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Archive for March, 2022

Air Commandos Earn ACA Honors

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Past and present Air Force Special Operations Command Airmen were recognized for their dedication and hard work by the Air Commando Association.

Due to COVID-19, the Air Commando Association’s Heritage Seminar Breakfast and the Awards Banquet were not held.

The following Airmen were recognized for receiving Commander’s Leadership Awards:

Technical Sgt. Andrew T. Flynn, 23rd Special Operations Weather Squadron, Det 1

First Lt. Brittany K. Brown, 4th Special Operations Squadron

Technical Sgt. Adam C. Long, 720th Operational Support Squadron

First Lt. Erik A. Lolland, 720th Operational Support Squadron

Technical Sgt. Arthur W. Mapp, 27th Special Operations Group

Captain Jonathan C. Edwards, 27th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Staff Sgt. James R. Evans, 58th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Major Jacob L. Wiseman, 58th Special Operations Wing

Master Sgt. Robert T. LeMay, 352nd Special Operations Squadron

First Lt. Ryan M. Laube, 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron

Technical Sgt. Jeremy D. Morlock, 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron

Captain Zachary R. Maginnis, 1st Special Operations Squadron

Staff Sgt. Trevor L. Rohrer, 524th Special Operations Squadron

Captain Riley A. Feeney, 492nd Special Operations Training Support Squadron

Technical Sgt. Keith A. Proze Jr., 2nd Special Operations Squadron

Captain Jason M. Morris, HQ AFSOC/A3

Technical Sgt. Brett E. Rush, Data Masked

Major Michael J. Lintz, Data Masked

The following awards were presented:

Chief Hap Lutz AFSOC Commando Medic of the Year – Tech. Sgt. Stephen M. Sauer, Data Masked

Senior Airman Julian Sholten Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Operator of the Year – Tech. Sgt. Nicholas A. Lord, 25th Intelligence Squadron, RAF Mildenhall, U.K.

Operational Squadron of the Year – 7th Special Operations Squadron, RAF Mildenhall, U.K.

Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element Member of the Year – Staff Sgt. Ethan C. Pierce, 352nd Special Operation Support Squadron, RAF Mildenhall, U.K.

Special Tactics Operator of the Year (Enlisted Category 2020) – Tech. Sgt. Adam Anderson, 17th Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing, Ft. Benning, Georgia

Special Tactics Operator of the Year (Operator Category 2020) – Capt. Brandon Farrell, 320th Special Tactics Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan

Special Tactics Heart of the Team Member of the Year – Master Sgt. James A. Olk, 720th Operational Support Squadron

The following recipients were inducted into the ACA Hall of Fame:

Colonel (ret.) Timothy Hale – Hale excelled as an MC-130E/H crew commander and instructor/evaluator and an AC/MC-130J instructor. From his first combat mission as an MC-130E pilot in the lead aircraft over Point Salinas, Grenada, Hale led from the front with professionalism, courage, a keen sense of humor, and respect. He commanded an Expeditionary Group and Wing, flying missions and riding resupply convoys during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Upon retirement, he continued to serve Air Commandos as an aircrew accession instructor with the 58th Special Operations Wing.

Lieutenant Col. Bill Schroeder (posthumously) – As an officer-in-charge and then commander of the Special Operations Weather detachment at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, his steadfast leadership of low-density, high-demand Special Operations Weather Team (SOWT) operators was critical in ensuring premier weather support to the 3rd and 7th Special Forces Groups as they deployed during Operations ENDURING and IRAQI FREEDOM. He later led the effort to modernize the Battlefield Airman training program and played a role in establishing the Special Warfare Training Wing. Schroeder laid down his life after confronting an armed assailant determined to inflict harm to the men and women under his charge. He was posthumously awarded the Airman’s Medal and honored by the Air Force Portraits in Courage for his valor and selfless sacrifice.

Major (ret.) Dan Turney – Turney was an MH-60 initial cadre pilot in the 55th Special Operations Squadron, the first H-60 unit in the U.S. Air Force. He was the first MH-60G special mission planner for the 1st SOW and Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). He deployed as an MH-60G Combat Search and Rescue mission manager during Operations JUST CAUSE and DESERT STORM, coordinating over 40 combat missions. After retirement, Turney served as an AFSOC operations analyst and developed the first formal Aviation Foreign Internal Defense Concept of Operations and Roadmap for the 2006 and 2009 Quadrennial Defense Reviews.

Chief Master Sgt. (ret.) William C. Markham – Markham served as the senior enlisted leader of the Joint Special Operations Air Detachment and Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component in combat. He was the first U.S. Airman on the ground in Afghanistan a mere five weeks after September 11, 2001. Then-Sergeant Markham controlled close air support that decimated the ranks of the Taliban, and ultimately liberated Bagram Air Base and Kabul International Airport, and returned the U.S. Embassy to American control. For gallantry in action, he received the Silver Star. As an AFSOC Command Chief, he led the growth and re-missioning of the 352nd Special Operations Group integrating the MC-130J Commando II and CV-22B Osprey weapons systems. Markham personally enabled hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship funding and pro-bono legal support to American service members and their families.

