Another CCT Passes

Don Mirabile called this morning to let us know the sad news that James A. Hiser (CCA LM-720) passed away last night (29 Nov 10) due to a heart attack. Mr. Hiser lived in Del Rio Texas, and Don said he would pass more info as it becomes available. Please keep Jim’s family in your prayers.

RC

Info on fallen

I am looking for historical/biographical information on Jerry Bennett, Mike Nazionale, Scrogg and Mark Lee. I have nice photos of all four posted in the hallway of my building here at the 24 but don't have any solid background to put in with them. Would you pass the word through CCA to see if anyone has additional info or contact names and numbers for either parents or widows? I'll gladly put it together myself from there. Anyone with info can contact me at desertdano@msn.com


Cheers
Dano

SSgt. Jeremy King Air Force's Top Combat Controller for 2009

SSgt. Jeremy King, a member of the 320th Special Tactics Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan, is the Air Force's top combat controller for 2009. The recently promoted sergeant earned the award after a year that saw him supporting combat operations from a remote firebase in Afghanistan and serving as the lead air traffic controller at an airfield in Indonesia after a devastating earthquake struck that nation. "To be honest, I didn't know there was an Air Force-level award for Combat Control Airman of the Year," said King. He added, "[T]his is a truly humbling experience. Combat control is a small community with so many outstanding warriors. To be recognized within this community is unbelievable." King has received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Air Force Combat Action medals.

President Bush salutes veterans during visit to Air Force Museum

11/12/2010 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) -- Former President George W. Bush praised veterans, active-duty personnel and their families during a speech at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Nov. 11, 2010. The 43rd president served as the keynote speaker for a special Veterans Day tribute there.

President Bush began by talking about his move from the White House to his own house in Dallas, where he lives with his wife Laura, and their dog, Barney. He then transitioned into the importance of paying tribute to the children of veterans and active-duty members.

LINK TO ARTICLE:
http://www.af.mil/news/story_print.asp?id=123230677

CCA Blog Communications Problem

My home email excct@mchsi.com has been down for about 9 days now (10 November 2010) and I’m not sure when it will be back up. If you have anything of CCT interest that you would like/need posted immediately send it to Ronbo139@gmail.com .

More to follow.

RC

American Heroes in Special Operations Book

Recently released book “American Heroes in Special Operations” written by Oliver North and edited by Chuck Holton has lots of ST warriors mentioned in it. I was called by the editor a few months ago and relayed some information to him. We hit it off pretty good since he was a former Army Ranger and jumped into Panama. He followed through with some good articles where ST warriors are getting equal recognition for their heroics. This is probably the biggest break though for our ST operators to be equally recognized with the Rangers, SEALS, SF, etc.



I bought my copy on Amazon.com, total with shipping was about $20. Read about Rhyner, Gutierrez, Stockdale, Cunningham, etc. The book also makes mention of SOWT and has a story on a Reserve PJ, Superman School (PJ) and lots about JTACs. Only disappointment was not much said about John Chapman. Overall… good stuff!


v/r,

Wayne

SSgt Girroir (CCT WIA)

SSgt Ray Girroir, 21 ESTS CCT was injured during a firefight in OEF Friday AM.

Ray is recovering nicely from surgery that cleaned some mortar frag from his body and is expected to make a full recovery.

RA
ROBERT ARMFIELD
COL USAF
Commander, 720th Special Tactics Group