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Yahooo.. am back to combat for 4 hours everyday :D and this is my new cafe in the RP zone, Still in the building mode..
Credits@
Furniture by Sooth.. thank you <3
Looks like Shipwreck is about to get the drop on some Eels. As long as Polly keeps his beak shut...
This was part of a setup I did yesterday using a very old retaining wall in my backyard, in combination with old fence posts and a crate from the GI Joe Ammo Dump set. Hopefully it gives a seaside effect.
Wednesday, 5th November 2008
CPKF Marines
The Commonwealth Peace Keeping Forces Marine Division was commissioned for space and low/zero/hostile atmospheric combat environment campaign scenarios.
The 95th is a special unit equipped with extra gear - more so than their colleagues in the general infantry (51st to 80th CPKF Marine Platoons).
The core of the the CPKF Marine division consists of six companies (300+ troopers) plus support from specialst units like Hunter's Platoon, The Vengance Squad and the Combat Assault Squad (pictured above) attached to the Vega Company.
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This photograph is part of my Peace Keeper Minifigs set on Flickr.
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Image and text copyright © 2008-present Joriel Jimenez
Please use with permission and full attribution
Explore! #214 5th November 2008
A Combat Trained Tactical Scientist, often used in situations where there is a need for both combat and scientific support. They are highly trained in squad based tactics and in the fields of science, especially bio-research.
The Prometheus Combat Doll was designed to charge into battle and combat threats without posing a threat to the pilot, who can be safely guarded up to a few miles away. However, since the Prometheus model is so expensive, the pilot uses more care handling it remotely.
Yes, this is just an excuse to use purple. And the name "Prometheus."
Publication history
Marvel Comics' first Black Knight, Sir Percy of Scandia, first appeared in the medieval-adventure series Black Knight #1–5 (cover-dated May 1955–April 1956) from Atlas Comics, the 1950s precursor to Marvel Comics.
Sir Percy's descendant, Professor Nathan Garrett, debuted as the modern-day supervillain Black Knight in Tales to Astonish #52 (Feb. 1964). This villainous Black Knight appeared in The Avengers #6, #14–15 (July 1964, March–April 1965), and in the feature "Iron Man" in Tales of Suspense #73 (Jan. 1966), in which he was mortally wounded.
Dane Whitman, Garrett's nephew, made his first appearance in The Avengers #47 (Dec. 1967) and became a heroic version of the Black Knight in the subsequent issue. Whitman sporadically appeared with the Avengers until becoming a core member, regularly appearing in #252–300 (1985–1989) and #329–375 (1991–1994).
Dane Whitman
Dane Whitman, known as the Black Knight, embodies a legacy steeped in honor, chivalry, and a complex relationship with a cursed legacy.
Stemming from a long line of knights, Dane grapples with the burden of a dark family history intertwined with the mystical Ebony Blade, a weapon passed down through generations.
He is a descendant of Sir Percy of Scandia, Dane took on the mantle of the Black Knight to redeem his family's name tainted by his villainous uncle, Nathan Garrett.
As the Black Knight Dane relied on his intellect, combat skills, and the mystical powers of the Ebony Blade to battle evil and safeguard the world.
His journey as the Black Knight sees him navigating a world filled with both medieval lore and contemporary challenges.
Dane has often found himself entangled in epic conflicts, confronting magical threats, and forming alliances with various superheroes across the world.
Throughout his tenure, Dane has experienced personal turmoil, struggling with the temptations and consequences of wielding the Ebony Blade, which at times has led him down a darker path. He constantly seeks to balance the noble intentions behind his heroism with the potential corruption posed by the cursed weapon.
Dane's connections within the superhero community have expanded, fostering alliances with groups like the Avengers and relationships with individuals such as Sersi and Captain Britain.
Despite grappling with personal demons and the weight of his legacy, Dane Whitman's commitment to honor, bravery, and heroism remains a defining aspect of his character as the Black Knight.
