Hot SGI News

Next Quarterly Meeting - SGI Reunion

Saturday, October 9th, 2010 – Spectre VFW Hall - 1000-????

Our next quarterly get together is going to be a mini-SGI reunion at the Spectre VFW Hall in Mary Esther on Hwy 98 down towards Navarre.  This will occur on Saturday, October 9th in conjunction with the ACA's Annual Reunion that weekend.  We will begin setting up at 1000 hours and begin cooking "burgers and dogs" around noontime.  A general business meeting will take place at 1700 hours followed by our annual "Pig Roast" barbeque.  If you can bring a covered dish or dessert to supplement the BBQ, that would be greatly appreciated.  Cost for the reunion will be $15 per person/$25 per family.  We will supply food, water, soda and beer.  The Spectre VFW will provide live music and allow us full use of their facility.  Bring the family and come on out and enjoy the day "spinning yarns and telling war stories" of your days of old (or current).

Wrath 11 Fundraiser

From: shanemuscato@aol.com [mailto:shanemuscato@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 10:32 PM
To: TJ@straygoose.org
Subject: Wrath 11 and SOWF

TJ,

I do not want to step on anyone's toes but myself and a couple former Stray Geese will be running this year's USMC marathon in honor of the guys from the WRATH 11 accident five years ago. This was a 7th SOS accident but many of us lost friends that evening. If there is any way to get this page out to the masses in order for us to raise money for the children of the WRATH crew along with all other families of lost SOF warriors I would appreciate it.

Sorry I missed another meeting ... I always get scheduled to fly the evenings of these events. I am still waiting for my schedule to get finalized but I do hope to see you all at the Worldwide Talon Summit.

Thanks and let me know if there is anything that I can do.

Below is the webpage for our fundraising ...

http://www.firstgiving.com/runningforwrath11

v/r
Shamus
 

Col Bob Howard, USA, Medal Of Honor Winner, Passes Away

Those of you who were in or associated with the 1st SOS during the late 80's and early 90's probably remember Col. Howard who was our COMSOCK (Korea) during that time frame and who attended several of the squadron Dining-Ins.  He recently passed away and here's what the news media had to report:

The Fall '09 "SGI Times" Is Here

Read or Download the latest SGI Times issue.  Simply "Log On" above and then select "SGI Times" on the left.  Be sure to read the instructions at the top of the page on how to download the issue and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, the password needed to open the issue.  You can then read it on your computer, save it for future reference or print it out in either black and white, or color. 

*** Please note that you'll need an updated version of the Acrobat Reader (version 9.0) to read the newsletter.  You can update your reader at the Acrobat website ***

Another membership service brought to you by your SGI Staff!

Job Opportunity - Mission Planning

From: Nelson, Thomas W CTR USAF AFSOC 623 AOC/CSDM [mailto:Thomas.Nelson.ctr@Hurlburt.af.mil]
Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 12:06 PM
To: TJ@StrayGoose.org
Subject: FW: An exciting opportunity from: Tom

SSR position opening at Moody.

Tom

Thomas Nelson
SAMS-ESA Sustainment
Nova Technologies
623 AOC/CSDM
401 Cody Avenue, Bldg 90328
Hurlburt Field, FL 32544-5407
thomas.nelson.ctr@hurlburt.af.mil


-----Original Message-----
From: nelsontw@hotmail.com [mailto:nelsontw@hotmail.com]
Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 10:54 AM
To: Nelson, Thomas W CTR USAF AFSOC 623 AOC/CSDM
Subject: An exciting opportunity from: Tom

Dear tom,

Tom recently visited the BAESystems Careers Web site at https://baesystems.hodesiq.com/job_detail.asp?JobID=1776958 and found a career opportunity that you may be interested in.

The opportunity is listed below.

