Thursday, August 31, 2023

Update on Funeral and Service for Willie Washington


Subject: UPDATE: WILLIE WASHINGTON BURIAL South FL National Cemetery (6501 SR 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449) on Tuesday, SEP 5 at 1000hrs

   

  SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION

      Chapter 76 - South Florida 

           “The Green Berets”

 

 

 

 

 

August 30, 2023

 

From Jeff “Cowboy” Garten - 

 

I spoke to the Funeral Home (FH). Let's have the Co C and SFA meet at the funeral home next Friday at 3pm for the viewing. We can wear berets and green jackets or just berets.  

 

Viewing:  Friday, September 1st between 3-5 pm at Royal Funeral Service, 17475 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33056

 

Service:  Saturday, September 2nd at 11 am at Greater Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, 900 NW 6th Avenue, Hallandale, FL 33009

 

Burial:  Willie will be buried at the South FL National Cemetery (6501 SR 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449) on Tuesday, SEP 5 at 1000hrs. Be at the Admin building NLT 0945hrs.

 

LTC(ret) Jeff "Cowboy" Garten

President, Defenders LEMC-Palm Bch Chapter

Assistant State CPT, PGR- FL Dist 6

 

Sunday, August 27, 2023

SFA General Membership Zoom meeting on Tuesday August 29, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (EST).

SFA Members,

 

We will conduct a SFA General Membership Zoom meeting on Tuesday August 29, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (EST).  

 

Topics of Discussion:

 

SFACON 2024 Update - Pete Tingstrom

 

Decision for all 'NEW' life members and Annual members to only receive an electronic version of The Drop effective January 1, 2024.  All current SFA life members will be grandfathered in to receive a no-cost delivered copy if they have elected this option.  All other members will have an opportunity to subscribe for a hard copy for a $20.00 annual subscription fee.

 

Discussion on the SFA Headquarters reorganization and announcement of Executive Director position.  Resumes will be received until Friday September 22, 2023.  Send all resumes an questions to President@SpecialForcesAssociation.org or call (423) 895-3769 for questions.  Please see Executive Director position description below.

 

Please use the link below to attend.

 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81391054408?pwd=YVR6TEJXclBnRDdLZkFLUjlhVzF5Zz09

Meeting ID: 813 9105 4408
Passcode: 561204

 

 

 

Executive Director |SFA

About the Role


The position in the Fort Bragg Area of North Carolina exists to serve as the vital continuity
between the strategic vision, the National Board of Officers (NBO), day-to-day execution and
the many members and stakeholders of the SFA. This leader will serve as the driving force in
recruitment initiatives, strategic change, and day-to-day execution of this 11,000+ member
national organization which serves as a voice for the Special Forces Community, advances the
public image of the Special Forces Association, perpetuates Special Forces traditions and the SF
brotherhood, and promotes the general welfare of the Special Forces Community.


Responsibilities


· Provide a strategic level presence through circulation and attendance at various
functions, meetings, and organizational-level engagements
· Work closely with the SFA National President and NBO to identify and address
strategic-level issues for action and resolution
· Serve as the catalyst for the resolution of outstanding issues once decisions have been
made by the National Board of Officers
· Complete key tasks associated with fundraising and donor/friend management these
include but are not limited to: marketing outreach, initial discussions, donor
orientation, receptions, event support and donor communication
· Draft and deliver approved strategic messages to all members and friends of the SFA
· Establish and maintain operational systems and processes to align and sustain the
day-to-day efforts necessary to advance the organization
· Provide updates, and maintain consistent communication between the SFA National
President, all NBO members and, as directed, all SFA chapters and stakeholders for
the SFA
· Articulate a strategic vision that can be approved by the NBO
· Synthesize the strategic vision, operational priorities, and key tasks to present a clear
plan to move the association forward
· Drive success and provide an operational picture (*common operating picture) of
day-to-day activities for NBO and stakeholders at regular intervals
· Serve as, and provide, continuity to the NBO on all matters, vital in the role of
transitioning elected NBO members
· Make recommendations to the NBO on process improvements
· Implement approved changes to systems and processes
· Accountable to the NBO for all initiatives, programs, and projects
· Coordinate with all active-duty headquarters on all issues related to the association
ie., (Graduations, DMOR ceremonies, Changes of Command, retirements, and other
events of interest to the SFA)
· Represent the SFA in day-to-day activities as the ‘face of the SFA’
· Assume any other duties as directed by the SFA National President which will be
reviewed by the NBO at regular intervals
· Support all matters and initiatives associated with membership, report to the
National Secretary and Chair of the Membership Committee on all matters related to
membership
· Day-to-day administrative oversight and execution of the functions of the association

