Dynamic speakers, F-35 simulator part of Heritage of Freedom

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  This quarter's Heritage of Freedom event will take place April 28 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Minuteman Club ballroom and will feature three dynamic speakers and an F-35 simulator.

The keynote speaker is a Desert Storm veteran and former Thunderbird. Retired Col. Russell L. Mack will present "Desert Storm from a Lieutenant's Perspective."

The second speaker will be Capt. Dennis Smith. Captain Smith is currently the AOC Weapon System Fielding Flight Commander here. He will talk about efforts, challenges and accomplishments during the combined air and space operations center installation and transition in Southwest Asia. He will also focus on the Electronic System Center's role in that transition.

Finally, Master Sgt. Christopher Spann, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller, will speak about the Tactical Air Control Party career field, as well as its origins and enhancements. He will also touch on the missions he's done over four combat tours. Sergeant Spann is currently superintendant of the Communications Systems Division and acts as the operations expert for the TACP modernization program, advising on the use and suitability of new equipment being fielded to TACPs.

As an added bonus, an F-35 simulator will be at the club. Attendees will be able to talk to a Lockheed Martin representative and learn about this aircraft.

The Heritage of Freedom speaker series is a free event held quarterly that features three speakers, each of whom discuss their experiences serving in combat or while deployed. Their hard-hitting 15 to 20 minute presentations are followed by short question and answer periods. Everyone is welcome at this free, informal event.

Refreshments will be available throughout the discussions. Attendees are encouraged to remain after the addresses and talk informally with the speakers.