--------------------------------------------------

Eng - I Field - Mission Planning Moody AFB, GA
Requisition Number: 10028887 Location: Merrimack, NH

Located at Moody AFB, GA this position provides on-site customer support for the USAF Mission Planning Systems and tools. Act as the on-site representative for BAE SYSTEMS under the MPSC contract as part of a small team implementing support initiatives as required. Prepare systems and equipment for world wide deployments, accompany deployments as required.  Update data on an ongoing basis for Personal Computer (PC) systems, including implementation and management of Local Area Network resources. No relocation is provided with this position, only local candidates or those open to relocating themselves will be considered. Active Secret security clearance a must.

Minimum Requirements:LAN Implementation Experience

PFPS/Mission Planning Experience

Aircrew ExperienceBAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company, delivering a full range of products and services for air, land, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions, and customer support services. With 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems had 2008 sales of $34.4 billion.

Electronic Solutions, based in Nashua, New Hampshire, provides systems and products that maximize the effectiveness and safety of fighting forces and first responders. Its offerings include infrared countermeasures and
electronic protection systems for military and civilian aircraft; information management systems; signal acquisition, analysis, and exploitation systems that optimize use of the electromagnetic spectrum by friendly forces while denying its use by adversaries; interoperable communications systems for firefighters and other first responders; thermal weapon sights; precision targeting systems; situational awareness systems for ground vehicles; night-vision systems; identification friend or foe systems; and radiation-hardened electronics. Electronic Solutions also includes the group's Advanced Systems & Technology unit, which joins EI&S with government research organizations and industry to develop and demonstrate innovative system concepts in such areas as situational awareness, communications and networking, and precision targeting.

People are the greatest asset in any Company ...

BAE Systems is committed to a high performance culture and provides an environment that challenges our employees to be remarkable and obtain their full potential.

We are an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer that understands the value of diversity and its impact on a high performance culture.

Join us ...
 

Get Combat Talon Stuff at HerkyBirds.com

From: cmbttalon1@aol.com [mailto:cmbttalon1@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, January 01, 2010 4:38 PM
To:
Subject: Talon Products availabe at Herkybirds.com site

Hello everyone --

Nine prints are now available for purchase directly from the http://Herkybirds.com site + more prints to be added in the coming weeks.

Payment can be maid via your Pay Pal account or via credit card through Pay Pal.  For other payment options and multiple print discounts please contact Casey@herkybirds.com.

The link is located on the main page in the "Support This Site" block at  http://Herkybirds.com or just click on this link  http://www.herkybirds.com/forums/cartplog.php  for other Combat Talon products click on this link http://www.cafepress.com/HerkyBirds

"Sir, do you remember that TDY to ...?"

(Well, I've still got the pictures!)

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- General Norton Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff, talks with Chief Master Sgt. Michael Sundberg, 36th Airlift Squadron, May 12 about the aging C-130 Hercules fleet following a breakfast at the Yokota Officers' Club. When Chief Sundberg, who will retire this summer after 30 years of service, entered the Air Force in 1979 the 374th Airlift Wing's fleet of C-130s were already five years old. (U.S. Air Force photo/Osakabe Yasuo)

Webmaster's Note: And they are the same ones that Norty flew at the 374th when he was there in the 776th and 21st TAS before Sunny entered the AF!

Pacific Air Commandos honor those 'with the guts to try'
 

4/27/2009 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group gathered for a combat dining out here April 25 to celebrate and remember the service members that conducted Operation Eagle Claw 29 years ago. 

Operation Eagle Claw was an aborted rescue mission into Iran to recover more than 50 American hostages captured after a group of Islamist students took over the American embassy in Tehran Nov. 4, 1979. The mission resulted in the crash of two aircraft and the deaths of eight American service members at a remote site deep in Iranian territory known as Desert One. 

"This combat dining out is a way to honor all of the service members that participated in Operation Eagle Claw," said Col. David Mullins, the 353rd SOG commander. "We pay respect to the eight fallen comrades and commemorate the efforts and the tactics devised for this mission because without them many of today's missions would not be possible. These brave men laid the ground work for the world of special operations as we know it today. It's a privilege for us to serve in the community they helped create." 

