Command Chapter LX

The Richard J. Meadows Memorial Chapter

Special Forces Association

Volume 20, Issue 02

February 2012

AWARDED BEST SFA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER 05-06, 07-08 & 09-10

Chapter Golf Tournament March 8th 2012

Rob Cavin 2012 Tournament Director

The 10th Annual Richard J. Meadows Memorial Chapter Golf Tournament will take place on 8 March, 2012 at the Bay Palms complex on MacDill AFB. Registration begins at 1100, and play begins at 1300. As always, this will be the Chapters primary fundraising event for the year, and as this years tournament director, I am asking for the support of as many of our members as possible to ensure its success. Once again this year we are hiring Sland Golf Inc, a professional event organizer to handle the golf tournament. Due to tough economic times being experienced by most business it is taking more work to raise funds this year. Fortunately for us we have faithful long time friends such as Booz Allen Hamilton, Zilka-Kotab, Raytheon and Jacobs Technology who never falter in their support for Chapter LX. We hope this will serve as a challenge to other sponsors to make this a truly notable fundraiser. However, we are still asking every member of the Chapter to consider themselves part of the committee and support the tournament in one of the following two ways: Bring us a sponsor. That could be a tournament sponsor, a hole sponsor, or a sponsor to donate merchandise for our goody bags or raffle prizes. We have numerous levels of sponsorship that are explained in detail on our registration form. You can refer prospective sponsors to our web page at http://slandgolf.com/sfalx12reg.htm to get more information about sponsorship and download a registration form for this years tournament. If youre uncomfortable asking for support, mention our tournament, promise to send along some more information, and then get us a name and an email address so we can follow up. Make a cash donation. Donations help defray expenses, and every contribution adds to the Chapters bottom line. Cash contributions should be forwarded to Rob Cavin, Chapter LX, SFA, Attn: Golf Tournament, PO Box 6515, MacDill AFB, FL 33608-6515. Make your checks out to Chapter LX, SFA, with the annotation Golf Tournament on the memo line. All contributors will be recognized in the Chapter newsletter, and remember, cash contributions to the Chapter are taxdeductible. So what could be easier and more practical? You can contact me at 813-394-4324, or email golf@specialforces.org and well get you squared away. And thanks in advance for your help as we make this years tournament the most successful ever! Rob Cavin

2
CHAPTER OFFICERS
Honorary Chapter President: ADMIRAL William H. McRaven, USN President: Robert M. Cavin r.cavin@yahoo.com (813) 394-4324 VP Operations: Brian E. Wilson brianmffjm@msn.com (813) 758-9151 VP Support: Jon S. Mueller JonMue@aol.com (813) 684-3951 Secretary: Donald H. Cox dcox21@tampabay.rr.com (813) 728-3179 Treasurer: James H. McGarrah res0lgdf@verizon.net (813) 672-3511 Chaplain: VACANT National Representative: Billy Waugh BILLYWCCN@aol.com Sergeant-at-Arms: M. Wayne Rutland sfbker@msn.com (813) 837-5281 Newsletter Editor: Wayne F. Rich WFR226@aol.com (813) 973-7040 Art Director: Randy D. Nabors rnabors2@tampabay.rr.com Web Master: Donald H. Cox webmaster@specialforces.org (813) 728-3179 Veterans Affairs Rep: VACANT Chrairman Scholarship Committee: Jon S. Mueller (813) 684-3951 JonMue@aol.com

THE TIP OF THE SPEAR

FEBRUARY 2012
I would like to start off by asking for your prayers for member Rod Nishimuras wife Linda. She was recently hospitalized for an illness. Thankfully she is back home and doing fine. The year is off to a booming start. We are in the final planning stages for the 2012 Richard J. Meadows Golf Tournament. Mark your calendars, 8 March 2012, 1100 hrs at the MacDill AFB Golf Course. The awards dinner should start approximately 1700 hrs. Everyone is welcome to come out even if they dont play golf. Tickets are still available for the Henry Big Boy Deluxe II rifle raffle donated by Dick Crawford. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets should contact one of the Chapter Officers. The winner is tentatively scheduled to be drawn at Spring-fest on Saturday, March 31th. Hopefully everyone will attend and dont forget to RSVP to Jon Mueller. And finally, dont forget to remind friends and business owners that sponsorships for the 2011 RJM Memorial Golf Tournament are still available. We also need Raffle prizes to make the day a success. The money raised supports most of the Chapters activities for the entire year, including the RJM Memorial Scholarship fund, the Chapter LX Team House fund and a variety of charities that count on us each year. Our next meeting will be on 9 March, hope to see everyone there. De Oppresso Liber, Rob Cavin

Hand Salute
Chapter LX has members deployed overseas in support of the War on Terror. Some of these men are still on active duty; others are on the retired rolls. When the call to arms sounded, each stepped forward. We members of the Chapter LX salute them for their service. Andrew Andy Burch, Afghanistan COL Rocky Farr, Various Locations Mark Griggs, Afghanistan Abel Zuniga, Afghanistan **Request members inform Bill Bennett, wcbenn47@verizon.net of the names of deployed members.

