We Are First There in providing support to the
Combat Control community.
We provide care and support to our Air Force's Special Tactics Combat Controllers, their families and other members of the military community through our First There programs, and through partnerships with similar charitable organizations.
Combat Control Foundation's Programs
Assisting in times of urgency
Support that aids in recovery
Supporting education opportunities
Preserving history of the community
FIRST THERE PROGRAM IMPACT
The Red Beret
The color represents those men who have died and those men who will die while meeting the fate of the red beret.
The black band represents the fear of the unknown tasks, that each combat controller will have to encounter, and the initiative to conquer those tears to accomplish the mission.
The knot that is tied in the back of the beret represents a symbol or an unwritten bond that all combat controllers are brothers in arms.
The price that you have paid to earn this beret is not half the price you will have to pay to keep it.
Placing this beret upon your head will not make you a man. In essence, it takes a man to put this beret on.
The men who wear the red beret are men with dreams and the guts to make those dreams come true.
Written by
USAF Combat Control Instructor
SSgt Christopher Caffall
⚡WHAT IS A COMBAT CONTROLLER?⚡
Combat Controllers are Air Force Special Tactics Airmen. They are ground forces operators assigned to Special Tactics Squadrons.
They are highly trained special operations forces and certified FAA air traffic controllers.
The mission of a combat controller is to deploy, undetected, into combat and hostile environments to establish assault zones or airfields, while simultaneously conducting air traffic control, fire support, command and control, direct action, counterterrorism, foreign internal defense, humanitarian assistance and special reconnaissance in the joint arena.
Combat Controllers are among the most highly trained personnel in the U.S. Armed Forces.
About The Combat Control Foundation
The Combat Control Foundation (CCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2021 and we are First There to provide care and support to Combat Controllers (CCTs), their families, and other members of the military special operations community. The Foundation focuses on four pillars: Resilience, Wellness, Education, and Heritage.
Through our First There 4 Resiliency (FT4-R) program, the Combat Control Foundation is dedicated to supporting combat controllers, their families, and Gold Star Families during times of crisis. We provide financial assistance for expenses related to dignified transfers, memorial services, and travel costs. Additionally, we offer services such as grief counseling, retreats, remembrance gifts, and kids' camps to help those who have experienced loss. Our commitment extends to warriors who have lost a parent or sibling, providing them with support and resources to navigate their grief. By alleviating stressors and bolstering resilience, we strive to enhance well-being and empower individuals to overcome challenges.
The demanding nature of Combat Control duty takes a toll on the well-being of warriors and their families, both physically and mentally. Our First There 4 Wellness (FT4-W) program provides crucial financial and logistical aid to Combat Control Team (CCT) members who sustain critical injuries or fall ill. By relieving the associated burdens, we empower them to prioritize their healing journey and well-being. We also extend our support to family members facing difficulties, and we remain committed to promoting the well-being of warriors, families, and veterans. Our goal is to ensure their continued health by providing the necessary assistance and resources for their overall wellness.
Through our First There 4 Education (FT4-E) program, we aim to empower Combat Control Team family members by providing scholarships for higher education and training. We are committed to supporting quality education opportunities for dependent children, especially in geographically separated duty locations where the right educational choices are vital for the student's overall success. The goal of FT4-E is to ensure that education remains accessible and attainable for the families within the Combat Control Community.
Through our First There 4 Heritage (FT4-H) program, we actively preserve and cultivate the profound legacy of the Combat Control Team brotherhood, including their families. We achieve this by organizing engaging summer camps and teammate connect events, fostering a sense of camaraderie and continuity. By doing so, we uphold the significant heritage these warriors have established. Additionally, we offer financial support for the development of fitting national memorials and monuments, ensuring their enduring recognition and reverence.
We are Combat Control Foundation.
We are First There for Combat Controllers when they are in need.
Join us in making a lasting impact on these elite warriors by supporting the Combat Control Foundation. Every dollar you contribute fuels the success of elite Combat Controllers, the unsung heroes who are First There...Last Out during critical missions.
Your donation equips us with the tools, training, and support we need to excel and save lives. These courageous warriors persevere in the face of adversity, and with your help, we can ensure they have the resources to continue their vital work.
By supporting the Combat Control Foundation, you're not only investing in their success but also strengthening the safety and security of our nation. Together, we can honor their dedication and make a real difference in their lives and their families.
Join us in serving these exceptional Airmen and their families.
Your generosity matters.
OUR AFSPECWAR COALITION PARTNERS