Airmen and family members from the group dressed up in their battle gear for the combat portion of the evening. During a "cease fire," people listened to retired Col. Thomas Beres, one of Eagle Claw's crew members and former 353rd SOG commander, share his experiences and lessons learned from the mission. 

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group and their family members raise their glasses to toast during a combat dining out here April 25. The dining out commemorated Operation Eagle Claw, an aborted rescue mission April 24, 1980, into Iran to recover more than 50 American hostages captured after a group of Islamist students took over the American embassy in Tehran Nov. 4, 1979. The mission resulted in the crash of two aircraft and the deaths of eight American service members at a remote site deep in Iranian territory known as Desert One. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Cram)

Col. Beres stated at the time the embassy was captured, special operations was still considered unconventional warfare. There were limited crews in special operations squadrons and some of the tactics the mission would call for didn't exist. The months leading up to Operation Eagle Claw saw crews rush to develop new tactics like refueling helicopters in remote locations and fly using night vision goggles in near blackout conditions. Crews were chosen based on their flexibility not experience, he said. 

After months of training and planning, a complex two-night mission was designed that had three MC-130Es, three EC-130s and eight RH-53s landing deep in Iranian territory at a dusty landing strip -- Desert One. The EC-130s would refuel the RH-53s, so the helicopters could transport rescue forces further into Iran. The MC-130s would infiltrate Army forces closer to Tehran to capture and secure an airfield that would be used to exfiltrate the rescue crews and hostages once the RH-53s delivered them to the captured airfield. The mission did not go according to plan. 

On April 24, 1980, three MC-130Es and three EC-130s landed at Desert One after taking off from an air base in Oman. Eight RH-53s departed the USS Nimitz. Two of the helicopters experienced maintenance issues and never made it to the landing site. Of the six that made it to Desert One, only five were still mission capable due to a hydraulic system failure. The mission required at least six RH-53s to continue. 

With fuel running low on the C-130s, the call to abort the mission was made. Before the aircraft could take off, one of the RH-53s needed to be moved. As the helicopter moved, it kicked up dust. The pilot of the RH-53 became disoriented and turned into one of the C-130s. Fire engulfed the wreck. In all five Air Force and three Marines were killed; several were injured. 

"I saw a flash of light out of the corner of my eye," Beres said. "It took a moment to realize what happened." 

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Retired Col. Thomas Beres, one of Operation Eagle Claw's crew members and former 353rd SOG commander, shares his experiences and lessons learned from the mission during a combat dining out here April 25. Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group and their family members commemorated Operation Eagle Claw, an aborted rescue mission April 24, 1980, into Iran to recover more than 50 American hostages captured after a group of Islamist students  took over the American embassy in Tehran Nov. 4, 1979. The mission resulted in the crash of two aircraft and the deaths of  eight American service members at a remote site deep in Iranian territory known as Desert One. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech.  Sgt. Aaron Cram)

The surviving personnel and C-130s departed Desert One for the air base at Oman. Upon their return, the C-130 crews found a British contingent on the base had left them a gift: two cases of beer and a note that read, "to you all from us all for having the guts to try." 

Over the last 29 years, Col. Beres said he has heard many versions of the events that took place at Desert One. He stated he does his best to share his story and lessons learned when he gets the chance. During the combat dining out, the retired navigator shared five main points with the people in attendance. They are: 

-- "Special operations is a frame of mind. Special operations forces say we can do it if this happens or this happens, not why they can't do the mission. It's a can-do attitude that makes these impossible missions possible. 

-- "You can never 'what if' it enough. We would ask questions and be told not to worry about it because it wasn't in the plan. As we all know, not everything goes according to plan. When planning a mission, I suggest you 'what if' that mission to death." 

-- "Let the people doing the task decide how it gets done. The best way to get a task done right is to let the people performing the task determine the best course of action to carry out their duties." 

-- "People are more important than equipment. Make sure you have the right caliber people in the right place. If you don't, no piece of equipment can save the mission." 

