. THE JOHN WAYNE/BOB SALZMAN MEMORIAL CHAPTER FLORIDA CHAPTER XXI SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION Volume XXXXV NOVEMBER 2016 NR 11 Website: http://specialforceschapter21florida.weebly.com/ CHAPTER OFFICERS PRESIDENT: Richard Whitman, D-6528L, 14958 Lymington Circle, Orlando, FL 32826-4105 Tel: (407)482-3817, E-mail: rgwsrw99@aol.com VICE- PRESIDENT: Robert Schlafke, Jr., D-8729L, 112 June Drive, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931-3215 Tel: (954) 8731412, E-mail: rjscocoa@gmail.com; TREASURER: Thomas (Tom) Tomlin, D-722L, 1408 Gulfwood Ct., Brandon, FL., 33510 Tel: (813) 689-2451, E-mail: tomtomlinsf@aol.com ASSISTANT TREASURER: Phil Devon, M-13612, 4313 North Course Lane, Avon Park, FL 33825 Tel: (585)739-4785, E-mail: pdevo@comcast.net SECRETARY: George (Speedy) Gaspard, D-851L, 516 Mill Pond CT, ST Johns FL, 32259-3027 Tel: (904) 287-1681, E-mail: gwgsrg@aol.com ASSISTANT Suzie Gaspard, 516 Mill Pond CT, ST Johns, FL 32259-3027 SECRETARY: Tel: (904) 287-1681, E-mail: gwgsrg@aol.com WEBMASTER: Frank Fowler, D-256L, 1815 Reid Street, Lehigh Acres, FL., 33936 E-mail: fhfinfl@comcast.net, Tel: (239)-369-5611 QUARTERMASTER: David H. Soucie, M-12880A, 4243 McCorvey Road, Deland, FL., 32724 Tel: (386) 734-6412, E-mail: davidhsoucie@wildblue.net SFA CHAPTER XXI Judith (Judy) A. Drewry, 6619 W Saint Ann Lane, Dunnellon, FL 34433 NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Tel: (352) 795-4248, E-mail: raynjudydrewry@embarqmail.com
NOVEMBER 2016 HAPPY THANKSGIVING As I write this, we are one week away from the election that could drive the final nail into the coffin of freedom as we know it. Let us pray that doesn t happen. If it does, keep your powder dry. When you offer your prayers at Thanksgiving, give thanks for having had the opportunity to live in the United States of America as a free person. It is imperative, if you are planning on attending the Christmas meeting in Lakeland, to make your reservation at the hotel, NLT November 15. So far, only 15 rooms have been reserved and JD has received checks for 18 meals. So, be sure to send a check to JD Bath for your meals NLT December 1. See the information in this newsletter, reference the meeting. A few of us attended SOAR in Las Vegas, NV. Brian & Natalie Vines, John & Anna Fryer, RL & CJ Johnson, Rob (JO) Johansen, & Ralph Ormes. It was a great time. We have an old member who just reinstated. Welcome back Simon. SIMON RAMOS 3820 Honeycomb Drive, SE Conyers, GA 30094 770-344-9499 While at SOAR, I received commitments from three individuals to join Chapter XXI. However, due to the damages at National HQS, Cliff Newman has asked that we hold off on sending in requests for transfers or other requests until we are notified. As of right now, national employees are working from home. As to the damages at national and Chapter 1-18. Little Rockfish Creek, which runs behind the team house, rose 45 feet during hurricane Matthew. All of the buildings were flooded, some to a depth of 3.5 feet. The damages have been estimated at $250,000.00 and are not covered by insurance. National is asking for financial assistance in covering the loss. We will discuss this at our meeting. See pictures and the flyer from Chapter VI that was sent. Upcoming events: Veterans Day November 11 Thanksgiving Day November 24 Chapter XXI meeting in Lakeland December 9-11 Christmas Day December 25 Chapter XXI meeting March 2017 (TBD) Chapter XXI meeting in Bradenton June 2017 (dates to be determined) Ken Kilmer host SFA Convention in Fayetteville June 12 17 Richard Whitman, President
************************************************************************************ TO ALL ANNUAL DUES MEMBERS: 2017 Dues are now Payable. Make check payable to Chapter 21, SFA and mail to Tom Tomlin. Dues are due 31 December (30 day grace until 31 January.) ************************************************************************************ Health and Welfare Per Tom Tomlin 1. Steve and Lynda Epkins: Steve reports that he is still happily teaching JROTC in Cape Coral. Lynda is doing pretty good and is able to go back to work (light duty). Overall they are both well and send their Best Regards to all. 2. Dave and Sue and Barbara Soucie: Sue reports they are doing pretty good. However, the cancer has come back on Dave's face and ear. He is receiving treatment at the new VA facility at Lake Noma. He said many of the doctors who treated him at the Orlando facility have moved to the new location so the treatment is going very well. 3. Al and Toni Boman: Spoke with both of them. At this time they are waiting to find out if they will transfer Toni to another location where she can receive more thorough physical therapy. Al will let us know of any address changes. Al said he is still 'hanging in' but working with Medicare and Tricare for Life systems can be very frustrating. Hang in there Al and Toni, we are all pulling for you. 4. Tom Tomlin: I am coming along very well. I have been cleared to drive again (Ann is happy) and have completed the In home care/physical therapy and have started a cardiac physical therapy program (hospital directed) which is 3 days a week for 8 weeks. I'm sure that when I complete this, I will be in good shape. VA Representative At December Meeting Chapter 21 VA Representative, Noel Hike, will be available at the hotel to assist anyone. He will be there Saturday, 10 Dec 1100-1400 hours. This is an opportunity to get questions answered or assistance started.
