Chapter Meeting Notes October 2018

Old Business:

Honorary Members to Associate: See Bill on how to write your resume. Some may be selected, some may not. National will still maintain their standards in the bylaws.

Storage Unit: Chair – Phil Sloniger. Motion to spend $3500 to buy a Connex, Passed.

23rd Annual Ralph Dominguez/Jerry Montoya Food Drive: Chair Greg Brown, Committee Chuy Zamora, Steven Kroll, Steve Franzoni & Al Oliveira. $2000 max expenses passed. Various coordination efforts are in progress.

New business:

Finance Briefing: It was voted on to establish a finance committee that is comprised of Steve Franzoni, Al Oliveira and Brain Kanof. They will propose a course of action on investing the Chapters funds to hopefully provide more growth. Phil moved that we absorb the loss from the National Convention and move on. Passed, despite a last minute suggestion by Bill to invest 40% of Chapter funds in Lottery scratch off tickets.

2018 Christmas party: Our chapter Christmas party is set for December 8th at VFW 812. Jerry Campos is the chair with Chuy, Pablo, Tony, and Leo as committee members. $3500 spending limit was approved. Some decision made by the committee are as follows; RSVP cutoff is 3 December. RSVP to Jerry Campos, Steve or Pete. A table can be reserved IF that party has 10 people. Either family or 10 friend that want to sit together. Social hour will be from 1800-1900 with dinner will be served from 1900 to 1945 hours and if you are late the food will be gone. The food is being catered by East End catering. A vote will be made at the November meeting (17th). The Chapter member (or former spouse) and one guest is free. All other guest will be $10. Larry “Mojo” will collect the money. Pete and Steve will run the prizes. No decision has been made on how that will go yet. And lastly, dress will be casual.

SF Students at USASMA Welcome Party: We have no long tabbers USASMA students this year and may cancel the get together, but in the interest of getting Associate Members to join, we may still hold it for the PSYOPS and Civil Affairs students.

Chapter Elections: Pete, Bill and Steve Nominated for another 2-year term for President, Secretary and Vice President respectively. Larry Carson was nominated for Treasurer. November is Elections and December at the Christmas party will be the installation of Officers.

Cub Scout Pack 58: Re-charter in January, the Chapter will pay the Sponsor fees again (less than $100). With the National BSA allowing girls in the Scouts, the Pack asked us for permission to admit girls. Nobody voiced any objections so Bill (Chartered Representative) will notify the Pack Committee Chair. Pack 58 continues to win awards as the top Pack in the Mescalero District.

Deceased Member Plaque: Tom Brady – Chair. His intent is to make memorial plates for the oldest deaths first.

Wreaths Across America: Pete and Bill are reviewing the list of Deceased SF and Chapter Members who get a wreath. Total will be discussed at the November meeting. The Chapter normally funds wreaths for all interned SF brothers in the Fort Bliss National Cemetery.

US Border Patrol Special Operations Group 2019 Law Enforcement Technology and Equipment Expo: This Expo is our top annual fundraiser and is scheduled for 1-2 May, 2019. Those interested in being on the Committee should see Pete or Steve.

SFA 9 Member SGM Derek Koukies retired: In his own words, “I had my retirement ceremony on Thursday, 8 Nov 2018. My official retirement date is 31JAN2019 (30yrs). I am on terminal leave now, but will begin working for General Dynamics Informational Technology Branch here at FBNC at the Special Operations Mission Training Center (SOMTC) in the command exercise section on 26 November 2018.” “I have transferred my membership to SFA Chapter 100. I just want to thank you all for the camaraderie and support. During my time in El Paso. Everyone there are sincere and genuine people. I hope to make it back out to El Paso in the near future. Please pass on my warm regards to everyone.” As many of you know, Derek was one of the most active Chapter 9 - USASMA SF Students, of all time. We wish him the best with Chapter 100!

