Looking for Dyess Team members

Former members (60s and 70s) of the Dyess, Travis, & Dover AFB Teams: I would normally ask this of Clyde Howard or of "Moe" Lattimore: however, since they ,evidentially, are no longer with us- any of you who may remember James M. ( Jack ) Jackson (the NCO who came to Dyess from Webb AFB or from Mather AFB to Travis or from Andrews AFB to Dover. Sgt  Howard  I knew from Travis and Udorn, Thailand and North from both Dyess and Dover all for the purpose of jumping with  you ( I taught escape parachuting to air crew members ). I can't recall all the names of all the others. I, at the time, was a Physiological Training Instructor (now called Aerospace Physiology). I later became a member of the team at Dyess. I made some good friends among you and would like to establish contact with any of you whom I knew. Especially the guys at Udorn who gave me such a rousing evening when I dropped in on Clyde in 72 or 73 when I was coming through to make a jump with Mitrapab the next day.

Jack Jackson

jackjackson50@hotmail.com

 

Comms Specialist Opportunity in Afghanistan

The qualified applicant will become part of Northrop Grumman's Counter Narcoterrorism Global Support team working on a Rotary Wing Operations project in Kabul, Afghanistan. This is a 90/30 day rotating position that requires 90 day rotations in Afghanistan/30 days in a U.S. based office. While not deployed, work may be performed from home location.

Roles and Responsibilities:  

• Responsible for the direct training and mentoring of all Flight Operations personnel through the successful delivery of individual communications training, equipment maintenance, communications classes and operational support.

• Provide communications support to all Flight Operations personnel during training and while on operational missions.

• Provide direct communications support to Government Officials through mission planning, mission briefs and operational support.

• Maintain a TS level COMSEC account with US and Coalition Forces.

• Maintain communication equipment inventories.

• Prepare and deliver communication briefings to a vast array of government dignitaries, Coalition Forces and other Federal Organizations.

• Maintain and operate tactical radios to include: AN/PRC 117F/G, AN/PRC 152, AN/PRC-148 and the CSEL Survival Radio.   

Qualifications  

Basic Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree and 9 years of relevant military communications experience (equivalent to E-7 preferred), 13 years of relevant military communications experience may be taken in lieu of a degree.

• Instructional knowledge pertaining to programming, setup and maintenance of the following types of equipment (i.e Motorola Radios, HF Radios, AN/PRC-117F, AN/PRC-152, AN/PRC-117G, AN/PRC-148, AN/PRC-150, CSEL Survival Radio, Garmin GPS, COMSEC Procedures)

• Possess the ability to create written lesson plans and to provide Communications specific instruction to Flight Operations personnel using lesson plans, training aids and through practical exercises.

• Position requires a current Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret Clearance.   

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration: 

• Recent and relevant experience operating in Afghanistan

• Special Operations Forces (SOF) background with Subject Matter Expertise in Fixed Wing/Helicopter Operations and Professional Instruction

• Computer skills pertaining to advanced Networking, Security, Computer rebuilding, Printer configuration, specific software updating, specific radio programming software, Microsoft Windows XP/Vista, Microsoft Server 2007, Microsoft Office 2007.

Bob Kinder

President for U.S. Operations, DTI

Cell (360)561-1830

Bob.kinder@droptestllc.com

www.droptestinternational.com <http://www.droptestinternational.com/>

        SDVOSB Logo     VIP Medal_NatCenter

CLARK CCT REUNION

CLARK REUNION

1-10 Feb 2013

Why Not?  Originally the idea was brought up by several guys that wanted to come visit Mort Freedman. But, it appears that the guys that suggested it can not come and Mort may also be a no show due to deteriorating health.  But, we already have a handfull of guys, so we will press on with the reunion.

More info at:

http://www.margaritastation.com/clark2013/

Your Board of Directors had an awesome meeting last night.

The November BOD meeting minutes were approved and we will post on the CCA website.

