Are you OK ?????

      

  SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION

      Chapter 76 - South Florida 

          “The Green Berets”

 

October 10, 2024

Hello Members and Friends of the Association,

1) Beloved Leader President Pijuan asks if you all are Okay and, if not, please let us know and if there is anything within our power to do, we will work on it or attempt to coordinate with others to assist.     

 

2) Dear Special Forces Community,

 

The Special Forces Charitable Trust (SFCT) and the Special Forces Association (SFA) recently partnered to provide critical support to Special Forces Families and their communities affected by Hurricane Helene.

 

With the beginnings of Hurricane Milton now approaching Florida, we are urging all Green Berets living in Florida or those outside of area with immediate family in the area who may be impacted by the storm to stay in touch with us after it passes so that we may be just one more line of effort in getting you help if you find yourself in need. Our organizations are connected to many resources in the area and can work to navigate getting the help you need to you either through local resources or through the volunteer operations our organizations we have on the ground staged in the outlying areas.

 

AFTER the storm has passed, we ask that you:

 

1.     Text the word "relief" to 205-947-2131 You will be prompted to choose either

A.    If you need assistance (enter your address -able to text at that thread)

 

B.    If you are safe (can text afterward to update your status if needed)

 

Our organizations are committed to the health, well-being and safety of Special Forces Soldiers, their families, and their communities. By utilizing the text "relief" option, it's one more way in which to potentially get help to you. While cannot guarantee, we will reach you, rest assured we will make every effort to get assistance to you if you choose option A.

 

Please share this email with fellow Special Forces families to help spread the word.

 

Your safety is our top priority, and we are here to assist you the best we can during this time. Run from the Water, Hide from the Wind,

 

 

 

Jodi Burns

Chief Executive Officer

Special Forces Charitable Trust jodi@thesfct.org

704-860-8312

 

 

Chris Wilkerson

President

SFA NBO

President@specialforcesassociation.org

940-395-1873

 

 

Joe Pruett on behalf of

Ed Pijuan

President

 

Chapter 76 Facebook Site: https://www.facebook.com/SFA-South-Florida-Chapter-76-111343950710574/

 

Chapter Blog is located at http://SFACH76.Blogspot.com/

 

Special Forces Association Online Teamhouse https://teamhousespecialforcesassociation.org

 

Please update your email address to prevent interruptions

 

ED PIJUAN

PRESIDENT

 

ROGER KIDDER

VICE PRESIDENT

 

AL HERNANDEZ

SECRETARY

 

JASON PSALTIDES

SECRETARY

 

JIM TRICE

TREASURER

 

TOM HOUSE

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

_________________

 

DAN POIRIER

CHAPTER 76 BLOGGER

 

ED BELLO

CHAPTER 76 WEBMASTER

 

JOE PRUETT

COMMUNICATIONS

 

 

Hurricane Humanitarian Effort

From: "Pete Tingstrom(vicepresident@specialforcesassociation.org)" <mailer@mail2.clubexpress.com>

