations personnel
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who often operate in secret, he didn’t want to give his last name.
He heard about combat control by word of mouth from other airmen.
“This is your life for at least a year,” he said during a break in training at Camp Mackall. “Come home and study.
Eat, study, go back to sleep, do it again the next day. A lot of jobs put into one. You’re always learning something
new.”
Nathan, a first lieutenant, likes the outdoors, but he had been thinking about a career in finance when he started at
the Air Force Academy. He was qualified to be a pilot but not sure he wanted to make the long-term commitment.
Then some special tactics officers came to talk to cadets.
“I knew that’s exactly what I wanted to do,” he said. “I went into the Air Force Academy thinking I might serve my
commitment and then get out. Now I’m having so much fun, I’ll probably stay in. We’ll see how things go.”
One of the draws is the locker-room camaraderie of the career field.
“Honestly, I like being with the guys,” Nathan said. “I like the leadership aspect of it. That’s one of the reasons I
wanted to be on the ground.”
Combat control is one of the few jobs in the Air Force where an officer can lead troops into battle on the ground.
“A lot of the other jobs, you don’t get leadership experience at that level until you get higher ranking. ... As a
lieutenant, similar to the Army, in the Air Force we have a whole bunch of guys we are responsible for right off the
bat. That attracted me to it.”
He also likes scuba diving and jumping out of airplanes — all stuff he gets to do as a combat controller.
Nathan was one of 17 people who graduated from the course this summer and received scarlet berets.
The school might crank out about five classes a year. Graduates go on to another year of training in Florida before
going to work.
The lieutenant envied the 16 enlisted airmen in his class.
“They get to do the fun stuff,” he said. “I have to make sure that they get taken care of.”
The mission
Lt. Col. Kurt W. Buller jokes about his own short stature, but he doesn’t mince words about what combat controllers
do. He says things about military service that usually get omitted or glossed over in polite company.
Buller, who commands the 24th Special Tactics Squadron at Pope, was the guest speaker for a graduating class of
combat controllers.
“Yeah, mom, you’ve got a killer in the house now,” he told the assembled family members. “We are raising him to
be a killer, but he’s not a murderer, and that’s the difference between the two. ... When we take lives, we do so
responsibly and do it very maturely. We do it for the right effect. We’d rather not take lives, but when we have to,
we will certainly do it.”
For Buller, it’s not “if” but “when.”
“They are going to murder your teammates,” he said. “When you lose a friend, and you will, your moral courage
will be challenged because you will want revenge. If you get on the path to revenge, then you are on their path and
not the righteous path. You’ve got to stay on the path of justice.”
The job takes mental agility to solve problems when the battle is raging and airplanes are in the sky, he said.
“You men of action have got to commit to a course of study to learn the tactics,” he said. “When you are saturated,
be agile enough in a crisis to solve those problems.”
Hard training is only the beginning, he said.
“‘Hard is a night fast-rope into the Tora Bora Mountains at 10,000 feet with an up climb to 13,000 feet (to) engage
al-Qaida,” he said. “‘Hard’ is getting shot in the chest bone or knocked on your ass and popping right back up and
calling fires on the Taliban.
“‘Hard is a two-mile run down a dirt strip with an aircraft inbound to make sure the runway is clear of obstacles,” he
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said. “You either ruptured a kidney or slipped a disc on the landing because the drop zone is 5,000 feet and you
found a rock. But you don’t care. That’s hard.”
Chad, a 21-year-old airman, had graduated, received his scarlet beret, bloused his boots and heard everything Buller
had to say, but he knew he had a lot more to learn before he joined a team.
“It’s not about the beret. It’s about the mission,” he said. “It’s about continuously working harder than the enemy,
doing everything you have to do to be squared away, physically fit, mentally prepared. This is really the first step in
that process, and I’m looking forward to taking other steps with some charge and really down range pretty soon.”
21st SPECIAL TACTICS GWOT OPERATIONS by Lt Col Michael E. Martin, Commander, 21st Special Tactics
Squadron
November 1, 2008 - Pope AFB, North Carolina - I’ve been truly blessed to lead and execute combat operations
with the most well-trained and prepared Combat Controllers in history. The brave men that wore the scarlet beret
over the past several decades and their resounding success has paved the way for today’s Combat Controllers to be
better equipped and trained than ever. Today’s CCT are devastatingly lethal and no one combines organic weapons,
indirect fires and air-power, both strike and ISR, with better effects than the men in the scarlet beret. Our work with
Assault Zones, assess, survey and control in any environment, has increased our ability to project combat power and
enabled strike forces to kill the enemy from great distances. There is no one on the planet that can conduct full
spectrum assault zone operations on any surface like CCT and this mission area is absolutely critical to the
successful execution of the Global War on Terror (GWOT).
The men are highly intelligent and adaptable, especially under fire, which is a testament to the training they receive
from the seasoned CCT at Combat Control School and Special Tactics Training Squadron. Through challenging and
realistic training, we have been very successful in developing practical experience and mental agility when the
bullets start flying. Our men are able to calmly provide solutions to the ground force commander and
simultaneously multi-task to the demise of the enemy. CCT’s creativity to solve challenging tasks, and ability to
ruthlessly engage the enemy with precision, has enabled SOF to exponentially crush the enemy and stabilize Iraq,
Afghanistan and other regions. The following are examples of the heroic actions of two Combat Controllers under
my command.
Staff Sergeant Ryan A. Wallace
In January 2007, Staff Sergeant Ryan A. Wallace was assigned as Combat Controller, 21st Expeditionary Special
Tactics Squadron, 1st Expeditionary Special Operations Group, Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component,
Special Operations Command Central near An Najaf, Iraq.
On January 28-29, Sergeant Wallace was serving as Joint Terminal Attack Controller attached to an elite Special
Forces detachment. The detachment, along with four companies of Iraqi security forces, responded to reinforce an
American and Iraqi patrol which had been engaged by an overwhelming enemy force and had suffered staggering
casualties and equipment damage.