-- "Rank does have its privileges, but don't take it on a mission. Rank should be used to expedite the mission, not limit what a person can do. No matter what rank you are, a mission task is not beneath you." 

Col. Beres closed his speech noting the strides special operations forces have made since crews began pushing the envelope when they started training for what would become Operation Eagle Claw. 

"I look back at some of things we did preparing for the mission and think they were pretty dangerous," he said. "We were doing things that were unheard of or thought to be impossible. Today, you do these tasks and other extraordinary things thought to be impossible and make them look routine that amazes people like me. We respect you for it. We're kind of in awe and know the best is yet to come."

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group and their family members raise their glasses to toast during a combat dining out here April 25. The dining out commemorated Operation Eagle Claw, an aborted rescue mission April 24, 1980, into Iran to recover more than 50 American hostages captured after a group of Islamist students took over the American embassy in Tehran Nov. 4, 1979. The mission resulted in the crash of two aircraft and the deaths of eight American service members at a remote site deep in Iranian territory known as Desert One. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Cram)

Nha Trang Painting Retrieved

From: Jeff Bliemel [mailto:JBliemel@Poquoson-VA.GOV]
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 6:30 PM
To: SGI@StrayGoose.org
Subject: Original 15th SOS Painting

Hi,

I tried this before but got no response so I thought I’d try again.  I’ve attached a photo of the Stray Goose velvet painting that hung in the An Hoa hotel in Nha Trang until we were moved on base.  I’m guessing it is about 16” or 18”  by about 20”.  It has no frame.  Is there a better place to share it with everyone?  If so, please let me know.

Cheers,   jeff

Jeffrey J. Bliemel, P.E.
City Engineer & Infrastructure Coordinator
City of Poquoson
500 City Hall Avenue
Poquoson Virginia 23662
(757) 868-3590 FAX (757) 868-3515

Webmaster's Note:  On this second attempt, we connected with Jeff and Papasan has acquired subject item and is getting ready to present it to today's 15th SOS as a gift from SGI.  Thanks for your perseverance Jeff!

 Worldwide Combat Talon Reunion Recap

For the “first-ever” Worldwide Combat Talon reunion, it was a weekend where the stars came out.

On one hand, some of the “stars” who helped make Talon history over the past four decades were there for the weekend, the last weekend in May.  Seasoned crew members from the Son Tay Raid, “Desert One,” “Urgent Fury” and “Just Cause,” joined Talon vets who flew combat over the skies of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan (to name a few areas of operations) to share and compare stories with their Talon comrades in arms. The weekend together gave all the Talon members, past and present, the chance to “catch up” on each other’s stories and reflect on friendships that have lasted through the many years.

On the other hand, the stars came out in blue, in the form of General officers there to honor the Combat Talon mission and the men and women who flew it. General Norty Schwartz, currently the Commander of United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), came in for the reunion, and was the keynote speaker at Sunday’s memorial service. Gen Schwartz has a solid Talon legacy as a pilot and former commander.

Joining him were Lt General Donny Wurster, the Commander of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) his vice commander, Maj Gen Kurt Cichowski, Maj Gen Dave "Chode" Scott, Deputy Director at US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Center for Special Operations (and former 16 SOW/CC), and the current Vice Commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing, Col. Mark Alsid. This esteemed collection of the most influential leaders in today’s Air Force Special Operations was testimony to the Talon legacy and the people who brought it to life.

As a bonus to everyone in the Talon community, just a few days after the reunion we found out that General Schwartz had been selected to serve as the next Chief of Staff of the Air Force! Having a former MC-130 pilot and 16 SOW Wing Commander as the upcoming leader of the United States Air Force only emphasizes how the Talon and its people have become integral to the mission of the USAF and today’s mission in the Global War on Terrorism.

