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THE JOHN WAYNE/BOB SALZMAN
MEMORIAL CHAPTER FLORIDA CHAPTER XXI SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION
Volume XXXXVIIII
SEPTEMBER 2020
NR 9
Website: http://specialforceschapter21florida.weebly.com/
CHAPTER OFFICERS
PRESIDENT: Richard Whitman, D-6528L, 14958 Lymington Circle, Orlando, FL 32826-4103 Tel: (407) 482-3817, E-mail: [email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENT:
TREASURER: Thomas (Tom) Tomlin, D-722L, 1408 Gulfwood Ct., Brandon, FL., 33510 Tel: (813) 689-2451, E-mail: [email protected]
ASSISTANT TREASURER:
SECRETARY:
ASSISTANT SECRETARY:
WEBMASTER: Frank Fowler, D-256L, 1815 Reid Street, Lehigh Acres, FL., 33936 Tel: (239)-369-5611, E-mail: [email protected]
QUARTERMASTER: Susan Micelli, Military Presents, 4243 McCorvey Road, Deland, FL., 32724 Tel: (386)734-2711, 386-717-8197 (cell) 386-734-5167(fax)E-mail: [email protected]
SFA CHAPTER XXI Judith (Judy) A. Drewry, 6619 W Saint Ann Lane, Dunnellon, FL 34433NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Tel: (352) 795-4248 , E-mail: [email protected]
Phil Devon, M-13612, 4313 North Course Lane, Avon Park, FL 33825Tel: (585)739-4785, E-mail: [email protected]
Suzie Gaspard, 516 Mill Pond CT, ST Johns, FL 32259-3027Tel: (904) 287-1681, E-mail: [email protected]
Joseph Hastings, M-6795, 1403 Sorento Circle, West Melbourne FL 32904-3119Tel:(301) 922-6025, E-mail: [email protected]
September 2020
Once again, I hope everyone is well and we all continue to abide by the Covid19 rules. Yes, I know it is a royal pain, but think of the alternatives. Wear your mask.
Did you attend the virtual SFA convention? What you found if you did. There are now 10233 +/- members of the association in 89 chapters. The SFA has a Facebook page. It is www.facebook.com/SFA greenberet. We also found out that next year’s convention will be held at the Orleans hotel, Las Vegas, Nev., October 22-25. This comes right after SOAR which is the 19-22. The year after that we go to Colorado Springs and then Chapter 7 is going to try again in the Panhandle. One of the problems with the virtual convention was the constant dropping of the signal. Most likely due to too many people trying to sign into the meeting.
Following is a link to a story about our one and only "Speedy" Gaspard, written by our newmember, Steve Balestrieri. We thought you might enjoy reading it.https://sofrep.com/news/george-speedy-gaspard-a-special-forces-legend/
We lost a member this month. Actually, Ralph Ormes passed away February 20, 2019, but we just found about it a few weeks ago.
We are still hoping to have our meeting in December. Keep your fingers crossed.
Richard Whitman, President
Following input from our VP Joe Hastings:
North/East/West/South (NEWS) for SFA Chapter XXITeam XXI Commentary:It has been reported that in many locations, the peaceful demonstrators have had many of their cars damaged and burned. The report said, some anarchists are secretly placing bumper sticker on their cars and trucks that read, “Trump for President 2020”! which is causing the meltdown So, once you stop laughing, I say think where you park!
September 12–15, 1814: Our “Star-Spangled Banner” is a true story! During the War of 1812 Francis Scott Key, an American lawyer, stood on a prison barge describing to the American patriots below in chains, the battle he was watching. It was September 12–15, 1814. The British sailed 19 warships to destroy Fort McHenry in the Battle of Baltimore. After 24 hours of 19 ships firing on the fort, our flag still flew. The danger was real, and they had their FEARS on a leash. “FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real” – Eleanor Roosevelt “Fear is not real; it is a product of the thoughts you create. Danger is very real, but fear is a choice.”Will Smith movie, “After-Earth”. Can you imagine what life would be like, if you could really grasp that concept and live without fear every day? Now, more than ever, we must acknowledge that there is danger all around us, but the key is to consciously choose to live your life wisely and fully, not is a state of fear. The Apostle Paul wrote “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2nd Timothy 1:7.
This issue of the DROP “Summer 2020” page #112 “Burial and Memorial Benefits”. It makes you think that when we PCS to Paradise, have we vanquished the fears our families will face?
Let them mourn your passing without the stress that awaits them. 1. Get a safety deposit box or a home fireproof box, to keep ALL your important documents, with instructions.
There can be no secrets.2. Fill out ALL the forms and call the POC’s to make the arrangements for your final fox hole. 3. Write your eulogy and obituary. Pay in advance what you can.4. Get a life size picture to hang on the wall so your spouse, family and friends can look at you when they talk
about you. It will make them feel guilty if they say bad things. LOL.5. Send the box’s location and the spare key to your executor.6. Wife, you must do the same, you know we need you as close as possible.7. And be assured that the FEAR will be placed on a leash.
Calendar of EventsChapter XXI meeting: 11-13 September 2020, Cocoa Beach, FL Canceled by Leadership vote: Covid-19 spread is still too concerning. 5th group 59th Reunion: 16-20 September 2020 Ft Campbell KY
Chapter XXI meeting: TBD December 2020, Lakeland, FL The Comfort Inn and Suites3520 US Highway 98 North, Lakeland, FL 33809. [Exit 32] off I-4. Host: JD & Shirley Bath Registration: TBD
Info from Sky Gods (Airborne)
Military Freefall Association: https://www.usmffa.org/Military Freefall Instructor Reunion & Freefall Ball October 17, 2020 Yuma, AZ- Still a go!
