Association links Air Commandos to heritage, history, heroes

Published April 27, 2007
Courtesy of ACA

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The Air Commando Association, which was founded by retired Brig. Gen. Harry "Heinie" Aderholt, is a nonprofit membership organization for retired and active duty military that have served in or supported Air Force Special Operations units.

Its mission is to keep the Air Commando spirit alive, to rekindle the comradeship of wartime relationships, to honor the living and dead who participated in wartime efforts and to promote utilization of low-key peacekeeping activities of special operations including providing aid to the needy in many parts of the world.

The first Air Commando/special operations unit was established in 1943 and was commanded by Col. Phil Cochran. Since then, thousands of military personnel have served in commando units throughout the world and continue to do so in the Global War on Terrorism.

The ACA is located 3.9 miles west of the Hurlburt Field main gate on Highway 98. Visitors are welcome to view the memorabilia on display. The building is open from 9 a.m. - noon Monday through Friday, except on holidays.

Anyone seeking information, including membership requirements, can visit or contact the ACA at 581-0099 or visit the ACA Web site at www.specialoperations.net.

· ACA membership includes:

· Opportunity to be a member in one of the world's most elite military veterans' organizations.

· Receipt of quarterly newsletters

· Potential for family members to receive college scholarships that are awarded annually

· Ability to renew old friendships at the annual reunion and other social events

· Opportunity to help the needy in many parts of the world by volunteering to help sort and load items to be shipped

· Membership dues are $20 annual or $150 lifetime