Oh! How tall these airmen stand Molded of the finest clay They pledge their honor and their code These men in the Scarlet Red Beret
on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017
I regret to inform you of the death of SMSgt Louis (NMI) Benavides Jr. (Ret) who deceased on 11.29.17 at the age of 85 years old. The cause of death is unknown. He is survived by his wife Maxie; children: Sandra, Stan and Rebecca, and six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He lived at Round Rock, TX for many years after his military retirement..
Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral took care of the funeral arrangements of Pfugerville TX took care of the funeral on 12.07.17. He was buried at Ft Sam Houston Cemetery the same day.
His CCT assignments were: Sewart, Pope, Evereux, Forbes, Okinawa, Viet Nam and McGuire. Noteworthy is the fact that he was the Air Force Association Outstanding Airman of the Year for 1969. He was awarded the Purple Heart besides many other Award and Decorations.
Rest in Peace, CT
Louis Benavides, Jr. passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017 at home in Round Rock, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. Louis was a career senior non-commissioned officer in the Air Force, a Master Parachutist and a veteran of the Vietnam War. His decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device and bronze oak leaf cluster, Air medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Good Conduct Medal cluster with bronze oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 bronze service stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 3 Bronze oak leaf clusters, United States Air Force Non-Commissioned Office Academy Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He is survived by his wife Maxine and children Sandra, Stan and Rebecca, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
James E. Nelson; It is with deep regret that I inform you of the untimely death of James E. Nelson, age 83 of 13779 Legends Trails, #102, Broomfield, CO 80023 who deceased on October 24th, 2017 of Alzheimer disease.
He joined Combat Control at Sewart during 1955 with subsequent assignments to Elmendorf, Lockbourne, Viet Nam, Littlerock, Elmendorf when he became as a Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Wing Commander during 1974. He retired from the Air Force in 1978 with the rank of CMSgt after 26 years of service to our great nation.
He was CCA Life Member 395 where he and his loving wife Shirley took an active role.
I was notified last night of the death of Edward A. Habeger who deceased on 09.25.17 in Anchorage, AK. He was a CCT'er who served on the England AFB team, LA during the mid-1960's. His age was 74, no cause of death, and his body was cremated. Mac has a group pic with him in it during a get together in AK.
Rest In Peace, CT
Ron Kosh noticed Roger Huffman was missing from the CCT Memorial Site and after some follow up and no new leads, I've come to the conclusion Roger passed away in 2011 and after not being able to confirm his death, it was never posted. This is the posting and will remain unless Roger proves otherwise.
From Chuck Trimple; Hello, Over many years, I've used all of my resources to locate Huffman. The best leads came from Bob Bartlett who had several leads from a family member for Roger that have faded into dead ends. The best leads indicated Roger was in the TX/NM area at last contact.
What I know: Only a AFSN (Maryland, Pennsylvania or Virginia); no SSA number; Did not attend CCT School; From Frank Anthony (120797): Came from the Dover CCT to SEA; Thought to be from the Blacksburg, VA area; His father was a university professor. No contact information - CT
Arrived in SEA during May, 1967 - that would make his rotation date one year later. Was involved with the debacle of Phu Phi Thi at LS-85.
Roger was interviewed by Jim Morrison, a writer who is now deceased, during 1993 who said that Roger may be contacted by his mother. Note; no contact information - CT
Brothers:
I'm writing to share Fran Coonan's plans for classmate Dan's memorial service and interment and to invite you to attend the ceremony.
Dan's funeral service will be at 1:30 PM on June 8,2017, at the West Point Most Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel, followed by interment in the Columbarium at the West Point Cemetery.
After that, Fran will host a reception at the Thayer Hotel.
If you plan to attend, please email Fran directly at frances.coonan@gmail.com or call her at (210) 386-7706.
I deeply regret to inform you of the untimely death of Jesse F. Powell (TSgt/Ret.) of 901 Deep Valley Dr, Suite 308 in Rolling Hills, CA 90274 who deceased as the result of conjunctive heart failure on January 7, 2017 at the age of 81.
A religious service was conducted at John Fisher Church in Rancho Palos Verdes on January 21st. His body shall be cremated.