Date: October 9, 2024 at 6:51:19 AM EDT

To: dzhalo@hotmail.com

Subject: Milton Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief Prep

Reply-To: vicepresident@specialforcesassociation.org

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Humanitarian Assistance / Disaster Relief prep for Hurricane Milton (Combined SFA, SFCT, and TF Pineapple - Florida effort) We the SFA is teaming up again with the Special Forces Charitable Trust (SFCT) again and working directly with TF Pineapple - Florida in pre-storm activities and preparing for the HA/DR effort that will take place afterwards to support our SFA and SF families in need of support.  We learned some good lessons from our operations supporting efforts in Western North Carolina with Helene.  So we are leaning forward this time.  Our President, Chris Wilkerson will be sending out an e-mail soon with all the good news stories and stats from what our Community did in that effort.  He will also be sending out some procedures in preparation for Milton landfall to help us with our member accountability.   Right now we have an IMMEDIATE need for 2 x Volunteers. We need 2 LNOs to work in the Pasco County, Florida EOC located at 8744 Government Dr, New Port Richey, FL 34654 (45 miles Northwest of Tampa) for Sheriff Chris Nocco.  Preferably an 18 series with LNO or Battle NCO/Captain experience.  Need to be well-versed in EOC or OPCEN procedures, and navigate various Signal Chat Rooms.  Need good report skills with walking the halls and building relationships and connecting people in virtual and non-virtual arenas along formal and informal lines.  This is one of the most strategic positions that we need to fill.  Contact Pete Tingstrom ASAP, contact info at the bottom.   Folks that want to support or need support will receive our group Signal Chat link/invite to get updated information. This will be best way for us to get updates to all quickly and at one time.   Download the Signal App: SIGNAL for ANDROID Phone SIGNAL App for iPHONE   Single Site for All information for these relief efforts can be found on our SFA Teamhouse website under the "Help and Crisis" Tab.     SFA TEAMHOUSE HELP & CRISIS SITE  HURRICANE PREPARATION Hurricane Preparedness If you have something you need announced on our Help and Crisis website  or have issues, contact Pete Tingstrom (808) 436-2901 or vicepresident@specialforcesassociation.org   I know many are asking questions about the SF Cruise/SFACON 2024 event that starts on 18 OCT.  Hurricane Helene had no effect to any of our activities in Tampa (port, parking, hotels, etc).  However, Hurricane Milton may be a different story.  We will wait until after the story passes to see any impacts to Carnivals decision on the ship, and the situation at the Port, Hotels, really the downtown Tampa area and the airport.  They expect a storm surge of 10 feet.  So hold on, and we will give updates as soon as we can about the status of the Global Gathering of Green Berets.   Prayers for our teammates and our families still struggling from the aftermath of Helene and for those getting ready to get hit with Milton.  God Bless! Almighty God, Who art the Author of liberty and the Champion of the oppressed, hear our prayer.  We the men of Special Forces, acknowledge our dependence upon Thee in the preservation of human freedom. Go with us as we seek to defend the defenseless and to free the enlsaved.  May we ever remember that our nation, whose oath "In God We Trust" expects that we shall acquit ourselves with honor,that we may never bring shame upon our faith, our families, or our fellow men. Grant us wisdom from Thy mind, courage from thine heart, and protection by Thine hand. It is for Thee that we do battle, and to Thee belongs the victor's crown, for Thine is the kingdom, and the power and Glory forever. AMEN

SF Assistance

October 5, 2024

Hello Members and Friends of the Association,

And now a word from our Chapter 76 President, Ed Pijuan…

Morning ,

Hope everyone is doing OK!

Here is a link for assistance- pass it around !!!

Be safe 

Ed

 

From: Special Forces Charitable Trust <SpecialForcesCharitableTrust@mailman.bloomerang-mail.com>
Date: October 4, 2024 at 6:50:02 PM EDT
To: Ed Unknown <dzhalo@hotmail.com>
Subject: SF Family - Hurricane Helene Relief!
Reply-To: info@specialforcescharitabletrust.org



The Special Forces Charitable Trust (SFCT), in partnership with the National Special Forces Association, Sentinel Foundation, Moore County Chamber of Commerce, the Moore County Regional Airport and Forty7 Motorsports in coordination of efforts to resupply Special Forces communities who are in the wake of hurricane Helene's path - western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina and Georgia.   Since Sunday this coordinated effort has: - sent over 25 trailers to western NC - sent now 3, separate 18-wheelers and buses to western NC - Sent an estimated 87,000 pounds of supplies to western NC  - Set up two forward operating bases (one Eastern side and one Western side of Asheville, NC) - Personally delivered monetary support to multiple families in Southern Florida - Signed up over 165 volunteers, with more signing up daily - Received donations through our office and trailer support, dropped off daily - Received and coordinate links for support requests coming from Western North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee and South Carolina - Set up an Operations Center in the SFCT conference room monitoring requests and vetting them and then sending them forward to partnering organizations and groups to carry them out.   We cannot say thank you enough to the Green Berets who have supported this effort alongside of us from 3rd Special Forces Group, the U.S. JFK Warfare Center and School, United States Army Special Operations Command, National Guard, Civil Affairs, the Girl Scouts from the Fort Liberty chapter, Southern Pines Church of God 7th Day, Patriot Hunts, Parsons Brothers and Couch Oil Company, along with sooooo many others. We are so grateful!   But our work is not done. We are still working diligently to get support to those Special Forces families that are located in these communities. If you know of a family in need, please click the button below and submit as many details as you know:   We have an amazing list of volunteers at this time - THANK YOU! We also know that some of you will likely want to help from afar too. If you would like to contribute to the relief efforts you can donate through this link:       Thank you in advance for your time and generosity. Together, we can make a real impact for our Special Forces communities in their hour of need!   With gratitude,   The SFCT Team   Our Contact Information Special Forces Charitable Trust 677 S Bennett Street Southern Pines, NC 28387 9107257034 https://www.specialforcescharitabletrust.org

SFC John E. Dimsdel 77

"We Have Lost One Of Our Own" 

      SFC John E. Dimsdel 77   

         DOB June 23, 1946 ~ DOD January 22, 2024 

                         

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of John Eric Dimsdale of Raeford, NC he passed away on January 

22, 2024, at the age of 77, he served 26 years in the U.S. Army most of his time in the 82nd Airborne & Co-"C" 20th. 

