CNN Combat Control Video

TSgt Dryer's piece aired last Friday on Lou Dobbs Tonight.

It is a very nice piece... with the exception of Lt Col Staha's name being spelled wrong, and a reference to combat controllers as "combat air controllers." Other than that, the piece does a great job portraying the heroics and dedication of TSgt Dryer.

AMY C. COOPER, 1st Lt, USAF

Chief, Operations

AFSOC Public Affairs

Hurlburt Field FL

Fire Support Specialist Position

The purpose of this position is to develop and direct the implementation of short and long term plans, policies, and procedures relating to specialized SOF operations and integrated Fire Support.

Develops, manages, and oversees the training, standardization, evaluation, and combat employment of all unit-assigned Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) in accordance with applicable Air Force Instructions and Joint Regulations.

This link will take you to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) site for complete details about this position at Pope, AFB N.C.

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/ftva.asp?seeker=1&JobID=68845242

Robert Pittman's Fundraising Page for The Scott Firefighter Stairclimb

We are close to making our donations goal but not quite there yet.
The link below makes the process very, very easy and you can donate any amount that you choose, and of course any amount is greatly appreciated. I know all of us have had loved ones that have fought the ultimate battle with cancer and experienced all the ugliness involved. This is a worthy cause that helping children that have the dreaded disease. The event that I am running is grueling, this will be my fourth time and believe me it is not getting easier. If I did not believe I would not be putting myself through the ringer.

Again, thank you all for your support and hope to see your name on the donation contributor's list.

I will let you all know how the event goes after itis over.

Thank you,
Robert "Pitt" Pittman

https://www.active.com/donate/17thscottstairclimb/pitt1

Air Force appeal for people to apply for CRSC

This is an Air Force appeal for people to apply for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC).

Some Combat Controllers STILL may not be aware of this DISABILITY SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT.

http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,161534,00.html?wh=benefits&ESRC=retirees.nl

Solicitation of Funds

The Combat Control Association (CCA) Board of Directors (BoD) met in January 2008 and amongst other agenda items, outlined annual organizational goals. High on that list was fund raising to meet objectives of the CCA.

One facet of the fund raising effort will be targeted toward monetary support to monuments and commemorative memorabilia at the new Combat Control School campus and the Crate Advanced Skills Training Center. Contributions can be directly earmarked for those projects. Please recall that the Association is organized as a not for profit organization in accordance with the laws of the state of Florida and the Internal Revenue Service. Corporate donations have been received and will continue to be pursued. We still encourage networking with business enterprises of which many retired CCT members have formed a close association. Some personal donations have also been received and the CCA leadership encourages further individual support.

A second venture deals with raising funds to defray unit costs for such things as award ceremonies, building dedications and recognition programs. Unit Advisory Councils drain their funds to host receptions for these events. A “pass the hat” approach was recently used to offset costs at a medal ceremony for Special Tactics warriors that received national media attention and was attended by high-ranking civil and military dignitaries. Active duty leaders have been reaching into their pockets for years to fund these expenses. The CCA would like to take some of that burden from their pocketbooks. Many loyal members have been very generous in supporting the “hospitality room” at the annual CCA reunions. We would like to take that basic concept a step further and solicit support that will be earmarked for official, but unfunded functions.

I have appointed Rick Crutchfield as Chairman of the new Memorial & Unit Support Fund Committee. He will need help and therefore, I'm asking the CCA membership for volunteers to assist in this endeavor. Rick has seeded the Unit Support Fund with a $100 donation and would like to challenge a segment of the membership (Retired Chiefs) to match that contribution. Of course all donations from all ranks will be greatly appreciated. Please specify on your personal check if you have a preference, which fund (Memorial or Unit Support) you would like to support. The CCA BoD believes we can make a difference and with your help – we will!

To volunteer for the committee or request further information, please contact him at (850) 396-5189, rwcrutch@mchsi.com or rwcrutch@hotmail.com.

Mail donations to the Combat Control Association, Post Office Box 432, Mary Esther, FL 32569.

Fraternally,

Wayne G. Norrad, CMSgt, USAF (Ret.)
President, Combat Control Association

CCA Reunion 2008 Announcement

For Your Information,

The Combat Control Association Board of Directors (BOD) met on 30 Jan 2008. The BOD voted to hold the 2008 CCA Reunion from 29 Oct – 2 Nov 2008 at the Ramada Inn Beach Resort, Ft. Walton Beach, FL.

Travel days are 29 Oct and 2 November. The schedule of events is yet to be determined, but will likely include a Golf Tournament, Barbeque, Memorial Service, Static Display/ST Briefing, Business Meeting, and Banquet (Sat. evening, 1 Nov 08). Non-sponsored events may include the STO/CCT of the Year Ceremony, a Spouse Gathering and training events or a conference hosted by the local (Hurlburt Field) organization(s).

We have the dates locked in at the Ramada and have the same facilities available as last year (I.e., Oasis Hospitality Room & Empire Banquet Room).

Official announcement, schedule, room reservation information and registration procedures will be forthcoming in our quarterly Newsletter and CCA Blog site.

