Air Commando Receives USSOCOM Bull Simons Award
You live in a world of risk.
Retired U.S. Air Force Col Larry Ropka was one of the Bull Simons Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients during Special Operations Forces Week in Tampa. A true “quiet professional,” Ropka built a legacy in the shadows, rarely seeking credit for his role in shaping history and the structure of Special Operations. “It’s a world of risk 24 hours a day,” Ropka said, summing up the life of a special operator. (The Air Commando Association is grateful to Courtney Robinson at news channel 10 Tampa Bay for graciously sharing her interview with Col Ropka with us.)
Link to the 10 Tampa Bay full article and video
To learn more about Larry’s incredible journey in Special Operations order MY THIRTY YEAR JOURNEY: In the Shadow of Special Operations Giants
Air Commando Recipients of the Bull Simons Award:
1996 Lt Gen Leroy Manor*
1999 Maj Gen Johnny Alison*
2003 Brig Gen Harry C. “Hienie” Aderholt*
2007 Col John Carney*
2012 MSgt Scott Fales
2017 CMSgt Michael Lampe*
2023 CMSgt Wayne Fisk
2024 CMSgt Wayne Norrad
2025 Col Larry Ropka
*No official link available
Latest ACA News
Member Log-In
Now ACA members who are current on their dues and have an email on file with us can update their membership profile, view the members only photo gallery, search the member directory, and read the air commando adventures
Partner of the Month
Elbit Systems of America, LLC is a U.S.-based wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd., a leading global source of innovative, technology based systems for diverse defense and commercial applications…. Visit our website!