We have one new Regular Life Member, Bernie Santos, who upgraded from annual membership. The BOD also voted to present Mrs. Alisa Barnes, mother of SrA Ty Barnes who passed in August, with an Associate Life Membership.

...

We have begun coordination on some new initiatives:

-CCT Hall of Fame, Rick Crutchfield volunteered to find a Chairman to organize this committee—looking to award at the next banquet.

-CCT Scholarship, Chris Larkin volunteered to coordinate with the family of one of our fallen to permanently memorialize the young man with a scholarship in his name; our intent is to provide this scholarship to a combat controller or family member enrolled in college—looking to award at the next banquet.

-Wounded Warrior needs, Sam Schindler volunteered to start a committee with an end goal to provide for immediate financial needs for CCT members.

-Individual and Corporate sponsorships, Mickey Wright will work to start this program.

-Tony Terrando proposed a budget and is working with our webmaster, Barry Gayles at Webvision to add a “DONATE/SPONSORSHIP” webpage connected to our CCA website.

Contact me directly for more information on any of the programs or to donate to one of the initiatives.

Additionally the CCA approved sponsorship of the Silver Star Wall and some of the displays at CCS and AFC statue at the Maxwell. Your BOD also voted to formalize the President’s Award and Active Duty CCT Award adding them to the Fox and Bennett Awards at CCS and Chapman Award at STTS.

Mickey Wright
CCA President

Larry O’Steen Photo Request

Frances Sanchez is assisting the wife of Larry O’Steen to locate pictures of Larry during his USAF career.  If anyone has any pictures of Larry please email Frances at  frances.sanchez@eglin.af.mil 

Thanks,

Mickey

NOTE!

Larry O'Steen is alive and well.

CCT Mini-Reunion in Vegas 2013

The CCT Las Vegas Mini Reunion is set. The dates are the 2nd to 5th May 2013 at the South Point Hotel. Go to cctreunionlasvegas.com Lets get signed up now.

The Eye of the Storm, Volume II - The GWOT Years

The Eye of the Storm, Volume II - The GWOT Years is the story of U.S. Air Force Combat Controllers beginning 9/11/2001 and running into 2012. It is now available at:

http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000565031/CCTThe-Eye-of-the-Storm.aspx

It is the perfect Christmas gift for the retired military historian or a motivator for the active high school senior who is looking for a patriotic way to contribute to the American way of life.

PTSD Study of Twins

http://www.martinos.org/shinlab/

My twin and I just participated in this research and we are the 'youngest' to have done so.  All the others were Viet Nam veterans with twins. Basically, Massachusetts General Hospital has been doing a long term research project on PTSD.  They have made several strides in identifying and treating PTSD by doing in-depth studies on twins: one who has been in combat and one who hasn't.  They are looking for a lot more folks to continue the research.  They pay for the trip to Boston and pay for the time of the participants.  Hopefully we have some in the career field who can help out all vets by contributing to the research.  If there are any questions, interested parties can feel free to contact me directly at daniel.kaster@us.af.mil.

Thanks,

Dan Kaster

A good example is the tallest kind of preaching.

-African proverb

8th Aerial Port Squadron Mobility Detach O. L. Military Reunion 2013 in Branson, MO

Event Dates: 10/8/2013-10/11/2013

Stone Castle Inn & conference Center

**Breakfast Buffet Daily

**Indoor Pools/Hot Tub

**Hospitality Room for your Group

ITINERARY

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Check into Hotel

Meet and Greet in Hospitality Room

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Breakfast Buffet at Hotel

Hospitality Room Available

3:00pm: Showboat Branson Belle Memorial Service

4:00pm: Showboat Branson Belle Dinner, Show & Cruise

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Breakfast Buffet at Hotel

Hospitality Room Available

6:00pm:  Meet with Photographer for Group Pictures

06:30pm:  Banquet Dinner with Missing Man Table & Ceremony

Friday, October 11, 2013

Breakfast Buffet at Hotel

Hospitality Room Available until Check-Out (11:00am)

Price per Person includes 3 Night Hotel Stay,

&  Itinerary Included Above:

Single: $331.09      Double: $205.54

                                               Triple:  $170.67        Quad:     $153.23

 Single (1 adult/2 beds)         Double (2 adults/2 beds)

                                                          Triple (3 adults/2 beds)         Quad     (4 adults/2 beds)

ALL ABOVE PRICING INCLUDES TAXES

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS!

