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Home2026-08-31T17:33:14-07:00

SFA Chapter 78 SENTINEL

THE Newsletter of the Quiet Professional

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Untold stories of MAC-V SOG. Vietnam. The Secret War.
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James Stejskal's presentation at our June meeting on his book "Masters of Mayhem: Lawrence of Arabia and the British Military Mission to the Hejaz" was absolutely fascinating! Watch the full SFA Chapter 78 presentation, “Lawrence of Arabia: Railway Raids & the Strategy of Guerrilla Warfare” for more on the tactics, armored cars, and air support behind the campaign. You'll find a link to the video in our bio! Get his book at Amazon: https://a.co/d/0fw3bsPy #lawrenceofarabia #militaryhistory #unconventionalwarfare
We lucked out getting Bill Scott to speak at our May chapter meeting. Our chapter president, James McLanahan, had the good fortune of meeting his son, who told him about his father. James knew Chapter 78 would love to have him as a guest speaker. We were so fortunate to see this presentation about Air Force Legend Robert “Earthquake” Titus! In this clip, Bill tells how a Special Forces-led MIKE Force team was surrounded in Vietnam, with cloud cover complicating air support. Robert “Earthquake” Titus descended through the clouds and delivered the support that helped the team get out. This is just one account of several told in this presentation about a pilot whose career connected ground combat, fighter aviation, and experimental flight testing! Click on the link in the bio to hear more from Bill Scott's presentation. You can also read an excerpt from his book “Earthquake” in our August 2025 Sentinel. Visit our website at the link in our profile to go to the August 2025 Sentinel, or visit https://www.specialforces78.com/earthquake-bg-robert-f-titus-fighter-pilot-test-pilot-leader/. Visit williambscott.com to learn more about Bill Scott. Thank you, Mr. Scott, for the time and effort you put into the presentation. We enjoyed having you! #Earthquake #vietnamwar #williambscott #
Thanks to Lonny Holmes and Brad Welker for the link below to John Joyce's obituary. A Celebration of Life will be held at Palm Mortuary - Henderson, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015, on September 26, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with refreshments from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. https://sl1nk.com/vv7voar @special_forces_association @soaaorg
So very sad to report the passing of John Joyce. He was such an extraordinary individual. To say he will be missed is an extreme understatement. Read Bonnie Cooper's obit at https://tinyurl.com/388hwckn @soaaorg @special_forces_association
The September 2026 Sentinel is now available! (Link in bio) Our cover story concludes the two-part account of the Chapter 78 Delegation's pilgrimage to Normandy for the 82nd Anniversary of D-Day. In Part 2, the journey continues through the historic battlefields, memorials, and ceremonies that brought the delegation face-to-face with the history of the Normandy invasion and the enduring gratitude of the French people towards those who helped liberate their homeland. Through the photographs of delegation members and the words of one, Aaron Brandenburg, readers can once again experience this memorable journey. This month's issue also includes: • A tribute to Salvador “Sal” Sanders, one of Chapter 78's original members. • Marc Yablonka's look at "AFN—The Voice of Home.” • From the Sentinel archives, Alex Quade's memorable interview with Richard Simonian after he'd received the prestigious St. Philip Neri Award at SFACON 2022—and why he wore the medal all the way home. • And be sure to scroll down to explore the latest additions to our YouTube channel, including Ranger veteran Will Walker's look at how Onebrief is streamlining military planning and former Green Beret Joey Ivanov's presentation on the French Resistance, OSS, and Jedburgh teams whose work helped pave the way for D-Day. The stories of Special Forces are best preserved by those who lived them—and there are still many stories waiting to be told. Whether you have memories of an operational deployment, a unique assignment, a teammate whose contributions deserve recognition, or a piece of Special Forces history that should not be forgotten, we would like to hear from you. We hope you'll enjoy this issue of the Sentinel. If you'd like to contribute a story or have an idea for a future article, please contact our editor, How Miller, at howmiller78@outlook.com, or by using the contact page on our website, specialforces78.com (website link in bio—click on the envelope icon in the upper right corner of the page). De Oppresso Liber, The Sentinel Team @special_forces_association @walkamongheroes @secretagentjackww2 @motodad_443 @afn.radio.television @jeffprusasky #Frenchresistance #ww2 #afn
Veterans can receive free dental care during a Day of Service, which is four days before Veterans Day, Saturday, November 7, 2026. Read the article at https://www.wearethemighty.com/veterans/how-veterans-can-receive-free-dental-care-during-a-day-of-service/ for details on when and how to sign up. Sign up early; availability is first-come, first-served. #vetlife #veterensday
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Featured Member:
Ramon Rodriguez

We salute a former Chapter 78 President (2003-2007), Ranger Hall of Fame inductee, one of the most decorated soldiers in the Vietnam War, receiving a total of 17 combat medals and awards, including three Silver Stars and five Purple Hearts, and a nominee for the Medal of Honor. Ramon Rodriguez retired after 23 years of service as a Command Sergeant Major.

Ramon is currently the Chairman of the Board for the American Veterans Assistance Group (AVAG). AVAG is a community of veterans in manufactured housing communities located in Southern California. The purpose of AVAG is to thank and reward our veterans for their service to our country by providing them with a way to connect with one another in a supportive, encouraging living environment and to promote the availability of affordable housing.

Learn more about Ramon Rodriguez. Click here visit his member profile.

Ramon Rodriguez was interviewed by Chapter member How Miller on February 17, 2024.

View on YouTube

© Copyright 2026 | Special Forces Association Chapter 78 | All Rights Reserved

2025 SFA MOH Valor Luncheon Header

SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION
VALOR LUNCHEON

Sunday, April 19, 2025
11 am – 2 pm
On The Greens Conference Center
Cypress, CA

FEATURING GUEST SPEAKER

U.S. Army LTC (Ret.)
Henry “Dick” Thompson, Ph.D.

Legendary MACV-SOG Veteran, Codename “Dynamite”
Internationally recognized consultant, educator, speaker, and author

Sponsor the Valor Luncheon
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THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!!!

2025 SFA MOH Valor Luncheon Header

Special Forces Association
Valor Luncheon

Sunday, April 27, 2025
On The Greens Conference Center, Cypress, CA
2025 Valor Luncheon attendees listen to Tony Viggiani's inspiring story.

Thank you
to all who attended
SFA Chapter 78’s
2025 Valor Luncheon.

A special thank you
to our sponsors!
Your contributions made
this event possible.
Preisker Ranch
 
HomeXpress Mortgage Corp.
 
In memory of
COL Roger H.C. Donlon, MOH
Friend of SFA Chapter 78
 
American Veterans Assistance Group
 
APEX Service Partners
 
Expert Home Loans
 
Primal Risk
2025 SFA MOH Valor Luncheon Header

Special Forces Association
Valor Luncheon

Sunday, April 27, 2025
11 am – 2 pm
On The Greens Conference Center
Cypress, CA 90630

Featuring Guest Speaker

Navy Cross Recipient
U.S. Marine Corps CW04
Anthony L. Viggiani

Auctions

“Raise Your Paddles”

for the benefit of
Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy and
the ACL Afghan Community Summer Youth Program
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