Location: Fort Walton Beach, FL

Tell us about yourself:

Col (Ret) Lloyd B Moon Jr completed 25 years of service as the Commander, 816 Contingency Response Group. He is a command pilot with over 5,300 hours in the MC-130E and MC-130H aircraft as instructor and evaluator, with 10 additional years as a MC-130E/H contractor instructor pilot in the 19 SOS.

He commanded at the group and squadron levels, commanding the 8th Special Operations Squadron during the initial Operation Enduring Freedom employments. He led the initial Afghanistan deployments at multiple locations, completing nearly 600 combat missions.

He has extensive staff experience as Chief Requirements Division and Deputy Chief, Fixed Wing Assessments, USSOCOM. He served as a MC-130H Test Director completing operational testing and Chief Technology Branch, HQ AFSOC guiding all their acquisition special access programs.
He attended the Florida State University, a distinguished ROTC graduate completing a degree in physics with interdiscipline in computer science. He also completed masters’ degrees at Troy University and Embry Riddle University.

He was a Boy Scouts of America Assistant Scoutmaster for 9 years and is currently an active member of Destiny Worship Center Fort Walton Beach as a small group leader and coach.

He is now retired. He has been married to Sandy for 35 years with three grown children. His son-in-law was a combat controller – now a KC-135 copilot, one son is currently in EOD training at Eglin AFB, and one son is working for American Airlines. He and Sandy are active in Cross Fit.

Why do you want to serve?

Lloyd Moon is currently serving as a Director and would like to continue.

Location: Navarre, FL

Tell us about yourself:

Chief Master Sergeant Rebecca Shelley served the nation for 27 years as a maintainer. Prior to retirement, she was the Weapons Systems Superintendent for Headquarters, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida. As the superintendent, she was responsible for the maintenance and logistics of the command’s aircraft, providing overarching guidance to field and DEPOT level repair and modification functions. She advised the AFSOC Director of Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection on maintenance operations, policies, procedures, budget, and force structure.

Chief Shelley was born in Taipei, Taiwan and spent her youth as an Air Force brat before entering the Air Force herself in February 1993. Her assignments include tours in Florida, Guam, New Mexico, and Japan. As a C-130 Crew Chief she has maintained and managed the MC-130P, AC-130W, AC-130H, AC-130J, MC-130H, and MC-130J special operations fleets. In January 2021, Chief Shelley was hand-selected to fill the AFSOC Weapons System Superintendent position. She has deployed numerous times in support of Operations PROVIDE COMFORT II, NORTHERN WATCH, SOUTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL.
Prior to assuming her current position, she served as 353d Aircraft Maintenance Unit Superintendent at Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan.

Why do you want to serve?

Rebecca Shelly is currently serving as a Director and would like to continue.

Location: Golden, CO

Tell us about yourself:

Colonel Shelley A. Woodworth retired from the Air Force in February 2021, as the Chief, Programming, Force Structure, and Basing Division, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida. In this position, she led a team of 22 personnel to resource and equip 19,000 Air Commandos through force structure planning and programming, military basing initiatives, and development of the command’s program objective memorandum across both Air Force and US Special Operations Command funding totaling $26 billion.

Shelley previously commanded the 58th Operations Group, training 1,700 students annually as well as executing operational responses to search and rescue missions, contingencies, and humanitarian missions. Prior to command, she served as the Senior Aviation Advisor for Counterterrorism Operations for the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, located in the Pentagon, Washington, DC. Colonel Rodriguez is a command pilot with 3,500 flying hours, serving in numerous operations worldwide. During her last deployment completed July 2019, she served as the Senior Air Advisor to the Afghan Ministry of Defense for North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s Resolute Support Mission located in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Currently, Shelley serves as Air Commando Association´s Operations and Communications Director and strongly desires to continue to serve Air Commandos and their families. As one of the original creators of what is now known as the SOCOM Care Coalition, she has a strong background in organizing resources to assist others and believes she can help further the ACA Mission. As testament to her commitment to others, Shelley has immersed herself in the evacuation of Afghan allies, working to not only evacuate but help resettle Afghan partners and their families.

Why do you want to serve?

