2018 Jerry Rainey Scholarship Winners

On 18 August 2018 Chapter IX, the Isaac Camcho Chapter, awarded three $1000 scholarship to three deserving college students. Valeria Ramirez, Diego Lopez, and Carisma Ortega (pictured at right) each were presented a check by Carol Rainey, widow of Jerry Rainey who the scholarship is named after. The development of a scholarship to honor long time Chapter IX member Jerry Rainey, also a Korean War and Vietnam War veteran, is fitting as Jerry will always be remembered as a giving person - money out of his pocket, advice from his wife ranging experience and last by not least his generous (and often) renditions of Frank Sinatra songs.

Photo at left is Carol Rainey (Jerry's widow) and Greg Brown (Scholarship Chairman) and one of the scholarship winners. The idea for a scholarship was hatched when a story about Jerry chatting up a waitress who told him she was working to save money for college tuition and books, and Jerry wrote her a check on the spot. When Jerry was but days away from passing, he greeted each visitor (and their was a ton of them) with the words "Hey buddy, good to see you,..can I do anything for you today?" - and he meant it.

The words "he will be missed" is heard quite often. In Jerry's case, - he will always be missed....each and every day.

Chapter Meeting Notes - 18 November 2017

Wreaths Across America: The Chapter paid for 39 wreaths of fallen Special Forces buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery - those were placed on 16 December 2017.

Sick Call: Considering OPSEC, we'll only post an occasional sick call report. In this reporting period Brian Kanof cut 4 fingers of his left hand with a saw. His fingers were reportedly all mangled up and not suitable for re-attachment, so the Doctors used toes from a cadaver, named Bob, to give Brian some digits.

SFA Dues are coming up: 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.

SFA 2108 National Convention: The HQ Hotel for the 2018 Convention was changed to the Airport Wyndham. The original hotel is just not going to be finished before the convention – they originally promised it would, but there are complications. Nothing else in the downtown was large enough for our needs so we go to the Wyndham which is within walking distance from the airport AND various hotels nearby will honor the $98 per night. This 2018 Committee will be meeting at 1200 hours on normal Chapter meeting days, prior to the main Chapter meeting where somebody always steals Bill Snider's sign in pen.

The 22nd Annual Jerry Montoya/Ralph Dominguez Food Drive: Tom Melgares Chaired this initiative. 104 boxes, each including 40-45 pounds of dry goods and a 6 pound ham were packed and distributed. Arrangements were made to check Bill Snider's house in case some of these boxes made their way there like last year.

SFA Annual Christmas Party: Was held on Saturday 16 December at VFW 812. We hope to have pictures to post soon.

VFW Post 812 News: Commander Gilbert Duran. Meeting is held the 1st Saturday’s 1000 hrs. 1st Sunday of every month is a fish fry from 1100-1400. Bar is open every evening. Fun Food Friday is held each Friday evening.

82nd News: Benavidez-Patterson All Airborne Chapter: www.bp82eptx.org Chairman Jesus Bravo. Meeting is the 4th Saturday of each month, lunch 1200 hours and meeting at 1300 hours. Bar is open every Friday and Saturday from 1700 till whenever. Saturday, 23 December – Christmas Party, 6 pm.

Chapter President's Message:

Short and sweet; need to plan for the 2018 golf tournament, expo and most importantly is the 2018 SFA National convention. Brian is the lead for the convention and we need all the help that we can get. There’s too many Chapter 9 members to thanks because all of you have stepped up to the plate BUT there are a few that deserve special recognition for 2017. Steve Franzoni for leading the pack when I was out, Gus, Ike and Al for the golf tournament, Tom Melgares for the food drive and Christmas party and Phil Sloniger for all the rest. Thanks for a great 2017 and I look forward to 2018.

De Oppresso Liber!

Pete Peral
President SFA Chapter IX

Chapter Meeting Notes_21 October 2017

In the DROP magazine, Ricky Smith was reported as deceased. It is NOT true, he is very much alive. Please see picture at right. Chapter needs 100% accountability! Please report the sick and lame to Bill Snider.

John McLaughlin Memorial Golf Tournament: Held at Fort Bliss 9 September. By all accounts this was the most successful Golf Tournament ever.

2018 SFA Convention – El Paso: Chair, Brian Kanof; Co-Chair Bill Snider. Dates are 12-17 June, 2018. Convention Theme is “Mexican Americans in Special Forces”. It will be a 5-night conference with events beginning on Wednesday. SFA 80, VFW 812 and the 82nd Airborne chapter will assist. Brian said that sponsorships are still needed. Committee is meeting before the general meetings at 1200 every month. The Camino Real – re-named the “Hotel Paso del Norte” was slated to be the Headquarters Hotel but late breaking news is that the hotel will not be finished in time. The Double Tree by Hilton, and the Courtyard Marriot are now the co-Anchor Hotels and all previous reservations will be transferred to these hotels. Full Convention registration is set at $150 early (by 1 March 2018) and $165 late. Vendor tables are $150 for each table for the week. The movie “The Green Beret” celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year – Warner Brothers is assisting us with the film for an exclusive showing for convention goers. The El Paso Chihuahua’s AAA Baseball will host Green Beret Night. Convention coin has been finalized, featuring a Chihuahua on one side and Bill Snider's profile on the other. Website is http://www.sfa2018elpaso.com

US Border Patrol Special Operations Group Law Enforcement Technology and Equipment Expo 2018: Pete and Steve have begun work on the next Expo, to be held on 1-3 May 2018. This is our largest annual fundraiser. SOG EXPO Website

22nd Annual Jerry Montoya/Ralph Dominguez Food Drive: Tom Melgares is the Chairman. On Wednesday, 13 December the Food Box packing party will commence at VFW 812 at 1800 hours. Signup for Food Box(s) begins at the November 18th Chapter meeting or reserve boxes through an e-mail to Thomas Melgares at tmelgares@hotmail.com. Number of box(s) MUST BE IN BY COB, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6TH. $2000 are authorized for expenses.

Storage Unit Building: Chair – Phil Sloniger. Specs = 30 FT x 50 FT/ 10 FT high. Authorized today 25K for building and 5K for concrete – 30K total.

Annual Christmas Party: Saturday, 16 December; 1800-Midnight, at VFW 812.

Wreaths Across America: 16 December – 1000-1200 hours. We will place 39 wreaths this year. Bill reviewed the entire list and we identified those who were Members of Chapter 9 for the Memorial plaque in the Team Room and those who were Mexican Americans for the 2018 Convention Souvenir Program.

