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Home2026-05-01T22:53:08-07:00

SFA Chapter 78 SENTINEL

THE Newsletter of the Quiet Professional

Published monthly—featuring stories of interest to the entire SF community.

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Untold stories of MAC-V SOG. Vietnam. The Secret War.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or other major podcast providers. Video episode are available on our YouTube channel SOGCast playlist.

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In this issue of the Sentinel (link in bio) we look at what’s been happening within our chapter—events, efforts, and the people who make it all work. But this issue continues our long-standing mission: sharing the history and hard-earned lessons of Army Special Forces. We highlight our 3rd Annual Valor Luncheon Fundraiser. This high-energy and enjoyable event brought together members, supporters, and friends of Chapter 78 for a memorable day of camaraderie and purpose—helping us raise funds to continue our mission to support SF soldiers, veterans, and allied partners through direct aid, community programs, and mission-focused initiatives. On the history side, Matt Dorn tells the story of the 300th Special Forces Operational Detachment (SFOD) – USAR, the Army Reserve’s first Special Forces unit. Formed in 1955, the 300th helped lay the groundwork for Reserve Special Forces—training hard, building capability, and setting the standard for “Anything, Anyplace, Anytime, Anyhow.” NOTE: MSG (Ret.) Matt Dorn is continuing his effort to document the history of USAR/ARNG Special Forces units. If you served in these units—or know someone who did—consider contributing. Share your stories, photos, and memories directly with Matt at 24groupsin1959@gmail.com. We include both a review and selected excerpts from "A Factual History of the Vietnam War: A Reappraisal After 50 Plus Years," edited by Frank Scotton, Stephen Sherman, and Roger Soiset. These pieces revisit the 1963 Buddhist crisis and the fall of Ngo Dinh Diem—offering perspective on decisions that reshaped the course of the war, especially as we reflect on the April 30 anniversary of the fall of Saigon. Finally, don’t miss details on SFACon 2026, coming up June 7–12 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida—time is running out to register. As always, thank you for your continued support of Chapter 78. @homexpressmortgagecorp @socal.avag @experthomeloans @apexservicepartners @primalrisk @AVAG @melmclanahan @kingsseafood @americanlegionpost291 @militarytalent @wallinsurfboards @jamessteakandfire @jeff_skelton @catalinahorseback @hps_ceo @jeffprusasky @miranda_in_sterling @theheavymac @ironmikesrange @iamsunburst
Thank you to all who attended SFA Chapter 78's 2025 Valor Luncheon yesterday afternoon! The post photo shows Henry "Dick" Thompson pictured with the Sunburst Academy @iamsunburst cadet crew, whose helpful hands were so important to this event! As keynote speaker, Dick really blew the roof off the Navy Golf Course in Cypress yesterday. A big thank you to all who volunteered, discounted their time, or just plain kicked a** to help make the event happen. Thank you to all our sponsors (Preisker Ranch, @homexpressmortgagecorp @socal.avag @experthomeloans @apexservicepartners @primalrisk @AVAG, ATVIS, Mels' Mortgage Minute @melmclanahan, AdvisorAssociate.com, @kingsseafood, @americanlegionpost291, HomeComfort (service.homecomfortusa.com), Service to Success @militarytalent, and those who generously donated items for our raffle and the live auction. A special thank you to Dick, soon-to-be granddad, who is always so gracious with his time! Thanks to all who participated in the "Raise Your Paddles." Together, we raised over $23,200 at the paddle raise alone! And people are calling and pledging more, which will allow us to increase our donations to the Sunburst Youth Academy and our Afghan-American partners. Thank you. @wallinsurfboards @jamessteakandfire @jeff_skelton @catalinahorseback @hps_ceo @risingsonsthaiboxing @brycekrause @bowmanhatco @xclibr_industries @special_forces_association
From our friend @jeffprusasky, last month, the Ft. Campbell Historical Foundation held a SOG Symposium/Forum at the 5th Special Forces Group in the Deeks Language Lab, to highlight the grand opening of the Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum on Ft. Campbell on May 15. This special operations museum will feature the 101st Airborne, 160th Nightstalkers and Special Forces, including a SOG component. The 51,000 sq. ft. spec ops museum will be in Ft. Campbell, TN, with easy access for future visitors. This SOG Symposium/Forum featured three Green Berets who fought in the eight-year secret war fought across the fence in Laos, Cambodia, and N.Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Those panelists were from left: Co-Moderator and SOG veteran, John Stryker Meyer; FAC Skip Ullyot; SOG veteran John Plaster; 101st Air Mobile veteran who supported SOG teams on top secret missions, Roger Lockshier; SOG veteran Randy Harrison; and Co-Moderator Mario Vigil, former 5th Grp. Command Sgt. Major. @jstrykermeyer #vietnamwar #macvsog
