"We Have Lost One Of Our Own"

"We Have Lost One Of Our Own"                

          Special Forces MAJ(R) Harry Lee (Zang) Bryson 96

                         

                                           ** DOB August 12, 1929 ~ DOD February 5, 2026**  

                                                                  SFA Chapter 88, Mem# M-1425               

Hello All,

Sadly I write to you about the passing of Major (R) Harry Lee (Zang) Bryson, United States Army Green Beret Harry, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, at his home, surrounded by family & dear friends. He was born August 12, 1929, in Randolph County, Illinois, along the banks of the Mississippi River, in 1942, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where he made his lifelong home.

H.L. began his career with United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company in 1956 & rose to serve as General Manager, overseeing operations throughout Florida, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Panama Canal Zone, & Republic 

of Panama. He earned his CPCU designation in 1974 & his CLU designation in 1975. He also shared his expertise as 

an instructor at Jacksonville University & Manatee Junior College.

A decorated Army officer & proud Green Beret, H.L. was a life member of the 82nd Airborne Division Association & 

the Special Forces Association. His military service remained one of the great honors of his life.

H.L. was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He enjoyed bluegrass music, growing orchids & hot peppers, tending his citrus grove, & spending quiet time at his creek house watching wildlife. He treasured his dogs 

& maintained an extensive personal library reflecting his lifelong love of history and faith.

He is survived by his loving wife, Hilda; his daughter, Cynthia; his grandson, Jason; extended family members; & many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Mark M. Bryson.

Harry, was a loyal friend, loved & respected by everyone that knew him, he will be greatly missed, please keep his 

family in your prayers!

A graveside service will be held Friday, February 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Mandarin Cemetery, a Celebration of 

Life will be held at Mandarin Presbyterian Church on February 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Naugle Funeral Home.

 

RIP Harry,

William H."Bill" Eades

Three Special Forces Medal of Honor recipients are coming to Florida!

Three Special Forces Medal of Honor recipients are coming to Florida!

 

*Paris Davis

*Melvin Morris

*Earl Plumlee

 

Melvin Morris (MOH) (D2527L) family asked me to share this information to as many SF as we can.

Please do your best!

 

Details

Medal of Honor Valor 5k Run/Walk and Car Show

Home | Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, Inc.

https://veteransmemorialcenter.org/

400 Sykes Creek Pkws. Merritt Island, FL. 32927

https://veteransmemorialcenter.org/upcoming-veterans-events/

MARCH 2026 Event

13 Mar — Welcome Dinner for Medal of Honor Day 5K Sponsors including four special guests who received the Congressional Medal of Honor (1600-2100) BVMC Gray Hall. For more info on how to attend the dinner go to: https://veteransmemorialcenter.org/medal-of-honor-5k/

14 Mar — 5k and Car Show to Recognize National Medal of Honor Day. 5K in Park (0800-1000); Car Show also included in Park, 0900-1500. Register and pay here: https://veteransmemorialcenter.org/medal-of-honor-5k/

Four Medal of Honor Recipients expected to attend with proceeds going to support local veterans in need, veteran 501c3 projects and cadet youth of Brevard County. Contact BVMC Vice President Don Pearsall for more information or to help sponsor in the meantime on 321-453-1776, ext 1.

14 Mar — JROTC District Championships Drill Meet, BVMC Park 1000-1300 after Medal of Honor 5K Fundraiser. Support more than 200 cadets from at least 10 schools as they compete in Color Guard, Squad and Platoon Drills as well as Rifle Demonstration. The JROTC will also support and be engaged in the MOH 5K, including several runners from ll 14 JROTC programs. Courageous Division Sea Cadets also to assist MOH 5K. Best time to see all JROTC Action and help award trophies is 1200 – 1330. Contact Donn Weaver 757-871-6576 for any questions.

Maurice Morris stated, “We also still have 30 dinner tickets available for purchase, please let me know if you are interested.”

 

Sincerely

Joseph P. Hastings

Melbourne FL. 32904

Special Forces Association: M-6795

Special Operations Association: 3389-AA

Veterans of Foreign Wars: 11001607

Special Forces Historian and Arthur of

"1st Special Forces Regiment an Evolving Tapestry"

DOL

 

 

Please join us as we meet on Saturday February 21, 2026 at 11:30am at Twin Peaks at 440 SW 145th Avenue, Pembroke Pines 33027.

   SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION

      Chapter 76 - South Florida 

          “The Green Berets”

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 8, 2026

 

Hello Members and Friends of the Association,

 

Please join us as we meet on Saturday February 21, 2026 at 11:30am at Twin Peaks

at 440 SW 145^th Avenue, Pembroke Pines 33027.

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/1Np9RYgWy8o5vjZv9  (820 is Pines Blvd)

 

 

 

 

 

Brothers:  B/3/20 Reunion

 

WHEN:  Saturday, February 21, 2026, 1200 - 1700 hours

 

WHERE:  American Legion Post 26 (Plant City) 

2207 W. Baker St., Plant City, 33563

NOTE: It’s just a little south of I-4 off the Thonotosassa Exit

 

PRICE:   $25 per person. Please make checks out to: Chris Bell - for B/3/20 Reunion and mail to 1111 Jungle Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710-4327.

