Region VI — Southeast Region
Chapter 49 held its annual X-mas meeting in Hot Springs, AR where we decided to donate $1,000 to the ARNG Chaplin’s Support Fund to help soldiers in times of need ranging from gas cards to cash advances. The funds were presented to the State Adjutant, Brigadier General Chad Bridges from Chapter 49.
The Chapter also had its annual Christmas event in Hot Springs Arkansas where we discussed several issues including our membership. So many folks are members at large and we’re trying to identify them but it’s a lot harder than you would think. We will start holding luncheons in central Arkansas as we already have a monthly in the NW corner where many members reside. We are also reviewing charitable sites in need of help, concentrating on the military population first of course along with working on several issues to enhance our presence as many don’t know that a Special Forces Chapter exists in Arkansas.
Lastly, prayers go out to Ray Buescher, our SGT of Arms, who just had bypass surgery today. We hope for a speedy recovery and all members have a safe and healthy new year.
Chapter 59 anticipates a busy year ahead, dedicated to honoring exceptional ROTC cadets at local colleges and universities, as well as providing scholarships for high school students. We successfully raised funds through a lucrative raffle to support these initiatives.
Additionally, we are focused on expanding our membership and supporting the families of our members who have passed away. This includes nominating deserving individuals for the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame and the For the Saint Neri Award.
Our Joint MOAA/SFA Christmas Party was a delightful success, and we are grateful for the participation and support. Lastly, we are pleased to share that Biff Hadden, our current Chapter Treasurer and former President, is on the mend following a head injury.
Chapter 79 had a Fall event and gathered at the Pearl River Resort, Silver Star Casino, Mississippi
Recognitions and Thanks - First, our secretary, Chip Bailey, was designated the chapter’s official “head cat herder” by the President in recognition of his outstanding work as Master of Ceremonies during the Fall dinner at the River Hills Club in Jackson, MS. Special thanks were also given to Ed Tudor for coordinating with the facility to make the wives’ dinner a success, and to Scott Carlton for his presentation on the SFA Cruise and for assisting Ed with the event.
MG (Ret.) Garner will be honored at the Vito Canizaro Veterans Home in Biloxi, MS, with a dedication ceremony scheduled for Friday, November 14, 2025, from 12:00–2:00 p.m. The chapter’s collection of photos and memorabilia was well received, and his 50 years of service with the 20th Special Forces Group will be recognized with a permanent plaque in the facility.
Athena Scholarship Reminder The Green Beret Foundation remains dedicated to supporting both our Green Berets and their families. The Athena Scholarship, established in 2021, provides financial assistance to spouses of current and former U.S. Army Special Forces Soldiers pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. Applications are now close for 2025. Please continue preparing submissions for the March 15, 2026, scholarship cycle as well.
By-Laws Revision Over the summer, the chapter undertook a comprehensive review of its By Laws, originally written in 2009. The primary issue addressed concerns how members are notified of votes and what constitutes a quorum, as meeting attendance is often low. The proposed solution requires notifying all members 30 days before any meeting that will include a vote, ensuring a quorum is present.
One of the year’s most memorable events was the gathering at the Pearl River Resort, Silver Star Casino, featuring presentations by authors John Moore and Emily Lufkin, both descendants of OSS Detachment 101 members. Their insights into the unit’s work in China, Burma, and India during WWII were in formative and well received.
One of C/2/20’s own, Gil Ferguson, was promoted to LTG and assumed command of USASOC.
The 20th SFG Reunion was held 7-8 Feb 2026 at the Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach AL.
Having missed the past 2 cycles of the DROP, this article will include updates on Chapter 92 activities for several months. Chapter membership continues to grow, we are at 101 members, despite the passing of 3 of our members and 2 of our SF brothers, who were not SFA members in 2025. Regular monthly meetings are held at VFW Post 2702 in Huntsville, on the 1st Saturday of the month.
The June 14th meeting was held in Rainbow City, Al, at the Western Sizzlin Steak House. In attendance: 6 guests Betty Mize, Joel Haney (Betty Mize's son-in-law), Mary Crittendon, COL(R) Joe and Mary Creel Patriots Association, Tim Ramsey Etowah County Commissioner, 10 of the 20th Group Society members and 7 SFA Chapter 92 members for roughly 25. Following the meeting we had a police escort to the cemetery and grave of Col Ola Lee Mize, MOH, performing our annual reading of his MOH citation with honors rendered.
On August 21st, 2025, 11am the VA Guntersville Clinic was renamed the COL Ola Lee Mize VA Clinic, after being introduced into and passed by the US House of representatives by Congressman Robert Aderholt on 11-24-2024. Upon completion of the ceremony, we took MS Betty Mize to Wentzell’s Oyster House for lunch and presented her with an SFA Chapter 92 membership.
In addition to the regular September business meeting members gathered 9-13-2025, for a BBQ lunch at Old Greenbrier Restaurant, in Madison, AL. for food, fellowship and camaraderie, with 11 members and 10 spouses and friends, a total of 21.
Our Chapter President was invited to Ft Benning, GA for the 55th Son Tay Raiders reunion 20-22 November. He helped fund raise and find declassified reports for Operation King Pin and Ivory Coast for the Documentary that was shown and is supposed to be finally ready for release and sale in March 2026. It was immensely humbling experience and another item checked off my bucket list.
The Chapter once again gathered at Texas de Brazil 12-6-2025, in Huntsville for our annual Christmas party and dinner. In addition to great food, we held a silent auction raising $450 to support the ROTC scholarship fund. The chapter currently has 19 JROTC High Schools and 9 SROTC Colleges programs that we will support in 2026. Election of new officers was also completed in December and are listed above and on Chapter 92 website.