Chapter President's Message:

Greeting all. Welcome to November. The year is winding down and in less than 45 days, we’ll be in 2019 and starting all over. I’ve sat at the helm for 11 years now and it is, and has been, my honor to represent the Isaac Camacho Chapter, despite my inability to grow a decent mustache. I only hope that I’ve represented Chapter 9 with honor and grace (not so much sometimes I know). I will continue to lead from the front as long as you will have me. I want to give a heartfelt thanks to Bill and Steve for sticking with me. I, better than anyone know the work that these two put into the Chapter; Thank you brothers.

Now to some real business. As mentioned above, the Chapter Christmas party is set for 8 December at the VFW Post 812. Social hour will be from 1800-1900 with dinner from 1900-1945. Based on the RSVP’s, that will be the amount of plates ordered and please RSVP by 3 December. You can either notify me, Steve F. and/or Jerry Campos. Dress will be casual or in your Sundays best, your call.

Pete Peral
President SFA Chapter IX
De Oppresso Liber

Chapter Meeting Notes December 2016

SFA Dues Increase: Dues have increased slightly for 2017. Life membership is still a good deal at $440 (current Member) $475 (Not current). It is $320 for members age 65 and over. Annual renewal = $40, New Member dues = $50. Reinstatement = $45. National sent us the current roster showing who is due.

Christmas Food Drive: Tom Melgares served as the Chair with Committee members, Pablo, Steve, Sam, Greg, Chuy and Al. 82 boxes were requested and Chuy did a great job on getting the hams for this year and we hooked up with the EPVRA Food Drive to obtain additional food items. We are preparing certificates for the major contributors.

2017 1st Group Reunion, El Paso: Ike Camacho is the Chair. Committee members are Gus, Chuy, Duke, Steve, Leo, Jerry & Bill. Dates are 5-10 June 2017. This will be the 3rd time we hosted the 1st Group. The Chase Suites has rooms for $69, registration is $120 until 15 May, then it will be $140 (Hospitality Room only $50). Banquet will be at the Marriott. Billy Waugh will attend. There is a two page ad placed in the Drop for this Reunion.

2018 SFA Conference – El Paso: Chair is Brian Kanof with Committee members Bill, China Boy, Roy, Steve, Joe Kerwin Jr and Catherine from the City. Dates are set for 12-17 June, 2018. It will be a 5-night conference with events beginning on Wednesday. SFA 80 and the 82nd Airborne chapter will assist. Brian plans to reach out to some other military and Veteran groups for assistance. Brian asked the members to start seeking $5K sponsorships now. Committee is meeting before the general meetings at 12 noon. All committee Sub-Chairmen will be selected by March meeting. Honorary Members and Associate Members may be Sub Chairs and Assistant’s, volunteer now! The Camino Real Hotel is doing a makeover (to be re-named Paso Del Norte Hotel) and will be finished about the time of the reunion. We are looking at that as a HQ Hotel.

Chapter Flag: Tom Melgares is the Chair with Committee members Jerry, Pablo and Hugo. Committee is still looking for options.

Public Address System: We are looking at quotes to purchase a system.

Wreaths Across America: Debbie Torres of the local Civil Air Patrol Chapter and wife of SFA Chapter IX member Rolando, served as the Chair. Steve & Monica, Tom M, Leo and Wayne placed the 35 wreaths that we paid for - all SF and prior SFA 9 Members and spouses who are interred, as usual.

Chapter Member Photos:

SF Room at the VFW: Chair Tom Brady, Committee members are Leo, Brian, Chuck and Al. Plaques and contents will be decided by the committee.

2017 SFA National Convention, Fayetteville, NC: Pete says the HQ Hotel rooms are already filled, so the Holiday Inn across the street seems to be the best bet. Go to this link for more information. http://www.2017sfaconference.com Don't be worked up whether it is called a Convention or Conference. Everyone is using those terms interchangeably.

John McLaughlin Memorial Golf Tournament: Scheduled at Fort Bliss for 9 September. Committee will form soon.

