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Memorial honors fallen tactical air controllers

A memorial honoring tactical air controllers killed in action now stands at Hurlburt Field, Fla., where the controllers learn their skills.

The first two names inscribed on the memorial are those of Staff Sgt. Jacob Frazier and Airman 1st Class Raymond Losano, who both died in Afghanistan in 2003. An unveiling ceremony took place June 26.

“These men gave the ultimate sacrifice and as long as I live I will never be able to give what these men have already given to the country,” Brig. Gen. Michael Longoria, 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing commander, said in a statement. “The reason memorials are important is that it’s our obligation to recognize that sacrifice and to honor them.”

Two or more Air Force tactical air controllers make up a tactical air control party (TACP). One is typically a joint terminal air controller, or JTAC, who is embedded with an Army unit. The others advise ground commanders on the best use of air power; establish and maintain command and control communications; control air traffic and naval gunfire; and provide terminal attack guidance.

There are 1,045 active-duty and 302 Air National Guard TACPs.

“It’s more than a group of men who are physically fit, technically and tactically competent, and brave enough to jump out of airplanes, repel out of helicopters and run around the front lines of a fight looking for action,” said Chief Master Sgt. David Devine, TACP career field manager. “It’s men who truly love what they're doing and will do whatever it takes to take care of their buddies and get the job done.”