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

Chaplains Corner - October 2017

Managing Your Anger With God's Help The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the Christians in Ephesus, “Don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil…..Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And, do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of salvation. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander - all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, and forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

This biblical approach to anger management helps to clear the air and restore relationships. When we keep God and His love involved in the situation, restoration of the relationship is more easily achieved. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Love you all,

Chaplain John Szilvasy

2017 Jerry P. Rainey Scholarship

The Jerry P. Rainey Scholarship Fund focuses on assisting qualifying students who display outstanding potential in their chosen major. Academic excellence, community involvement, and personal character are the primary considerations weighted for selecting a recipient.

Eligibility Requirements:

a. Must reside in the greater El Paso, Texas - Las Cruces, New Mexico area.

b. Must be enrolled in an accredited university, college or technical school.

c. Must have completed at least 24 credit hours of college coursework.

d. Must have maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

e. Must have contributed or are contributing to the local community.

f. Must not have previously been awarded the Jerry P. Rainey Scholarship.

Application Process. Submit an application packet no earlier than 15 May 2017 and no later than 15 June 2017. Send the completed application packet to the contact information listed on instructions you receive with the application packet form below. The application packet will include:

~ a completed application form;

~ proof of GPA through the Spring 2017 Semester;

~ proof of completion of at least 24 credit hours of college coursework;

~ written or typed essay, 500 words or less, describing contributions to the community and life goals;

~ and, reference letters from two members of the community other than family members.

Chapter IX will award three (3) scholarships of $1000 each on or before August 19th, 2017. 

Fill out the form below (name and e-mail) and click on 'continue' to request a scholarship application and packet. After you click on Continue, you will prompted to edit or confirm your name and e-mail address, once you verify that it is correct hit the 'Confirm' button in order to complete the scholarship application request process.   You will receive a packet through your e-mail within 24 hours.  Again, Application Packets must be returned no earlier than May 15th, 2017 and no later than June 15th, 2017. 

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Chaplains Corner - November 2016

“Trust me – I’m still in control”

I sure am glad the voting for president is over. I felt some relief after I had voted, but it was a short relief. It seems that every day was like riding a Yoyo – being played by persons I didn’t respect too highly. Trusting my loving Holy Father in Heaven, I went to Him in prayer and I thanked my Him for the peace of His presence and placed my frustrations and fears in His care. I felt a gentle peaceful renewal of my faith, and during my time with God in prayer, He gave me the following comforting words. He told me to continue to trust Him, because He is still in control of everything in His creation.

I felt my frustrations and fears slip away and I felt calm and loved by my God, as I did as He told me, everything turned out as I had hoped would be God’s Will for me and the USA. I am at peace with God and His plan for me, the USA, and His Church, and the world. My hope in this article is that when you feel you are in a similar situation as I was, you would remember the comforting words God gave me to move forward with my life.

“Trust me – I’m still in control”

Love You All;
Chaplain John

Chaplain's Corner - September 2016

This poem is a tribute to all of those people we knew and loved so much, who died not so long ago. It was read at my sister’s funeral service on September 26, 2015 in Hammond, Indiana. It is titled “Safely Home”, the Author unknown. ~ Chaplain John Szilvasy

I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely Home in Heaven at last.

Did you wonder I so calmly trod the valley of the shade? Oh! but Jesus’ love illumined every dark and fearful glade.

And He came Himself to meet me in that way so hard to tread; and with Jesus’ arm to lean on, could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must grieve so sorely, for I love you dearly still: try to look beyond earth’s shadows, pray to trust our Father’s Will.

There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand; do it now, while life remaineth – you shall rest in Jesus’ land.

When that work is all completed, He will gently call you home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting, oh the joy to see you come!

Chaplain's Corner March 2016 - Consequences of Freely Chosen Decisions

God created us with the freedom to make decisions for ourselves in all areas of life. We can use our freedom to choose to have a personal relationship with God or not. When we choose to live without a relationship with God, we must create a god of our own to determine right from wrong in our daily living. There are consequences to the decisions we make with our freedom to choose to determine who is the God we are choosing to be our personal God.