Info from Mother Earth (The Land)JSOA - Joint Special Operations Association: https://www.thejsoa.org/40th ANNIVERSARYGolf Tournament: 23 October 2020 POC is Mike Copenhaver, [email protected] from this golf tournament will go toward providing merit-based scholarships to the youth of JSOC.Social: 23 October 2020 POC is Chuck Manherz, [email protected] In response to COVID-19 details concerning the scale and venue of the 40th Anniversary Social are forthcoming as we make the best decisions based on North Carolina's phased opening instructions and your safety. Please visit again for updates.
JSOC Ball: The 2020 JSOC Ball has been cancelled. We look forward to seeing you at the ball in 2021.
United States Army Ranger Association: https://ranger.org/ 37th Annual LTG(R) David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition https://www.bestrangercompetition.com/ conducted at Fort Benning, GA, Was postponed due to Covid-19
Watch this Interview of LTG(R) David E. Grange Jr. April during the 2015 Best Ranger Competition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYBJSaoZ80I (1.14m)
2019 Best Ranger Competition: https://www.bestrangercompetition2019.com/The Grange LEGACY: The Grange family has been doing PLF’s since WWII. LTG(R) David E. Grange Jr. served from 1943 – 1984 (he did not apply for the Special Forces Tab). He was in the 10th Special Forces Group, Germany ('57-'60). His son, MG(R)David L. Grange was assigned to 5th SFG(A) 75th Ranger Regiment, Delta Force, commanding a squadron during the invasion of Grenada and was deputy commander during the Gulf War. His grandson 2nd Lt. Matthew Grange made history when he graduated from Class 1-13 of Ranger School. Maybe he will be a third generation Special Forces Operative
Why Some Army Colonels Won't Make the Cut for Command in New Assessment Coursehttps://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/08/13/why-some-army-colonels-wont-make-cut-command-new-assessment-course.html
Americas 911 Foundation, Inc. Virtual Event 2020 (motorcycle ride DC to New York)www.americas911foundation.org
******************************************* Chapter XXI Education Grant Award winners for 2020:
Abby Rose Broomfield Brett Paterra Hunter Peltier Barbara Soucie Jarrett Summerhill
Donations received:
Linda Morse $75.00 Specified for the Education Grant Ingrid Luff Courier $200.00 IMO her husband, Ed Courier
HEALTH & WELFARE
1. AL & TONI BOMAN - Al reports that the new pace maker is working good (still does not think he needs it). His problem right now is skin cancer. The doctors are working on several, on his nose, head and neck. Al, we all wish you a good, quick recovery from these treatments. Toni is holding up pretty good, just waiting to see what the doctors will do next with AL. They both send their warm regards to all.
2. STEVE & LYNDA EPKINS - Received a nice long report from Steve. He wrote that Lynda is still on all her meds, doing very well. Along with her daily treatment she has to go in every 2 months for 6 hours of IV's, one is Chemo and the other a Bone Strengthener. Steve is still looking for the perfect "retirement" job. After retiring from the Army, he had a career teaching JROTC and is still looking.. He has some interviews coming up for a property/community manager. By now he should have completed a colonoscopy and a sleep study. Steve, I think you are a pretty busy dude now with everything that is going on for you. They both send their warmest regards to all.
3. KEN & ANGIE KILMER - I spoke with Ken, he is doing very good. He was tested again for the virus and the results were negative (for the 2nd time). He is now full of “P & V” and ready to go go shopping. Congratulations, Ken on getting well. Please use all precautions when you go out. Angie is doing well, happy that Ken has recovered from the virus, but she is also keeping a sharp eye on all his actions.
4. SUE MICELLI & BARBARA (QM) - Sue reports that she and Barbara are doing well. Barbara is at home, taking her college courses “on line”. They were fortunate to be spared damage from the tornado that hit DeLand. The storm hit north of them in the older part of DeLand. Sue is staying busy with embroidery work and working part time at a floral shop. She and Barbara are looking forward to the Christmas meeting.
5. LARRY & MARY REDMOND - Larry reports that taking care of Mary is a full time job, especially now that his right hip is bothering him. Mary started the Chemo treatment but had to stop it, she felt so bad. After stopping treatment she was back to her "old self" in 3 weeks. Of course, the cancer is still there. She has now started IMMUNO Therapy with no side effects (so far). Way to go Mary, the Chapter members all hope this works for you and you regain your health. Mary has a statement :" QUALITY OF LIFE IS BETTER THAN QUANTITY OF LIFE AND FEELING MISERABLE" They both send warm regards to all.
6. JUDY RICE (widow of Don) - Judy reports that she is doing well and in the process of moving from Kingsland,GA. to a house in Jacksonville, near her son David. She said she will let us know when the move is completed and will send us her new address. For info to all: Judy and her son David have submitted applications to join SFA and be members of Chapter 21. SFA National has advised us to hold these apps until the first of October. At this time, early enrollment (for 2021) will be in effect and their membership will be covered for the full year. Also, for our annual dues members, you may pay early for 2021.
MEMORIAL
RALPH D. ORMES, Jr. D-829-L
The Chapter was notified 3 weeks ago that we had lost a Chapter member last year. We checked all our files / records and had no info. I was able to contact his son who informed me that his dad, when ill, gave no instructions on whom to call or notify so they DID NOT NOTIFY anyone. Ralph (and his wife) were both cremated and their ashes will be taken to New Hampshire (when the virus lets up) and they will have a military service for him there.
FOR THOSE WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED
The Tomlin's finally received word they can have a Celebration of Life for their daughter, Doris The service will be in Port Charlotte, FL on 24 September 2020 from 1400 hours to 1600 hours. Face Masks REQUIRED.
Baldwin Brothers, Funeral and Cremation Society1100 El Jobean Road, Unit 104Port Charlotte, FL 3948