Tip of the Spear is published monthly by Command Chapter LX of the Special Forces Assciation, the Richard J. Meadows Memorial Chapter, P. O. Box 6515, MacDill AFB, FL 33608-0515. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Special Operations Command, The Special Forces Association Headquarters or of Command Chapter LX of the Special Forces Association. Copyright Notice - Material in Tip of the Spear may be reprinted provided credit is given to Tip of the Spear and the author/creator of the work. Works specifically copyrighted must be cleared for republication or other use from the author/creator directly. Address any comments or suggestions to: Editor, Tip of the Spear, Command Chapter LX, P. O. Box 6515, MacDill AFB, FL 33608-0515, or email to the Newsletter Editor or the Chapter President as listed above. Please be sure to visit our website at www.specialforces.org/sfalx//

3
SFA Chapter LX Minutes or 10 February 2012
Meeting brought to order at 1730 hours by President Rob Cavin. Officers present were President Rob Cavin, Vice President for Support Jon Mueller, Treasurer Jim McGarrah and Secretary Don Cox. Vice President for Operations Brian Wilson was absent. Members present were Geoff Barker, Bill Bennett, Travis Brunelle, Rich Corson, Ed Dottery, David Froberg, Goose Gossage, David Haddock, Gil Himes, Darrell Katz, Dennis Kilcullen, Jerry King, Ben Morris, Todd Reed, Wayne Rich, Pat Rizzi, Wayne Rutland, Bob Ryan, Bill Smith, Frank Smith, Ron Taylor, Mike Vermillion, Gary Weber, and Dave Williams. The only guest was Mr. Doug Ralston, friend of member Bob Ryan. Following the Pledge of Allegiance led by Rich Corson, members observed a moment of silence, followed by a prayer by member Bill Bennett. PRESIDENTS OPENING REMARKS: President Cavin welcomed the membership and guest and then called for the monthly reports. SECRETARYS REPORT: Correspondence: The Chapter received no correspondence of significance to the membership this month. Membership: Annual memberships for 2011 lapsed on 1 Jan 2012. The grace period for renewals ended 31 Jan. The Chapter had 21 annual members who did not renew for 2012. Current membership stands at 257, including 184 Life, 65 annual, and 8 honorary members. A Motion was made by Rich Corson and seconded by Bill Bennett to accept the Secretarys report. Motion carried. TREASURERS REPORT: Treasurer Jim McGarrah rendered an abbreviated report due to guests being present. Members interested in obtaining the detailed report should contact the Treasurer. A motion was made by Bill Bennett and seconded to accept the Treasurers report. Motion carried. QUARTERMASTER REPORT: There was no report rendered as the new QM had nothing significant to report. Members who desire Chapter shirts or apparel should contact QM Travis Brunelle or go direct to Sharon Thacker at Casual Wear Unlimited. She can be reached at 727-442-8400, or via email at sthacker@cwu-inc.com. OLD BUSINESS: Golf Tournament: President Cavin reminded all that the 2012 Golf tournament will be held on 8 March. Most of our previous major sponsors have stepped up this year in spite of the difficult economy, but other sponsorships and donations have been lacking. President Cavin requested that Chapter members continue trying to sign up

THE TIP OF THE SPEAR

sponsors and get raffle items and door prizes for this important event. Spread the word, active duty military members of USSOCOM play for free, all other SOCOM employees play for half price. Sign up at http://slandgolf.com/sfalx12reg.htm NEW BUSINESS: QM at the 2012 SFA Convention: Member Wayne Rutland asked if the Chapter QM was planning to attend the SFA convention in Fayetteville in 2012 and sell Chapter merchandise. QM Brunelle responded that we was going to try, but his plans were not finalized at this point. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Rod Nishimura: Secretary Cox reported that Rods wife Linda had been hospitalized recently for an illness. She is currently back home and reportedly doing fine. Members wishing to contact Rod who do not have contact information should contact the Secretary via email at sfalx@specialforces.org. 2013 SFA Convention: Secretary Cox asked the members present to forward to him any information they came across regarding registration for the 2013 SFA convention in San Antonio. We anticipate this convention to be rather heavily attended and would like to pass the information regarding registration to all Chapter LX members as soon as it becomes available. Tet Party AAR: Member Ben Morris reported that 41 folks attended the Tet party. Remo Butler was the highest ranking attendee, and Wayne Searcy came the farthest, from Fayetteville. Chuck Jenkins provided a case of SF Beer mugs to be given away. A good time was had by all, and the Chapter thanks Ben and his wife Susan for hosting the party this year. Springfest: VP Mueller reminded everyone that Springfest was scheduled for Saturday March 31st at Windsor Park in Lutz, Florida. A flyer with more info will be forthcoming. The winner of the Henry Rifle will be drawn at Springfest, and there are still tickets available. Chapter members who wish to purchase tickets, or help to sell tickets should contact VP Brian Wilson directly or by email at sfalx@specialforces.org. 50/50 Drawing: The pot was $137, and the drawing was won by Pat Rizzi, who donated his share to the Chapter Team House Fund. Thanks Pat! Adjournment: The meeting then adjourned at 1754 hours following a motion by Rich Corson and a second. Motion carried. The meeting lasted 24 minutes. Next Membership Meeting: Friday, March 9th, 2012, 1730 hours, at American Legion Post 139, 3818 West Bay Vista Avenue, Tampa, FL 33611-1226, Telephone (813) 839-6740.

