Sam Johnson Chapter Promotes Air Force Heritage Among North Texas Organizations

Col. Joe Cordina, USAF (Ret.), a member of AFA’s Sam Johnson Chapter in Plano, Texas, was the featured speaker at a recent Collin County Veterans Coalition (CCVC) luncheon series. Cordina shared his experience as a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions at Kontum Airfield in South Vietnam on May 25, 1972. The monthly series brings together local leaders from business, nonprofit, and government sectors to share insights and resources that directly benefit veterans and their families.

During the height of the Easter Offensive, an Air Force C-130 resupply mission—call sign AF 130—was launched into one of the most dangerous environments of the Vietnam War: Kontum Airfield. With the city under intense siege by North Vietnamese forces, enemy artillery and anti-aircraft fire had made conventional resupply nearly impossible.

Then-Lt. Cordina piloted a Lockheed C-130 Hercules into the embattled airfield under blackout conditions to evacuate an Air Force Combat Control Team—demonstrating extraordinary courage, precision, and airmanship under fire.

CCVC is a vital coordination and advocacy hub for veteran-focused organizations across Collin County, Plano, Texas—including AFA’s Sam Johnson Chapter. CCVC connects nonprofits, agencies, and community partners and streamlines services, reduces duplication, and improves access to critical resources. The coalition also serves as a communication bridge—advocating for veterans at the local, state, and national levels to help ensure access to housing, healthcare, financial assistance, and other essential support.

Through collaboration and the sharing of stories like these, CCVC not only strengthens support for veterans and their families—it also directly advances the mission of the Air & Space Forces Association by connecting communities, honoring service and heritage, and inspiring continued support for the Air Force and Space Force.