[September 24th, 2025, 1700hrs Update]

Through this campaign, our community stepped up in an incredible way.

Your support not only helped raise awareness—it also connected us with valuable resources and organizations that came forward to cover the full cost of Dusty’s care.

Now, our focus shifts to the next critical step: ensuring Dusty has the post-care support he needs to continue his recovery and rebuild his life.

All funds raised moving forward will go directly toward these essential post-care costs.

To everyone who has reached out, donated, or shared—thank you.

The strength of this community is unmatched, and its proof once again that we never leave a brother behind. First There!⚡

[Original Fundraising Campaign Text]

To our CCT and special operations brothers:

Dustin “Dusty” Bankson, a proud Combat Controller and graduate of CCS Class 01-04, served with honor—deploying with the 321st during the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and later with the 125th in Afghanistan.

Forged in the same fire as all of us, Dusty carried the load as a Combat Controller—answering every call, executing the mission, and never failing his team.After his time in uniform, Dusty continued to excel. He earned his helicopter, instructor, and commercial pilot licenses, along with multiple type ratings in advanced airframes and jet engines.

He went on to build a strong career at Barrick Gold and later at FedEx—living proof of the discipline, skill, and drive that defines our community. But Dusty’s fight didn’t end downrange. In recent years, he has battled alcohol dependency, medication misuse, job loss, and financial hardship.

Today, both he and his wife struggling to make ends meet while also working to repair their marriage under the weight of these challenges.

Dusty isn’t giving up. There is a way forward: Warriors Heart, a treatment facility in Virginia built specifically for warriors like us—combat veterans who carry scars from the battlefield that don’t always show.

This program is tailored to our community, but the cost is far beyond what Dusty can afford with no income.This is where we come in. As a brotherhood, we never leave one of our own behind. Our goal is to raise $22,500 to cover Dusty’s full treatment at Warriors Heart through the Combat Control Foundation (CCF).

Every contribution—no matter the size—brings him one step closer to the care he needs and deserves.

As Combat Controllers, we’ve always carried the hardest loads together.

By supporting this campaign, you’re not just keeping Dusty afloat—you’re giving him a real chance to heal, recover, and rebuild his life.

Please donate today. Let’s rally behind Dusty, get him into Warriors Heart, and prove once again that the brotherhood never quits.

Support a Teammate in Need: Dustin “Dusty” Bankson

By Combat Control Foundation

Support a Teammate in Need: Dustin “Dusty” Bankson

Join us in supporting Dusty's path to healing and recovery.

Team Members