SOF News will be off the net for about a week. It is mid-August and the small staff is going to be on a short vacation. The editor is heading to Charleston, West Virginia to attend the 2019 Special Forces Association National Convention. This event is scheduled for 13-17 August, 2019.
The Special Forces Association holds an annual convention every year. Last year the 2018 SFA convention was held in El Paso, Texas. SFA Chapter IX – also known as the Isaac Camacho Chapter – did an excellent job planning, coordinating, preparing, and conducting the 2018 annual gathering of former and current Green Berets.
This year’s 2019 SFA Convention is being hosted by SFA chapter LXVIII and it looks like it will be a great time as well. There is going to be a lot of activities to participate in to include a Mardi Gras night, visit to the state capitol, riverfront activities, Gold Star Bike Ride, air show, picnic, showing of the movie 12 Strong, pistol / shotgun range, golf tournament, SOF equipment static displays, Black Daggers jumping, banquet, and more.
In addition, there will be guest speakers featured from throughout the Regiment. LTG Fran Beaudette, the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) will provide remarks to the convention attendees. The commanders of 1st Special Forces Command and SWCS will be attending as well.
Scheduled almost everyday are presentations and panel discussions on UW, Task Force Dagger, state of the Regiment, and other topics of interest for the convention attendees. There is a robust program set up for spouses for their enjoyment.
One of the more enjoyable parts of these annual conventions is meeting up with old comrades and making new friends. There will be plenty of opportunity for comradeship in the hospitality suites within each of the primary host hotels. A part of our SF history that is slowly fading is the U.S. Army Special Forces role in the Vietnam War. The reminiscing of the many Vietnam War veterans who attend is fascinating to listen in on. Equally interesting are the more recent activities of Special Forces in places like Africa, South America, Asia, Middle East, and other parts of the world.
This is sure to be a very enjoyable and informative event. I can foresee one or two articles about the 2019 SFA Convention being published upon return from ‘vacation’.