Sign Up Deadline: August 8, 2013

Contact Vicki Cook at 800-268-4014

BRANSON TOURISM CENTER

Payment Policies:

All reservations must be made through Branson Tourism Center

at 1-800-268-4014.

Payment in full is required at time of reservation.

ALL changes and cancellations must go through Branson Tourism Center

Cancellation Policies:

Any cancellations will be charged a 10% service charge per person for each cancellation.

Any individual cancellation within 30 days of arrival are NON refundable.

ALL changes and cancellations must go through Branson Tourism Center

Optional Cancellation Protection Plan:

Cost is $25.00 per person (Non Refundable) due at Final Payment Deadline. 

Cancellations of individuals purchasing the plan  are as follows:

     Individuals may cancel up to 48 hours prior to groups arrival

     Refund of an individual will be given less a 10%  processing fee

     Any changes within 48 hours of arrival are Non-Refundable

     ***$25.00 Cancellation Protection Fee is not refundable for any reason.

"True Leadership: Leadership Lessons Inspired by the Apostle Paul"

"Leadership is influence. Leadership is making things happen. Leadership is about influencing people toward accomplishing an objective or task. Good leadership means the followers 'want' to do what the leader wants them to do. Leadership is inspiring people to do more than they think they can. True leadership encapsulates all that is good about leadership. True leadership glorifies God, edifies others, and builds His Kingdom."

And so begins "True Leadership: Leadership Lessons Inspired by the Apostle Paul", a new book released by Vinnie Venturella.

Venturella is the incoming Chair of the Board of Directors for the Fayetteville Regional Chamber, and sits currently on the board as chair of the Finance Committee. The retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant also works for First Citizens Bank on Fort Bragg.

http://business.fayettevillencchamber.org/news/details/future-chamber-board-chair-releases-true-leadership-book <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0011Ulll-Xcm2TcIXgbZmgqcVl7bJPE7HLrvcEWcHNF6Yehw6AVlTPAiuR00vG-fBFZgBm-nUPvbe0l--hUJ-zyP3xA7dnjFPVYQ0IGKAN9jzmzsgXUXUamNoBBp9ak23m0K_rDIDmMkpsz4SyzQds4vBislqkTKjEEgzr0MUPH6LtwajiYnElqN3FORwgEvyyUEA2wAEA9fwO203l80pgMuijkDagjrDU_ROR9ihFzt7I=>

Joint Terminal Attack Controller's (JTAC's)

We're looking for more JTACs CONUS and OCONUS.

DESCRIPTION:

JTAC Instructors will establish and maintain JTAC academics, Qualifications, provide instruction to JTAC trainees, and utilize simulators in support of training.  JTAC's will support and assist JTAC Instructors.

LOCATION:

Various Locations, CONUS and OCONUS.

REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates would have held or exceeded a JTAC qualification, JTAC-I Instructor qualification, have had special operations forces (SOF) background or as a JTAC during operational deployments.  Additionally it is highly desired that candidates have held a JTAC-SEE qualification. 

BENEFITS:

Company Leave

10 paid holidays

Investment options

Health Plan options

AND more…..

CONTACT:

Email your resume, salary, and location requirements to myresume@dcapsinc.com  

Please reference this job title and your name in the subject line.  DCAPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Job at Hurlburt

Here is a CCT Job 

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/329733700

Thanks, Mickster

Question about ATC unit at Quin Loi 1967/68

Hi. I was in charge of ATC at Quin Loi control tower assigned to 125th ATC in late '67 and early '68 but was also assigned to assist CCT activities around TET.  How do I find out about which teams or people who were assigned there?