Jesse was born on December 27, 1935 in Fort Ringgold, Rio Grande, Texas as the second of four children to Luisa Rivera Powell and Addis A. Powell. As a young Marine, he was assigned to the American Embassy in Haiti where he met his beautiful and loving wife Monique in 1957.They were married during 1960, and have three outstanding children: Michael, Beverly and Scott. He was a devoted grandfather to Sophia, Nicholas, Samuel, Sarina and Christian. He retired after 20 years of service in the military to our great nation. He later worked for Motorola, General Electric and TRW where he retired in 1999 as a test engineer working on satellites. In his retirement, Jesse developed an avid interest in drawing and painting and soon became a talented artist in his own right. We will dearly miss Jesse’s light and love for life. More recently they have lived in France.
Prior to joining Combat Control he served in the USMC in Korea and Japan. He then joined the USAF and was assigned to SAC. After SAC, he volunteered for Combat Control and was assigned to the CCT, 8th Aerial Port Squadron, RVN during 1967. Upon returning to the U.S he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne, and then to Norton CCT where he retired from the military.
Rest In Peace My Friend,
Clifton "Ray" Long, age 71, passed away on Thursday afternoon, August 25, 2016. He was a resident of Greenwood.
He was born in Seymour on March 23, 1945 to his parents, the late Clifton Beach and Sarah Bernadine (Haas) Long. Ray was a 1963 graduate of Seymour High School and went on to attend Franklin College and IUPUI. He served as a Combat Controller with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.
Ray retired in 2013 as a mechanical and electrical engineer for Automated Machinery in Cincinnati, OH. He was a member of the National Speleological Society, Air Commando Association, Combat Control Association and the Greenwood VFW and American Legion.
Ray enjoyed caving, hunting, fishing, gardening, riding his wave runner and kayaking in the Tampa Bay near his winter home.
He is survived by his wife, Connie J. (Walters) Long of Greenwood, whom he married on December 22, 2011 in Franklin. Ray is also survived by his children, S. Nanette (Kevin) Kastner of Indianapolis and M. Alison (Michael) Entringer of New Brunswick, Maryland; sister, Sally Beth (Steve) Acton of Seymour; and grandchildren, Madeline and Isaac Kastner.
The Rev. Anthony Wilks will conduct a funeral service on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Meredith-Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center, 179 E. Mulberry Street in Morgantown. Friends may call from 5 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Military rites will be conducted following the service on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be sent in honor of Ray to the Cancer Center of Schneck Medical Center, 411 W. Tipton St. Seymour, IN 47274.
It is with deep regret that I inform you if the untimely death of Mose Leroy “Lee” McBeth SMSgt, Ret. who deceased on June 11, 2016 at the age of 72. He resided for a long while at 136 Providence Place in Vacaville, CA 95687.
He was buried at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA on Jun 15, 2016 with military honors.
He graduated Combat Control School in Class 68-4 while stationed at McGuire with subsequent assignments to Viet Nam, Pope, Dyess, Clark and Travis.
He was Life Member 105 of the Combat Control Association where he took an active supportive role.
Rest in Peace,
CT
Sean Harvell awarded two Silver Stars....gone
Preceeded by in death, Sean's brother Andy, CCT KIA
It is with deep regret that I inform you of the death by an apparent accidental drowning of Sean R. Harvell, age 33, SSgt (medically retired) who was declared deceased on April 26, 2016. He was living in the Long Beach area at the time of his demise.
He graduated Combat Control School in Class 02-01, and Advanced Skills Training in Class 06. His assignments included: Pope, Hurlburt, Mildenhall and Mc Chord.
Particularly noteworthy was that he was awarded two Silver Stars for his actions against an opposing force during 2007 in Afghanistan while assigned to the 22nd STS.
A Memorial will be held at a later date to be determined.
Family of decorated Airman Sean Harvell grieves, plans memorial in Long Beach next month
Sean Harvell was a man of uncommon bravery and humility who lived for his daughter despite struggling with PTSD and traumatic brain injury received in combat, a close friend said.
The decorated Long Beach war veteran, who drownedTuesday in the waters off Alamitos Beach near his beachfront apartment, was one of just three airmen to receive two Silver Stars for action in combat, the military said Wednesday. Officials with the U.S. Air Force Special Tactics division said Harvell, a 33-year-old retired combat controller, earned two Silver Stars, a Purple Heart and multiple Bronze Stars over several deployments. Only seven U.S. military service members overall have received two Silver Stars since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, according to the Air Force.
