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Zachary Rhyner
United States Air Force airman / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Zachary James Rhyner (born June 21, 1986) is a medically retired Combat Controller (CCT) in the United States Air Force who received the Air Force Cross for his actions in the Battle of Shok Valley on 6 April 2008 in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan.[1] He was the first living, and second ever, Combat Controller to receive the Air Force Cross after TSgt John A. Chapman was posthumously awarded the medal in 2002 for his actions during the Battle of Takur Ghar.[1][2][3] He has deployed six times, including Iraq and Afghanistan.[4] He has assisted in humanitarian operations and was a part of Operation Unified Response in Haiti during the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.[4]
Quick Facts Born, Allegiance ...
Zachary Rhyner | |
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![]() Rhyner receiving the Airforce Cross, 2009. | |
Born | (1986-06-21) June 21, 1986 (age 38) Medford, Wisconsin |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Service/ | ![]() |
Years of service | 2004–2015 |
Rank | ![]() |
Unit | 21st Special Tactics Squadron |
Battles/wars | War in Afghanistan
Iraq War Operation Unified Response |
Awards | |
Spouse(s) | Jillian Rhyner |
Children | 2 |
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