Announcements & Good of the Order: SF Room (Team Room): Today was our first full Chapter meeting in our room. Chaplain Szilvasy led a special prayer in memory of the Alamo Silver Wings Chapter member Eduardo L. Fernandez's recent passing and the Niger attack killing 4 SF personnel.

Message from the Chapter President:
Gents, we have the annual food drive coming up, let’s give Tom all the helps he needs to get this done. Also, we have the Christmas Party on the 16th, we will need volunteers to help make this a great event like always and count our blessings for the past year. SFA 2018 is right around the corner, so let’s keep our eye on the prize. I appreciate everyone’s hard work!

De Oppresso Liber!
Pete Peral
President, Chapter IX

Chapter Meeting Notes - 19 August 2017

2018 SFA Convention – El Paso: Chair, Brian Kanof; Co-Chair Bill Snider. Dates are 12-17 June, 2018. Convention Theme is “Mexican Americans in Special Forces”. It will be a 5-night conference with events beginning on Wednesday. SFA 80, VFW 812 and the 82nd Airborne chapter will assist. Brian has asked the members to seek sponsorships. Committee is meeting before the general meetings at 1200 every month. All committee Sub-Chairmen have been selected – A roster was emailed to all on the roster. Headquaters (HQ) Hotel is the Camino Real – they are currently doing a makeover and have been renamed “Hotel Paso del Norte”. They should be 100% finished before the convention. Full registration is set at $150 early (By 1 March 2018) and $165 late. Vendor tables are $150 for each table for the week. More details are forthcoming. Our link to the 2018 SFA Convention for general and hotel information and registering is: http://www.sfa2018elpaso.com

Blazers: The new source for Blazers are selling them for $79-$119. You need to order the pocket patch from National – listed in the DROP. Go to this link: http://www.blazerboutique.com/product/hunter-green-mens-blazer

Counter Insurgency Writing Contest - USASMA: Greg Brown announced the contest. Named after COL “Splash” Frances J. Kelly. His 5th Parachute jump was a water jump – thus the nickname. He served as Commander of the 1st Group. Tom M. announced that a book is being donated for us to raffle. More info to follow. Honorary Members to Associate: Our first attempt at upgrading membership is stalled. Cliff does not seem to remember the details of the meeting with Bill and the Membership Committee is looking at feasibility of Honorary time counting toward Associate Membership.

US Border Patrol Special Operations Group Law Enforcement Technology and Equipment Expo 2018: Pete and Steve have begun work on the next Expo, to be held on 1-2 May 2018. This is our largest annual fundraiser. website is:  http://www.sogexpo.blogspot.com

VFW Post 812 News: Commander Pete Peral - hey wait just one dang minute,...isn't he the SFA Chapter President too?   Oh yeah, now he gets double the discounts at the PX.  Anyway, meetings are held the 1st Saturday’s 1000 hrs. 1st Sunday of every month is a fish fry from 1100-1400. Bar is open every evening. Fun Food Friday is held each Friday evening. Bill Snider presented a motion for the VFW to feed all SFA Chapter senior citizens Monday through Friday, in an obvious attempt to get free food during the week, but was voted down as Chapter members saw through his pathetic attempt.  Friday 8 September the VFW hosted the annual remembrance for September 11, 2001.

82nd News: Benavidez-Patterson All Airborne Chapter: www.bp82eptx.org Chairman Jesus Bravo. Meeting is 4th Saturday’s, lunch 1200 hours and meeting 1300 hours. Bar is open every Friday and Saturday from 1700 till whenever. Airborne Day Celebration – 12 August, Saturday – 1100 till 1600. Yard Sale 14 & 15 OCT. Donations accepted.

Chapter President's Message:

The golf tournament is over now we have to start looking at the next event which should be the Christmas food boxes. Then we’ll start all over with the 2018 events with the concentration on the convention. Thank you all for your great support and continued efforts. We don't have enough space to post pictures of all those who helped make the Golf Tourney a success, but the picture collage below is a representative example.

I want to share this from COL Gus:

The 12th Annual CSM John McLaughlin Golf Tournament was the best ever with almost 27 Teams. As you can see from Thomas' figures, YOU have cleared more Tournament Revenue than ever before. When I say You, I counted nearly 30 Chapter Members that sponsored Teams, Holes, brought in Donations and Gifts, Brought in Multiple Hole Sponsorships, and never stopped grinding until the Tournament was done. This overwhelming success happened due to your tremendous dedication to Chapter IX , and your terrific enthusiasm and hard work. With this in mind, we can easily conduct the May SOG Event, the June 2018 National Conference, and we can surely help VFW Post 812 with their Golf Tournament in Apr-May.

Please note that on Saturday, due to our Ladies efforts, we cleared more than $3K on our Mulligans, Raffle, Silent Auction, and Steve and Monica's Putting Contest. What a Terrific Team Effort!!!!! Also, note that virtually all our Prizes were donations secured by Chairman Pete Peral, Tom Brady, Tony Lara, Al Hobbs, Phil Sloniger, Brian Kanof, Ike and Gracie, Jerry Campos, and other great members.

Just Food for Thought, but Ike and I have discussed that if we begin planning now, perhaps we can bring more Corporate Partners aboard such as SWA for flight tickets, Sports Franchises for tickets, prizes, etc. All it takes is making our mind up to do these things, just like Al Hobbs makes the Wounded Warrior Tournament a great credit to our community.

Pete Peral
President
Chapter IX

Chaplains Corner - August 2017

I don’t know about you, but I’m finding it more difficult to handle the growing evil that is so prevalent in the news reports on worldwide situations. Evil appears to be growing very rapidly. I can thank my God for giving me the wisdom to understand (though barely), to keep myself stable and in control of my emotions and responses to what evil is doing to individuals, organizations, and countries.


I pray for the families of those who are killed or wounded in combat, for all first responders, military, firemen, and medical personnel. I also pray for innocent bystanders, and lastly, for those evil doers who did the killing and wounding. I have found that after watching the news, praying for others has allowed me to maintain the necessary emotional and mental stability to face the demands of each day. It is the knowledge that God hears and answers prayers that allows me to persevere.

Love you all,
Chaplain John Szilvasy

Chapter Meeting Notes - 15 July 2017

John McLaughlin Memorial Golf Tournament: Scheduled at Fort Bliss for 9 September. The Committee is Gus, Al, Ike, Leo. Ike discussed the upcoming Tournament and mentioned that everything is set up and that everyone needs to go out and sell hole sponsors - the Chapter currently has 40 hole sponsors. Teams are full. Committee Meetings are every Thursday at 1700 hours at VFW 812. In August, we will meet every week.

