Colonel Darrel D. Whitcomb, USAF Ret. graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1969 and went on to serve three tours in Southeast Asia as a cargo pilot and a forward air controller flying the OV-10 and then the O-1 with the group known as “The Ravens” during the United States Secret War. He flew combat missions over Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. It was in Laos that Colonel Whitcomb quickly learned to appreciate the skill and determination of Lao-Hmong aviators and soldiers. Colonel Whitcomb was awarded a Silver Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses for his service. He retired from the Air Force Reserve as a colonel in 1999 and then retired from Delta Airlines as an international captain in 2003. Colonel Whitcomb has published five books on aviation and combat rescue operations.