In this issue:
From the Archive:
Nick: “SOG’s Secret Agent Man” by John Stryker Meyer
From the Archive:
Nick: “SOG’s Secret Agent Man”
From the July 2020 Sentinel, John Stryker Meyer tells the story of Nick Di Benedetto, who met a young Green Beret in 1966. They struck up a conversation that stuck with Nick over the decades that followed. Read how that discussion led Nick on a mission only he was able to complete.
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print edition (pdf)
ON THE COVER: The Green Beret, which had once belonged to LTC Joseph L. Lujan — the story of LTC Lujan’s death is told by author Greg Walker in this month’s “Burying the Dead with Dishonor.” (Photo courtesy of Ms. Judy Lujan)
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(Update as of 06/24/2023):
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This cruise is meant for the entire SFA family! You can’t find a more affordable vacation. We will have activities for spouses and kids — there will be something for everyone and never a dull moment. Click here for details.
From the Editor:
10th Special Forces Group (ABN) held a Sergeant Majors Symposium in May. Recent MOH recipient Paris Davis spoke at his old stomping grounds (17th commander of 10th GRP), along with our Richard Simonian. War reporter Alex Quade shared a snippet of information for the event, replete with photos.
I was inspired to read The Jedburgs by Bill Irwin, about Special Forces’ direct predecessors in WWII’s OSS who, with the British SOE, jumped into Nazi-controlled territories to train and equip the resistance. It was to fill in gaps in my knowledge, but I soon found myself absorbed, and wrote an appropriately glowing review.
Gold Star Chapter Member Steve Bric attended a Memorial Day event with his brother, former Burbank Mayor Gary Bric. A poignant moment was when Steve read out loud the name of their brother William, who was one of 17 Green Berets KIA at FOB 4 on August 23, 1968.
“In Burying the Dead With Dishonor, Part 1,” Chapter member and author Greg Walker writes about the circumstances leading to SF’s involvement in El Salvador and how the required secrecy led to some things being covered over or misrepresented. LTC Luhan, of our cover photo, and Sp4 Dawson are two of the several Green Berets and others killed in El Salvador whose families suffered due to misinformation. In his longtime effort to have those who served in El Salvador receive normal wartime honors and uncover the deceptions of that time, Greg continues to pursue the truth.
We have been encouraging all of you to submit your experiences. This issue’s story by John Nesbitt is a bit raw and emotional. Having become SF qualified in an unorthodox manner in Vietnam due to exigencies of war, he was assigned to B52 Project Delta, apparently as its first black member. His reception was mixed, but he persevered to have a high number of recon missions and become a Recondo School Advisor, as well as a long and interesting civilian career after his second Vietnam tour. This is part 1 of 2.
“In Beyond Selfies,” since the Canon Representative who sponsors our photography class is looking to expand to new groups around the country of vets, first responders, and spouses, I wrote about our class run by two brothers, Bill Espinosa of the Army and Steve Espinosa of the Navy’s Sea Wolves. Their class has a lot of good energy, lessons, and camaraderie, and my wife and I have learned a lot.
You will also find an early announcement of next year’s SFACON/World Gathering and a heads-up that Dennis DeRosia, who attended this year’s SFACON in Indianapolis, will be presenting an article about his experiences there.
Lastly, you will find pictures of our May chapter meeting. And maybe you too will be inspired to send us tales of your SF service.
Enjoy!
How Miller
Sentinel Editor
SENTINEL Awards
- Awarded best Special Forces Association Monthly Newsletter at SFA National Convention June 2011 and 2014
- Awarded Golden Quill at SFA National Convention June 2015 and June 2016
- Best Newsletter Award for 2017 from Special Forces Association National Board of Directors at the International Convention in Fayetteville, NC
- Special Forces Association (SFA) Cross Arrow Award for Excellence, 2018, First Award Presented by SFA in this category
- The War Reporters Award, Presented by Alex Quade – (War Reporter and Film Producer) for Chapter 78 Sentinel’s Commitment documenting Special Forces History, July 2018
- The Golden Arrows for Excellence in Newsletters 2019 awarded by SFA National
- The Golden Arrows for Excellence in Newsletters 2020 awarded by SFA National
The Sentinel is published monthly by Special Forces Association Chapter 78, Southern California — art direction and design by Debra Holm, Dinwiddie Holm Graphics. The views, opinions and articles printed in this issue do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Army or the United States Special Operations Command, the Special Forces Association, or Special Forces Association Chapter 78. Please address any comments to the editor at sfachapter78@gmail.com.
[…] Sentinel. Published by Chapter 78 of the Special Forces Association, this monthly publication provides interesting reading for the Special Forces community. The July 2023 issue has several articles of interest to include a book review about the Jedburghs, Paris Davis (MoH recipient), El Salvador, a MAC-V Recondo Advisor, and more. https://www.specialforces78.com/chapter-78-newsletter-for-july-2023/ […]
Great issue! I especially enjoyed Tilt Meyers article on Don Shue. Though enjoyed does not seem the right word. I should say I was moved by Tilt’s article.