SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017 SFA Chapter 29 Annual Worley SF Picnic and 12th Group Reunion
The annual Ross Worley SF Picnic and 12th Ross and Joneil Worley were hosts for the Group Reunion was held on 19 August and once event, yet again. Ross stopped doing the reunion- again, after a two year break, there was a large picnics two years ago but decided to start it back turnout and much fun was had by all. up due to the constant questions about the event Around 40 people showed up for the event. and when the next one would be. Most Earlier in the morning Bill Thompson had a were visit from the Donlons, Roy Williams, Terry Chapter Buckler and four SF officers from CGSC. The 29 officers wanted a chance to meet an SF legend. members (See Page 9.) and their Gayle Merrill brought his SF Quilt to the wives and picnic and got some new signatures. The quilt is a kids, but patchwork of SF some units. Each patch is were non- a different SF unit, SFA SF guys, and other friends of SF. project or Many were the former 12th Group guys who significant showed up and it was great fun for many guys to operation. Gail asks see old teammates, commanders and sergeant guys to sign each majors. Many were the stories and lies shared. patch that he was The food table was filled with picnic delicacies assigned to or part and kids made use of the Worley pool most of the of. That quilt has a time while the adults made use of the beers and lot of patches and brats. signatures. It is quite impressive. Sam Rayford led those in attendance in a We of the editorial board are certain that you wonderful prayer in remembrance of Bill Radtke. all will join us in saying “Cheers!” and “DOL!” to (See page 2.) Ross and Joneil for hosting this awesome event.
PAGE 1 SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017 RIP, Bill Radtke
Long-time Chapter 29 member Bill officer, a true realization of that difficult blend Radtke died on 16 August. Bill was living in of traits required for and unique to SF the Brandon Woods facility in Lawrence, KS leadership. at the time of his death. Bill was 89. Said Terry Dahling, retired and living in Bill began his Special Forces service with South Carolina, “We of SFT43 (SCUBA, 46th the 77th Special Forces Group (later Co.) SCUBA qualified his daughter and did a redesignated as the 7th SFG) at Ft. Bragg, lot of diving trips in Thailand. I just found out North Carolina in the mid 1950s. of his passing. He had a long and amazing Bill was hand- career in picked by the Special Forces. legendary "Bull" He was a great Simons to go to Commander.” Laos for "Operation Bill served Hotfoot,” which over thirty preceded Operation years in the White Star, and was U.S. Army, the intended to “train majority of up” the military that time in forces of the Special Forces. Kingdom of Laos to His last duty effectively resist station was Ft. communist forces. Leavenworth. It ran from 22 January Bill’s beloved wife, Joyce, passed two 1959 through 19 April 1961. years ago. She was the Yin to his Yang. They During the Vietnam War Bill were a wonderful couple. Together they commanded a Special Forces A-Team during traveled the world, serving their country and his first tour. He later volunteered and served raising their kids. in MACV-SOG on his second tour. A memorial service will be held at Following his Vietnam tours, Bill 1400hrs in the Smith Center at Brandon commanded the legendary 46th Special Forces Woods, Lawrence, Kansas, on 17 September Company in Thailand for two years. These 2017. Brandon Woods is about a mile west of editors know several SF guys who served at the KU campus. It would be good to have 46th Company under Bill and remember him some SF representation at that service. to be an outstanding commander and SF
PAGE 2 SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017 SFC Change of Command
Special Forces Command has a new commander as of 28 July when Maj. Gen. James E. Kraft Jr. passed the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) colors to Lt. Gen. Kenneth E. Tovo, U.S. Army Special Operations Command commanding general, during a change of command ceremony, 28 July 2017.