History
Early Life
As a young man, Dane Whitman fell in love with Ashima Chopra, who developed terminal cancer. Dane planned to visit her in the hospital and propose, but lost his nerve and fell out of touch. Refusing treatment, Ashima died within a year, after secretly giving birth to a baby girl, Jackie.
Becoming the Black Knight
As an adult, Dane inherited his uncle Nathan Garrett's castle. He was unaware that his uncle had been the villainous Black Knight until finding notes and inventions. Eventually he came upon the Ebony Blade. Passing its test, Sir Percival explained the history of the blade and its curse.
Taking the weapon Dane decided to be a hero, joining the Masters of Evil just as his uncle did, but with the intent of infiltrating them from within. This he did to aid the Avengers, but they did not trust him until he later assisted them against Kang the Conqueror.
Crusades and Otherworld
Dane later fought alongside the Defenders against the Enchantress, but was apparently turned to stone by her. The Valkyrie took possession of the Knight's Ebony Blade and his winged horse, Aragorn, and Dr. Strange took custody of his petrified form.
The Defenders later attempted to restore him using the Evil Eye of Avalon. They discovered, however, that Whitman's spirit had been transported back in time to the 12th Century where it now inhabited the body of his own ancestor, Eobar Garrington.
Whitman declined to return to the present day with the Defenders, and Valkyrie returned his sword to him; Whitman allowed her to keep the horse.
Later, however, he was equipped with a new flying horse named Valinor and transported (still in Garrington's body) to the present day by the mage Merlyn, to carry out a special mission.
Sent to find the amnesiac hero Captain Britain, Whitman then traveled with him to Otherworld to battle the evil Mordred and his master, the demonic Necromon, and save Camelot (at some point during the course of this quest, both heroes were briefly abducted by the Grandmaster to participate in his 'Contest of Champions').
After this mission was concluded, Whitman was returned to the 12th Century, though he did briefly travel forward again to attend Merlyn's funeral.
Back in the past, he protected the mystical island of Avalon from the demonic Fomor, until Garrington's body was eventually destroyed during a battle involving the time-traveling Avengers. Whitman's spirit returned to his original body, which became flesh and blood again.
Avengers
Dane served several tours of duty with the Avengers. While a member, his scientific knowledge came to be useful, especially when such minds as Iron Man and Hank Pym were not on the roster.
He began his first extended membership with the team shortly after Vision stepped down as chairperson.
Dane participated in the siege on Avengers Mansion by the Masters of Evil (during which he was captured and beaten by Mister Hyde). Despite his injuries, Dane remained with the team after the membership shakeup that followed.
The curse of the Ebony Blade reasserted itself after the Avengers' associate member Marrina went insane and became the enormous Leviathan. Her husband Namor used the Ebony Blade to slay Marrina, reactivating the Knight's curse.
Dane began to physically transform into an extension of the blade, his body seizing up until he required an exoskeleton to move it.
After the Avengers disbanded, the Black Knight joined Thor in defense of Asgard from the invasion of the Egyptian Death God known as Seth, but his curse finally took hold and the Knight was trapped as an inanimate statue once again.
Returned to his ancestral castle, Dane's statue was tended to by Victoria Bentley. She attempted a spell to restore him to life, but inadvertently summoned the spirit of the original Black Knight, Sir Percy of Scandia, in his place.
After a series of adventures, Sir Percy abdicated Dane's body, taking the Ebony Blade's curse with him and restoring Whitman to his own body. Sir Percy had taken a squire named Sean Dolan, who Dane kept as his own.
The Black Knight returned to the Avengers after this, first as a reserve substitute, and later as a full member.
The curse of the Ebony Blade became too dangerous, and Dane eventually abandoned it choosing to use a technological weapon instead.
He was involved in Operation Galactic Storm, during which he was part of Captain America's team, sent to the Kree Empire. At the end of that mission, Dane was among the Avengers who followed Iron Man to execute the Kree Supreme Intelligence, and was, in fact, the one who struck the mortal blow.
