http://video.foxnews.com/v/4050600/fallen-heros-belongings-stolen

There is currently a $3,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of these items.

Full article http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/four-26056-anderson-struck.html From this and other sources it sounds like all are going to recover completely from the strike…although I see some interesting callsigns in their future.

http://patriotpost.us/perspective/2010/02/14/profiles-of-valor-us-air-force-staff-sgt-earl-covel/

Major Wisher at HQ/AF is looking for any of you original 10 1C4’s that have transitioned to 13Ls would be interested in providing mentorship, advise and such for cadets and others who are interested in finding more information about the careerfield. Email me if you are interested and I’ll email link you up. Charlie@romad.com

SrA Brad Smith was laid to rest today on a cold windy Monday morning surrounded by over 200 friends and family and over 150 TACP’s, both active and retired from across the depth and breadth of the careerfield. The sea of black berets over dress blues was stunning. To those that have been to military funerals you will know the picture: Circular formation around the grave site, the family under an awning. Flag, Gun Salute, playing of taps. All were in proper military order. At the end the family and a vast majority of the civilians left, except for the Brads father and Tiffany, Brads wife. Not one TACP moved. After several minutes of immobility, the TACP community formed up. Not a word was spoken. No command given. A single line of brothers. Each removing their flash from their beret and pinning it to the top of Brads coffin. On, and on the line went, until the final crest was attached. Each man as they pressed in their crest said their final good byes and reformed on the far side of the coffin. We were simply brothers saying goodbye. After a solemn pause, the funeral home crew went to work. As one, all saluted. Active, Retired, TACP and non. They first lowering Brads casket into its protective shell, moved in the cover, then lowering the entire assembly into the gravesite. Upon the final crank all recovered from the salute and began moving away. While Brad is gone from us physically, he will always be with us in spirit, and alive in our memories. Now, he forms up at a new rally point, awaiting the rest of us. Hooyah.

Funeral and other Pictures are here

Update the Funeral will be at 11 Am Monday 11 January
New Flower information: Bethel Baptist Church, 7775 CollinsVille Rd, Troy Ill, 62294. This is also where the funeral will be held on Monday morning

Please continue to make all monetary donations through the link below.

TACP Association Smith/Malarsie Donation Site

It is with great sadness that I report the loss of one of our brothers. SRA Brad Smith was killed Sunday in an IED Attack in Afghanistan. Mike Malarsie was also there and injured in the attack and is at Landstuhl. He is in stable condition. As I get further information on the internment and the status of Mike I’ll post.

UPDATE Mike is back in the US and at Bethesda. I’ll provide an address and length of stay when able.

From my family to yours, wishing you all a Happy New Year. Hopefully this financial slump comes to an end in this new year…I’m tired of Mac-and-cheese, ha. Be safe out there my brothers, you know better than anyone that our enemy does not take a day off…

Charlie Heidal
MSgt(RET)
USAF TACP
AIRBORNE!

A1C Daryl Cooper (19 ASOS): A1C Raymond Losano Tactical Air Control Party of the Year
TSgt Shawn Leonard (9 ASOS): SSgt Jacob Frazier Tactical Air Control Party Joint Terminal Attack Controller of the Year
SSgt Casey Svehla (712 ASOS): Fighter Duty Technician of the Year
Capt Jayson Schmiedt (13 ASOS): Air Liaison Officer of the Year
Capt Brian Vasquez (712 ASOS): Fighter Duty Officer of the Year

Greetings all. I still have guys that are not covered down on for providing some much needed holiday cheer. If you can rally some local support and then shoot me an email I’ll provide you a listing of units that are still in need.

Thanks, Charlie