Combat Control Foundation

29 OCT 1984 | San Lorenzo, Honduras | Exercise CROWN DRAGONFLY | A combat controller controls the airspace by communicating with incoming aircraft using his PRC-77 radio set.

2046 hrs, 29 October 1992, a 55th Special Operations Squadron MH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, embarked on a fateful journey, it was the last chopper in a four-helicopter formation. They were heading into torrential rains, lightning, and heavy cloud cover. They were transporting five Army Rangers and four Air Force Combat Controllers from Hill Air Force Base to the Army's Dugway Proving Grounds less than 100 miles away. At 2115 hrs near Antelope Island, Utah, the Pave Hawk crashed into the water at 150 mph, exploding on impact 300 feet north of the causeway. Only the pilot survived. The four combat controllers who perished that day: SrA Derek C. Hughes Sgt Mark G. Lee Capt Michael L. Nazionale TSgt Mark Scholl You are gone from us, but you will never be forgotten. Always Remembered. Our hearts go out to all who were affected by this tragedy. To learn more about this incident, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gCAf-cJT #FirstThere #CombatControl #AntelopeIsland #HillAFB #NeverForgotten

Special shoutout to Invadergirl for her support through "The One Who Summons Planes" – a stunning one-of-a-kind hand embellished print that garnered attention at our gala auction! Your artistry celebrating our Combat Controllers helped make our event a success! Your unique piece not only raised vital funds but also beautifully honored the spirit of our Combat Control community. Thank you for your support of the Combat Control Foundation's mission! Anyone who is interested in obtaining Invadergirl art, head over to: https://lnkd.in/eENsU72f #CombatControlFoundation #MilitaryArt #ArtWithPurpose #CombatControllers

Today, SSgt Aaron Cahill was placed into eternal rest and remembered by his teammates through memorial pushups. A valiant Combat Controller of the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, SSgt Cahill devoted 11 years of his life in unwavering service to our nation through multiple deployments in Operations Inherent Resolve and Enduring Freedom. As we do these pushups in his memory, we carry forward not just his name, but the weight of his sacrifice and the strength of his commitment. To our beloved teammate - you will always be remembered, never forgotten. We invite you to help honor Aaron's legacy by supporting his family during this difficult time: https://lnkd.in/gb9Z3jXR #FirstThere #CombatController #SpecialTactics #NeverForgotten #TillValhalla

Combat Control Acts of Valor | 28 OCT 2001 to 20 DEC 2001 Honoring SSgt Joseph M. Lienhard, awarded the Silver Star for extraordinary bravery in Afghanistan. Despite heavy fire and overwhelming odds, he directed airstrikes to thwart Taliban advances, securing victory and saving lives. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gUwQpvic To clarify for Combat Control history: the Combat Controller attached to the Special Forces team depicted in the movie 12 Strong was Staff Sergeant Joseph “Matt” Lienhard. Although there’s a popular image of Bart Decker on horseback, which led many to believe he was with that team, he was actually attached to a different Special Forces unit. Matt Lienhard received the Silver Star Medal for his heroic actions with the 12 Strong team, while Bart earned the Bronze Star with Valor for his actions alongside another SF team. #FirstThere #CombatControl #SilverStar #ActsofValor

27 OCT 2018 | The unveiling of the Medal of Honor addition to the Special Tactics Memorial at Hurlburt Field, Florida. John Chapman, the first Special Tactics operator to earn the Medal of Honor, had his name inscribed on the Special Tactics memorial wall to commemorate his courage and sacrifice.

27 OCT 2014 | RAF Mildenhall, England - USAF Lt. Gen Bradley A. Heithold, right, AFSOC commander (at the time), speaks with Special Tactics Airmen from the 321st Special Tactics Squadron. #FirstThere #CombatControl

On 27 October 1986, TSgt Jerome E. Bennett was fatally injured during a training parachute deployment. TSgt Bennett was conducting a high-altitude freefall jump with the Army's Delta Force when he had a parachute malfunction. TSgt Jerome Bennett is gone from us, but he is never forgotten and always remembered. Learn more about the service and sacrifice of TSgt Bennett by visiting our website - https://lnkd.in/gS-2bj-c #FirstThere #CombatControl #HAHO #SpecialTactics

27 OCT 2012 - Hurlburt Field's Open House - TSgt Joseph Hepler, a combat controller from the Special Tactics Training Squadron, demonstrates equipment at the flightline at Hurlburt Field. The Open House gave the public an inside look at Hurlburt Field's many missions and allowed Team Hurlburt to show appreciation to the local community for their continued support of the base.

Combat Control Acts of Valor, USAF Combat Controller SSgt Dean Conner displayed extraordinary bravery in Afghanistan. When his convoy was ambushed, he fought back despite being knocked unconscious, preventing his team from being flanked. Ten days later, while coordinating close air support under heavy fire, Conner was shot. Refusing pain medication, he continued directing airstrikes for 45 minutes, ensuring his team's safety before calling for his own medical evacuation. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and the Purple Heart. Learn more about these events here: https://lnkd.in/gt8JwUSP #MilitaryHeroes #USAF #BronzeStar #PurpleHeart #Courage