As the enemy focused its attacks against Apache attack helicopters, the team began a movement to contact and
closed within close proximity of the enemy’s fortified defenses. Unknown to the team, a numerically superior force
of over 100 insurgents only 70 meters north, initiated an ambush on the left flank of the patrol striking two of the
Special Forces personnel. Fighting to the base of the enemy's trench line, Sergeant Wallace climbed the enemy’s ten
foot high defensive berm to gain tactical superiority and situational awareness that would be critical in later close air
support attacks. With rounds snapping into the dirt around him, he identified a truck mounted heavy machine gun
approximately 200 meters away.
Deeming it the most significant threat to aircraft and ground forces, he directed recoilless rifle fire and neutralized
the target, while AH-64s attacked enemy positions throughout the heavily fortified compound. He slid back down
the berm and joined the ground force commander exposing himself to constant enemy fire in order to advise the
commander and continue to engage the enemy with accurate aerial delivered fires. Moving back and forth under
deadly enemy fire from the berm, he engaged entrenched enemy forces with Apache helicopters, degrading the
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intensity and accuracy of fire against his element.
As the ground force prepared for a dismounted flanking assault to relieve a US force pinned down on their western
flank, Sergeant Wallace requested additional air support, then began a dismounted assault with two other Americans
and approximately 50 Iraqi police. Sergeant Wallace controlled Apache gun runs on the enemy positions to the
north, setting the conditions for the first dismounted move forward until it was stopped half-way by overwhelming
enemy fire and lack of available cover.
Despite heavy enemy machine gun fire, he used a signal mirror to identify his new position to circling AH-64s and
then directed lethal 30mm and high-explosive rocket runs into the enemy trench and berm area. He quickly assessed
that the AH-64 fires were having minimal effect, so using their fires as a mark, he called in F-16s. Once Sergeant
Wallace was sure the F-16s had contact on the friendly position, he cleared them hot for a GBU-12 strike within 100
meters of his position. This "danger close" 500-pound bomb in the deep trench lines set the conditions for the
audacious final assault forward during this phase of the battle.
Remaining at the front of the assault element with the ground force commander, he reached the crest of the trench
line and was credited with killing seven enemy insurgents with his M-4 rifle in a heated exchange of gunfire.
He continued to bring accurate helicopter and fighter aircraft fires at danger close ranges on the enemy while his
element halted due to an Iraqi company commander receiving a gunshot wound to the face. He systematically and
discriminately targeted the enemy since the entire compound had yet to be determined hostile. Soon after, his
maneuver element linked-up with other US and Iraqi forces sent to recover the crew of an AH-64 shot down earlier
in the battle, he provided the basic airspace and deconfliction of fires plan to assist in the recovery operation.
Sergeant Wallace retained fighter aircraft to support his team's ongoing combat assaults against the fortified
positions throughout the compound. On subsequent moves to link up with his team's base of fire element, Sergeant
Wallace's element was again pinned down by heavy machine gun fire, requiring him to request accurate close air
support within one hundred and fifty meters of his position.
Throughout these engagements, Sergeant Wallace heroically exposed himself to accurate gunfire in order to identify
enemy and friendly positions and surgically employ lethal air power. For twenty hours, he fought the enemy and
killed over one hundred and fifty well-trained insurgents with six GBU-12s, two being danger close, two GBU-38s,
four F-16 and four A-10 strafing passes, twelve AH-64 2.75 HE rocket and 30mm strafing passes, two HE rocket
passes at danger close range, and two-thousand five hundred and fifty-four 25mm, eight hundred and eighty-nine
40mm, and two hundred and sixty-nine 105mm rounds from three AC-130s that destroyed six buildings, ten
vehicles and credited with one hundred and seventy-five enemy killed in action.
By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Wallace has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States
Air Force. As a result of his heroic actions Sergeant Wallace was nominated for the Silver Star.
Senior Airman Zachary J. Rhyner
In April 2008, Senior Airman Zachary J. Rhyner, was assigned as a Special Tactics Combat Controller attached to
Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha (ODA) 3336. The ODA was operating as part of Special Operations
Task Force-33, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
On April 6, 2008, in a valley in Nuristan province, Afghanistan, Airman Rhyner heroically, and with complete
disregard for his own safety, directed and controlled 50 danger close air strikes and strafing gun runs while wounded
and under intense enemy fire during a gun battle against a well-trained insurgent force. The deadly and violent battle
lasted more than six and a half hours against an enemy force size estimated at 200 fighters.
Shortly after the team’s daring daylight air assault infiltration into the valley, they began their approach toward their
village objective. As his 10-man command and control element ascended near-vertical terrain, they were attacked in
a complex ambush, which was executed simultaneously from all directions. Accurate sniper, machine gun, and
rocket-propelled grenade fire poured down on the team from insurgents in elevated and protected positions that
were tactically superior to the approaching assault force.
Both maneuver elements from Operational Detachment-Alpha 3336 were immediately pinned down with minimal to
no cover or concealment. Airman Rhyner, who was pinned down on the side of a 60 foot cliff, held his ground
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amidst a flurry of bullets and rocket-propelled grenades impacting all around him. He quickly and instinctively
returned suppressive fire, which assisted the remainder of his element to find positions of cover. Airman Rhyner
maintained his composure despite the intense incoming enemy fire, and immediately directed multiple 2.75 inch
rockets and 30 millimeter cannon strafing runs from AH-64 helicopters against enemy positions less than 200
meters from friendly forces.
<<<
Airman Rhyner (L) in Afghanistan in
early 2008.
Note the infrared (IR) reflection
detected by the camera from the CCT
combat identification marker on
Rhyner's left sleeve.
The author was instrumental in the
DoD-wide fielding of these and other
such lifesaving antifratricide combat
identifiers.
Enemy forces continued to attack
friendly positions, killing one and
wounding three team members,
including Airman Rhyner, in the
command and control element, within
the first 15 minutes of the
engagement. Airman Rhyner was hit
three times by 7.62 millimeter rounds
in the opening exchange of gunfire.
