What happened?

On July 6th, the dam at Longleaf Golf Resort breached, unleashing Category 3 floodwater into the Herrera family’s home.

Within minutes, chest-deep water swept through — carrying sewage, mud, and debris — destroying everything it touched.

Furniture, appliances, clothing, family heirlooms, and irreplaceable items were lost in an instant. There was no flood insurance. The home wasn’t in a flood zone. And in 20 years, it had never needed it.

The Herreras are left with a gutted home and an uphill battle to make it livable again.

Who Needs Your Support?

Enrique “Ricky” Herrera is a retired Tier 1 U.S. Air Force Combat Controller with 24 years of service, culminating at the 24th Special Tactics Squadron at Fort Bragg.

He led and executed hundreds of combat operations across the globe and was recognized with multiple Bronze Stars.

His wife, Mrs. Herrera, is also a veteran, having proudly served 13 years in the U.S. Air Force.

At home, Ricky and his family are devoted community builders — volunteering for military nonprofits, mentoring Special Operators in transition, and championing service dog programs.

They have spent a lifetime serving others.

Now, they need our help.

Why This Fundraiser Matters

Earlier efforts to raise money through another nonprofit on GoFundMe were unfortunately returned due to IRS restrictions.

Here at the Combat Control Foundation, we dedicated to being First There for our Combat Controllers and their families, and we are stepping in to ensure that your generosity reaches Ricky and his loved ones directly.

All funds raised here will be used toward rebuilding the Herrera home, replacing what was lost and safeguarding their health.

How You Can Help:

Donate – Every contribution, big or small, helps the Herreras take one step closer to rebuilding.
- If your bank partners with Zelle, you can donate directly through your mobile banking app. Select “Send Money with Zelle,” enter Combat Control Foundation as the recipient, and use admin@combatcontrolfoundation.org as the contact email.
  
  No Zelle? Most banks and credit unions offer similar transfer options—just use the same email to send your gift.
- To support the Herrera family by mail, please send your check to the following secure mailbox, and be sure to include information on the check what the donation is to be used for:
  
  Combat Control Foundation
  P.O. Box 432
  Mary Esther, FL 32569-0432
  
  Note: Please use USPS mail or priority mail. Do not use FedEx or UPS.
Share – Spread the word to friends, family, and colleagues who may want to support a veteran who has given so much.
Stand With Ricky – Show this Combat Controller and his family that their community stands “First There” for them, just as Ricky has stood for others his entire life.

Standing First There for the Ricky Herrera Family

After 24 years of service as a U.S. Air Force Combat Controller, Ricky and his family now need our support to rebuild from devastating flood loss.