Friday, July 11, 2014 THE RED 7 . n et Providing security

Spc. Connor Mendez | U.S. Army A U.S. Special Forces Soldier, attached to Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, returns fire after receiving harassment fire during an operation in the Baraki Barak district, Logar province, Afghanistan, June 22. USSF and ANA commandos provided security in the area as coalition forces constructed a new Afghan Local Police checkpoint in the village.

ALSO INSIDE Vietnam’s first Lt. Col. Bryan Briefs...... 8 Kirk takes reins Pet adoption ...... 7

Philpott...... 6 recipient remembers of 4th Battalion Page 2 Page 3 Page  | THE RED 7 | Friday, July 11, 2014 Friday, July 11, 2014 | THE RED 7 | Page  ContactUs Tracey Steele Lt. Col. Editor 315-4472 ‘Still a fighting force’ *10% off Birthday Parties scheduled in July 2014* • TreatManiManicucuresthe Princess in Your• Createeate youLifer own [email protected] Bryan Kirk • FacFacialialss Lip Gloss or Lotion • PedPedicicuurreess Susan Fabozzi 50 years later, ’s first Medal of Honor recipient remembers • Waxingxing Kids Party Packages News Assistant By LAUREN SAGE REINLIE • Up Do’s 315-4450 Northwest Florida Daily News takes reins of 10% OFF Adults [email protected] Military Discount We on Thursdays! 850-581-0304 lcome #64 EGLIN PKWY, FWB 32548 (across from Popeye’s restaurant) News n 1964, Ray Donlon, a 30-year- www.darlingdivasnailsalonandspa.com 2105719 old Special Forces Soldier, was (850) 315-4450 sent into the thick of the jungle 4th Battalion in Vietnam. Fax: (850) 863-7834 I It was his first deployment, but The 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) wel- Car, Truck & SUV Accessories E-mail: he and the 11 Soldiers on the team comes Lt. Col. Bryan Kirk as he assumes leader- [email protected] he was leading had been well- ship of the Group’s 4th Battalion and bids a fond Hard &Soft Bed Covers trained and well-prepared. farewell to Lt. Col. Martin Schmidt as he contin- Bed Liners & Mats The Soldiers were sent in as ues his career in the Special Advertising advisors to the South Vietnamese. Toolboxes-Hitches Their job was to train and equip Forces. Pictured, Col. Robert Kirila, the Group’s 863-1111 Ext. 1341 them to fight off the Viet Cong. Deputy Commander, congratulates Kirk during Toppers & Lids The men were excited, as the recent change-of-command ceremony held in Window Visors Since 1988 Mail young men are when they travel the Liberty Chapel. 2 Eglin Parkway NE, to a new country, a new culture, Step Bars-Running Boards-Seat Covers and they were filled with hope that U.S. Army Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 they were going to be able to help www.AccentTops.com people help themselves, the now- The Red 7 is published by the Northwest Florida Daily News, a pri- 80-year-old said. Accent Tops &Trailers vate firm in no way connected with the They knew the risks: they could 657 BEALPARKWAY 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) be killed, or, perhaps worse, be DEVON RAVINE | Daily News or the U.S. Army. captured and taken as prisoners Special Forces team members Thurman Brown, right, Julian Olejniczak, red shirt, and Roger Donlon at far 850-862-2400 2096211 This publication’s content is not of war. 2107834 necessarily “We all vowed to each other we left talk about the Battle of Nam Dong. Second from left is Ross Worley. the official would fight until the end,” he said. view of, or On July 6, just six weeks after honor From page 2

