CHAPTER XVI SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION THE SIXTEENTH … · 2014. 12. 4. · Christmas and a...

1 - Sixteenth Report

CHAPTER XVI SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION

THE SIXTEENTH REPORT

Serving Special Forces Brothers in the Great Northwest Since 1975

Chapter XVI

Special Forces Assoc. William R. Card Chapter

Post Office Box 33577

Fort Lewis, Washington 98433-0577 President William C. B. Gates............... (253) 931-8918 [email protected]

Vice President Jim Lessler.............................. (253) 813-0751 [email protected]

Secretary & Mailing List Charles R. Kraus Jr................. (253) 761-8876 [email protected]

Treasurer Dan Perry............................... (425) 657-0101 [email protected]

Advisory Board & Sergeant-at-Arms Open Chaplain & Illness/Death Notification Jacob W. Robinson................. (253) 565-3329 [email protected]

Chapter Drop Editor Open

Newsletter Editor Bart R. Heimsness................... (253) 227-6584 [email protected]

Online Net POC Dan Perry............................... (425) 657-0101 [email protected]

SFA POC & Membership Coordinator Bill Butler............................... (206) 948-1746 [email protected]

Quartermaster Mike Cassidy.......................... (360) 825-0366 [email protected]

Webmaster Bart R. Heimsness.................. (253) 227-6584 [email protected]

President’s Message...

Fellow SFA Chapter Members

It is December 2009; my goodness this year has gone by

fast! It has been very busy for all. We have had a lot of

fun at the Summer Picnic and other events. It also has

been sad because we have lost some members including

our good friend Mike Karr.

On a fun note, I finally got out last week to mix

work with fun on the ski slopes at Crystal Moun-

tain. See the inset photo.

For the past eight years it has been my privilege to

serve as your Chapter Vice President and Presi-

dent. However, now it is time to nominate a new

slate of potential officers for 2010 to 2012. Last

week at the monthly meeting we started the proc-

ess and nominated some to the initial slate. The

following have volunteered or tentatively volun-

teered to run for a leadership position:

Slate of Nominees

President: 1. Jim Lessler, 2. Open

Vice President: 1. Ron Rismon, 2. Dave Shell

Secretary: 1. Charles Kraus 2. John Patterson

Treasure & Membership Coordinator: 1. Paul Waldburger, 2. Open

I would like to have at least two candidates in each slot so we can generate

good discussion. You will note that we still have openings for the office of Presi-

dent and Treasure. In addition, I want to extend a big thank-you to those of

you that have volunteered to run for a leadership position.

During this season Stephanie, Sean and I want to take

this opportunity to wish all of the Members a very Merry

Christmas and a Prosperous and Happy New Year!! Cheers

Bill Gates President

December 2009 Volume 28, No. 12

2 - Sixteenth Report Visit the Chapter’s website at www.sfachap16.org

CHAPTER XVI, SFA

Chaplains Corner

THE FUTURE

Andre-Francois Raffray, a retired lawyer in Arles, France, made what any reasonable businessman would say was a sound financial decision. According to the Chicago Tribune, for a five-hundred-dollar–a-month an-nuity, he bought the rights to take over an apartment in Arles, France, on the death of its current resident. The woman living in the apartment was Jeanne Calment, age ninety. Actuarial tables predicting the mathematical probabilities of Jeanne Calment’s life span were clearly on the lawyer’s side. Thirty years later and $180,000 poorer, Raffray had still not moved into the apartment. On Tuesday, Febru-ary 21, 1995, Jeanne Calment celebrated her 120th birthday. She was verifiably the oldest person in the world. Each year on her birthday she sends Raffay a card that jokingly says, “Sorry I am still alive.” How little control we humans have of the future!

by Bart R. Heimsness

I come across a company that is run by a former SF guy—his name is Chuck Jenkins—and he is

based out of Florida. Their website is: www.uniformspro.com - and you will see he as a fairly de-cent selection of Special Forces products that you can order or even have them custom made. I have got him our Chapter 16 patch—so he can do the large green jackets via embroidery or silk screen-ing for us in the very near future.