· Manage and supervise all paid employees, volunteers, and interns at the SFA National
Headquarters
· Create a safe and wholesome work environment that is welcoming to all
· Be familiar with the current SFA Constitution and bylaws of the Special Forces
Association
· Provide timely and accurate financial information and advise the National Treasurer
on financial matters
· Track and report on all relevant financial matters IAW the National Treasurer’s
guidance, SFA Constitution and applicable laws


Expectations and Commitments


· Hours
o 40 hours expected
o Flexible schedule (within reason)
o Some weekend and holiday work expected
· Travel
o Minimal travel for the first 6 months
o Afterward, expect up to 25% of work weeks to include travel
· Communication
o Text, email, proficient with MS Office, social media, Club Express
(member management software)
o External stakeholder requirements
o Maintain relationships with:
§ National Board of Officers
§ All SFA Chapters
§ All commands on Ft Bragg
§ Active and National Guard Special Forces Groups globally
§ All SF Benevolent organizations and Partners

Requirements


Ideal candidates must have:


· Successfully served in Special Forces
· History of effective leadership at the executive level
· Proven experience recruiting, motivating, developing, and optimizing talent
· Success in analyzing, developing, and delivering operational and strategic
plans and processes
· Validated and proven ethical leadership
· Mastery of the English language (written and spoken) with an ability to speak
to, and captivate, large gatherings
· Self-starter, motivated and focused on making the SFA better every day
· Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience acceptable to the NBO ie., (PME,
successful leadership and learning mindset, etc.)
· Benevolent experience working with military members, veterans, and families
· Must be an SFA Member in good standing
· Must be able to pass a background check as determined by the NBO


Pay and Compensation


· Competitive pay
· No moving allowance

 

 

Joe Pruett on behalf of

Ed Pijuan

President

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Passing of Willie Washington, Service Information




August 24, 2023

Hello Members and Friends of the Association,

Thanks to Ed Pijuan and Jerry Bartlett for this update Willie's sister, Florence provided the following:

 

Viewing:  Friday, September 1st between 3-5 pm at Royal Funeral Service, 17475 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33056

 

Service:  Saturday, September 2nd at 11 am at Greater Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, 900 NW 6th Avenue, Hallandale, FL 33009

 

Internment:  DATE/TIME TO BE DETERMINED  ~ South Florida National Cemetary, 6501 FL-7, Lake Worth, FL 33449

 

August 22, 2023

Hello Members and Friends of the Association,

Sadly, Willie Washington has passed. Thanks to Jeff Garten and Jerry Bartlett for advising. Per Jerry, Willie's sister, Florence Bowie called to say that he had passed Sunday August 20th after having been hospitalized for a week... no cause given. Florence would like to have the unit involved as Willie would have liked that. Jeff Garten has been advised as he is very knowledgeable in this area and will be in touch with Willie’s sister.

 

You will recall that Willie suffered a broken neck and endured the aftermath of that incident for over 40 years. Willie was an accomplished photographer and the unofficial unit photographer for many years.  Willie will be greatly missed.

 

We will advise of funeral/service plans and obituary as soon as we receive.  I have no further info at this time.













 

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Webinar on Service Connected Disability.Tuesday, August 15that 8:00 pm Eastern

SFA Chapter Leadership,

 

Please make sure that your chapter members are aware of this webinar on Service Connected Disability.  Thanks.

 

Kevin

 

The Special Forces Association and the SF4 Life committee, is happy to host our third virtual webinar onTuesday, August 15that 8:00 pm Eastern. This webinar will focus onService-Connected Disability, a topic important to many of our current and future members that is sure to attract a lot of attention. We are very fortunate to have two incredible speakers for this event:

Cory Ahonen, a VA-accredited claims agent and certifying official who also serves as the Deputy Director of Health and Community Service for the town of Easton MA. Cory is an Air Force veteran who holds a Master's in Public Administration from Bridgewater State University.

Francis Jackson, a founding partner in Jackson & MacNichol law firm which specializes in VA claims and benefits. Francis holds a Juris Doctorate from the Maine School of Law and has accumulated over 40 years of experience in the field.

This event is open to all SFA members. The presentation will last approximately 60-90 minutes, with time available for discussion and questions.