During the ceremony, Kraft relinquished command of 1st SFC(A) to Maj. Gen. Francis M. Beaudette, who first served in Special Forces as an ODA commander in 3rd Group. Kraft has been an effective and popular commander during his time of command. Many in SF are looking forward to Beaudette’s leadership. New Army Pay Grades for Sr NCOs
The Army is considering adding two new Currently this effort is being discussed in pay grades, E-10 and E-11, to better compensate congressional committees. Creating two new senior NCOS for their increasing roles and pay grades would be a major political and responsibilities. bureaucratic effort. Success would require The logic is to better compensate senior support from senior leaders at the Pentagon NCOs as they take on more command and on Capitol Hill. If approved, it would responsibility. Currently, enlisted pay grades do represent a major cultural shift within the not receive additional pay, above E-9, even Army, and probably the entire U.S. military. when they advance from battalion level to What do you think? Does the Army need higher command positions, such as brigade, E-10s and E-11s? Share your thoughts on division, and corps-level leadership positions. Facebook or at of our Octoberfest picnic. Commissioned officers receive a pay Also, the Army is still, after decades of increase each time they are promoted, all the introspection, discussing whether to bring back way up to four-star general. the rank of Corporal Captain. Stay tuned.
PAGE 3 SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017 Octoberfest in September
The SFA Chapter 29 Oktoberfest picnic is fast approaching. This is a big annual event for us and always has a big turn out and much opportunity to meet and catch up with SF brothers and share stories, rumors and news . . . oh, and to consume boocoo brats and brews. After all, it is for Octoberfest, mein Gott! Note: Why do we hold out Octoberfest part in September? Come to Octoberfest and we will tell you.
When: September 23rd.
Where: Weston Bend State Park, Westin, Missouri. The Open Shelter is reserved for us.
Time: 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM.
Food: Chapter 29 will provide the brats and burgers. Members and guests are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Alcohol will not be provided by Chapter 29. Individuals are welcome to bring their own beverages, alcoholic or non- alcoholic.
Dress: Casual attire/picnic attire/tactical-comfortable attire
First Female Applicants for SEALs and SWCCC
The US Navy announced in mid-July that reported that only one of the two SWCCC female three females were in the Naval Special Warfare candidates remains on-track. pipeline. Two of those females were in Navy Basic These first female candidates represent a Training and candidates for the Navy's all-enlisted major milestone for the Navy, which has Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman previously allowed women into every career field program. except the SEALs and SWCC community. A One female ROTC cadet, at an undisclosed successful candidate would also break ground for college, had applied, earlier in the year, for a spot other military special operations units. in the SEAL officer selection in October of this At this time there have been three female year, and had been granted that slot. But she first Army Rangers, and a handful of candidates to be must pass a three-week Pre-Selection course with Army, Air Force and Marine, and of course, Navy 159 other students vying for only 100 Selection special operators. As of yet, none of those slots. candidates have passed Selection. In early August it was reported that the female As of this writing it was reported that a small officer had dropped out of SEAL Pre-Selection number of female candidates were approaching training during the first week. Recently it was also MARSOC and AF SOF Selection.
PAGE 4 SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017
New Board Secretary CALENDAR 11 Sept - Chapter BOD meeting, Please, join all of us on the Editorial Board Delta Systems,1700hrs. in welcoming Barry Estell as the new chapter 23 Sept - Octoberfest Picnic, board secretary. Barry is a former 10th West Bend Park, Westin, MO, Group guy and a retired lawyer. 1100hrs Barry graduated from University of 2 Oct - BoD meeting at Delta Missouri in May 1968 then enlisted in Army Systems, 1700hrs and was inducted in October of 1968. He was 7 Oct - Chapter Breakfast at commissioned as a 2LT, Infantry, at the Pegah's Family Restaurant, 5354 Benning School for Boys in August of 1969 Roberts St, Shawnee, KS, and graduated from Jump School. He 0830hrs. reported to 10th Special Forces Group at Ft. Dec - Meton Day Devens, MA, soon after that and then graduated from the Special Dec - Chapter Christmas Party Forces Officer Course at Ft. Bragg in the Spring of 1970. Dec - Christmas Ruck Barry served as an A Detachment Executive Officer and Newsletter Submissions: Commander with 10th Group. He then did a tour with the 173rd Submit ideas, info or articles for Airborne Brigade at LZ English, Binh Dinh Province, RVN. (North this newsletter to the editors at of Qui Nhon just outside Bong Son on QL1). With the 173rd Barry, [email protected] served as Asst. Adjutant in the S-1 shop. Barry and the 173rd deployed back to Ft. Campbell as the only combat unit withdrawn as a unit, men and equipment. The Army wanted to see if that