Thursday, September 30, 2010

Another Fallen Warrior







Team,

With great sadness, I want to inform you that SrA Mark A. Forester, CCT 21 STS, was killed in action today in southern Afghanistan.

Our prayers are with his mother, father and brother.

Memorial and internment plans are TBD.

RA

ROBERT G. ARMFIELD
COL USAF
Commander, 720th Special Tactics Group



Link to Mark Forester memorial site:

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Memorial Comments

On behalf of the men and women of the 21st Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron in Afghanistan and Iraq, I am honored to share some words in remembrance of Danny “SZ” Sanchez: son, brother, friend, teammate, warrior, servant, and great American.

Since the first U.S forces set foot on Afghan soil following 9/11, the warriors of Special Tactics have been serving, fighting, and sometimes dying in this conflict against an enemy who seeks to destroy the way of life of all who desire freedom and liberty. Danny was just 14 years old on 9/11, but he knew the history of Special Tactics in this war, and he aspired, as we all do, to live up to the legacy established by those who have gone before us.

Today in Afghanistan, ensuring the responsible employment of airpower has become a top priority for commanders at all levels, and when a Combat Controller steps onto the battlefield, he does so with the knowledge that the success or failure of his actions has potentially strategic consequences. That’s no small load to bear, and we ask young men like Danny Sanchez to carry that load every day. As a 23 year-old Airman on his first deployment, Danny did so flawlessly.

I got to know Danny during the week that we all spent together at Pope prior to deployment. Danny stands out in my mind as a guy who carried himself with confidence and maturity, who always had a smile and a greeting, and who’s infectious personality positively influenced all around him. And anyone who got to know him, soon learned of his love for his mom, Yvette, and his fiancĂ©, Linda—they were never far from his mind. I had not seen Danny since a few days after our arrival in Afghanistan, but I have talked to many guys who did, and by all accounts he was loving life as a special operator.

But Danny Sanchez was much more than an Airman and a Special Operator. He was a warrior-servant of the finest tradition. By volunteering for the Combat Control career field, Danny knew that he was volunteering to place himself in harms way in service to the nation. He did so willingly, and he did not ask for anything in return. He was driven to confront the enemies of our nation face-to-face in the dark of night in far-away places around the world. He was compelled to brave great danger in order to free the oppressed and to ensure that the citizens of our great country do not live in fear of an attack on our soil. Danny Sanchez was a warrior-servant who paid the ultimate price while ensuring that millions of Americans, most of whom will never know the sacrifice he made, can sleep safely in their beds at night and enjoy the freedoms that they too often take for granted. And so I ask the question, “Where do we find men such as this?“

For our fellow warriors in attendance today, rest assured that your Special Tactics and joint SOF brothers on the battlefield in Afghanistan and Iraq have things well in hand. As these words are being read, our teammates are engaged in operations to seek and destroy enemy forces, some in the very region where Danny was killed. So-called experts assert that ten percent of any insurgent movement is comprised of hard-core fighters who cannot be turned and must be killed. The Special Tactics operators here in theater take a particular interest in that demographic group, and we are doing much to eliminate it through the employment of lethal airpower with a level of discrimination and precision that is unmatched in history. We will honor Danny Sanchez through our ruthless pursuit of the enemy—just as he would want and expect us to do.

To Yvette, to Linda, to the rest of Danny’s family, to his teammates, and to his friends, Danny Sanchez set an example of love of life, of warrior ethos, and of selfless service that we would all do well to match. And by striving for the high standard that he set, may we continue to honor the sacrifice that he made. From down range, our thoughts and prayers are with you all as we celebrate his life and mourn the loss of one of our nation’s finest.

First There . . . That Others May Live.
Lt Col Parks Hughes
Commander, 21 ESTS
Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan

Saturday, September 25, 2010

2010 Combat Control Association Reunion

Remember the CCA Reunion is only one month away, 21-23 Oct 2010.

If you want to play with a particular group during the CCA Golf Tourney, let John Butler know. His email address is Buzzcct55@yahoo.com


Reunion Schedule
(Times still subject to change)

Wednesday – 20 Oct 2010
Registration 1200–1800
Hospitality Suite 1600 – 2200

Thursday – 21 Oct 2010
Special Tactics Display & Brief 1000
CCA Barbeque 1300
Registration 1000 – 1800
Hospitality Suite 1700 – 2200
Country Store 1600 – 2000

Friday – 22 Oct 2010
Golf Tournament 0800
Poker Tournament 1700 – 2300
Registration 1200 – 2200
Hospitality Suite 1200 – 2200
Country Store 1200 – 2000

Saturday – 23 Oct 2010
CCT Memorial Service 1000
CCA Business Meeting 1300
Banquet Check-In Start 1700
Cocktail hour 1730
CCA Banquet 1830
Registration 0900 – 1200
Hospitality Suite 1500 – 1730 & After Banquet
Country Store 1200 – 1700 & After Banquet

Sunday - 24 Oct 2010
Departure Day

RC

Danny Sanchez R.I.P.

The CCA was asked by Mike to put out this link to what he’s put together on Danny

Danny Sanchez R.I.P.

It contains numerous pictures, 3 videos, and a "Cheezy" tee.

