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