While Dane would be away with the Avengers, Victoria Bentley retained ownership of the castle so he would not lose it. She could easily watch over the property as it neighbored hers.
However, Dane's former squire became possessed by the Ebony Blade and turned into the Bloodwraith. The Bloodwraith accidentally killed Victoria during a duel between the Bloodwraith, Dane, and Deadpool.
At this time, Dane also found himself in a love triangle with Crystal and Sersi. At first, he pursued a relationship with Sersi, as Crystal and her estranged husband, Pietro, attempted to reconcile, even becoming Sersi's "Gann Josin", establishing a powerful psychic link which was meant to help Sersi maintain control in troubled times.
Still, after Crystal and Pietro relationship seemingly reached the point of no return, he confessed his feelings for Crystal and the two kissed. However, Luna's kidnapping brought Pietro and Crystal closer again, so, after Proctor (an evil alternate version of Dane) was finally defeated, Sersi felt she was too dangerous and had to exile herself, and Dane went along with her, leaving Crystal behind.
Ultraverse
The two eventually ended up in the Ultraverse. Dane became a member of the local heroes known as UltraForce.
During a reality-shredding event known as Black September, the Avengers and UltraForce joined forces against Loki and the combined sentient power of the Infinity Gems. In the aftermath, Dane remained in the Ultraverse as the new leader of UltraForce.
After leading UltraForce for several months, Dane had the opportunity to return to Earth-616 after an alien invasion. He took the chance and passed through a portal leading back home.
At one point, Dane appeared in Crystal's mirror, telling her they needed help, but this was only witnessed by her daughter, Luna.
Exodus
While Dane was in the body of his ancestor Eobar Garrington during the Crusades, he met the knight Bennet du Paris, who became Exodus shortly after.
This explained why Dane felt Exodus was somehow familiar when they 'first' met in Genosha sometime earlier.
Heroes for Hire
Sersi was later able to transport herself and Dane back to the present. Their 'Gann Josin' had apparently been broken and they had gone their separate ways aside from acting as reservist Avengers. Dane joined Luke Cage's Heroes for Hire shortly after his return.
Not long after his return to Earth, the Lady of the Lake appeared to Dane, telling him he was destined to become Avalon's champion. She presented him with a new armor as well as the Shield of Night and the Sword of Light.
While working with Heroes for Hire Dane came across the High Evolutionary's Knights of Wundagore and agreed to train them. It was at this time that Dane acquired one of their "atomic steeds."
Excalibur and Avengers
Dane briefly joined an Excalibur team who helped Captain Britain to become the new monarch of Otherworld. For a time he served sporadically as a member of the Avengers and was present when they disbanded.
Later, Dane had returned to Garrett Castle and converted it into a museum. Dane suddenly switched bodies with the original Black Knight, Sir Percy of Scandia.
The investigating new Excalibur team found an ancient scroll in Percival's tomb showing the team as the saviors of Camelot.
Traveling back to the era of King Arthur, Whitman met Percy and helped his ancestor, King Arthur, and Merlin defeat the dragons plaguing the kingdom (revealing the "dragons" to be Makluans in the process) and returned to the present. After assisting Excalibur in tracking down Juggernaut in Korea and returning him to the team, Whitman left in search of his real Ebony Blade.
Secret Invasion
Recently returned to England, Whitman appeared to be wielding the original Blade again (actually a fake created by Dracula), using it to slaughter invading Skrulls during the Secret Invasion. Dane also was revealed to have a literal stone heart, given to him by Sersi to keep him "above it all" and uninvolved.
During the invasion, Dane made his way through London protecting innocents and in doing so saved the life of civilian doctor Faiza Hussain. Faiza fought alongside Dane against the Skrull army and their champion, Super-Skrull, until Dane was incapacitated and a newly resurrected Captain Britain came to their rescue.
While Captain Britain fought Super-Skrull, Faiza attempted to heal a dying Black Knight with her newfound abilities, and Dane - under the belief that he was on his deathbed - dubbed her his steward. Captain Britain was able to defeat the Super Skrull, Faiza healed Dane once magic returned to England and the Skrull Invasion in England came to an end; but not without revealing the new wielder of Excalibur to be Faiza.