“Sean served his nation admirably, often in the face of insurmountable odds,” Col. Michael Flatten, 24th Special Operations Wing vice commander, said in a statement. “He was a fierce warrior on the battlefield, and an incredible brother to those who served alongside him. He was larger than life.”
The Los Angeles County Coroner will conduct an autopsy to determine an exact cause of death either today or Friday. Medical examiners will also conduct toxicology tests to determine whether alcohol or drugs were a factor, which can take several weeks.
Sean Harvell’s father, John Harvell lives, at Gold Star Manor, a 23-acre housing complex in West Long Beach for families of deceased military service members, but declined to comment Wednesday.
His mother, Jane Maher, a retired Long Beach Unified School District teacher, could not be reached Wednesday, but posted a message to Facebook, recounting details of her son’s death.
“It seemed he could do anything and was invincible,” she wrote. “He was a great American hero. He served our country for many years. And he kicked a lot of ass.”
She said she is working to arrange a funeral at Los Angeles National Cemetery and a wake to follow at Joe Jost’s in Long Beach on May 6.
Harvell’s younger brother, Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew W. Harvell, 26, died Aug. 6, 2011 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was in crashed after being hit with enemy fire from Taliban insurgents.
The brothers attended Millikan High School in the late 1990s, according to the school district. Andrew graduated from Millikan in 2002, but it was not clear Wednesday whether Sean also graduated from the same school.
Harvell also has a sister, Analese Eder.
Mike Murray, one of Harvell’s close friends in recent years and chairman of the U.S. Vets Advisory Council in Long Beach, said his friend was a loving father to his daughter — she was 6 or 7 years old, he said — and a humble man.
Murray first met Harvell about three years ago when then-Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell asked him to get Harvell to speak at a luncheon.
“I knew immediately that I was in the presence of someone [unique],” Murray said. “It’s so difficult to try to describe who Sean was. He was so many things.”
Physically, he said, Harvell was a large, intimidating presence, but he was also intelligent and unassuming. He read books on varied topics and never played up his military service.
Harvell and his daughter once met Cal State Long Beach volleyball coach Brian Gimmillaro and the women’s team, Murray said, recalling accompanying them on that outing. Harvell’s daughter met the players and Harvell was asked to speak about teamwork.
When it came to his combat exploits, Harvell told Murray he didn’t want anything mentioned of his awards or citations.
“He told me later that he didn’t want anyone to thank him for his service,” Murray said.
As a Special Tactics combat controller, Harvell received a variety of training: static line and military free-fall jumping, combat diving and joint terminal attack control conducting close air support strikes during combat.
He was medically retired after almost a decade of service, according to the Air Force. Previous reports referred to Harvell as a staff sergeant but he was promoted to the rank of technical sergeant prior to retirement.
After retiring, Harvell struggled with his transition into civilian life but was taking the right steps, said Murray, who confirmed Harvell’s diagnosis with PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
“He was doing everything he could to adjust to this environment,” Murray said. “It was clearly more comfortable for him to be in his [military] environment.”
Members of the Air Force’s Special Tactics community remembered Harvell’s resolve on the battlefield and in everyday life.
“He was easy to love because of what he gave back to those he cared about,” said retired Chief Master Sgt. John Thomas in a statement. “Loyal, funny, fierce and courageous. He changed my life when I met him and his passing will change it again.”
The Special Tactics community is “absolutely committed to honoring Sean,” Flatten said.
“He was the epitome of service before self; he was the kind of airman who would readily sacrifice himself for his brother, his teammates and the mission. It’s a terrible loss to the Air Force and special operations community, and we will never forget what Andy and Sean gave in service to their country.”
Roughly 300 gather to remember Sean Harvell, decorated veteran who drowned off Alamitos Beach
Mourners filled row after row of seats inside the chapel at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Long Beach as hundreds gathered to honor Sean Harvell, who drowned last week off Alamitos Beach.
Harvell, 33, was one of the nation’s most highly decorated veterans of the War on Terror, but his military service was only part of what made him an amazing person, said his friends and family who spoke at the memorial service.