2018 SFA Convention – El Paso: Chairman is Brian Kanof. Co-Chair Bill Snider. Dates are set for 12-17 June, 2018. Convention Theme is “Mexican Americans in Special Forces”. It will be a 5-night conference with events beginning on Wednesday. SFA 80, VFW 812 and the 82nd Airborne chapter will assist. Brian has asked the members to seek sponsorships. Committee is meeting before the general meetings at 1200 hours every month at VFW 812. All committee Sub-Chairmen have been selected – A roster was emailed to all on the roster. HQ Hotel = Camino Real – they are doing a makeover (to be re-named “Hotel Paso del Norte”) and will be finished before the reunion. Full registration is set at $150 early (By 1 March 2018) and $165 late registration after 1 March 2018. Vendor tables are $150 for each table for the week. More details are forthcoming. The 2018 SFA National Convention website is http://www.sfa2018elpaso.com or you can access the site through the Chapter Website. Steve Franzoni and Tom Melgares (see picture at right) are working the registration for the 2018 National Convention.

USASMA Class 68: Class is arriving. 10th SF MSG Michael Bixler visited us at the golf meeting on Thursday and will coordinate the 13 SF guys and other Special OPS attendees for Chapter 9.

Korean War Veteran News: On Armistice Day - Roy Alridge was recognized in the Congressional Record by Congressman Beto O’Rourke. Roy announced that the El Paso area had 3 MOH recipients . . . more than any town in Texas. At the Chihuahuas Game on Armistice Day, Roy threw out the first pitch at the Ball Game.......we heard it was a strike.

Chapter President's Message:

Welcome to another month of fun in the sun and rain all over the place. As you may remember this Saturday is our general membership meeting at 1300 followed by the Jerry Rainey scholarship. There are three (3) recipients who, as of now, are attending with their family. This brings up two points, 1st let’s not get in the weed’s on any one item. I want to take no longer than 45 minutes for the meeting so we can have a break before the scholarship starts at 1400. 2nd point is dress appropriately for the occasion and for the Rainey’s. No shorts and/or flip-flops. At the least, wear a Chapter shirt. Not only will Rainey family be there but also the family of the recipients.

Our golf tournament is 3 weeks away and we’ll concentrate on discussing the tournament at this Saturday’s meeting. Gus, Ike and Al are the leads on this and will have an update on the 5 W’s Saturday. If you haven’t purchased a hole sponsorship, you can do it Saturday with a check, cash or credit card. If you can’t afford $100 for a hole sponsor then think about buying beer or sodas (No water we have plenty of that) to help offset the Chapters cost. We also need items for goodie bags, raffles and door prizes so beat the bush for that support. Look for gift coupons for restaurants, spas, automotive centers or any other business. Also look for things like McDonalds coupons or any other place where you can get at least 110 of the item for the goody bags. Lastly on the golf tournament, we need volunteers for both the inside, set-up and the refreshment points. We are meeting every Thursday at 1700ish so if you want to support, come to a meeting SOON.

On the 2018 convention, Brian and the committee are going full speed and it’s looking good. After the scholarship and golf tournament we’ll go knee deep on the convention.

Lastly I want to thank each and every one of you near and far for the support that you gave our granddaughter. Whether it was monetary or prayers everything helps. People were coming out of the woodwork to support. I want to give a special thanks to those from the VFW and Chapter who put the fund raiser on. It was a huge success, so thank you.

Pete Peral

President

SFA Chapter IX

Chapter Meeting Notes - 17 June 2017

June's Chapter Meeting was short personnel as we had several Chapter and at-large Chapter members attending the 2017 SFA National Convention in Fayetteville - Fort Bragg. Those who attended were: Brian Kanof, Bill Snider, Phil Sloniger, Gary Baura, Alan Shumate, Leonard Pope, Walter Wilczak, Bill Lewis, Jimmy Reece, Randy Fogel, Jerry Campos and Joe “China Boy” Lopez and Billy Waugh.  See photo of Joe "China Boy" Lopez and Phil Sloniger at right. 

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. Annual Members who did not pay in January are late.

2017 1st Special Forces Group Reunion, El Paso: Ike Camacho was the Chairman for the 1st Group Reunion that was held 5-10 June 2017. Ike gave a synopsis of the great work from all the volunteers from the chapter and elsewhere to make the 1st Group reunion a success. He mentioned that the raffle prizes went over really well especially the SF engraved Gentlemen’s Jack Bottles. All excess food and beverage was donated and delivered to the orphanage. He mentioned that the busses from EPISD was a great option for travel for future events.

2017 SFA National Convention, Fayetteville, NC: Billy Waugh was the Keynote Speaker and received an award (see picture at left) from SFA National for 65 years of dedicated excellence and serivce to the Nation. Congrats Billy, you are an American icon and hero!! The Chapter signed up several people already committing to attending the 2018 SFA National Convention in El Paso. This is the website for information and registration, 2018 SFA National Convention- El Paso. More information on the 2018 SFA National Convention below.

Jerry Rainey Scholarship: Greg Brown is the Chairman. Greg received 11 full packets from the 36 students requesting applications. The Scholarship committee has reviewed all packets and selected three winners for presentation of the $1000 scholarship checks at the August Chapter meeting.

John McLaughlin Memorial Golf Tournament: Scheduled at Fort Bliss Underwood Golf Course for 9 September. Committee members are Gus, Al, Ike, Leo. Ike discussed the upcoming Tournament and mentioned that everything is set up and that everyone needs to go out and sell hole sponsors and a few more teams. Meetings will be announced - likely by email. In August, we will meet every week.

2018 SFA Convention – El Paso: Chairman is Brian Kanof; Co-Chair Bill Snider. Dates are set for 12-17 June, 2018. Convention Theme is “Mexican Americans in Special Forces”. It will be a 5-night conference. SFA Chapter 80 out of Las Cruces and the 82nd Airborne chapter will assist. Brian has asked the members to seek sponsorships. Committee is meeting before the general meetings at 1200 from July forward. All committee Sub-Chairmen have been selected – A roster was emailed to all on the roster. The anchor or Headquarters Hotel is the Camino Real, but it will shortly be re-named the “Hotel Paso Del Norte”), and will be completely renovated and finished before the reunion. Registration is set at $150 early (By 1 March 2018) and $165 late – sign-up has begun. Vendor tables are $150 for each table for the week. Again, This is the website for information and registration, 2018 SFA National Convention- El Paso.