US Border Patrol Special Operation Group (USBP-SOG) Law Enforcement Equipment and Technology Expo, aka the SOG Expo: The SOG Expo, our major fundraiser, is scheduled for 3-4 May, 2017. Go to this link for more information: http://sogexpo.blogspot.com/

Pack 58 Pinewood Derby Track: Pack 58 sent a request for SFA 9 to buy them a new track for $1700. Chapter voted to authorize $500 but directed Bill and Steve to find out more information. A meeting with the Cubmaster determined that the old track, which SFA 9 purchased about 6 years ago, just needs repairs. He will get back to us with the repair quotes.

Ceremony Procedures for Deceased Members: Chaplain John mentioned that all members need to tell their families that they wish to have “Tap the coffin” and any other Chapter procedures they want in the event of their death. This tradition is performed after the graveside services where the Chapter members line up and file past the coffin one by one, pausing to salute then tap the coffin three times.

Freezer for VFW: Al wanted to thank the members for helping with the new freezer delivery on the night of the Food Drive. Sun Bowl Flag: Bill was in charge of the Sun Bowl Giant US Flag ceremony at the beginning of the game on 30 December. There were several Chapter Members among the 120 Veterans who carried the flag.

Chapter President's Message:

Welcome to 2017!! We have a busy 2 years ahead of us. We have the SOG Expo in May, 1st Group reunion in June, National convention also in June where we have to lock down the events, cost and processes for the 2018 convention, and the golf tournament in September. All will require a ton of support but all will make Chapter 9 healthier and better prepared for the 2018 National SFA convention (or conference depending on what we call it). We have to have a 90% solution by June of 2017 to brief at the National convention and we can’t do it without your support.

As mentioned above, we will be meeting at 1200 before every schedule Chapter 9 meeting for the general members that want to attend. We will need to meet more often with the Chairperson/co-chairperson and any committee members but we’ll hash that out with Brian later. Again as Bill mentioned, we need to lock down the events, location, cost, and other misc. items to make the event run smooth. By the February meeting we will have all of the committee’s that we’ll need leaders for and I hope we get the Chapter 9 member support to pull this off.

Pete Peral, President SFA Chapter IX

Chapter Meeting Notes - 20 November 2015

20th Annual Jerry Montoya/Ralph Dominguez Food Drive: Chair - Tom Melgares. Committee members are Chuy, Steve, Leo, Pablo, Alberto. 16 December at 1900 hrs boxes will be packed & distributed. El Paso JR ROTC supported us this year. $1500 allocated for hams (Chuy) and other required expenses. Ike worked with a produce company and got the Head Start school to collect cans. Rod also got a school to participate. Total boxes will be known after publication of this newsletter.

Christmas Party: Chair - Steve Franzoni. Scheduled for 19 December at VFW 812. The meal is going Chicken or Roast Beef. Again members and 1 guest are free, additional guests are $10 each. $2,500 allotted for expenses. Door prize donations are being accepted in the $25-$100 range. Uniform is Blazers and Berets. Timeline: 1800 hrs gather, 1845 hrs SFA 9 meeting, 1900 hrs dinner, followed by dance by Villa Band.

Wreaths Across America: Debbie (Rolando) Torres Chair for CAP. Chapter sponsored 31 Wreaths this year. We paid for all SF and SFA 9 Members who are interred in the Fort Bliss Cemetery. Only a few members attended - we need to have a better showing in the future.

1st Group Reunion: 1st Group Reunion is scheduled for El Paso in 2017. This will be the 3rd time we have hosted this event. Ike Camacho is the Chair. We will assemble the committee very soon.

SFA 9 Installation of Officers: Elected: Pete Peral, President; Steve Franzoni, VP; Bill Snider, Secretary; Ike Camacho, Treasurer. John Szilvasy remains the Chapter Chaplain. Installation will be at the Christmas Party. Pete and Bill are starting their 9th year in office.

Viet Nam Memorial: Recently they broke ground on the El Paso Viet Nam Veterans Memorial at the flag pole. They are raising 50K for the memorial. Chapter donated $1400 towards the monument. China Boy said fundraising is going fine – shirts are for sale for $20, Hoodie is $35.

