Two-time Distinguished Flying Cross recipients retires

Two Talon II loadmasters perform a flag folding ceremony during a retirement ceremony held here Dec. 21 for Master Sgt. Jeffery Barnes, a 353rd SOG loadmaster. Barnes is a two-time recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Col. Brad Sullivan, 353rd SOG commander presided over the ceremony while Chief Master Sgt. Gregg Jones, 353rd SOG, command chief narrated. The ceremony was held on the ramp of an MC-130H Combat Talon II. Both Sullivan and Barnes flew together in combat on board the aircraft that was used to hold the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Kristine Dreyer)

Two-time Distinguished Flying Cross recipients retires

The 353rd Special Operations Group held a retirement ceremony for Master Sgt. Jeffery Barnes, a 353rd SOG loadmaster, on the ramp of an MC-130H Combat Talon II Dec. 21. Barnes is a two-time recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Col. Brad Sullivan, 353rd SOG commander presided over the ceremony while Chief Master Sgt. Gregg Jones, 353rd SOG, command chief narrated. Both Sullivan and Barnes flew together in combat on board the aircraft that was used to hold the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Kristine Dreyer)

353rd Special Operations Group 2012 Wingman Day

A team from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron tests their physical strength along with their mental strength during the 13 critical attributes challenge held during the 353rd Special Operations Group Wingman Day picnic here Dec. 17. The challenge included stations where each team had to complete a task associate with Air Force Special Operations Command’s 13 critical attributes of success. Each squadron was represented by two teams which included one person from each rank tier and a family member. The 320th Special Tactics Squadron won the event. The Wingman Day picnic was just one of many events held by the 353rd SOG to take time away from the day-to-day mission and bring together the entire group to include family members. Earlier in the day, workcenters held small group discussions while the chaplain held a forum with family members. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Kristine Dreyer)

353 SOG Airman accepted into LEAP

Staff Sgt Jung Jun, 353rd Special Operations Group, was selected Nov. 8 for the Language Enabled Airman Program. LEAP is a program recently open to enlisted members used to identify and grown language capable Airmen.

Air Commando selected for top enlisted rank

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Senior Master Sgt. Mack Wysinger III (center front) and other members the 353rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron pose for a photo after Sergeant Wysinger was informed of his selection for promotion to chief master sergeant here Nov. 3.

SOF Medics help to add realism to future exercises

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Meza and Staff Sgt. Matthew Lalor, both special operations medics from the 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), add charcoal to a simulated burn to make it more realistic during a class here Oct. 27. Medics from the 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron noted the finished product look just like burns they had seen while treating patients in the past. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Cram)