Saturday, February 28, 2009

Fallen Heros


Dear CCA Members,

I've been sitting at home today thinking about the funeral service for SSgt Tim Davis. Understanding the pain and grief his wife Meagan, his Mom, Dad, other family members, close friends and his CCT brothers/teammates are feeling. I couldn't attend the service, so I wanted to do something today while honoring and remembering Tim. I decided it was appropriate to add Tim's picture to a slide that I made last fall -- of our other fallen brothers in the War-on-Terror. I've attached it for you.


As Tim is put to rest today, please render a salute to him and take a moment of silence to pray for Meagan and son, Tim Jr. (TJ). Later tonight, print the slide and render an appropriate TOAST in honor of all of them... John Chapman, Scott Sather, Jeremy Fresques, Derek Argel, Casey Crate, Adam Servais, Will Jefferson and Timothy Davis. What a great team they have assembled... may they all rest in peace -- together!


Sincerely,

Wayne Norrad,

President

Combat Control Association

Friday, February 27, 2009

JTAC to get Air Force Cross

By Bruce Rolfsen
- Staff writerPosted :
Friday Feb 27, 2009 17:02:02 EST

A combat controller is set to receive the Air Force Cross, the service’s second highest medal for valor, Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz announced Thursday at the Air Force Association’s winter conference.

Schwartz called Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner to stand at the beginning of his speech and detailed how the special operations airman called in air strike after air strike despite being wounded during a seven-hour battle in Afghanistan.

Rhyner, a special operations combat controller and joint terminal air controller assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., was part of an air assault on a high mountain valley in Afghanistan on April 6, 2008.

Click link below to read article:

http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/02/airforce_rhyner_afcross_022609/


SSgt Rhyner AFC Ceremony

On 10 March in Hanger 4 at Pope AFB, SSgt Rhyner, 21 STS, will receive the AF Cross.

TN

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Funeral arrangements for SSgt Timothy Davis

All,
Below is the current information in regards to the funeral arrangements for SSgt Davis.

Please pass to all personnel.

27 Feb 1600-2000 family/team member viewing @ Coleman Funeral home/open casket

28 Feb 1130-1230 open viewing at Montesano High School

1300 Memorial starts same location…Planned slide show/music/pastor/open microphone

- Transfer to motorcade push to cemetery (+/- 2 miles) funeral service

- Return to school for social event…small appetizers

Monday, February 23, 2009

Update on SSgt Davis Information

Dear CCA Members,

Details of SSgt Timothy Davis' service/funeral were not confirmed earlier today (Mon.) It looks like the funeral service will take place in Washington State on Saturday at 1100, exact location TBD. I believe the area is approximately 80-100 miles from McChord AFB, WA. The 1 SOW at Hurlburt Field, FL is trying to arrange airlift from Hurlburt to McChord and return. More to follow as it gets confirmed.

In addition to SSgt Tim Davis' death, two Special Forces NCOs were also killed by the IED and others critically wounded. Casualties include Staff Sgt Jeremy E. Bessa, 26, of Woodridge, IL and Master Sgt David L. Hurt, 36, of Tucson, AZ. Both were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, NC. Our sincere condolences go out to their families, teammates and friends. At this time I don't have any information on the other members who were injured, but believe they were also Army SF soldiers.

Wayne Norrad, President
Combat Control Association

JTAC Fire Support and Simulator Instructor

Rockwell Collins

One person knowledgeable in JTAC and Fire Support procedures to train MARSOF personnel and operate the training simulator. There will be 5 student stations (laptop computer). This position is at Camp Lejeune, NC and will involve very few travel days. The salary is going to be around $70,000 plus benefits. Look for a start date of around 1 April, 2009.

Contact Ted Mundelein for further information.