Senior Master Sgt. James Lackey (posthumously) – Lackey’s outstanding professionalism and personal leadership were vital to building the readiness of the 8th Special Operations Squadron, AFSOC’s first operational CV-22B squadron, and prosecuting the squadron’s mission during the global war on terrorism. From 1992-2006, Lackey served with distinction as an Instructor and Flight Examiner for the MH-53 Pave Low Models J/M. His leadership, courage, and superior airmanship were evident during Operations PROVIDE PROMISE, UPHOLD DEMOCRACY, BEVEL EDGE, ALLIED FORCE, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism as well as the Meritorious Service Medal and Air Medal. He excelled as a CV-22 flight engineer during combat deployments supporting OIF and OEF. Lackey gave his last full measure on April 9, 2010 during a combat mission in Afghanistan.

The ACA recognizes retired and active duty Special Operations Forces Airmen by honoring their achievements as well as providing support to Air Commandos and their families.

By SSgt Brandon Esau, Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, SOF | Comments Off on Air Commandos Earn ACA Honors

Hardcore Hardware Australia Updates Website

Monday, March 21st, 2022

Go check it out.

www.hardcorehardware.com.au

Posted in Industry, International, Knives | Comments Off on Hardcore Hardware Australia Updates Website

Orolia to Host Defense Days Webinar Series to Highlight Critical Defense Applications for the Future of Warfighting March 29 – 31

Monday, March 21st, 2022

Event to support Still Serving Veterans, national nonprofit helping veterans reintegrate into civilian lives and careers

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – March 21, 2022 – Orolia. the world leader in Resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (R-PNT) solutions, is proud to present Orolia Defense Days 2022, a three-day webinar series highlighting critical defense applications in radar, GNSS simulation, and an overview of the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) initiative and CMOSS architecture.

The sessions, scheduled from March 29-31, are listed below with links to register.

Session #1: High Accuracy Timing for Radar

• When: March 29 at 10:30 a.m. E.T.

• Presenter: Carlos Valenzuela Morales, Senior Applications Engineer, Orolia

• Details: Presentation of solutions based on White Rabbit/ IEEE-1588-2019 HA for highly accurate time transfer and low phase noise frequency distribution for distributed radar applications.

• Who Should Watch: Engineers and architects of radar applications as well as defense contractors and military personnel responsible for radar applications.

Session #2: Preparing the Warfighter for Adverse GPS Environments Through Simulation

• When: March 30 at 10:30 a.m. E.T.

• Presenter: Alaiya Tuntemeke-Winter, Applications Engineer, Orolia Defense & Security

• Details: This session will define resilient PNT and discuss its importance to the warfighter as well as outlining and defining risks such as jamming and spoofing. It will also identify which type of simulator is appropriate for multiple different use cases.

• Who Should Watch: Test and simulation engineers and solution architects for the defense industry.

Session #3: Open Standards, the Future of PNT for the Warfighter

• When: March 31 at 10:30 a.m. E.T.

• Presenter: Alex Payne, Applications Engineer, Orolia Defense & Security

• Details: This session is an introduction to open standards, the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) initiative, and CMOSS architecture.

• Who Should Watch: Defense system engineers interested in CMOSS architecture and the Sensor Open Systems Architecture.

During Defense Days, Orolia will partner with Still Serving Veterans, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving veterans and their families by empowering them to build meaningful lives through connections to fulfilling careers, benefits and services; and to proactively strengthen veteran communities through leadership and collaboration. To learn more, please visit ssv.org.

Posted in Comms, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on Orolia to Host Defense Days Webinar Series to Highlight Critical Defense Applications for the Future of Warfighting March 29 – 31

HunterSeven Foundation – Warfighter Health Symposium – March 22 in San Diego

Monday, March 21st, 2022

The HunterSeven Foundation and Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation invite you to attend an interactive event designed to educate service members, veterans, their families and healthcare providers on the importance of understanding military exposures as they relate to wellness.

Veterans and Clinical Researchers Chelsey Simoni, MSN-RN, FP-C and Jack Ratliff, APRN-BC of the HunterSeven Foundation, along with MSG Geoff Dardia, Director of the TFDSOF Health Initiatives Program will present research on post-9/11 toxic exposures, deployment and operational environments, risk factors, and explain how a personalized and preventative approach to healthcare will lead to optimal wellness in the veteran and warfighter community.

Guest speakers will include:

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, D.O., Founder of the Institute for Muscle-Centric Medicine

Get tickets here.

Sponsored by NFQ

H/T to Tactical Distributors

Posted in Charity, Medical, Veterans | Comments Off on HunterSeven Foundation – Warfighter Health Symposium – March 22 in San Diego

March Mannequin Madness – Day 9

Monday, March 21st, 2022

During IWA Helikon-Tex displayed their new products on mannequins arrayed around their stand. Each day we will showcase a different one and detail the gear.