           

            Chris Thomas <chris@christopherfthomas.com>

Postions Opening in NH and KY

"The Ambit Group" is bidding on a State Department contract and needs resumes for the proposal.  Folks can look at the attached links to see the types of positions available.  Any help is appreciated.  The positions are in Williamsburg, KY and Portsmouth, NH.

Thanks,

Ben Madden

Description: Logo Rev.gif <http://www.theambitgroup.com/>

Ben Madden, MSOD PHR

Director of HR

703.956.1608 Direct

240.498.4370 Mobile

703.935.4774 efax

Ambit Group is a Leading Woman-Owned, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Consulting Firm Dedicated to the Federal Market Place

theambitgroup.com <http://www.theambitgroup.com/>

Description: cid:image001.gif@01CABAF6.85794980 <http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ambit-Group/112805955411555>

Description: cid:image004.gif@01CABAF6.85794980 <http://twitter.com/TheAmbitGroup>

Special Tactics Airmen earn Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart

9/28/2012 - Pope Field, N.C. -- When the critical moment came there was courage.

There was courage from an Airman who moved into the line of fire to retrieve bodies of fallen Afghan commandos.

Another Airman risked sniper fire to call in air support. One Airman continued to fight despite shrapnel wounds from a hand grenade.

Three Air Force Special Operations Command combat controllers from the 21 Special Tactics Squadron were recognized for actions downrange in a medals ceremony at Pope Field, N.C., Sept. 25.

Here is the link to the article on the 21 STS medals ceremony -

http://www.afsoc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123320030

Robotic Systems Joint Project Office (RSJPO) Opening

Brief Job Description:

This is a full-time position for training in the use of and robotic repair of militarized robotic platforms for the Robotic Systems Joint Project Office (RSJPO). Candidate must be a US Citizen and able to obtain a DoD Security Clearance. Two years of Vocational Experience in basic mechanics and maintenance is required OR at least five years of relevant experience. Prior Military service or RSJPO experience is a plus. Travel may be required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

This is a full-time, permanent position. Under administrative direction, candidate must be knowledgeable in the electrical, electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic operation, maintenance, and repair actions of militarized robotic platforms for the Robotic Systems Joint Project Office (RSJPO) in the following functions:

1. Perform daily maintenance and repairs of RSJPO robotic systems and subsystems.

2. Perform daily troubleshooting, fault isolation, calibrations, and the configuring of radio frequencies in electronic, electro mechanical, and electro hydraulic components on robots; as well as perform software programming, analysis of malfunction reports, and removing and replacing of subsystems and parts on systems and subsystems.

3. Submit work orders, document repair time, and request parts required to repair robotic systems via COLTS daily.

4. Maintain accountability and readiness of tools and shop supplies for robotic repairs of systems and subsystems.

5. Provide recommendations in the analysis, design, development, and facilitation of RSJPO training materials for acquisitions and when systems and subsystems are modified or upgraded.

6. Provide after action training reports to the customer, summarizing the outcome of all training provided.

7. Based on military unit requests, provide training of systems and subsystems via Maintenance and Repair Course (RMRC), Mobile Training Teams (MTTs), and New Equipment Training (NET) to Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Army National Guard (ANG), and Marine and Army Reserve units.

8. Perform maintenance, repairs, and functional tests of RSJPO robotic training systems and subsystems after each training class.

9. Maintain accountability of all training equipment and systems in COLTS and Property Book Unit Supply Enhanced (PBUSE).