SF Room at the VFW: Chair Tom Brady, Committee Leo, Brian, Chuck and Al. Plaques and contents have been put up. Chapter will decide deceased Member plaque format soon.

SFA Blazers: The Florida Blazer company has stopped selling green blazers. SFA National Headquarters sent us information for a different vendor, and they are pretty fast. You need to log on Blazer Boutique, prices are $79-$119. You need to order the pocket patch from National – listed in the DROP.

Member Sam Morgan was Elected to El Paso City Council: Sam thanked everyone for their support during the campaign and said that he would work hard for the NE and El Paso during his tenure in office. Congrats Sam! Steve mentioned that Sam will work with the new City Council to promote a “Special Forces Day” during our 2018 SFA Conference.

USASMA Students Presentation: The SGM students presented a Bataan Memorial Death March photo plaque to the chapter in appreciation for the chapter for support for the march and throughout the year.

The Chapter and VFW Post 812 hosted a huge 10th SF Troop Party during the week after of the SFA 2017 National Convention. Busy month for Chapter IX.

Chapter President's Message:

It’s been a hectic last two weeks as the Commander of the VFW so I don’t have a lot to put out on the SF side. Hopefully we’ll be able to address some items at this Saturday’s meeting i.e. 2018 convention. On another note, the VFW is hosting the Pin-up girls Sunday (16 July) and I have free tickets if anyone wants some. I’ll bring the Saturday. Info can be found here.

Pete Peral,

President SFA Chapter IX

Chaplain's Corner - May 2017

When the going gets rough, who do you go to get help to get through your rough times. Some of you turn to your family for starters, then you go to your friends if they live near and they are available to help you. Finally, when you are through your hard times and you say to yourself, “I hope that kind of trouble doesn’t come around again for a long, long, time.”

What do you do when your sense of being overwhelmed and your difficulties, come roaring over you in a big bundle? So fast and so many that you just want to give up and let then take you wherever they want, and you end up getting smashed into little pieces. Then you fall to the ground in total despair and turn to drugs or alcohol as your escapes from your personal hell.

You are fortunate if you have a Christian family and friends who can help you when you go to them for help in solving the problems that are slowly overwhelming you before its too late. As your loving Christian Chaplain, my advice is to urge you to give God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit a chance to help you save your life and to live it till you die in a healthy and restored relationship with God.

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

Love you all,
Chaplain John Szilvasy

Chapter Meeting Notes - 15 April 2017

Chapter Treasurer: Tom Melgares volunteered for the position.

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 - Annual Members who did not pay in January are now late.

2017 1st Group Reunion, El Paso: Ike Camacho is the Chair. Committee members are Gus, Chuy, Duke, Steve, Leo, Jerry and Bill. Dates are 5-10 June 2017. The Chase Suites has rooms for $69, registration is now $140 (Hospitality Room only $50). Banquet will be at the Marriott. Billy Waugh will attend. Committee meets 2nd Saturday’s at noon at the VFW. Duke Armendariz is Hospitality Chair again. Coins will be in this week.

2018 SFA Convention – El Paso: Chair is Brian Kanof; Committee members are Bill, China Boy, Roy, Steve, Catherine from the city and lots more. Dates are set for 12-17 June, 2018. Convention Theme is “Mexican American Green Beret’s”. It will be a 5-night conference with events beginning on Wednesday. SFA 80 and the 82nd Airborne chapter will assist. Brian has asked the members to seek sponsorships now. Committee is meeting before the general meetings at 1130. All committee Sub-Chairmen have been selected – A roster was emailed to all on the roster. 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.

2017 SFA National Convention, Fayetteville, NC: The HQ Hotel rooms are already filled. The Holiday Inn across the street seems to be the best bet – they are sold out for Friday and Saturday. Many of the 2018 Committee will attend to promote our convention.

SF Room at the VFW: Chair Tom Brady, Committee Leo, Brian, Chuck and Al. Plaques and contents have been put up. Chapter will decide deceased Member plaque format soon.

John McLaughlin Memorial Golf Tournament: Scheduled at Fort Bliss for 9 September 2017. Committee members are Gus, Al, Ike, Leo. Half of the teams are already signed up. Meetings will be announced, likely by email. In August we will begin to meet every week.

SOG Expo: Our major fundraiser was held on 2-4 May, 2017. Another great success, finances are being finalized.

Bataan Death March, Waterpoint 7 Support: This was an SFA Chapter 80 led project with various SFA Chapter 9 Members supporting. SFA 80 presented a thank you plaque to us at the April meeting. USASMA also thanked us for sponsoring their team.

Jerry Rainey Scholarship: Greg Brown is the Chairman. Applications are being accepted – need transcripts thru current semester – Mid June deadline.

Counter Insurgency Writing Contest - USASMA: Greg Brown announced the contest. Named after COL “Splash” Frances J. Kelly. His 5th Parachute jump was a water jump – thus the nickname. He served as Commander of the 1st Group. More info to follow.

Parkland HS JROTC: Tom M said he cannot attend their awards on 25 May 2017 and Phil is filling in to present their thank you for helping with Christmas Food Drive.

SFA Building Fund Raffle Tickets: Each paid Member should have received a book and is asked to sell the tickets and turn-in the money and stubs to SFA 9 Treasurer. Bill received 10 extra books to pass out at the May meeting for the Honorary Members and those who want an extra book. Remember, Chapter 9 gets part of the proceeds so sell, sell, sell!

Final Expenses Planning: Bill attended a seminar for final expenses and funeral planning. He and John discussed the importance of preparations and we will try to organize a seminar for the military organizations in the area. All we need is to guarantee 10 attendees – a meal is provided. More info later.

VFW 812 Installation: Pete Peral was installed as Commander in May, suceding SFA Chapter 9 honorary member Al Hobbs.

Korean War MIA: Roy announced an event honoring MIA.

Lone Star Purple Heart: Tom M. announced their Installation of Officers. This is the oldest Purple Heart Chapter in Texas.

82nd Airborne Association Carnival: Bill announced the dates and locations and asked our members to support it.

Blazers: Jake announced that the Florida Blazer company is temporarily not selling green blazers – but he will keep us up to date.



Chapter President's Message:

April was a busy month for us. Between supporting the VFW golf tournament and the SOG expo we had a full month. I want to thank all who supported the SOG expo. As Bill stated, the EXPO is our big fund raiser and we did VERY well. There were 109 vendors and I received numerous e-mails thanking the Chapter for all their help on the day of the show. For those who have not been to a Law Enforcement expo, they charge for EVERYTHING. If you want power, you pay, if you want help, you pay, if you want anything other than the space you pay so these folks who travel from all parts of the country are very grateful for the support that you provide. I’ll brief more at the meeting.

