Upload
others
View
0
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
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
Webmaster
Bart R. Heimsness.................. (253) 227-6584 [email protected]
President’s Message...
On 24 October 2009 Chapter 16 and our SF family lost a
dear friend. Mike Karr passed away from complications
exacerbated by the extreme heat injury that he sustained
on 29 July 2009 while volunteering at the Maytown Rest
Stop on I-5. Mike will be truly missed.
He was an authentic curmudgeon and he was our cur-
mudgeon. The SF community was Mike’s family. Although Mike had a rough
exterior he had a heart of gold. Mike donated more personal time and money to
worthy SF causes then we will ever know. When ever there was a need he
would jump and help or donate funds. We missed him at the Auburn Veterans
Parade this year; this was the first time in many years that he was absent. He
was always there to support the troops.
Mike was very active in promoting and volunteering his time at the coffee rest
stops along I-5. He would successfully canvas the local supermarkets such as
Safeway, Costco and the like asking for donations of coffee and cookies to sup-
port our rest stop venture. As president of Chapter 16, he was a constant pain
in my ass for good reason because he cared about us and how things were done
in the Chapter.
For his service to the Special Forces Community, we were happy to nominate
Mike for the Saint Philip of Neri Award. We were extremely pleased to hear
that on 11 June 2009 at the National SFA Convention he was awarded the cov-
eted Silver Medal. Unfortunately, Mike was feeling a little under the weather,
and left before his award was announced. However, in August, the Chapter 16
officers presented Mike the medal while he was in the hospital.
The following is from the nomination and it really sums up Mike and his career
with Army and SF. Mike we will all miss you!! Good Luck on your next adven-
ture.
Cheers
Bill Gates
President
Sep / Oct / Nov 2009 Volume 28, No. 9, 10, 11
2 - Sixteenth Report Visit the Chapter’s website at www.sfachap16.org
Nomination of Mike Karr for the Saint Philip of Neri Award
R. Michael Karr MSG(R) was a long time supporter of the
Special Forces Association, U.S. Army Special Forces, and a
life long patriot. His dedication to the Special Forces Com-
munity was a milestone legacy for present and future mem-
bers to emulate. Ralph Michael "Mike" Karr was a retired
MSG with over 20 years of service to the U.S. Army.
His tenure stretches from joining the military in October of
1946, serving as an infantryman in the 6th I.D. from 1947-
53 in Austria and Korea. Mike was a Korean War Veteran
and during the war manned a heavy machine gun. He at-
tended Airborne School in 1954 where he became cadre
until joining the 77th Special Forces at Ft. Bragg from 1956
-57. He was then assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group
at Bad Tolz, Germany where he was a member of Detach-
ment. "A" Berlin from 1957-60. Upon returning to the U.S.
Mike became an M.I. Soldier from 1960 to 1969 serving in
the 82 Airborne Division 1960-63, Germany from 1963-
1966, the Republic of Vietnam from 1966-67, after returning state side he retired in Albuquerque, NM in 1969.
Mike joined Chapter XVI, William Card Memorial Chapter, of the Special Forces Association in 1991. Since that time he has served
as the Chapter President, from 1993-1995, and the membership coordinator from 1995 to his passing on 24 October 2009. Mike was
extremely active within the Chapter and is known for being one of the most tenacious and selfless members. Mike worked tirelessly
as the Chapter Membership coordinator. He dedicated countless hours toward reaching out to current and new membership and
their families ensuring they receive the most up-to-date Chapter news and information. Mike kept his finger on the pulse of the or-
ganization providing membership with current events from the National Office and numerous other Association Chapters.
Mike was committed to history and lineage of Special Forces. He volunteered his time and personal funds making contact with ac-
tive duty and reserve Special Forces Groups distributing the history and lineage of Special Forces, "Giant Oaks From Tiny Acorns
Grow.” Mike was huge supporter and advocate of the Special Forces Branch Historical and Memorial Museum Association. His
continuous contributions and forthright interaction with active duty and Special Forces Alumni provided invaluable education to the
community at large.