He was wounded once in his left leg
and struck twice to his chest, only to
be saved by his equipment mounted
on his load bearing vest.
Airman Ryhner continued to calmly and effectively return fire on the enemy with his M-4 rifle and directed precise
“danger close” air strikes from A-10, F-15E, and AH-64 attack aircraft. On multiple occasions, under sustained and
effective fire, Airman Rhyner courageously placed himself between enemy forces and wounded soldiers to lay
suppressive fire and allow fellow teammates to retrieve critically wounded and dead team members from the line of
fire. Insurgent forces tried to maneuver to the high ground on several occasions, coming as close as forty feet from
the team.
Airman Rhyner, understanding the gravity of these situations, held his ground and continued to suppress the enemy
with lethal air strikes, “danger close” to friendly positions. Failure to repel these advances would have completely
exposed the team to the enemy gunfire and resulted in their positions being overrun and the total loss of the team.
With no possible avenue of withdrawal available to the team, Airman Rhyner’s superior skills delivered life-saving
“danger close” air strikes without causing any friendly injuries. He directed strafing runs within 100 meters, and 500
pound bombs within 200 meters of his position, showering the team with dirt and debris from the blast and killing
the enemy.
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These air strikes were directly responsible for preventing the detachment’s command and control element from
being overrun on two occasions and set conditions for a daring evacuation of four critically wounded personnel
down a shear, 60 foot rock cliff. He bravely held his position and continuously directed close air support as the team
prepared for the arrival of medical evacuation aircraft.
He also skillfully timed air strikes to suppress the enemy and protect the incoming rescue helicopters. Once the
helicopters arrived for the extraction they became heavily engaged, and at one point one UH-60 was forced to
depart early due to damage sustained by enemy fire. Airman Rhyner prevented the helicopters from being shot
down through well-orchestrated suppressive air strikes, which enabled the successful evacuation of all critically
wounded personnel. Throughout the course of the heated battle he masterfully directed multiple strikes from eight
fighter jets and four attack helicopters.
He also seamlessly integrated seven helicopter lifts through the objective area to conduct medical evacuations and
team exfiltration. Airman Rhyner suppressed enemy positions with a total of 4,120 rounds of 30 millimeter cannon
fire, 450 rounds of 20 millimeter cannon fire, nine AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 162 x 2.75 inch rockets, 10 GBU-38
bombs, one GBU-31 bomb, and two GBU-12 bombs.
Additionally, he fired more than 100 rounds from his M-4 rifle to deter the enemy’s advance and protect his team.
Airman Rhyner’s team leader directly attributed the entire team’s survival to Airman Rhyner’s skill and poise under
intense fire and while wounded during this harrowing six and a half hour battle. His heroic actions were also
credited with 40 insurgents killed and 100 wounded. During this battle, three friendly soldiers were killed and 20
others wounded. Through his extraordinary heroism and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Airman Rhyner
reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
For his actions on April 6, 2006, Airman Rhyner was recommended for the Air Force Cross, an award second only
to the Congressional Medal of Honor.
FIERCE BATTLE ABOVE SHOK VALLEY EARNS SILVER STARS by Janice Burton, USASOC News
Service
December 15, 2008 – Fort Bragg, North Carolina -- There are no roads leading into the Shok Valley. A village
which stands sentinel over the valley is home to one of the fiercest of the insurgent forces in Afghanistan - the
Hezeb Islami al Gulbadin, or HIG.
On April 6, a daring raid into the stronghold by Afghan Commandos and their Special Forces counterparts tested the
mettle of the Afghan forces and further forged the bond between them and their SF brothers.
On Dec. 12, Lt. Gen. John F. Mullholland, commander of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, pinned
Silver Stars on the chests of 10 of the men involved in the raid and the ensuing six-and-a half-hour-firefight that saw
more than 150 insurgents killed.
( Ed. Note: Air Force Combat Controller Senior Airman Zachary J. Rhyner was recommended for the Air Force
Cross for his heroism during the Shok Valley operation. Little is mentioned about Rhyner in this US Army Special
Operations Command (USASOC) article, however the description of the operation is excellent.)
It was the largest ceremony of its kind since the Vietnam era. But for the members of Team 3336 of the 3rd Special
Forces Group, it was never about the medals.
When you ask them to use one word to describe April 6, their words pop, much like the gunfire that rained down on
them.
"A nightmare."
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"Baptism by fire," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Plants, "it was my first firefight."
"Cliffhanger."
More words followed as the team went back in their minds to that day.
The Mission
The team was assigned to take out high-value targets within the HIG. The insurgent group was entrenched in the
valley and was guarded by a number of highly-trained foreign fighters. The sheer number of weapons and amount
of ammo used by the insurgents led the team to conclude that they had been stockpiling the weaponry within the
fortress-like village since the Russian invasion of the country during the late '80s.
Accompanying the team that day was a group of Afghan Commandos.
"We have such a great rapport with the commandos we've trained," said Staff Sgt. Luis Morales, the team's
intelligence sergeant. "They have such a loyalty to us. They try as hard to protect us as we try to protect ourselves."
"We eat, sleep and train with these commandos," said Captain Kyle Walton, the detachment commander. "We die
with them, too. These guys are close friends. At the outset of the attack, I lost my interpreter, and we were as close
as anyone."
The interpreters hold a special place within the team.
"They are just like a member of the team," said Morales. "One of our interpreters has seen as much combat as any
of us. He has six years of combat experience. He's been with six SF teams and been in hundreds of firefights - but
he doesn't get the six-month break.
"With our tactical knowledge and their (the commandos) knowledge of the local populace, terrain and customs, we
can truly become a force multiplier," said Walton. "That's what SF does. We bring things to the fight that they don't
have, such as close air support and weaponry. But in the end, it's an Afghan fight, and we are part of it."
The commandos who accompanied the SF team on the mission have developed something of reputation throughout
Afghanistan.