He was buried Friday afternoon at Los Angeles National Cemetery next to his younger brother Andrew Harvell, who was killed in action in 2011 in Afghanistan when the helicopter he was riding in was shot down by Taliban insurgents.
In story after story, friends and family summed up a man who commanded attention with his mere presence and who was a born leader, a fearsome warrior, a fun-loving motorcycle rider, a loyal friend and a devoted father.
After he was medically retired from the military, Sean’s life was stable for about one year, said Sgt. Joshua Webster, who spoke at the memorial service. But things fell apart after Andrew’s death.
“He fell into a bit of a journey into himself that he needed to explore completely before he could move on,” Webster said.
During that journey, Sean Harvell worked through his pain and connected with his mother, Jane Maher.
“In the past year or so, he’d really come around,” Maher said. “I’m glad that we reconnected because I lost him after Andy for a long time.”
Eventually, Sean found peace in Buddhism and in spending time with his daughter Lily, Webster said before sharing a story.
“After Andy’s death, Sean had this tattoo under his eye,” he said. “After four, five years he decided he was willing to move on and he wanted to do something memorable. Memorable for him tended to be kind of extreme.”
Sean called Webster to his motorcycle shop, saying he wanted to get the tattoo removed but that he was unwilling to get laser removal, so the two of them dug around and found a Dremel tool they thought might do the job.
“I spent the next hour trying to Dremel it out of his face [...] he wanted it gone,” Webster said. “It was important for him and it was important for me that he asked me. Instead of coming up here and talking about Sean in a two-dimensional sense — Sean was brave and Sean was sweet — I don’t think you can tie a nice bow around him. He was too complicated of a guy.”
Col. Michael Flatten, 24th Special Operations Wing vice commander, said Sean Harvell always stood out ahead of the pack, even in the elite world of military special forces.
Sean was finishing an arduous two-year training pipeline in Florida when they first met, Flatten said.
“Even then it was obvious that Sean was something special,” he said. “He would draw people to him. He had a gregarious, outgoing personality. Everybody wanted to be around Sean.”
Harvell was the one guy who could change the course of a battle and bring everyone home, Flatten said, before recounting actions in combat in 2007 that earned him two Silver Stars.
Several more of Harvell’s friends shared stories, many saying he had a unique ability to see through people and would always speak from the heart.
“He had absolutely no fear in any situation,” said Steve Barrons, a retired combat controller who was an instructor when Harvell was in training and later his friend. “He always lived in the moment (...) When we spoke, it was a conversation that mattered. It wasn’t about the weather or the news. You talked to him directly and he talked to you. He addressed what was inside you. You can’t hide from Sean. Nobody could, and that was the key.”
Sean Harvell was born on Nov. 9, 1982 in Long Beach to his mother, Jane Maher and father, John Harvell, according to a post by Laura Herzog, founder of Honoring Our Fallen, a Cypress-based nonprofit that assists the families of fallen military service members. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force where he eventually became a combat controller.
Harvell served four deployments in Afghanistan where he earned two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts, Herzog said in her post. After his third deployment Harvell moved back to Long Beach for the birth of his daughter, Lily Jane.
After leaving the Air Force, he founded a motorcycle repair company called 710 Speed Shop, before beginning work as a defense contractor, she said.
In addition to his daughter, mother and father, he is survived by his daughter’s mother, Tiffany Sidwell; sister Analese Eder; his grandmother, Mimi; aunts, an uncle, cousins and two nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a trust fund being set up in Lily Jane Harvell’s name by Jane Maher and Laura Herzog. Contact Herzog at laura@honoringourfallen.org, or mail a check payable to: Lily Harvell trust care of Honoring Our Fallen, Honoring Our Fallen, 11436 Seabrook Way, Cypress, CA 90630.
Click Here to watch the funeral and graveside services........... R.I.P.