They even have special order vests (pricy) that are 100% silk, cumber-bunds and bowties for formals in SF colors, the blazers with the SFA embroidered right onto the jackets, hats and a variety of other products that you can pick and choose from or even have items customized. Prices are definitely in line with all other dealers I have been searching—so stop on by and let em know you learned about it from our newsletter. Watch the blazers when you order—some of those not made in USA are really off on the colors—and you can see when you visit the site above—the difference in colors. I seen that when I visited the team house and looked at the different blazers we had on hand for sale—quite a difference depending on where they are made. Just remember the color is sup-posed to be Hunter Green—and I personally suggest made in USA. This company is also the supplier for the SFA itself.

CHAPTER XVI, SFA

Quartermaster Corner

"War can only be abolished through war, and in order to get rid

of the gun it is necessary to take up the gun."

- Mao Tse-Tung (Chairman Mao)

Nassau Bahama’s—Dec 09—Wounded Warrior Cruise II

So many different shades of blue

between the ocean and the sky—it was absolutely incredible.


Donation to Chap 16 Col and Mrs. John F. Saddler sent in

a $100 check in it in memory of

Mike Karr as donation to Chapter

16. Thank you so very much COL

and Mrs. Saddler.

Membership Dues I just received the first member-ship dues in the mail today, and it reminded me that the dues for next year, 2010, are due by 30JAN2010.

The annual renewal is $30.00. $35.00 if paid after Jan 30th.

Please add $10 for the newslet-ter, if you wish to receive it in the US Mail.

Dan Perry Treasurer Chapter XVI

TOPS KNIVES—will be donat-ing a knife for our annual picnic raffle this year. Thank you OJ and look forward to working with you much in the future.

Visit them at: www.TOPSKnives.com

SFA XVI

Balance Sheet as of 18 Dec 2009

CHAPTER XVI, SFA

Treasurers Report

ASSETS

Current Assets

Bank Accounts

00—Regular Savings 0.00

31—1 Year Certificate 0.00

32—12 Month Certificate 0.00

33– Super Bump Flex CD 0.00

7 Month Certificate 0.00

80—Checking Account 0.00

81 Choice Checking 0.00

Checking 12,376.72

Total Bank Accounts 13,823.72

Total Current Assets 13,823.72

TOTAL LIABILITES AND EQUITY 13,823.72

TOTAL ASSETS 13,823.72

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Liabilities

Total Liabilities

Equity

Opening Bal Equity 10,201.26

Retained Earnings 7,118.29

Net Income -3,495.83

Total Equity 13,823.72

Quartermaster 1,447.00


CALL TO ORDER: President Bill Gates called the meeting to order at 1115 hours. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: John Patterson led the members in repeating the Pledge of Allegiance OPENING PRAYER: Capt. Ron Ris-mon recited the SF Prayer WELCOME & PRESIDENT'S RE-PORT: Gates welcomed all to the meeting MEMBERS PRESENT: 10 SFA mem-bers present as follows: Ted Wicorek, Jim Lessler, Paul Waldburger, Dan Perry, Nick Marvais, John Patterson, Ron Rismon, Tom Regan, Steve Whitg and Bill Gates. WIVES PRESENT: 5 SFA wives pre-sent as follows: Steph Gates, Elaine Lessler, GG Waldburger, Debbie Perry, and Diane Regan. GUESTS: Reed & Pranee Johnson from Chapter 3, Thailand were present DEATHS, HOSPITALIZA-TIONS, OR SICK AT HOME: It was reported that Col Howard is seriously ill Pancreatic Cancer. SECRETARY'S REPORTS: Secretary Charles Kraus was not present but the secretary report for October 2009 meeting was circulated and accepted. Paul Waldburger recorded the minutes of the meeting for 12 December 2009 and President Gates transcribed his notes into a report. TREASURER'S REPORT: Treasure Dan Perry circulated the current bal-ance sheet for discussion and approval. Annual and newsletter dues are due. Checks should be made to Chapter 16 not national so the chapter can receive credit. Cash has been consolidated into the checking account. QM will keep a