4
February 2012
SFC MATTHEW A. HARVEY Died 05 February 2012 Auto Accident
SFC Matthew A. Harvey, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Ft. Carson, CO, was killed in an auto accident on Feb. 05, near Stuttgart, Germany. SFC Harvey, 29, a native of Houston, Texas, joined the Army in June 2001. He completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. His first assignment was at Fort Bragg, NC, with the 37th Engineer Battalion as a senior carpentry and masonry specialist. From there he transitioned to Fort Carson, where he served as a construction operations Sergeant with 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. He joined 10th SFG (A) in 2009, where he served with distinction as a senior engineer Sergeant within the Group Headquarters. His deployments include two tours in Iraq and one in Nicaragua. SFC Harveys major military education includes: Basic Airborne School, Air Assault School, the Warrior Leaders Course, the Environmental Compliance Assessment System, the Advanced Leaders Course, and the Senior Leaders Course. His awards and decorations includes: the Purple Heart with one oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal with three clasps, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal with four Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with three Numeral Devices, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon with two Numeral Devices, the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, and the Driver and Mechanic Badge. SFC Harvey is survived by his wife Crystal and his son Hunter.

THE TIP OF THE SPEAR

Wings of Eagles
Bill Bennett
wcbenn47@verizon.net

The Morality of Capitalism

Under capitalism man exploits man; under socialism the reverse is true - Polish Proverb Over the last century our Nation has discussed the virtue of capitalism versus socialism. One side supports economic transactions freely arrived at by all parties regardless of outcomes while the other supports realigning national resources to ensure each individual has an equal share of the economic pie. I wonder, is one system more moral than the other? Since I believe that morality flows from God, I believe those actions that most closely conform to His guidance are the most moral. As a result, I turn to the Bible for guidance on matters of morality. The Bible does not recommend any specific economic system. It does counsel us on personal conduct and commands us to Love your neighbor as yourself, which may have implications for this analysis. (Matthew 22:39) Jesus also cautions us that whatever you did for one of the least of these you did for me. (Matthew 25:40) Essentially, Christianity counsels personal altruism here on earth, but on the nature of an economic system it is silent. We are left to determine which economic system most closely meets the guidance Christ gave to us as individuals. Many people transfer the ideal of personal altruism to our economic system and, thus, prefer socialist economic models, which tap those with means to help those with needs. These people consider capitalism to be immoral since it encourages people to freely act on their personal self-interest. Perhaps counter-intuitively, I believe capitalism is inherently more moral than any socialist economic model and is founded on Biblical principles. Capitalism entails an exchange - free of coercion - of goods and services between individuals. All capitalist transactions are based solely on the individuals free will. Socialist models require coercion because they dictate a government take resources from a class of individuals (tax payers) to give to another class of individuals (beneficiaries). I assert that all taxes are inherently coercive and should only be used for the general good of society, e.g., defense, infrastructure, etc. Since God gave us free will and does not coerce us, a moral economic system will rely on the same principles. Christ does not counsel us, either individually or collectively, to take another persons property without consent, even for altruistic purposes. In fact, we are

- DE OPPRESSO LIBER -

5
adjoined to follow the eighth commandment, Thou shalt not steal. Christ wants each of us to take care of our neighbors with our own resources freely given. He wants us to reach into our own pockets, not our neighbors pockets. That the Bible accepts private property is obvious. Abraham purchased Sarahs burial plot and the Torah directed the Israelites to leave the edges of privatelyowned fields un-harvested so the poor could glean them. Other stories allude or speak directly to private property. Though early Christians voluntarily experimented with communism, the experiment must have failed or the Apostles would have recommended that system to us. To my view, capitalism more closely aligns to Biblical principles and, hence, is more moral - than any form of socialism. Should we be altruistic? Of course. But our altruism must be the result of individual choice, not the result of government coercion. De Oppresso Liber Bill 2011 William C. Bennett