Insanity and Euroforce
He slowly started to become insane because of the power of the Ebony Blade.
After encountering a fake Savage Steel robbing a bank, he brutally beat the criminal, even costing him an eye and leaving him in a coma.
After the Watcher's death and the release of the secrets buried in his eye, his attack on Savage Steel was revealed to Rebecca Stevens, a historian investigating the Blade who he previously met. She told him that the past users of the Blade had all fallen insane and offered help, but he refused. Later, he was recruited to lead the new Euroforce as a "temporal adjustment".
Journey on Weirdworld
Black Knight had fled to Weirdworld after killing Carnivore when losing control over the Ebony Blade as it increased in power.
There, he murdered King Zaltin Tar to establish New Avalon and built an army of Amazons, Demon Dogs, Giants, Ice Swarms, Thunder & Lightning Dragons, Tribbitites, and Underwater Apes with the help of Shield and Spear.
The army was formed in anticipation of the arrival of the Avengers Unity Division seeking to bring him to justice.
When the Avengers Unity Division arrived, they encountered Black Knight and his army, ultimately separating him from the Ebony Blade, so that he could be apprehended.
Later, commander Steve Rogers realized that the people of New Avalon relied upon Dane Whitman, and after defending the kingdom from the Fangs of the Serpent, Rebecca Stevens negotiated a compromise whereby Dane would remain in Weirdworld with her.
Hydra splinter groups started to form all over the world and several superhero teams were gathered to stop Hydra from going any further.
Meanwhile, Dane Whitman returned to Europe to help Euroforce battle Hydra, but he was apprehended alongside several teammates, remaining imprisoned until the Champions of Europe arrived and freed them.
On another occasion, Dane answered the call to join the Avengers battling the threat of the Empyre led Cotati.
Enter the Phoenix
When the cosmic force known as the Phoenix Force returned to Earth, it staged a contest to determine its next host, and Black Knight was one of many individuals summoned to the White Hot Room for it.
The Phoenix empowered the assembled champions and had them fight each other in trials by combat.
Dubbing himself the Phoenix Knight, Dane was pitted against the mysterious Red Widow in Stonehenge. However, Black Knight was quickly overpowered by his opponent and was defeated.
King in Black and Curse of the Ebony Blade
Depressed and resentful that the Avengers viewed him as a madman, Dane doubled down on his conviction that the Ebony Blade was responsible for his fits of rage.
When the dark god Knull assailed the Earth with his horde of symbiotes, Dane was among the Avengers-adjacent heroes contacted. En route to Manhattan he was attacked by a symbiote-dragon sent by Knull to claim the Ebony Blade, crash landing in Shanghai, China.
Losing his grip on the Ebony Blade, Dane encountering Aero and Swordmaster while searching for it, and was angered by their disdain towards him.
When Swordmaster refused to help save the civilians after learning the symbiotes were not minions of his nemesis, the dark god Chiyou, his divine weapon - the Sword of Fu Xi - forsook him for Dane.
Lapsing into a berserk state, Dane hacked a symbiote dragon to shreds, maniacally declaring that the Sword of Fu Xi belonged to him now.
As Swordmaster tried to take the divine sword back, one of the symbiotes latched onto them and connected them psychically to Knull, who revealed to Dane the truth of the Ebony Blade - that the sword's curse was not responsible for his family's history of mental instability and bloodlust, but it fed off their inner darkness and could only be wielded by a person consumed by evil.
Knull declared his intent to claim both the Ebony Blade and the Sword of Fu Xi for himself, manifesting an avatar in the shape of Chiyou to mock Swordmaster.
The Sword of Fu Xi rejected Dane as its wielder and returned to Swordmaster, leaving Dane devastated to learn his whole life had been a lie. Sensing his despair, the Ebony Blade returned to him, and Dane ultimately decided to channel his inner darkness to put a stop to Knull's invasion.
