| 2010 Air Commando Association Reunion |
By Col Dennis Barnett (Ret), Vice Pres ACA
7 October through 10 October the Air Commando Association (ACA) is having its annual reunion in Fort Walton Beach and at Hurlburt. The Air Commando Association is a Non-Profit Veteran’s association made up of retired, active duty, reserve, and guard personnel that have served or are serving in Air Force Special Operations units in some capacity. Presently the association has about 2,700 members. The focus of this year’s reunion is the 30th anniversary of Operation Eagle Claw and Desert One. This heroic, though tragically unsuccessful, attempt to rescue American hostages held by Iran is credited as the catalyst that led to the formation of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and subsequently Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). It is fitting that we will be honored by Admiral Olson, Commander USSOCOM, as our guest speaker at our banquet held on Saturday, 9 October at 1800 hours at the Soundside Club.
The annual banquet is the highlight of our reunion where the association inducts exceptional Air Commandos into the Air Commando Hall of Fame. Air Force Special operators have honorably and bravely served in every war and contingency operation from World War II to operations occurring tonight. At present there are only 140 members in the Hall of Fame so it is indeed a very prestigious honor. This year’s inductees epitomize the Air Commando Association Creed which says:
I am a Commando
As my brothers and sisters before me, I am proud to step into history as a member of the Air Force Special Operations Command. I will walk with pride with my head held high, my heart and attitude will show my allegiance to God, country and comrades. When unable to walk another step, I will walk another mile. With freedom my goal, I will step into destiny with pride and the Air Force Special Operations Command.
This year’s ACA Hall of Fame inductees are:
Lt/Gen Donald C. Wurster, AFSOC Commander
CMSgt Michael J. Ramos (Ret)
CMSgt A. Eugene Adcock (Ret)
CMSgt Nicolas S. Kiraly (Ret)
Col Richard F. Brauer Jr (Ret)
Maj William Grosvenor Jr (Deceased)
Col James B. Connors (Ret)
Col Kenneth H. Poole (Ret)
Col Walter K. Schmidt (Ret)
Col Russell E. Rakip (Ret) (Deceased)
In addition to the Hall of Fame induction at the banquet, ACA will also sponsor and, along with Admiral Olson and Lt Gen Wurster, honor 25 recipients of the ACA Commander’s Leadership Award. The winners were selected from units all across AFSOC including the guard and reserve. ACA is very proud to work with AFSOC in the initiation of this prestigious award. It shows in a small way how ACA members support and appreciate all the tremendous contributions the present-day Air Commandos are making to the defense of freedom and this great country.
The culmination of the reunion is Sunday 10 October at 1200, when ACA will conduct a memorial service at the Air Park. The guest speaker for that event will be Col Michael Plehn, Commander 1st SOW. We are looking for a great turnout at both events to honor the heroes of Desert One, our Hall of Fame inductees, and the first ever ACA Commander’s Leadership Award winners. |
Sign Up & Pay for the ACA Reunion Online! You can now use the online form and pay using PayPal or your credit card for all the events this year. Click here
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