We are working the short and final for the 2018 convention but need help. Brian is the Chair so get with him on what you can do to support. We have to brief the final (or as close to final as possible) at the June 2017 SFA convention so we don’t have a lot of time. The 2018 convention is a 5 day event with hard events going on every day. There will be a lot of moving parts and everything has to be tied together; transportation, the venue, comms, publications/announcements, etc. For those who are coming from out of town, get with Brian with what you can help with. If you are going to the 2017 convention AND representing the chapter, the chapter will assist with $250.00 to help offset the cost. Also, make your hotel reservation and register for the convention itself so they have a better head count. Like always, mucho thanks to each and every one of you.

Pete Peral,
President SFA Chapter IX

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

SFA HQ Falls victim to Hurricane Matthew's floodwaters

History has been left out to dry in a secluded compound south of Fayetteville. Filing cabinets sit open with fans trained on the papers inside. Books have been piled up to be sorted and salvaged at a future date. They sit atop display cases, filled with patches, berets and artifacts from wars from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan. Cliff Newman walks through it all, occasionally pausing to thumb through a book or peak at debris stored in plastic bags. "We're still kind of in a state of shock," he said.

Newman, executive director of the Special Forces Association, said the nonprofit was hit particularly hard by the floodwaters that came with Hurricane Matthew last month. The 52-year-old association's compound off Doc Bennett Road - which includes picnic areas, a memorial garden and office space - was covered in nearly five feet of water at the flooding's peak.

Nearby Rockfish Creek, located down a steep embankment from the roughly 20-acre compound, rose 40 feet to flood all but a small chapel and rows of memorial stones, Newman said. "It was like a big lake," he said. "It just surged right in here and flowed back out again."

Weeks later, the national organization, which counts roughly 10,000 current and former Green Berets among its members, is still picking up the pieces. A team building used by the association's Fayetteville chapter, Chapter 1-18, was damaged so badly that it will likely need to be torn down.

Fences have been uprooted. Picnic tables and other debris are sticking out from a small manmade lake in the center of the compound. The group's headquarters, the Frenchy Amundson Building, will survive but has been gutted in the aftermath of the flooding, Newman said. Carpeting and insulation are piled outside. Ruined furniture is stacked by four flagpoles - with national, state, Special Forces and prisoner of war flags flapping in the breeze.

Inside is where the damage is most evident. "It's a little stale," Newman said, commenting on the musty smell of the once-flooded building. Parts of the walls are missing. Each room is stacked with piles of debris, some of which will be salvaged. Some is too destroyed to keep. Ruined electronics are stacked amid piles of plastic bags, destroyed magazines - archives of the association's quarterly Drop magazine - and documents which dated to the 1960s.

In another room, a bust of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, one arm outstretched, gazes at the damage. Awards and mementos from many a Special Forces career are disheveled amid the still-drying display cases. Photos and posters, some decades old and tracing the history of Special Forces, are stacked on top of them.

There are flags, uniforms and traditional clothing from around the world. "Some of this is salvageable and some isn't," Newman said. "Some of this is irreplaceable. It's history."

Newman is one of three employees at the Special Forces Association headquarters, which helps oversee 85 chapters across the globe. He was out of town when the hurricane struck on Oct. 8. He was called home with news of the devastation. "I got a call that my office was under water," he said.

The Special Forces Association saved what it could, Newman said. Board members grabbed what they could, and carried important artifacts home with them for safekeeping. Others have been to the compound since the water receded to take stock of what was left and begin to sort through the debris.

Meanwhile, the organization itself is in a holding pattern. Newman said the compound regularly hosts Special Forces veterans and their families. New Special Forces soldiers have a tradition of attending a barbecue there after their graduation. And veterans return each year for major holidays, memorials and celebrations. It's unclear when those activities will resume.

In addition to replacing most of their electronics and furniture, Newman said there is structural damage to be repaired. There was insurance, he said. But nothing for flooding, which had seemed like a slim possibility with the compound situated at least 25 feet up a steep embankment from the creek. "It's about $250,000 in damages," Newman said. "It's hard to say what will happen next."

The association doesn't have deep reserves, he said. It publishes its magazine at a loss as a service to its members. And it provides more than $30,000 a year in scholarships. After that, there's not enough left to rebuild and replace what was lost. "We need some help here," Newman said.

The Special Forces Association's board had an emergency meeting in the wake of the flooding. It will meet again today - in space borrowed from the Green Beret Foundation - to discuss what will come next. A priority will be getting operational again, Newman said.

The organization depends on its members' paid dues, he said. And the headquarters needs to stand back up to accept them. But that could take weeks, Newman said. Any repairs to the buildings will likely take months. "What are we going to do with this building? Where are we going to go until then?" he asked. "It's hard to say what will happen."

Article from the Fayetteville Observer

Chapter Meeting Notes - 17 September 2016

3rd Annual Joshua Mills Competition – Fort Bliss: SF Recruiters held the competition on 8-9 September. SFA 9 paid for a Bar-B-Que at the end of the competition, and supplied the funds for oranges and gator aid as usual. It was a big success, but next year we will not hold this the same week as the Golf Tournament. As studly as these young troops are, they do not hold a candle to Tony Beltran, see picture at right.

12th Annual John McLaughlin Memorial Golf Tournament (2017): Chairman is Al Hobbs. Location is Underwood Golf Course 9 September 2017. Final financials from the Sept 2016 tournament are not yet available. Could not have done it without support from many people including the Chapter IX ladies and the VFW Aux, see picture below.

2017 1st Group Reunion, El Paso: Ike Camacho is the Chairman. Committee members are Gus, Chuy, Duke, Steve, Leo, Jerry & Bill. Dates proposed are 5-10 June 2017. This will be the 3rd time we hosted the 1st Group. Chase Suites for $69, registration is $120 until 15 May, then it will be $140 (Hospitality Room only is $50). Banquet will be at the Marriott. Registration forms went out in August. Information was sent to the DROP.

2018 SFA Conference – El Paso: Chairman is Brian Kanof; Committee members are Tranny Bill, China Boy and Joe Kerwin Jr. The best date for the City seems to be between 11-17 June 2018; we may cut the days down to 5 or 6 from 7 in the past. SFA 80 will assist. Brian plans to reach out to some other military and Veteran groups for assistance. Brian will give us a meeting plan, but he asked the members to start seeking 5K sponsorships now. Committee is forming now. The Camino Real hotel is doing a makeover and will be finished about the time of the reunion. We are looking at that as a HQ Hotel.

