505th Command and Control Wing Airman selected to visit with legislators Published March 2, 2009 By Jodi L. Jordan 505th Command and Control Wing Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. - A 505th Command and Control Wing technical sergeant was one of five Airmen recently selected by Air Combat Command to represent ACC and the Air Force's combat abilities during a congressional delegation visit to Langley Air Force Base. Tech. Sgt. Darrell DeMotta, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller or JTAC assigned to the 705th Training Squadron at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, flew to Langley for a day of interaction with staff members from five U.S. Congressperson's offices Feb 20. For some people, the high-level visibility of visiting with distinguished visitors would be stressful. But Sergeant DeMotta is no stranger to high-pressure assignments. As a JTAC, he directs the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations. Qualified joint terminal attack controllers are recognized across the U.S. Department of Defense as capable and authorized to perform terminal attack control. "Basically, I can perform my job in any area, with any of the services or our coalition partners, controlling any type of aircraft, without supervision," Sergeant DeMotta said. Deployed to Iraq in 2007, he took those responsibilities and saved lives during a variety of dangerous missions, said his superintendent at the time of deployment, Master Sgt. Timothy Crusing of the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron. In addition to saving the life of an Iraqi police officer who was shot by a sniper, Sergeant DeMotta also dragged a soldier out of a house and to safety after three team members were shot during a raid of a suspected terrorist cell. According to an article in the Air Force Times, Sergeant DeMotta controlled helicopters and fighters while also setting up a medical evacuation of injured soldiers. "He never stopped controlling aircraft during the ordeal, despite the ground threat" said Sergeant Crusing. "It was an extraordinary act under the circumstances." In his current position as Tactical Air Control-Party subject matter expert at the 705th Combat Training Squadron, Sergeant DeMotta is responsible for developing Virtual Flag exercise academics, mission rehearsals, and JTAC/Air Support Operations Center training objectives. In addition, he is also responsible for the Indirect Fire/Forward Air Control Trainer, Joint Close Air Support Operation Simulator, and Air Support Operations Center, which make up the TAC-P Operations Cell. Sergeant DeMotta was selected to represent ACC because of these and many other accomplishments. In a letter announcing the selectees, Col. Bryan Kelly, ACC Director of Staff, wrote, "All the Airmen nominated demonstrated dedicated service and have made outstanding contributions to the on-going fight. Their stories were impressive to read, across the board." During the visit, the Airmen and congressional staffers received briefings on ACC, current intelligence, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. They also toured static displays of the F-22 Raptor and F-15 Strike Eagle aircraft, as well as demonstrations by several Air Force agencies. "It was an honor to be selected for this visit," Sergeant DeMotta said. "I learned a lot from seeing the briefings and demonstrations. It was especially cool when we went to the JTAC display, because I already knew all the guys there. Everyone was great to us, and I'm grateful to have had this opportunity."
505th Command and Control Wing Airman selected to visit with legislators Published March 2, 2009 By Jodi L. Jordan 505th Command and Control Wing Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. - A 505th Command and Control Wing technical sergeant was one of five Airmen recently selected by Air Combat Command to represent ACC and the Air Force's combat abilities during a congressional delegation visit to Langley Air Force Base. Tech. Sgt. Darrell DeMotta, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller or JTAC assigned to the 705th Training Squadron at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, flew to Langley for a day of interaction with staff members from five U.S. Congressperson's offices Feb 20. For some people, the high-level visibility of visiting with distinguished visitors would be stressful. But Sergeant DeMotta is no stranger to high-pressure assignments. As a JTAC, he directs the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations. Qualified joint terminal attack controllers are recognized across the U.S. Department of Defense as capable and authorized to perform terminal attack control. "Basically, I can perform my job in any area, with any of the services or our coalition partners, controlling any type of aircraft, without supervision," Sergeant DeMotta said. Deployed to Iraq in 2007, he took those responsibilities and saved lives during a variety of dangerous missions, said his superintendent at the time of deployment, Master Sgt. Timothy Crusing of the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron. In addition to saving the life of an Iraqi police officer who was shot by a sniper, Sergeant DeMotta also dragged a soldier out of a house and to safety after three team members were shot during a raid of a suspected terrorist cell. According to an article in the Air Force Times, Sergeant DeMotta controlled helicopters and fighters while also setting up a medical evacuation of injured soldiers. "He never stopped controlling aircraft during the ordeal, despite the ground threat" said Sergeant Crusing. "It was an extraordinary act under the circumstances." In his current position as Tactical Air Control-Party subject matter expert at the 705th Combat Training Squadron, Sergeant DeMotta is responsible for developing Virtual Flag exercise academics, mission rehearsals, and JTAC/Air Support Operations Center training objectives. In addition, he is also responsible for the Indirect Fire/Forward Air Control Trainer, Joint Close Air Support Operation Simulator, and Air Support Operations Center, which make up the TAC-P Operations Cell. Sergeant DeMotta was selected to represent ACC because of these and many other accomplishments. In a letter announcing the selectees, Col. Bryan Kelly, ACC Director of Staff, wrote, "All the Airmen nominated demonstrated dedicated service and have made outstanding contributions to the on-going fight. Their stories were impressive to read, across the board." During the visit, the Airmen and congressional staffers received briefings on ACC, current intelligence, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. They also toured static displays of the F-22 Raptor and F-15 Strike Eagle aircraft, as well as demonstrations by several Air Force agencies. "It was an honor to be selected for this visit," Sergeant DeMotta said. "I learned a lot from seeing the briefings and demonstrations. It was especially cool when we went to the JTAC display, because I already knew all the guys there. Everyone was great to us, and I'm grateful to have had this opportunity."