QUARTERMASTER’S REPORT: Mike Cassidy provided a summary of the quartermaster expenditures, to in-clude the following purchase of polo shirts. It was noted that the Chapter 16 patch needs to be fixed so that the cross-bow is on the front. It was moved and seconded by the member-ship to order 5-inch SFA Ch. 16 patches for wind breakers of their own choice. In addition, it was moved and seconded to keep the heavy green jacket with SFA Ch. 16 patch on back. VLC: Ted Wicorek updated the mem-bership on what legislature attendant to veterans has been transpiring in Olym-pia. He noted that there is a reception on 15 January 2010 for the SFA lead-ership to meet with the legislators. President Gates asked VP Jim Lessler and Mike Cassidy to attend since Gates was scheduled to be TDY during that time. Ted noted that 22 pieces of legislation are in the works but there is no money to finance the leg-islation in 2010. OLD BUSINESS: Turned into new busi-ness.

POLICE CALL Jim, Dennis & Ted—taking a well deserved break. HEY—where did they get the coffee?

CHAPTER XVI, SFA

Meeting Minutes and other information


NEW BUSINESS

1. Nominating Committee: President Gates started the nomina-tion process for new Chapter offi-cers since the Holiday season was making it tough to get the nominat-ing committee together. Several names were nominated and Gates will contact those individuals to see if they will run for office. Those names will be released once they are contacted. The following is a draft of the slate of nominees: a. Slate of Nominees i. President: 1. Jim Lessler, 2. Open ii. Vice President: 1. Ron Ris-mon, 2. Dave Shell iii. 2nd VP: DCO iv. Secretary: 1. Charles Kraus 2. John Patterson v. Treasure & Membership Coordinator: 1. Paul Waldburger, 2. Open 2. Picnic 2010 a. Location – Patton’s Ranch b. 2nd Week in august, DTG: 14 August 2009 c. Committee Chair – Jim Lessler

(Bill Gates, Mike Cassidy, Paul Waldburger)

3. Capt. Ron Rismon asked the

members if Chapter 16 would provide financial help to redo the photo and plaque display on the garage door. This would require removing the present photos and plaques and rear-ranging the display to allow for more material. Cost would be about $1300. Some members voiced concern that only a por-tion of the plaques and photos belong to the Chapter. It was agreed by the members to table Capt. Ron’s request for further

discussion. 4. Jim Lessler and Reed John-

son gave an after action re-port on the wounded warrior cruse to the Caribbean that occurred in November 2009. There will be a series of stories in the upcoming newsletters.

5. Reed Johnson, Chapter 3 updated the members on the 46th Company history and current cruise plans for wounded warriors. There will be a raffle for next cruise in 2012.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE OR-DER: 1. Capt. Ron provided an after action report on Menton Day activities. 2. The chapter members elected to give the SFA Plaque for Mike Karr’s family to Dan Mckee, Mike’s close friend. Dan Perry will deliver the plaque. 50/50 DRAWING: Mike Cassidy won the 50-50 drawing. He put it back into the Chapter treasury.

CLOSING PRAYER: President Gates had everyone stand for a moment of silence to commemo-rate our fallen and past comrades.

MEETING ADJOURNED: President Gates adjourned the meeting at 1239 hours.