2nd Annual Joshua Mills Challenge: Held 18-20 November. The range portion was held at Tactical Ranch, a private training facility owned and operaeted by SF SGM (ret) Tom Buchino. A ceremony honored the top 3 teams on the 20th. Danny and his Recruiters asked for Gatorade support again. We paid $100 and supported with manpower. See photos below of the winning team. China Boy presented the award.

 

SFA Convention 2018 – El Paso: Exploratory Committee Chair, Brian Kanof; members Bill, China Boy and Joe Kerwin JR. We will reach out to SFA 80 to assist. “Visit El Paso” attended the November meeting and we are very close to a decision. The best date for the City seems to be 11-17 June, 2018.

USASMA Reunion 2016: Al Hobbs – Chair. El Paso is hosting the reunion 14-17 July, 2016. Not an SFA project but many of our SGM members will participate. More to follow.

Chris Lewis Christmas Request: Chris asked the Chapter to send letters and Christmas packages for 50 of his deployed Soldiers. Voted to pay $200 for gift packages – VFW 812 and the 82nd also supported the project. Glen Clove school provided us with 157 hand made Christmas cards. Sendcards to SGM Christopher G. Lewis, HQ, TAAC-E, TB Gamberi, Afghanistan, APO, AE 09354

US Border Patrol Special Operations Group Law Enforcement Technology and Equipment Expo: Scheduled for 20 April 2015. The Chapter supports with manpower to unload and load equipment, manage the gate, etc. This is our top fundraiser each year.


Chapter President's Message:


Greetings all. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!! As we close the years I want to thank everyone who makes this Chapter one of the best in the world, thank you. To the Officers and those who have chaired committees, Thank you. It’s those who pick up the sword and lead the way that make my job easy. To all the members and their spouses, thank you. It takes a village to raise a child and we all know we have a bunch of children in Chapter 9, right ladies? (Just kidding).


At this time of the year, I try to recap all of the great events that this Chapter supports but we all know what those are so I won't bore you. What I will do is say, get ready for 2016. I don’t see this Chapter slowing down so keep the boots laced, and weapons at the ready. Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday to all. May 2016 bring you the wishes that you deserve.


De Oppresso Liber!


Pete Peral, President, SFA Chapter IX

Chapter Meeting Notes - 19 September 2015

1st Group Reunion: 1st Special Forces Group Reunion is scheduled for El Paso in 2017. This will be the 3rd time Chapter 9 has hosted it. Ike Camacho –Chair. We will assemble the committee very soon.

20th Annual Jerry Montoya/Ralph Dominguez Food Drive: Chair is Tom Melgares; Committee: Chuy, Steve, Leo, Pablo, Alberto. 16 DEC –Pack Boxes. Tom is working toward having the El Paso JR ROTC to support the Christmas Food drive. There are 8 High Schools who could participate.

SFA 9 Elections: Nominations will be in October. If you are interested in running for office, get someone to nominate you. Installation will be at the Christmas Party.

Viet Nam Memorial: El Paso Viet Nam Veterans Memorial to be erected at the flag pole. They are raising 50K for the memorial. Chapter donated $1400 towards the monument.

Christmas Party: Chair is Steve Franzoni. Scheduled for 19 December at VFW 812. See Steve if you want to be on the committee.

USASMA Class 66: VFW 812 hosted a welcome party 19 SEP at 1400. Most of the Chapter meeting attendees stayed for the party. Pam (John) Swan through United Veterans Home Loans donated $2500.

2015 Elite Tactical Challenge: Tommy Buchino (SF SGM ret), owner and operator of Covenant Special Projects - Tactical Ranch, again hosted the challenge at his range again. A separate article will be posted soon on this unique tactical firearms challenge. SFA 9 Member Tony Beltran came in from Oregon to compete. The Chapter was a bronze sponsor for this event contributing $1,000 which supported Task Force Dagger Foundation.