Shelley Woodworth is currently serving as a Director and would like to continue.

Location: Lutz, FL

Tell us about yourself:

Nominated by Shelly Woodworth

Leslie is a 26 yr AFSOC veteran, first female to fly in Talon I and II, a former squadron and deployed group commander, serving both overseas and stateside. She retired from USSOCOM as the lead Assessment Director, a highly selective and GO-nominated position. She is now the Director for SOFWERX. An exceptional leader with outstanding communication and team-building skills. She would be a tremendous asset to the ACA organization.

Why do you want to serve?

She is perpetually giving back to the SoF community both in her job and in her free time. She is beyond vested in SOF and lives the #1 SOF truth of humans are more important than hardware. She lives in the Tampa area and would serve remotely.

Location: Kansas City, MO

Tell us about yourself:

I began my military service on 02 Aug 1964 when I reported into the 1st Air Commando Wing (1st ACW) Hurlburt Fld. FL . Disqualified for pilot training not having the required 20/20 vision. Was fortunate to have then Major Bud Day, Professor of Air Science for the ROTC program at St Louis University, assist me in getting assigned to the home of President John Kennedy’s “Jungle Jim” program. The start of a career as an Air Commando/Special Operations soldier that would last over 31 years covering a 38 year span: 1964- 2002. While in-processing I met legendary Combat Controllers (CCT) Capt Jack Teague and MSgt Jim Howell. Was then assigned to 4420th Combat Support Group as Admin Officer and for the next 22 months awaited acceptance and completion of CCT’s initial qualification courses: Air Traffic Control School (ATC) and Jump School (ABN). In Dec 1965 the 1st ACW re-located to England AFB. I and 8 other CCTers remained at Hurlburt and supported aircrew training for those scheduled to deploy overseas. Also participated in monthly day/night aerial/firepower demonstrations. Mission: Train in Drop Zone, Landing Zone, Extraction Zone and Assault zone set up, utilization and control. Foremost was training in Forward Air Control (FAC) and Forward Air Guide (FAG) tactics, techniques and procedures for Close Air Support (CAS) role. A/C supported were A-1E, AT-28D, A/B-26, A-37, A/C-47, A/C-119, C-7, C-123, U-10, O-1E, O-2A, OV-10, and UH-1D. Then onto Tan Son Nhut AB Republic of Vietnam as officer-in-charge (OIC) of 48 man CCT (1971-72). Deployed on 22 combat missions to include Lam Son 719; 2nd Mobile Aerial Port Squadron (MAC) as Chief of CCT and Combat Control School (CCS) Commandant (1972-76); 1300 Military Airlift Squadron (MAC), Panama Canal Zone (1976-79) Conducted missions throughout Central and South America. Separated from USAF rank of Captain in Feb 1979. Break in service Mar 1979-Sep 1985. Enlisted as SSG (E-6) in the U.S. Army Special Forces (Reserves) at Richards Gebaur AFB, Mo. (OCT 1985). Duty; Air Ops Specialist and Ops/Intell NCO at ODA, Company and Battalion level. Coincided with Department of Army Civil Service (GS-12) employment as Military Analyst for Combat Developments – Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict (LIC) at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. (1985-99). Was Honor Graduate from Army Reserve’s Military Intelligence course (MOS96B), Ft. McCoy, Wisc. (1994). Became Intell Analyst for Joint Task Force-6 headquartered in El Paso, TX. Duty with DEA Phoenix, AZ; Joint FBI/DEA Drug, Intelligence Gp. Albuquerque, N.M. and JIATF-E, Key West, Fl. Following 11Sep01 attack mobilized to active duty MacDill AFB, FL. Billeted and served in the Special Operations Joint Interragency Collaberation Center (SOJICC). Retired in May 2002, rank: Captain, U.S. Army.

Why do you want to serve?

I’ve always been proud to identify myself as a USAF veteran Air Commando Combat Controller and Army Special Operations Forces Soldier. I joined the Air Commando Association (ACA) in its initial establishment year in the late 1960s. My ACA number is 0105. Beginning this year I’m able to devote any and all necessary time to duties of a Board member. Although I do not live in the FWB area I have several friends and relatives who do. I’ve been told I am welcome to stay with them whenever.

