What an incredible night at our 3rd Annual Gala hosted by the Legends Honky Tonk Saloon in Odessa, TX! We extend our deepest gratitude to Karla Milson, owner of Legends Honky Tonk Saloon, who generously donated the event space for this unforgettable evening. Karla, your support is invaluable, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
Our heartfelt thanks also go to Ronnie Rains for his outstanding contributions, along with all the individuals and organizations whose generosity made this event a success. Together, we raised critical funds to support our mission of being First There for Combat Controllers and their families. Here, we honor each donor and recognize the unique items that made this night truly memorable.
Special Recognition of our Ambassador
Robert Patrick
What an extraordinary evening at the 3rd Annual Gala at Legends Honky Tonk Saloon in Odessa, TX! Robert Patrick's presence as our ambassador truly elevated this special night, exemplifying the heart and soul of our mission. His genuine dedication to the Combat Control Foundation extends far beyond this event – his commitment touches the lives of countless combat controllers and their families.
To our distinguished guests – our brave Combat Controllers, cherished Gold Star families, generous donors, tireless volunteers, and everyone who joined us – your presence and support made this evening unforgettable. The spirit of community and dedication shown at the Legends Honky Tonk Saloon demonstrates exactly why our mission continues to thrive.
Together, we are First There in serving our community.
Special Recognition of our Guest Speakers
Chief Master Sergeant Rob ‘GZ’ Gutierrez
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Chief Master Sergeant Rob 'GZ' Gutierrez for sharing his powerful story with us at our 3rd Annual Gala at the Honky Tonk Saloon in Odessa, TX. Chief Gutierrez recounted the harrowing mission that earned him the Air Force Cross, a moment that not only showcased his incredible bravery but also highlighted the profound dangers faced by our Combat Controllers.
His account was a stark reminder of the realities of combat and the sacrifices made by those who serve. We are grateful for his willingness to share this deeply personal experience, shedding light on the true horrors of that mission and how he narrowly escaped death.
Thank you, Chief Gutierrez, for your courage, your service, and for inspiring us all with your resilience. Your words and your example are an inspiration to all, and they serve as a powerful testament to the dedication and sacrifice of our Combat Controllers.
Retired Technical Sergeant Jack ‘FG’ Fanning
We were honored to have retired Technical Sergeant Jack 'FG' Fanning at our 3rd Annual Gala at the Honky Tonk Saloon in Odessa, TX has he shared his story with us. Jack spoke about his experiences as a Combat Controller, recalling the intense missions he took part in and the fateful training mission where he was severely injured, leaving him an incomplete quadriplegic. He shared openly about the immense pain he had endured from his injuries—a struggle he faced daily.
Jack’s story is also one of resilience and support, as he explained how the Combat Control Foundation stepped up support him in his hour of need, to fund a specialized Clinitron Bed for him, offering him relief and the ability to heal without constant pain. His remarks should serve as a reminder to every one of the importance of supporting our wounded warriors and the positive impact our Foundation can have on them.
We also extend our thanks to SMSgt(r) Ish Villegas, who stood beside Jack, holding the microphone ensuring his powerful story could reach everyone present.
Jack, your strength and perseverance inspire us all. Thank you for sharing your journey with us and thank you Ish for being right there beside him.
Auction Donors and Unique Contributions
Ronnie Rains
We are deeply grateful to Ronnie Rains for his extraordinary support of our 3rd Annual Gala at the Honky Tonk Saloon. Ronnie contributed two remarkable auction items: a bottle of Clase Azul Extra Tequila signed by all attending Combat Controllers and an exclusive hunt guided by Air Force Cross recipient Chief Master Sergeant Rob 'GZ' Gutierrez, offering an unforgettable experience led by a true hero.
Mickey Harris
We extend a special shoutout and heartfelt thanks to Mickey Harris for the incredible donation of his painting, 'Rain Makers', in support of our 3rd Annual Gala at the Honky Tonk Saloon in Odessa, TX. This stunning, one-of-a-kind airbrush painting took countless hours to complete and perfectly captures the warrior spirit of our Combat Controllers. With 47 years of expertise, Mickey is a distinguished artist whose work is also featured in the Pentagon.
Mickey, your talent and dedication made our event a tremendous success—raising crucial funds and honoring our Combat Control community. Thank you for being there with us at our gala and for supporting the Combat Control Foundation’s mission to be First There for our Combat Controllers.