endorsed 2108190 the team arrived, they faced that ber of the team that we five long hours of battle, doing your job and being by, the U.S. test. Honoring the fallen govern- were still a fighting force,” the team was victorious. the best at it.” Late last month, with ment, the he said. They had held onto the The 7th Group named the 50th anniversary of Department of Defense, the Depart- Stacked odds They began to take camp. their headquarters build- the battle near, Donlon, ment of the Army or 7th Special Forc- In the cover of night, about 800 casualties. For his work inspiring ing at their compound near MagnolmagianoliagGrrillfwbil.coml who lives in Kentucky, and es Group (Airborne). The official news or 900 Viet Cong ambushed the Sgt. John Houston was his men to “superhuman Crestview after Donlon three surviving members source for 7th Special Forces Group camp at Nam Dong about 30 miles killed and Master Sgt. Ga- effort,” Donlon received — “a complete surprise,” (Airborne) is http://www.soc.mil/. of his team were honored west of Da Nang. The team was briel ‘Pop’ Alamo died in the first Medal of Honor of he said — and other loca- The appearance of advertising in at the 7th Special Forces far-outnumbered with half or more Donlon’s arms. Australian the Vietnam War. tions after the men who fell this publication does not constitute Group (Airborne)’s annual of the 300 South Vietnamese they Warrant Officer Kevin But, he wouldn’t be the in the battle. endorsement by the U.S. govern- dinner. were working alongside turning to Conway, who was also at same. He believes that’s a step ment, the Department of Defense, Before the dinner, he fight against them. the camp, became the first “Pop died in my arms,” in the right direction of hon- the Department of the Army, 7th said everyone carries Special Forces Group (Airborne) or Even though the odds were soldier from his country to he said. “When that hap- oring their memories. wounds of war, some visible, the Northwest Florida Daily News for stacked against them, the men of be killed in action. pens you make a silent “Now the next genera- some not. He hopes shar- products or services advertised. Ev- the 7th Special Forces Group hun- Special to the Daily News “It was hard for me to vow that if you live, you’ll tion will ask who was John ing his story will help some erything advertised in this publication kered down to fight. inform them of the cau- conduct the rest of your Houston, who was ‘Pop’ A picture of the Army Special Forces team taken in 1964 shows team of today’s Soldiers fight off shall be made available for purchase, They rescued their ammunition Special to the Daily News salities we took, but I felt it life in ways that bring re- Alamo?” he said. “And then members front row (left to right): John Houston(KIA), Raymond Whitsell, discouragement. use or patronage without regard to from a blazing building and began Roger Donlon is awarded the was important for them to spect and honor to their they will think about the race, color, religion, sex, national ori- Keith Daniels, Michael Disser, Gabriel Alamo(KIA), and Vernon Beeson. “You get discouraged to take positions around the camp. Congressional Medal of Honor by know their teammates had lives. They gave all their great accomplishments gin, age, marital status, physical handi- when you see things go Donlon dashed to the main Standing in back row are (left to right): Merwin Woods, Thurman Brown, President Lyndon B. Johnson. died for the sake of their tomorrows.” these men made and will cap, political affiliation or any other awry, you think you are gate, shooting down the men who Roger Donlon, Julian Olejniczak, Thomas Gregg, and Terrance Terrin. brothers,” he said. “When After receiving that want to be better people nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user preparing people to defend Tom & Peggy Rice • Proprietors were trying to use explosives to that happens you have a re- award, he wasn’t supposed and better Soldiers as they or patron. Editorial content is edited, their own country and then blast their way through. ing mortar shells. Despite a severe the injured men. he went. newed strength; it’s almost to be sent back to the same continue to shoulder the 850-302-0266 prepared and provided by the North- they don’t,” he said. “Some west Florida Daily News. Many men were wounded in stomach wound and being shot in They had lost radio contact and “I was reassuring each mem- impossible to describe.” combat zone, but he wea- responsibilities of defending 157 Brooks St. SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL people want help and some the initial onslaught of heavy gun- the shoulder, Donlan continued so Donlon moved from position to In the light of day, after seled his way back in. our great country.” Year No. 4 Edition No. 28 fire, falling grenades and explod- fighting and working to evacuate position, hurling hand grenades as See honor page 3 don’t. You just have to keep Steaks - Seafood - Italian Page  | THE RED 7 | Friday, July 11, 2014 Friday, July 11, 2014 | THE RED 7 | Page 

