Search
Close this search box.

Vietnam forward air controllers hold final reunion at Hurlburt Field

Vietnam-era forward air controllers gathered at Hurlburt Field, Florida, for their final reunion, returning to where they trained nearly 70 years ago before deploying to Southeast Asia.
A wreath is on display during the final Forward Air Controller Association reunion at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 26, 2024. The reunion served as a way to pay homage to the legacy of the members who supported and flew the forward air controller mission during the war in Southeast Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Amanda Flower)

Members of the Forward Air Controller Association (FACA) convened at Hurlburt Field’s Memorial Air Park on Oct. 26 for their final reunion, marking the end of an era that began when they trained at the same location before serving in Vietnam.

  • The event featured a memorial ceremony where retired Capt. Evan Quiros presented a “Ghost Pilot” bronze statue to Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, Air Force Special Operations Command commander. The life-sized bust features a helmeted pilot with a polished visor creating a ghost-like appearance.

“This will be a very fitting end, both a good and sad one, as we hold our last reunion where it all started,” said retired Lt. Col. Claude Newland, FACA reunion coordinator. “Our time has come as we are aging and eventually every ‘last-man standing’ organization must fold its tent.”

Base leadership, Forward Air Controller Association members and family gather at the Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park for the final FACA reunion at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 26, 2024. Established in 1999, the FACA is a non-profit organization with a purpose of preserving the history of the personnel who supported and flew the forward air controller mission during the war in Southeast Asia. It also serves as a forum for members to share their stories and continue their legacy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Amanda Flower)

Chief Master Sgt. Ralph Oliver, 1st Special Operations Wing command chief, welcomed the veterans. “We’re excited to welcome you back and pay homage to the legacy you have set for every Air Commando following you,” Oliver said. “Thank you for your service and thank you for lighting the way.”

Retired Capt. Evan Quiros presents a “Ghost Pilot” statue he crafted to U.S Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, Air Force Special Operations Command commander, during the final Forward Air Controller Association reunion at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 26, 2024. Engraved at the base of the statue is a poem by John Gillespie McGee, “For the pilots who ‘slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter-silver wings’ but never returned.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Amanda Flower)

The statue’s creator, Quiros, explained how personal tragedy influenced the sculpture’s evolution.

  • “I lost my daughter, her husband and my two grandkids in a plane crash in Colorado,” Quiros said. “After mourning them and those I lost during the war, the sculpture evolved and my hope was for it to force people to reflect on the people in their own lives.”

The sculpture bears an engraved poem by John Gillespie McGee, commemorating pilots who “slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter-silver wings but never returned.”

Retired Col. Zot Barazzotto described the statue’s emotional impact: “It stirred emotions and feelings like nothing in my 80 years, I think the Ghost Pilot helped thaw my frozen feelings.”

A flyover is conducted during the final Forward Air Controller Association reunion at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Oct. 26, 2024. Established in 1999, the FACA is a non-profit organization with a purpose of preserving the history of the personnel who supported and flew the forward air controller mission during the war in Southeast Asia. It also serves as a forum for members to share their stories and continue their legacy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Amanda Flower)

FACA, established in 1999, is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of forward air controller personnel who served in Southeast Asia. The members spent the remainder of their final reunion sharing service memories and visiting the local area.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Sandestin's Raven hosted The Boeing Championship - PGA Champions Tour - 2006-2207 after moving from The Moor's in Milton EdEich@msn.com”
Respond
“I think this is a great idea - unique property with waterfront, adjacent to LJP, on 98 - and built with bed tax dollars to draw more vacationers. Sounds like...”
Respond
“I’m so sorry to hear about Sheila’s passing. We were friends a long time but had lost touch. She was so very smart and a really nice person. My condolences...”
Respond
“Praying firvofficer and his family”
Respond
“Wife and I were thinking of making an offer for the property. What a beautiful home site it would make”
Respond
“No, buying the ship was a great idea and will be a wonderful place to snorkeling, and scuba diving.”
Respond
“SPC beach bars have been successful for Decades. We have a large loyal and captive group! The Sand Flea family of restauranteurs have ways succeeded and will drawer other beach...”
Respond
“I agree with the idea of making it an event place. Whether for weddings or parties or businesses that want to hold lectures or meetings.Also a place for groups like...”
Respond
“I second that thought, please quit trying to make Fort Walton another Destin. And anything to do with that that 10 million dollar ship they bought to sink is ridiculous!”
Respond
“I like the idea of it being an event rental space, it would be beautiful for weddings and receptions, but another "charter boat hub", please quit trying to make Fort...”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.