Return to Devens Reunion: SFA 9 Member Gary Baura, now in Melbourne Florida ran this 10th SF return to Fort Devens event from 5-10 October, 2016. Emails coming in say it was a great success.

Massing of the Colors: Tom M mentioned that we need a Chapter Flag for events like this. Committee is looking into options – committee includes Tom, Jerry, Pablo and Hugo.

Christmas Food Drive: Tom Melgares, Chairman. Start scrounging food for the boxes. Packing day 14 December. Committee members are Pablo, Sam, Greg, Chuy and Al. Goal is 100 boxes this year. Need to find more schools to assist – Collins is closed.

SFA 9 Christmas Party: Trini and the VFW Post 812 Ladies Auxiliary will run it again this year. 10 December at VFW 812 reserved. More details coming soon.

Donations: Motion made by Brian: That all requests be submitted in writing in advance to Chapter Secretary via email and brought to the floor during the next general meeting for vote. In addition, there will always, at the discretion of the President, exceptions to be made during the meeting to accommodate emergencies and short term requirements. 13-7 Passed.

Public Address System: John asked if we could get a PA system. We will look at quotes.

USASMA Class 67: There are about a dozen SF guys in this class and they have already met with the Chapter. It should be a good year.

VFW Post 812 News: Commander Al Hobbs (see picture). Meeting is held the 1st Saturday’s 1000 hrs. 1st Sunday of every month is a fish fry from 1100-1400. Bar is open every evening. Fun Food Friday is held each Friday evening.

82nd News: Benavidez-Patterson All Airborne Chapter: www.bpaac.org Chairman Jesus Bravo. Meeting = 4th Saturday’s, lunch 1300 and meeting 1400. Bar is open every Friday and Saturday from 1500 till whenever.

Chapter President's Message: Welcome to October. Two more months and we’ll be in 2017 go figure. The next event will be the Christmas party to be held on 10 December at VFW Post 812. Trini and the Post want to take the lead on this year’s event so I’m sure it will be a great one. More to come but the event will be free to the Chapter 9 members and one guest. All other guest will be $10 as in past years. Along with the Christmas party we have the Christmas food drive as mentioned above. I encourage everyone to seek donation of non-perishable food items or go out and buy a case of canned food to help the cause. The schedule is to have the food brought to the VFW on 12-13 December (or on the 14th) and we’ll pack boxes on the 14th at 1800. Tom is the chair so if you want a box call or e-mail Tom Melgares. Phone 915-873-2183, or E-mail: tmelgares@hotmail.com

DOL

Pete Peral

Chapter Meeting Notes - 21 May 2016

SFA 2016 National Convention, Jacksonville, Florida: Held 12-19 June, Hyatt Regency. Attendees: Pete and Trini Peral, Brian Kanof, Bill Snider, Bill & Linda Lewis, Randy and CC Fogel, Walt Wilczak, Leonard and Arlette Pope, Tony Beltran and Dede Dominguez, Gary Baura, Joe “China Boy” Lopez, Jerry Campos and Catherine from Visit El Paso. Past Member Tommy Harveston was the only attendee from the Las Vegas Chapter so he decided to hang with SFA 9.

Jerry Rainey Scholarship: Greg Brown, Chair. Committee is Sam, Chuy and Steve. Deadline to apply is 30 June. 24 Credits and 3.0 GPA is required. 3 x $1000 scholarships will be presented at the August SFA 9 Meeting. Applications are on the Chapter 9 website or email samuelmorgan01@gmail.com.

2017 1st SFG Group Reunion, El Paso: Ike Camacho is the Chairman. Committee members are Gus, Chuy, Duke, Steve, Leo, Jerry and Bill. Dates will be last week in May or 1st week of June 2017. This will be the 3rd time we hosted the 1st Group Reunion. Ike will meet with “Visit El Paso” soon.

2016 USASMA Reunion: Al Hobbs is Chair. El Paso is hosting the reunion at the Wyndham from 14 to 17 July, 2016. Not an SFA project but many of our SGM members will participate. Registration is $125.

SFA 9 Team House: We are working on the survey of the property for a 100 year lease by VFW 812 and the future home of Chapter 9. In the interim the Chapter spent $35K to remodel the back porch of the VFW converting it into an SF room where we can display our memorabilia.

11th Annual John McLaughlin Memorial Golf Tournament: Chairman is Al Hobbs. The Tournament will be at the Underwood Golf Course on 10 September 2016. Committee members so far are Gus, Ike, Leo. The 1st Golf Tournament coordination meeting will be at 11 am on 25 June.

R and R Center FT 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. Donations are welcome!

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. SF Golf balls are $2.00 each and the new Chapter 9 white dress shirts for $25.00. Ties are available at $25. Blazers = Call 727-442-8400 or Go to this website and order: Hunter Green or email ryeazell@cwuinc.usor from $110-$180. We have a few sizes on hand for purchase. See Quartermaster, Jerry Campos.

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.

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

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

Viet Nam Memorial, El Paso: China Boy is continuing to raise funds for maintenance. Laser Engraved Bricks are for sale - $100 – up to 4 lines.

Chapter Historian: Jerry Campos Historian, Committee member Bill Snider. If you have historic information, pictures or memorabilia, please get it to the committee. Working on a book.

Stay in Step Spinal Cord Injuries: Chapter member Alberto Gonzalez, who recently moved to San Antonio, is supporting an effort by CW3 Camargo (7th SF Retired) to raise funds for Spinal Cord Injuries. Go here to donate.   

SFA Outdoor Website: SFA has a store where 20% of the profits go to national and 2% comes back to the chapter. You can find the store at www.SFOutdoors.com

DROPs Magazine is now Online:

Embroidery on your shirts: If you want to have your name and Member number added to your shirts, one contact is: Dawn Maniates at Commercial Screen Printing, Inc. (915) 541-1133; 900 Magoffin Street, El Paso, Texas.

Engraving of your SF Coin: You should have your coin engraved with your name. One location is in the lobby of the PX. Cost = $8-$12 in 24 hrs. Fiesta Keys. 915/731-4854.

State and National Parks Pass: Passes are free to vets with 60% disability. Apply for state at McKelligon Canyon and for National pass go to Chamizal.