Location: Washington, DC

Tell us about yourself:

I retired at the end of 2022 after over 27 years active duty service, many of which were in or supporting the SOF air mission, including tours in non-standard aviation and at the headquarters, serving under the command of Lt Gens Fiel, Heithold, and Webb, eventually moving to Air Force International Affairs and finally as the chief of the Office of Defense Cooperation in Abu Dhabi. I applied my AFSOC experience toward USAF and CENTCOM security cooperation and international affairs to successful effect, and I remain shaped post-retirement by the mentorship and development my time in AFSOC afforded me. I now live in DC and support the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Defense Exports and Cooperation, working and coordinating daily with the Pentagon to advance national security interests and requirements.

My most recent military duties included significant emphasis on regional and/or global strategy and force posture, particularly embodying SOF truths I, II, and V on behalf of the Air Force and international partners. The SOF truths ring accurately across the joint force and resonate well with our allies, regardless of branch or purpose, and like many of my colleagues of the past and present, they remain a guiding beacon in pursuing U.S. security interests in our second chapters. I’m grateful for the seeds AFSOC planted in me and gratefully submit my candidacy to serve the community in the position of director upon the approval of our at-large membership.

Why do you want to serve?

I will always appreciate what the AFSOC family provided me and my family at a formative time, and I am compelled and honored to offer my own service back to the community should my experience and skills fill the need. I feel my proximity to our national defense and service headquarters and leadership, as well as proximate service organizations, can support the Air Commando Association’s mission to our active duty and veteran membership. Thank you for your consideration.

Location: Yuma, AZ

Tell us about yourself:

USAF 1967 – 1975 MC-130E and C-141A Loadmaster. Emergency/ Trauma Registered Nurse 1979 – 2011. Retired in 2011
Life Member: Air Commando Association, Distinguished Flying Cross Society, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Professional Loadmaster Association
Ran a small wood working business for several years

Why do you want to serve?

Having been a member of the Air Commando Association for a long time I now would like to serve on the board to give back. I’m hard working and feel I can help take the association into the future.

Location: Albuquerque, NM

Tell us about yourself:

I am a 30 Air Force veteran, I served as Maj Gen William Holts and Brig Gen Brenda Cartier’s Command Chief. I helped Cannon AFB transition to AFSOC and was a career maintainer.

Why do you want to serve?

I want to serve because I feel strongly about the organization. Maj Gen Bill Holt let me know that there were open positions

Location: Westport, CT

Tell us about yourself:

“Born and raised” Air Commando. I started in AFSOC right after flight school and worked SOF assignments throughout nearly all of my time on Active Duty. Served as MC-130, AC-130, U-28 navigator and system operator, Flight Commander, Squadron Commander, Expeditionary Group Commander, JSOAD Commander, JSOAC Deputy, as well as JSOC/Air Staff/OSD staff member. Since retirement, I’ve continued to focus on national security issues and advocate for Air Commandos and things that matter to them. Hopefully, the folks considering this know who I am. If someone joins the board of this grouping and a sufficient part of the decision makers – our ACA teammates – do not know who this is, it means that this individual should likely not represent the group.

Why do you want to serve?

The ACA is our principal voice our community of those who have served, currently serve, or even will serve in the future. There are other smaller and functional groupings (i.e. Spectre Association, Combat Control Association, etc) but there is only ONE overall ACA. We need to keep the ACA relevant, and meaningful; the one stop for things that matter to the Air Commandos (old and new) and our families. As “gray beards” we must remain stay involved in our AFSOC community; particularly, those of us still active in national security space.

Location: Navarre, FL

Tell us about yourself:

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Michael Lewis is an International Captain for a major US airline and a multi-award-winning author of six novels. Lt Colonel Lewis retired from the Air Force in 2014 while an Assistant Operations Officer and AC-130U Evaluator Pilot at the 19th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field. Other assignments included the 1 SOW Battlestaff Director, Aircraft Commander AC-130U 4 SOS, and HC-130 Aircraft Commander 17 SOS, Okinawa, Japan, T-38 Instructor Pilot Vance AFB, and T-37 Instructor Pilot at Columbus AFB during a brief stint in the Air Force Reserves. During his career, he accumulated over 4,400 hours as a Pilot in the AC-130U Spooky Gunship, HC-130 Combat Shadow, T-38 Talon, and T-37 Tweet. He has flown combat missions in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He is a 1985 graduate of Louisiana State University with a Masters Degree from Golden Gate University. Lt Colonel Lewis and his wife Kim have two children and one grandchild.