John L. Johnston 11/19/1938 - 05/16/2015
Born in rural Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, John was the fourth of Mozella and William Johnston’s five children. Living in rural communities demanded physical strength and a spiritual integrity that would serve him throughout life. As a young man he worked a multitude of jobs to assist his family and in 1955 John joined the U.S. Air Force upon High School graduation. He trained as a Titan 2 ICBM communications operator and parachutist. Ever ready to challenge himself, John was selected to join Air Force Combat Controllers/Special Forces and participated in conflicts worldwide. John became a decorated Vietnam War veteran. During the Southeast Asia conflict John became a Shadow Warrior in covert missions in Laos and Cambodia. His name is among those commemorated on a monument at Combat Controller’s Headquarters in North Carolina. He concluded his Air Force career as an NCO Academy Instructor at Bergstrom AFB. Senior Master Sergeant Johnston retired his accomplished and decorated 24-year military career in 1979. After a long bout with Parkinson’s disease, John passed away on May 16, 2015.
John was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on November 2, 2015.
It is with the deepest regret that I inform you of the untimely death on January 5, 2016 of retired CMSgt Alvin “Chief Hud” S. Huddleston, at age 77 of 12510 Green Darner; San Antonio, TX 78253
He is survived by his loving wife Ursula, faithful Son Tony and devoted Daughter Cindy.
His Combat Control Team assignments included: Hurlburt, Viet Nam, Dover, Charleston and Howard. One of his most notable missions was the humanitarian mission to Jonestown, Guyana during the mass suicides of 914 persons in 1978. He was a prestigious Senior Enlisted Advisor to the base Wings while stationed at Howard, Pope and Castle AFB where he retired on 31 October, 1988.
Graveside funeral services will be conducted on January 22 at 1330 Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery located at: 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd; San Antonio, TX 78209; (210) 820-3891. A Honor Guard has been requested for the service.
Al served his country for some 33 years in the U.S. Air Force. He obtained a Degree in Business at California State University. He was always responsive to the needs of other people. He was a Life Member 041 of the Combat Control Association where he took an active role. Rest in Peace my friend, CT
I regret to inform you of the death of James “Tex” I. Elledge (MSgt,Ret), age 81 of 220 Todd Cir; Warner Robins, GA who deceased on January 23, 2014 of unknown causes.
He was born on May 28, 1932 in Montague, TX to the parents William and Edna Elledge. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife Dorothy after 35 years of marriage; Son: James I. Elledge, Jr; Sisters: Alice Moreland and Nancy Labowski.
Hi memory will forever be treasured by his loving children: Maragret C. Pickles (Robert) of Mansfield, TX and Donald G. Elledge (Jennie) of Riverview, FL; five great grandchildren; brothers, William P. Elledge, Jr of Breckenbridge, TX and John H. Elledge of Odessa, TX, and several adoring nieces and nephews.
The funeral service took place at McCullough Funeral Home in Warner Robins, GA on January 28, 2014 with interment at Macon Memorial Park Cemetery in Macon, GA..
Tex graduated from the Combat Control School in Class 65-4. His military assignments were: Warner Robins, Forbes, Viet Nam, Mildenhall and Warner Robins.
I regret to inform you of the death of Marshall “Olie” T. Oliphant, Jr. (TSgt/Ret) who deceased on November 29, 2015 at the age of 77 while living at 8500 W. Colter St. in Glendale, AZ
His funeral service was conducted on December 8th at Menke Funeral Home in Sun City, AZ with interment at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona with military honors.
He started his military service in the U.S. Army. His Air Force career began at Keesler with subsequent Combat Control assignments at Hurlburt, Viet Nam, Mc Chord, Viet Nam, Charleston teams. He retired while stationed at Luke during 1977 in a non-CCT assignment.
He took an active role in the Combat Control Association as LM- 649 and attended several CCA reunions.
Marshall Thomas Oliphant, Jr., 77, of Glendale, Arizona passed away November 29, 2015. Visitation will be 10-11 with funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 8, 2015, Menke Funeral Home Chapel. Interment with military honors will follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
I regret to inform you of the death of TSgt (Ret.) John R. Jones, age 86 of Euless, TX who deceased on June 25, 2015 from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
He is survived by his loving wife Nita, and devoted sons: Cole, Paul, Michael and Daniel Jones.
John had prior military service with the U.S. Army and served with distinguished service in Korea.
He started his Combat Control career during 1963 at Sewart with subsequent assignments to Ft Campbell, Dyess, Viet Nam, and back to Dyess where he culminated his outstanding military service.
He was buried with military honors at the Dallas-Ft Worth National Cemetery.