Wayne

New Position Battlefield Air Operations (BAO) Systems Test Engineer

Battlefield Air Operations (BAO) Systems Test Engineer

Requires at least 10 to 15 years of experience in testing, evaluating, operating, maintaining, analyzing, and/or trouble-shooting systems supporting Battlefield Air Operations. Knowledge of USAF Special Tactics combat controllers operational employment is required. Experience with mini-UAVs, data link and Target Transfer Equipment, and/or Special Operations field equipment, and the skills to apply those principles within USAF Developmental Test and Evaluation programs is highly desired. Experience in executing test missions at DoD installations and other test locations is desired. Must have a demonstrated ability to lead and direct the work of others. Must be able to work effectively as part of a team and to direct the work of others on occasion. Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Proficiency in the use and integration of Microsoft Office applications is required.

Accomplishes test and evaluation of major Air Force and joint-service test programs. Provides technical leadership in an engineering role, which includes review of customer requirements and participation in test planning meetings. Plans, executes, and reports the developmental testing of Special Operations BAO programs including: BATMAV, BRITES, HMI/Tactical Earpiece, and M2M interface. Provides scientific and technical support to include test planning, test procedures, and test data collection. Develops and writes methods of test for the system under test. Attends meetings as necessary to provide briefings, information, and/or technical support. Responsible for planning, executing, and assessing digital data links in both testing and training operations. Analyzes test results and documents findings to the primary customer.

1. Must be able to work effectively alone, unsupervised or in groups - 100%.
2. Must present smooth, knowledgeable, professional appearance to the government client - 100%.
3. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.
4. Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

We're looking for a Test Engineer with BAO experience to hire at the 46th Test Squadron at Eglin.

J.M. "Hotmike" Hokkanen Jacobs

Technology Inc (TEAS Team)

Developmental Test Support Department

46th Test Squadron/OGEJ

101 East Daytona Road - Room 109

Eglin AFB, FL 32542

joel.hokkanen.ctr@eglin.af.mil

Tampa Combat Control Mini Reunion

Combat Control Mini Reunion
February 15,16,17


Pack up your shorts and suntan lotion…the first ever Tampa CCT mini reunion will be February 15,16,17.

Bob and Colleen Holmes and Steve and Helen McLeary have teamed up to be your hosts and hope you can make it.

Please RSVP via email or phone to Steve McLeary by 10 February.

Friday 15 February 6:30 pm

Steve and Helen McLeary will host the evening and provide all the food and fixings. Please Bring Your Own Beverages
The address is 6938 Cohasset Circle, Riverview Florida 33578. 813-503-0171


Saturday 16 Feb

Golf at MacDill AFB: Tee times start at 12:04
We currently have six tee times so we can handle 24 golfers. We can request more if we have more players.

We will have a scramble format. Green fees are around $30 and then we will throw in ten bucks for a team competition tournament.

We have six tee times starting at 12:04

Saturday 16 Feb 6:30 pm:

Bob and Colleen Holmes will host a cook your own steak at their house and will provide side dishes and beverages. Just toss $10 bucks in the hat for a steak. Address is 2917 W. Knights Ave Tampa, Fl 33611.
813-831-4504


Sunday 17 February

10:30 am Brunch at Jackson's on waterfront in downtown Tampa. They have a great selection and we have reservations for 30 people. Cost is $23 per person and that includes the tip and tax. Champaign is extra. We need to provide total number of people by 10 Feb.

Jackson’s is located at 601 South Harbor Island Blvd Suite 100 Tampa, Florida 33602 813-277-0112.


There are several conventions taking place that weekend and most of the downtown hotels are sold out. Recommend you check out a website called www.kayak.com
And you can find all the hotels in the Tampa area. The hotels on Westshore blvd will have the most availability and the military rates should be around $98 per night. The hotels near the airport are about a 30 minute drive to the base, the Holmes house, and Jackson’s. The airport is about a 45 minute drive to Steve and Helen’s.

For those who want to try and stay on base the billeting office number is 813-828-4259 . As of 1 February they have 20 rooms available on 15, 16, and 17 February. Reservations for retired military can be made three days in advance.



Phone Numbers:

Bob and Colleen Holmes 813-831-4504 ccholmes@aol.com

Steve and Helen McLeary 813-503-0171 mclearysl@specialops.org

Jackson’s 813-277-0112

MacDill Golf Course 813-840-6905

Billeting 813-828-4259


Directions to Steve and Helen’s
Take I-4 to I 75 south and exit at 301 Riverview South.
Go south on 301 to Krycul street (two lights) Go to the stop sign and turn right on Lake St. Charles Blvd. Continue straight to the T intersection and turn left on Colonial drive. Go 100 yards and turn right on Cohasset Circle. The house yellow and located on the corner lot with a fence and pool cage.

Directions to Bob and Colleen’s house
Proceed toward MacDill AFB on Bayshore Blvd turn right on Knights Avenue. The house is on the right about the middle of the block. Knight Avenue is located south of Bay to Bay. If you pass Gandy you went too far.


We look forward to seeing you in TAMPA!!!