24 STS Parachuting Injury

Dear CCA Members,

Combat Controller, TSgt Jack Fanning, was seriously injured upon landing on a night freefall parachute jump in NM on Monday night. Jack was previously stationed at 23 STS, spent time as a Combat Control School Instructor and is presently assigned to Green Team at 24 STS. Jack's injury was initially life threatening, but with immediate medical care, Life Flight evacuation and later surgery, he is still with us... thank God for that! It does appear that his injury may be life altering, so please pray for the best for Jack and his family as he continues to deal with his injuries.

As a side note, Jack is a big supporter of the Combat Control Association (CCA) and was our CCA representative at the CCT School during part of his tour there. He is CCA Life Member 1056. He's also a very good friend and I am very deeply saddened by this tragic accident. Following are messages from 720 STG/CC and 24 STS/DO

Fraternally,
Wayne Norrad
President, CCA


I am saddened to report two injuries during a parachute operation in NM two nights ago. One very serious. Details found below. Please keep both members, especially TSgt Fanning and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

TN
BRADLEY P. THOMPSON, Col, USAF

The following is a (modified) report from Maj Mason Dula (24 STS/DO) to Col Thompson:

Subject: 24 STS Parachuting Injury

Sir,
Training operations in New Mexico last (Monday) night resulted in the injury of two of our operators. SSgt Adam Fachan, one of our PJs, has a broken bone in his leg which medical experts assure us will heal fully, and allow him to quickly return to duty.

One of our CCT, TSgt Jack Fanning, was evacuated to an Army Medical Center in El Paso Texas, and remains in serious condition. No one else was injured during the training, and our own STS medical personnel were present at the site of injury to render immediate first aid. The emergency response plan was activated, leveraging Life Flight (rotary wing) lift to the point of injury, and rapidly delivering Fanning (FG) to higher care, accompanied by one of our Physician Assistants--we have unit members at FG's bedside now, as he recovers from a significant surgery performed by top-notch specialists.

Early reports are that the surgery went well--but it is too early to speculate on either the results of the surgery, or the enduring nature of FG's injuries.

His family and he will have a tough road ahead, and can definitely use the career field's love and prayers. For FG's brothers-in-arms across the community, I'd ask for some tactical patience as FG battles these injuries--MSgt Robert Bartleson (919) 478-4097) is our Family Liaison Officer, and is managing the outpouring of concern for FG and his family, and allowing them to focus on the near-term way ahead. All offers of support and condolence should route through MSgt Bartleson for the next several days.

It's been exceptional watching the 24 STS rally around a brother sir--know there are warriors lined up across the community to do the same. Hooyah to all.

v/r

DA
Maj Mason Dula
24 STS/DO

"End of report"