THE TIP OF THE SPEAR

Night S pecial Forces Combat Training Jump in Bavaria

by John Cass R. Cassady, LTC US Army (Ret) Vet of the 5th, and 10th Special Forces Groups, MACVSOG & Project 404. Holder of Military Master Parachute Wings w/combat star, Gold Jump Wings and Freefall Badge from USPA Many years ago in Southern Germany 10th Special Forces Group soldiers trained for the day theyd be deployed behind enemy lines to conduct unconventional warfare against the USSR and their allies. Part of the training involved night jumps into the rugged terrain of the Bavarian Alps. Many of those missions were flown by brave semi-sober USAF Air Commandoes stationed at Sembach, Germany. Often they flew their old and refurbished C-47 Goonie Birds without modern navigation systems. They used German road and topographic maps combined with good eyesight from the cockpit. Under the best of circumstances these night jumps with Operational A Detachments of twelve fully combat loaded Green Berets rigged with heavy rucksacks were challenging. Adding to the challenge, especially for the jumpmaster, was a tactic called an Area Drop Zone. This involved a jump aircraft flying on a designated azimuth (direction) from one point to another for a certain distance at or near jump altitude under blackout conditions. Neither the aircrew nor the SF soldiers knew exactly where the DZ was located on the ground. They only knew that somewhere along the direction they were flying, a group of friendly partisans had selected a drop site and would light flare pots in the shape of a designated letter, such as an L or T. Once the aircraft entered the start, or first point of the Area DZ, the jumpmaster and/or the aircrew had to visually spot the lit signal flare pots. Imagine yourself the jumpmaster leaning as far out the open aircraft door as possible, straining to see the dim signal lights ahead in the fog and haze of night while flying at about 120mph. Roaring wind tearing at your rucksack would try to wrench you from the plane. You had to hang on for dear life. Your jumpers were hooked up and poised with anticipation for your command to Stand in the door and GO. Now imagine yourself a hard working German farmer whod worked for hours clearing fields for his next crop. Youd stop for a beer break and lit the deadfall youd cleared to burn when you heard a low flying multi-engined aircraft flying overhead in the dark night. Imagine your complete shock as a dozen fierce looking combat laden camouflaged paratroopers descended suddenly on you and your field. There were enough surprises for everyone that night. The Green Beret detachment learned theyd jumped at the wrong place and groused about having to march another twelve kilometers cross country to their

ARMY ALMANAC
Milestones in Army History 165 Years Ago 22-23 Feb 1847 Major General Zachary Taylors army of around 5,000 regulars and volunteers clashes with a force of Mexican troops under General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at Buena Vista. Though vastly outnumbered, the Americans defeat the Mexicans. 100 Years Ago 11 Feb 1912 The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers raises USS Maine from Havana Harbor. The vessel had suddenly exploded in Havana harbor on 15 February 1898. Though the cause of the explosion was and remains unknown, the sinking of the Maine precipitated the Spanish-American War. 80 Years Ago 22 Feb 1932 The Badge of Military Merit is reestablished as the Purple Heart in honor of the 200th anniversary of George Washingtons birthday. General Douglas McArthur spearheads the effort to revive the award and becomes the first recipient of the modern Purple Heart. 50 Years Ago 08 Feb 1962 Military Assistance Command Vietnam, (MACV), is established in Saigon as the United States reorganizes its military command in South Vietnam. 45 Years Ago 22 Feb 1967 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, conducts the only major parachute assault of the Vietnam War as part of Operation JUNCTION CITY.

6
rendezvous point, while grumbling about the German the farmer who lit a fire along the path of their area drop zone. As the SF Detachment moved away across the darkened fields, the German farmer was overheard mumbling that he had only one beer when those green devils from Bad Toelz scared the wits out of him Ende Post script. This event didnt happen to Cass, but to a close friend and fellow Detachment Commander and Jumpmaster while they served in the 10th SF Group For more information contact: John R. Cassady, LTC US Army (Ret.) P.O. Box 310, Murphy, NC 28906, 828837-7034

THE TIP OF THE SPEAR

SF HIST ORY FOR FEBRUARY

01 Feb 1991 Special Operations Research, Development, and Acquisition Center, (SORDAC) established. 07 Feb 1967 Special Forces 1LT George K. Sisler participated in action for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously. 07 Feb 1968 Det A-101, 5th SFG(A) defended positions at the Battle of Lang Vei, Vietnam; Army SFC Eugene Ashley, Jr. was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously. 08 Feb 1972 Last MACV-SOG, cross-border mission ended. 11 Feb 1943 Darby led 1st Ranger Battalion on night raid against Italian frontline positions near Station deSeneo in Tunisia. 12 Feb 1973 North Vietnam released first US POWs following signing of Paris Peace Accords. 19 Feb 1968 Special Forces SSG Fred W. Zabitosky participated in action for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor. 20 Feb 1965 Special Forces participated in the Battle of Mang Yang Pass, Vietnam. 21 Feb 1954 Last operational mission by 8240 AU (UNPIK) ended with evacuation of BEEHIVE survivors from North Korea. 22 Feb 1969 Special Forces SP4 Robert D. Law participated in action for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously. 23 Feb 1991 Special Forces Special Reconnaissance Teams infiltrated Iraq on the eve of the ground war. 27 Feb 1795 Francis The Swamp Fox Marion died.