At some point around this time, Dane learned about the existence of his daughter, Jacks.
Deciding to approach the relationship slowly to "soften the blow", Dane reached out to her academically to discuss her thesis in Arthurian mythology.
Mordred, seeking to claim the Ebony items for himself, killed Dane and tried to take the sword before being chased away by the Avengers, and Dane was later resurrected by the Ebony Blade.
While Dane confronted Percy for the truth of the Ebony Blade, Elsa Bloodstone attacked him - having been tracking Mordred to obtain a Bloodstone in his possession.
Dane, Elsa, and Jacks tracked down the missing Ebony Chalice to the mystical realm of Listeneise, repelling Mordred when he attempted to claim the goblet and sword.
Drinking from the Chalice, Dane learned that Merlin had masterminded the downfall of Camelot, manipulating Arthur and Mordred, and had Percy assassinated in hopes of covering up Camelot's dark secret with the sanitized narratives that became Arthurian lore.
Informed of Mordred's plan to forge the Ebony Shield, Ebony Dagger, and Ebony Chalice into an Ebony Crown, Dane cast aside the Ebony Blade and let Mordred fatally wound him.
When Jacks took up the Ebony Blade, her connection to Dane was revealed and she used her rage to kill Mordred.
Resurrected by the Ebony Crown, Dane reforged it into the Ebon Siege - which gave dark portents to those who sat in it. Expecting Jacks to reject him as her father, Dane was shocked when she instead offered to lessen the burden of the Ebony Blade's curse by sharing the moniker of the Black Knight with him.
Abilities
Gifted Scientist: Whitman started out as a scientist, though specializing in physics (having earned a Master's degree in physics), he is proficient in a wide array of advanced sciences and technologies, including genetic and mechanical engineering; and continues to approach things from a scientific perspective more often than not, despite his ties to the world of magic.
Expert Swordsman: Whitman is an excellent swordsman whose skills have allowed him to best the Swordsman in combat.
Skilled Martial Artist: He is an excellent fighter, able to hold his own against such highly skilled fighters as Captain America and Wolverine.
Expert Horseman: He is also an expert horseman.
Magical Knowledge: Whitman has become somewhat familiar with magic.
Skilled Tactician & Strategist: He has also demonstrated good leadership skills as leader of both the Avengers and UltraForce. He has strong strategic and tactical skills.
Equipment
Dane wears protective armor, apparently of elven design. He also possesses a necklace that can contain his armor, sword, and shield and reappear whenever he says Avalon.
Brazier of Truth: Magical flame in Garrett Castle.
Weapons
Originally after taking up the mantle of Black Knight, Dane took to wielding his uncles Power Lance as a personal armament. Using it with the same expertise as its original creator did every now and then.
Dane currently wields the Ebony Blade as it has been gifted back to him by Storm.[60][43] In addition, he also owns a few replicas of the Ebony Blade that are stated to be nearly as powerful and just as dangerous.
He formerly used a Photon Sword and the Sword of Light and the Shield of Night, and for a time (while in the service of Merlyn) carried Excalibur after the temporary destruction of the Ebony Blade.
Transportation
Dane normally rides the white-winged horse, Strider, a gift from the Lady of the Lake. He formerly rode Valinor, whom he acquired while in the 12th century. While training the Knights of Wundagore, Dane used one of their 'atomic steeds.' His first white-winged horse was Aragorn, whom he gifted to Valkyrie.
While he used the Ebony Blade, Dane could be summoned to it regardless of location through the use of a ritual.
Notes
The Black Knight was one of the characters featured in Series A of the Marvel Value Stamps (#97)issued in the 1970s.
On the 50 state variant covers of U.S.Avengers #1, Black Knight was assigned as the Avenger of Ohio.
Trivia
Bloodwraith is his former Squire, Sean Dolan.
Dane Whitman was created by Roy Thomas, who was inspired by the original Black Knight.
Dane's telephone number in England was 01-552-8210.
