Special Forces Association Parachute Team - In Trouble

MEMORANDUM

TO: All Special Forces Association Charters

FROM: Special Forces Association Parachute Team

DATE: February 5, 2011

SUBJECT: Appeal for support

Approximately three years ago, the Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) withdrew its support and closed the last parachute activity in the U.S. Army inventory, the Fort Bragg Parachute Activity. The reason cited was that the activity was operation at a loss and not meeting the profit margin required to be a viable entity. With its closing, all support for one of the oldest parachute teams, the Green Beret Parachute Team, was withdrawn and all parachute systems and associated air items were turned in to DRMO and the U.S. Army Special Forces Command.

In a letter dated, 22 October 2008, the Special Forces Association assumed OPCON of the parachute team, now known as the Special Forces Association, Green Beret Parachute Team. To date, due to budgeting and constitutional constraints, the team has received no support other than verbal and equipment storage space from the SFA. However, the team continues to work hand and hand with the SFA in terms of obtaining the support required.

Currently, each team member expenses the out of pocket cost for the purchase of parachute systems, air items and all public relations related correspondence such as photos, phone calls, TV and news media DVD’s, and faxes. Each team member has paid for their own equipment in excess of $4,000 to $5,000, which does not include the cost of reserve repacks or the cost of maintaining their equipment and uniform maintenance.

In the calendar year of 2010, the team was scheduled to perform 41 parachute demonstrations in support of the U.S. Army Recruiting Command and at various public functions. Thirty-one demonstrations were performed which included the 10K Classic run in Atlanta, GA, the grand opening of the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island, Nebraska, air shows and numerous high school and college football games (some in support of their ROTC programs).

The team (active duty, retirees, and dependents) is dedicated to preserving its heritage and traditions of the Green Beret Parachute Team. As it stands, it will soon pass into history like our traditions. We are asking for your support in our endeavor. It can be monetary, equipment, or corporate sponsorship.

We will continue to be YOUR TEAM. As it stands with today’s economy, it is becoming exceedingly difficult to continue in our present state. We are appealing to all individuals and chapters for your support. Thank you for your support in advance.

Special Force Parachute Team

POC’s:

Stanley Kinnision Team Leader, bobuilt@embarqmail.com, 910.850.0786

Bill Gatter Asst. Team Leader, wgatter@nc.rr.com, 910.723.1924

Web Site: http://www.sfapt.org