The Holy Bible tells us that to live without the one God who revealed Himself in Jesus, we are rejecting God and living in sin and will suffer eternal separation from God. Christians choose to accept as their God the God who revealed Himself fully in Jesus of Nazareth as stated in their Holy Bible. To know God, you must look to Jesus in the New Testament of the Holy Bible to know what God offers and expects from you. You will find that God wants to have a personal loving relationship with you that is based solely on faith in Jesus Christ who said he is the only way, the truth, and the life to know God. He offers you His forgiveness for the sins that you committed while you were rejecting Him and a relationship with Him that is based on faith in Jesus Christ to determine right from wrong in your life.

Once you confess your faith in Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, you have an eternal relationship with God and you receive God’s promise of eternal life with Him in heaven. Where will you spend eternity is your freely chosen decision to make here on earth?

Love you all….Chaplain John

R.I.P. Fidencio Gonzalez

It is our heartfelt duty to report the passing of long time SFA 9 Member Fedencio Gonzalez. He passed away on Sunday, 3 April 2016 in El Paso, Texas. Fidencio will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother and grandpa. He was born on August 30, 1928 to Jesus and Julia Gonzalez, and has one sister, Guadalupe Martinez. On January 11, 1947, Fidencio married Maria Luisa Loera and they had four children.

Fidencio began his 25 years of military service in 1943 with the Texas State Guard enlisting at 15 years old. He later served in the Navy, from 1945 until 1951, during WWII in the Asiatic Pacific theatre. Fidencio was an amateur boxer for the Navy in the Marshall Islands and later boxed for the Golden Gloves Pan American Optimist Team. He changed over to the Army, being assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and earned his silver wings in 1952. He then served in numerous units, mostly Military Police, in El Paso, Korea, Kansas, France and back to El Paso.

He became the military liaison for Juarez Mexico, the School of the Americas, then transferred to the 8th SF in Panama in 1964 where he served with SFA 9 Member Joe “China Boy” Lopez until 1968 when he came back home to home to El Paso, Texas. He served as a Civil Service Police Officer at William Beaumont Army Medical Center and attended the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) as a Liberal Arts Major. In 1997, he joined Special Forces Association-Isaac Camacho Chapter IX, Veterans of Foreign Wars-Post 812 and 82nd Benavidez/Patterson Airborne Chapter.

He is survived by his wife, Maria Luisa, his sons, Orlando (wife Alberta), grandsons Andrew and Calvin. Son, Ernesto (wife Mina), grandsons Lorenzo, Rogelio and Ben. Daughters, Martha (husband Tony Lara), extended grandchildren Melissa, Michael, Daniel and Victor. Daughter Irma (husband Ron Whiteley).

Fedencio Gonzalez and his constant smile and positive attitude will be missed by all whose lives he touched in his 88 years on Earth. The pictures above are of Fidencio as a young Paratrooper and in his later years enjoying a dance with his wife.

SFA Chapter Meeting Notes - 15 August 2015

10th Annual CSM(R) John McLaughlin Golf Tournament. This was a resounding success. Co-Chair Al Hobbs and Ike Camacho, plus Committee members Steve, Tom Brady and Gus did a great job and organizing and running this event. The Tournament was held Saturday, 29 August at Fort Bliss. 10th Anniversary polo shirts were presented to golfers. We expect to clear about 18K when the smoke clears.

1st Group Reunion: 1st Group Reunion 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.

SFA 9 Food Drive: Chair - Tom Melgares. Schedule right now is on 16 Dec we will pack boxes. He is working toward having the El Paso JR ROTC to support the SFA 9 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 and have a second.

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 is having a welcome party for the class on 19 SEP at 1400 after the SFA 9 meeting. The chapter WILL NOT be providing a meal after the September meeting but all are invited to stay for the USASMA meal. They have 640 students including 56 foreign students. We will meet with the SF attendees then.

SFA Convention 2018 – El Paso: Exploratory Committee Chair, Brian Kanof; members Bill, China Boy and Joe 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.

2015 Elite Tactical Challenge: SF SGM (ret) Tommy Buchino, owner and operator is Covenant Special Projects a defense and law enforcement training firm, is running it at his range, Tactical Ranch near Hueco Tanks State Park, for the second year and in support The Task Force Dagger Foundation. This will be held on 3 Oct 2015. State and Federal Agencies committing four man teams to compete are the US Border Patrol, US Marshals Service, FBI, US Army, Chapter voted to donate $1000 for sponsorship. Proceeds to benefit Task Force Dagger.

Compensate Friends Event: Rosie Ralston requested a donation. Chapter approved $100.