Wayne Gardner

CEO

T&W Operations, Inc

A service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business

http://www.tnwops.com <http://www.tnwops.com/>

Office (256) 535-0857

Fax (256) 535-0926

Cell (256) 759-2082

Chief Master Sergeant Dean A. Thompson Retirement Ceremony

Colonel Kurt W. Buller

requests the pleasure of your company

at a Retirement Ceremony in honor of

Chief Master Sergeant Dean A. Thompson

on Friday, the twenty-eighth of September, two thousand twelve

at half past eleven o'clock in the morning

Soundside Marina Pavilion

Hurlburt Field, Florida

Retiring Official

Captain Rick Barnes, USAF, Retired

Reception immediately following

R.s.v.p. by 24 September 2012

POC: Rebekah Hedstrom <mailto:rebekah.hedstrom@hurlburt.af.mil>  at rebekah.hedstrom@hurlburt.af.mil

(850) 884-2281

Military: Uniform of the Day

Civilian: Business Casual

Brenda Hall Memorial Service

A memorial service is scheduled for Brenda Hall on Friday 21 Sept. from 1500-1700L at the Emerald Coast Funeral Home on Racetrack Road, Ft. Walton Beach, FL.

Thanks,

Wayne

One year position in Djibouti.

Airfield Management Analyst:

      This position supports CLDJ N3 Airfield operations. Advisor to the Operations Officer on safe airfield operating conditions. Works closely with the Public Works Department in all phases of programmed airfield construction and responsible for the coordination of airfield construction and maintenance projects to include runways, taxiways, aircraft parking ramps and lighting systems. Provides assistance for airfield improvement activities such as airfield surface repair, painting programs and work crews. Plans, inspects, and directs airfield improvements, repairs, and continuing operations. Keeps the Operations Officer and Air Operations Officer informed of all upcoming projects, as well as the status of ongoing projects. Briefs maintenance and airfield personnel on airfield operations as well as the proper use of radios and basic communications procedures. Coordinates with the Djiboutian airfield authority on all matters that affect the commercial airport.

       

      So, basically it’s an Airfield Operations position.  I know you’re pretty well situated right now but my first thoughts are about reaching out to the CCT and AFSOC community and thought you might have a good POC.  The position does require a Bachelor’s and 5 years of relevant experience but that should not be an issue with your old community. 

       

      Let me know if anyone comes to mind and don’t hesitate to forward this e-mail if you  think it might get some traction!

       

      Thanks

      Oz

       

      Joe Osborne

      Wittenberg Weiner Consulting

      Director, Defense Practice

      www.ww-consult.com

      (813)716-1519

      Joe.osborne@ww-consult.com

Brenda Hall has Passed

 Heard earlier today ( 13 SEp 12) that Brenda Hall took her life today on the 1-year anniversary of Willie passing.  I don't have any details to pass at this time.

Sad, but she's with her mate again.

Regards,

Wayne

James J. Stanford has passed

Just got word from Wayne Norrad that Jim Stanford  passed away. More info to follow.

RC

J. C. Bradshaw passed away

J. C. Bradshaw passed away at 4 AM this morning, August 26th, 2012.

       

 Roger Klair sends

Identity Operations Manager

POSITION DESCRIPTION:  

Blackbird Technologies, Inc. is currently seeking individuals to serve at CONUS and OCONUS locations as Identity Operations Managers in support of a customer program.

Positions are currently available in the following areas:

• Miami, FL

Duties while deployed:

• Serve as the SME on all SSE matters for tactical and operational commanders and other organizations and agencies

• SME responsibilities include operational employment and maintenance of all SSE and biometric/forensics devices

• Assist with development, management, and planning for employment of traditional and asymmetrical SSE capabilities and supporting programs, software, TTPs, and tools

• Produce pre and post mission SSE analysis, intelligence summaries, white papers, after action reviews, operations orders, fragmentary orders, concept of operations and other products to support SSE plans and operations

• Utilize available intelligence assets and products, including those provided by interagency partners to support SSE plans and operations

• Conduct feasibility assessments and develop courses of action to support SSE requirements, plans and operations

• Template enemy Tactics, Techniques and Procedures that directly or indirectly impact SEE operations

• Accompany military units on tactical operations to support sensitive site exploitation missions

• Present written products and briefings to executive-level audiences

• Develop and present plans of instruction (POI) and other training materials as required

• Regularly work extended hours, seven days a week, while at deployed locations

     

Required Skills/Education:   

• US Citizenship

• Top Secret Security clearance with SCI eligibility

• 10+ years experience conducting and or supporting SOF operations and or intelligence missions and activities