From the CCA; CCA Member Bernard "BT" Santos (A-90047) died from an apparent heart attack on Dec 7, 2015. Member Les Hall LM-743 passed on the following information: I just learned that a guy who served in Combat Control in the '50's or early '60's has passed away. Bernard (BT) Santos. I believe he was also a pararescueman. Some old timers may remember him. Not sure if he was a member of the CCA. I found out from a posting on a Facebook site for retired Los Angeles ARTC Center folks. Santos was a computer tech or operator and also a lawyer for the FAA. Here's the post. Some of you old timers might remember a former ZLA employee for AF and a friend of mine for the last 40 years. Bernard "BT" Santos passed away of an apparent heart attack on December 7th 2015. He lived in Carson City NV. BT was retired AF Special Services and worked ZLA as a Computer Operator on the HOST floor. He went to law school, got a law degree and took a position in the Alaska Region as one of their Regional Counsel in ~1977. He retired about 20 years ago.
I regret to inform you of the untimely death of Bernard “Bernie” T. Santos, age 85 of Carson City, NV who deceased on December 7, 2015 of an apparent heart attack.
He was a long time Pararescue man prior to joining the 60th Aerial Port Squadron Combat Control Team at Travis AFB, CA during the mid-1960’s, and retired from the U.S.A.F. during 1968. After his retirement from military service he was employed by the FAA.
No other information will be published per his living desires.............. Rest in Peace, CT
It is with the deepest regret that I inform you of the untimely death of David A. Gfeller, age 71 of 2692 Highland Ave, Space 115; Highland CA 92346 who deceased on December 7 of cardiac arrest.
He is survived by Daughter: Renae Carr of Highland, CA; Brother: Donald Gfeller of Blue Springs, MO; Sons: Mike & Kriss Gfeller of Dallas, TX, John & Ali Gfeller of West Yellowstone, MT; Lake Gfeller of Highland, CA; Chayton Gfeller and Daughter: Timber Gfeller of Blue Springs, MO; Grandsons: Wolfgang and Gunnar; Son in Law: David Carr and their children Brentyn and Jon David Carr.
He shall be buried with full military honors at the Riverside National Cemetery at Riverside, CA at a date and time to be determined.
May you Rest in Peace my Friend, CT
I regret to inform you of the death of Kenneth L. Voyles of Eagleville, TN who passed away on Friday, September 25, 2015 at the age of 91 as a result of ailments associated with aging.
He was born on March 15, 1924 in Hockerville, OK to the late William M and
Elizabeth Voyles. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Bessie L. Voyles; step father Elmer L. Whited, and Brother Floyd Junior Voyles.
Survivors include his five sons and daughters-in-law, Bobby and Cherlyn of Breman, GA; Harold and Shirley of Manchester, Kenneth Jr. and Teresa Voyles of Franklin, Garry and Debbie Voyles of Eagleville, David and Nyla Voyles of Sparta, TN. He had numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His funeral service was conducted at the Woodfin Memorial Chapel and subsequent burial at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Murfreesboro, TN on October 3rd with full military honors
He served our great nation in the military for a total of 21 years in WWII, Korea and Vietnam Wars. His Combat .Control assignments included several assignments at Sewart, TN with the 2nd Aerial Port Squadron starting in 1957, and a subsequent three year tour of duty in Germany. He retired from the Air Force during 1967.
May he Rest in Peace, CT
It is with the deepest regret that I inform you of the death of Lewis “Lew” E. May, Jr. (MSgt/Ret) who deceased of heart failure at the age of 75 on October 18th at his home at 4271 Cove Rd; Jasper, GA 30143. He was born on December 30, 1939 to Lewis E. Mar Sr. and wife Vada Moore May.
He is survived by his loving wife Debra; dedicated sons, Lewis E. May, III of Denver, CO, Martin May of Hampton, VA; devoted Daughter Cynthia McClain of Virginia Beach, VA; Step-daughters: Amy Bishop of Jasper, Kelly Kirk of Jasper, GA, Amanda Johnson of AL, Kim Chambers of Jasper Brother: Charles “Chuck” May of Bloomington, IN; Grandson: Forrest Lern Kuler and eight awesome step-grandchildren
The funeral service will be held 3:00p.m., Thursday, October 22, 2015 at the Chapel of Roper Funeral Home located at: 206 Holly St – Jasper, GA 30143 (706) 253-7500. Interment will be at 10:30a.m. Friday, October 23, 2015 at Georgia National VA Cemetery in Canton, GA located at: 1080 Scott Hudgens Dr; Canton, GA. Visitation will be from 6:00p.m. until 9p.m.on Tuesday; 9a.m.until 9:00p.m., and on Wednesday from 9a.m. until the funeral hour on Thursday at the funeral home.