Why do you want to serve?

I want to serve because I’ve been a lifetime member since 1995, it’s time I give back.

Location: Sedalia, MO

Tell us about yourself:

In 2024, I completed 21+ years of active-duty service, retiring as a Technical Sergeant. My career culminated in the role of Chief, Acquisitions & Strategic Communications at Stealthwerx, a rapid prototyping organization at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Initially designated as a 3C/Communications Systems Operations technician, I transitioned to become arguably one of the most operationally experienced 6F/Comptroller & Financial Management professionals in the career field’s history. Post-retirement, I continue to serve leaders, organizations, and operators as a Strategic Business Consultant, primarily within Innovation and Defense Technology (DefTech), providing advisory services on acquisitions pipelines, product design, resource allocation, venture networking, and dual-use technology investment strategy.
My assignments spanned the gambit of serving under Air Force Material Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Forces Afghanistan, U.S. Air Forces Europe, Air Force Special Operations Command, the Air Staff, and Air Force Global Strike Command. Across more than 100 combat missions, I supported operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and some undisclosed locations, as well as in France, Latvia, and Albania. These missions contributed to operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, the European Reassurance Initiative, Inherent Resolve, and joint exercises such as Saber Strike and Steadfast Javelin. My unconventional career, aligned to the range of joint, conventional, contingency response, and special operations forces, led up to an embed with the U.S. Army’s Security Assistance Office-Afghanistan (SAO-A) for a year out operating of Kabul. Additionally, I’ve served as a subject-matter expert on panels, including the U.S. Air Force Special Operations School’s (USAFSOS) Anti-Terrorism Officer Course (ATOC). My diverse experiences earned me special experience identifiers in ground combat, contingency response, and the Defense Ventures Fellowship, where I provided strategic guidance to and generated defense takeaways with ventures like Firehawk Aerospace on hybrid rocket engines and 3D-printed fuels.
While with the Air Staff where I was managing/analyzing a $31.1B budget portfolio, I worked extensively with the AFSPECWAR family that I deeply love/served with as part of the Air Commando community of the 1 SOW. My efforts were instrumental in crafting key narratives from first-hand tacit knowledge for the Justification Books (J-Books) and advising on the implementation of pivotal compensation programs like Battlefield Airman Skill Incentive Pay (BASIP) [now Special Warfare Skill Incentive Pay (SWSIP)], Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP), and the 724th Special Tactics Group (STG) Operator Assignment Incentive Pay (AIP). These initiatives significantly impacted entitlements for elite Airmen, enhancing their operational readiness and ensuring fair compensation based on rigorous standards. My advisory contributions helped secure legislative support for these programs, ultimately earning endorsement from the President and Congress.

Why do you want to serve?

I am passionate about contributing to the welfare of the Air Commando community. By serving as a Trustee with extensive experience in defense operations, leadership, strategic communications, and financial decision-support from field to Air Staff, I would like to offer my expertise to drive innovation, cultivate a legacy of mentorship, and enhance outreach efforts. My goal is to honor the legacy of our Air Commando community while strengthening the association’s impact for future generations. Together, we can achieve more! Any Time, Any Place.

Location: Shalimar, FL

Tell us about yourself:

I spent 27 years in the USAF and the majority of that time in AFSOC. I was in the 16th SOS and then numerous AFSOC Squadrons as a First Sergeant. I did a tour in HQ AFSOC and retired in 2015 as the 1 SOW Command Chief. Since retiring I have worked in the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program as a Recovery Care Coordinator at Hurlburt Field. My passion has always been taking care of Airmen and their families. I know the good ACA and would like to give back and get more involved with my Air Commando Family. Thanks for your consideration.

