Please join the Air Force Special Operations family in congratulating this year’s special operations legends:

Chief Master Sergeant Matthew M. Caruso distinguished himself by exceptionally dedicated service to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). Throughout his AFSOC career, he performed duties as an MC-130P/W Instructor and Evaluator Flight Engineer, 27th Special Operations Group Superintendent, 27th Special Operations Wing (SOW) Command Chief, Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component-Afghanistan Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Special Operations Command Korea Command Senior Enlisted Leader, and AFSOC Command Chief. During assignments with the 9th and 67th Special Operations Squadrons, his skilled airmanship, courage under fire and adept leadership during multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq were critical to successful combat mission execution. As MC-130P Flight Engineer Functional Manager, he leveraged scarce resources to facilitate flight engineer recruitment efforts while pursuing additional funding for increased training slots. While assigned to the 27th SOW, he teamed with the commander to provide critical oversight and operations leadership ensuring AFSOC’s unmanned aerial systems capabilities, and capacity grew from a nascent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platform to a fully integrated joint force capability. As AFSOC’s eighth Command Chief Master Sergeant, he tackled a myriad of issues impacting more than 19,000 Air Commandos and led the charge on enlisted force training, readiness, utilization and resilience. Chief Caruso’s service continues today as he serves on the Board of Directors for the Air Commando Association and Air Commando Heritage Foundation. In his 32 years of service, and into retirement, Chief Caruso’s extraordinary leadership and devotion to duty reflect credit upon himself, Air Force Special Operations Command and Air Commandos of all generations.

Colonel Michael J. D’Argenio, United States Air Force, distinguished himself by exceptionally dedicated service to the Air Force and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) from 1993 to 2013. During this time, Colonel D’Argenio demonstrated extraordinary leadership starting as AC-130H co-pilot all the way to data masked Group Commander. He is a veteran of 44 special operations deployments in support of operations in Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. He led many of the most critical missions on the opening nights of combat in both Afghanistan and Iraq, including Operation RHINO and GECKO. He also played a key role in the rescue of PFC Jessica Lynch. His legacy not only includes leadership in the AC-130H and AC-130U, but also as the guiding hand and first commander of the 319th Special Operations Squadron. This squadron was the first AFSOC unit to fly the U-28 aircraft. Colonel D’Argenio is an unmatched Quiet Professional who humbly put his Air Commandos and mission success at the forefront. He instructed, mentored and supported thousands of warriors whose actions echo in the successes of AFSOC to this day. In more than 25 years of service and into retirement, Colonel Michael J. D’Argenio reflected great credit upon himself, the Air Commandos of Air Force Special Operations and the United States Air Force.

Colonel Jerry L. Garlington dedicated his life to the United States of America by his service. He served over 30 years in the Air Force and an additional 14 years as an Air Force civilian. He served 20 years in Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) at the squadron, group and headquarters levels. He was identified by the AFSOC Director of Operations, Colonel Steve Connelly as “my #1 Operations Expert.” Colonel Garlington joined special operations as the Operations Officer and then Commander of the 55th Special Operations Squadron. There he led his unit into combat in Panama, Iraq, Kuwait and Turkey. In the mid-90’s, he was AFSOC’s Chief of Standardization & Evaluation. He was then selected to be the Director of Operations at the 352nd Special Operations Group, RAF Mildenhall, UK. His expertise was critical during a very active and engaged period in the European theater; often tasked to deploy as the Joint Special Operations Task Force-2, Combat Commander for the Balkans. Returning to the U.S., Colonel Garlington was sent to the Joint Special Operations Command as the command point of contact and subject matter expert for five governmental agencies and the Department of Defense. He then served as the AFSOC Deputy Director of Operations just prior to his retirement. After 9/11, he continued his service as a civilian becoming the Military Deception Program Manager and later Chief of Information Operations overseeing the command’s Operational Security, Military Deception and Cyber Security programs. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Garlington and his 44 years of unselfish service reflect great credit upon himself, Air Force Special Operations, and Air Commandos of every generation.

During the extraordinary 24-year Air Force career of Colonel Gerald J. Uttaro he served in numerous senior command, operational and staff positions. He accumulated over 5,000 hours in C-130A, MC-130, AC-130, B-707, B-727, T-37 and Casa 212 aircraft. Colonel Uttaro was instrumental in the successful development, design and implementation of the special operations procedures, tactics, and techniques for blacked out landings/takeoffs, use of NVG’s for ground and flight operations and communications-out/lights-out in-flight refueling procedures for Operation Eagle Claw. These procedures changed Combat Talon tactics forever and are still being used today by Air Commandos around the globe. He was the lead mission aircraft commander for Credible Sport which was a joint operational R&D program for the second rescue attempt of the Iranian hostages. Over 60,000 modifications were accomplished on a C-130E in six months. Rocket engines were added to make it STOL capable to land and takeoff in the soccer stadium next to the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. He was one of the first two officers to receive the Air Force level Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award. He was the Commander of a Data Masked Unit tasked by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to perform classified combat missions directed by the Secretary of Defense and National Command Authorities. After command he was the Chief, Support Activities Branch, Directorate of Operations, J-3, Joint Staff. In this position he represented the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff in a special access program that provided sensitive support to DoD components and non-DoD federal agencies. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Gerald J. Uttaro reflect great credit upon himself, Air Force Special Operations and Air Commandos of every generation.

Colonel Craig J. Walker’s selfless duty to service and country represents the true embodiment of the ideals, standards and traditions of the Air Commando. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for providing combat critical Gunship cover for an ambushed Special Forces Team trapped in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan. He stayed on target amidst heavy ground fire, two surface-to-air missile engagements, severe fire control failure and a sandstorm. He refused to withdraw well into daylight continuing to fire on the enemy until the team had been successfully extracted. While overseeing an exfiltration mission in Sudan, three aircraft took heavy ground fire and were forced to limp to Uganda. After arrival, Colonel Walker orchestrated the airlift and care for a severely wounded crewmember to Djibouti where a surgeon was waiting. His direct action ultimately resulted in saving his life. He was part of the initial cadre at the Air Force Weapons School, later becoming Commander of the 14th Weapons Squadron. His innovations are still in effect today. Colonel Walker molded some of the best intellects in Special Operations and is a positive example in his community. His contributions to a Traumatic Brain Injury and Mental Health study influenced a Congressional policy change. This compelled the VA to ensure patients are not lost in transition from active duty to VA care. He is an outstanding leader and mentor who empowers and supports the successes of others. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Walker reflect great credit upon himself, Air Force Special Operations and all Air Commandos.