Friday and Saturday were days for the Talon family to eat, drink and visit together. Saturday morning also featured a visit to Hurlburt Field for an update-brief on the current and future ops of the Combat Talon around the world. Thanks to Ned Calvert for putting that very special presentation together. In that “up close and personal” brief, we  heard, first hand, of some of the incredible combat exploits in ongoing Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, and then we saw what’s in the future for the Talon mission and aircraft. From that briefing, we went out to the Hurlburt flight line and took an in-depth tour of Combat Talon I and II aircraft. For many of the families who were there, it was the first time they had ever been onboard this aircraft so important to their spouse or loved one. For some of the folks for whom it has been a few years since stepping aboard a Talon, it was a nostalgic trip back to a familiar time.

One of the highlights for the weekend was when Buff Underwood unveiled a LARGE draft of a Combat Talon memorial monument. This magnificent, stone monument will be placed in a prominent spot to be announced later.

The replica showed that the monument will commemorate all of the organizations that have been home to the Talon over the years, as well as serve as a memorial to the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the Talon mission. The cost for this massive stone will be borne totally by members of the Talon community, and we raised more than $10,000 in donations in this reunion weekend. Quite a good omen for the campaign we’ll be conducting over the next year to raise the funds for the monument. By the way, a special commemorative Combat Talon coin was unveiled at the reunion, and it will be presented to all donors to the Talon Monument fund over $20. This is definitely a collector’s item, and it’s available in a limited quantity.

Sunday morning we gathered at the Hurlburt Air Park for a memorial service, honoring our fallen brothers and sisters. At the service were family members of our lost comrades. Gen Schwartz gave a tribute from the heart, and we were all touched by this solemn ceremony of distinction and its meaning to the Talon community.

For all of you who missed the reunion, you deprived yourself of a great time! The hospitality room was a popular place with eats, drinks and friends, and the weather at the Quality Inn was perfect for all to enjoy a Spring weekend during one of the best times of the year for the Florida panhandle. Barbeque, wurst on the grill, free-flowing suds and a few hundred members of the Talon family were a perfect mix for the three days.

For the many people who helped plan and execute this weekend, we say thanks. There are too many to mention in this article, but without your hard work and commitment, this weekend would not have happened. Talon members have been noted for their dedication to mission, and the volunteers who put together this first reunion exemplified that proud tradition. We’ll be posting photos of the weekend soon, on the 7^th ACS and SGI websites, so check them out!

Although this was the first all-Talon reunion, it won’t be the last. We’re thinking this should be an event held every two years and we’ll let you know when we have another one in the planning stage.

Dues Reminder

Almost 200 members became inactive on the 30th of June.  In order to remain a member in good standing, you need to update your dues. If overdue, please remit dues ($15/yr or $40 for 3 years) to:

Stray Goose International

P.O. Box 9355

Hurlburt Field, FL 32544

Update Your Email Address

"SGI Times" mailing costs continue to soar - now up to $2.00 per copy mailed.  If you'd rather get an email alert to download the newsletter, please confirm that we've got your correct email address by signing into the members only side and then clicking on "Member Roster".  Once there follow the links to update your personal information and make sure we've got your current email address.  If you'd rather continue/start to receive the "SGI Times" by snail mail, then let us know and we'll add you to the list.  Thanks for your help with this!

Hurlburt Field News

Read the latest news here.

Kadena AB News

Read the latest news here.

 "Stars & Stripes" Now On-Line

Read the latest issue here.

Master Roster Available

A copy of the 2010 master roster is now available from Papasan by sending him a request for it or downloading it from the main Roster page.

  SOF Research - Three Key References Available for Download

Electronic versions (Acrobat) of the following books are now available for download off the SOF research page:

The Praetorian STARShip The Untold Story of the Combat Talon by Jerry L. Thigpen Colonel, USAF, Retired

15th Anniversary History of United States Special Operations Command by USSOCOM

Apollo’s Warriors US Air Force Special Operations during the Cold War by Michael E. Haas Colonel, USAF, Retired

SGI Proudly Supports America's Fighting Men & Women (3.0MB download)

OPSEC