911 Ceremony: VFW 812 hosted a 911 event on Friday, 11 September. Various SFA members attended. Other attendees included Police, Firefighters and the Pipe and Drum unit in El Paso.

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.

Fiesta De Las Flores – 6 SEP: Gus Gonzalez served as Keynote Speaker. 20 members attended. 1SG Jesus Pedraza received one of the Soldier awards from State Representative Blanco. He has had numerous actions with SF and may join the Chapter.



Message from the Chapter President:

I harp on you guys, my brothers, all the time to support the chapter, support the VFW, join a committee etc. But what it boils down to is “What’s your priority”. Everyone does not have the same priorities. Brother Tony Lara and I had a great conversation this weekend while I visited him and Martha at their cabin in Ruidoso. We talked about the VFW and Chapter 9, and who makes those organizations a “priority”. I mention both organizations because most of you are duel members. Like in most organizations it’s 5% who do the heavy lifting and what I’m asking is to get that number higher.

As mentioned in Chaplain Sipantzis’ article “Be a tab qualified member and not a participant”. Some say “we always get the job done because we’re SF” and that may be true but it’s the 5% who see the battlefield oversights that the other 95% do not see. The 5% at the recent SF golf tournament and 9-11 remembrance at the post saw the “Opps” that happened, that may have been caught if the 5% was 10%. Everyone has priorities in life, just like the 5% who do the heavy lifting so lets help them out so we don’t burn them out.

De Oppresso Liber!

Pete Peral

Chapter Meeting Notes - 16 May 2015

USASMA: Derek passed out invitations for the Class 65 graduation at 0900 on 12 June and mentioned the VFW 812 USASMA party later that evening. SFA 9 is invited to attend and we donated $300 toward the cost. He is going to the 3rd SFG(A) upon graduation.

Jerry Rainey Scholarship – 9th year: Committee Chuy, Gus, Steve, Don and Sam Morgan as Committee Chair. Chapter will select and present 3 x $1000 scholarships at our August meeting. Open to current College students with 3.5 GPA with 24 credit hours or more, including Post Grad students.

1st Special Forces Group Reunion: 1st Group wants to hold their 2017 Reunion in El Paso again. Ike is making the early coordination and will attend the 2015 reunion from 5-9 June in Alexandria, VA.

Memorial Day and  Moose’s Birthday: 23 May, VFW hosted a Pig Roast Luau and numerous SFA 9 members attended.  The picture above of USASMA members and family performing in costume.

VFW Post 812 News: Commander Al Hobbs. 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 every Friday evening.

82nd News: Benavidez-Patterson All Airborne Chapter: Chairman Lee Walker. Chapter meets the 4th Saturday’s, lunch at 1300 and meeting at 1400. Chapter bar is open every Friday and Saturday from 1500 until whenever. The Chapter is gearing up for Fiesta 7, July 1-4, 2015, El Paso Wyndham.

Chapter President's Message: Welcome to June 2015 in beautiful El Paso. The weather is getting warmer and folks are getting out more which leads me to the 10th annual John McLaughlin golf tournament. 10 years is a long time to do anything year after year and being the “decade” event we need to do this right. Before we are in the constant 100 degree weather get out and visit those places that you patronize and ask for a sponsorship. Monetary, gift certificates, goody bag items (100 ea) and any other new items that can be given as a door prize or auction.

We are pushing forward on the land acquisition for the VFW Post 812 and Chapter 9. If the final decision is to build a “Team House” then we’ll be positioned to do that. If not at least we’ll have helped the VFW secure the land for future use.

I want to thank the chapter members who helped and attended the Luau hosted by the VFW and supported by the students of the USASMA class 65. Great food, entertainment, and comradeship. I’ll be attending the 2015 SFA Conference so hopefully I’ll have some good news for our next meeting. God bless and happy trails.

The SFA National convention in Portland was good, the next one will be in Jacksonville Florida from 12-19 June 2016. Some notes of interest from the meetings: It cost National around $30k per quarter to develop and mail the Drop. If you don’t collect them and just want a softcopy from the website let Cliff at National know and he’ll take you off the mailing list. Election due date for National will be 31 October 2015.