President's Message:

Well it’s official, we will host the 2018 SFA Convention here in El Paso. Now we need to get hot. At the general membership meeting where it was voted to give us the 2018 convention there was great feedback from the membership and everyone was very positive and thankful that we are hosting the event. I asked for a show of hands for those who were actually stationed here at Bliss and over 60% of the membership raised their hands so we should have a great showing.

Brian Kanoff is the chair person and will need a number of assistants to make this happen. We’ll need transportation, hospitality, banquet, and events chairpersons as a minimum so please step up to the plate and volunteer for one of these positions. It will be the heaviest lifts that Chapter 9 has had to date but I know we can do it. I want to thank those chapter 9 members who attended the convention and to all who have, and will support this endeavor.

DOL
Pete Peral

Chapter Meeting Notes 19 March 2016

Chapter IX welcomes new member Dr. Mike Canale, COL (ret).

Lost Members: The Chapter lost two members in April. A-2035 Fedencio Gonzalez (A-2035) passed away on 3 April and was laid to rest on 7 April at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, and ber M-8459 (L) Reginald “Reggie” Salinas (M-8459 L) passed away 29 March and was laid to rest on 1 April at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in North Carolina.

Accountability: The Chapter retains biographical sketches of all members as well as photos for the purposes of an accurate obituary and reporting to National SFA. Please ensure your's is updated with the Chapter Secretary.

Sick Call: There are also many Chapter members and/or their spouses in the hospital or dealing with a degenerative disease. Please let the Chapter leadership know if you or your family member are in this category. In the interests of privacy, we will not post medical or treatment status on this website.

Border Patrol Special Operations Group 2016 Law Enforcement and Technology Expo: Scheduled for 19-21 April. This is our top fundraiser each year. 19 April is the dinner at VFW 812, 20 April is the demo and 21 April is the range day at Tactical Ranch. Need max participation.

SFA 2016 National Convention, Jacksonville, Florida: Dates 12-19 June, Hyatt Regency Riverfront. Registration information available from Bill Snider.

2017 1st Group Reunion, El Paso: Ike Camacho – Chair. Committee – Gus, Chuy, Duke, Steve, Leo, Jerry and Bill. Dates will be last week in May or 1st week of June 2017. This will be the 3rd time we hosted the 1st Group. Ike will meet with “Visit El Paso” soon to coordinate support.

Viet Nam Memorial, El Paso: Dedication was held at the flag pole on 26 March at 1300. China Boy is continuing to raise funds for maintenance. Hundreds attended. China Boy, Leo and Ike were all photographed and appeared in the El Paso Times write up.

2016 USASMA Reunion: Al Hobbs – Chair. El Paso is hosting the reunion at the Wyndham from 14-17 July, 2016. Not an SFA project but many of our SGM members will participate. Registration is $125.

SFA 9 Team House: We are working on the survey of the property of 812 and the future home of Chapter 9. Nothing has been decided yet.

2018 SFA National Convention – El Paso: Chair, Brian Kanof; Committee Bill, China Boy and Joe Kerwin JR. We will pay for Brian to attend the Convention in June this year to make the pitch. National is excited that we finally want to host. SFA 80 will assist. “Visit El Paso” is “all in” to support this project. The best date for the City seems to be 11-17 June, 2018.

Jerry Rainey Scholarship: Greg Brown, Chair. Committee = Sam, Chuy & Steve. Detail will follow on the August presentation of 3 x $1000 scholarships. An articvle will appear on this site when the Committee is acepting applications.

11th Annual John McLaughlin Memorial Golf Tournament: Chair = Al Hobbs. Underwood Golf Course 10 September. Committee so far = Gus, Ike, Leo.

Bataan Death March support of Waterpoint 7: Chapter 9 supported SFA 80 again this year - see pictures below. SFA 9 Member Tony Beltran hiked the half marathon as usual and the picture at top right is Tony finishing.

3rd Annual Joshua Mills Competition – Fort Bliss: SF Recruiters have set the date for 8-9 September 2016. Details will come later.

Announcements and Good of the Order: 10th Annual Martin “Ski” Dubrosky Memorial VFW 812 Golf Tournament: 23 April 2016. Team sign up and sponsor sheets are available. Team $320, Hole Sponsor $100. Chapter voted to donate $1000 for start up money.

SFA National Raffle Tickets: Bill announced that we need to sell or buy the tickets national mailed. He ordered extra books for the Honorary Members to sell.

Chapter President's Message:

Greeting all, We are full speed ahead for the SOG Expo. As you know this is our biggest fund raiser and max participation is needed. Steve Franzoni will be taking the helm starting on the 19th for the vendor’s appreciation dinner. The 20th is the main demo day and we’ll be starting at 0600. The 21st is the range day at Tactical Ranch and we need volunteers there too.

April 23rd is the VFW golf tournament and I encourage everyone to support that endeavor. You can sponsor a hole in memory of someone or your company. You can also support by buying a case of beer or soda. Bottom line is the VFW is our home and we need to support it. See you Saturday.



De Oppresso Liber!
Pete Peral,
President SFA Chapter IX

Chapter Meeting Notes - 16 January 2016

2017 1st SFG Reunion: Ike Camacho –Chair. Selected for El Paso. Dates will be last week in May or 1st week of June 2017. This will be the 3rd time we have hosted the 1st SFG Reunion. Ike is beginning to assemble the committee now. He will meet with “Visit El Paso” soon.

2016 USASMA Reunion: 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.

2016 US Border Patrol Special Operations Group (SOG) Law Enforcement Equipment and Technology Expo: Scheduled for 20/21 April. This is our top fundraiser each year. Pete is assembling the committee now.

2018 SFA Convention: Tentatively to be held in El Paso. Chair, Brian Kanof; Committee members are Bill, China Boy and Joe Kerwin Jr. Chapter voted to approve the project and move forward. We will pay for Brian to attend the Convention in June this year to make the pitch. National is excited that we finally want to host. We will reach out to SFA 80 to assist. “Visit El Paso” is “all in” to support this project. The best date for the City seems to be 11-17 June, 2018.

Chapter Appointments: Pete appointed Brian Kanof as Sergeant at Arms, Jerry Campos as Historian and Quartermaster and Tom Melgares as Membership Chairman.

11th Annual John McLaughlin Memorial Golf Tournament: Chair - Al Hobbs. Date selected for Underwood Golf Course 10 September 2016. Sign up with Al for early choice of committee assignments.

Veterans Service Organization: China Boy and Roy announced that they are certified Veteran Service Officers. Contact either of them if you have VA issues.