Lew began his Combat Control Team career at Sewart AFB, TN during 1963 followed by assignments to the teams at Wiesbaden, Viet Nam and Langley. He was a member of the USAFE Blue Master Parachute Team during 1966 while at Wiesbaden. Upon his military retirement he was employed by the FAA in Oklahoma City, OK.
Lew was one of the finest men that one will ever know, and may you Rest in Peace my friend, CT
I regret to inform you of the death of Richard “Dick” N. Coyle of 6501 Avondale Dr; Oklahoma City, OK 73116 who deceased at the age of 83 due to complications from cancer.
He was survived by his fiancée Teresa Evans; Sons: Price, Nolan, Sean and their extended families.
Dick served our great nation as a Combat Control Team officer at Sewart AFB, TN during 1956-1957.
He was active in church life as well as professional organizations. He was LM-687 of the Combat Control Association.
A Memorial Mass will be conducted at the Christ the King Catholic Church at 8005 Dorset Dr.in Oklahoma City on Wednesday October 21 at 11a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations and the like etc., please do a random act of kindness for someone.
I regret to inform you of the death of Alexander “Alex or Mac” MacPherson who deceased on July 29, 2015 at the age of 85 while living in Wake Forest, NC.. He is survived by his loving wife Shelia, and many family members. A Celebration of Life was conducted at St. John’s Episcopal Church on August 6th and internment followed this service.
His Combat Control Team assignments were mainly at Hurlburt starting during 1963 as a MSgt. He was instrumental in the rescue attempts for his fellow Combat Controller who drowned in Panama during 1964.
He joined the CIA after his military service in the U.S. Air Force, but came back for parachute training in both personnel and heavy equipment airdrop techniques at Hurlburt. Much has been written about his exploits around the world – some of which are factual.
May he Rest in Peace, CT.
It is with the deepest regret that I inform you of the unfortunate death of Steve “Bones” Daniel. Jones, (SMSgt, Ret) on Wednesday, 09.23.15 at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola FL as the result of a motorcycle accident on September 16 at the age of 61.
He was born on June 7, 1954 to Vera F. Jones and James E. Jones in Washington, D.C.
As a child, his family moved many times as his father was career Air Force. He particularly enjoyed childhood memories of Panama, CZ. After graduating from high school in Salem, OR, he followed his father’s footsteps and joined the Air Force during 1974. He continued his education and obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Social Science with a minor in Criminal Justice.
He graduated Combat Control School in Class 75-3 while he was stationed at Dyess with subsequent assignments to Howard AB, Panama Canal Zone, Pope and Hurlburt. Steve was a highly decorated Air Commando having served in Operation Just Cause in Panama, and Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the Gulf Was and in Mogadishu, Somalia. Steve was highly regarded by his CCT teammates and was often “hand-picked” by his leaders to do the most daring missions because they knew he wouldn’t fail. His last assignment was as the superintendent, 6tgh Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt where he was involved in the Foreign Internal Defense mission, teaching combat related skills to assist foreign aviation forces in airpower employment, sustainment and force integration. He retired from active duty on Oct. 1, 1998, and later worked as an instructor at the Special Tactics Training Squadron, where he taught new Special Tactics CCT and Pararescuemen advanced combat readiness skills.
After his retirement, Steve was an active member of the Bikers Against Child Abuse, and obtained his Guardian Ad Litern certification. He enjoyed power paragliding along the Gulf Coast, camping and a good cigar. He was Life Member 128 of the Combat Control Association.
A Celebration of Life shall be conducted at the Soundside Club at Hurlburt Field on Saturday, 09.26.15 at 1400. He will be buried at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Fla., on Monday. Family and invited close friends only. R.I.P. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steve’s name to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box758517, Topeka, KS 66675; Bikers Against Child Abuse, P.O. Box 5159, Navarre, FL 32566 or the National MS Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163.