Why do you want to serve?

I owe a great deal to this community and would love to give back to our Air Commando family.

Location: Navarre, FL

Tell us about yourself:

Mr. Michael McKinney retired from the USAF in 2010 as a Lt Col (O-5). He spent the majority of his career in AFSOC as an MH-53J/M Pave Low and CV-22 Osprey pilot and participated in numerous named operations. He holds a BA in International Studies from the University of South Florida, and an MS in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He was commissioned through AFROTC Det. 158 at USF, and is currently a Department of Air Force Civilian in the position of Branch Chief, AFSOC Weapons & Tactics at HQ AFSOC.

Assignments:
• UPT – H, (3588 FTS), Ft. Rucker, AL
• Det 10, 37 ARS, F.E. Warren AFB, WY
• 20 SOS, Hurlburt Field, FL
• 21 SOS, RAF Mildenhall, UK
• Det 3, USAFWS, (14 WPS), Hurlburt Field, FL
• HQ AFSOC/A3TW, Hurlburt Field, FL
• 71 SOS, Kirtland AFB, NM
• 58 TRS, Kirtland AFB, NM

Career Highlights:
• Command Pilot with 4000+ total hours (mil/civ)
• 16 SOW LNO to the 75th Ranger Regiment
• Initial cadre selection for the development of the SOF Weapons School Division (USAFWS)
– USAFWS graduate, class 21B.
• Initial cadre selection for the introduction of the CV-22 Osprey (71 SOS)
– CV-22 pilot #10.

Personal Accomplishments/Highlights:
• Co-author of “Chariots of the Damned: Helicopter Special Operations from Vietnam to Kosovo”; 2001.
• Published author and photographer, Vertical magazine, Road & Track, National Speed Sport News, Skies magazine, AFSOC Safety Journal, Heliops magazine.
• Helicopter Program Manager, Aspen Avionics, Albuquerque, NM.
• Chief Pilot, Mountain Air Helicopters, Los Lunas, NM.
• Chief Pilot, CV-22 Functional Test Flight team, M1 Support Services, Kirtland AFB, NM.
• CV-22 Simulator Instructor Pilot, Lockheed Martin/The Rockhill Group, Hurlburt Field, FL.
• Life Member, Air Commando Association.
• Associate member, American Society of Aviation Artists.
• Holley by the Sea Improvement Association, Board of Directors, president.
• Married to Kristin, two children.

Why do you want to serve?

I want to serve because I believe in participating in organizations that you choose to be a member. I’m a passionate amateur historian with particular interest in the Air Commandos and special operations helicopters. The ACA needs diversity and creativity to appeal to the younger Air Commando community…I feel I bring that to the table. I want to increase outreach to this demographic, ignite their interest, and instill pride in being an Air Commando. “Air Commando is a way of thinking, not a branch of the Air Force”, Maj. Gen. John Alison

Location: Niceville, FL

Tell us about yourself:

I’ve had the privilege of serving with AFSOC for over thirty years. I served worldwide as a MC -130H navigator, mission commander, operations officer, deployed J3, and staff officer. My assignments included the 15 SOS, 7 SOS, HQ AFSOC, and various positions within the 1st Special Operations Wing. I recently retired from 18 years as the 1 SOW Director of Staff.
– 15 SOS: Initial cadre, Chief of Stan/Eval, Chief of Mobility
– 7 SOS and 352 SOG: Stan/Eval, Chief of Plans
– HQ AFSOC: Chief of Fixed Wing Stan/Eval, Plans and Programs Force Structure
– 1 SOW: Chief of Wing Plans and Programs
– Retired as Lt Col in 2007
– Then served as 1 SOW Director of Staff (as a civil servant) until December 2023.

Why do you want to serve?

I’ve been associated with the Air Commando Association for years. I greatly value the honorable work that the association does to promote Air Commando culture and history, while simultaneously supporting and mentoring our Airmen and their families worldwide. I’ve had the opportunity to coordinate on many of the ACA’s activities over the years. I am currently serving as the ACA Hall of Fame Committee Chairman, and now that I am fully retired, I would like to contribute further across the spectrum of ACA activities.