Mike was pro-active in the community in which he lived. He is focused on helping and assisting others with the same regard and
courtesy that is displayed by our active duty warriors, as they provide ambassadorship for our nation abroad. He constantly gave to
Chapter events. Whether the Chapter was supporting community service activities or internal events, he reached into his pocket or
heart and extended a genuine, thoughtful, and caring gesture. Mike wasn’t a rich man or a celebrity but he's enriched our lives and
was an “A” list personality representing the epitome of a Special Forces Soldier. He was a shining example of what makes Special
Forces and America Great.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Mike Karr Photo by Bart R. Heimsness
Mike had asked me to take these pictures about a year ago—this was one of my favorites of the
bunch—it was not easy to get him to just take a picture smiling—as many of you know—but it was
natural to see him smiling any time he was around his Special Forces Brothers and his friends.
CHAPTER XVI, SFA
Ralph “Mike” Karr—Nomination
3 - Sixteenth Report
CHAPTER XVI, SFA
Chaplains Corner
GARBAGE TRUCK LAW by Chaplain Jake
One day I hopped in a taxi and took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a
parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver
of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy.
And I mean, he was really
friendly. So I asked, “Why did
you just do that? This guy al-
most ruined your car and sent
us to the hospital!” This is
when my taxi driver taught me
what I now call, “The Law of
the Garbage Truck.”
He explained that many people
are like garbage trucks. They
run around full of garbage, full
of frustration, full of anger, and
full of disappointment. As their
garbage piles up, they need a
place to dump it and sometimes
they’ll dump it on you. Don’t
take it personally. Just smile,
wave, wish them well, and
move on. Don’t take their gar-
bage and spread it to other peo-
ple at work, at home, or on the
streets.
The bottom line is that success-
ful people do not let garbage
trucks take over their day.
Life’s too short to wake up in
the morning with regrets, so…
Love the people who treat you
right. Love the ones who don’t.
Life is ten percent what you
make it and ninety percent how
you take it!
Have a garbage free day
4 - Sixteenth Report Visit the Chapter’s website at www.sfachap16.org
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
Memorial Wall Ceremony—at 1st SFG(A)
Compound
SFA XVI
Balance Sheet as of 6 Nov 2009
CHAPTER XVI, SFA
Treasurers Report
ASSETS
Current Assets
Bank Accounts
00—Regular Savings 84.67
31—1 Year Certificate 0.00
32—12 Month Certificate 1,442,91
33– Super Bump Flex CD 8,382.10
7 Month Certificate 2,009.10
80—Checking Account 403.32
81 Choice Checking 2,465.96
Checking 1,509.09
Total Bank Accounts 16,297.90
Total Current Assets 16,297.90
TOTAL LIABILITES AND EQ-
UITY
16,297.90
TOTAL ASSETS 16,297.90
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities
Total Liabilities
Equity
Opening Bal Equity 8,754.26
Retained Earnings 7,118.29
Net Income 425.35
Total Equity 16,297.90
5 - Sixteenth Report
December Anniversaries
David and Jacqueline Crooker II
Thomas and Nongluk Dixon
Derek and Koleen Elsberry
Wolfgang and Hanalore Gartner
Lincoln and Cindy Glenister
Robert and Anne Handler
Paul and Ilze Kalnins
Manfred and Renate Kropp
Hoa Van and Lien Thi Lo
Reginald and Kimberly MacDonald
James and Debbie McDaniel
Roger and Donna Melby
Lino and Yoko Miani
Carl E.and MoMoYo Mires
Eutemio and Khampho Ohno
Daniel and Rebecca Osborne
Orville and Coral Ryan-Taylor
John and Teri Sanchez
Ralph and Erline Saner Jr.