"The Taliban calls them the wolves. When they hear the wolves are coming, they know they are in trouble. The
commandos are pretty feared. Everywhere we go, they identify us with the commandos, and the fact that this group
of insurgents was prepared to sit and fight us to the death was indicative of an enemy force you don't see every day,"
said Morales.
One Way In
"Eighty percent of the guys on the ground that day had been in firefights before," said Walton. "We feel fairly
comfortable in a firefight anytime."
But that day was different. The team was going into the unknown. The Russians, during their 20-year occupation of
the country, never made it into the Shok Valley. To date, no coalition troops had been there. This was a first. To get
into the valley, the team had to fly.
"I feel comfortable with my feet on a ground," said Morales. "I don't feel comfortable in the helicopter - we can't
control what happens there. But on the ground, we have a plan, we go in and do it, and the rest falls into place.
"We knew this was going to be a difficult mission. We expected there to be a number of insurgents because of the
high-value targets we were after, but we really thought the terrain would be the greatest difficulty," explained
Walton.
That thought proved correct. As the helicopters settled over the valley, the pilots couldn't set the birds down, so the
Soldiers had to jump about 10 feet off the bird. Many of them landed waist-deep in an icy river. With temperatures
in the low 30s, the climate immediately began to take its toll.
Then they faced a climb up the mountain.
Walton explained the idea was to go into the village unannounced, with the plan to take the fight to the insurgents in
the village. "We didn't want to fight uphill," he said, adding that the village is at an altitude of 10,000 feet.
The team decided to use switchbacks, which were actually terraced farm plots, as a means to get up to the village.
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The team divided up into three maneuver units, with members of the SF team paired up with about six commandos
and their interpreters.
The village itself is situated on a finger off the mountain. The team would have to head up a draw to the village.
"The buildings in the village are built one on top of the other, on top of a slope thousands of feet in the air," said
Walton. "So we started the climb. The insurgents waited until the lead element was within a couple hundred meters
of the compound before they initiated contact. As soon as the shooting started, we realized that they had their
defensive positions dug in, and they were occupying buildings 360 degrees all around us."
The Fight
As soon as the opening salvo was fired, the interpreter standing beside Walton in the command-and-control element
was killed. Moments later, Staff Sgt. Dillon Behr was shot in the leg. Behr, a communications sergeant stayed in the
fight and sustained another wound before he became unable to continue the fight.
"We knew we needed to regain the initiative, so we started initiating danger-close air runs," said Walton.
Staff Sgt. David Sanders was in the lead assault force.
"I had approximately 10 Commandos with me, and we got into the village before we started receiving fire. We
couldn't move any farther forward," he recalled. "Through the radio traffic, we heard some of the team had gotten
shot, so we started trying to identify the buildings where the fire was coming from. We hoped to neutralize the
threat."
Walton said Sanders was the first person he thought of who might be able to identify where the insurgents were.
"I was standing next to the combat controller (Senior Airman Zachary J. Rhyner), and when we got to a place where
we could talk, he called in close air support, and the F-15s rolled in immediately. 'I knew my guys were up there,
and I know that when you call in danger close air, you are probably going to get injured or killed.' Rhyner said. 'I
called back to Sanders and asked if he was too close.' He said, 'Bring it anyway.' Bombs started exploding
everywhere. When I called to see if he was still alive, all I could hear him saying was, 'Hit them again.' "
Walton said that it is rare to call in danger-close air even once during a firefight. Throughout the afternoon, the team
called it 70 times.
"We did take some casualties from the danger-close air," said Staff Sgt. Seth Howard. "A lot of the commandos got
injured from falling debris. The bombs were throwing full trees and boulders at them - they were flying hundreds of
meters.
At one point in the battle, when it looked as if the C2 element would be overrun, Sanders called for the bombing to
come closer.
"They dropped a 2,000 lb. bomb right on top of our position," said Walton. "Because of the elevation, the bomb
blew upward rather than down. It just didn't seem like we had much of a decision. Our guys were wounded, and we
couldn't go back the way we came."
"We knew we might get hurt, but we really didn't think about it," said Sanders.
"The insurgents were so dug in so well that even the close air support wasn't enough. It helped, but it was by no
means a magic wand," said Howard. "You would think when the bombs start dropping they would stop shooting at
you. That's the thought process, and you know it might kill you or somebody else, but when there are so many
pieces of hot metal flying all around you constantly, you've got to let it go."
With bombings falling and heavy gunfire coming from every side, the team returned fire. Team members recall
going through masses of ammo, in addition to the bombs that were dropped and the rounds the aircraft were firing.
The team's fire was controlled, though, according to Walton.
"Cloud cover was coming in, and there was no certainty that we would be able to get out that night. So we didn't
waste our ammo. We really didn't fire unless we had a shot or when we needed to lay suppressive fire to allow
people to move."
The insurgents, likewise, were shooting in a controlled manner. The gunfire was heavy, sustained and accurate.
Team members recall that even if the bullets weren't kicking up beside them or hitting them, they definitely heard
them crack near them. Snipers were during heavy play in the engagement.
Three-story Implosion
The only break in the battle was when a bomb was dropped on a three-story building. The building exploded
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outward. "Good guy or bad guy, you're going to stop when you see that," said Morales. "It reminded me of the
videos from 9/11 - everything starts flushing at you, debris starts falling - and everything gets darker."
"I was totally in the cloud of black smoke. I couldn't see an inch in front of my face," said Howard.
Plants recalls hearing the call for fire and wanting to see where the bomb was going.
"I was staring at it and saw the building go up," he said. "I remember looking up, and then all of this stuff starting
coming down. All I could do was roll up tight and hug the cliff wall."
Sniper Turns Tide
The battle started to turn when Howard, a trained sniper, started picking the insurgents off. Howard was not in the
lead element, and he had to fight his way up the mountain to come to the aid of his team.
The fight was not easy. He and the team of commandos he led up the mountain were under intense insurgent fire.
They were getting hit with rocket-propelled grenades, small arms and machine-gun fire.
"We knew some of our guys were hurt and that we had to get to them," said Howard.