⚡ Happy 🎯 Heroclix 💫 Friday! 👽
_____________________________
A year of the shows and performers of the Bijou Planks Theater.
Secret Identity: Dane Whitman
Publisher: Marvel
First appearance: The Avengers #47 (December 1967)
Created by: Roy Thomas (Writer)
John Buscema (Artist)
221214-N-RQ159-1006 PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 14, 2022) Electronics Technician 3rd Class Carlos Ayala, from West Palm Beach, Fla., monitors a demineralizer aboard the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports Alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Heather McGee)
Lots of images in this one! :s For Excellentium's 9th theme, check it out here! www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/images/708832
See more photos on www.FashionSnag.com! Shop the jacket below.
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Got another colorway to add to the collection I don't have a lot of the newer colors so if you guys have Combats or Varners you want to part with after the season let me know!
c. 1560 (?). Oli sobre tela. 218 x 329 cm. Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Gemäldegalerie, Viena. GG_1592. Obra exposada: Sala IV.
For SHIPtember. Finished the build and first few proof of assembly pictures just before midnight, bus as you can see from this one, they didn't come out great. I'll be taking more tomorrow when I have better light to work with, with different angles and shots of the interior.
The goal I had for this ship was to make it entirely studless. I keep checking, and even though there are some other goofs that slipped by, it actually is. I will be revisiting the ship later to do some improvements now that it isn't under a time limit, as there are some things that could be better.
Combat moves laterally across the Nereid Monument frieze. Archer, horseman, and foot soldier overlap in shallow relief, their bodies compressed into a continuous field that once ran around the podium of the Lycian tomb.
The camera faces the slab nearly squarely so gesture and sequence can be read from left to right. Raking gallery light deepens carved contours and makes damaged edges part of the surface history. The crop preserves the frieze’s horizontal pressure.
Architectural sculpture is designed to be read while moving around a building. The museum fixes this section to one wall, but the photograph restores some momentum through framing. Figures enter and leave at the edges, implying battles beyond the surviving slab. What appears as a discrete artifact remains visibly part of a larger monument.
Créé en 2002 le projet fête médiévale a vu le jour en 2003 pour une première édition les 6 et 7 Septembre. Le succès remporté par ce premier essai nous conforte dans l'idée de poursuivre le projet et, en 2018, Folleville verra apparaître la 16ème édition des Médiévales.
A l'origine de ce projet une équipe de bénévoles motivés par un projet nouveau pour le Val de Noye et, aujourd'hui, pour le Territoire Avre, Luce, Noye : le Médiéval. Durant 14 ans le nombre de bénévoles va croître. Au nombre de 60 en 2003 on dénombre aujourd'hui pas moins de 300 bénévoles pour la préparation et la réalisation de cet évènement.
L'association met tout en œuvre pour satisfaire le public : par la qualité de l'accueil, l'organisation, la variété des animations, la richesse et la couleur des décors et des costumes. C'est pourquoi le site de Folleville s'inscrit désormais dans le chapitre des événements médiévaux de qualité.
Taken in May 1979.
Back in the days of the Combat Zone, Boston's "adult entertainment" district. A parking lot across the street from the Silver Slipper.
Tech. Sgt. Ted Hofknecht watches for insurgent activity from the side door of a helicopter in eastern Afghanistan. Hofknecht was honored at the Jewish Institute of National Security Affairs awards dinner Nov. 7, 2011, in Washington, D.C., receiving the JINSA Grateful Nation Award. Hofknecht, from Crossville, Tenn., was attached to an elite Army Green Beret unit supporting NATO International Security Assistance Force objectives in Afghanistan from September 2010 to February 2011. Hofknecht is assigned to the 321st Special Tactics Squadron.
RAF MILDENHALL, England - "First There," a motto combat controllers bellow during their two-year training pipeline, and later affirm in blood, sweat and sacrifice on the most forward-deployed and dangerous battlefields as they pave the way for other forces to follow.
