archive: January 2011  |  view all recent posts

Meeting Lt. Col. Frank Latt

Last weekend we had the honor of meeting Frank Latt, a U.S. Marine pilot who was providing Mark air support, with his F-18, the day he was killed. Frank contacted us just a few days after this happened and told us the details from his eye-in-the-sky point of view. He was able to show us on a map where that final battle took place. The story is very interesting and it was great to finally meet him.

He told us that after Mark's radio went silent, he had an emotional flight back to his carrier. He said even though no one had confirmed to him that his CCT had been killed, he knew it was so. He didn't know Mark's name at the time, so he started searching the DOD reports, and when he got some names, he began the internet search. This is where he came across Mark's info on Michael Andrew's website (www.michaelthemaven.com). He made contact with us, and planned to visit when he returned home. January 28, 2011 was a special day for the whole family. When we met him for the first time, it was with cameras and many people around, but as the seconds passed, the cameras seemed to disappear. The purpose of the cameras was a taping for a TV show that will air this Spring. The entire crew was very touched by the story of Frank and Mark and the relationship they had--not even knowing each other's names. Of course, this is common between pilots and controllers on the ground. We will post an udpate on this site, once we learn the premier date on Lifetime Channel.

Frank had worked with Mark on several missions and was very impressed with his skill, humor, and courage. Aften his initial radio meeting with Mark, Frank decided he would do anything this CCT asked him to do. Frank deserves great respect too. He's served several tours across the globe and has been in the Marines for about 20 years. We are grateful to him for his service and for reaching out to us. We will be seeing him again.

Below is Frank with Mom and Dad.

Frank and his wingman Kevin, did a flyover above our house in Haleyville Saturday morning. It was awesome. They were at 1000 feet and slow.

Frank and his wingman's planes have Mark's name on them. We'd like to see his name painted on a few of the bombs dropped in Afghanistan too.

Here are their planes parked in Birmingham. We were able to see these things up close and personal. Can you imagine being an enemy of the U.S. and they do a "show of force" about 500' above you?

CCT Pipeline Training

This was taken during some of Mark's training. Notice how he almost takes a fall repelling down the building. Then notice how accurate his shots are, even after running and while squatting. That would be incredibly hard. Johnnie is close to him offering encouragement.

Mark learned most of his hunting accuracy from his uncle William and cousin Mike. William told us this weekend that most of the shots Mark was use to taking (at the deer) were at 100-200 yards.

Biography - Freedom is not Free

Mark Andrew Forester - JAG 28

Born: May 15, 1981, Haleyville, AL
Graduated: Haleyville High School, 1999
2-year Volunteer Missionary: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Oakland, CA 2000-2002
Graduated: University of Alabama, BS, Finance, 2006
USAF Combat Controller: 2007-2010, assigned to 21STS, Pope AFB, NC
Distinguished Graduate: USAF Combat Control School 2008
Silver Star: Awarded 15 June 2012 for actions on 29 September 2010
Bronze Star with Valor: 6 August 2010
Purple Heart: 29 September 2010
KIA: In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Uruzgon Province, Afghanistan, 29 September 2010
Survivors: Mom, Dad, 1 sister, 3 brothers, 16 nieces and nephews
Religion: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Remembered as a man who discovered his purpose in life, and died doing what he was sent here to do. Respectful son, loving brother, and true friend.

His Story:

While Mark was serving as a full-time missionary in California, our nation was attacked on 11 September 2001. As a young man of 20 years old, he was outraged by this act and knew then it was his calling to fight terrorism. He received his college degree, and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in June 2007. Despite everyone telling him to go in as an officer, he wanted to enlist because he wanted to start from the bottom up and he knew his chances of getting better deployment opportunities would be increased as an enlisted airman. He wanted the toughest job the military could offer, and Air Force Combat Controller was what he was looking for.

He was deployed to one of the most coveted areas by Combat Controllers in May 2010, FOB Cobra (Tinsley). He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for his heroic actions while engaged in ground combat against the enemy on 6 August 2010. Mark was fatally wounded during combat on 29 September 2010. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his actions during that fateful battle, and the Purple Heart for paying the ultimate price for freedom. He was killed in action alongside one of his Special Forces teammates. JAG 28, which was his call sign and the only name many pilots knew him by, was immediately retired after his death.

Most of his teammates/leaders who spoke at his funeral and memorial services ended their speeches with “Roll Tide” because they knew what a big Alabama fan he was.

Mark with Mom and Dad

This is my favorite picture of Mark with our parents. He is genuinely happy, and I can see honor and pride in Mom and Dad's faces. One reason I can see that is because I was there when it was taken. I remember how sad we all were because he was leaving, but how proud we were of his accomplishments in life, and for being recommended to tackle the difficult mission he was assigned. We all know he performed his duties exceptionally.

I think we all can agree that he was having a great hair day too.

Determination of a Warrior

This was taken during some of Mark's CCT training. When I see this picture, I think of 'perseverance' and 'determination'. You can see the exhaustion in his face. And believe me, Mark's wasn't the only face like this in the picture file. His teammates worked hard to earn the Red Beret. When you see this picture, I hope it motivates you to try a little harder at everything you do.