"We were pinned down," said Walton. "When the fire became so intense, we moved out onto a ledge against the
cliff to protect our wounded. What turned the battle was Seth (Howard) and his element."
Howard directed the Afghan commandos to fire on insurgent position so that he could get into place with his sniper
rifle and his recoiless rifle.
"They had been hunting us, and now they were getting hunted, too," said Walton. "We had been trying to return fire,
but we couldn't find them. They were firing in a very disciplined manner. They were not hanging out windows or
running at us."
As Howard and his element engaged the enemy, Walton knew time was running out. Reports from the air said more
insurgents were moving in their direction. Everyone on the team had sustained some sort of injury, four of them
critical, and the commandos had their share of injuries, as well.
"Everyone kept fighting, but there was a window closing on us," said Walton. "We knew we had to get out."
One Way Out
"Our higher command told us we had to get out of there," said Walton. "The weather conditions were closing in, and
the window to be on the ground was rapidly closing. Most of the objective was gone at that point, but our casualties
were mounting - we were in a mass-casualty scenario at that point - and they became our priority. We never thought
of retreating. That was never an option."
"The weather was deciding factor," continued Howard. "When the weather rolled in we could be stuck there at least
overnight, possibly for days. They couldn't fly in to get us, and we would have been stranded in completely hostile
territory. That was not a plan for success, especially with the pilots observing another 200 insurgents moving in on
us."
With their backs literally against a wall, and recognizing that they couldn't go down the same way they came up the switchbacks they had climbed up were the primary focus of the insurgent fire - they began assessing another
route for exfil.
Final Cliff-hanger
"We knew we couldn't go back the way we came, so our only option was going down the cliff," said Walton.
Had the team been healthy, that would have been a difficult scenario. But with the number of wounded and the fire
raining down, it seemed impossible. But Walton knew he had to take the chance.
"We were completely pinned down. There was intense fire all around us. We couldn't leave the casualties. We were
prepared to sit there and die with them, but we decided we were going to get them out of there," he said.
Sanders made the first climb down the mountain by himself. When he climbed back up the sheer face of the cliff,
Walton had one question, "Do you think we can make it down?"
Sanders' reply put the climb in perspective, "Does it matter if they have broken necks or backs?"
"My question was will they live," said Walton. With Sanders' assurance that they would live, the team began the
treacherous climb.
Master Sgt. Scott Ford, the team sergeant, set up the medevac and organized the less seriously wounded to carry the
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more critically injured down. While organizing the commandos, Ford was shot in the chest plate by sniper fire. He
immediately got to his feet and continued to lay down suppressive fire. One of the insurgent snipers had Ford in his
sights, and he shot him in the upper left arm, nearly severing it. With a tourniquet around his arm, Ford climbed
down the mountain and continued to organize the medevac.
Morales said that the team made its way down the cliff hanging onto branches and rocks. Near the bottom of the
cliff, most made a 20-foot drop. I remember seeing John (Walding) carrying his leg down. (Walding's leg had been
amputed by sniper fire.)"
As the wounded made their way down the cliff, Howard, Walton and Spec. Michael Carter, a combat cameraman
assigned to the unit, remained behind to lay down suppressive fire and retrieve equipment.
"There were a lot of guns around where everybody had been shot," said Howard. "It kind of became an issue that
there were too many guns up there, and we didn't want to leave them in enemy hands."
Carter ran through a hail of fire to retrieve guns and other equipment. His own cameras had been shot up during the
initial hours of the battle. He gathered equipment and began throwing it off the cliff, while Howard continued to
pick off enemy combatants.
"The stars really aligned," said Walton. "Bullets were coming down from the side and behinds us, and we could hear
guys yelling above us. An element that came to reinforce the team that was on the ground stepped out into the open
and started firing and gave us the chance to get out. Seth was crazy enough to stay up there and cover us while we
made the climb down."
Alone, with less than a magazine of ammunition left, Howard covered his team as they made their way down, and
only after they were safe, did he leave the mountain.
"We didn't go into this mission hoping to make history. For us, it was just a regular mission - just like the one we
had done the week before. Our goal is never to get into a fight, we'd rather sit down and drink some chai," said
Walton. "We were hoping this mission would be the same, but we got into a big fight, and some of us got hit while
trying to save each other. That's what we do."
The team as a whole is looking forward to returning to Afghanistan to continue its mission with the commandos.
"We think we sent a pretty big message to the insurgents. We let them know that we could penetrate their comfort
zone. We told them there's nowhere you are safe that we aren't willing to come in and go after you," concluded
Walton.
TRAINING BRINGS U.S. AND POLISH SPECIAL FORCES TOGETHER by Navy Mass Communication
Specialist Dana M. Clark
DECEMBER 17, 2008 - POWIDZ AIR FORCE BASE, POLAND — U.S. and Polish special forces began
conducting combined airborne exercises here December 16, 2008. The first day of training included the soldiers
parachuting from a USAF MC 130H Talon II.
“It gives us a greater understanding of how each side works,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Marc Martinez, the training
commander.
<<< Polish parachutist aims for the “X” during a
training exercisewith U.S. here, December 17, 2008. air
commandos from the 321st Special Tactics Squadron and
Polish special forces from its mobile response group and
1st Special Forces Regiment teamed up to conduct these
exercises to enhance cooperation between the two
nations. (Department of Defense photo Army Lt. Col.
Donna Scott)
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During the four-day interoperability training exercises,
more than 40 special operators conducted low-level static
line and High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) parachute
drops, simulating precise force insertion operations.
>>>
U.S. and Polish parachutists prepare for their next jump
during interoperability exercises, Dec. 16, 2008.
(Department of Defense photo by Army Lt. Col. Donna
Scott)
<<< A combat controller with the 352nd Special Operations
Group prepares for jumpers to hit the drop zone during
exercises with U.S. and Polish forces, December
16, 2008. (Department of Defense photo by Army
Lt. Col. Donna Scott)
Army Lt. Col. Donna Scott, a spokeswoman, commented on the trainings
importance on interoperability.
