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