Roy and Maureen Sayer
Albert and Shoko Schoch
Joseph and Denise Smith
Joseph and Staci Sokol
Duncan and Patti Squire
Mark and Dana Terry
Hoang T. Truong and Tuyen Nguyen
John and Brenda Uhrig
Jeff and Jeanette Wachter
Michael and Stacey Wiley
Hoang T. Truong
Michael E. Wilbur
December Member Birthdays
Neal G. Beard
Norlan Biller
Douglas C. Cannon III
Mary M. Caudill
Tadge L. Cochran
Robert M. Crowley
John and Lenore Cuskelly
Edwin J. Deedrick
Gary A. Delph
Robert E. Fitzgerald
Edward J Fleming
William D. Franklin
Orlando R. Goodwin
John W. Greenbush
Robert I. Handler
Charles A. Harrington
Lee R. Kenner
Robert J. Kerr
Christian D. Knutzen
Charles Kraus
Manfred Kropp
Stephen P. Kubiszewski
John R. Libert
Jeff W. Mathis III
Samuel K. McElravy
Ronald T. Nakahara
Thuy V. Nguyen
Gary H. Scott
Eric Self
Duncan RF Squire
Thomas L. Thurber
Mark L. McIntyre
Lino Miani
Carl E. Mires
Mrs.Cynthia Moinette
William R. Moore
Dennis W. Morgan
Lynn L. Munoz
Richard J. Orlando
Michael V. Riel
Orville L. Ryan-Taylor
Albert L. Schoch
December Spouses Birthdays
Karen Barkstrom
Cheryl Berry
Sue Brockway
Angie Bulaon
Hazel Decker
Darlene Delap
Joanne Dimond
Carolyn Dreps
Shelia Emmons
Sharon Eperson
Merry Anne Harrison
Kiristina Henke
Kathleen Lisenby
Kimberly MacDonald
Carolyn A. Noble
Chizuko Nuqui
Shoko Schoch
Dana Terry
Kyong Weeks
Virginia Wheeler
Susan Wright
Felicia Yates
Political Quote
“If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything”. - Mark Twain
CHAPTER XVI, SFA
Birthdays and Anniversaries
6 - Sixteenth Report Visit the Chapter’s website at www.sfachap16.org
CHAPTER XVI, SFA
Birthdays and Anniversaries (Continued)
November Anniversaries
R. Scott and Chongsun Abbott
David and Evelyn Adkins
Jeff and Robin Conti
Corrine and Dan Farmer
Billy J. Frye
Charles and Christina Harrison
Jeff and Gina Hasler
Chris and Yvonne Heim
Bart and Patty Heimsness
Jeff and Kristina Henke
Bob and Kate Hom
Wayne and Yoko Karvonen
Walter and Penny Ostrander
Roger and Barbara Quesenberry
Ronald and Chris Reule
Jacob and Hye Tong Robinson
Hugo and Christina Sills
Craig and Maureen Vanek
Gary and Nolene Vena
Greg and Lori Wilson
Bud and Mary Lawson
Elroy and Susan Leoppard
Choi V and Hich Luong Ly
Ronald and Hisako Nakahara
Kiet Van and Thuy Nguyen
Roy and Judy Norman
On Nov. 22, 1963, President John F. Ken-
nedy was assassinated while riding in a
motorcade in Dallas. Suspected gunman
Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested. Vice
President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in
as the 36th president of the United States.
November Member Birthdays
Alexander T. Antipa
A. Ray Ault
James M. Bray
Roger L. Cherry
Gene Econ
Nate Evans
Juan A. Fernandez
Billy J. Frye
Kenneth J. Garcy
Kevin J. Harris
Jeffrey L. Hasler
Jeff Henke
Douglas Horne
Wayne R. Karvonen
Harry S. LaFevers
Otto K. Liller
Rudolph G. Lindsey
James McDaniel
Andrew S. Miller
Daniel M. Osborne
Vance H. Patterson
Perry O Pearson
Joseph Duc Phan
Joseph A. Polka
The Late - Del R. Richards
Ronald L. Rismon
Clifton A. Sanborn
Patrick M. Shivnen
Ron Suter
Michael J. Vaulx
Stephen D. Weatherford
October 23
In 1983, a suicide truck-bombing at Beirut
International Airport in Lebanon killed 241
United States Marines and sailors; a near-
simultaneous attack on French forces
killed 58 paratroopers.
October 22
In 1962, President Kennedy announced an
air and naval blockade of Cuba, following
the discovery of Soviet missile bases on
the island.
October 7
In 1985, Palestinian gunmen hijacked the
Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro in the
Mediterranean with more than 400 people
aboard.
November Spouse Birthday
Leah Alonso
Alice Calero
Monique Fabian
Nancy Fitzgerald
Sandra Franklin
Virginia Garrison
Patty Heimsness
Barbara Houghtaling
Candi Johnson
Tina Krompecher
Mary Lawson
Mary Ledford
Hisako Nakahara
Nga Pham Nguyen
Erica Prokopowicz
Eva Richards
Teri Sanchez
On this Day—
November 12
In 1942, the World War II naval Battle of
Guadalcanal began. The Americans even-
tually won a major victory over the Japa-
nese
November 11
In 1918, fighting in World War I came to
an end with the signing of an armistice
between the Allies and Germany.