could be done well. It wasn’t. Chapter Officers Barry was discharged from the Army at Ft. Campbell as a captain TERRY “BULLET” BUCKLER in March of 1972. Barry married his high school sweetheart, Jan, on 5 September, 1972. They have one daughter, Libby, who lives in Los Chapter President Angeles. Barry worked in a family green house business for five years “MAD MIKE” NEER in Cameron, Missouri, before moving to Kansas City in 1978. Vice President Jan was a magazine editor prior to marrying and afterward edited SAM “RICO” RATCLIFFE publications of several non-profits, then became a full time Vice President-Ops association executive and served one term as the president of the ROY “ROGUE” WILLIAMS Kansas City Society of Association Executives. Treasurer Barry spent 13 years in financial services, primarily as a stock BARRY ESTELL broker (a square peg in a round hole) prior to entering law school at Secretary UMKC at age 42. He practiced law for the next 24 years, specializing JEFF FORKER in filing complaints against stock brokers (a target rich environment). Membership and Barry is now enjoying retirement with Jan. Newsletter Editor
PAGE 5 SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017 SF Dates - September & October
September 12 - President John F. Kennedy chatted with BrigGen William Yarborough on a parade field 14 - Roger’s Rangers begin operations, 1755. at Fort Bragg, N.C., during a parade. At this 15 - 11th and 12th SFGs deactivated, 1994. historic meeting, Kennedy embraced the iconic 16 - 77th SFG activated, 1955. Green Beret, 1961. 21 - 5th SF Gp activated, 1961. 12 - Last US KIA in RVN, SGT Fred Mick, 1st 30 - 46th SF Co. deactivated in a small SFG, 1972 ceremony on Bragg, at the JFK Center, in GEN 19 - Martha Raye died, 1994. Healy’s office, 1974. 19 - The first Task Force Dagger ODA team to NOTE: GEN Healy accepted the 46th colors, to be inserted, 555 was dropped into the Panshir symbolize the deactivation of the unit, even Valley by the 160th SOAR where they joined though the 46th, officially known as USASFT the CIA’s Team Jawbreaker. ODAs 595, ODA (US Army SF Thailand), had been re-designated 534 and 585 soon followed. 2001. as 3d Bn, 1SFG in March of 1972. 19 - 3/75 Rangers conducts airborne assault on Objective Rhino, near Kandahar, 2001. October 21 - CPT Harry G. Cramer KIA in RVN, near 1 - OSS deactivated, 1945 Nha Trang, 1957. He was the first US KIA in 1 - 1st SFG reactivated, Ft Lewis, 1984. Vietnam and was commanding the 14th SFOD, 1 - 2nd Bn of the 75th Rangers activated, 1974 1st SFG. 2 - Army Chief of Staff General Edward C. 25 - 1/75 and 2/75 Rangers spear head “Shy” Meyer consolidated Army SOF units Operation Urgent Fury, 1983. under the new 1st Special Operations 25 - St Crispin Day, aka Band of Brothers Day Command, 1982. 29 - Nick Rowe was killed by members of the 3 - 3rd Bn of the 75th Rangers activated, 1984 Alex Boncayao Brigade of the New People's 3 - Battle of Mogadishu, 1993. Army in the Philippines, 1989.
PAGE 6 SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017 Females in X-ray Program and SFAS
There have been several female SF candidates in Of those who make it to SFAS about 65% are the past year. None have yet made it through selected to attend SFQC. Of those who make it to Selection. The first were officers. Officers are SFQC, about 65% pass, which is the same as those selected for SFAS once a year by a board. in-service candidates in the SFQC. There have been several female NCOs submit a A big hurdle for females, 18Xs, NCOs and 4187 and submit a packet, but none have yet been officers, even getting to Bragg and Selection is the selected. PT test, which is oriented for males and requires The female 18Xs are the last to enter the upper and lower body strength for which females equation, this summer, because the Infantry School usually have one of the other. A female gymnast can had to make the adjustments for 11B female enlistees. probably do more than enough pull-ups and pushups, As of May there are now female 11Bs. but is unlikely to be able to hump a heavy ruck very far. A female who can hump a ruck is unlikely to be 55% of 18Xs make it to Selection. They first have able to do enough pull-ups. to pass Basic Training, AIT, Airborne School and then score a 240 on the PT test in order to be sent to Eventually, it will happen. But how many? A Ft Bragg. 45% get hurt in basic, AIT, airborne or handful of females a year will not be enough, in SF or don't pass the PT test, or just quit. As you all know, if any other SOF unit, to support females on ODAs, they fail at any point along the pipeline they are “Jed” battalions or any other SOF teams. This reassigned by the needs of the Army. discussion leads to changes in culture. Clay Daniels: 2017 NextGen Leader
Clay Daniels, chapter member, was selected recently as a 2017 NextGen Leader by the Kansas City Business Journal. Clay works at U.S. Engineering, headquartered in Kansas City and one of the nation's leading design and build mechanical contractors. The goal of the NextGen Leaders program is to identify those in the Kansas City business and civic community who are beginning to exert their influence through leadership at their companies, on nonprofit boards or through other community involvement. Clay lives in Overland Park with his wife and kids, leads the running club at his work, stays fit and is a regional shadow boxing champion.
