SFACON 2024

Aaron and Kathy Brandenburg—pre-departure on a balcony with a view of the cruise ships.

Gary Sinise and other members of the Lt. Dan Band provided entertainment.

Gary Sinise

Onboard departure cake cutting, left to right, Carnival Paradise Captain Captain Fulvio Persico, Gary Sinise, Kevin Harry, President of the SFA Legacy Initiatives, and Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Lines President.

“Sister Liv,” performed on multiple occations throughout the cruise.

For Aaron, third from the left in the back row, along with Chris Bell, second from right, the convention offered the opportunity to spend time having catching up and having fun with old teammates.

Aaron enjoyed a beach day in Freeport.

10th SFG convention attendees met on the Sun Deck for a group photo.

SF Distillers and Vintners night.

SF Distillers and Vintners night. At right, Greg and Lindsay Chatham, owners of Tributum Wine, serve up several of their vintages.

MSG (Ret.) Chris Bell, above left, helped serve up several of the special libations donated for the attendees enjoyment.

RJ Casey, co-owner of Four Branches Bourbon, shares the company’s history and product with attendees.

At left, Tom Meissgeier of Chapter 88, center, Chip Bunner (7th & 20th SFG), the owner of The Bearded Clam, and at right, Dennis DeRosia of Chapter 78.

The Bearded Clam swag.

Chapter 78’s Jim Cragg, complete with parrot, and Aaron Brandenburg look like a pair of old salts on Pirate Theme Dress Night.

Kathy Brandenburg joined in on the fun.

On Day 5 there was a SFA General Membership meeting. New SFA President, CW4 Chris Wilkerson, presents priorities for the coming year, including recruiting younger members, The Drop magazine, and many more.

At the General Membership meeting,Mike Hurst, SFA Treasurer, gave a financial update assuring the Association it is financially strong and currently about to go through an audit.

Also at the General Membership meeting, Director of Communication, Doug Livermore, outlined his initiatives to better present the value added benefit of SFA membership.

Lt. Col. Scott Mann provided a riveting recounting of how the Pineapple Express was initiated and examples of those they were able to get out.

“What if Oct 7 was just a dress rehersal for the real show?” Scott Mann spoke of an alarming possibility to be aware of.

Scott and Nezam, an Afghan commando he was able to get out of Afghanistan.

A scene from the movie “Last Out”, Scott Mann’s very moving play/movie which he both wrote and played a starring roll.

Chapter 78’s Rob Pugh, Aaron Brandenburg, and Dennis DeRosia ready to attend the Convention Banquet.

Pete Tingstom, SFA Vice President, acted as MC at multiple functions and did an awesome job of keeping the conference on schedule.

Carli Hurst, for her outstanding job in handling of all the conventions travel arrangements, was welcomed as a new Honorary member of the Regiment.

The St. Neri (Gold) medal was awarded to Eric Hyde, and was accepted posthumously by family members.

SFA Convention Banquet guest speaker Chris North.