Military History
The raid at Los Baos in the Philippines, early Friday morning on February 23, 1945, was executed by a combined U.S. Army Airborne and Filipino guerrilla task force, resulting in the liberation of 2,147 Allied civilian and military internees from an agricultural school campus turned Japanese internment camp. It has been celebrated as one of the most successful rescue operations in modern military history. It was the second preciselyexecuted raid by combined U.S.-Filipino forces within a month, following on the heels of the Raid at Cabanatuan at Luzon on 30 January, in which 512 Allied military POWs had been rescued. As a result of the raid Frank Buckles the last surviving World War I veteran until his recent death was released from captivity. The outstanding success of the Los Baos raid incorporated many facets that revolutionized generations of future special military operations. Thorough planning, reliable intelligence, stealth, speed and surprise, superior firepower, cooperation by friendly forces, and support of the populace gave the planners and forces implementing the raid an advantage that resulted in few casualties.

08 March - Annual RJM Golf Tournament 09 March - C-LX Monthly Meeting 13 April - C-LX Monthly Meeting 14 April - C-LXs Annual Spring Fest 11 May - C-LX Monthly Meeting 08 June - C-LX Monthly Meeting 11-16 June - SFA Convention

28 Feb 1942 Psychological Warfare Branch created within the Military Intelligence Section of the War Department. 28 Feb 1991 Liberation of Kuwait; American Embassy secured by 3rd SFG(A) and SOCCENT HQ Forces.

THE TIP OF THE SPEAR

8
Off the Shelf Book Reviews 15 Stars Eisenhower, MacArthur, Marshall: Three Generals Who Saved the American Century
by Stanley Weintraub
Reviewed by Bill Bennett

THE TIP OF THE SPEAR

At this stage in history it is nearly impossible to find a new approach to the history of World War II. Noted historian Stanley Weintraub, however, has done so. Drawing on primary and secondary sources, Weintraub has written an engaging account of the three most critical general officers to the U.S. war effort. Weintraub tells the interesting story of the intersecting life trajectories of the Armys three Five Star General Officers Eisenhower, MacArthur, and Marshall and in so doing writes a history of World War II, the start of the Cold War, and the Korean War. Most of us know a good bit of these three generals. Marshalls and MacArthurs paths crossed in the Philippines after the Spanish American War and during the First World War. MacArthur was commander of the 42nd Division and the most highly decorated officer of the American Expeditionary Force. Marshall, though chafing for a field assignment, was a planner and aide for General Pershing. After the armistice, Marshall reverted to his pre-war rank of captain while MacArthur retained his Generalcy and became superintendent of the Military Academy. By 1930, MacArthur was Chief of Staff of the Army while Marshall continued to work his way to stars through a variety of planning and training positions in the Army. As Chief of Staff, MacArthurs aide was a young Major Dwight D. Eisenhower. Subsequently, Major Eisenhower followed MacArthur to the Philippines. As the decade of the Thirties waned, Marshall became CSA and Eisenhower returned to the States. In the opening months of the war, two of the three men were in the positions they would hold the duration of the conflict. Only Eisenhower, not yet a General Officer, remained as the Army Staffs Chief of Plans. Within a year, Marshall had moved Eisenhower to lead the American forces in North Africa. Of course, he would subsequently lead the entire allied army onto the continent of Europe and to eventual victory. Most of the early background on these officers is found in the works preface while 13 chapters detail their activities and interactions during World War II. The last five chapters address their post World War II contributions and lives. Weintraubs dislike of MacArthur clearly shines

through this work. Eisenhower comes off as a competent, genial, corporate-minded commander while MacArthur is portrayed as a stubborn, vain, egotistical man who ensured none of his subordinates received more glory than he. The foibles of both of these men are clearly displayed. Whether Marshall had any foibles is not clear. Marshall is portrayed as the cool, competent administrator that he obviously was. Of the three generals, Marshall was clearly the indispensible leader of Americas war effort. This is an interesting work for the student of World War II. The reader should have a solid understanding of the history of that war before reading this work, however. Still, for the armchair historian, this is a worthwhile read.

Bill
15 Stars - Eisenhower, MacArthur, Marshall: Three Generals Who Saved the American Century, by Stanley Weintraub, FreePress, New York, NY, 2007 2011 William C. Bennett -30-

SAVE OUR MUSEUM

Editors note: the following is from the January 2012 issue of Museum Musings a publication of the US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum Association at Fort Bragg.

A W ord from the President

By Bill Palmer HEADS UP THIS IS IMPORTANT. Starting in FY 2014 the present US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum will be taken down to make room for the new multimillion dollar Special Warfare Center and School (SWCS) main campus facilities which are being constructed in the area. The problem is the Army has no plans to move or incorporate our present Museum into the new facilities. The present Museum is the branch museum for Special Forces, Civil Affairs and Military Information Support. We will be the only branch school without a museum in the Army. Our history, heroes, and heritage are going to be put in a broom closet somewhere and not available for the troops or students to view and study. I believe and hope with a little effort on the Armys part the present Museum holdings and displays can be part of the new facilities. What can the Museum Association members do? Write or call your active duty officers and NCO friends and contacts and tell them what you think. I need your help if we are going to save our heritage. Many thanks for your help over the years.