PAGE 7 SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017 New Army 7.62 Rifle
The Army Chief of Staff has asked for a Issues being discussed within the Army, new 7.62 rifle for U.S. Army and has gone and asked by Congress, are how many soldiers before Congress to present his case. in each squad need to have a 7.62 rifle, and if a The requirement is a bigger bullet with lighter machine gun is not the answer, if such longer range and more kinetic punch, which a weapon is for suppression or sharpshooting. can penetrate body armor plates. The 5.56 The U.S. Army’s love for 7.62 began in 1954 cannot. The 7.62 can. The soldiers of most with the M14, which was chambered for the modern militaries today wear body armor. 7.62x51mm NATO round. Then along came Companies are developing armor plates the M21. The SCAR is a recent 7.62 rifle and that are stronger and lighter, that can defeat favorite within SOCOM. more rounds, even a 7.62. Thus, the Army has This issue is reminiscent of the BAR developed a new 7.62 round, and now needs a strategy of WW2. BAR stands for Browning new rifle for that round. Automatic Rifle and fires a 30-06 round. Most The M4 could be chambered to accept the Army and Marine squads in World War II had 7.62. But, a new rifle intended for the 7.62 one BAR gunner who could provide would be more pragmatic. A variation of the suppression and precision engagement of the M4, the M100, is chambered for .308, but is enemy. Each squad now has an M240 or M249 not practical for Army-wide dispersement. for suppression. But, if plates are the issue, should not each soldier have a 7.62 rifle?
Proposed National Green Beret Memorial
The Task Force Dagger Foundation, 501(c)(3), Keith David, retired SF, is the Managing is the sponsoring an effort to build a national Director of the Task Force Dagger Foundation, Green Beret memorial which would honor Special and Rebecca A. Clark is the project manager for Forces history, traditions and legacy. The memorial the memorial. park is planned to be near Fort Bragg in North Funding projections are mot available but will Carolina. All donations for this project are tax likely require many millions. deductible. Questions? POCs below. The website for The National Special Forces Telephone: 310-770-9831 Green Beret Memorial project is: https:// Email: [email protected] specialforcesgreenberetmemorial.org
PAGE 8 SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017 Jordanian Soldier Convicted and Sole SF Survivor Tells His Side.
Three of four SF troops in two vehicles were impossible. US and Jordanian officials believe that killed in November of last year, 2016, at a security Tawayha had been radicalized by Islamic gate at King Faisal Air Base in the southern nationalists. The incident has raised anti-American Jordanian town of Al Jafr. The Jordanian soldier who sentiments amongst Jordanians, in particular the killed the three SF men, Ma’arik al-Tawayha, was Howeitat tribe, Tawayha’s tribe, which is powerful in sentenced in July of this year, 2017, to life in prison Jordan. The Howeitat are famous for their for the murders. operations with Lawrence of Arabia in WW1 and for The four SF soldiers were training Syrian rebels the foundation of the modern Jordanian Kingdom. as part of a covert program run by the CIA. One of The sole SF survivor of the incident gave an the SF men killed was from Kirksville, Mo, SGT interview last month that told his side of the story. Matthew C. Lewellen, age 27. He says that there was no confusion, that the SF The problems of this case are that SGT Tawayha men identified themselves and tried to disengage claims he thought the gate was under attack and the and that Tawayha knew exactly what he was doing one SF survivor of the incident says that is and to whom.