November 10
In 1982, the newly finished Vietnam Vet-
erans Memorial was opened to its first
visitors in Washington, D.C.
November 1
In 1952, the United States exploded the
first hydrogen bomb, in a test at Eniwetok
in the Marshall Islands.
7 - Sixteenth Report
Bikers Against Statewide
Hunger Turkey Dinner Run By Bart Heimsness
(14 Nov 2009) Bikers Against
Statewide Hunger (B.A.S.H.) holds
an annual motorcycle run in order
to raise money to buy fresh turkeys
for give away to needy families in
the Pierce County area each year
for past 17 years. Bart Heimsness
and his wife Patty have participated
in these events for years—this year
we even got our neighbor a retired
Air Force vet Larry and his wife
Ethel to join us. The ladies were
quite cold—hence the new look
with the hoods over the faces.
This years run brought in enough
cash to buy 200 turkeys for turkey
baskets.
Ethel and Patty staying warm in this cold
weather on the Motorcycle run
Additionally—one of our young
families from 1st SFG(A) - Bart
was able to link him up with
B.A.S.H. in order to get a Turkey
basket. The Operational Advocates
Supporting Injured Soldiers
(O.A.S.I.S. ) Group has been work-
ing with this young man for well
over a week. They have raised
enough money to buy a new engine
for his special lift van that is needed
to transport their disabled daughter
to and from treatments.
JFK Memorial Breakfast By Bart R. Heimsness
(7 Nov 2009) Before this last me-
morial breakfast Jim Lessler and I
were discussing how we really ad-
mire how Eulis Presley has always
signed into the memorial breakfast.
Instead of using the sign in sheet to
identify himself (which we use to
let folks know who was there) he
has always put the name of one of
his departed friends—and usually it
says FOB in the sky.
Well long story short—I knew no
board members were coming to the
breakfast as most of them were
heading to the parade and many of
us had prior commitments—so I
whipped out a new sign in sheet—
with a column to add the name of
the person you would like remem-
bered this day. With that being said
here are the folks that attended and
those they had their memorial
breakfast in memory of.
Bart Heimsness (16) & John Cus-
kelly (16) both honored Johnny
Kranchich, Ted Wicorek (16), Walt
Hetzler (43) - honored Mike Karr,
Ed Mires (16) - honored Nate
Chapman, Eulis Presley (43) - hon-
ored Tom Horne, Fred Callahan
(16) honored Woody Woodworth,
Nick Marvais (16) honored George
Stogdill, Jerry Hampton (43) hon-
ored Corey Wright.
Others attending and selecting
Mike Karr as the honoree for
the day as well all did—were
Jean Thong (43), Roland Nu-
qui, Skip Ettinger (43), Jim
Bryan, John Armezzani (43)
bringing a guest—Dr. Mack
Osborn and Robert Ervin (16)
CHAPTER XVI, SFA
Chapter Happenings / Events / Members News
Bart Heimsness, Jerry Hampton and guest Dr.
Mack Osborn
Left to right is Fred Callahan, Skip Ettinger,
Jean Thong, Ted Wicorek and John Cuskelly
John Armezzani, Carl “Ed” Mires, Fred Calla-
han, Skip Ettinger.
John Armezzani—entertaining Fred Callahand and
Nic Marvais
8 - Sixteenth Report Visit the Chapter’s website at www.sfachap16.org
Adopt-A-Road by Bill Gates
October 2009 Adopt-a-Road program.
Chapter 16 members Jim Lessler, Ted
Wicorek and Bill Gates and Dennis
Saxon (neighbor) picked up about 20
good sized bags of trash along their
designated route near the team room
Auburn Veterans Parade,
7 November 2009 by Bill Gates
The Auburn Veterans Parade is one of
the biggest parades to honor our veter-
ans in the United States. Even though
Saturday dawned cold, stormy and
wet, 100’s of stalwart Washingtonians
lined Main Street to clap and cheer for
our veterans and other marchers. Over
300 units arrived in the down pouring
rain to march the approximate mile
along trek down Main Street. At about
1045 hours, the Air Force conducted a
trial flyover along the parade route to
signal the start, but chickened out
when lighting was reported somewhere
in the county. Even though, the parade
kicked off on time at 1100 hours, and
the rain took a break for a few hours.