Day 9 shows us the Shooting Time Trucker Hat, Urban Tactical Hoodie Lite, and Urban Tactical Pants in Desert Night Camouflage.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, IWA | Comments Off on March Mannequin Madness – Day 9

Viktos – Range Trainer Waterproof Shell in Brushstroke

Monday, March 21st, 2022

The Range Trainer Waterproof Shell caught my eye at SHOT Show and it’s already available in Brushstroke camouflage.

Features:

-Waterproof/breathable 4-way stretch chassis
-100% Polyester with bonded mesh liner
-Gunvent sidearm access zippers and ventilation
-Integrated sleeve pockets
-Vented rear yoke
-Roll & stow hood
-Adjustable Velcro cuff closure
-U.S. veteran designed & developed
-1-year workmanship & materials warranty

www.viktos.com/collections/new-products/products/range-trainer-wp-shell

Posted in Camo, Clothing | Comments Off on Viktos – Range Trainer Waterproof Shell in Brushstroke

DNS Alpha 3-Layer Gore-Tex LE Jacket in 5-Color Flecktarn

Monday, March 21st, 2022

Available exclusively from Berlin’s TACWRK, the DNS Alpha 3-Layer Gore-Tex LE Jacket in 5-Color Flecktarn.

It features large chest pockets as well as upper arm pockets with loop surfaces and pen slots.

www.tacwrk.com/en/p/dns-alpha-gore-tex-3l-le-jacket-5-farb-flecktarn

Posted in Advertiser, Camo, Clothing, International | Comments Off on DNS Alpha 3-Layer Gore-Tex LE Jacket in 5-Color Flecktarn

Airman Survives Parachute Accident, Still Going Strong

Monday, March 21st, 2022

POPE ARMY AIRFIELD, North Carolina —

Women’s History Month is in March and there is nobody reflective of being a role model for other women than U.S. Air Force Capt. Ricki Sidorov.

First impressions aren’t always accurate, but when meeting her, there is a bubbly, positive, go-getter attitude who can, and will, get things done. Hardly what you’d expect from someone who nearly lost her life in a skydiving accident in less than two years ago. In this case, though, what you see is what you get.

The San Bernardino, California, native is the Special Warfare Mission Support flight commander for the 818th Operations Support Squadron, primarily responsible for, well, pretty much everything: projects, building maintenance, combat arms, supply, and vehicle maintenance, just to name a few. She also leads 11 Airmen, one civilian, and four contractors.

Prior to joining the Air Force, Sidorov spent six years in the U.S. Army in expeditionary communications. After returning from a deployment in Afghanistan, she decided to leave the military and devote time to working towards a college degree. In typical fashion, she not only earned a bachelor’s degree, but kept going for a master’s.

It was then that she realized how much she missed serving her country and opted to join the Air Force. Sidorov’s job isn’t much different from her position in the Army, but the Air Force has allowed her to have more unique assignments, such as serving in the Combined Air and Space Operations Center in Qatar and the Expeditionary Communications Squadron.

She finds her job humbling and rewarding. “I work with many talented individuals who passionately serve their country, and I continually learn from them,” Sidorov said. That attitude keeps her going, as she plans to remain in the Air Force, traveling the world while continuing to learn and grow.

Someone with these traits isn’t just born with them. She has drawn most from U.S. Air Force Col. Michelle Carns. “She is the epitome of a strong and caring leader. While in Qatar, our team in the Combat Plans Division was a family. It didn’t matter that everyone was from different career fields or branches of service. We were united in our mission and every month we had a team night to relax, eat and highlight the member of the month. Magical things happen when you bring people and food together.”

Sidorov is always the planner. The doer. Constantly trying to learn from others and lead with professionalism and class. That was all paused – and almost stopped completely – during her 2020 skydiving malfunction. As one of her favorite hobbies, she had made over 50 successful jumps without incident and had just finished her Class B license course a few months before.

On this day, she experienced a high-speed parachute malfunction, falling between 70-90 mph – spinning so fast that she blacked out. At 900 feet, the automatic activation device was triggered, releasing her reserve parachute. Within seconds, her main canopy partially collapsed her reserve parachute. If there was a positive, besides the fact she survived, she landed in someone’s back yard with ground that had been freshly tilled and was the softest it had ever been.

She sustained two collapsed lungs, a fractured scapula, knee ligament tears, and internal swelling that required surgery while spending 11 days in the hospital. Not surprisingly, she returned to work just a month after being released from the hospital.

While most would swear off skydiving after that, Sidorov was back at it six months later. “We all face challenges in life,” she said. “You can’t prevent it, but you can have a positive mindset as you overcome those challenges. It doesn’t matter how hard you fall, as long as you get up and keep going.”

There isn’t a better example of that than Capt. Ricki Sidorov.

By Lori Dean

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, Parachuting | 8 Comments »