9
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION US ARMY JOHN F. KENNEDY SPECIAL WARFARE MUSEUM ASSOCIATION FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA NAME: ___________
(PRINT: FIRST NAME, MIDDLE INITIAL, LAST NAME)

THE TIP OF THE SPEAR

_______________________________________ ________ DATE: ______________________

MILITARY RANK (OR TITLE i.e. Dr. Judge, etc.): _ ______ACTIVE DUTY: __________ OR RETIRED: ____________ ADDRESS:____________ _________ CITY:_______________ STATE: ______ _ ZIP CODE (PLUS-4): ______________ EMAIL ADDRESS:_________________________ HOME PHONE: _______________ WORK PHONE: _____________ MEMBERSHIPS / DONATIONS
INDIVIDUALS OR ORGANIZATIONS DONATING THE FOLLOWING AMOUNTS WILL RECEIVE THE RECOGNITION AS LISTED: (CHECK ONE) CERTIFICATE AWARDED NO YES NO
4

AMOUNT $10.00 $100.00 $5.00-$99.00 $50.00 (OR MORE) $100.00 (OR MORE) $200.00 $1,000.00 $2,000.00 $5,000.00 $10,000.00 $20,000.00 $50,000.00 $100,000.00

CATEGORY 1 ANNUAL MEMBER LIFE MEMBER DONATION

3 2

PLAQUE AWARDED NO NO (CARD) NO NO NO NO YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

NAME POSTED IN MUSEUM NO KIOSKS NO PLAQUE & KIOSKS KIOSKS KIOSKS PLAQUE & KIOSKS PLAQUE & KIOSKS PLAQUE & KIOSKS PLAQUE & KIOSKS PLAQUE & KIOSKS PLAQUE & KIOSKS PLAQUE & KIOSKS

IN MEMORY OF DONATION CENTURY MEMBER

6 5

NO YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

CENTURY & LIFE MEMBER BENEFACTOR PATRON LEADERSHIP MEMBER HONOR MEMBER DISTINGUISHED DONOR PACESETTER SPECIAL DONOR

IMO NAME:

JIMMY DEAN SCHOLARSHIP

AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $______________ (INDICATE ABOVE MEMBERSHIP OR DONATION CATEGORY DESIRED) MAIL TO:
1

SECRETARY, JFK SW MUSEUM, P. O. BOX 70060, FORT BRAGG, NC 28307-5000 ( PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH) MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO JFK SW MUSEUM

ANNUAL MEMBER : FOR AN ANNUAL FEE OF $10.00, PAYABLE ON JANUARY 1ST OF EACH YEAR. MEMBERS PAYING DUES AFTER 1 OCTOBER ARE CREDITED WITH DUES PAID FOR THE FOLLOWING CALENDAR YEAR. (A MEMBERSHIP CARD IS PROVIDED.) 2 LIFE MEMBER : FOR A ONE TIME FEE OF $100.00, A LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP IS RECOGNIZED WITH A CERTIFICATE AND A PERMANENT MEMBERSHIP CARD. NAME IS DISPLAYED IN THE KIOSKS AT THE MUSEUM AND BANK HALL ANNEX. 3 DONATIONS ARE CUMULATIVE IN THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL OR UNIT THAT ADDS TO A PREVIOUS CONTRIBUTION AND ACHIEVES A HIGHER LEVEL OF GIVING, WILL BE MOVED TO THE HIGHER CATEGORY CONTRIBUTOR. I.E., A CENTURY MEMBER WHO CONTRIBUTES AN ADDITIONAL $900.00 WILL BECOME A BENEFACTOR. 4 DONATIONS MADE IN MEMORY OF: FOR DONATIONS OF $50.00 (OR MORE), THAT ARE RECEIVED SPECIFICALLY IN THE NAME OF A DECEASED SPECIAL WARFARE SOLDIER, (OR OTHER PERSON), THE NAME OF THE PERSON MEMORIALIZED WILL BE ENGRAVED ON A BLACK COLORED PLATE ALONG WITH THE NAME OF THE DONOR. THIS PLATE WILL BE AFFIXED TO THE IN MEMORY OF PLAQUE DISPLAYED IN THE MUSEUM, AND POSTED ON THE KIOSKS.(PRINT NAME IN BOX ABOVE) 5 CENTURY MEMBER: THEY ARE MEMBERS FOR LIFE BUT DO NOT RECEIVE A MEMBERSHIP CARD. THEIR NAME IS DISPLAYED IN THE KIOSKS AT THE MUSEUM AND BANK HALL ANNEX. 6 CORPORATIONS WHICH MAKE DONATIONS WILL RECEIVE THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL PLAQUE, I.E. CORPORATE BENEFACTOR , ETC.
JFK SW/SF MUSEUM APPLICATION FORM REVISED 6 OCTOBER 2011

