Combat Control Foundation | We are First There

As reported by Deadline.com, Amazon MGM Studios and Imagine Entertainment have officially announced the release dates for Alone at Dawn, directed by Ron Howard, based on the 2019 book by retired USAF Lt Col Special Tactics Officer and Combat Controller Dan Schilling and Lori Chapman Longfritz.

The film will begin a limited theatrical release on December 25, 2027, followed by a wide nationwide expansion leading into MLK weekend in January 2028.

Starring Adam Driver as John Chapman and Anne Hathaway as the Air Force intelligence officer who helped uncover the full truth of his actions, the feature brings John's extraordinary legacy and the 2002 Battle of Takur Ghar to the big screen.

It is an honor to see John’s extraordinary legacy, his story, and the sacrifices he made at the Battle of Takur Ghar, shared with audiences around the world. This is a meaningful moment for the entire Combat Control and USAF Special Operations community as the world learns more about the strength, valor, and brotherhood of warriors.

To learn more about MSgt John Chapman’s history and legacy, visit our website - www.combatcontrolfoundation.org/chapman

Link to the Deadline.com article: deadline.com/2026/09/adam-driver-anne-hathaway-alo…

1 week ago | [YT] | 42

Combat Control Foundation | We are First There

We are οut in Sturgis this week! Cοme by and visit us at the Twо Chins Custοm Turbо Trikes lοcatiоn οn Main Street (1012 Main St٫ Sturgis٫ SD 57785) tо check οut the custоm "250th American Anniversary" Turbο Trike in persоn.

Twο very special events taking place:

TODAY - August 12: Actor Rоbert Patrick and Combat Control Foundation ambassador will be οfficially inducted intо the Sturgis Mοtоrcycle Museum Hall οf Fame - Live Video -

* August 14 (at 12:00 PM): Rоbert Patrick and Air Fοrce Cоmbat Cοntrоllers will be at the Twο Chins building tо autοgraph the custоm trike befοre it heads tо the Barrett-Jacksοn Charity Auctiоn tο suppоrt οur veterans plus their families.

Stоp by tο meet the team٫ learn mоre٫ as well as see this incredible piece οf living histоry!

Read the full stοry here:
www.combatcontrolfoundation.org/post/robertpatrick…

1 month ago | [YT] | 1

Combat Control Foundation | We are First There

August 3, 2015 | Eglin Air Force Base, Florida

On this day eleven years ago, we lost Technical Sergeant Marty B. Bettelyoun, a seasoned Combat Controller assigned to the 720th Operations Support Squadron, from injuries sustained during a military freefall training accident on the Eglin Range near Hurlburt Field, Florida. A 15-year military veteran originally from Eugene, Oregon, TSgt Bettelyoun initially served as a SERE instructor before retraining as a Combat Controller in 2006. Throughout his distinguished career, he deployed to multiple combat zones worldwide and served as NCOIC of Surveys and Assault Zones, overseeing critical survey and assault zone programs for eight Special Tactics units encompassing over 900 operators and support personnel. If you would like to learn more about Marty, follow the link in the comments to our website.

The legacy and sacrifice of TSgt Marty Bettelyoun reflect the high-stakes, uncompromising nature of USAF Special Operations and training. Air Force Combat Controllers operate as elite special operations forces, specialized in infiltrating hostile, denied, or austere environments by air, land, or sea. Trained to establish assault landing zones, manage complex combat airspaces, and direct precision strike assets under direct fire, Combat Controllers maintain rigorous operational standards to project global access anywhere in the world. Their dedication ensures the joint force can operate seamlessly in any environment.

Marty is gone from us, but he is never forgotten and always remember.

First There. ⚡

Learn more about the life and service of Marty Bettelyoun on our website: www.combatcontrolfoundation.org/remember

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 44

Combat Control Foundation | We are First There

Legendary Actor Robert Patrick and Artist Mickey Harris Join the Combat Control Foundation at the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to Showcase Custom "250th American Anniversary" Trike done by Two Chins Custom Trikes

Press & Media Information Link: combatcontrolfoundation.org/sturgis

A 212-HP Rolling Monument Celebrating 250 Years of U.S. History Set to Be Signed by Special Tactics Combat Controllers and Guest Stars Before Heading to Barrett-Jackson Charity Auction

STURGIS, S.D. — The Combat Control Foundation (CCF) is taking center stage at the 86th Official Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with a one-of-a-kind tribute vehicle: a custom turbocharged 2010 Harley-Davidson trike that chronicles 250 years of American history. The trike will be in the new Two Chins building on Main Street in Sturgis for rally week, culminating in a special signing event before it goes on the auction block to raise funds for veteran support in September 2026.