As a member of the most highly trained special operations force in the U.S. military, Tech. Sgt. Ted Hofknecht, 321st Special Tactics Squadron, upheld the meaning of that motto in three notable combat engagements in remote areas of Afghanistan, and was honored at the Jewish Institute of National Security Affairs awards dinner in Washington, D.C., Nov. 7.
Hofknecht and five other service members were selected by the top uniformed officers in the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S. Special Operations Command to represent their respective service at the dinner, and earned the JINSA Grateful Nation Award.
The JINSA Grateful Nation Award was established in 2003 and only six service members are recognized with that award annually for superior conduct in the War on Terrorism.
Hofknecht was attached to an elite Army Green Beret unit tasked with providing foreign internal defense to NATO International Security Assistance Force Service members operating in Afghanistan, and distinguished himself as a joint terminal attack controller from September 2010 through February 2011.
"Our main mission was to mentor traditional coalition soldiers, who in turn advised the Afghan National Security Forces and local police," said Hofknecht, a 28-year-old combat controller, or CCT, from Crossville, Tenn.
In the mountainous terrain of eastern Afghanistan, Hofknecht utilized airpower and soldiering skills in two notable troops-in-contact situations, where his efforts were vital in neutralizing insurgent attacks.
On numerous occasions, the controller repelled point-blank enemy attacks with his M4 rifle, controlled close-air support, directed medical evacuations and personally saved the lives of four coalition soldiers.
For his actions during the six-month deployment, Hofknecht was awarded a bronze star medal. He also earned a bronze star with valor for heroism during a major battle Dec. 7, 2010.
A tale of heroism:
Starting like most other days, Hofknecht awoke to snow falling upon the makeshift buildings at his combat outpost, high in the mountains above the Tagab Valley in Kapisa province, Afghanistan.
It was an utterly serene December morning, he said. But, that was all about to change.
Hofknecht and a combined team of coalition and ANSF soldiers geared up for a patrol toward an insurgent-infested village, where they hoped to establish new observation posts at a location key to disrupt regional Taliban activity and impede their gateway to Kabul.
The CCT's job was to control air assets and provide CAS for coalition efforts.
"The village our team headed toward was at the foot of a steep mountain that joined two valleys," said Hofknecht, a 10-year Air Force veteran. "To establish an OP on that mountain would give the coalition overwatch of the entire area. The Taliban knew how important that mountain was and were prepared to do whatever it took to maintain control over it."
As the combined force approached their target area, they split into separate teams. Their team leaders, consisting of three ISAF officers and an Afghan leader took one team toward a flank on the mountain. Meanwhile, one assault team sought to secure the village and the other prepared for a frontal assault of the mountain.
Hofknecht was on the team securing the village and his squad quickly came under contact as insurgents assaulted the coalition forces with small-arms and machine gun fire.
As Hofknecht's team returned fire on the insurgents near them, the officers' team struck an improvised explosive device on the ridge of the mountain. An outnumbering insurgent force then ambushed them.
"The enemy was about 150 meters away and we were in heavy vegetation, which took away some of our tactical advantage when using CAS," said Hofknecht, who was engaged in a fierce firefight while directing CAS to his comrades' location, who were suffering a brutal assault after already suffering casualties in the IED blast.
The situation began to look a bit brighter as two U.S. Army helicopters acknowledged they were in route.
However, that brightness soon faded.
"We ended up getting a pair of Kiowa helicopters, but one had a broken gun switch and couldn't expend any ordnance," said Hofknecht.
Knowing the team that hit the IED was in bad shape and had casualties needing aeromedical evacuation, Hofknecht and his team hastily maneuvered through an ongoing brutal enemy ambush to assist the casualties.
"The broken Kiowa expended its rockets and then had to return to a nearby [forward operating base] and attempted to fix their weapon systems," said Hofknecht. "We kept fighting with what weapons we had."
When Hofknecht arrived on the mountain ridge, he found one ISAF captain dead, the Afghan leader and other members of the element wounded. Reacting quickly, Hofknecht and a fellow Green Beret carried the Afghan leader about a kilometer and began to load him and other casualties into one remaining operational vehicle, and prepared to get them to an aeromedical evacuation site.