 

We’d like to ask that you start sending your checks in sooner rather than later.  It really helps us to get a realistic head count for ordering food.

 

SPECIAL NOTE.   Items for our popular raffle are already being sought and collected.  If you have something you would like to donate to the table, get with me.  

 

• There are already rumors that there will be a highly coveted C-130 Wind Vane and possibly some other awesome metal artwork from our very own Bob Purcell !  

 

• KEL TEC may also be a name you recognize on those tables along with other SF and American themed items!  

 

We are looking forward to seeing each of you and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or ideas… 

  

De Oppresso Liber

 

Chris R. Bell, MSG (R)

Special Projects Officer

Special Forces Legacy Initiatives (SFLI)

(727) 244.1016

SpecialProjects@SFLI.org

 

 

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

 

ED BELLO

2^nd VICE PRESIDENT & WEBMASTER

 

AL HERNANDEZ

SECRETARY

 

JASON PSALTIDES

SECRETARY

 

JIM TRICE

TREASURER

 

TOM HOUSE

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

_________________

 

DAN POIRIER

CHAPTER 76 BLOGGER

 

JOE PRUETT

COMMUNICATIONS

 

Meal and Reunion 2026

   SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION

      Chapter 76 - South Florida 

          “The Green Berets”

 

 

January 7, 2026

Hello Members and Friends of the Association,

Please join us as we meet on Saturday January 10, 2026 at 11:30am at Dave & Busters

in the Dolphin Mall, 11481 NW 12th St, Miami, FL 33172.

 

 

 

B/3/20^th Reunion

 

Brothers: Happy New Year!  To each and every one of you, on behalf of Darryl and myself, we want to say how grateful we feel for being part of this incredible B/3/20 Reunion Group that has been together for these many years. NOTE: For all you history buffs, 20th Group was officially organized on February 15, 1963 – so we’re 63-years old!

 

The last (2) year’s indoor Reunion has been so well received that we are going to continue with Darryl’s American Legion Post in Plant City for our venue

 

Okay, here is the SUMMARY: 

 

WHEN:  Saturday, February 21, 2026, 1200 - 1700 hours

 

WHERE:  American Legion Post 26 (Plant City) 

2207 W. Baker St., Plant City, 33563

NOTE: It’s just a little south of I-4 off the Thonotosassa Exit

 

PRICE:   $25 per person. Please make checks out to: Chris Bell - for B/3/20 Reunion and mail to 1111 Jungle Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710-4327.

 

We’d like to ask that you start sending your checks in sooner rather than later.  It really helps us to get a realistic head count for ordering food.

 

 

SPECIAL NOTE.   Items for our popular raffle are already being sought and collected.  If you have something you would like to donate to the table, get with me.  

 

• There are already rumors that there will be a highly coveted C-130 Wind Vane and possibly some other awesome metal artwork from our very own Bob Purcell !  

 

• KEL TEC may also be a name you recognize on those tables along with other SF and American themed items!  

 

We are looking forward to seeing each of you and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or ideas… 

  

De Oppresso Liber

 

Chris R. Bell, MSG (R)

Special Projects Officer

Special Forces Legacy Initiatives (SFLI)

(727) 244.1016

SpecialProjects@SFLI.org

 

 

Joe Pruett on behalf of

Ed Pijuan

President

January Chapter Meeting 2026

   SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION

      Chapter 76 - South Florida 

          “The Green Berets”

 

 

December 30, 2025

Hello Members and Friends of the Association,

Please join us as we meet on Saturday January 10, 2026 at 11:30am at Dave & Busters

in the Dolphin Mall, 11481 NW 12th St, Miami, FL 33172.

ALSO –

 

Would appreciate pushing this out to the Chapter membership.

 

Thanks,

 

Give - Make a donation and other ways to give to the Green Beret Foundation

 

Andrew Bray, Chapter member and SFA(D-5953)

 

 

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

 

ED BELLO

2^nd VICE PRESIDENT & WEBMASTER

 

AL HERNANDEZ

SECRETARY

 

JASON PSALTIDES

SECRETARY

 

JIM TRICE

TREASURER

 

TOM HOUSE

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

_________________

 

DAN POIRIER

CHAPTER 76 BLOGGER

 

JOE PRUETT

COMMUNICATIONS

 

 

Operation Christmas Drop

click on link to view

https://www.operationchristmasdrop.org/?wix-vod-video-id=06af635999ca4a879a847fa282570d22&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-l3admze6 

Bill Eades Daughter Funeral Info

   

  SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION

     Chapter 76 - South Florida 

          “The Green Berets”

 

 

December 16, 2025

 

Bill Eades’ daughter Tracye has passed. Here is the link to Stanfill Funeral Home on US just south of Dadeland Mall www.StanfillFH.com. Viewing Thursday evening 7-9. There is also an option to attend the viewing online.

 

 

 

 

 

Please join us as we meet on Saturday January 10, 2026 at 11:30am at Dave & Busters in the Dolphin Mall, 11481 NW 12th St, Miami, FL 33172.