The wet rats shown in the photo repre-
senting Chapter 16 SFA included: Jake
Robinson, John Patterson, Mike
Cassidy, Jim Lessler, Paul Wald-
burger, Rob Wekell, and Bill Gates.
We were cheered on by Steph Gates,
Elaine Lessler and Gigi Waldburger.
Also marching in the parade represent-
ing the ROTC Cadets from Pacific Lu-
theran University (PLU) were Cadets
Chap Wolff, Sean Gates, Adam Lewis,
Daniel Nguyen (see photo) and Caleb
Mattson (not shown). After the parade
we retired to the Gates ranch for warm
casseroles, adult beverages and good
talk.
Mountain Climbing— by Bill Gates
Here are a few photos when Charles
and I did a little rock climbing off of
Exit 38 on I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass
in August this year.
Top—Chcuk on Rappel
Bottom—Bill Climbing
CHAPTER XVI, SFA
Chapter Happenings / Events
9 - Sixteenth Report
10 - Sixteenth Report Visit the Chapter’s website at www.sfachap16.org
77 y/o Former Special Forces
Soldier gets jump in for his
birthday by Fred Callahan
For my 77th birthday my family bought
me a free fall parachute jump. Shellie is on
my far left—she also jumped with a high
school friend of hers. This was a couple of
days after my birthday.
Family with Shellie and me getting ready to board
aircraft
Touch down
It was a good jump—ANY jump you walk away from
is a good jump!
Getting on serious air at 77 y/o
Chute being deployed
Mike Karr—was still taking
care of Special Forces even
from his hospital bed
by Bart R. Heimsness
When Mike was hospitalized last
month—he had several orders of CD’s
that he had developed delivered and
did not want to wait until he left the
hospital—so he asked his friend Dan
McKee and I to make sure they got
delivered to 1st SFG(A) - which we
did. Pictured above from left to
right—Jim Lessler—Chap 16 Vice
President, Dan McKee long time friend
of Mike Karr and primary caretaker,
COL Johnson DCO for 1st SFG(A),
Bart R. Heimsness and Fred Callahan
from 1st SFG(A).
These CD’s are Giant Oaks from Tiny
Acorns Grow—US Army Special
Forces Lore & Legend. MSG R Mi-
chael Karr USA (Ret) was the Project
Acorn Producer. Mike bought enough
of these to give every group 200 to
hand out to soldiers. We were fortu-
nate enough to be able to do Mike the
honor and present these to the 1st SFG
(A) Group DCO—as well as introduce
Mikes long time friend to some of the
men that Mike has always spoken so
highly of through out the years.
Mike—we all truly thank you for that
opportunity and you will be sorely
missed by all of us. GOD Speed my
friend.
CHAPTER XVI, SFA
Other member stories of interest
11 - Sixteenth Report
UPCOMING EVENTS
27 Nov 2009—1100 hrs
Dinosaur Luncheon
Ft. Lewis Golf Course
30 Nov—5 Dec 2009
Menton Day Activities
Ft. Lewis area
5 Dec 2009—0900 hrs.
Wright Memorial Breakfast
Ft. Lewis Golf Course
12 Dec 2009—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.
12 Dec 2009—1100 hrs—
meeting—1130 hrs—Pot Luck.
Chapter Meeting & Pot Luck
Dinner—check website for directions
or call one of the board members
2 Jan 2010—0900 hrs.
Wright Memorial Breakfast
Ft. Lewis Golf Course
29 Jan 2010—0900 hrs
Dinosaur Luncheon
Ft. Lewis Golf Course
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
Local Food Bank—puts out
Thanksgiving Turkey Bas-
kets—by Bart R. Heimsness
20 Nov 2009
The B.A.S.H. Motorcycle run on pg
5—gathered enough money to buy
well over 200 fresh turkeys to be
handed out to families in need from the
B.A.S.H. Food Bank located in Ta-
coma, WA. Along with a very nice
size turkey and or chicken - other
items such as fresh potatoes, celery,
onions, salad mixes, assorted can vege-
tables were handed out in a Banana
box per family.
