The U.S. House of Representatives is recognizing a Milford native, retired Captain and B-52 Navigator for participation in the longest combat mission in Air Force history. It was on January 16, 1991 Captain Hattabaugh and 56 other airborne aboard seven B-52 G aircrafts and a bombardment squad left Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana as part of Operation Senior Surprise. It was known as Secret Squirrel. It was the United State's first move to liberate Kuwait and Suddam Hussein.

Kinzinger’s resolution statement reads, state of the art cruise missiles, the brave airmen had but one objective to destroy Husseins’ strategic assets in Iraq and Kuwait. Nearly all targets were destroyed during the course of the mission and blinded the Iraq military and saved countless American lives. And Kinzinger proudly said, the airmen completed four in-air refueling maneuvers and covered 14,000 nautical miles in under 36 hours.

This year, Kinzinger’s resolution states, marks the 28th anniversary of Operation Secret Squirrel – and each year – THOSE INVOLVED gather to remember this piece of history. The airmen carried out their service with honor and bravery.
At Congressman Kinzinger’s Watseka office (Wed), Captain Aaron Hattabaugh and his family proudly accepted the recognition. .. >>>

Captain Hattabaugh added, there is such an appreciation to all veterans who keep this world safe.

The retired Captain also presented Congressman Kinzinger with an official Secret Squirrel mission patch, which Kinzinger said will be proudly displayed on his active military uniform. (a military lapel pin is included).

Kinzinger afterwards said, this is such an honorable recognition ……>>> 

"So many people don't realize the big victory Desert Storm was all about," Kinzinger said. "It was one tremendous military victory.  And for me to recognize this military hero, is just an honor -- this was a historic mission."

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