“We want our forces to be familiar with the people they could be working
with.”
American airmen from the 321st Special Tactics Squadron, based at RAF
Mildenhall, England, along with Polish special forces from its mobile response
group and 1st Special Forces Regiment are teaming up to conduct these
exercises as a way of enhancing understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
AIRMAN SAVES LIVES IN AFGHANISTAN by Captain Laura Ropelis, Air Force Special Operations Command
Public Affairs
December 24. 2008 - Hurlburt, FL (AFNS) -- An Air Force Special
Operations Command Airman saved lives in Afghanistan April 6 during a
lengthy battle by calling in airstrikes to protect his team.
Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner, a special tactics combat controller assigned to the
21st Special Tactics Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., was deployed to
Operation Enduring Freedom as the primary joint terminal attack controller
while attached to special forces team Operational Detachment Alpha 3336,
3rd Special Forces Group. (See preceding story.)
<<< SSgt Zachary Rhyner receives the Jewish Institute for National
Security Affairs Grateful Nation Award from Navy Admiral Michael C.
Mullen during the Grateful Nation Award Ceremony December 8 in
Washington, DC. Sergeant Rhyner is a special tactics combat controller
assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, NC
and Admiral Mullen is the Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff. (Courtesy
Photo)
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Then a senior airman, Sergeant Rhyner was part of a 130-man combined assault force whose mission was to enter
Shok Valley and capture a high-value target who was funding the insurgency. Sergeant Rhyner is credited with
saving his10-man team from being overrun twice in a 6.5-hour battle.
Capt. Stewart Parker, the detachment commander at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, was the command and control
link to the JTACs on the ground as they went into Shok Valley.
"This was the first time U.S. special operations forces entered the territory," Captain Parker said. "These were
extraordinary conditions and the situation was dynamic."
Shok Valley is located below 60-foot cliffs. The mission objective was at the top of the mountains surrounding the
valley.
"Initial infiltration began that day with snow on the ground, jagged rocks, a fast-moving river and a cliff," Sergeant
Rhyner said. "There was a 5-foot wall you had to pull yourself up. The ridgeline trail was out of control."
The expectation was to encounter fire from about 70 insurgents. One Air Force JTAC-qualified combat controller
was attached to each team to call in airstrikes, if needed.
"We were caught off guard as 200 enemy fighters approached," said Staff Sgt. Rob Gutierrez, a combat controller
with the second team in the fight. "Within 10 minutes, we were ambushed with heavy fire from 50 meters. The teams
were split by a river 100 to 200 meters apart, north to south."
Sergeant Rhyner was in charge of coordinating the air assets.
"I have never seen a situation this bad," said Captain Parker, who was monitoring the situation back at the base. "The
intel said the enemy was 40 feet away from Zach and his team at one point. It was dangerous."
Within the first 15 minutes of fire, Sergeant Rhyner was wounded along with three team members.
"I was pulling security when I got shot in the leg," he said. "The rounds hit my left thigh and went through my leg
and hit another guy in the foot."
Sergeant Rhyner said he immediately felt pain and adrenalin.
"There was nowhere to go. I grabbed the wounded guys, but we were trapped by the enemy," he said. "I was calling
in airstrikes and firing, while moving the wounded down (the cliff)."
Sergeant Gutierrez said he could see insurgent fire coming from the buildings on the hilltops above them and was
trying to get across the river to meet up with Sergeant Rhyner.
"Zach and I were in constant radio contact," he said. "I could hear the ammunition, sniper fire and rocket-propelled
grenades with multiple blasts. We tried to push to the north to collocate with Zach's team, but every time we pushed
up river, it put us in an open line of fire."
"My team ran across the freezing river. The water came off the mountains, and we were 100 to 200 feet beneath the
enemy, like fish in a barrel," Sergeant Gutierrez said.
As the enemy surrounded them, Sergeant Rhyner, who was being treated for his injuries by Capt. Kyle Walton, the
special forces team leader, directed multiple rockets and gun runs from AH-64 Apache helicopters against enemy
positions.
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"Zach was coordinating tremendous amounts of fire on both villages simultaneously," Sergeant Gutierrez said. "Zach
was in charge of the airstrikes, since he was closest to the fight and could see even what the F-15 (Eagle) pilots could
not."
Forty-five minutes to an hour had gone by since the fight began.
"We were pinned down and I could see the enemy all over the hills running around," Sergeant Gutierrez said. There
were no stable targets. I kept the Apaches and the Hellfire missiles pressed to the north."
Accurate sniper, machine gun and RPG fire poured down on the assault force in a complex ambush initiated
simultaneously from all directions as Alpha Team 3336 ascended the near-vertical terrain. He called in more than 50
close airstrikes and strafing runs.
Three hours into the fight, Sergeant Gutierrez reached Sergeant Rhyner's position.
"Sergeant Gutierrez and I met on the cliff during the battle briefly. We shared a laugh, but it was a busy, bleak
situation," Sergeant Rhyner said.
Sergeant Rhyner had been calling in airstrikes for three hours while he was injured; however, he still felt responsible
for the others who had been hurt. With disregard for his own life, he tried to get the injured to safety, still in the open
line of fire.
"I left injured personnel in a house and I had to get over there," he said. "I was frustrated being wounded. I tried to
get the bombs there fast and talk to the pilots who didn't see what I saw on the ground."
Five or six hours into the fight, as it was getting dark, intelligence informed the JTACs that enemy reinforcements
were 10 kilometers away carrying enemy rockets and missiles.
"We continued to fight our way up the hill and the (helicopters) came," Sergeant Gutierrez said. "Zach was talking to
the helos and gave the coordinates to lay the bombs on the village, while I kept the A-10 (Thunderbolt IIs) and the
Apaches out of the way."
Sergeant Rhyner called in a total of 4,570 rounds of cannon fire, nine Hellfire missiles, 162 rockets, 12 500-pound
bombs and one 2,000-pound bomb, constantly engaging the enemy with his M-4 rifle to deter their advance.