Jim Pontificating

Meeting 12 Dec 09

CHAPTER XVI, SFA

Meeting Minutes and other information


January Member Birthday

Jamar R. Adams James D. Bales, Jr. Michael J. Cassidy Ka_Leung Chan Glen K. Craig Brian N. Davis Hoa C. Dieu David W. Ezzell Craig J. Forster Jr MG David P.Fridovich William C. B. Gates Jordan L. Hyde Warren P. Lisenby David T. Litts Lun Van Lo Nickolas Marvais James L McLean Phillip R. Popp LTC Ralph E. Saner Jr. (Ret) John M. Smythe Charles W. Snyder Jr. Michael E. Wardle James E. Yates

January Spouse Birthday

Mandy Abshire Nancy Davis Yec Tong Deo Nongluk Dixon Koleen Elsberry Debra Ervin Gina Fernandez Marilyn Forster Sr. Opal Greene Candiya Grey Anne Handler Yvonne Heim Ilze Kalnins Phannee Karlman Angie Knipe Ruth Kuhlman Teri Libert Lien Thi Nguyen Lo Reiko Marvais Donna Melby Yoko Miani Chonghui Miller Diane Regan

Nina Reilley Coral Ryan-Taylor

January Spouse Birthday (Con’t)

Eileen Saner Monica Smithee Connie Wekell Katie Wendt Lori Wilson

January Anniversaries

Cortney and Janean Anderson Bruce and Deb. Barker II Michael and Karen Barkstrom David and Christina Barnes Steven and Sharon Epperson James and Maryiln Hanson Ronald and Merry Anne Harrison Sai and Hom Lo Leo Gene and Natha Lindsey Stanley and Eileen McEtchin Gregory and Margaret McGuire Joseph and Shelley Nacy Vance and Roberta Patterson Anthony and Debbie Pettengill Joseph Duc and Yen-Nguyen To Phan Thin and Rmah Blin Puih SGM David and Pornpan Shell Thomas and Anita Thurber Tommy and Kristin Woodrow

Special Christmas Message from

Pastor Butch

Here is an excerpt from my Christmas message… as I see the gift from Beth-lehem of Judea on that first Christmas as a gift to Chapter 16, the Special Forces Community, and the world. (NKJV) John 1:

14 And the Word became flesh

and dwelt among us, and we beheld

His glory, the glory as of the only be-

gotten of the Father, full of grace and

truth. That was the day that the divine became human. But it was the gifts of the Magi that seem to seal the baby’s fate. They presented him with precious gifts: In the gift of gold we see the wealth and power of a King of Kings. In the gift of frankincense we see His deity. In the gift of myrrh we see His suffering and death! Gold pointed to his majesty … for he is

king. Frankincense pointed to his de-

ity … for he is God.

Myrrh pointed to his humanity … for

he is destined to die.

The magi saw beyond the present and into the future as this child would one day rule the world. The magi wor-shiped the baby Jesus; and gave the honor due a king. What Herod craved, the baby Jesus freely received! Merry Christmas to all and to all a Blessed 2010. Pastor Butch SFA Chapter 16

CHAPTER XVI, SFA

Birthdays and Anniversaries


Christmas Stockings for

Wounded Warriors by Bart R. Heimsness 21 Nov 2009— I was given a call on 19 Nov—with a plea for finding someone to help bring some Christmas stock-ings down from Woodinville to Ta-coma for the Wounded Warriors on 21st of Nov. They had just received a call that their truck and driver were no longer available. Sooo— of course I have talked to this organization before and they have literally helped one of our guys from 1st SFG(A) that needed help—so how in the world could I tell them NO. Anyways—this group called Heart‐beat Serving Wounded Warriors—

does an annual Christmas Stockings for wounded warriors—I showed up there were a dozen people a few kids all putting items into Christmas stock‐ings. Very KOOL little operation—all volunteers as it should be—and I even waited an extra 30 mins as TV news channel 7 was coming out to do a story on them. The picture below you can see the camera man doing his filming. Well—when they were all done—with filming / interviews etc—they started bringing the boxes of Stockings out to my RV van. WOW—we filled it from