2014 State College

August 20al& Ocl toteberrm14, 2014

Above, an Army Ranger student contemplates a strategy in the woods of the Eglin Air Force Base range. F Below, An Army Ranger student enjoys a bit of down time. ClJulasy ses23 - AuStguarst 19t Below left, an Army Ranger student checks his six in the woods. EnroJulll foy 23r Ses- Ocsitoonbers131 & 2: Above, Army Ranger students return to their camp after collecting water during some down time in the woods of the Eglin Air Force Base range. At top left, Army Ranger students practice their rope tying procedures prior to a river crossing. Above left, a student cleans his weapon during some down time. Online or On-Campus at EnAlrol 7llNWFSfor CSeslocsiatonions!3: 12

Fall 055

Leading 21 the way 2014 Register & Pay by WEB Photos by Tech. Sgt. Samuel King Jr. | USAF Niceville (850) 729-5234 • Fort Walton (850) 863-6520 Chautauqua (850) 200-4100 • Eglin (850) 200-4180 Army Ranger students complete the final phase of the ( ) ( ) Army Ranger course with the 6th Ranger Training Bat- Hurlburt 850 200-4190 • Robert L. F. Sikes 850 200-4141 ScheduleSoAnuth WaAdltonvisi(85ng0) 20Ap0-416po0 intment! talion. Instructors expose the students to an 18-day field training that includes airborne and helicopter assaults, www.nwfsc.edu/schedule small boat operations, river and swamp crossings. EA/EO Page  | THE RED 7 | Friday, July 11, 2014 Friday, July 11, 2014 | THE RED 7 | Page  PRESTON HOOD CHEVROLET Commission interim report WANTED: A place to call home Hi, I’m Ginger SUPPLIER PRICING FOR EVERYONE a female in search of a ON ALL NEW 2014 CHEVY CREW CABS home. I was ‘sets stage’ for pay reform rescued from a PLUS 0% APR FOR 7272 MONTHS bad living situa- ^ Military folks upset that federal de- than ECI from 1982 through tion. I really love ON ALL NEW 2014 CHEVYS recent defense budgets partments. 1998,” the reports says. “In- to be petted. If have targeted their pay Total fund- deed, policymakers made a and benefits have no rea- ing in fiscal concerted effort around the you have a lov- PURCHASE son to fear a new 358-page 2014: $340 turn of the 21st Century to ing home and “interim” report from the billion. increase compensation…to a warm touch Military Compensation and Com- counteract recruiting and then come by Our Success is Your Reward! Buy a New Home in D.R. Horton Retirement Modernization missioners retention challenges...” and see me. Northwest Florida Communities Listed in this flyer July 1st Tom Buy inin one hour or lessless Commission. don’t sug- A second factor that You will fall in + through July 31st and receive + The nine-member blue Philpott gest here boosted compensation the love. Ginger is or your first payment isis on us! ribbon panel does present, that cuts or last 15 years was general in impressive detail, the even major inflation in the economy. current on her full range of military and policy changes are war- Overall prices rose 43 per- shots and spayed. There is a $50 adoption fee. The adoption process includes filling out a AND MAKE NO PAYMENTS TILL AFTER LABOR DAY^^ veteran pays, allowances ranted due to cost growth cent but U.S. health costs preliminary adoption application and a screening interview. All members of the family need $ ** $ ** and benefits that Congress alone. Their goal is to re- jumped 76 percent and edu- to be present for the interview. The standard adoption fee is $100, unless otherwise posted, HURRY LIMITED TIME ENDS JULY 14TH has enacted over recent place outdated programs, cation costs 129 percent. and includes spay/neuter, all applicable shots, worming, de-fleaing, heartworm test for 10,000 decades including the last and “piecemeal” steps Wars, too, boosted com- 12,000 dogs and feline leukemia/feline aids testing for cats. We prefer to limit adoptions to within a in Design Options at in Design Options at 13 years of war. It’s a docu- taken over time to solve pensation spending, the three-hour drive of Pet Welfare. Adoption