"Zach acted fast and shut down the fighting," Sergeant Gutierrez said. "The wounded were taken out on medevac."
Back at command and control, Captain Parker heard that the helicopters were on the ground with the wounded but
he could not move the helicopters due to the terrain and weather conditions.
"Radio transmissions would block the signal due to terrain and vertical cliffs," he said. "Helicopters were vulnerable
and there was pressure to do everything we could to get the teams out quickly."
Fog then started rolling into the valley.
"At 8,000 feet, the helicopter couldn't fly (due to altitude) and the situation called for 'aggressive patience,'" Captain
Parker said. "More than 50 percent of the U.S. forces were wounded, and it was pretty grave."
Toward the end of the fighting, 40 insurgents were killed and 100 wounded
Sergeant Rhyner was directly credited with the entire team's survival due to his skill and poise under intense fire.
"Sergeant Rhyner is out of training less than a year and is in one of the most difficult situations," Captain Parker
said. "It is an absolute testament to his character and the training these guys take. It tells me we are doing something
right."
"If it wasn't for Zach, I wouldn't be here," Sergeant Gutierrez said.
Sergeant Rhyner received the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs Grateful Nation Award Dec. 8 in
Washington, D.C., and is awaiting the presentation of a Purple Heart for the injuries he suffered during the battle.
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COMBAT CONTROLLER KILLED IN ACTION from Colonel Bradley Thompson, Commander, 720th Special
Tactics Group
February 20, 2009 – Hurlburt Field, Florida - It is with great sadness that I inform you SSgt Timothy P. Davis,
23rd Special Tactics Squadron was killed in action today while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in
Afghanistan. Tim was killed when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED).
Shown here in 2005, Tim (second from left) was part of the color guard at the annual
Memorial Service at Hurlburt Air Park, hosted by the Combat Control Association.
Memorial and funeral yet TBD. We will let you know further details when they become available. To allow the unit
to work through this – please direct any calls or questions to the 720 OSS Vault.
Thompson Sends
COMBAT CONTROL INSTRUCTOR EARNS BRONZE STAR by Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs
February 25, 2009 - Keesler AFB, Mississippi -- Staff Sgt. Ashley Spurlin, a combat
control instructor in the 334th Training Squadron, was presented the Bronze Star during
Friday's drill down.
The Bronze Star is the fourth highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and ninth
highest award among U.S. military decorations. The award recognizes single acts of merit
and meritorious service accomplished with distinction.
The seven-year Air Force veteran was recognized for meritorious service as the joint
terminal air controller with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan
in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His duties involved pursuing al-Qaida and
Taliban operatives on capture/kill missions along the Afghanistan and Pakistan border from
August 2007 to February 2008.
403
<<<
Col. Prince Gilliard, left, 81st
Training Group commander, presents
Sergeant Spurlin’s Bronze Star at
Friday’s drill down. (U.S. Air Force
photo by Kemberly Groue)
>>>
Sergeant Spurlin wore traditional
Afghan garb as a special forces
operative. (Courtesy photo)
Sergeant Spurlin, who joined Keesler's
combat control training team eight
months ago, was previously deployed
to Romania, Philippines, Borneo,
Indonesia, Malaysia and Uzbekistan.
He says his deployment experiences
have enhanced the abilities he brings
to the Keesler classroom.
"It allows me to relate deployed experiences in every aspect to what we strive to teach our
students while they are here learning the basic fundamentals of both rigorous physical
training and air traffic control fundamentals," said Sergeant Spurlin, who hails from
Monterrey, Calif.
404
"Having the ability to relate every event a student performs while here at Keesler to a real
world scenario allows the students to understand the 'why' and 'how' of what it is they'll be
doing once they are actual 5-level combat controllers as opposed to just doing something
but not understanding the implications of that skill or event," he pointed out.
Rather than just having the students perform an action or event, "our instructors give them
an actual combat situation in which they will be using the mental and physical strength
gained while here at Keesler to keep them and their teammates alive, when their real world
mission doesn't go according to plan, machine gun fire and (rocket propelled grenades) are
going off around them and the enemy is starting to surround them," Sergeant Spurlin
explained.
Sergeant Spurlin served with Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 3313, Special
Operations Task Force 33, from August 2007 to February 2008. The detachment routinely
deployed through the Kunar Province to conduct missions intended to capture or kill
enemies of the government.
Sergeant Spurlin deployed on more than 50 combat missions and served as the subject
matter expert on all aircraft and close air support capabilities.
He was recognized for countering the improvised explosive device threat to the detachment
by coordinating electronic warfare burns along main approach avenues. He also served as
an MK-19 ear gunner for detachment operations and was the primary conduit for all fire
support for preplanned and emergency close air support.
During the Waturpor Valley operation, where the enemy was closing in on the assault
element, he used the AC-130 gunship to neutralize the enemy threat, allowing the assault
element to block access to the objective out of contact. He also controlled close air support
as the detachment engaged enemy attacking of a second objective. The ordnance dropped
by the close air support under his control destroyed 10 to 15 enemy elements engaging
coalition forces.
During Operation Stalking Wolf, he identified and destroyed a cave complex that was used
by enemy surveillance operatives that observed and attacked coalition forces.
SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND AIRMAN DIES IN AFGHANISTAN by Capt.
Laura Ropelis, Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs
February 25, 2009 – Hurlburt Field, Florida (AFNS) -- An Air Force Special
Operations Command combat control journeyman died Feb. 20 while supporting Operation
Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. Timothy P. Davis, 28, of Aberdeen, Wash., died near Bagram, Afghanistan, of
405
wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.
He was assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron from Hurlburt Field, Fla.
An open viewing is scheduled at 11:30 a.m. and memorial service at 1 p.m. Feb. 28 at the
Montesano High School gymnasium in Montesano, Wash., followed by burial services at
the Wynoochee Cemetery.