We as a chapter will do a mass mailing of the election forms once it comes out but if you want to mail in your ballot separately the name on the envelope (return address) must be the members name and address. Cliff’s assistant will pre-screen ballets by the members name and address as it shows on the National roster. If the return address does not match the info on the National roster the ballet will have to be opened separately by the election committee hence the need to have the return address match. If you’re not sure what the National roster has for your address call or e-mail Snider. If you would like to run for a National officer position you will need a SF Chapters backing OR a petition signed by 3 % of all SFA members.

One last thing, the 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 SFOutdoors.com. There were more info but it was mainly for the treasurer so I won’t bore you with those.

De Oppresso Liber!

Pete Peral, President, SFA Chapter IX

SFA Chapter Meeting Notes - 21 February 2015

New Members:   Phil Sloniger retired in El Paso and transferred to SFA 9 (He originally joined the Chapter in 1996 when he attended USASMA).  Nate Nathanson, an old Chapter IX member and SFA Life Member,  attended this meeting and left a $500 donation for the Jerry Rainey scholarship.


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


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 Hunter Green blazer go to this website and order: http://stores.uniformspro.com/-strse-MILITARY/Categories.bok   The Chapter still has 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.


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


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. They are assembling a book.


Border Patrol Special Operations Group LE Equipment and Technology Expo 2015 - short title is SOG Expo: President Pete has begun work on the Expo for May 6th and 7th, 2015.   The SOG Expo Golf Tournament will be 5 May;  Volunteers for the committee should see Pete. He have 116 tables committed for, so far.


Stay in Step Spinal Cord Injuries: MSG Alberto Gonzalez (JTFN) is supporting 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 March. If you wish to donate – link is: www.stayinstep.org


10th Annual CSM(R) John McLaughlin Golf Tournament: Co-Chair Al Hobbs & Ike Camacho: Committee Steve, Tom Brady & Gus. Tournament will be held Saturday, 29 August at Fort Bliss.


Special Olympics Sweetheart Dance: Chapter approved up to $1000 to sponsor the event held Saturday, 21 February. Numerous members attended.


USASMA: Derek will coordinate inviting all SOF related Soldiers attending the Academy to attend our April meeting.


Teamhouse Project:  Chair Steve Franzoni. Committee is finalizing the footprint with Cemax and will keep us updated of progress.


SFA Drop Magazine on line:  All members can access it at http://www.specialforcesassociation.org/drop/thedrop-3q2011/index.html


Fort Bliss Rid and Gun Club: Disability – Announcement that 100% lets you shoot free at Rod and Gun Club.


1st SF Group Reunion: Ike said 1st Group wants to hold their 2017 Reunion in El Paso again. Ike is making the early coordination.


SFA Dues: Tom and Bill reported that all but 5 members renewed on time this year.


82nd Association Fiesta 7: Chapter approved the purchase of a full page ad for the magazine. Pete put together the ad and we paid $100.


Bataan Death March: Mike requested that we assist SFA 80 again at water point 7. Get ready.  http://www.bataanmarch.com/   This will be held on 22 March 2015.  Water Point 17/Mile Marker 17 on HWY 70. Any members who can attend should provide their vehicle license to President Pete or VP Steve. Party will be at Mike’s house after the march is finished.


SFA National Convention:  4-10 June.  If you plan on attending you may want to make reservations now. This is the website for convention info: 

http://www.specialforcesassociation.org/about/membership/2015-sfa-convention/


President Pete’s Oval Office:


Welcome to March 2015. It seems the older you get the faster time fly’s, something isn’t right with that. With that said, May and the Expo is less than 2 months away. Then the VFW golf tournament on May 16, then our golf tournament in September. It may seem like a long way off but who can remember out Christmas party for 2014? I remember it like it was yesterday so May and September isn’t that far away. Let’s get going on teams and sponsors.


I want to address our finances for a minute. Like Bill says every month, “We are healthy” but with the planning of a team house and maintaining it, that “healthy” can fade away. One thing that we as a chapter have to our benefit is the partnership with the VFW Post 812. We need to keep that relationship alive and well. I’ve seen a few more bodies from Chapter 9 patronize the place for events like fun food Friday, or dances, fund raisers etc. but not nearly enough. We have a handful of members who visit the VFW regularly but hardly anyone at the meeting (for as big as our meeting are) or other functions. Our voice will be the deciding factor on building a team house on their property so we need more representation at the meeting and other function. The few cannot support the whole. Show your support.