Front to back and nearly halfway full in height. So there were quite a few boxes of Christmas Stockings made—and they had already sent out a few van / trucks earlier in the day. The stockings were all made and do-nated by a local group of ladies that do sewing etc. Some very nice stockings for sure. The stockings included items like: Hand held games Christmas candy Music CDs Fudge Sports X-Box Games Popcorn Disposable camera Nuts Note cards Fruit – fresh/dehydrated Postage stamps Phone card Shower gel/Fragrant bath oil beads DVDs Shaving gel Christmas decorations Good razor (men/women) Canned fruit or pudding cups Restaurant certificates Movie certificate Maybe next year if anyone is inter-ested in this program—check out their website www.heartbeat forwarr iors.org

CHAPTER XVI, SFA

Chapter Happenings / Events / Members News

Wounded Warrior Cruise II By Bart R. Heimsness

Chapter 16 had the honor of spon-soring a wounded warrior from our very own ranks. Jesse Prater and his wife Hyejee from 1st SFG(A) - Ft. Lewis, WA were met on board by Jim & Elayne Lessler—Bart & Patty Heimsness all from Chap 16 and also by Bart’s parents Ray & Cecelia Heimsness who were cele-brating their 50th anniversary and

were treated to their first cruise by their children. Let me tell you – Jesse and Hyejee Parter were a true pleasure to meet and get to talk to on the cruise. Only wish I had more time to really get to know them over this short time. Jesse is still an active duty soldier with 1st SFG(A) here at Ft. Lewis—though still recovering—he is due to return to the sand box for another tour of duty by 1st of the new year. Jesse is definitely a warrior and one we as former SF soldiers can be extremely proud of—as were all of our wounded warrior veterans on this cruise. I will be dropping arti-cles about the cruise through out the year with more pictures—so stay tuned for more info on our sponsored guests and the cruise.


By Dan McKee

It was the night before moving MSG R. Michael Karr to his final resting spot. The skies were dark, the wind was blowing, and it was raining proverbial cats and dogs. I was wondering how the next morning was going to be when we were having Mike’s services. About 4am I awoke to the sound of very heavy rain and I knew we were going to get a good dousing of tears dropped upon us because of the loss of a very dedi-

cated, loyal, generous friend and acquaintance of many years. I would not be the only one that will be missing this man; the world will be enduring a loss. As the morning progressed the rain started to lighten and by the time that I was leaving for Mount Tahoma National Cemetery it had lessened to a light sporadic sprinkle. This made me happy as I had made a request for a rain-free period while we put Mike to rest. By the time I arrived at the cemetery, the rain had totally quit and the gray clouds were open-ing up to let the sun shine thru. I was a very happy man at this time! As we were getting the vehicles lined up for the procession to Shelter 4, I noticed that these large, dark rain clouds had changed their direction of movement….they were moving from West to East as if they were being directed to circum-vent the cemetery. The sun came out and everything was in a bright blanket of light. He was answering my wish. He was getting ready to receive Mike. We proceeded to Shelter 4 for the services and I noticed a line of vehicles that went beyond my vision. Mike had a lot of friends and a large number of them were there to see Mike on his way to the Promised Land. The services started with Chaplin Jake (Chapter XVI) welcoming everyone. The National Anthem was then played fol-lowed by a very strong, and inspiring, Invocation by Pastor Butch Hall. Chaplin Jake then did the reading of two poems. One was “I Am Not Forgotten”, written by LTC Richard Laurens Kirk, US Army, the second was called “An ODE to the Departed”, written by Jim Ringland, President SFA Chapter 82 and old friend of Mike’s. Following the readings, The Piping Duo played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes. Chaplin Jake then read the Eulogy followed by the playing of the “Ballad of the Green Beret” The burial flag was unfolded and refolded over Mike’s Urn and then presented to me. Once the flag was presented, the rifle team fired the volley of rounds. In the background you could hear the sounding of TAPS. Pastor Butch Hall then did the Benediction. Chaplin Jake then announced the completion of the services and thanked everyone for attending. We then left the shelter and proceeded to Columbaria Wall ‘H’, Row C, Niche 148 and placed Mike’s Urn inside. I also placed Mike’s favorite hat inside with him. It was a beautiful service and a beautiful day that was filled with both happiness and sadness. My thanks go out to all those members of Chapter XVI and the 1st Airborne Group from Fort Lewis for their assistance in bringing all of this together, not for me, but for MSG R. Michael Karr.