<<<
Staff Sgt. Timothy P. Davis participated in parachute
readiness training. Sergeant Davis died of wounds
suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised
explosive device Feb. 20 in Afghanistan. He was
assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron at
Hurlburt Field, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo)
"Sergeant Davis, or 'DT' as we know him here at the
squadron, will be sorely missed," said Maj. Travis
Woodworth, acting commander of the 23rd STS.
Sergeant Davis enlisted in 1999 and was initially
trained as a survival, evasion, resistance and escape
instructor after completing basic training. He entered the combat control career field in June
2003. After completing more than two years of training, he reported to the 23rd STS here
and served on a combat control team.
Sergeant Davis qualified as a joint terminal attack controller, enabling him to provide direct
aircraft and support ground combat operations while embedded with U.S. and coalition
special forces. This was his second deployment as a JTAC to Afghanistan in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom.
"Tim was one of the first squadron members to volunteer for this recent deployment,
despite just getting back from one less than a year ago," Major Woodworth said. "He was
the epitome of the quiet professional that we in the Special Operations community strive to
be."
The sergeant's military decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Force
Commendation Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal.
"Our hearts go out to his family and friends as we at the 23rd STS along with them mourn
the loss of one of our own," Major Woodworth said.
406
COMBAT CONTROLLER RECEIVES AIR FORCE CROSS, PURPLE HEART by
Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Office
March 11,2009 – Pope AFB, North Carolina (AFNS) -- Tears stood in Sue Rhyner's eyes
as she talked about her son, who, in a ceremony March 10 here received the Air Force
Cross, the highest military decoration awarded by the service, and a Purple Heart.
Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner of the 21st Special Tactics Squadron from Pope Air Force Base,
N.C., received the medal for uncommon valor during Operation Enduring Freedom before a
crowd of hundreds dotted with combat controllers' red berets.
The decoration is second only to the Medal of Honor, and is awarded by the president.
"This is overwhelming. I couldn't be prouder," Ms. Rhyner said. "Zac is part of an awesome
group of individuals who personify teamwork; something he learned early on being one of
five children."
<<<
Secretary of the Air Force Michael B.
Donley presents Staff Sgt. Zachary
Rhyner the Air Force Cross March 10
at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. Sergeant
Rhyner of the 21st Special Tactics
Squadron received the medal for
uncommon valor during Operation
Enduring Freedom for his actions
during an intense 6.5-hour battle in
Shok Valley, Afghanistan, April 6,
2008. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Secretary of the Air Force Michael B.
Donley presented Sergeant Rhyner the Air Force Cross for his actions during an intense
6.5-hour battle in Shok Valley, Afghanistan, April 6, 2008. The Air Force has not awarded
the decoration in more than six years.
"Your actions are now and forever woven into the rich fabric of service, integrity and
excellence that has connected generations of America's Airmen since the very inception of
airpower," Secretary Donley said to Sergeant Rhyner.
"Rarely do we present an Airman with the Air Force Cross, let alone a Purple Heart, and
with good reason. The Air Force Cross is reserved for those who demonstrate unparalleled
407
valor in the face of insurmountable odds."
Secretary Donley added that among the millions who have served, only 192 Air Force
Crosses have been awarded.
<<<
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton
Schwartz presents Staff Sgt. Zachary
Rhyner a Purple Heart March 10 at
Pope Air Force Base, N.C. Sergeant
Rhyner of the 21st Special Tactics
Squadron received the medal and the
Air Force Cross for uncommon valor
during Operation Enduring Freedom
for his actions during an intense 6.5hour battle in Shok Valley,
Afghanistan, April 6, 2008. (U.S. Air
Force photo)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz also presented Sergeant Rhyner with the
Purple Heart. General Schwartz said special forces Soldiers lived to tell the story of the
Shok Valley battle thanks to the courage, tenacity, teamwork, as well as the invaluable and
selfless efforts of Sergeant Rhyner.
Despite injuries he sustained as the result of persistent insurgent fire, Sergeant Rhyner
coordinated more than 50 aerial attacks to continuously repel the enemy during the
beleaguering battle that occurred during his first deployment. According to the decoration
citation, Sergeant Rhyner "provided suppressive fire with his M-4 rifle against enemy fire
while fellow teammates were extracted from the line of fire."
"The team survived this hellish scene ... not by chance, not by luck and not by the failings
of a weak or timid foe," General Schwartz said.
The general spoke emotionally and with gratitude for the team's devotion to duty and
courage in the line of fire.
"A grateful nation could not be more proud for what you do and no doubt what you will
do," the general said.
Lt. Col. Michael Martin, the 21st STS commander, echoed the efforts of Sergeant Rhyner
and the aviators from above.
"Zac -- systematically with (F-15E) Strike Eagles, A-10 (Thunderbolt IIs) and AH-64
(Apaches) -- unleashed hell on the enemy," Colonel Martin said. "The enemy had the
proverbial high ground that day on those mountain ridge lines, but it was the aviators in the
408
sky who truly held the highest ground."
Colonel Martin credited the 335th Fighter Squadron from Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C.,
and the 81st Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, for providing critical
close-air support during the battle. Sergeant Rhyner's demonstration of teamwork among
his colleagues and flying units was the linear theme of the ceremony.
For the same battle, an unprecedented 10 special forces Soldiers received Silver Stars, the
Army's third highest award for valor in combat.
"It all boils down to teamwork," Colonel Martin said to Sergeant Rhyner. "You did exactly
what you get paid to do -- kill the enemy -- and you did a damned good job."
Perhaps Sergeant Rhyner's heroism is bested only by his humility.
"Any other combat controller in the same position would've done just what I did," said the
NCO who was a senior airman at the time of the battle.
Sergeant Rhyner's father, Paul Rhyner, said he now has only one expectation for his son and
other special forces members in future missions.
"Come home safe; all of you," the elder Rhyner said.
THE BOOK HAS ENDED, BUT THE MISSION CONTINUES
READ MORE OF THE CONTINUING SAGA OF US AIR FORCE COMBAT CONTROL TEAMS AT:
http://ccthistory.arrowmaker.com/introduction.HTML
409

FINAL - EOS - CHAPTER 6.2

Transcription

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