Date: Tuesday, August 15that 8:00 pm Eastern

Zoom link:https://uky.zoom.us/j/87528105041

 

In case you missed it, be sure to check our two previous webinars:

Financial Literacy, or what guest speaker and SOF veteran Phillip Hulme called “Financial TTPs” can be accessed through the SFA Teamhouse website or at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dssn8fzuoSg

Second stageVeteran Transitionwith guest speaker and SFA member Blake Miles, can also be accessed through the SFA Teamhouse website or at:

https://youtu.be/XdbLZCKixeg

 

Voice your opinion

Over the past three years, the SF4 Life committee has worked to address specific areas within the SFA. The committee has succeeded in capitalizing on the “SFA Teamhouse” website to empower individual members beyond the limits of their chapters as well as members at large in a network of SF soldiers and veterans across the nation and world. The committee worked to identify and clarify SFA recruitment goals, transition support, and this webinar series was designed to address broad areas of interest to our members. As we invite you to our third webinar we want to solicit your opinion and feedback on future webinar topics you'd be interested in attending. Please take a moment to share your thoughts through this survey link:

https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a2I4Ub4C0h1t5lk

Lastly, we wanted to make sure you know about the very unique gathering of 2,100+ Green Berets, Gold Star Families, Medal of Honor recipients, Family and friends (we are calling it the Global Gathering of Green Berets). SFA Legacy Initiatives (SFALI) signed a contract to charter the Carnival Paradise cruise ship for Special Forces Alumni, Family, and friends. We are departing on a 5-day cruise out of the Port of Tampa19-24 October 2024. You can Register at:https://sfali.org/cruise-pre-registration-page/

SFA Legacy Initiatives, Dream Vacations, and SFACON 2024 will be hosting several Q&A Zoom calls. The first one is scheduled for Monday July 24, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern. The link for thismeeting ishttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/85013052241?pwd=clVIMCtsSnVxRy9mWE8wWC9IV00xUT09

Meeting ID: 850 1305 2241

Passcode: 692565

The Cruise/SFACON 2024 updates will be made available at:

www.SFALI.org

https://www.specialforcesassociation.org/sfacon-2024/

www.facebook.com/groups/sfacon

or emailLegacy4SFA@gmail.com/specialforces2024cruise@gmail.com

Respectfully,

 

Kevin L. Harry

President

423-895-3769

president@specialforcesassociation.org

 

 

Thursday, August 10, 2023

How to Find Cheap Military Flights and Baggage Discounts

How to Find Cheap Military Flights and Baggage Discounts



Military families are always on the go. That's why they're always on the lookout for cheap airline flights to make travel easier on their bank accounts.

Advertisement

One cheap way to fly is Space Available, or Space A. However, these flights frequently change and seats aren't always available, so your schedule has to be very flexible. Visit Air Mobility Command for more information on Space A flights.

Related: Expedia can be used to search for and book all sorts of travel, including hotels, airfare, rental cars, cruises, activities, attractions and vacation packages.

Fortunately, there are several airlines that offer military discounts on airfare. Keep in mind that some of these discounts are unadvertised and may not be available online, so be prepared to call the airlines directly to ask about their military rates.

Advertisement

Whether you're traveling on orders or for leisure, you can find discounted rates on flights as well as discounts on checked baggage with the following airlines. (And don't forget that TSA also salutes the military by offering expedited screening. Learn more at the TSA website.)

Airfare

Delta

For active-duty service members, Delta offers savings on flights not available to civilian customers. They also offer early boarding and special military policies on pet travel along with vacation packages through Delta Vacations. To make a reservation call Delta directly.

JetBlue

JetBlue offers special discounts and fares, airport assistance and other unique services for active-duty military and their immediate family (spouses or children). Call 1-800-JETBLUE.

Southwest

Southwest offers military discounts to active-duty military personnel and their families. Contact Southwest directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) or visit a Southwest ticket counter to take advantage of the discount.

Norfolk International Airport

The airlines serving Norfolk International Airport offer discounts to military travelers and their dependents. Call the airlines directly for information about schedules and fares and to make reservations.

Baggage

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines offers active-duty military up to five free checked bags. This discount also applies to military dependents on travel orders.

Allegiant Airlines

Allegiant offers active-duty military, Reservists, National Guard and veterans up to two pieces of checked baggage under 100 pounds for free and no charge for oversized checked baggage. Spouses and dependents qualify for the same benefits if they're traveling on the same itinerary with the eligible military traveler.