SF Officers Visit Bill Thompson
Roger Donlon, Roy Williams, Terry Buckler and four SF officers, currently attending Command General and Staff College, paid a visit to chapter member Bill Thompson on Saturday, 19 August, prior to the Worley picnic and reunion. Bill fought as an OSS Jedburgh in WW II, serving on Team Novocaine in France and later on Team Alpaca in Japanese occupied China. He was awarded two Bronze The officers asked Bill about his time in Stars, the French Croix de Guerre and was the OSS and he amazed all in attendance with "Mentioned in Dispatches" by the British. his mental acuity and clear and precise answers and memories. The OSS was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal just last year, 2016, in recognition William T. Thompson turned 96 on August of the unit’s WW2 operations. 27th.
PAGE 9 SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017 John Iliff, New Member
Join us in welcoming new member and employed, sells former 7th Grouper John Iliff to our chapter. orthopedic
John grew up in Topeka, Kansas and medical graduated from the University of Kansas in devices, since 2002. He enlisted in the Army in Oct 2002 2015, and is a and graduated from the SFQC as an 18D in master gravel May 2005. gardener.
John was assigned to 7th SFG from 2005 We need to to 2011, on two different ODAs (784 and 7232) get John, and and SFAUC. He was a SWMG instructor his family, to (JSOMTC) from 2011 to 2014. He is a some chapter events to meet some of you MFFJM and is SFARTAEC trained. guys, and to connect and share lies, insights and experiences. Contact the editors for his John moved back to KC in 2014 with his POC. wife, Miriam, and his three kids. He is self-
Original 10th Group Members, Report
The 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado is seeking the names, and POC’s of any surviving “Original Member” (Mid-1952, through November 1953 era) who joined the Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. If you were a member, or you know someone who was a member, you are requested to contact CW3 David Clark at [email protected] or (719) - 330 - 3620.
PAGE 10 SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017 How Big Should the Army Be?
How big a nation’s military should be, or can be, For context, in World War 1 the U.S. military had 4 has been a key question for leaders since the million in uniform. Throughout WW2 the U.S. beginning of civilization and warfare. inducted 14 million personnel. The House Armed Services Committee is Funding, of course, is an issue. The House Armed discussing adding between 17,000 and 6,000 soldiers Service Committee has asked for between $625 an to the Army ranks. But, the White House wants to $640 billion for 2018. hold the Army at its 2017 total strength of 1,020,000 Culture is another issue. Just as in private personnel, with just under half a million active duty companies, each additional soldier makes it harder troops, 200K in the USAR, 330K USNG. to manage culture and conduct. Larger corporations Since the dawn of warfare, how many warriors best struggle more with bureaucracy and inertia. The fits the needs of the situation has been a key same it true with modern militaries. question for commanders and cultures. Armies can The Trump White House is also proposing turning be too small. But there are also risks and downfalls over certain military roles and responsibilities to of armies being too large. PMCs, for cost saving and privatization benefits.
New USASOC Digital Memorial
US Army Special Operations Command previous wall had just head-shots and a short bio. recently unveiled a hi-tech memorial to honor Family and friends are invited to submit content, fallen Army special operators that is called the photos, text or videos, for their fallen, by sending “Hall of Heroes Wall.” It honors the legacy and content to [email protected]. sacrifice of our fallen brothers. The USASOC lobby is open 24/7 so that The digital wall is in the USASOC foyer and is family and friends can come in at any time, day or 41 feet from floor to ceiling, with a screen size that night. is 20 feet high and 12 feet wide. The memorial wall The USASOC Historian's Office provided it replaces was outdated, with limited ability to oversight for the project and controls content and add names. The new interactive wall allows visitors submissions for the wall. to find names with a touch of their fingertip. To view a video about the wall go to: https:// Family, friends and teammates can add youtu.be/MsuraOFVL14 personal photos or video if they wish. The
PAGE 11 SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017
FOR DETAILS AND REGISTRATION: https://fundraise.greenberetfoundation.org/fairfax/events/first-annual-national-capital-region- green-beret-classic/e130102
SF SSG KIA in Afghanistan
Staff Sgt. U.S. and Afghan soldiers were also injured in Aaron R. Butler, the blast. 27, of the 19th Butler, from Monticello, Utah, was a SFG, was state champion high school wrestler. Utah recently KIA in senators Mike Lee and Orrin Hatch sent their Afghanistan by condolences to the Butler family. “We honor an IED. Aaron's service and sacrifice,” said the family Butler’s team in a statement. was clearing a Butler was the 10th U.S. service member building as part of Operation Freedom's killed in combat in Afghanistan this year, Sentinel in the Nangarhar Province. Other surpassing the nine U.S. KIAs in 2016.
