Combat Plans Chief Bids a "Scary" Farewell Published June 8, 2009 By Mary McHale AFNORTH PA TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla -- Strike up a random conversation with anyone who knows Col. Norbert "Chico" Madera, retiring Chief of Combat Plans for the 601st Air and Space Operations Center here, and one thing quickly becomes apparent - he loves Halloween. It's a fact just as quickly confirmed by the colonel himself. "I'm a big Halloween fan, so most folks who know me will remember me as a big Buffalo Bills fan and an even bigger Halloween fan," he said. The colonel, who was honored with a retirement ceremony May 21, said he inherited the love of the holiday from his mother and over the years, has invested thousands in his collection. He said a sample of his "toys" include life-size replicas a coffin and guillotine and horror figure costumes of the likes of Freddy Kruger, Pinhead, vampires and werewolves. He trots out his creatures annually as he hosts a haunted trail at his home, filled with the faux but frightful. There is also an assortment of "live" displays he and his family members participate in. He recounted one time he rigged a presentation where he attached a fake body to his son's head. While another person proceeded to "chop" on the body, his son reacted with shrieks and screams. Indeed, the trail takes its toll on the faint of heart. By the Colonel's own estimate, he said about 20 percent of the trick or treaters never make it to the treat. He and his family have also been actively involved with the Panama City Junior Museum's Haunted Trail and Pumpkin Patch since 2000. "Colonel Madera and his family go to great lengths each year to plan around hectic schedules volunteer their time, equipment, and most importantly, their love of Halloween!" said Kira Burdeshaw, Haunted Trail Event chairperson. "Colonel Madera's contributions have been outstanding, especially his ability to understand and interpret the Museum's goals for this event," Ms. Burdeshaw continued. "He achieves a difficult balance where he creates a scenario scary enough to excite the older children and young adults, while maintaining the ability to downplay the fear factor when younger children come on the trail. We always receive positive comments about it from parents and board members alike." But even though he is leaving the area for cooler climes in the Northeast, his family's participation with the annual event at the Museum will continue. Ms. Burdeshaw said Colonel Madera's daughter has already started planning for involvement this year. "While I know Colonel Madera's achievements have been numerous, I think the sincere spirit of volunteerism exhibited by him and his family is outstanding," she said. And his military achievements have been numerous as well. During his nearly 28-year career, which he started as a weapons controller, the Buffalo, N.Y., native served in a variety of assignments, both active duty and Air National Guard. He has worked to support national political conventions, coordinate flood and hurricane relief and also worked as a Secret Service liaison in 2003 at President George W. Bush's Crawford, Texas ranch. While he spent the last 15 years in Florida, he has also served in Korea, Colorado and Alaska. He said he switched to the Guard midway through his service to gain some semblance of stability for his wife and family - two sons and a daughter. His awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Readiness Medal and two Air Force Commendation Medals. "I worked most of my career in support of the North American air defense mission and I really enjoyed it," he said. "I liked knowing I was supporting an important mission and I really enjoyed the people I worked with, especially at Tyndall."