10
Supreme Court to Review S tolen Valor Act
February 19, 2012 Mclatchy -Tribune News Service|by Michael Doyle

THE TIP OF THE SPEAR

WASHINGTON Fake hero Xavier Alvarez lied to his fellow Californians. He never rescued an American ambassador. He was never a Marine. Most definitely, contrary to what he told a Southern California audience, Alvarez was never awarded the Medal of Honor. He lied, until he was caught. Now, the Supreme Court must decide whether the First Amendment protects Alvarez and other wannabes from prosecution. The consequences could stretch well beyond what lawmakers and veterans call stolen valor. If false factual statements are unprotected, then the government can prosecute not only the man who tells tall tales of winning the Congressional Medal of Honor, but also the JDater who falsely claims hes Jewish or the dentist who assures you it wont hurt a bit, Judge Alex Kozinski of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals warned in a ruling that overturned Alvarezs conviction under the Stolen Valor Act, which criminalizes false claims to military honors.But Congress, the Obama administration and veterans organizations all consider false military claims uniquely harmful. Just ask George Washington, they say. Should any who are not entitled to the honors, have the insolence to assume the badges of them, they shall be severely punished, Washington stated in a 1782 military order, according to a legal brief filed by the American Legion. In oral arguments Wednesday, the Supreme Court will start sorting this all out. A former elected board member of the Three Valleys Water District in Claremont, Calif., Alvarez spoke of his spurious Marine exploits in a September 2007 hearing. Even his own lawyer admits Alvarezs sometimes tenuous hold on the truth. He lied when he claimed to have played professional hockey for the Detroit Red Wings, federal public defender Jonathan D. Libby acknowledged. He lied when he claimed to be married to a Mexican starlet whose appearance in public caused paparazzi to swoon. Unlike those other falsehoods, though, Alvarezs claim to military honors ran afoul of federal law. The Stolen Valor Act imposes prison sentences of up to six months on those who falsely represent that they have received any military decoration or medal. For certain elite medals, the penalty increases to a year in prison. Backed by politically powerful veterans organizations, the legislation had raced through Congress in 2006 without hearings. The House debated it for about 20 minutes. These frauds and these phonies have diminished the meaning and the honor of the recognitions received by our military heroes, bill author Rep. John Salazar, D-Colo., declared during the brief House debate. Subsequently, federal charges were filed in 2008 against Rick Strandlof, a Colorado resident who raised funds

while falsely claiming to be a wounded Marine with a metal plate in his head.Strandlof stated that he did not wear his Purple Heart medal or his Silver Star medal because it would appear egotistical, FBI Special Agent Gregg Slater declared in a 2009 affidavit filed in federal court. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the federal law. In California, the 9th Circuit struck it down. This split means residents of a 10th Circuit state like Kansas and Colorado face Stolen Valor Act prosecution while residents of a 9th Circuit state like Washington, Idaho and California do not. The Supreme Court picks cases to resolve such circuit splits. Constitutionally, the question comes down to whether false heroism claims resemble the other types of speech considered unworthy of First Amendment protection, such as obscenity or defamation. Some further liken the Stolen Valor Act to laws making it illegal to impersonate a police officer. When lawmakers think that a particular kind of lie is harmful enough, they should generally be free to prohibit it, wrote Eugene Volokh and James Weinstein, professors at UCLA Law School. Other federal laws, not being challenged, already prohibit wearing unauthorized military uniforms. In 2009, for instance, Palm Springs, Calif., resident Steven D. Burton was charged for wearing a medal-bedecked Marine uniform. Burton never served in the military. Burton was not charged under the Stolen Valor Act. He was instead prosecuted for what he wore, not what he said; he paid a $250 fine and was placed on probation, court records show. For years, he has tried to get approval from his father, Burtons mother wrote in a November 2009 pre-sentencing letter filed in court. Low self-esteem and not thinking you are worth anything causes problems with a person.

TERRORISM AGAINST US CITIZENS IN FEBRUARY

01 Feb 2001 Ecuador: US hostage Ron Sanders is found shot to death. 12 Feb 2008 Syria: Imad Mughniyah, believed responsible for 18 April 1983 bombing of the US Embassy in Beirut, killed by car bomb in Damascus. 20 Feb 1998 Japan: Japanese Red Army member Tustomu Shiosaki sentenced to 30 years for attack on US Embassy in Indonesia. 23 Feb 2002 Columbia: Politician Ingrid Betancourt and three US military contractors Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes, and Keith Stansell kidnapped by FARC. 26 Feb 1993 US: World Trade Center is bombed, six killed and 1,000 injured. 27 Feb 2007 Afghanistan: Suicide attack on Bagram Air Base during visit by Vice President Cheney, killing 23 and injuring 20.