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, CCF Ambassador, actor, Harley-Davidson of Santa Clarita co-owner Robert Patrick will be officially inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame Class of 2026 in recognition of his lifelong dedication to motorcycle culture.

Following his induction, on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM, Robert Patrick will join the Combat Control Foundation on Main Street to sign the trike alongside eight veteran Air Force Combat Controllers (CCTs) wearing their signature scarlet berets.
Built in Mesa, Arizona, by Ken Fanger’s company, Two Chins Turbo Trikes, in partnership with Straight Line Customs, the 212-horsepower machine features a Trask Performance full turbo system, SMT wheels, Paul Yaffe Originals fenders, a Klock Werks windshield, and a Dakota Digital speedometer.

Its defining feature is a full 360-degree hand-airbrushed paint job by legendary artist Mickey Harris. The son of a fighter pilot, Harris spent 50 years mastering his craft, including 20 consecutive years painting at Sturgis, before dedicating 250 hours to this chronological narrative. The meticulously detailed artwork spans 250 years of American history, featuring Air Force Combat Controllers, their distinctive CCT patch, and Medal of Honor recipient Master Sergeant John Chapman.

Fanger and his siblings, Joe, Dan, and Crystal, donated the trike in memory of their parents, Shirley and Mike Fanger. Though originally built as the very first vehicle produced by Two Chins Turbo Trikes and intended as a personal keepsake, Fanger decided to dedicate it to those who serve.

After cruising through the Black Hills during Sturgis, the trike will make its final journey to the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Las Vegas, Nevada, in early September.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from the charity auction will directly benefit the Combat Control Foundation, supporting its mission to provide aid to U.S. Air Force Special Operators and their families.

Rally attendees are invited to stop by the Two Chins building on Main Street during Sturgis week to see the trike in person, meet Mickey Harris and Robert Patrick, and learn more about the Air Force Combat Control community.

👉 Event Summary & Details |
— What: Custom Trike Showcase & Official Signing Event
— When: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 > Friday, August 14, 2026 @ 12:00 PM
— Where: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame > Two Chins Building, Main Street, Sturgis, S.D.
— Special Guests: Actor/CCF Ambassador Robert Patrick, Airbrush Artist Mickey Harris, USAF CCTs
— Next Stop: Barrett-Jackson Charity Auction (Las Vegas, NV, September 2026)

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1 month ago | [YT] | 4

Combat Control Foundation | We are First There

This custom Two Chin's 250th America Anniversary Trike will be at #Sturgis2026 and will be signed by Combat Control Foundation Ambassador and ‪@RobertPatrickRipper‬ #America250

1 month ago | [YT] | 1

Combat Control Foundation | We are First There

Before he was fighting for his life, Matt spent his entire career protecting ours.
As an Air Force Combat Controller and retired Chief of Police, Matt always stood between danger and innocent people. But his heart for service didn't stop when he took off the uniform. Matt is the first person on the phone when a veteran is struggling, the one who shows up for first responders carrying invisible wounds, and the man who will drop everything to help a stranger in need.
He’s spent his whole life being the helper, passionate, relentless, and never asking for anything in return. That’s the man we’re fighting for now.
Today, Matt is facing his hardest battle yet against cancer, Parkinson’s, and severe service-connected injuries. He gave everything to his country and his community, now it’s our turn to show up for him and get him the treatment he deserves.
To read more about Matt's medical needs and support his campaign, click the donation link: givebutter.com/CCT-matt-payne-support

2 months ago | [YT] | 50

Combat Control Foundation | We are First There

FIRST THERE. ⚡️ To commemorate the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, Combat Controllers from the 321st and 123rd Special Tactics Squadrons and Headquarters Air Force conducted jumps over Normandy, France.

This mission directly honors the legacy of the WWII Army Pathfinders, who jumped into Normandy at 12:15 AM on June 6, 1944, to establish the first critical air-to-ground navigational aids. Today’s CCTs continue to execute that same vanguard mission, carrying the lineage of the pioneers who secured the foothold in Europe.

Learn more about the mission on D-Day: www.combatcontrolfoundation.org/combat-control-his…

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3 months ago | [YT] | 155

Combat Control Foundation | We are First There

We are excited to show you the 250th Anniversary of America Trike which features incredible custom artwork by world-renowned artist Mickey Harris.