Rest in Peace my friend.


Mike Karr’s Memorial Service by Fred Callahan The following attended the memorial for Mike. I hope I have all the names SPELLED correctly as some are rather hard to read. Also some pic-tures. If there were others there I did-n't get their name, my apologies Dan McKee Fred Callahan Bill and Stepanie Gates Charles Kraus Juan Fernandez Jake Robinson Ramiro Alonso SaWon Chang Eulis Presley Jorge L Calero Bill Smith Bob Dimond Tom and Diane Regan Paul Kalnins Bill Butler Ted Jackson Don Bastin Moderto Sanchez John Chestnutt Jahn A. Larson Mike and Joy Cassidy Tom Thuber Ted Wicorek Kie Van Nyugen Butch Hall Robert Ferguson Wayne and Yoko Karvonen Nick Marvais LTC Dennis Heaney Roland Nuqui Arne Lyshall USMC Cpt Jean Thong USAF John and Suzzanne Armazzani Kevin and Emily Patton Tim Ohno and Stephen Lnieann Terrado (lnischanna and Fredri'oni) and Fred Terrado Msg Ken Garcy John Cuskelly Paul and GG Waldburger Bill Brockway Ed and Erma Booth

DETAIL FROM 1st GP SSG Chris Huynh SGT Krith Debastiani SSG Ryan Alexander SSG James Chally SGT Harminder Singh SSG Robert Doolan SFC John Munoz MSG Tom Williams SGM David Shell

CHAPTER XVI, SFA

Chapter Happenings / Events


Swimming with the dolphins at Atlantis. By Jim Lessler

It was a beautiful day at Nassau harbor. Elaine and I along with 3 wounded warrior couples walked down the gangway to our shuttle bus headed for the beautiful Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Upon arriving at the Atlantis Resort, we set off through the hotel lobby, casino and magnificent grounds to Dolphin Cay. We received a lecture on the dolphins and given wet suits for our adventure. We walked down the beach to one of the largest dolphin habitats in the world. We lined up next to our new found friends from the ship and the trainer waiting for the dolphins to come to us. Elaine and I were standing next to Jesse and Hyejee Prater. Jesse is the wounded warrior which SFA Chapter 16 sponsored. SFC Prater 1st SF Group, who was badly injured in Iraq, is a shining example of the drive and determination of our current generation of SF war-riors. He is also an all around great guy to get to know.

We enjoyed watching the dol-phins show off their tricks at the commands of their train-ers. It was a great experience being in the same water as these beautiful 600 lb. dol-phins as they were showing off their skills. Our dolphin's name was Hercules who was about 11 years old. It was a thrill to have Hercules come up to each one of us and we were able to touch, hug, and even kiss him. We had more than a half an hour with our dolphin. We all gained more respect and appreciation for these beautiful animals. We all agreed that we had one of

the best times of our lives that day in the Bahamas. I was especially proud of our wounded warriors. Mark, an EOD specialist, who is a double amputee, was ea-ger to show off his new swimming legs. These were specially designed out of titanium. It was quite a sight seeing him on his walking legs with his swimming legs sticking out of the top of his day pack. The more time I spent with these guys and their wives, the more appreciation I gained for what they went through and what they accomplished to join us on this cruise. After our dolphin encounter, we all went our own ways to explore this fantastic resort. It has a nice beach, one of the biggest salt water aquariums in the Caribbean and the biggest water park. Some went to the casino and others to the many shops. We got Ben & Jerri's ice cream on the way to our shuttle. We finally left on the last shuttle for the boat and ended up running down the Pier to the most remote docking area where we made it just in time. We were sitting in the dining room half an hour after hitting the gangway and enjoying great food, wine and good company. A terrific way to end the day. Many more cruise photos available at: http://46thsfca.org/