SFA National Convention 2018 – El Paso: Exploratory Committee Chair, Brian Kanof; members Bill, China Boy and Joe Kerwin Jr. Brian received AAR’s from several previous conventions and we are researching the possibility of hosting the convention. We will reach out to SFA 80 to assist.

USASMA Reunion 2016: Al Hobbs –Chair. El Paso is hosting the reunion 14-17 July, 2016. Not an SFA project but many of our SGM members will participate. More to follow.

Annual Transfer to Jerry Rainey Scholarship: Tom requested the annual transfer from McLaughlin Golf Tournament profits of at least 10%. Chapter voted to transfer $3000.

Wreaths Across America: Debbie Torres, wife of Chapter member Rolando Torres (SF CSM, ret) is the Chair for Wreaths Across America in her capacityy as Secretary of the local Civil Air Patrol. We expect her to attend a meeting soon to give us the details for this annual December event. We will pay for all SF and SFA 9 Members who are interred in the Fort Bliss Cemetery.

Veteran’s Gala: This annual event is in November. Tom Melgares suggested we get a table for SF and nominate someone to be honored.

SF Blazers: Pete discussed the blazer order and announced that according to a chapter vote years ago, the Chapter will only pay for blazers for those SF guys who retired in El Paso from Active or Reserve. Everybody else needs to order their own since we got stuck with 2 blazers in the past that never got picked up or paid for. Veteran’s Day: China Boy announced that the City of El Paso recently authorized the day off for city and county employees as a holiday. Veterans Day this year is We3dnesday 11 November 2015.

Chapter President's Message:

As winter approaches, we start our transition not only to pants, coats and heaters but also the food drive, wreaths across America and the Christmas party. We also are at a transition point for officers. I want to thank you all for allowing me the privilege of being the President for the last 8 years. October will be nomination and I’ll have a decision as to if I’ll run again or not by the meeting. Our VP Steve Franzoni is leaning forward in the foxhole ready to take the reins should I decide not to run and he’s Fully Mission Capable of doing a great job and will have 100% of my support. We will definitely need a new Treasurer for the next two years. Tom stepped up to the plate when Joe passed and has done a good job but his professional life does not allow him the freedom to do the job that he wants to do. Please consider this position. You will need some good computer and organizational skill but it’s not a heavy lift. Think about it.

Steve Franzoni has the Christmas party locked down so what we need to concentrate on is the food drive. Talk to schools, ROTC programs, co-workers, businesses etc. and try to get free or reduced prices on non-perishable goods. We’ve put together 50-80 boxes every year for the last 19 years for families less fortunate and this needs to continue. Beat the streets men.

DOL

Pete Peral
SFA Chapter IX, President

Chapter Meeting Notes - 20 December 2014

19th Annual Jerry Montoya/Ralph Dominguez Food Drive: Naipo Robertson was the Chair. Committee members Chuy, Steve, Gus, Leo & Jerry. 96 Boxes were packed at VFW 812 on Wednesday, 17 December and members delivered them to the needy. Jerry Campos paid for 100 boxes. Chihuahita got their annual bulk donation. $2500 was approved for the expenses and we spent $1,040.00.

The Jerry Rainey Scholarship fund is healthy. Recent donations to the Jerry Rainey Scholarship were from Dick Tenglin, $300, and Luis Barraza, $30.

Photo above: Ike Camacho and boys at the SFA Chapter IX 2014 Christmas Party.

Christmas Party: More than 100 attended on 20 December, 6 pm social, dinner at 7 pm, at VFW 812. Joe “China Boy” Lopez served as Chair. Trini Peral did raffles and decorations. Tony’s Villa Band provided the music until quite late. $1500 was approved for gifts and decorations and we spent $ 1,249.10.

Picture at right:  Chapter Ladies at the 2014 Chapter IX Christmas Party. Rest assured that they occupied the loudest table in the VFW hall.   We will spare readers and not post any pictures of Franzoni dancing.






Teamhouse Committee: Chairman is Steve Franzoni; Committee members are Gus, Brian, Chuck, Tom, Tony and Chuy; the committee is listing requirements for the 2800 sqft steel building (2 bath, office & kitchen). Working on permits and need to get CEMEX to give up the land.