applications can be found at www.petwelfare.net NEW 2014 CHEVROLET CRUZE NEW 2014 CHEVROLET SILVERADO Hammock Bay - Passages ment recruiters could use compensation needs, with a commission says, with addi- 1500 REGULAR CACABB Hammock Bay - Whispers and emailed to [email protected] (copy and paste into email). LIVE MARKET PRICE † to great effect if not for its more modern, flexible and tional manpower recruited STARTING AT † Homes from the High $100s * Homes from the Mid $200s heft. efficient system. and health care expanded $15,987 LIVE MARKET PRICE Freeport | 850-835-2700 STARTING AT Freeport | 850-835-2700 But the commission “Although the Commis- to treat war-related injuries $236**/MO $22,997* Hammock Bay - Schooner reaches no conclusions sion found that compensa- including post-traumatic report From page 6 0% FOR 72 MONTHS #14781 #14607 Homes from the Mid $100s† on whether any of the tion funding has increased stress and traumatic brain (BAH) so rates now cover knowledges that defense What commissioners ac- THE #1 SELLING SMALL CAR ON THE GULF COAST! 0% FOR 72 MONTHS Freeport | 850-835-270 compensation offerings, substantially over the last injury. 100 percent of median rent- budgets face tough budget tually want to change about NEW 2014 CHEVROLET SONIC LS NEW 2014 CHEVROLET SPARK or their combined effect, two decades, as has been Finally, Congress did ap- al costs versus 85 percent challenges. It also concedes military pay and benefits LIVE MARKET PRICE LIVE MARKET PRICE $ ** is excessive. Therefore, repeatedly reported in the prove new military benefits. STARTING AT before 2005. that having compensa- won’t be known for seven STARTING AT * * it gives little comfort to national press, these simple The commission highlights The commission notes tion costs equal to a third months. $15,326 $12,690 7,500 budget analysts and even trends need to be examined five since 2001 that all had **/MO that administration’s of total defense budgets We do know, and the **/MO $176 in Design Options at military leaders who want in greater detail before any big price tags: $219 2015 budget seeks to slow is not “evidence of fiscal interim report emphasizes, 0% FOR 72 MONTHS #14797 0% FOR 72 MONTHS #14858 Liberty Oaks $ ** to dampen compensation conclusion can be drawn  Enactment of † compensation growth by sustainability.” that the final report will not GM CERTIFIED PRE OWNED AND QUALITY USED CARS FOR ALL BUDGETS! Homes from the Low $200s costs through caps on pay regarding fiscal sustainabil- TRICARE for Life for capping pay and BAH Indeed, it says, whether call for cuts to retirement 7,000 raises and housing allow- ity,” the report says. Medicare-eligible mili- YEAR MAKE MODEL STOCK# PRICE YEAR MAKE MODEL STOCK# PRICE Crestview | 850-306-1166 in Design Options at increases and raising TRI- personnel costs are sus- benefits for current mem- 2004 CHEVROLET BLAZER ...... P13394A...... $5,995 2001 FORD F-150...... 14602N...... $5,995 ances, hikes in health care It echoes a point made tary retirees and family CARE fees. The Congres- tainable might be better bers or to those already fees and cuts to the com- often by military associa- members; 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA LT 3.5 L...... 14693B...... $6,995 1999 FORD F-150 WORK SERIES...... T14879A...... $5,995 Brownstone Manor LaGrange Landing sional Budget Office just assessed by comparing retired. The commission missary benefit. tions and veterans groups  An end to a reduc- 2007 MAZDA MAZDA6 I...... T14779B...... $6,995 2006 FORD FOCUS ZX4...... P13300A...... $6,595 † † this week suggested that growth of pay, health care, charter doesn’t allow it. Homes from the Low $200s Homes from the Mid $100s Commission Chairman in answer to critics who tion or “offset” at age 62 in 2006 FORD FOCUS ZX4...... P13300A...... $6,995 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT BASE...... 14460A...... $6,995 Crestview | 850-306-2060 Freeport | 850-835-1343 defense budget to meet retirement and quality-of- 2002 HONDA ACCORD SEDAN SE ...... P13377A...... $6,995 2006 FORD ESCAPE XLT ...... 