CHAPTER XVI, SFA

Other member stories of interest


UPCOMING EVENTS

29 Jan 2010 —1100 hrs Dinosaur Luncheon Ft. Lewis Golf Course 2 Jan 2010 —0900 hrs. Wright Memorial Breakfast

Ft. Lewis Golf Course 13 Feb 2010 —0800 hrs Adopt—A—Road Junction of Lake Holm Rd. and Au-burn Black Diamond Road: From Hwy 18 about 1/4 mile SW of Green River Bridge take Auburn Black Diamond Rd. exit. Go east on Auburn Black Diamond Rd to first traffic light. This is our meeting place to start po-lice call.

13 Feb 2010 —1100 hrs—meeting—1130 hrs—Pot Luck. Chapter Meeting & Pot Luck

Dinner—check website for directions or call one of the board members

Future and Other SFA /

Group activities can be viewed on our website—visit the calendar and events from our chapter web-site. http://sfachap16.org/chap16.htm 7—12 June 2010—SFA National Convention—Fayetteville, NC 30 Oct—14 Nov 2010 Wounded Warriors R&R—46th SFCA/JCRC—Thailand

1st SFG(A) 18 Dec 09

The Army announced today the planned activation of the 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group. This force structure action represents a net in-crease of 432 military authorizations and four civilian authorizations at Fort Lewis, Wash., and two civilian au-thorizations at Yakima Training Cen-ter, Wash. Implementation of these changes is expected to be completed in August 2011. For more information, contact Lt. Col. Lee Packnett, 703-614-2487, Army Public Affairs.

O.A.S.I.S. Group by Bart R. Heimsness

O.A.S.I.S. (Operation Advocates Sup-porting Injured Soldiers) Group was established right here in WA State by members of Chapter 43 and 16. What we do: Advice and assistance to current

and former SOF members and EX-POW's for claims filed with the VA

Advice and assistance to surviving family members of former SOF members and EX-POW's for claims filed with the VA

Provide representation for appeals filed with Board of Veterans Af-fairs (BVA)

Provide advice and assistance with regards to claims filed for Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC)

Provide informational briefings to; Active duty SOF Fraternal / Veterans Or-

ganizations

Visit their website at: www.OASISGrp.org

ID CARD NUMBERS Update 03: In response to an increasing awareness of the growing need to protect the safety of service members, retirees and their families’ identity information, the De-partment of Defense is beginning to remove Social Security numbers from its identification cards. The removal is being done in phases as computer soft-ware is modified. Phase One is under way and involves removing the family member’s number and replacing it with “XXX-XX-XXXX” on the card. The sponsor’s number will remain visible for now. Phase Two involves removing all printed Social Security numbers beginning later this year. Both the sponsor and cardholder num-bers will be replaced with “XXX-XX-XXXX.” Phase Three, set to begin in 2012, will involve removing Social Security numbers embedded in bar-codes. In JAN 2010, retirees with an indefinite expiration date on their card can begin requesting a new card with-out a printed Social Security number. Family member ID cards will change when the cardholders’ expired cards are renewed. There are more than 1,500 ID card centers worldwide. To find the nearest center, visit the RAP-IDS site locator at www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/owa/home . People must present two forms of identification and one must be an unexpired federal- or state-issued photo ID. Specific guidance is published in the Air Force Instruction 36-3026-IP, June 17, 2009.

WHO said Cruises aren’t FUN?

Patty Heimsness teaching one of the younger ladies on the cruise how to live it up.