PAGE 12 SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017 RVN MIA Search for Info
We recently received this query from Mike Taylor who is Chairman of the Joint Special Operations Assn/Special Forces Assn POW/MIA Committee. Some of you may know Mike. He was passing along the below query from Buddy Newell who works with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, and seeks help in finding information about an RVN MIA.
- the Editors
"One of my cases has seen no positive movement ever, and it is not surprising given the circumstances. I currently have no leads and this attempt to tap into the special operations community is my last chance of finding a viable direction to go.
The case involves SP4 Karl Lawson who was a member of Det B-36, Co A, 5th Special Forces Group, who on 9 Apr 68 was participating in an operation in Phuoc Long Province (present day Binh Phuoc). While guarding a perimeter in the vic of GC 48P YU 282 212, he was struck and killed by shrapnel from a 175mm arty round that fell short of the intended target. A helicopter was called in to extract his body and two other indigenous soldiers also killed. Due to a lack of sufficient room for the helicopter to land, the bodies had to be lifted out by McGuire rig. Shortly after the bodies were lifted out, the helicopter crew noticed that Lawson's body fell from the rig to the ground in the general vic of 48P YU 265 191.
Three ground search parties were unable to relocate the body due to the density of the vegetation and the hilly terrain. Two days of aerial searches and a sniffer mission were also unsuccessful in locating the body of SP4 Lawson.
I was hoping you could reach out to your community on the off chance someone might have some first hand knowledge of the search activity or perhaps be able to help us pin down the location to a smaller search area so we can give it a relook.”
Buddy Newell’s email is: [email protected]
PAGE 13 SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017 Ch29 Charitable Contributions for 2016 and 17
The following is an update on the charitable contributions our chapter made for 2016 and 2017. The bulk of the funding comes from the SF Formal. Please, remember to thank all that have contributed to our organization. If you have any questions please let the board know your thoughts.
Chapter 29 Treasurer’s Report on Charitable Giving
Gifts made in 2016 were announced at the Special Operations Forces Formal on April 8th, 2016. Those gifts were: $1,000. from Chapter 29 funds to the Gary Sinise Foundation to help build adaptive homes for severely disabled veterans. $1,000. from Chapter 29 funds to the Green Beret Foundation. $1,000. from Chapter 29 funds to the Special Forces Association to help with flood recovery from Hurricane Mathew.
THE FOLLOWING CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE IN 2017: $700. contributed by individual members of Chapter 29 to aid a Montagnard student attending The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, who was in serious need of tuition assistance. $500. from Chapter 29 funds donated to the Special Forces Charitable Trust. $500. from Chapter 29 funds donated to The Green Beret Foundation. $500. from Chapter 29 funds donated to cover the cost of the annual Meet and Greet (a.k.a.,Icebreaker) held for incoming Special Ops students at the Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. $350. was the total combined contribution by Delta Systems and an anonymous Chapter 29 member to help pay for costs incurred in having the screening in Kansas City on July 7th, 2017 of the new documentary movie Legion of Brothers. Chapter 29 member Mark Nutsch and his wife Amy Nutsch are central figures in the movie.
Respectfully submitted, Roy Williams, Treasurer, SFA-29
PAGE 14 SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017 Who Is This Young Ranger Pilot?
Come to the Octoberfest Party-Picnic in September and find out.
