The Air Commando community is saddened by the recent passing of Combat Control great Alan “Yosh” Yoshida, CMSgt, USAF, Retired.  ACA has passed our condolences to the Combat Control Foundation and they have asked us to share this link for support.  https://www.facebook.com/events/989129669311902?ref=newsfeed
As an Air Commando, Yosh was a great friend and colleague to many Air Commandos…past and present. He was a true quiet professional, warrior, leader, and intellectual powerhouse, and he will be forever remembered as one of the very best our Nation has to offer! He saved U.S. and coalition lives on the battlefield and destroyed our enemies. He was an exemplary keeper of freedom and honor!

A memorial event will be held for Yosh on 16 December 2023 at 1400, at 1078 County Road 241, Hondo, TX. For logistical reasons, the Combat Control Foundation needs to get a headcount of everyone who is attending the memorial in Texas.
Please visit this CCF link to RSVP for the memorial event

The following is an official Facebook post from Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, commander of Air Force Special Operations:

Over the weekend, we lost a dedicated Combat Controller, Silver Star Recipient and true hero, CMSgt (Retired) Alan “Yosh” Yoshida, who passed away on December 9, 2023.

Yoshida earned the Silver Star in 2001 for his actions against the Taliban and their surrender of Kandahar to Hamid Karzai. Over the course of 5 days, Yoshida worked with the lead elements of Northern Alliance Commander Hamid Karzai’s ground force as they advanced and seized the town of Sayyd Alma Kalay. After the Taliban launched a major counterattack, Yoshida orchestrated numerous danger-close air strikes, crushing the Taliban attack and forcing the enemy to retreat to the southern side of the river, saving both his team members and hundreds of Afghans in the nearby town.

The following day, Yoshida accompanied by friendly forces, attacked a critical hilltop overlooking the only bridge in the sector crossing the Arghendab River. Exposing himself to intense machine-gun fire and rocket-propelled grenades, Yoshida advanced toward the hilltop, plotted out three enemy positions, developed aircraft attack restrictions and determined optimal munitions selection, resulting in neutralization of the enemy threat, survival of friendly forces and ensuring the strategically vital bridge remained intact.

And while his actions on those days alone are enough to write him into our history books, Yosh was so much more than just an operator. In the years that followed, he continued to pour into others, sharing his experience and wisdom far and wide throughout AFSOC and Air Force. Among his notable accomplishments is that he was one of the primary architects of generational technological advancements and equipment modernization for the Special Tactics force. When he retired a few years ago he continued to serve through his support to organizations like the Combat Control Foundation but also got some much-deserved down time with his wife and children, who he cherished.

CMSgt Yoshida, thank you for your service and dedication to our nation, AFSOC and your fellow Air Commandos.

Donations can be made here in memory of Yosh: https://www.combatcontrolfoundation.org/donate

The following obituary for Alan T. Yoshida has been released to the Combat Control Foundation by his family. The family also gave permission to post on social media channels.

On 9 December 2023, Alan Tatsuo Yoshida, loving husband, father, son, brother, and warrior passed away at age 51.

Alan was born in Mililani, Hawaii on 27 October 1972, to Ronald and Nina Yoshida. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1991 where he faithfully and proudly served his country for 28 years as a Combat Controller. Alan raised three beautiful children of whom he was extremely proud—his daughter Sydney, and his sons Noah and Trevor. Through them, his legacy lives on.
On 15 April 2015, he married the love of his life, Sarah. Together they enjoyed traveling the world and going on adventures.

Alan was a graduate of Norwich University and later served as the Strategic Accounts Executive for Parraid LLC. Alan chose to work for Parraid because the company empowered him to dream big and enabled him to transform his ideas into reality.

Alan’s interests were many. He was an artist, a technologist, a visionary, a warrior, and a dreamer. He loved little kids and Izzy dog. He tolerated Yeager. His passions included surfing, parachuting, hunting, fishing, and working on his land in Hondo. Alan truly loved his career. Although it left him in great pain, he never regretted a minute of his service and would do it all over again if he could. He was born to be an operator and was one of the best there ever was. He truly loved his brothers in arms and used his gifts and genius to improve their lives, safety, and survivability. But most of all, Alan loved and cherished his family. He was the happiest just spending time with his kids and Sarah. Give him a good cuddle and he was content.
Alan was preceded in death by his father Ronald. He is survived by his wife Sarah, his daughter Sydney Price, his sons Noah and Trevor, his mother Nina, his brother Dale, his sister Ann, and his nephew Joshua. A memorial service will be held for Alan on 16 December 2023 at 1400, at 1078 County Road 241, Hondo, TX.

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the Combat Control Foundation or bring a tree to plant in his orchard.

Consider donating to the Air Commando Association to support our war fighters. Every donation counts!