CHAPTER XVI, SFA

Other news and information


CHAPTER XVI, SFA

Other news and information

SF Blazer and uses By Bart R. Heimsness

It has actually been a relatively busy month for Chapter 16 members—Mike Karr’s funeral service, Wounded Warrior Cruise, Toy & Stocking events for our wounded warriors, Skyway VFW get together—all attended by different Chapter 16 members. Here are a few pics of our members in their blazers—imagine if all of us were in them for these func-tions—we would bring a lot more attention to ourselves as a professional organization of professional soldiers.

Right side—Bart R. & Patty Heimsness are ready for Italian Night on the Wounded Warrior Cruise.

Left—you can see a couple of blazers and our jackets—on members that at-tending Mike Karr’s services.

SFA Blazer by Bart R. Heimsness

We have all seen them—some members wear them with pride—and we have events such as memorial day, veterans day parades, memorials for our fallen and passing com-rades to which we should all be wearing the blazers with pride. If you do not have your SFA Blazer—don’t wait on quartermaster to show up and have a wide selection—take the time to jump on line—do a search for Hunter Green Blazer the official color blazer of the SFA.

On the Quatermaster Corner—I linked a company owned by a fellow SF soldier—Casual Wear Unlimited—Their website is: www.uniformspro.com—stop on by and or-der your SF Blazer for our future events.

Here is Jim Lessler—with Maj Gerry Tuck and Jesse Prater—both wounded warriors from 1st SFG(A). Both of these young soldiers are still on active duty and scheduled to return to the sand box in next 2-3 weeks. Jesse Prater and his lovely wife Hyejee were sponsored by Chapter 16—and I can assure you they have a great time. MAJ Gerry Tuck and his wife—were sponsored by the Skyway VFW post 9430—in Seattle.


The Sixteenth Report

Chapter XVI

Special Forces Association

Post Office Box 33577

Fort Lewis, WA 98433-0577

TO: Future Chapter XVI Events

Dinosaurs’ Luncheon

Day: Last Friday of each month Time: 1100 hours Place: Fort Lewis Golf Course: From I-5 about four miles south of Ft. Lewis Main Gate take Exit 116 (Mounds Road). Golf Course is on west side of I-5.

Wright Memorial Breakfast

Day: First Saturday of each month Time: 0900 hours Place: Fort Lewis Golf Course (see directions above)

Chapter Adopt-A-Road Program

Day: 2nd Saturday of even-numbered months except August Time: 0800 hours Place: Junction of Lake Holm Rd. and Auburn Black Diamond Road: From Hwy 18 about 1/4 mile SW of Green River Bridge take Auburn Black Diamond Rd. exit. Go east on Auburn Black Diamond Rd to first traffic light. This is our meeting place to start police call.

Chapter Meeting & Pot Luck Dinner

Day: Second Saturday of even-numbered months Time: 1100 hours Meeting; 1130 hours Dinner Place: Capt Ron’s Rec Room, 17650 SE 295th St, Kent, WA:

From I-5 traveling north toward Seattle, take Exit 142A on to State Hwy. 18. Traveling south on I-5 toward Tacoma take Exit 142B and turn left onto State Hwy. 18. Go approx 11 miles on Hwy. 18 to the State Hwy. 516 (Kent Kangley Rd.) exit. Turn right onto Hwy. 516 and go east about 1/2 mile to SE Wax Road (there will be a McDonalds on your right). Turn right onto SE Wax Road. At the end of wax Road, turn left onto SE Covington-Sawyer Road. Follow Covington-Sawyer for about a mile to a sign on the right that reads 179th PL SE/AIRPORT. Turn right and then bear right at the Y ahead. Continue on 288th PL to 176th Ave SE. Bear left and proceed to SE 295th Street and turn left again. 295th ends in a cul-de-sac. To the left is the team house. 253-630-0570

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CHAPTER XVI SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION THE SIXTEENTH … · 2014. 12. 4. · Christmas and a...

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