Thursday, September 26, 2024

Cruise Announcements and other Association Announcements






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,
2. Constitution Committee - contact Chair, Pete Tingstrom,
3. Membership Committee - contact Chair, Ralph "Henry" DiGiacinto,
4. Finance Committee - contact Chair, Mike Hurst,      
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, 
 
You can find members of the committees on the SFA Teamhouse under menu "Committees" 
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

 

SFACON 2024 MC Ride SFBMC
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

 
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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. 
Learn more about the Tampa Tap Room at https://tampataproom.com/
Any questions, contact the SFA NBO President, Chris Wilkerson at president@specialforcesassociation.org
 
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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.
 

 
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:
or on Facebook at:
 
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



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