American Airlines

Active-duty military personnel traveling on orders can check up to five complimentary bags (up to 100 pounds). When traveling for pleasure, you can check up to three complimentary bags (up to 50 pounds). Military dependents traveling on orders have the same privileges as military personnel.

Delta

Active-duty military personnel traveling on orders can check five free bags that are up to 100 pounds. On military orders, your bags can be 80 inches (total length plus width plus height). For personal travel, active military are able to check three free bags in first class, Delta Premium Select and Delta One (up to 70 pounds) and two bags in Basic Economy, Main Cabin and Delta Comfort (up to 50 pounds). For personal travel, your bags can be 62 inches. 

JetBlue

Active-duty military personnel and their dependents traveling on military orders are allowed to check five bags each at no additional cost. Active-duty military personnel and their dependents traveling for leisure are allowed to check two bags each at no additional cost.

United

Active-duty military personnel traveling on official orders or for pleasure can check extra baggage free of charge, excluding military pet shipments. Military dependents are included In some cases.

Travel the Land You Love, For Less

Red Roof is proud to honor active military and veteran guests as well as government employees with exclusive travel discounts accepted at any Red Roof location nationwide. As a thank you for your service, Red Roof welcomes you to use these discounts when you're traveling on business or on vacation.



Why You Should Get a Veterans Designation on Your Driver's License

Why You Should Get a Veterans Designation on Your Driver's License


Most states offer a free veteran's designation on their driver's licenses, and if you want to get your full benefits as a veteran, you will want to make sure you get yours.

Having your driver's license updated with your veteran status ensures you easily can get special veteran’s-only discounts and other benefits that are offered by private businesses as well as state and local governments.

Advertisement


For What Kind of Discounts Are Veterans Eligible?

You may have visited our discounts section and have seen the hundreds of discounts that businesses offer to veterans. These discounts cover almost every type of business you can imagine: from golf courses to drugstores to theme parks. However it can be cumbersome to carry your DD-214 with you all the time in order to get these discounts, and that really isn't something you should be doing.

See: Military Discount Center, Deals and Freebies

To make it easy to get these discounts, you can apply for a veteran's ID cardfrom the Department of Veterans Affairs, but the VA only gives this card to honorably discharged veterans, and having to carry an extra ID card with you can be a hassle. That's why it's always good to get that veteran's designation on your driver's license.

Either your VA ID card or your state-issued ID or license with a veteran designation is usually all you need to take advantage of the many discounts listed in our discounts section as well as other discounts. These "other" discounts can be extremely beneficial if you take advantage of them.

What Other Veterans Discounts and Freebies Are Available?

Besides the usual discounts that national retailers and other businesses offer, many local companies offer veterans discounts. While most of these discounts are usually around 10% on goods and services, they can be worth a lot of money depending on the company. Sure, a 10% discount on breakfast isn't necessarily something that will make a big difference in your life, but if you are purchasing a big-ticket item, that discount can be a game changer.

Buying a new refrigerator? That 10% discount can be over $200. Just found out you need a new $10,000 furnace? That 10% discount is $1,000. How about home improvement? Many contractors offer 5% or 10% discounts on construction services like siding or a new roof. Those savings can add up very quickly.

So, all things being equal, you always should seek out the business that offers a veterans discount if you want to save money. It never hurts to ask whether the business offers a veterans discount when you are shopping around for services.

Also, many states offer a ton of discounts and other benefits for veterans that you may not be aware of, and having an easily accessible veteran’s ID card can make it much simpler for you and your family to receive them.

Related: Your 2022 State Veteran’s Benefits

For example, most states offer veterans some type of discount for admission to state parks or state fairs; others offer free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses. One thing you may not know is that many states offer these discounts to non-resident veterans.

So if you're planning a vacation this summer, or staying in and doing some home-improvement, you may be able to save hundreds of dollars just by using your veterans discount.


Saturday, August 5, 2023

Next chapter meeting will take place at 1100am on Saturday August 26th

August 2, 2023

Hello Members and Friends of the Association,

 

Our next chapter meeting will take place at 1100am on Saturday August 26th at Fuddruckers, 14875 S Dixie Hwy, Kendall, FL (Palmetto Bay).   

 

Directions from points north of Miami, take 826 South or I-95 South, merge with US 1, then proceed south on Dixie Hwy to 14875 or take the Turnpike south to SW 152nd Street, then proceed east to South Dixie 2.6 miles, then north on S. Dixie about 1000 feet.

 

Please note this is 1100 vice the usual 1130 start time.

 

 


          

 

 

Joe Pruett on behalf of

Ed Pijuan

President