Thank you all for your camaraderie and support. See you Saturday.


De Oppresso Liber!
Pete Peral, President SFA Chapter IX

Chapter Meeting Notes - 17 January 2015

Highlighting members. L to R, Ike Camacho, Ricky Smith and Jerry Montoya.


Teamhouse Committee: Chairman is Steve Franzoni; Committee members are Gus, Brian, Chuck, Tom, Tony, Al and Chuy; the committee is listing requirements for the 2800 square foot steel building (2 bath, office and 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 Fort Bliss. Chapter donates $200 each month for arts and crafts. Chapter voted to continue sponsorship for 2015.

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

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

Jerry Rainey Scholarship: Ike presented a $1000 check from Billy Waugh for the Rainey Scholarship fund.

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.

Border Patrol Special Operations Group (SOG) MWR Expo 2015: President Pete has begun work on the Expo for May 6 and 7 2015. An Expo Golf Tournament will be held on 5 May; Expo will be 6-7 May. Volunteers for the committee should see Pete.

Stay in Step Spinal Cord Injuries: 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

10th Annual CSM(R) John McLaughlin Golf Tournament: Co-Chair Al Hobbs and Ike Camacho; Committee members are Steve, Tom Brady & Gus. Tournament will be held Saturday, 29 August at Fort Bliss.

20th Annual Jerry Montoya/Ralph Dominguez Food Drive: Chair will be Naipo Robertson again. Committee Steve, Chuy and Tom Melgares.

Honorary Members: Chapter reviewed all Honorary Members and will retain all that are currently on the roster.

Special Olympics Sweetheart Dance: Chapter approved up to $1000 to sponsor the event.

USASMA: Chuck moved that we invite all SF related Soldiers attending the Academy to attend our April meeting. Passed. Derek will assist.

Lady Miners: Ike asked us to sponsor the Fast Pitch Softball. Cynthia Camacho plays on the team. Chapter donated $200.

International Museum of Art: Chaplain John suggested we attend the event where his wife is featured so we can become more “culturally sophisticated”., since most of us are practically heathens.

Joe "China Boy" Lopez’ Son: Pinned COL 16 February. He also serves with SF.

Chapter President's Message:

Well we start a new year going full speed. Let me tell you a story that I’ve mentioned awhile back; about 5 years ago, Chapter 9 voted to sponsor a Special Olympics fund raiser. I was asked if we have a banner for the Chapter and I remembered Jerry Montoya gave me a box with Chapter paraphernalia. In it was a Bible, a pair of jump boots and some other items. He also gave me a large banner which I thought was a Chapter banner (oh and by the way he gave me this stuff about two years BEFORE the fund raiser) but never opened it. When I did, it was an 8’ banner which read “Chapter 9 supports the Special Olympics”. I got chills. Anyway, it showed me that this chapter has been doing great things WAY before I came into the picture. Keep that in mind.

With that said, Chapter 9 is hosting a sweetheart dance for the Special Olympians this Saturday starting at 1700. Tony and Martha are providing the entertainment, the VFW providing the venue and I need our members to show their support. The kids (some older than me) are looking forward to this and it will enrich your life to spend some time with them. Please come and support. You don’t have to work but come have dinner and enjoy the company and music.

Ok, next in the door is the SOG expo, May 5-7, the VFW golf tournament on May 16th and our golf tournament in September, get out and support all three events. See ya Saturday and if not God bless and take care.

De Oppresso Liber!

Pete Peral, President SFA Chapter IX

Chaplain's Corner - May 2014

The following prayers were offered to God by Chaplain Szilvasy at a Memorial Ceremony at VFW 812 recently that honored three Medal of Honor recipients who were from the El Paso area:

Our heavenly Father, we thank you for this memorial ceremony to honor Medal of Honor recipients Michael Pena, Victor Espinoza, and Jesus Duran for their self-sacrificing valor in combat at great risk to their lives. We thank you, Lord, for enabling them with the power of your Holy Spirit, to distinguish themselves with heroic acts of bravery. They put aside all concern for their personal safety, and their selfless courageous acts saved the lives of many of their friends. Their actions were in keeping with the words of Jesus who said in the Gospel of John, chapter 15, verse 13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” The heroic acts of these men stand as an inspiration for us as we strive to serve God and Country within our military community.