11

THE TIP OF THE SPEAR

12
Proposed TRICARE Fee Increases Target Retirees
February 15, 2012 | Terry Howell

THE TIP OF THE SPEAR

The following Military Officers Association of America article details the White Houses proposed TRICARE fee changes and plans for future military pay rate increases through 2017. White House to Retirees: Cough Up $13 Billion The White House released details of its personnel and healthcare budget proposals on Monday, and they confirmed pretty much what MOAA had predicted. All told, the TRICARE fee proposals envision shifting about $13 billion in health costs from the Pentagon to retirees over the next 5 years. The changes would phase in significant fee hikes for nearly every segment of the military population, including retirees of all ages, drilling Guard and Reserve members, and currently serving family members. TRICARE Prime annual enrollment fees for retired families (currently $520) would rise as high as $820 starting October 1, 2012, and rise to as much as $2,048 within five years, with fees based on military retired pay amount. TRICARE Standard beneficiaries would start paying a $140 annual family enrollment fee and a slightly increased deductible ($320) starting Oct 1, with the enrollment fee and deductible rising to $250 and $580, respectively within 5 years. These would be flat fees for all Standard beneficiaries. TRICARE For Life (TFL) Retirees and family members age 65 and older would start paying an annual enrollment fee of up to $135 per person starting this Oct. 1. This fee also would be graduated based on retired pay amount, and would rise to as much as $475 per year within 5 years. [TRICARE] Pharmacy copays for retail and mail-order brand-name medications would more than double (from $12 to $26) starting Oct 1. Copays for non-formulary medications that currently cost $25 would also more than double, to $51, and availability would be mostly restricted to the mail-order venue, with only limited retail access. The brand-name and non-formulary copays would rise to $34 and $66, respectively, within 5 years. Visit the MOAA website to see the proposed retired pay eligibility thresholds and year-by-year fee changes. Under the proposal, medical (chapter 61) retirees and survivors of members who died on active duty would be exempt from these increases. When MOAA asked about other survivors, we were told they would be subject to the new fee scales. The question remains unanswered whether they would all be in the lowest tier, or whether Survivor Benefit Plan annuities might be counted in the same way as retired pay. Also as expected, the Administration proposes a special commission responsible for recommending changes in the military retirement system for future

entrants. The budget envisions that, once submitted to Congress, the proposals would have to be given a yes or no vote, as is done with BRAC legislation, with little debate and no opportunity for amendments. MOAA understands that there will always be new reviews of retirement and other compensation programs, but objects strongly to subverting the normal congressional vetting process for the military retirement system that is so essential to long-term retention and readiness. Finally, the Administration put additional details on its military pay raise proposal. It envisions no change for FY2013, when the law calls for a 1.7% pay raise to keep pace with private sector pay growth. The budget also calls for a comparability-based raise for FY2014.But after that, it envisions abandoning the comparability standard, limiting military raises to 0.5% for FY15, 1% for FY16 and 1.5% for FY17. MOAA believes strongly that maintaining the tie to private sector pay growth is essential. Hard experience shows that, when previous Administrations and Congresses abandoned that link for budgetary purposes, retention and readiness eventually suffered. These proposals are a result of last Augusts Budget Control Act, said Joint Staff Director VADM William Gortney (USN) at a briefing for association leaders. According to DoD officials, the Budget Control Act created a requirement to cut the defense budget by $259 billion over 5 years and $487 billion over 10 years a requirement MOAA understands all too well. We also understand that the DoD budget must play a role in solving our nations debt crisis. But what we take issue with is the Pentagons first reaction, especially in the healthcare arena, to pass the buck to beneficiaries rather than fulfilling their own responsibilities for efficient management of military healthcare. We have a tough fight ahead of us, but our battle now is for the hearts and minds of Congress. Let your elected officials know how you feel about these proposed changes to the TRICARE fee structure.

U.S. Army Fact of the W eek

18 February 1898 The Army established a safety zone in Alaska to protect miners and property during the gold rush in the territory. The 14th Infantry was assigned the mission of patrolling the zone.

13
CHA PTER L X TEA MHOUSE

THE TIP OF THE SPEAR

CHAPTER 60 COINS PRESENTED T O TEAMHOUSE BENEFACT ORS

GOLD BENEFACTORS
Don Cox Al Doyle Guy Mandigo Lee Vannes Toni Vannes (IMO) Brian Wilson Dave Zilka

SILVER BENEFACTORS
Bill Ball, Bill Bennett, John Cox, Rod Nishimura, Wayne Rich, John Taylor, Mike Waite

BRONZE BENEFACTORS
Alan Childress Rich Corson Sylvester Detrie Lee Dunlap Bill Gilfillan Ken Harrington Craig Hartzell Darrell Katz Tim Kennedy Rod Nishimura Jim McGarrah Bill Peak Ed Townsend Billy Waugh Kevin Zilka

CORPORATE BENEFACTORS
Booz Allen Hamilton CWU, Inc. Northrop Grumman
This Cartoon is the work of world-renowned, nationally published, and Chapter 60 member John R. Cassady II.

MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS
Bill Ball, Bill Bennett Rich Corson, Don Cox, Al Doyle Lee Dunlap, Ken Harrington Darrell Katz, Tim Kennedy Guy Mandigo, Jim McGarrah Rod Nishimura, Bill Peak Ed Townsend, Mike Waite Brian Wilson, Dave Zilka

The artwork is copyrighted and may not be reprinted without the consent of the artist.

"Are you guys ready? Let's Roll." Todd Beamer, Passenger on Flight 93, Rallying others to overcome the hijackers, 11 September 2001

JANUARY CONTRIBUTORS
Pat Rizzi

"Have You Forgotten"?