Saturday, February 27, 2010

CCT Wounded in Action

Yesterday (26 Feb 2010) -- SSgt David White was wounded when the convoy he was riding in experienced an IED. His injuries include head and face lacerations and fractures to several upper and lower teeth. Additional X-rays and CT scan fortunately showed negative signs of any other fractures. He should be discharged from the hospital today and it is our hope he can stay in theater and get back to the fight.

HooYah-

TN sends

BRADLEY P. THOMPSON, Col, USAF
Commander, 720 STG

Saturday, February 20, 2010

SSgt Tim Davis Memorial Push Ups


Don’t forget your Memorial Push Ups for SSgt Tim Davis. Tim was assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.; Killed in action at Oruzgan, Afghanistan, 20 Feb 09 of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Fallen Comrade

OBITUARY

FROM: EMERALD COAST FUNERAL HOME
Phone: 850-864-3361 Fax: 850-864-2483


Jerry Rhein
1933 – 2010

Jerry Rhein went to be with the Lord on Feb 15, 2010, at the age of 76.He was born on March 20, 1933 in Vineland, NJ to Edwin and Mildred Rhein. Jerry knew from a young age he was destined to soar with the eagles. At the age of 16 he performed his first solo and received his private pilot’s license. After he attended 2 years at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio he decided to enlist in the Air Force as a Cadet. He graduated with his wings and received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in March1955. While he was at Miami University he met and married Jeanne Graham Rhein. During his 20 year career in the Air Force he received many awards and commendations; most notably the Silver Star for his role in the Son Tay Raid, a raid on a POW camp just south of Hanoi, North Vietnam to free American POW’s. He was the last plane out!He was a member of several military affiliations including the Air Commando Association, the Raven's and Quiet Birdman (QB's). In 1997 he was selected to the Air Commando’s Hall of Fame. Upon retirement he continued his quest of flight by flying as a civilian pilot for Bird Air, Britt Airways and as a corporate pilot.
In December 1989 he began volunteering with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department Posse and worked closely with the Traffic unit. This past December he was recognized for 20 years of service and contributing more than 12,000 volunteer hours to the department.He is survived by his son Paul J Rhein and wife Marilou, his daughter Jennifer Seay and husband Randal, and two grandchildren, Jessica and Bobby. He is also survived by his sister Janet Spring and two nieces.

Jerry has completed his final mission. Peach One out.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Hurlburt Memorial Air Park on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation or the charity of your choice. Emerald Coast Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family would like to thank Covenant Hospice for their care during his final days and the Air Commando Association for their help in planning the Memorial Service.

Expressions of Sympathy may be viewed and submitted online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com


Some older CCTers may know of Jerry. He was a member of the Son Tay raid.

Wayne

Saturday, February 6, 2010

BNA Mini Reunion

FIRST ALERT -- I received the following from Billie so make your plans, hope to see you there.

Tim McCann

Tim here's the info on the Nashville get together: Dates are May 13, 14 15 departing on the 16th. We'll be staying at the Wingate hotel in Franklin. This is a different hotel than last year . email address is www.wingatehotels.com Phone # is 615-277-8700. Mention CCA or my name when making reservations. Any problems ask for Donna.

The room cost is less than last year at $79.00 for doubles and king's and 89,00 for king suites. The hospitality room is free, Of course these prices don't include tax. We all know how cheap hotel taxes are. Rooms are extremely nice.

We'll be eating at the Boxwood bistro. This is the same place as last year. Cost of the meal will be $40 - $45 . This includes tax and gratuity.

As far as I know right now we'll be playing golf at the Nashboro village golf course.Bill Covington is taking care of this. Everything should be the same as in the past.

Schedule of events.
May 13 Hospitality suite opens when we need it.
May 14 Golf and war stories............
May 15 Social at 1800 and dinner at 1900 war stories...Golf.....
May 16 Check out if you want


As all of you know the Nashville mini reunion is extremely informal. There is plenty of time .for shopping hanging out and enjoyment. I would say for drinking, but that's changed a lot over the years. Come on out and see all of your buddies. None of us are getting any younger.If you need me to make any reservations let me know. I'm in the directory.

Directions:
From North: I-65 South to Exit 69 Moores Lane/Galleria Boulevard. After exiting, stay under the sign that reads Galleriea Boulevard *Mall Traffic*. At the third traffic light, turn left onto Baker's Bridge Avenue. At the second traffic light, turn left onto Carothers Parkway. The hotel will be on the rigth side.
From South: I-65 North to exit 68 Cool Springs Boulevard East. At the first traffic light, turn left onto Carothers Parkway. The hotel will be approximately a half mile on the right side.


Tim thanks for your help. If I missed anything please let me know.


Billie

Thursday, February 4, 2010

ATC Leader Video

Gents,
The link below has some good kudos on the Combat Controllers who preceded
the Air National Guard's air traffic controllers who took over control as we
pulled our CCT out.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=78491

Wayne
Wayne G. Norrad

Monday, February 1, 2010

Another CCT Wounded in Action




This past Friday -- TSgt Doug Neville of the 22 STS suffered a gunshot wound to his right leg. The bullet struck him in the calf, exited, then entered and lodged in his thigh. The bullet was removed and he is now stable. He was also hit by another round into the back chest plate of his body armor, but suffered no wound from that round. Lastly, he fractured his right ankle after jumping off the roof to take cover from sniper fire.

He is in good spirits and will be making his way back to Walter Reed Medical Center in the coming days for follow on treatment. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he recovers.

Wayne Norrad sends on behalf of Col Brad Thompson (720 STG/CC)
End of report.
Wayne