• Recent operational forensic collection experience including cell phone and computer data extraction

• Recent operational experience with latent print collection, iris scanning, and facial recognition

• Recent experience in counter-IED analysis and targeting support

• Excellent operations and or intelligence planning background

• Experience with Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) and intelligence preparation of the battlefield

• Experience or aptitude to learn technical information collection equipment

• Familiarity with web-based applications, Microsoft Office, Falcon View, Google Earth, C2PC, M3, TIGER, Arc View, Analyst notebook, Live wire, Streets and Trips, and Map Point

• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Must work well both individually and in a team environment and be able to travel independently and operate for extended periods without direct supervision

• Be physically fit and able to operate in austere environments while wearing body armor and carrying additional equipment

• Must receive satisfactory initial employee appraisal for continued employment

Location:   CONUS and OCONUS Location   

Clearance Required:     TOP SECRET with SCI ELIGIBILITY   

Citizenship Required:   US Citizen

Number of Positions:    2   

Ron Mann

813 777 0164

rrmann66@gmail.com

24 SOW Loss

Team

Late last night we lost SrA Ty Barnes, 22 STS CCT, in a motorcycle accident in the Seattle area. 

Maj Dave Gray and the team at the 22 STS have made official AF NOK notification to his mother who lives in the local area.   

Please extend the Barnes family and the men and women of the 22 STS every courtesy and keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they work through this difficult time.

We will let you know as soon as we know the plans for the memorial and burial.

Inform your units as you deem appropriate.

v/r RA

ROBERT G. ARMFIELD

Colonel USAF

Commander, 24th Special Operations Wing

Standard radio transmission language in combat operations

I'm a Ph.D. research computer scientist consulting for a small Washington D.C. company who builds military radio simulators. We want to incorporate speech recognition and transcription into our line of radio sims, and specifically want to incorporate the usual "nine-line" phraseology used by forward air controllers and close air support personnel into a customized language model.

To do this, we need 2 things:

1. A knowledgeable and experienced consultant who can guide us and give us the details about the phraseology involved, and/or 2. Recordings of tens of thousands of sample radio transmissions, transcribed or not, of typical phraseology used in this domain.

If you know of anyone who can help us achieve our objective here, I would appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks in advance,

--Bob Wesson

bobwesson@gmail.com

Let’s Have a Reunion

I'd like to propose a reunion in Angeles from 1-10 Feb 2013. 

I'll get Mort in Angeles for that time along with other local CCT guys Doc Jones, and Mike Williams.  This reunion shouldn't be limited to CCT guys, but anyone we worked with us from our SF comrades to the aircrews and the support folks.  Please pass this initial notice on to folks on your mailing lists so we can get it to anyone that might like to join us.

Margarita Station will set up a 15% discount on food & beverages for all attendees.  Additionally I'll host a pool BBQ's during the time frame.

Additionally, I can get hotel discounts at a variety of hotels. 

For other events, I can also set up

*     one or more golfing days for those that are interested.

*     a base tour so you can see what has changed at Clark

*     A group bar hop one evening

*     Mongolian BBQ

     

I have 4-5 guest rooms available.  One will be reserved for Mort and the other 3 will go on a fist requested basis.

JC

www.theville.com

Job description

Former SF soldier, Mike Townsend, who works for Centra Technology is looking for some former 18E, CCT, 304 types for a 5 year contract.  Anyone interested please email Mike Townsend at: townsendm@centratechnology.com

5 Yrs SOF experience, TS-SCI

Telecommunications Technical Support:

The Contractor shall provide telecommunications support in the development, integration, fielding and training of emergent telecommunications technologies for SOF at home station and abroad. The Contractor shall support the interoperability, compatibility and integration ECM and SOF radio systems. The Contractor shall maintain currency on current and future telecommunication solutions and related telecommunications technologies and shall advise the Government of key technologies, threats and technology proposals.

Telecommunications Analysis:

The Contractor shall provide expert telecommunications support in the development, integration and fielding of emergent telecommunications technologies for SOF at home station and abroad.