Our heavenly Father, we are especially thankful for this special time to show our love and respect for Michael, Victor, and Jesus by our presence, thoughts, and prayers. They will always be alive in our cherished and precious memories. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen

Chaplains Corner - January 2014

American secularists and their anti-God socialism can be defeated with God's help. During the Nazi takeover of Germany, German Christians did nothing to stop the spread of German secularists with their anti-God socialism that eventually led to their defeat in World War II.

It appears that Americans have become brainwashed by American secularists with their anti-God socialist propaganda influence by the news media, teachers, university professors, and radical liberals.

It now seems that brainwashed Americans can hardly be aroused to fight and defeat these radical liberal socialists and regain their freedoms and rights. Instead they blindly obey these tyrants so willingly that they have not only lost their freedoms and rights, but have become totally dependent on the destructive forces of American secularism and anti-God socialism that is destroying our country and our Constitution.

All is not lost and hopeless. God has shown us a way out of this mess we have created by our sinful inactivity. We can begin by praying to God for His forgiveness and yielding to the leading of His Holy Spirit for guidance and courage. We can become politically active with our money, actions, and votes. We can elect candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to God and Christian moral values.

We, the people, can defeat the American secularists and their anti-God socialism with God’s help. God has already given us His solution that is recorded in the Holy Bible as follows:

"Blessed is the nation whose God is Lord” (Psalm 33:12a) and

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (Chronicles 7:14).

Chapter IX Chaplain John A. Szilvasy

Chapter Meeting Notes - 18 January 2014

Budget:  Chapter is healthy. Jerry Rainey Scholarship fund has $14,000. Nate Nathanson mailed $1,000 for the scholarship. Dues are now PAST due for 2014 (Late renewal is $35 total). Life membership is still a good deal at $430. It is $280 for members over age 65. New Member dues = $40. We spent $1,229 on the Food Drive (90 boxes) and $2,304 on the Christmas Party.

SF Room at VFW: Chairman is Steve Franzoni; Teamhouse Committee - Gus, Brian, Chuck, Tom, Tony and Chuy, the committee is hard at work trying to get a survey for the property and listing requirements for the structure.

Border Patrol Special Operations Group Law Enforcement Technology and Equipment Expo.  Will be held 29-30 April. SFA 9 will run it again this year. Events - 29 April 2014 is the Golf Outing at Butterfield. $55 per player.  See Steve Franzoni to help with booth set up. We need volunteers again.

Cell Phones: Motion was made to charge a round of drinks if a member’s cell phone rings during the meeting. Passed.

Jerry Rainey Scholarship: Sam Morgan volunteered to be Chairman for this project.

SOF K9 Memorial: VP Steve met with SGM (RET) Chuck Yerry (a chapter member who headed the fund raising efforts for the memorial and our chapter supported) for dinner in Fayetteville. “After dinner we went to the Special Operations Museum and Chuck showed us the SOF K9 Memorial. They have name stones for all the dogs lost in action to include the Interagency and Foreign SOF.”  See picture at top right of Chuck Yerry and the memorial he worked so hard to establish.

82nd News: Benavidez-Patterson All Airborne Chapter.  Chairman Lee Walker. Chapter meets the 4th Saturday’s, lunch at 1300 and meeting at 1400. Chapter bar is open every Friday and Saturday from 1500 until whenever.

VFW Post 812 News: 812 Commander Ramon “Moose” Saiz. 1st Sunday of every month is a fish fry from 1100-1400. Bar is open every evening. Moose is selling WWII shirts for $15. Al Hobbs is running for Commander since Moose is retiring.

Chapter President's Message:

It seems that the years are flying by now. We just held the SOG Expo and golf tournament and we are starting to plan for this year’s events. Ike and COL Gus are chairing the golf tournament and Sam Morgan volunteered to chair the scholarship. The scholarship is time intensive for the committee members but not a heavy lift for our members. The golf tournament and Expo on the other hand are HEAVY lifts so we need max participation. The Expo will be 29-30 April and Steve Franzoni is chairing that. We don’t really need a full blown committee for the Expo but we will need a lot of help on both days. The set-up will be the same as last year with help needed on the 29th around 1200 setting up and all day on the 30th. Please mark your calendar for those two days.