Rest and Recreation Center Fort Bliss: PTSD Soldiers still meet with Chuy every Monday from 1100 hrs to 1600 hrs in Bldg. 48 at FT Bliss. Chapter donates $200 each month for arts & crafts.

Wreaths Across America: Debbie Torres (Rolando’s wife) was the CAP Chair again. It was held on Saturday, 13 December. Various members and spouses attended. Chapter 9 & Chapter 80 paid for all interred SF Soldiers and past Chapter Members and spouses (30 wreaths + 10). Picture ay left: Monica and Steve Franzoni at Fort Bliss National Cemetery for the Wreath Laying Ceremony.





Isaac Camacho Head Start School: 125 students in the school. Supplies that you wish to donate please bring them to the meetings. Chapter donates up to $100 per month, as needs arise.

Chapter IX Shirts, Coins, Mugs and Blazers: More Shirts, Polo’s, mugs and coins are available. Coins are $10 each. Anyone needing a blazer go to this website and order: Hunter Green = http://stores.uniformspro.com/-strse-MILITARY/Categories.bok from $110-$180. We have a 36R and a 38R blazer on hand for purchase. We are also selling golf balls for $2.00 each and the new Chapter 9 white dress shirts for $25.00. Ties are also available at $25.

Soldier Mentors Program: Mentors program is in progress with the El Paso Courts system for Soldiers who have no violent offenses for 8-12 months. See Tom Brady.

Chaplain John Szilvasy Interview: His Library of Congress interview copies are available on CD for $6 donation to Fort Bliss Red Cross.

Chapter IX Sign at the entrance to the road: Tabled until the Team House is completed.

Chapter Historian: Jerry Campos Historian, Committee Bill Snider and Fidencio Gonzalez. If you have historic information, pictures or memorabilia, please get it to the committee.

Billy Waugh’s book “Isaac Camacho, an American Hero” is available. www.isaaccamachoamericanhero.com .

US Border Patrol Special Operations Group SOG MWR Expo 2015: President Pete has begun work on the Expo for May 6 and 7, 2015. Volunteers for the committee should see Pete. Go to the SOG Expo website here.

Stay in Step Spinal Cord Injuries: MSG Alberto Gonzalez announced an effort by CW3 Camargo (7th SFG Retired) to raise funds for Spinal Cord Injuries. The goal is to reach $400k for the clinic. Chapter will vote on a donation amount in January. If you wish to donate – link is: www.stayinstep.org

DROP Magazine is Online: All members can access it at http://www.specialforcesassociation.org/drop/thedrop-3q2011/index.html

Roy Aldridge is now the National Director for Korean War Veterans Association.

Michael Ibarra Injured: New Member and Eastchester NY Police Officer Mike Ibarra was struck by SUV during Columbus Day Parade. Officer Mike Ibarra was directing traffic when an SUV that was in the parade somehow lost control and hit three cars. The driver then turned onto Main Street and hit Ibarra, but not before the auxiliary officer swept aside a child. Ibarra was treated for a head injury and is recovering back home with is family. The child at the scene who was saved by Ibarra and the elderly driver behind the wheel of the SUV walked away without a scratch. Ibarra is an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran and former honoree of the parade. http://westchester.news12.com/news/eastchester-police-officer-mike-ibarra-recovering-after-being-struck-by-suv-during-columbus-day-parade-1.9499410

President's Message:

Welcome to 2015. I hope everyone had a safe and happy holidays. Our Christmas party was a hit even though I thought the western theme was not in line with what you all wanted but my wife Trini did a great job and everyone was impressed with the decoration. (That's Trini to the right, just before she slapped my hand for trying to pocket the bottle of Tequila). 


Again thanks to Tony and the Villa bad for the great entertainment and to EYT cratering for the excellent meal. Wreaths Across America was great but next year we need more members to participate. The food drive went well. We had a few hiccups but we adjusted fire and completed the mission. Thanks to Naipo for stepping up again and chairing the food drive.