SF Historical Trivia: Pop Quiz THE GREEN BERET AFFAIR
B-57’s other name was … 2. 50% of the Army radio play lists. 1. Project Gamma 3. 100% of the intel on Nancy Sinatra 2. Project Hoodoo USO tours. 3. The Meat Locker Thai Khac Chuyen was … Col. Robert Rheault was the … 1. A triple-agent within Gamma. 1. 5th Group Commander 2. A VC commissar. 2. CIA station chief at Nha Trang 3. A bar girl at the Sing Loy Saloon in Saigon. 3. Gen. Creighton Abrams’ personal aide. Long Binh Jail was … According to Abrams’ G-2 staff, B-57 produced … 1. Where Rheault and others were held. 1. 75% of the intel in Vietnam. 2. A popular Cam Ranh Bay karaoke bar. 3. A pirate bar on Haye Street..
PAGE 15 SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017 Chapter 29 Supports AJ Riddle, First Montagnard at The Citadel
Earlier this year Chapter 29 members contributed a total of $700 to help the first Montagnard student, named AJ Riddle, to attend The Citadel, in Charleston, South Carolina. The attached letter is addressed to the Chapter 29 treasurer because Roy Williams, our treasurer, sent a check to the young man after depositing the various individual chapter member's checks into the Chapter 29 bank account. As you all know, Special Forces has a special relationship with the Montagnard people due to our long relationship and operations with them during the Vietnam War. Those who made contributions will appreciate the thanks and update from the young man, AJ, and chapter members can appreciate a good deed done by our chapter.
Thanks,
Roy Williams Treasurer, SFA-29
PAGE 16 SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017 12th Grouper Greeting From Indiana
Hey Jeff (Forker), thanks for the reminder (about the Worley picnic). Wish I could make it. A few of us had a mini 12th Group reunion at Joe Mejaski's place in Osgood, Indiana, a few weeks back. Here's a photo of us at his 100 yard range. Left to right: me, Bill Zleit, Joe Mejaski, & Al Lackey.
Best to all at Worley’s,
Jeff Hoffman
Green Beret Ghost Stories
Our editorial Board has compiled a collection of original Green Beret ghost stories. It is available on Amazon. The cost is $2.99.
The stories range from an SF SSG who drops into an alternate Pineland reality, a young Green Beret who speaks with warrior ghosts, a group of trainees who find a strange cabin during Robin Sage, a ghost that helps in a SOG extraction, an SF zombie searching for a captured team member and some lost ODAs in the Arctic that help to save Christmas, and others.
To find the book on Amazon, search on the author name or title, both displayed on the cover at right.
PAGE 17 SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION (THE GREEN BERETS) CHAPTER 29 SEPT, 2017 The Complete 18 Series Roster:
Special Forces Command has recently, after decades of secrecy, released the ful list of all 18 Series MOSs and what each MOS is or does: 18A - Detachment Commander 180A - Asst Detachment Commander/XO 18B - Weapons 18C - Demo/Engineer 18D - Medic 18E - Communications 18F - Intel 18G - For those who spend too much time on the course. (Used to be a SOT-A identifier) 18H - For B and C team members who always stay in luxury hotels when on TDY or FTXs. 18I - For those Mountain Team members who hold out hope for a JCET to the Himalayas. 18J - Reserved for future female SF ODA members. (See 18R.) 18K - For those 7th Gp guys who bring back lots of bags of special flour or powdered sugar. 18L - For those 7th Gp guys who go to Peru all the time just to hang out. (Was proposed a few years ago for interpreters.) 18M - For that guy in every SF company who has artistic ability. (Mike is short for Michelangelo.) 18N - For those who look forward to hunting more than Christmas. 18O - For those ODA members who are grouchy all the time. 18P - Honorary MOS identifier for those Team Sergeants who take care of their guys. 18Q - For those guys who fantasize about doing an ice skating infil and insist on always brining poutine to team parties. Or is it poutain? I forget. 18R - Reserved for those ODA members who will interface closely with the 18Js. 18S - For those SF guys who have dated a stripper named Sierra. 18T - For those 7th Groupers who know how to dance. 18U - For those SGMs who prowl CONUS posts or combat FOBs looking for violations. 18V - For those who insist on calling 5th SFG “The Legion.” 18W - For those who get a little out of hand at team parties and/or the KC SOF Formal. 18X - “SF Baby”, enters the Army with a contract for SFAS. 18Y - For those SF troops who talk down about the South and who put sugar on their grits. 18Z - Team Sergeant
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