Ike and Gus are working on the dates for the golf tournament and as soon as that is confirmed we will get the flyers out for sponsorships. This is a member intensive event and I would challenge every member to get at least one hole sponsor. Lastly I want to update you on Trini’s daughter-in-law. She had a baby girl on the 8th and Trini was able to be there for the birth. That being said, she will not be cooking for the meeting BUT Martha and Tencha with the VFW’s Ladies Aux will pick up the slack, thank you ladies.

De Oppresso Liber!
Pete Peral

Chapter Meeting Notes - 19 October 2013

8th Annual CSM(R) John McLaughlin Memorial Golf Tournament. Tournament was held on 7 September at the Fort Bliss Underwood course. Profit this year was over 25K. Chairman Greg Brown is retiring from the project and needs replaced. These will be big shoes to fill.

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

Chapter IX Shirts, Coins, Mugs and Blazers: Shirts, mugs and coins are available. Coins are $10 each. Anyone needing a blazer needs to talk to Pete. We are also selling golf balls for $2.00 each, hats for $10.00, cups for $7.00 and green Chapter 9 shirts for $35.00.

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

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

Christmas Party: Scheduled for 21 December at VFW 812. Chairman Joe “China Boy” Lopez. He will get us quotes from the caterer. Chapter approved $1000 for front money.

18th Annual Ralph Dominguez/Jerry Montoya Food Drive: Chairman Naipo Robertson, Co-Chair Tom Melgares. Pablo Sanchez has a large truck and is on the committee. Other members are: Rod, Chuy, Leo, Steve and Sam. $1500 approved for approximately 75 boxes, hams and items that we don’t get donated. We will load boxes on 17 December and distribute them on the 18th. Pete has generated a solicitation letter for donations.

Wreaths Across America – Civil Air Patrol: Debbie Torres (Rolando) Chairperson. Ceremony will begin at 09:45 on Saturday, 14 December, so arrive at the Fort Bliss Cemetery early, to get a seat. Chapter will again sponsor all SF and Spouse wreaths this year. Donations must be received by 1 December. Debbie’s goal is 600 wreaths. This event is a Blazers and Berets event.

Chapter Elections: Tom nominated the current slate of officers for another term. Final nominations and voting will be in November and Installation of Officers, for the next 2 year term, takes place at the Christmas Party. Ballots will be emailed and sent snail mail to the dinosaurs without a computer.

SFA 9 Roster: Bill is finalizing the roster, please get him any changes you have ASAP, before we print.

Task Force Dagger Foundation: Created in McKinley, TX for wounded Vets. 95% of donations go to direct support. Brad made a motion to give them $500, second, passed.

82nd News: Benavidez-Patterson All Airborne Chapter.  Chairman Joe “China Boy” Lopez. Chapter meets the 4th Saturday’s, lunch at 1300 and meeting at 1400. Chapter bar is open every Friday and Saturday from 1500 until whenever.

VFW Post 812 News:  VFW Post 812 Commander Ramon “Moose” Saiz. 1st Sunday of every month is a fish fry from 1100-1400. Bar is open every evening.

Message from the Chapter President:

We are getting ready for the food basket drive and the Chapter Christmas party. Naipo Robertson is the chairman with Tom as his second. At the November meeting, they will have solicitation letters and they will be asking each chapter member to bring a case of can food. Naipo will have a list of what we need. China boy is handling the chow for the Chapter Christmas party and Trini has the entertainment part. We have the Lara band for sure and more to come.

Vice-Prez Steve Franzoni has the point on the Team Room and he needs help. We need figure out exactly how much property VFW Post 812 owns and then what/where can we build in that footprint. If you have experience dealing with the city on either issues please work with Steve.

I’ll be out of the net for two weeks in November so contact Steve Franzoni for any chapter business. Looking forward to our Christmas party and hopefully seeing some old friends.

Pete Peral

Chapter Meeting Notes - 16 February 2013

Picture at left:  SFA Chapter VXXX (80) presenting plaque to Chapter IX for support in 2012 Bataan Death March. 

SOG EXPO 2013: Scheduled for 1 May ( 0800-1700) & 2 May (0800-1700).  Day 1 (May 1st) is at the Centennial Club; Day 2 (May 2nd) is at Range 11 McGregor Base Camp.  The Chapter needs 10 volunteers, all day for the first event day, May 1st, which are the displays, as well as set up support for 30 April beginning at 1200 hours going through 1600 hours at the Centennial CLub on Biggs Army Airfield (East Fort Bliss).  There will also be a Golf Tournament at Butterfield Trails on 30 April at 0800 for the Expo vendors and Law Enforcement and Military representatives.