To learn more about Mickey Harris and his passion, visit: https://mickeyharris.com/
Invadergirl
Special shoutout to Invadergirl for her support through "The One Who Summons Planes" – a stunning one-of-a-kind hand embellished print that garnered attention at our gala auction!
Your artistry celebrating our Combat Controllers helped make our event a success! Your unique piece not only raised vital funds but also beautifully honored the spirit of our Combat Control community. Thank you for your support of the Combat Control Foundation's mission!
Anyone who is interested in obtaining Invadergirl art, head over to: https://www.invadergirlart.com/
Col. (ret.) Mark Roland and Col. (ret.) Kurt Buller
We are deeply honored to recognize Mark Roland, father of Captain Matthew Roland, a courageous Special Tactics Officer who was killed in action alongside SSgt Forrest Sibley. At our 3rd Annual Gala at the Honky Tonk Saloon in Odessa, TX, Mark donated a bottle of special-label Matthew Roland Town Branch Single Barrel Bourbon as a tribute to his son. This rare bottle was auctioned to raise funds in support of Matthew's teammates, contributing to the Combat Control Foundation’s mission.
This unique bourbon carries profound meaning. After Matthew’s dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base in August 2015, his family, joined by teammates, traveled to Lexington, Kentucky. During a visit to the Town Branch Distillery, they discovered a number of barrels filled on August 26, 2015—the day Matthew gave his life in service. In his honor, the family acquired one of these barrels, resulting in 219 bottles of 108-proof, single-barrel bourbon dedicated to his memory.
In addition, a second bottle, donated by Col. (ret) Kurt Buller, was opened to share in a traditional toast. Shots were poured and shared with everyone in attendance, bringing the entire room together in a powerful moment of unity and remembrance to honor Matthew’s legacy and the sacrifices of so many.
Mark, your donation, along with Col. Buller’s, brought our community together in a deeply meaningful tribute.
Thank you for sharing this cherished piece of Matthew’s story with us and for supporting the Combat Control Foundation’s commitment to be First There for our Combat Controllers and their families.
PureArts Studio
We extend our sincere gratitude to PureArts Studio for their generous donation of the Terminator 2 T-1000 Art Mask Deluxe Edition to support our 3rd Annual Gala at the Honky Tonk Saloon in Odessa, TX. This remarkable piece highlights PureArts Studio's unparalleled craftsmanship and creativity, adding an exciting touch to our event.
Your unique contribution not only helped us raise crucial funds but also brought a thrilling element that honored the spirit of resilience and excellence within our Combat Control community. Thank you, PureArts Studio, for supporting the Combat Control Foundation’s mission to be First There for our Combat Controllers.
Additionally, Robert Patrick attended the event and autographed the T-1000 mask for the winner of the auctioned item. Thank you, Robert, for doing that.
To learn more about PureArts Studio and their incredible work, visit: https://www.purearts.com
Rally Ready Driving School
We extend a huge thank you to Rally Ready Driving School for their exciting donation of a 2-Day Rally School for Two! in support of our 3rd Annual Gala at the Honky Tonk Saloon in Odessa, TX. This thrilling experience offers participants the unique opportunity to learn rally driving skills from some of the best in the field.
Rally Ready Driving School, your generous contribution not only helped us raise essential funds but also added a sense of adventure to our event, embodying the courage and grit of our Combat Control community. Thank you for supporting the Combat Control Foundation’s mission to be First There for our Combat Controllers.
To learn more about Rally Ready Driving School, visit: https://rallyready.com
Pointer Outfitters
We are incredibly grateful to Pointer Outfitters for their generous donation of an Argentina Red Stag Experience for Two in support of our 3rd Annual Gala at the Honky Tonk Saloon in Odessa, TX. This exceptional package included five nights of accommodation, expert guiding, and so much more!
Pointer Outfitters, your thoughtful contribution not only helped raise significant funds but also offered an unforgettable experience that celebrates the spirit of adventure within our Combat Control community. Thank you for supporting the Combat Control Foundation’s mission to be First There for our Combat Controllers.
To learn more about Pointer Outfitters and their incredible offerings, visit: https://pointeroutfitters.com
Michael Brenna
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Michael Brenna for his incredible support of our 3rd Annual Gala at the Honky Tonk Saloon in Odessa, TX. Michael generously donated three remarkable paintings created by veterans, including one by wounded warrior retired U.S. Army SGT Mario Lopez.
In addition, Michael’s donation of a guided deer hunt at the Rockin B Ranch, led by Combat Controller Jake SY, added an exciting experience for our supporters. This special opportunity reflects Michael’s commitment to supporting our Combat Controllers and honoring our veterans.