MINUTES: Chapter XXI Subject: Minutes of the meeting conducted on September 17, 2016 at Cocoa Beach, Florida. The meeting of Chapter XXI, Special Forces Association was called to order by Chapter President Richard Whitman at 17:03 hours. There were fifty-nine attendees. New Members and guests present: New Members: Edgar Britt, Joe and Sandy McLaughlin Guests: Cliff and Karen Newman Sickness/Distress: Chapter XXI suffered the loss of Ty Furbish, Ken Gardner and James Taylor. A very sad time for the Chapter. Tommy Tomlin underwent bi-pass surgery and is doing well. This was one of the few meetings missed by Tommy and Ann. Reading of the Minutes The minutes of the meeting conducted in Crystal River, Florida on April 2, 2016 were read. A motion was made by Robert Stover seconded by Jim Summerhill to accept the minutes as read subject to minor error and corrections. Motion passed. Treasurers Report: The treasurer s report was rendered by Phil Devon, Assistant Treasurer. A motion by Rod Burns and seconded by Robert Stover to accept as read, subject to audit, was made. Motion carried. Unfinished Business: George (Speedy) Gaspard brought the new Rosters and began distributing them. The new Rosters would be mailed to each widow listed by the end of October. He requested any changes be sent via email or phone. Any changes and additions will be listed in the monthly newsletter. Good of the Order: A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Cliff Newman in recognition of all he has done for the Association and Chapter XXI. Chapter Member Ed Britt give a presentation on the meaning of POW MIA Remembrance Day, September 16 th. He reminded us of the still unaccounted for military members. Gerry Mierle will present the POW MIA table before dinner is served. New Business: A vigorous discussion was begun by Tom Norwood regarding recruiting of new members. It was pointed out that all the veteran organizations are having problems bringing younger veterans in. The importance of belonging and the assistance offered by the SFA, VFW, DAV and the American Legion is not recognized by the younger military members. Cliff Newman stated there are numerous at large Members on the rolls of SFA. Our meeting for December will be at The Comfort Inn and Suites in Lakeland, Florida. Further information to follow in our monthly newsletter. There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Jim Braddock. This is a privileged motion requiring no second. The meeting was adjourned at 18:09. Submitted by: George Gaspard Secretary/Recorder Approved by: President
Roster adjustments: Billingsley, Chris Britt, Ed ginystoy@outlook.com ecbhalo@comcast.net Burns, Rodney 352-464-1006 Carey, Jack 207-318-5428 Daniels, Robert 727-804-0481 Johnson, Jim JJ.the.FOG@gmail.com 7880 Rolling Woods Ct, West Springfield VA 22152 Kilmer, Kenneth 941-758-4701 Morse, Doug dmor4040@gmail.com M9059L Salzman, Carol carolasalzman@gmail.com P O Box 1699 Red Lodge MT 59068-9998 New Members: Hastings, Joe Wife: Lyndsay 1246 Alaqua Way, W Melbourne FL 32904 JPHMBox@yahoo.com 301-922-6025 M6795 Papa, Hugo Wife: Olivia 1960 Imperial Golf Course Blvd Naples, Fl 34110 hpapa7@comcast.net 239-564-3157 A4249L Ramos, Symon 3820 Honeycomb Dr Conyers, GA 30094-3668 770-344-9499 D2690A The Chapter XXI Roster is a current listing of members as of Aug 22, 2016. These are changes needed after printing. If you find any additional changes that need to be made, please call or send an email Speedy Gaspard @ (904) 287-1681 or gwgsrg@aol.com. Any further additions, deletions or changes will be in the monthly newsletter going forward. Donations to the Chapter: Carol Salzman $ 170.00 IMO Bob Salzman Tom Tomlin 60.00 Totals $ 230.00
Christmas Meeting December 9-11, 2016 The Comfort Inn and Suites 3520 US Highway 98 North, Lakeland, FL 33809. [Exit 32] off I-4. Phone: 863-859-0100 The Hotel is approx 1/4 North off I-4. Mention Special Forces to get the special rate of $82 per night. Reservations must be made by November 15. Hospitality Room is on the 2nd floor near the elevator and will open about 1400 hrs Friday and will stay open until nap time or we run out of lies. The Party will be at Heritage Park, 8950 N. Campbell Road Lakeland Fl. Maps will be in the hosp Room. Road Signs will be in place. The Menu: BBQ Chicken, Ribs and Pulled Pork, Beans, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw. Bread, Ice Tea. Plus Deserts, and Condiments. The cost is $10.00 per person We will have enough BBQ so you can get some of each... I will need your check made out to: SFA Chapter 21 NLT 1 Dec so I can get enough food for all. (Merry Christmas from Chapter XXI) Make the checks out to Chapter XX1 [21] SFA and send to: J.D. Bath 1925 Duff Road Lakeland, FL 33810-4827 Phone: 863-858- 5201 Cell # 863-279-9905 The usual Drinks will be available at both sites. The Ladies are invited to bring in those delicious goodies for the Hospitality Room. Also remember to bring a wrapped gift for the Fund Raiser!