The primary landing zone (LZ) was under intense fire so the casualties had to be moved to an alternate LZ, which was a short drive away.
Splitting into two teams, Hofknecht sped off toward the LZ while the remaining forces fought on to secure the mountain.
As the small convoy pushed toward the LZ, a team of Taliban set up a trap.
"We left with only my Green Beret buddy, myself, the wounded and dead, and had no working crew-serve weapon on board, so pretty much had two M4s to defend ourselves with," said Hofknecht. "At first we had a small Afghan security detail but they soon had to return to the fight which left just the two of us to get our casualties to that LZ."
All of a sudden, a hail of rounds began hitting the truck. When Hofknecht looked back, he found a coordinated ambush about 25 meters from his position.
The broken Kiowa flew overhead to provide air support for the casualties, saw the ambush happening from above and responded.
"I looked up and saw the Kiowa above us, and the co-pilot was hanging out of the side of the helicopter engaging the enemy with his M4," said Hofknecht. "It was a sight I'll never forget."
As his team crested a ridge top, Hofknecht said he could see sparkles from across the entire valley where hundreds of insurgents were firing at the circling Kiowa.
"It was intense. They would intermittently fire at our CAS, then shift fire to us, then back to the helicopter," said Hofknecht. "It went back and forth like that for a long time, but our CAS never budged. They kept taking a brunt of the incoming fire and helping suppress our ambush."
The five-hour battle ended with coalition and insurgent casualties, but the Taliban suffered far more losses than the combined coalition and ANSF team, said Hofknecht.
"It was all sketchy at that time, but we fought our best with what we had," said Hofknecht. "We put pressure on the Taliban and got our jobs done."
Hofknecht was involved in two more significant TICs during his deployment and, at one point, was attacked at point-blank range in an alley with no cover.
"I was pretty much forced to move forward and try to close on the shooter while returning fire with no cover," said Hofknecht. "My training is the only thing that kept me alive at that point, because my mind had already checked out, it seemed."
For Hofknecht, losing some of his close friends during different firefights elsewhere in Afghanistan stays with him daily and has forever changed his life.
Before joining the ranks of the elite CCT, Hofknecht spent the first six years of his Air Force career as a mechanic, which was challenging but didn't afford him the opportunity to deploy to the front lines, he said. With an unrelenting yearning to be "first there," the controller can't wait for his next combat tour.
"Being a CCT and the mixed missions we embark on really intrigues me," said Hofknecht. "I'm honored by the JINSA Award and bronze stars, but I don't do what I do for medals or awards. My fellow controllers are my family, my brothers. I wouldn't choose any other way to live."
No tags fit 8-8.5 flawless condition want to trade for retro Jordan's or foams (not weathermans) and I can add if needed!
MGI (main combat Unit) sword 2 - this new sword variant sacrifice armor for increase fire power
and maneuverability. its armed with a 120mm high velocity auto canon that can punch through heavy armor and medium targets. the sword 2 works in tandem with the shield combat defense mech.
added note: the sword 2 aims to replace the (MGIMCU -0613 Sword 1)
This trailer has started appearing at the lakes near Needham Market.
More to be found here - www.combat2coffee.co.uk/
Today I looked it up on the Internet and found the following .. a fascinating insight into what they do and how they help war veterans. Here's more power to their arms, I say!
What a brilliant idea eh?
For more info -- www.combat2coffee.co.uk/ and www.combatstress.org.uk/about-us/news/combat2coffee-and-c...
This F-22A Raptor from the 27th Fighter Squadron "Fighting Eagles" located at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, fires an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) and an AIM-9M sidewinder heat-seeking air-to-air missile at an BQM-34P "Fire-bee" subscale aerial target drone over the Gulf of Mexico during a Combat Archer mission. The unit was deployed to Tyndall AFB, Florida to support the Air-to-Air Weapons System Evaluation Program hosted by the 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron also located at Tyndall.