14725B...... $6,995 Alphonso Maldon Jr., says say compensation growth Survivor Benefit Plan pay- Budget Control Act limits life programs the last 15 1994 FORD RANGER XL...... 14671C...... $1,995 2007 CHEVROLET HHR LS...... T14843P...... $7,995 the intent of the interim has been excessive the last ments, tied to eligibility for Tom Philpott is a syndicated could include raising TRI- years against growth of columnist. You may write to him 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT...... 14357A...... $1,995 2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500...... 14653A...... $7,995 report is to present a “com- decade or more. Any cost social security; CARE fees on retirees and private sector wages using at Military Update, P.O. Box 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER GT ...... T14864B...... $4,995 2004 JEEP LIBERTY SPORT ...... 14636A...... $7,995 prehensive resource tool” growth comparisons, the  Post-9/11 GI Bill, a ending concurrent receipt the ECI or of the economy 231111, Centreville, VA 20120- 2000 BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM...... P13421...... $5,995 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT LT...... T14834A...... $8,995 for understanding military report says, “are highly de- $10-billion-a-year expansion for disabled retirees. using Gross Domestic 1111; or at [email protected] 2004 CHEVROLET BLAZER ...... P13394A...... $5,995 2004 MERCURY SABLE LS PREMIUM ...... P13420...... $8,995 compensation. It shows pendent on when the com- of education benefits for The commission, how- Product (GDP). 0% APR FOR 36 MONTHS ON SOME GM CERTIFIED USED VEHICLES! what commissioners have parisons are begun.” service members, veterans ever, isn’t ready to say such The report presents this learned the past year, and For example, Congress and their families. dramatic changes are need- comparison in a line graph Now Enrolling for Find a D.R. Horton New Home Community “sets the stage” for critical did give the military an-  Concurrent receipt, Near You at www.drhorton.com/nwfl ed to make personnel ac- without comment. However, Fall Classes analysis and recommenda- nual pay raises from 1998 which allowed more than count sustainable. Indeed, the lines depicting military tions to modernize com- through 2010 that exceeded 500,000 military retirees to Massage Therapy, Skin Care, the report makes another and VA health costs since and Nail Specialist †Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and pensation. A final report to private sector wage growth, draw both full military re- point often argued by mili- 1998 are seen soaring amenities, are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. Prices effective President Obama and Con- as measured by the govern- tired pay and VA compensa- Accepting Post 911, tary personnel advocates: above those for ECI and Montgomery GI Bill & MyCAA July 1, 2014. **Offer valid only on New Contracts on Homes Construction Stage 7 (Cabinets Installed) or gress is due next February. ment’s Employment Cost tion for service-connected that despite significant GDP. Elsewhere, the report above in D.R. Horton NWFL Communities listed above that are written from 7/1/2014 through 7/31/2014 The breadth of compen- Index or ECI. disabilities, ending a costly growth personnel costs, notes that TRICARE Prime Soothing Arts Healing 212 Hollywood Blvd SW • Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 that close on or before 9/30/14. $5,000, $7,500 or $12,000 calculated off base sales price of options. sation programs for military “Beginning the compari- dollar-for-dollar offset; Option availability is subject to stage of construction so that not all design options will be funding for compensation premiums rose by only 17 Therapies School of Massage 850-664-7000

