TACPs prepare for memorial ceremony

  • Published
  • By Tonya Keebaugh
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Tactical Air Control Party class Eagle 84 and members of the TACP Association converged Saturday at the TACP Memorial Wall on Hurlburt Field to clean and landscape the area surrounding the memorial.

The facelift comes before a memorial ceremony honoring the sacrifice of Senior Airman Bradley Smith, who was killed in action January 3, 2010, during a mission in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

"It's an honor for us to be able to help out and give a little back to those men who have gone before us, especially the ones who have made the ultimate sacrifice," said 1st Lt. Kyle Spain, class leader for Eagle 84.

The memorial wall was built to honor TACPs who have died during combat operations. Three TACPs have been added to the wall since combat operations began in Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. Jacob Frazier and Airman 1st Class Raymond Losano, who were killed during OEF in 2003, were honored during the initial dedication ceremony of the TACP Memorial Wall in May 2009. Airman Smith, who was assigned to the 10th Air Support Operations Squadron in Fort Riley, Kan., will be the third.

"When the news spread of what happened to Senior Airman Smith, it sent a ripple throughout the TACP community," said Charlie Keebaugh, TACP Association president and former TACP. "We know the dangers inherent to this career field, but that doesn't make the loss less tragic."

Airman Smith joined the Air Force in 2006 and was 24 years old when he died. He was from Troy, Ill., and leaves behind his wife, Tiffany Smith, and their daughter, Chloe Lynn, who was born October 2009. He and three other service members died after an attack in Ashoque, Afghanistan.

"Airman Smith was an outstanding Airman, and just all around good guy," said Senior Master Sgt. Troy Lundquist, TACP schoolhouse superintendent. "By placing his name on this wall, he earns his place in the TACP history books. We're going to ensure his sacrifice is not soon forgotten."

The ceremony to honor Airman Smith is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 26 with Airman Smith's wife, daughter, mother, father and other family members in attendance. Senior Airman Mike Malarsie, who was wounded during the same incident, will be speaking during the ceremony. Airman Malarsie lost his eyesight during the fighting and is still on active duty.

Lieutenant General Phillip Breedlove will be the keynote speaker for the event. General Breedlove is the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements at Air Force Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He is a former Air Liaison Officer and has worked with the TACP community throughout his career.

The ceremony is open to anyone with base access. For more information, e-mail association@usaftacp.com.