Special Forces, he earned numerous medals, yet his most cherished was the Soldier's Medal, 

He is survived by his wife, Gail Byrd Dimsdale; sister Sarah Dimsdale Penna of Ave Maria, FL. & Betty Jo Dimsdale Million of Cape Coral, FL; brothers Marion D. Dimsdale of Winter Haven, FL. & Curtis C. Dimsdale of Sebastian, FL. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, James Calvin Dimsdale & Patricia Nealey Dimsdale, & his brother, at Ft. Liberty, NC.  (Ft. Bragg NC.)

RIP JohnBill Eades
 

Cruise Announcements and other Association Announcements



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SFA Members,    We need your help.  We are looking for volunteers to support the following national committees; this is your chance to give back and help forge the future of our Association:   1. Convention Committee - contact Chair, Garon Strong, specialprojects@specialforcesassociation.org 2. Constitution Committee - contact Chair, Pete Tingstrom, vicepresident@specialforcesassociation.org 3. Membership Committee - contact Chair, Ralph "Henry" DiGiacinto, secretarty@specialforcesassociation.org 4. Finance Committee - contact Chair, Mike Hurst,       treasurer@specialforcesassociation.org 5. National Grounds Committee - contact Chair, Garon Strong,   specialprojects@specialforcesassociation.org (preferably live in the vic of Fort Liberty and/or construction background) 6. Scholarship Committee - contact Chair, Garon Strong,   specialprojects@specialforcesassociation.org   You can find members of the committees on the SFA Teamhouse under menu "Committees"  FRIDAY 18 OCT in TAMPA, FL What:  Motorcycle Ride Who / Why:  Any motorcycle riders in the vicinity of Tampa, Florida When:  Friday / 18 October 2024 / 1030 –1530 Where:  Registration begins at 1030 at the ride start point, American Legion Post 138, 5535 W. Prescott St, Tampa, FL 33616. Special Instructions:  Registration fee paid on site. $20 for the rider, and $10 for an additional passenger.  Click on this link to register https://form.jotform.com/242624038882157   FRIDAY 18 OCT in TAMPA, FL What:  5th Special Forces Group Happy Hour Who / Why:  Tampa area-based 5th SFG alumni welcome our brothers who are in Tampa awaiting departure on the Global Gathering of Green Berets Cruise / Special Forces Association Annual meeting.  +1’s are welcome. When:  Friday / 18 October 2024 / 1630 – UTC Where:  Yard House – Water Street – Downtown Tampa https://www.yardhouse.com/locations/fl/tampa/tampa-water-street/8394 Special Instructions:  Please RSVP at this link, so we know how much space to hold. https://forms.office.com/g/KAH4qH5X8s   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Who:  SFA Chapter Leaders (max of two reps per chapter - Chapter President’s are the priority) What: SFA NBO October Chapter Leader's Meeting (old President’s Meeting)  Where: Tampa Tap Room, 13150 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL  33618 (Also available via video MS Teams tele-conference - TBP) When: October 18, 2024; Open at 1500, meeting 1600-1700, and mingling until 1800. (All times Eastern) Why:  This is one of our monthly meetings.  We will discuss the vote of the Constitution changes and business prior to the General Membership Meeting later in the week. There will be food and beverage available.  RSVP at: https://form.jotform.com/242656275915061 Learn more about the Tampa Tap Room at https://tampataproom.com/ Any questions, contact the SFA NBO President, Chris Wilkerson at president@specialforcesassociation.org   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What:  1st Special Forces Group 40th Anniversary Reactivation Party Who / Why:  Tampa area-based 1st SFG alumni welcome and our brothers who are in Tampa awaiting departure on the Global Gathering of Green Berets Cruise / Special Forces Association Annual meeting.  +1’s are welcome. When:  Friday / 18 October 2024 /1800-2200 Where: Barrymore Hotel Downtown Tampa Riverwalk (Pool deck) Special Instructions:  Food and Beverage will be provided Last message to all about SFACON 2024   2024 SFACON/SF Cruise Update: As you know we are gathering over 2,000+ Green Berets, Gold Star Families, Family and friends. The responses have been overwhelming with only 100 cabins or so remaining.    You need to register now if you want to go! I can understand many that are not retired, couldn't commit to this last year when we started planning this, but now we are 25 days out from sailing, should be easier to commit or know your schedule.  