TED O. MUNDELEIN, JR.
Principal Program Manager
Rockwell Collins Simulation & Training Solutions
12600 Challenger Parkway, Suite 130
Orlando, FL 32826

E-Mail: tomundel@rockwellcollins.com

Sunday, February 22, 2009

CCA Information Update

Dear CCA Members,

At the CCA Board of Directors meeting on 11 Feb 2009, the Board voted in favor of holding the 2009 reunion at the Ramada Beach Resort in Fort Walton Beach, FL. The dates were adjusted to 14-18 Oct 2009 to make sure we have full availability of the Hospitality Room, a place to conduct the Will Jefferson Texas Hold 'em Tournament, Business Meeting and Banquet. Please mark your calendar accordingly. The schedule is not firm, but plans are to duplicate the 2008 schedule of events. More to follow after the contract is signed and the reunion committee meets and gets details sorted out.

Most are aware that we recently lost yet another Combat Controller in the War-On-Terror, SSgt Tim Davis, 23 STS, Hurlburt Field, FL. We will try to keep you abreast of any memorial ceremonies, funeral services, etc. Tim's remains arrived at Dover AFB, DE last night. Go to http://www.sgtmacsbar.com/ to see applicable pictures and articles about Tim. Thanks Mac (Mike McReynolds), Linda Crate and others for researching and posting these articles and pictures for our fallen comrade.

On a positive note, SSgt Zachary Rhyner, 21 STS, Pope AFB, NC will be awarded the Air Force Cross in Washington DC on 10 March 2009. We'll pass the details of the ceremony when they are firm.

My best regards to all and deepest sympathy to the Davis family and Tim's many friends and teammates as they grieve his loss.

Sincerely,

Wayne Norrad, President

Combat Control Association

Friday, February 20, 2009

Another CCT Lost



From Col Bradley Thompson, the Commander, 720th Special Tactics Group;


It is with great sadness that I inform you SSgt Timothy P. Davis, 23 STS was killed in Action today supporting operations in OEF when the vehicle he was riding in was struck by an IED.


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 DSN: 579-6055.


Thompson Sends
News Release:

Monday, February 16, 2009

Special tactics unit teaches skills to special operations Airmen


Special tactics unit teaches skills to special operations Airmen

by Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates Defense Media Activity-San Antonio

/11/2009 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) -- Spending hours in a pool in the warm Florida sun may sound like a vacation, but for trainees at the Air Force Special Operations Training Center's Special Tactics Training Squadron here, it's anything but. For these trainees, each of whom is a three-level combat controller, spending hours in a pool is all part of the training to earn their five level certification. The STTS teaches these trainees advanced skills they will need before being assigned to their first operational units.

To read this article and view video, click link below:
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123135136

Nashville 2009 Mini-Reunion Info

Thought it's about time to get the BNA info out. The dates are May 15, 16, and 17th.

We'll be staying at the same motel (the Hampton) in Franklin. The Hampton's phone # is 615-771-7225 or 1-800-Hampton, or on-line at http://www.nashvillefranklinsuites.hamptoninn.comm/. Group code is CCA.

Non smoking double-99.00 plus tax
Non smoking kings-99.00 plus tax
Non smoking king suite-119.00 plus tax

These rates are the same as last year. Reservations must be made by April 14th to get the group rate. Make them as soon as possible.

Event Schedule:
May 15 & 16th-Golf at Nashboro village tee times will be sent later.
May 16th-Dinner. Restaurant info will be sent later.
Hospitality room will be open starting Friday night May 15th.

If anyone wants to go to the Opry etc. they just need to let me know.


Thanks again.
Billie
From HR- I hope to be there

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Direct Counseling

This US Military member is utilizing effective direct counseling.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1GrdTakvl8

Beshear Calls Up Entire Nat'l Guard Due To Ice Storm

We are fortunate to have the Air Guard's 123rd Special Tactics Squadron in this effort," Tonini said. "Their expertise in search and rescue, coupled with ...


Link to article:


http://www.wlky.com/news/18611955/detail.html