The April issue of the Sentinel is now live and ready to read. Former Green Beret Albert Kittredge opens with a story from My War: Vietnam 1968–1969, 1971–1973, recalling a Swift Boat patrol ambush near Tuyen Nhon that drew in camp personnel—including medic Dallas Padget—in a fight for survival. MSG Chris LaSala, C/1/19th Special Forces Group (NG), shares a recruiter’s perspective on what it takes to earn the Green Beret, emphasizing character, mindset, and preparation. We also conclude our two-part excerpt from Textbook Special Ops: The Son Tay Raid by John Gargus and Cliff Westbrook, following the mission as it unfolds under the watch of U.S. aircraft tracking North Vietnamese defenses. This issue includes a thank-you to our upcoming Valor Luncheon supporters—a list that continues to grow. You'll also find highlights from our recent meeting at Iron Mike’s in Yorba Linda. Join us on April 19 for the 3rd Annual Valor Luncheon, featuring keynote speaker Henry "Dick" Thompson, and plan ahead for the SFA National Convention this June in Fort Walton Beach. Thank you for staying connected—and for continuing to share your stories. Stories can be submitted to Sentinel editor How Miller at howmiller78@outlook.com or by using the contact page on our website www.specialforces78.com (link in our bio; click on the envelope icon in the upper right corner of the page). De Oppresso Liber, The Sentinel Team @jeffprusasky @iamsunburst @wallinsurfboards @jamessteakandfire @jeff_skelton @catalinahorseback @hps_ceo @risingsonsthaiboxing @brycekrause @bowmanhatco @xclibr_industries @special_forces_association #sfa #macvsog
“Tilt” John Stryker Meyer sits down with legendary MACV-SOG 1-0 “Dynamite” Dick Thompson, soon-to-be keynote speaker at our Valor Luncheon on April 19, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet this legend in person! Visit our website specialforces78.com (link in bio) for details. Listen to Tilt’s for an explosive, mind-bending deep dive into some of the most intense, classified missions of the Secret War in Vietnam. From high-risk recon and hair-raising encounters to the raw courage and brotherhood that defined SOG — this 2+ hour episode delivers straight fire. If you love untold stories of America’s most elite warriors operating behind enemy lines, this one is a must-watch. SOGCAST 048 @JockoPodcastOfficial YouTube-https://youtu.be/kLZf-Qmg4yk?si=NrwxzbuXrwWjPvNx If you prefer to listen, this is also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. For all things “Tilt” John Stryker Meyer go to-https://www.jstrykermeyer.com/ which includes links to purchasing: • Across the Fence • On the Ground, and • SOG Chronicles: Volume One Follow John Stryker Meyer on Facebook, on X @sogchronicles and on Instagram @jstrykermeyer For more on “Dynamite” Dick Thompson, including SOG Codename Dynamite books 1 & 2 go to - High Performing Systemshttps://www.hpsys.comDick Thompson—Follow him on Facebook, on X @HPS_CEO and on Instagram @hps_ceo Support the legacy and get your SOG Merch at SOGLegacy.com These sales through soglegacy.com will support future SOGCAST productions. #SOGCAST #MACVSOG #SOGChronicles #VietnamWar As always, a Special Thanks to @jockowillink for making SOGCAST possible. Thanks to @jeffprusasky for sharing this text and for the heads up!
SFA Chapter 78 VP James McLanahan visited Wallin Surfboards in Costa Mesa earlier today. He met with up with Brian Wallin, who founded the company back in 1995. Wallin Surfboards will be providing an exciting item for the Valor Luncheon live auction. Stay tuned for the details! James is shown presenting Brian with one of his custom challenge coins by Excalibur Industries. Don't miss your chance to bid on this and other exciting items such as a 1-on-1 training session with 7-time Thai boxing champion Bryce Krause, a custom Beaver cowboy hat from Bowman Hat Co., a horseback tour for two by Catalina Island Horseback Adventures, and much more! Our guest speaker, Henry L. (Dick) Thompson, Ph.D., president and CEO of High Performing Systems, Inc. Dick is a SOG legend and a member of SFA Chapter 78. Register to attend our Special Forces Association 3rd Annual Valor Luncheon on Sunday, April 19, 2026? Visit our website (link in our bio) for details. What are you waiting for! @wallinsurfboards @jamessteakandfire @jeff_skelton @catalinahorseback @hps_ceo @risingsonsthaiboxing @brycekrause @bowmanhatco @xclibr_industries @special_forces_association #sfa #macvsog
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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

THANK YOU
to all who attended
SFA Chapter 78’s
2026 Valor Luncheon.

A special thank you to our sponsors!
Your contributions made this event possible.
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
Your support makes a difference.

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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