It is with the deepest regret that I inform you the death of Staff Sergeant Forrest Brent Sibley, age 31, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on August 26, 2015. He was killed at a vehicle checkpoint at a forward operating base when two individuals wearing Afgan National Defense and Security Forces opened fire on him as well as Captain Matthew D. Roland. NATO service members returned fire and killed the shooters at Camp Antonik – Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
He was currently assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron at Pope Army Airfield, NC. He was a four-time Bronze Star recipient, once with the Valor device, and had deployed four times to sensitive locations around the world in his nearly seven years of service. He is survived by his parents of Pensacola, FL.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, September 14 at 0900 at the Freedom Hangar at Hurlburt Field.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 15, from 1400 to 1700 at the Naval Aviation Memorial Chapel located at 131 Moffett Rd, Bldg. 1982; Pensacola, FL 32508. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 16 at 1100 at the same address. Interment will follow the service at the Barrancas National Cemetery at 1400. A military Honor Guard has been requested. It has not been decided by the family at this time what the desires are in lieu of flowers.
Forrest graduated from Niceville, FL high school. He graduated from the Combat Control School in Class 09-005, and Advanced Skills Training Class 35. He was CCA Life Member 1345.
May he Rest in Peace,
I regret to inform you of the untimely death of TSgt Marty B. Bettelyoun, age 35, who deceased on August 3, 2015 as a result of a military freefall training accident in the Eglin Florida training area. He was assigned to the 720th Operations Support Squadron – 24th Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, FL.
He is survived by his devoted wife Jennifer and five loving children that range from age 3 to 14 years old.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 7, 2015 at 0900am at the Freedom Hangar at Hurlburt.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 7, 2015 at 1:00pm at the Coastline Calvary Chapel, 1122 Oriole Beach Road in Gulfbreeze.
A graveside service will immediately follow at 3:00pm at Barrancas National Cemetery located at: 1 Cemetery Road; NAS Pensacola, FL 32508.
Robert M. Taylor Jr. deceased of pneumonia on January 28, 2015 at the age of 82 at the Liberty Lane Hospice at the VA Medical Center in Salisbury, NC.
He is survived by Sisters: Pattie Mitchell, Evelyn Eller; Brother: Alton Taylor; two nephews, two nieces; one great nephew and two great nieces.
He fulfilled his service to others by being Life Member 244 of the CCA. He was also a member of the following associations: Air Commando Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, Retired Enlisted Association, Disabled American Veterans Association, Veterans of Foreign War Association, American Legion and the Moose Lodge.
Alcide "BULL" Benini
1940-1942: 31st Infantry Regiment
1942-1945: POW
POW INTERVIEW, click here
1946-1947: 2nd Airborne Division
1948-1952: 82nd Airborne (Pathfinder)
1952-Jan. 1953: USA SF at Ft Bragg
1953-1970: Combat Control - Retired July 31, 1970
2015: Recogninized for Life of Service, click here
He was CCA LM-114................... CT
They share a kindred amongst themselves and though never spoken, its' strength exceeds the power of any outside ideals forced upon it.
The sacrifices made from their ranks are great, and each loss falls hard among those who remain. Yet they continue, knowing each time they step into the sun, the rays that penetrate their souls are the voices of their comrades leading them on to the next adventure.
Coke Braxton
Names are but a catalyst to bring forth our memories of that person and our memories are what keep that person fresh in our hearts. I have a few more names to pass on to you and as your memories of that person flood into your heart, you'll enjoy a smile on your face and the happiness of visiting a lost friend;
They are one. Each a part of the other. They never say goodbye. They always say, I will see you later. They meet upon a training field. They meet upon a battlefield. They meet in the sea and the sky. They meet back at the Team. They meet upon the street or reunion. Yet they never say goodbye. They always say, I will see you later. Even though they are a thousand miles from each other. They are always only a thought away. They never say goodbye. They always say, I will see you later. They may pass from our sight. They may pass from this world. Yet they always see each other…….Everyday. They have shared their sweat, their tears, their pains, their heartaches, their stories, Their love, their joy and each other. They are one. They are brothers. Never far away. They never say Goodbye. They always say, I will see you later.
By; Randy D. Schlotman Combat Controller