This event will provide Special Forces Benevolent Organizations, Sponsors, and friends many opportunities to engage with over 7 decades of generations of Special Forces Soldiers and their Families in formal and mostly informal settings.  Since it is a charter, every venue on the ship will be available to schedule to best suit specific programs, symposiums, discussions, and lunch/dinner sessions at no additional cost to the sponsor or individual.      There are only interior cabins remaining and the rate is $1570 for the cabin (for 2 persons), this pays for all your registration, lodging, food, first class entertainment, taxes, port fees, and gratuities during the 5 day cruise.    Help us fill the remaining unsold cabins and earn $200.00 onboard credit!!! For every new registration (double occupancy) that you can assist with getting former Teammates, Green Berets, Family, or friends on the Global Green Beret Cruise, you will receive a $200.00 onboard credit for spending during the cruise..  1 Cabin = $200.00, 2 Cabins = $400.00, 3 Cabins = $600.00, etc...  This promotion is valid from September 1-30, 2024.  Send an email of the names of the primary cabin guest that you recruit to Legacy4SFA@gmail.com  Any questions, please contact Kevin Harry at (423) 895-3769   Draft Schedule: Day -1: Thu 10/17 Tampa (Recommended arrival date)     Opportunities: Scuba-Diving Recert / Trip, Deep Sea Fishing, Mini-reunions  Day 0: Fri 10/18 Tampa TBD: SOCOM Command Briefing at MacDill Theater TBD: SOCOM Memorial Event 1030-1530 Motorcycle Ride 1500 / 1600-1700 / 1800 SFA NBO October Chapter Leader's Meeting at the Tampa Tap Room (see above for RSVP) 1630-UTC 5th SFG Happy Hour/Gathering at the Yard House Downtown Tampa 1800-2200 1st SFG 40th Reactivation Anniversary Party at the Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk (Pool Deck)  Day 1: Sat 10/19 0930: Porters will start taking luggage (and continue until 1:30pm) 1000-1200:  Gary Sinise & the Lt Dan Band will be playing in the parking area outside of Terminal 3. You can drop off our luggage and return to enjoy the concert before boarding the ship. 1045: Passenger Boarding begins 1200-1400 Sister Luv concert on the Lido Deck  1300: VIPs meet with select individuals (Rex Lounge) 1330: Last luggage drop off time (if you miss this time, you will have to personally carry all your luggage on board thru security) 1400: Passenger Boarding complete 1400: Onboard Cake cutting and Welcome/Thank you remarks/Flyover by VIPs: Special Forces Legacy Initiatives (SFLI) and other VIPs 1445-1600 Carnival Fun Team leads our Sail Away Party  1500: VIPs not cruising prep to depart the ship (NLT 1530) 1600: Ship Departs 1620: Parachute Demonstration IVO Peter O.Knight Airport (you’ll want to be outside to see this) Day 2: Sun 10/20 at Sea Day 3: Mon 10/21 8am - 4pm Bimini, The Bahamas Day 4: Tue 10/22  8am-4pm Nassau, The Bahamas Day 5: Wed 10/23 at Sea [0900-1000 SFA General Membership Meeting; will also be available MS Teams and recorded] Day 6: Thu 10/24 8am arrive back in Tampa, FL offload by 1130      * Those returning home by air should plan flights after 12pm      Ybor City Tours, Lunch/Dinner and Pub Crawl    Make Lifelong Connections: Strengthen the bonds forged in the crucible of the Special Forces and form new connections with like-minded individuals who share a common mission and purpose. The reunion cruise is a chance to expand your network, exchange ideas, and collaborate with fellow warriors who are making a difference in various fields. So don't miss out on this extraordinary gathering of elite warriors. Reserve your spot today on this Global Gathering of Green Berets and embark on an adventure that will reignite the fire within and create memories that will last a lifetime. Together, let's honor the past, celebrate the present, and embrace the future.   REGISTER HERE   REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Cruise reservations need to be made and paid in full by October 10th. Only by contacting Carle Hurst directly and being granted special permission can reservations be made after that date. For more information, continue to follow us at: https://www.specialforcesassociation.org/sfacon-2024/   or on Facebook at:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/sfacon   DON’T MISS THE BOAT!     De Oppresso Liber, Pete Tingstrom Vice President Special Forces Association (808) 436-2901 Special Forces 2024 Cruise Lead Planner / SFACON 2024 Chair specialforces2024cruise@gmail.com

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