Elections have consequences

MEDIA ADVISORY Contact: Ayotte Press Office, 202-224-3324
Wednesday, November 12, 2014


MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, CLOSE AIR SUPPORT EXPERTS TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE ON A-10
Thursday, November 13 at 11:30 AM

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), John McCain (R-AZ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), and Congressmen Ron Barber (D-AZ2), Vicki Hartzler (R-MO4), and Austin Scott (R-GA8) will be joined by former Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) at a press conference Thursday, November 13 at 11:30 AM to support the effort to prevent the premature divestment of the A-10.

Among the close air support experts scheduled to speak at tomorrow's press conference is Charlie Keebaugh, president of the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Association, which represents 1,300 JTACs - close air support experts who ensure American ground troops receive the precise and effective close air support they need when in close contact with the enemy. Mr. Keebaugh served on active duty for 10 years as a JTAC and TACP Instructor, and he saw combat as a JTAC deployed to Afghanistan with the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Also expected to speak is Master Sergeant (retired) Tim Stamey - an Air Force combat veteran, Silver Star recipient, and former JTAC. He served in the Air Force for almost 22 years, including 14 years as a JTAC with extensive experience controlling a variety of aircraft in combat - including A-10s, F-15s, F-16s, B-1s, and B-52s. Master Sergeant (retired) Stamey was awarded the Silver Star for his actions during Operation Enduring Freedom. According to his Silver Star citation, in late 2001 and early 2002 in Afghanistan, "Sergeant Stamey provided positive terminal attack control on over eighty sorties of fighters and bombers destroying over seventy-five tanks, mobile anti-aircraft systems, and vehicles, four ammo-dumps, numerous command and control facilities and bunkers, inflicting 2,139 enemy casualties." Master Sergeant Stamey believes the A-10 is the United States' best close air support aircraft- one that he credits with saving many American lives. He opposes the Air Force's decision to prematurely retire the A-10 - a decision he believes will put U.S. troops at increased risk in future conflicts.

The press conference comes ahead of potential action by the Senate and House on an annual defense policy bill in the coming weeks.

WHO: U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH)
U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ)
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA)
Congressman Ron Barber (D-AZ2)
Congressman Vicki Hartzler (R-MO4)
Congressman Austin Scott (R-GA8) - tentative
Charlie Keebaugh, President of the Tactical Air Control Party Association
Master Sergeant (retired) Tim Stamey, former JTAC and Silver Star Recipient

WHAT: A-10 Press Conference

WHEN: Thursday, November 13 at 11:30 AM

WHERE: SVC-209 (Capitol Visitor's Center)
Washington, D.C.