From the President: 2024 ACA Convention Recap
Air Commandos
Our 2024 convention was a huge success after weeks of hectic planning and coordination. All the events came off pretty much without a hitch, culminating with our first ever combined awards banquet with AFSOC’s Outstanding Airmen of the Year. Teamwork between the AFSOC Committee and our own ACA group led to all parties in attendance agreeing it was a huge success as the young active duty award winners were highlighted along with five exceptional Air Commando Hall of Fame inductees.
The weekend began on Thursday with a Ice Breaker at the Island in Fort Walton Beach, FL. There were a few perhaps slightly embellished war stories exchanged as everyone had a good time getting together with old friends.
Friday morning we had a very nice breakfast emceed by our own CMSgt (ret) Joe Mast. AFSOC Commander Lt Gen Bauerenfiend and Command Chief Green presented nine ACA sponsored AFSOC level awards to well deserving active duty Air Commandos. Additionally, Dr Alex Balbir of Sound Off, gave a presentation on how his organization and the ACA are working together to try to cut the rate of military suicide.
Afterwards, on Friday afternoon Air Commandos gathered for our memorial in the Hurlburt Air Park in recognition of those who have flown west. Capt Ben Hoyt, the ACA Hurlburt Chapter president, presided over the event with mentorship and assistance from ACA board member Col (ret) Lloyd Moon. Col Patrick Dierig, 1 SOW Commander, gave a very thoughtful and poignant talk and Col (ret) Jerry “Padre” Houge served as the Chaplain. Les Matheson performed moving renditions on the bagpipe. Lest we forget.
The Saturday morning open house at the ACA building was an enjoyable event attended by many. Hosted by Jeanette Elliott and Melissa Gross, with Rachel Halvorson and Pat Barnett manning the Commando Store and selling ACA swag.
As mentioned earlier, the main event of the week was the annual awards banquet at the Destin/Fort Walton Beach Convention Center which was attended by approximately 430 Air Commandos. Our emcee for the evening was Col (ret) Shelley Woodworth who teamed up with a very talented young airman from AFSOC and entertained the audience with lively exchanges between the two of them. This banquet required a large amount of effort behind the scenes and was led by Melissa and Jeanette along with a host of ACA and AFSOC volunteers. A special thank you to Dawn Hart of AFSOC PA for her invaluable assistance. ACA Advisor, Sherri Hayes once again organized and orchestrated the seating and signing in for all in attendance and was assisted by Jeanette and Melissa along with Pat Barnett and several airmen from AFSOC. ACA board members Col (ret) Rene Leon, CMSgt (ret) Rebecca Shelley and Col (ret) Lloyd Moon made sure the Partner VIP Social was a huge success. The Air Commando Hall of Fame committee, led by Lt Col (ret) JD Walker and CMSgt (ret) Gordo Scott did a superb job of ushering the new Hall of Fame inductees throughout the evening and presenting the prestigious awards on stage.
None of these events would have been possible if it were not for the very generous support of our sponsors. We would like to acknowledge Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson who is the overall convention sponsor; the Awards Banquet Sponsor L3Harris; the Air Commando Association’s Heritage Breakfast Sponsor was Lockheed Martin; and both CMSgts (ret) Rick and Julie Crutchfield along with Lockheed Martin’s support ensured the ACA Partner VIP social was a success.
Photos of the 2024 ACA Convention
I would be remiss if I did not express our sincere gratitude to our Corporate Partners for their support of the Air Commando Association throughout the year. Because of their generosity we were able to sponsor over 40 active duty Airmen at the awards banquet free of charge.
All in all, a great week of comradery in recognition of heroes young and old and renewed and extended friendships.
Any Time – Any Place
Col (ret) Dennis Barnett
President/CEO Air Commando Association
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