Thank you, Michael, for your generosity and dedication to the Combat Control Foundation’s mission. Your contributions have helped make our Gala a success and have furthered our efforts to be First There for our Combat Controllers and their families.
Danalee Yarborough (Mama Fish)
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Danalee Yarborough, affectionately known as "Mama Fish," for her generous donation of three beautiful handmade quilts in support of our 3rd Annual Gala at the Honky Tonk Saloon in Odessa, TX. Each quilt is a unique work of art, crafted with love and dedication, reflecting Danalee’s incredible talent and care for our Combat Control community.
As the mother of MSgt Jarrett "Fish" Heavenston, a Combat Controller from 2001–2016, Danalee’s contributions hold special meaning for all of us. Her support not only adds warmth to our event but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to the families behind our Combat Controllers.
Thank you, Mama Fish, for your generous support of the Combat Control Foundation and for helping us be First There for our Combat Controllers and their families.
Todd Baxter, John Dubiel, Dr. Craig Franke, David Osborne, David Buttross, Frank and Linda Ginac, and 3 Anonymous Donors
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to some generous underwriters—Todd Baxter, John Dubiel, Dr. Craig Franke, David Osborne, David Buttross, Frank Ginac, Linda Ginac, and three anonymous donors—as well as Frank Ginac at MOA Armorer, a proud Force Multiplier sponsor of the Combat Control Foundation, for their incredible support of our 3rd Annual Gala at the Honky Tonk Saloon in Odessa, TX.
Thanks to the support and funding from these underwriters, Frank Ginac at MOA Armorer was able to collaborate with two-time Silver Star recipient Senior Master Sergeant Ish Villegas to create a truly remarkable AR-15. This custom-built piece, Cerakoted in Flat Dark Earth and Olive Drab Green with a striking flag design, proudly displays a laser-etched Air Force logo on the magazine and the Combat Control Team (CCT) flash on the lower receiver. It’s a powerful symbol of patriotism, precision, and craftsmanship—reflecting the dedication of those who serve and support our Combat Controllers.
We’re also excited to share that by purchasing items through MOA Armorer, supporters of the Combat Control Foundation can receive a 15% discount. Visit this link to access this special offer: https://www.combatcontrolfoundation.org/.../moa-armorer-llc
Thank you to all our supporters for making our Gala a success and for championing the Combat Control Foundation’s mission to be First There for our Combat Controllers.
Anonymous Auction Donors
We extend our gratitude to a few generous anonymous donors for their donations to our auction at our 3rd Annual Gala at the Honky Tonk Saloon in Odessa, TX. These donors provided an array of unique items:
An incredible painting of Medal of Honor recipient MSgt John A. Chapman by Rick Dobbs, the award-winning creative director of UNREAL.
3oz .999 pure silver bar and puck of MSgt John A. Chapman and the Combat Control Foundation crafted by renowned silver artist Dennis England.
Luxurious 7-day all-inclusive stay at Pueblo Bonito Sunset in Cabo.
Combat Control action figure signed by all attending Combat Controllers.
Signed bottles of vodka and gin from Chef Robert Irvine.
Texas Monthly magazine autographed by George Strait.
These extraordinary donations not only made our auction a highlight of the evening but also helped raise vital funding to support the Combat Control Foundation’s mission. We are immensely grateful for the generosity and support of these anonymous individuals, whose contributions have had a lasting impact on our ability to be First There for our Combat Controllers and their families.
Thank you for helping make our event a resounding success!
In Closing: A Message of Gratitude
Each of these contributions played an instrumental role in making our Gala a resounding success. Thanks to your generosity, we can continue supporting Combat Controllers and their families with programs, resources, and assistance that make a meaningful difference.
Special thanks to Karla Milson and Ronnie Rains for going above and beyond in their support of the Gala. To our Combat Controllers, Gold Star family members, donors, volunteers, and everyone who attended—thank you for standing with us in this mission. Together, we are First There for those who serve.
Thank you again to everyone who made this event possible. Your commitment to the Combat Control Foundation means the world to us. Stay tuned for more updates as we highlight the extraordinary auction items and moments from this unforgettable evening.
Here are a few snapshots from our Gala! 🎉 View the full gallery here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/kWViGxUEUyvuNoDC7
If you attended this event and would like a high-resolution photo without the event logo added, please email us at info@combatcontrolfoundation.org with the photo you would like.
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