Donations: Derek Koukiessent us $100 for the Jerry Rainey Scholarship.

Chris Lewis Deployed Soldier Support: Al reported that Chris sent thanks for the 14 boxes with 100 gifts the VFW sent from several veterans groups including SFA 9.

Massing of the Colors: Will be 2 April 2016. More information to follow.

Castner Range: There is a move to make the range National Monument/Preserve. SFA 9 endorses the proposal. See Roy Aldridge for details.

Cathy Jo Lee Fundraiser: VFW 812 is holding a Spaghetti Dinner benefit for Cathy Jo on Wednesday 24 February from 1200 to 1600 hrs. $10 a plate. If you order 10 plates they will deliver them to you. Cathy Jo is a big supporter of the military and she needs financial help to combat her recent ovarian cancer diagnosis.

VFW Golf tournament: Post 812 has their golf tournament scheduled for 23 April (the weekend after the expo) at the Underwood course. $80 per player. Please consider supporting this event.

Chapter President's Message:

Our next big event is the SOG Expo scheduled for 20 and 21 April and we’ll need some major manpower for those two days. As in the last two years we will sponsor a dinner for the expo vendors on 19 April at the VFW. If you plan on providing manpower for the SOG Expo, come out and meet the vendors so you can get a jump start on who’s who. We’ll get some support from the SF recruiters but we need to be ready to work the event like last year.

After that we have the Chapter golf tournament scheduled for 10 September 2016. Al is the chair and it’s never too early to start working the streets to get sponsors. Bill should have sent you a copy of the golf flyer for both teams and sponsors. Push the issue that we have a website where they can go and pay for the team and sponsorship. For you members not here in El Paso please consider a hole sponsor for $100. Again you can go online and pay.

Please keep Andy and Fidencio in your thoughts and prayers as they face some health issues. De Oppresso Liber!

Pete Peral,
President, SFA Chapter IX

Chapter Meeting Notes - 19 December 2015

20th Annual Jerry Montoya/Ralph Dominguez Food Drive: On 16 December boxes were packed and distributed. 5 Fort Bliss soldiers going to the Special Forces Qualification Course helped load the vehicles. El Paso Junior ROTC, Camacho Head Start and Collins elementary school supported us this year. $1500 allocated for hams (Chuy) and other required expenses. Total boxes packed 83.

Wreaths Across America: Debbie (Rolando) Torres Chair for CAP. The Chapter sponsored 31 Wreaths this year 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 Special Forces Group Reunion: Ii is scheduled for El Paso in 2017. This will be the 3rd time we hosted. Ike Camacho – Chair. We will assemble the committee very soon.

Special Forces Association National Convention: Stay tuned for more news on Chapter IX possibly hosting the National Convention.

United States Army Sergeant Majors Academy (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.

U.S. Border Patrol Special Operations Group SOG Expo: Scheduled for 20 and 21 April 2016. This is our top fundraiser each year.

The Chapter hosted a impromptu party for SF ODA 0221, Border Patrol and DEA FAST at VFW 812 in December. About 40 members and guests attended.

President Pete’s Oval Office

Welcome to 2016. We put some mileage on our feet last year and 2016 doesn't look any slower. For those who were able to attend the Christmas party, I think it was a huge success so thank you to Steve Franzoni, Gracie and all the others who helped make it work. Our meeting is this Saturday and I hope we can start off 2016 with a full house.

We have some planning that we need to get started one being the 2017 1stGroup reunion. We also need to make the decision of the 2018 SF Convention, golf tournament, SOG expo, and so many other events that we host/support. I want to thank Tom Brady for stepping up for the last two years to serve as the chapter treasurer and now Ike for taking the bull by the horns. He’ll be needing a LOT of stubby pencils. Lastly I want to thank our brothers from Chapter 80 for attending our Christmas party and Rudy Reyes, President of Chapter 80 for doing the installation of officers. Let’s get this year going!!!

De Oppresso Liber!

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

Chaplains Corner - September 2015

God has said, “I will never leave you, nor will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

There are times when we find ourselves in tough and terrifying situations where we cannot see any activity of God around us, and are not sensing any presence of God. We begin to fear that God has left us all alone in a frightening situation. But, when we cry out in prayer to God for immediate help, God reassures us with His Promise in the Bible’s New Testament in Hebrews 13:5 “I will never leave you, nor will I forsake (abandon) you.” With God beside us, guiding us with each step, all of life’s difficulties can be resolved in accordance with God’s plan and purpose for our lives.

Through faith and trust in God’s Promises, we can conquer our anxieties and fears, place ourselves into God’s loving and protecting arms, receive the strength and courage to face life’s threatening situations, know with certainty that God has promised to never leave or abandon us when we find ourselves in those situations and ask God for His help. God ’s promises are truly faiths’ many anchors for the many storms of life.

A prayer for such times: O God, my heavenly Father, I come to you humbly, seeking the reassurance of your promise to never leave or abandon me. Then, being blessed with your reassurance promise, guide me safely through this tough and frightening situation. May your will be done. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Love you all,
John Szilvasy, Chaplain, SFA IX

2015 Jerry P. Rainey Memorial Scholarship Winners

Special Forces Association Chapter IX, the Isaac Camacho Chapter, hosts an annual scholarship for local college students. Named after Jerry P. Rainey a long time member and past president of this Chapter. Jerry, a Korean War and Vietnam veteran, was known for his service to others.

He succumbed to Leukemia, a result of his time in Vietnam, in March 2007. He is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Tammy and her husband Gil, daughter Stacy and her husband Jerry, son John and his wife Julie, six grandchildren, his family in the Special Forces Brotherhood.



The Chapter is honored to continuing recognition, this is the 8th annual award, of Jerry by presenting deserving college students each year with checks to assist in the continuation of their education. Nothing is more fitting to honor Jerry Rainey than to help college students.
 

Brigadier General Jon S. Lehr, the outgoing Commanding General of Joint Task Force North was this year's guest presenter. The picture at right is BG Lehr and Carol Rainey presenting the scholarship award to Roxana Stubbemann.

This year's Scholarship winners are:

Roxana Stubbemann, a Speech-Language Pathoogy major at at the Univesity of Texas at El Paso.

Diego Lopez, a Nursing major at the Univesity of Texas at El Paso.

Marisa Camacho, a Account, Business and Economics major at El Pas Community College.


The picture above is Carol Rainey, flanked by scholarship winners Roxana Stubbemann and Diego Lopez, and Carol's son-in-law Jerry Powers, and Grandson Dylan Rainey representing the Rainey family who could not attend.