Heritage of Freedom set for Feb. 22

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HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Members of the Hanscom community can listen to two hard-hitting speakers discuss recent deployments to Afghanistan while enjoying free refreshments during the next Heritage of Freedom event, Feb. 22 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Minuteman Club ballroom.

Lt. Col. Timothy "Goose" Gosnell, who was a member of the 421st Fighter Squadron when stationed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, will discuss his experiences while deployed to Bagram.

Colonel Gosnell, currently in residence as an International Security Studies Fellow at Tufts University's Fletcher School of International Law and Diplomacy, entered the Air Force in 1991. He is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours in the T-37, T-38, and F-16C/D. During his F-16 career, he has deployed six times in support of Operations Southern Watch, Allied Force, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, flying more than 600 combat hours. Most recently, he commanded the 421st Fighter Squadron's historic deployment to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan - the first U.S. F-16s to fly combat missions from that country.

Lt. Col. Chris Echols, commander of the 66th Security Forces Squadron, will join Colonel Gosnell as a speaker, recounting how his deployed Security Forces, serving as members of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, fought back an attack in the early morning hours of May 19, 2010, eliminating more than 16 enemy combatants.

The Heritage of Freedom Speaker Series is a free event that features two or three speakers, each of whom discuss their experiences serving in combat or while deployed. Their 15 to 20 minute presentations are followed by short question and answer periods. Everyone is welcome at this free, informal event. The Paul Revere Chapter of the Air Force Association will provide the free refreshments.