8th Annual CSM(R) John McLaughlin Memorial Golf Tournament. Chairman Greg Brown. Tournament will be on 7 September at the FT Bliss Underwood course. We will need the same sort of golf bag give away items as in the past for 100 participants, and raffle prizes. Prizes for winners will be the same as in the past. Greg handed out fliers.

Relaxation (R&R) Center Fort Bliss: AD Soldiers started a new class and still meet on Monday’s from 1100 hrs to 1600 hrs in Bldg. 48 at FT Bliss. Chapter donates $200 each month for arts & crafts.

Billy Waugh’s book “Isaac Camacho, an American Hero” is still available. Website http://www.isaaccamachoamericanhero.com

Chapter IX Shirts, Coins, Mugs & Blazers: Shirts, mugs and coins are available. Coins are $10 each. We ordered 100 more. Anyone needing a blazer needs to talk to Pete. We are also selling golf balls for $2.00 each, hats for $10.00, cups for $7.00 and green Chapter 9 shirts for $35.00. We keep them in Moose’s VFW office.

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

Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA) Chapter will be presenting VFW Post 812 a Korean War Memorial Stamp at Post 812 at 1400.

SFA National 2013 in San Antonio: In June our close friends in SFA 15 are hosting the convention and we need to support them. The HQ hotel is sold out but they secured an additional 100 rooms at the El Tropicano Hotel (877-214-9768). It is located a few blocks away from the Hyatt Regency but is still on the Riverwalk. It is a great deal at the $106.00 rate plus free full breakfast, free parking, and free wi-fi. A city bus shuttle that will take you to the main hotel is available in front of the Tropicano every 15 minutes, plus a river taxi is also available. Some are staying at rooms at the O’Brien Historic Riverwalk Hotel, thru Choice Hotels (800-521-2121) and if the 100 additional rooms fill up this may be the only reasonably priced option. Their rooms are available at $85 a night with $15 parking fee for the week. It is within walking or boating distance.

Jerry Rainey Scholarship: Chairman Greg Brown. We are going to advertise 2 x $500 scholarships and actually present 2 x $1,000.

SFA 9 Sign: No decision yet about the sign on the road (corner of McKelligon Canyon and Davis Seamon roads).

SF Room at VFW: Negotiations have begun – no decision yet.

Soldier Mentors Program: Tom discussed the mentor program with the El Paso Courts system for Soldiers who have no violent offenses for 8-12 months.

Veterans Summit: Al reported that 38 organizations are now involved. They are building a co-op. Fort Bliss is very involved.

New business: National Cemetery Flags: Roy requested we join with the other veteran groups to buy more flags. Motion for $300 for UAVO, passed.

Bataan Death March Water Point: SFA 80 requested we support them again this year. 17 March 0730-1300, water point # 7. Party will follow at Mike’s house. They also spoke about the 2nd ENG BN in White Sands. They have a long, rich history and they still hope to get a monument built for them.

Drone Operator Medal: Discussion about this ridiculous award they are creating was all negative.

Hector Lopez running for Mayor: Ike announced that his nephew is running for Mayor.

Wounded Warrior Raffle: Pete is selling tickets for SFCA 46. Raffle in 2013.

Chapter member Sam Morgan is running for NE City Representative: Anybody who wants to donate or help with his campaign, we can get a lot of mileage if one of our own gets elected. Early voting is 29 April-7 May, election is 11 May.

Message from the President.....Pete, not Barry.

We are on track for the upcoming events but let me put them in order; KWVA presentation of a Korean War Memorial Stamp 9 March 1400; Support for the Bataan march, 17 Mar 0730-1300; 29 Apr – 7 May early voting for El Paso city seats; 30 Apr & 1 May Expo support; National Convention June; Scholarship presenting in August; and the Wounded Warriors cruse in November.

One last thing for all chapter members but mainly for those living in the Northeast of El Paso. As a person who has lived in the NE of El Paso for 17 years I have seen the NE get less and less visibility for growth and benefits as the rest of El Paso grows dramatically. With our brother Sam Morgan running for the NE District 4 I believe we can see a change for the NE. I would encourage everyone to visit his web page sam@sammorgan.org and see what he’s all about.