The Contractor shall support the interoperability, compatibility and integration ECM and SOF radio systems. The Contractor shall maintain currency on current and future telecommunication solutions and related telecommunications technologies. The Contractor shall provide assessment of telecommunication/ECM approaches, interoperability/compatibility, effectiveness and propose solutions as needed.

4.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The contract personnel shall perform primarily at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

Other duty locations may include, but are not limited to, Tampa, Florida; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Washington, D.C. Normal duty hours are Monday - Friday, 0800 - 1630 hrs. All Federal holidays are observed. Should operational needs arise, there shall be the requirement for periodic work on Holidays and/or weekends.

SSgt Andy Harvell Memorial Push Ups

Staff Sergeant Andrew W. Harvell was a Combat Controller assigned to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Field, NC. Sergeant Harvell was born in Long Beach, California, on 26 September 1984; he was 26 years old. Sergeant Harvell attended Millikan High School in Long Beach. After graduating from high school in June 2002, Sergeant Harvell enlisted in the Air Force and arrived at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in November 2002. Upon graduation from Basic Military Training, he immediately entered the Combat Control training pipeline. Over the next 24 months, Sergeant Harvell completed numerous Air Force and joint service training schools such as Army Airborne School, Air Force Survival School, Air Force Air Traffic Control School and Air Force Combat Control School. He was then assigned to the Special Tactics Training Squadron where he completed the Special Forces Combat Dive Course, Special Forces Military Freefall School and all upgrade requirements for combat-mission-ready status as a Combat Controller. In January 2006, Sergeant Harvell was assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, where he completed four combat deployments in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM, as well as numerous joint exercises and training events.

While at Pope, Sergeant Harvell successfully assessed for the 24th Special Tactics Squadron and was assigned to the unit in May of 2009. He was on his second deployment with the squadron in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Sergeant Harvell‘s military awards include the Bronze Star Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Joint Service Commendation medal, the Join Service Achievement Medal, and the Air Force Combat Action Medal. He was a stat-line jumpmaster.

On the night of 6 August 2011, Sergeant Harvell was part of an elite special operations team executing a helicopter assault into the Tangi Valley, Wardak Province, Afghanistan. While approaching the target, their CH-47 helicopter was shot down, killing everyone on board.

Andy perished as a warrior, taking the fight to our nation‘s enemies. He is survived by his wife, Krista, two sons Hunter and Ethan, father John Harvell, mother Jane Maher, brother Technical Sergeant Sean Harvell, and sister Anales Eder.

Mort Freedman Update

Mort was checked back into the hospital in the middle of the night.  He cannot move one leg and therefore he can't walk anymore.  Nita said he has not been eating.  John Cummings called and tried to talk to him, but his voice was very weak and his few sentences did not make any sense.

Nita is there with Mort most of the time.  You can try to talk with him by calling her at 63-908-892-4759 tel:63-908-892-4759.

John Cummings reports.

6th Annual NW Loop Ride

In Memory of SSgt Tim Davis

6th Annual NW Loop

August 9th,10th, and 11th

We will meet at Washington State Capital VFW Memorial at 1300L on the 9th of August.

This is this year’s t-shirt and for a minimum donation of $20 ($25 if I mail them) it could be yours. Again it is a black shirt with light reflective ink on the back so it stands out. When you make a donation I will be notified and then I will contact you for your address and size. Hope to see you guys on the ride or at one of the 3 planned stops.  Going to be a great ride and all the hotels are awesome and have given us the best rates possible. 

Hotel Information

8/9/12-   Silverdale Beach Hotel, 3073 NW Bucklin Hill Rd. Silverdale, WA
(360) 698-1000

8/10/12- The Winthrope inn, 960 Hwy 20, Withrope, WA (509) 996-2217

8/11/12- Fairbridge Inn, 185 Hwy 2 Leavenworth, WA (509) 548-7992

LInk to First Giving website:

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/robert-pittman/6thannualnwloopride