members, retirees, reserve son in 1976, however, shows  Extra increases to Ba- 2108544 available on all homes. Options to be installed prior to closing. Offer cannot be combined with still represents roughly 30 percent from 1999 to 2013, & Skincare www.PrestonHood.com components, veterans and the post-1998 pay raises to sic Allowance for Housing *Sale price plus tax, title, license and dealer fee. Sale prices includes all factory incentives/ rebates and dealer savings, Silverado sale price includes trade-in andV-6 bonus cash (Must purchase a vehicle withV6 engine and any other offer or incentive. Terms and conditions apply. percent of the Department while premiums for private trade in a 1999 or newer vehicle to qualify.) Subject to prior sale. + Express Purchase one hour timeframe begins upon signed sales agreement for vehicle selected. Credit pre-qualification required. See dealer for complete families is impressive, be a reaction to military Visit SoothingArts.com for details. ^0% APR for 72 months financing available to well qualified buyers in lieu of factory cash incentives. Excludes 2014 Chevy Stingray. ^^Deferred payments offer with approved credit through Ally Bank only. **All of Defense budget. sector workers increased payments based on 0% APR for 72 months to qualified buyers. Offer expires 7/14/2014. See dealer for complete details. #14-164694

2107634 delivered across several pay raises that were lower See report page 7 more information. The commission ac- 196 percent. 3035553 Page  | THE RED 7 | Friday, July 11, 2014 Cross Creek Estates red 7 Briefs Freeport, FL 32439 From staff reports water just before sunset. Family Child Care Cost is $25 per canoe or kay- The Brighton A Training ak and includes a glow stick 1750 Sq. ft. | 3 Beds | 2 Baths Pet Welfare bake and treats afterwards. Sign The Family Child Care Starting at $201,440 up at Outdoor Rec, 882-5058. sale July 24 office is seeking individuals The 96 MDSS will be host- living in the surrounding ing a bake sale July 24 at the communities to become li- Education Fair set hospital to raise funds for censed affiliated childcare the Eglin Pet Welfare. Last providers. Free training for for July 17 year, over $600 was raised those interested will be pro- The Eglin Education Cen- The Braxton B during the bake sale. With vided from 8 a.m. to noon ter is hosting an Education 1779 Sq. ft. | 3 Beds | 2 Baths the money roofs were in- July 14-18. Applications are Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Starting at $205,990 stalled over the dog kennels. available at the FCC office July 17 in Hangar 3. Featur- The current storage shed is on Boatner Road. For infor- ing on-base universities, col- too small to contain the gar- mation, call, 882-2994. leges and schools to include > Freeport’s newest community den tools and the dog crates. University of West Florida, > From the high $100’s This yearthe goal is to raise Summer Boat Troy University, Saint Leo > 3 Move-in ready homes $800 to purchase a new 8x10 University, Northwest Flori- shed. The event will be held Inspection da State College, Embry-Rid- Buy or reserve your new home today! in the hospital lobby near the dle Aeronautical University, pharmacy. Come by and sup- The 53rd Wing and 96th Central Texas College, Flor- port local Pet Welfare. Test Wing host a Coast Guard ida Institute of Technology Auxiliary boat inspection on and University of Maryland Building Dreams... One Home at a Time. July 25 at 9 a.m. at the Ben’s University College. Also rep- Parents Day Out Lake Docks on base. The “by visit HomesByHalifax.com resented will be the Veter- The Eglin Child Develop- Appointment” inspection is ans Benefits advisors, Army ment Center and School Age open to military, civilian DoD, Education representatives, > Lynn Haven’s beautiful golf community Program offers Parents Day military retirees and depen- Airman & Readiness Center > From the low $300’s Out from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ju- dents. For information, call and Career Source Okaloosa/ ly 12. This event is available 882-5734 or 882-7348. Walton. Free pizza and so- > 2 homes under construction for children ages 6 weeks to das. Hangar 3 is located in the > Move-in ready mid-July 12 years for $25 per child and Full Moon Paddle same building as Legends will offer games, movies and Sports Grill. For information, art activities. For details and Come paddle out from contact Holly Idems, 883-1261 reservations, call CDC III, Post’l Point on July 12 to see or Mike Wright-Reynolds, 882-5519. the full moon rise over the 850-882-1286.

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(850) 460-2601 Contact Sheila, SF retired Spouse [email protected] [email protected] 42 Business Centre Dr., Suite 101 www.msom.uark.edu Miramar Beach, FL 32550 2105566