One of our own members Bart
Heimsness and his wife have been
members of B.A.S.H. for nearly 18 yrs
now—and has worked many, many
holidays collecting food, toys and
making deliveries. B.A.S.H. Stands
for Bikers Against Statewide Hunger
and are one of the only mobile food
banks in WA State.
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.
People in line to receive Turkey baskets
CHAPTER XVI, SFA
Other news and information
12 - Sixteenth Report Visit the Chapter’s website at www.sfachap16.org
CHAPTER XVI, SFA
Other news and information
New Agent Orange presumptive condit ions
Pursuant to the requirements of the Agent Orange Act of 1991, VA receives periodic reports
from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) summarizing the available scientific and medical l itera-
ture concerning the health effects associated with Agent Orange exposure. Once the IOM
releases a report to the public, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must determine whether a
presumption of service connection is warranted for any disease discussed in the report.
Based on the results of a recent IOM study, which found a possible associat ion between expo-
sure to herbicides and B cel l leukemias (such as hairy cel l leukemia), Parkinson’s disease, and
ischemic heart disease, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determined a presumption is warranted
for B cel l leukemias (such as hairy cel l leukemia), Parkinson’s disease, and ischemic heart dis-
ease.
You may want to noti fy the members of your organizations that i f they have been diagnosed with
one of these new condit ions, and that i f they served on the ground or inland waters of the RVN
they should f i le a claim for these condit ions. Ischemic heart disease is a rather common condi-
t ion.
More importantly, i f your organizations have widows that are not currently enti t led to Dependants
Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and their husbands died
from one of these condit ions and they served on the ground or inland waters of the RVN they
should f i le a claim with the VA. Addit ional ly, During the 1980s and 1990s many members of the
US mil i tary took part in operations conducted by Joint Task Force Full Accounting (JTFFA).
These operations occurred within the borders of the former RVN and were designed to provide
the ful lest possible accounting of our MIAs prior to the resumption of diplomatic relat ions. Many
may be st i l l on active duty. These individuals should be enti t led to the same benefi ts. There is a
way to claim service connection for these condit ions.
Addit ional ly, During the 1980s and 1990s many members of the US mil i tary took part in opera-
t ions conducted by Joint Task Force Full Accounting (JTFFA). These operations occurred within
the borders of the former RVN and were designed to provide the ful lest possible accounting of
our MIAs prior to the resumption of diplomatic relat ions. Many may be st i l l on active duty. These
individuals should be enti t led to the same benefi ts. There is a way to claim service connection for
these condit ions.
OASIS Group can assist in the effort. Visit them at: http:/ /www.OASISGrp.org
13 - Sixteenth Report
CHAPTER XVI, SFA
Other news and information
Notice how the men look in the parade—now all took their blazers
and all but one had their green Chapter 16 jackets—but it sure is
nice to see all of our members somewhat uniform as it does show
we represent not only our chapter and the Association but Special
Forces as well.
The SFA Crest and Flash can be ordered online through the SFA
as well as the blazer crest.
DOD has implemented a new program to compensate current and former service members who were involun-
tar i ly retained on act ive duty (stop loss)
There is a deadl ine for s top lossed folks to access this bonus: 20 Oct 2010. Those w ho qual i fy are former
and current service members w ho were stop lossed from Sept. 11, 2001 to Sept . 30, 2009. They w i l l receive
$500 for each month served past their contracted end-of -service, resignat ion or re t i rement date.
I t a lso states that survivors of fa l len soldiers w ho were stop lossed also qual i fy for this benef i t .
Al l of the info that is needed can be found in this art ic le .
ht tp: / /www.defensel ink.mi l /new s/newsart ic le .aspx?id=56337
OASIS Group can assist in the effort. Visit them at: http:/ /www.OASISGrp.org
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 comrades 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.
I am searching for the rules or regulations for wearing our blazers—what type of
shirt or color—I know we have a Special Forces tie—as I have one—but what else
is authorized to be worn on the blazer etc. Once I obtain this information I will
post to our website and get the information out to everyone as well.
JC Penny is where I bought my blazer online—again just look for Hunter Green
Blazer and as long as you know the size you can order it. Another place you can
order is http://www.uniformspro.com it is owned by a former SF soldier as well.
14 - Sixteenth Report Visit the Chapter’s website at www.sfachap16.org
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 meet-
ing 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
Want to advertise in our news-
letter? Contact us for current
rates—and target the local Spe-
cial Forces community.