Safe Under Angels Wings

By Shannon Cruz

"Guardian Wings: The Unseen Protector of a Warrior's Path"

A Remarkable True Story of Survival, Valor, and Divine Providence

About the Author:

Dive into the harrowing and inspiring life of a Joint Terminal Attack Controlle

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shannon Cruz
• Release date: Aug 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798218344320

Shannon Cruz

My journey began in January 1994 when I joined the Air Force, initially aiming to become a Pararescue. However, I later transitioned to become a Terminal Attack Control Party (TACP) airman. After rigorous training at Hurlburt Field, Florida, including physical fitness tests, I graduated with Honors and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. There, I attended survival school, airborne school, and air assault school. Over time, I experienced Permanent Change of Station (PCS) assignments to Korea and Pope Air Force Base, where I undertook the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) course and supported the 82nd Airborne. My journey included training in military jumps, becoming a Special Operations Forces (SOF) JTAC, and serving in various Special Forces Groups. I later transitioned to Fort Lewis, Washington, as a JTAC Instructor and completed a Military Free Fall Jump Master Course. My career took me to Yuma Proving Grounds, AZ, as a Free Fall Instructor. Transitioning to the Texas Army National Guard, I became a Blackhawk helicopter pilot in Austin, Texas, and joined the TX parachute demonstration team. Subsequently, I attended Army flight school at Fort Rucker. In March 2014, I retired from the Army after nearly 21 years of service, having earned multiple awards and completing nine combat deployments. Post-retirement, I pursued a civilian aviation career, accumulating over 3,700 flight hours as both a helicopter and airplane pilot. My educational journey included an associate degree and a Bachelor of Science degree.

Book preview

SAFE UNDER ANGELS’ WINGS:

The Life of a Special Operations Joint Terminal Attack Controller, Parachutist, Pilot, and His Guardian ANGEL

Based on a True Story

Picture 1: Shannon Cruz

Contents

Title Page

About Me

Dedication

Start Beginning

About Me:

I joined the Air Force in January 1994. I volunteered to take the Physical Fitness Test for one of the warrior airmen careers, first Pararescue but then as a Terminal Attack Control Party (TACP) airman. I then attended technical training at Hulburt Field, Florida. After tasks, tests, field events, and training completed, and four maxed physical fitness tests (PT), I graduated with Honors and went to my first duty station Fort Riley Kansas as a Conventional TACP attending survival school, airborne school and air assault school. After five years in Kansas, I had a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Korea, then to Pope Air Force Base to support Fort Bragg. I went to the newly-named Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) course to officially become a JTAC supporting 82nd Airborne, initially with Close Air Support. I attended the Static Line (SL) Jump Master and Military Free Course (HALO). Then I was attached to Corp Long Range Reconnaissance and made the selection to become a Special Operations Forces (SOF) JTAC. I initially augmented the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). Then I had a PCS (permanent change of station) to Fort Lewis Washington to be assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). There I became a JTAC Instructor and attended a Military Free Fall Jump Master Course. Then came another PCS, next to Yuma Proving Grounds, AZ, in a particular duty assignment as a Free Fall Instructor and in the Advanced Free Fall Instructors course. From there, I went into the Texas Army National Guard to fly Blackhawk helicopters in Austin, Texas. I Joined the TX parachute demonstration team in Texas. Eventually I went to Army flight school at Fort Rucker. Time passed, and I ended my career to retire at Fort Bragg, now as a Warrant Officer and pilot in the Army.

In March 2014, I retired from the Army, shy of 21 years of honorable service. The highest awards earned are 3 Bronze Stars, 2 with Valor and nine deployments in combat. I was in 13 firefights, calling in Close Air Support, commanding the release of over 300,000 lbs. of bombs from Close Air Support aircraft. After military retirement, I initially got rated in the two- and four-seat piston Robinson helicopter because I did not have much helicopter time.

I flew tours to build hours at Port Canaveral (Florida Air Tours) and Myrtle Beach (Ocean Front). With enough time built I flew Bell 407 helicopters Oil & Gas on the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico for PHI. What followed was the Rotary Transition Program to fly jets—the Embraer 175 for the airlines with envoy owned by American Airlines American Eagle Brand. Covid hit, and after I was furloughed, flew A-Star helicopters for Air Methods Emergency Medical Service. Finally, I worked for AAR flying Huey and Blackhawk helicopters as a contractor supporting the Department of State in Iraq.

I currently have over 3700 flight hours as a helicopter and Airplane Pilot. In service, I got my associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force and a Bachelor of Science degree from Excelsior College.

This E-book is a true story of my life as a Special Operations JTAC,

Military Free Fall Instructor, Parachutist, and Pilot,

condensed from September 11, 2001 (9/11) through 2023.

Some names may be substituted or allusive, but events are actual, as I recall.

"Put on the whole.

Armor of God

That ye may be

able to stand

against the wiles

of the devil.

Ephesians 6:11:

I dedicate this e-book to my wife, Marielle, and my two children, Kaleb and Gwyn Cruz, and also to my Mom, Dad, and Sister (Gayle, Rick, and Christy Cruz).

This book honors the following four U.S. Soldiers killed on February 13, 2006, by a roadside bomb in Helmen province, Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class Chad A. Gonsalves (Green Beret)

Staff Sgt. Edwin H. Daza Chacon (Green Beret)

Staff Sgt. Clinton T. Newman (Civil Affairs)

Sgt. Alberto D. Montrond (Group Support Battalion)

September 11, 2001

I was returning from Calgary, Canada, after spending time with my friend visiting the beautiful Banff National Park on military leave (vacation time). I was amazed by the park’s beauty and all the bountiful wildlife there. It seemed everywhere I looked there was some kind of animal, from moose, squirrel, chipmunk, to deer, etc., surrounded by thick, lush green forest. The vacation went by quickly, and it was time for me to be dropped off at Calgary Airport; I eventually reached my departing gate and sat down.

Then suddenly, there was commotion all around, and everyone seemed glued to the television sets on the walls hanging in the airport terminals. CNN was on, and it was televising what happened at 08:46 Eastern Standard Time the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, flew directly into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. Then, shortly after 09:03 EST, the second plane, United Airlines Flight 175, struck the South Tower. In shock from the first plane, I was immediately angry and wondered who dared attack our great nation. I never thought someone would dare attack the United States so deep on our turf. Calgary Airport announced and displayed that all flights were grounded until further notice as I looked at my gate monitor screen showing canceled flights. I called my friend to pick me up and called my supervisor back at Pope Air Force Base to tell