Thanks for all you do! Mike McReynolds, LM-173

Friday, September 24, 2010

Fond farewell: Over 600 pay last respects to airman

Yvette Sierra Duchene, spoke to the mourners and read a poem she
wrote, titled "Red Beret Sea," about her emotions that followed the news that her son had died in combat.

"I wrote a poem because I wanted to say so many things I didn't know how to say," Duchene said.

The poem read in part:
" 'Your son died in combat,' are the words I still hear / as the blue ocean waves whispered in my ear. / 'He made the ultimate sacrifice' he continued to say / 'Our Brother, Your Son, wouldn't have it any other way.' "

After reading the poem, she made a challenge to everyone in the audience.
"I challenge you to live like Daniel lived," Duchene said. "It's not easy because he took it one day at a time. Get up, go to work, put a smile on your face and enjoy every second of your life."

Link to article:
http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_16158319

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

SrA Sanchez's Memorial - Hurlburt Fld

All,

SrA Sanchez's local memorial service will be held on the 28th of Sept @ 0900 at the Freedom Hangar, Hurlburt Fld., FL.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

SrA Sanchez Funeral/Memorial

Update:

23 Sept 2010 Timeline:

0930 - Funeral Ceremony Begins
1030 - Funeral Ceremony Ends, Last Goodbyes 1100 - Transport SZ to Fort Bliss National Cemetery 1130 - Burial at Fort Bliss National Cemetery

Location for funeral service:

Cielo Vista Church
3585 N Lee Trevino Dr
El Paso, TX 79936-1011
(915) 595-0288


Fort Bliss National Cemetery
5200 Fred Wilson Boulevard
P.O. Box 6342
Fort Bliss, TX 79906
Phone: (915) 564-0201
FAX: (915) 564-3746

Currently finalizing air, please get your list to me soonest...

V/R

KH

Friday, September 17, 2010

Fallen Warrior




ST brotherhood lost a warrior today on the Afghanistan battlefield.

SrA Dan Sanchez (CCT from 23 STS) was killed 16 Sept in vicinity of Tarin Khowt, AFG.

The next of kin notification is complete and memorial/funeral arrangements are in development.

Please keep his family and teammates in your thoughts and prayers.

ROBERT ARMFIELD
COL USAF
Commander, 720th Special Tactics Group

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Col Claude Tudor Promotion

Ron,

Can you let the team know I will have my 0-6 promotion on 4 Oct at 1100L at building 900 (1182 Hurst Dr, Pope AFB) with a small party to follow. Military should wear UOD and civilians attire is casual. All STS welcome to attend. Brig Gen OG Mannon will officiate and I look forward to seeing those who can make it.

Thanks!

Claude Tudor
CCA LM-398

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

STO Call for Command Eligibility

“Attention STO Majors and Lieutenant Colonels: AFSOC has posted the COMMANDO EAGLE Board call for nominations for Special Tactics Command Opportunities in FY 11. If you have not received subject message and desire to compete for ST command in FY11, please contact Lt Col Glenn Palmer @ glenn.palmer@hurlburt.af.mil or (850) 884-2289. If you do not plan on competing, please drop him a quick note indicating you do not intend to seek nomination. PR sends.”

Next beer is on me…thanks bro!

Lt Col Glenn "Krusty" Palmer
DSN 579-2289
Comm 850-884-2289
BB 850 758 6533

Sunday, September 5, 2010

CCT Mini-Reunion Las Vegas 2011

Sean McPartland, Scotty Light, and Phil Freeman have put together a mini reuinion in "Vegas Baby" Mar 24th - Mar 27.

Here is the Link that tells you all about it.

cctlasvegas2011.com.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Job for Someone w/BAO Kit Experience

Looking for someone who has Portable Tactical radio communications and Joint Terminal Control experience.

Also someone who is know within the joint community.

The current employee's last day is 09/17/2010. This is a contracted position.

Thank you,

Roger L. Powell
TEAS Contractor
46TS/OGEC/IBDSS
850-882-0777 (W)
850-376-1682 (C)
850-882-2728 (fax)

SUAS Program Management - CONUS

DESCRIPTION:
Provide oversight of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS) Program Management and training program while providing Joint Terminal Attack Control (JTAC) support and instruction. Interested individuals will eventually be qualified as both SUAS pilot and trainer. Personnel must develop and maintain SUAS specific training folders for maintenance of flight logs and SUAS training documentation. Personnel are required to train selected personnel in SUAS operations.

LOCATION:
Hurlburt Field, FL USA

REQUIREMENTS:
A minimum of 2 years JTAC experience as defined in AFI 13-112 Volumes 1 and 2. A JTAC-I or JTAC-SEE qualification is highly desirable. Individuals preferably should come from either the TACP/CCT/Combat Weather or another SOF related field. Applicants must have a current Secret security clearance. A Top Secret security clearance is desirable.

BENEFITS:
Medical, dental & vision,
Four Weeks of Paid Time Off
10 paid holidays
401(k) Retirement Plan
Company paid Short and Long Term Disability
Company paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
United Health Plan
Legal Resources Plan
Education/Tuition Reimbursement
Business Banking Membership
AND more….

CONTACT: Email resume and salary requirements to resumes@dcapsinc.com Please reference your name and this job title in the subject line. DCAPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)