CY 2015 will be busy for our chapter. We hope to secure the land to build our team house and break ground before the end of the year. The SOG expo is our big money maker so I want to put as much effort into that so we can get the biggest bang for our buck for the team room. If you know of a cooperate sponsor who may be willing to help with funds to defray the cost let us know. We also have to start planning for out 10th annual golf tournament. Ten years is a mile marker and I want to make this the biggest and best tournament ever. We need a Chairman for this event and that person needs to be technologically sound. Everyone wants to use social media, electronic payments and web based info so whoever Chairs this need to be up to speed or have a committee who is tech savvy.

Lastly I want to thank all of you for your support and confidence in me and our board of officers to take Chapter IX to the next level. See you on the 17th.

De Oppresso Liber!

Pete Peral, President SFA Chapter IX

Chapter Meeting Notes - 18 October 2014

19th Annual Jerry Montoya/Ralph Dominguez Food Drive: Naipo Robertson - Chair. Committee is Chuy, Steve, Gus, Leo & Jerry. Jerry Campos paid for 100 boxes. Chihuahita will get bulk donation as in the past. $1500 was approved for the expenses.

Christmas Party: Scheduled for Saturday, 20 December, 6 pm social, dinner at 7 pm, at VFW 812. Joe “China Boy” Lopez will arrange the Holiday style meal and Trini Peral will do the raffles and decorations. Each Member and one guest will be no charge, any additional guest will cost $10 each. Tony’s Villa Band will provide the music. Sign-up sheet was circulated. Deadline to register is 15 December.

No Elections this year – no Installation of Officers.

Wreaths Across America: Debbie Torres is the CAP Chair again. It will be held on 13 December. Chapter will again pay for all interred SF Soldiers and past Chapter Members and spouses. Bill was asked to email the list to all SFA 9 members.

Teamhouse Committee: Chairman is Steve Franzoni; Committee members are Gus, Brian, Chuck, Tom, Tony and Chuy; the committee is listing requirements for the 2800 sqft steel building (2 bath, office and kitchen). Working on permits and need to get CEMEX to give up the land (To VFW, deeded to SFA9).

Chapter Historian: Jerry Campos Historian, Committee Bill Snider and Fidencio Gonzalez. If you have historic information, pictures or memorabilia, please get it to the committee.

Billy Waugh’s book “Isaac Camacho, an American Hero” is available.  

Chaplain John Szilvasy Interview: He was interviewed by the Library of Congress. Copies of the interview are available on CD for $6 donation to Fort Bliss Red Cross.

Sign at the entrance to the road: Tabled until the Team House is completed.

Ray Winn Retirement: Congrats to SGM Ray Winn on an outstanding career.  A DSR ceremony was held at VFW 812 on 7 November followed by a dinner on 8 November.  Photo at right. 












President's Message:

November already, how time flies when you get old!!! A couple of things that have come up after our last meeting. The first is a request from LTC Wagner who is the OIC for the deployment/redeployment center here on Bliss. He is asking the VFW and SFA to help with a Thanksgiving meal for about 250 pax’s who recently returned from Afghanistan. Of course we’ll help and I have a lead on some free turkeys but what we’ll need is volunteers to help cook and serve. More to come but if you don’t have plans for Thanksgiving Day, please help.

As mentioned above we have the Christmas party on Dec 20th and I think that’s pretty much taken care of. The food drive packing is scheduled for Dec-17 at 1800. As it stands right now we will not get the support of Collins school but Rod Raulston is looking at other schools. Attached to the newsletter is the support request that you can take to stores asking for support. It is my intention to not pack more boxes than we need; why pack 100 boxes if we only have requests for 50 so if you know of a family that you would like to support get the names to Naipo 915-504-5077 (or me) NLT Dec 15th. Right now we have names for 58 boxes but I’m sure more will come in.

Lastly, thank you for your support and we’ll see ya on Nov 15th.

Pete Peral
President, Chapter IX