 

This one-of-a-kind trike has been generously DONATED BY The Fanger Family of Blunt, SD (Ken, Joe, Dan, & Crystal) in loving memory of Shirley & Mike.

 

See It Live at Sturgis: The Trike will be proudly displayed in a building right on Main Street in Sturgis, SD during the rally! Mickey Harris will be painting another bike live on-site for the Sturgis rally. Mickey hasn’t done a live paint since 2001, making this a triumphant return 25 years in the making!

 

In September, this stunning trike will cross the block at Barrett Jackson in Las Vegas, with 100% of the proceeds being donated to the Combat Control Foundation to support our nation's heroes.

 

#Sturgis #BarrettJackson #America250

3 months ago | [YT] | 5

Combat Control Foundation | We are First There

🇺🇸 In Memoriam: Remembering Our May Fallen 🇺🇸


As part of our ongoing commitment to honor those who served, we pause each month to observe the legacy of our brothers who passed away that month. This May, we focus our hearts and our memory on this distinguished group of U.S. Air Force Combat Controllers.


These men were more than warriors; they were Sons, Brothers, and Fathers, teammates who embodied the mission to be "First There." Bound together by the sacred ties of service and dedication, they live on in the legacy of the Combat Control community. Their commitment to the hardest missions continues to inspire us daily.


We say their names, so they are Never Forgotten and Always Remembered. We are grateful that such men lived.


A Call for Brotherhood - The weight of these losses can be heavy, and it is important to remember that you are not alone. We encourage everyone in the community to talk to each other, check on each other, and be true brothers. We must continue to be the teammates our brothers, who are no longer with us, would expect us to be.


Learn more about these men by visiting the CCT memorial website: memorial.combatcontrol.team/brothers/


⚡⚡⚡ May Fallen ⚡⚡⚡
Alvin Barksdale (5/24/2026)
Michael Pelley (5/11/2025)
William Nellums (5/9/2025)
Bruce Nyberg (5/23/2024)
Drew Maglio (5/8/2024)
Lt Col Robert Massengale (5/3/2024)
Bernard Sihsmann (5/7/2023)
Lt Col Lawrence Clausen (5/6/2023)
Rick Cheek (5/21/2020)
Chesley Bowden (5/10/2020)
Carnel Elder (5/3/2019)
Col John Buck (5/26/2018)
SMSgt John Johnston (5/16/2015)
CMSgt Thomas Allen (5/17/2014)
Capt Robert Booth (5/10/2013)
Capt Neil Landsberg (5/9/2013)
Joseph Rountree (5/9/2012)
Sean Hopkins (5/17/2011)
Edmund Wallace (5/23/2010)
James Dial (5/7/2010)
A1C Kenneth McCarthy (5/1/2010)
Scott Giuliani (5/29/2009)
William Carsey (5/31/2008)
Larry Choate (5/20/2007)
SSgt Casey Crate (5/30/2005) [Killed-In-Action]
Capt Derek Argel (5/30/2005) [Killed-In-Action]
Capt Jeremy Fresques (5/30/2005) [Killed-In-Action]
MSgt Charles Abee (5/16/2005)
LTC Joseph Klauser (5/6/2004)
Thomas Kelsh (5/17/1999)
Robert Branum (5/23/1998)
Norris Gentry (5/6/1997)
CMSgt Howard Land (5/8/1995)
MSgt Floyd Loveland (5/19/1992)
David Fagan (5/19/1991)
Billy Campbell (5/15/1990)
Eugene McCarthy (5/29/1989)
SSgt Larry Courtroul (5/28/1986)
TSgt Ransom Andrews (5/16/1985)
Capt Michael Dionne (5/9/1984) [Killed-In-Training]
George Genung (5/28/1974)
SSgt Clyde Wales (5/8/1974)
A1C Edward Kimble (5/22/1967) [Killed-In-Training]
SSgt James Proctor (5/8/1967)
A2C David Mayer (5/26/1966)
SMSgt Andre Guillet (5/18/1966) [Missing-In-Action]
Donald Linden (5/26/1961)

3 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 173

Combat Control Foundation | We are First There

Today, we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to their country. We are eternally grateful for their sacrifice, and forever grateful that they existed. #MemorialDay #NeverForgotten #AlwaysRemembered

3 months ago | [YT] | 415