The Combat Control Foundation (CCF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting U.S. Air Force Combat Controllers, has announced a strategic partnership with Aware Defense. Aware Defense will honor this partnership through the inaugural "Guns, Golf & Gills" event at River Bend Plantation on June 5–8, 2025. This event aims to benefit Combat Controllers, veterans, and their families, with the goal of rallying significant support for these war heroes.

This unique tribute event seeks to unite the community in support of the Combat Control Foundation. It will feature world-class experiences, including a demonstration team conducting a HALO insertion, executing a high-stakes hostage rescue, and exfilling by helicopter. Additionally, the event will include a skeet shooting and tactical range challenge, a golf classic, and premier bass fishing on River Bend’s 100-acre lake, all in honor of America’s war heroes.

The CCF’s partnership aligns with Aware Defense’s mission to advance defense technology innovation, ensuring warfighters have the competitive edge needed to operate safely and effectively. Aware Defense specializes in advancing military hearing technology with next-generation 3D scanning and biometric hearable devices. Their products deliver superior hearing protection, enhanced hearing, biometric monitoring, and precision therapeutics. The company's patented 3D ear scanner ensures a perfect, comfortable fit, optimizing device performance for warfighters in high-risk environments.

Andrea Dellinger, Executive Director of CCF, highlighted the impact of this partnership, stating, "The Combat Control Foundation proudly recognizes Aware Defense as one of our distinguished Force Multipliers - organizations that provide substantial resources essential to fulfilling our mission. Aware Defense’s dedication helps provide these elite warriors and their families with the care they deserve, and we deeply appreciate their ongoing commitment to our mission.”

Aware Defense is dedicated to advancing hearing protection for the military with custom-fit in-ear devices designed to maximize comfort, performance, and safety. These devices are precision-crafted to the exact geometry of the ear using patented 3D ear scanning technology. By leveraging advanced biometric innovations from Aware Custom Biometric Wearables, Aware Defense aims to enhance operator readiness, resilience, and long-term health in the most demanding environments.

Stu Booker, COO of Aware Defense and a retired Combat Controller, emphasized their commitment: “Protecting the warfighter is at the heart of everything we do—because we believe humans are more important than hardware. Having firsthand experience, I emphasize the critical need for advanced solutions that enhance warfighter readiness and protection. The inaugural Guns, Golf & Gills event serves as a powerful platform to educate the community on the elite capabilities, sacrifices, and critical missions of Combat Controllers. It also represents our commitment to ensuring these warriors have access to cutting-edge innovation that empower them to excel in the most demanding environments.”

Sam Kellett, Jr., Owner and CEO of Aware Defense and River Bend, added, “Combat Controllers are among the most highly trained and skilled warriors in the world—they are selfless heroes and patriots who execute some of the most demanding and dangerous missions with precision, courage, and unwavering dedication. Together, we are committed to equipping our nation’s top operators with cutting-edge technology that can help them while training, executing their mission, and recovering post mission. But we don’t stop there! We can also help these heroes with their health and wellness, while transitioning out of the military and as civilians. Partnering with CCF through the Guns, Golf & Gills event reinforces our shared commitment to care for these exceptional warriors long-term that have done so much for our country.”

Aware Defense is honored to host true American heroes as guest speakers at this extraordinary event, who have served at the highest levels of special operations. Dan Schilling, a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel, Special Tactics Officer, Combat Controller, war hero, and New York Times bestselling author of Alone at Dawn, will share the inspiring story of MSgt John A. Chapman, a Medal of Honor recipient whose extraordinary valor was captured on film. Justin Day, a decorated retired Combat Controller honored by the President for his bravery in Afghanistan, will provide a firsthand account of courage and sacrifice on the battlefield. Michael Lamonica, a retired Chief Master Sergeant and seasoned USAF Combat Controller, will offer an in-depth look at the pivotal role and primary mission of Special Tactics Combat Controllers in modern warfare. Their stories of heroism, resilience, and dedication will serve as a powerful tribute to the elite warriors who operate in the shadows to protect our nation.