Region X — Mountain Region
As winter settles over Colorado and the new year gains momentum, Chapter 4 24 continues to embody the strength of its community through service, celebration, and long standing tradition. This past holiday season was marked by meaningful events, heartfelt generosity, and a renewed sense of purpose—setting the tone for a memorable and mission focused year ahead.
The Chapter closed out the year with a full day of service and celebration, beginning with participation in Wreaths Across America. Members gathered in the crisp morning air to honor the fallen, laying wreaths with reverence and gratitude. That evening, the Chapter shifted from solemn remembrance to festive camaraderie at the annual Christmas Party, held this year at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort. With the Front Range providing a stunning backdrop, approximately 85 members, families, and friends came together to share food, laughter, and the warmth of community.
The 10th SFG(A) extended their deepest appreciation to Chapter 4 24 for their enthusiastic participation in the USAFA Skate Day and Group Holiday Party. Their presence brought energy and joy to an event cherished by service members and families alike. Equally impactful was the Chapter’s generous support of the Angel Tree Program, ensuring that children in need receive Christmas gifts and a reminder that they are surrounded by a community that cares deeply.
Before the summer festivities arrive, members also took part in Ski Daze 2026, returning to Leadville, Colorado, for two days of skiing, fellowship, and mountain town charm. This annual gathering brings together the Special Forces Association Chapter 4 24, the Norwegian Special Operations Group (NORSO), and the 10th Mountain Division communities. Whether carving down the slopes or sharing stories over something warm at the Delaware Hotel, the event continues to strengthen bonds across units and generations.
Rounding out the early year calendar, Chapter 4 24 proudly supported members participating in the 37th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range on 21 March 2026. Whether marching the course or simply joining for the camaraderie and campout, participants honored the legacy of the Bataan heroes through endurance, remembrance, and unity. The event remains one of the most meaningful opportunities for members to reflect on sacrifice while standing shoulder to shoulder with teammates and supporters.
Looking ahead, one of the most significant upcoming milestones is the Farewell to Panzer event, scheduled for 25 April 2026 at the Panzer Kaserne Parade Field. Open to 1 10 SFG(A) service members and alumni, the gathering will honor the Battalion’s long chapter at Panzer while embracing its transition to Baumholder, Germany. It promises to be a moment of reflection, camaraderie, and pride.
Summer will bring even more opportunities to connect, beginning with Org Week, taking place 08–12 June 2026, and Family Day on 11 June. Just one day later, the Group will celebrate its storied legacy at the 74th Anniversary Ball, held at the Hotel Polaris outside the USAFA north gate.
From holiday generosity to upcoming celebrations, the months ahead reflect the unwavering spirit of the Chapter—rooted in service, strengthened by community, and always moving forward together.
Chapter members, families, and honorary members celebrated the arrival of the holiday season with its annual Christmas lunch on December 7th at Jasper’s restaurant in Kansas City. In addition to enjoying great company and great food, the chapter AAR’d its Fall activities and discussed future business and upcoming events, including wreath laying for Wreaths Across America, the 2026 SOF Ball, and support to chapter members in need. The major news announced at the lunch was chapter member Rich Kiper’s designation as the Grand Master for the 2026 Veterans Day Parade in Leavenworth. Many speculate one on the reasons Rich was selected because he is among a very small group who can still fit into the uniform he retired in. That joke aside, this is a great honor for Rich, his family, and the Chapter.
Following its annual tradition, chapter members braved the bitter December cold to participate in Wreaths Across America – whose mission is to Remember, Honor, and Teach – laying wreaths and honoring departed teammates COL Roger Donlon (MoH), MSG Wiliam “Bill” Thompson, Jedburgh Team Novocaine, and COL Return “Jon” Meigs. Not pictured are the spouses and family members of the chapter team who also came out to show their support and pay their respects for these inspiring Green Beret heroes.
The next major event for the chapter is the upcoming 2026 SOF Ball co-hosted by Chapter 29 and the Special Operations Forces Directorate and CGSC students at Fort Leavenworth. The Ball is 24 April in downtown Leavenworth.
SFA Chapter XLIII experienced a very active and meaningful Fall and Winter season. Below are just a few highlights that reflect the heart, service, and camaraderie of our Chapter.
Annual Turkey Drop:
Chapter XLIII donated 18 turkeys (417 lbs.) to the Post Falls American Legion, Post 143. This donation helped the American Legion provide Thanksgiving meals to local community members who needed a place to gather and share a warm meal. A heartfelt thank you to Durf, Bruce, Bob, Marc, and John for making this special delivery possible. To date, Chapter XLIII has donated over 1,500 pounds of turkey to our community.
Christmas Luncheon:
Chapter XLIII’s Christmas Luncheon was a wonderful success! Guests enjoyed great food, drinks, friendly conversation, and several lucky attendees walked away with raffle prizes. You could truly feel the Christmas spirit in the air. Chapter President Stephen Durfee (Durf) shared a recap of the year’s events, expressed gratitude to our contributors, and concluded by presenting the Most Valuable Veteran of the Year Award.
We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of local businesses and community partners who are committed to serving Veterans. A special thank you to:
Gunfighters, Inc. – https://gunfightersinc.com/
Fernan Rod and Gun Club – https://frgc.org/
Pastor David Bruyette (Chapter XLIII’s adopted Chaplain) – partnered with our local Red Robin during the month of November, helping raise over $3,500 in gift cards to be distributed to members of our community in need.
We would also like to recognize the party planning committee, who went above and beyond to make Christmas feel extra special. Each guest left with a homemade loaf of bread, homemade cookies, and a custom-made Christmas wine bottle light. Thank you, Brenda, Iku, and Lorie, for your creativity, time, and heartfelt efforts.
Supporting Wilder Adams:
We would also like to share the story of Wilder Adams, a young boy bravely fighting cancer. It was an honor for the Chapter to donate $2,500 in support of Wilder’s journey. Wilder has been diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is currently on a three-year treatment plan that includes weekly visits with his medical team. His loving parents and six siblings stand faithfully by his side. Please continue to keep Wilder and his family in your prayers.
Remembering Sarge:
Terrence Wayne Smith “Sarge,” 78, passed away on January 8, 2026, at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Post Falls, Idaho, and is now at rest in the arms of our Lord. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Terrence later became a longtime resident of Sandpoint, Idaho (1999). He suffered from illnesses related to Agent Orange exposure. Terrence was drafted into the U.S. Army on February 3, 1968, serving as a 91B (Mechanic). He re-enlisted on August 27, 1969, serving with 5th Group Special Forces, MACV-SOG CCN Recon Team RT Kansas 1-1. He served our country valiantly as a Green Beret and true American hero.
Christmas Luncheon:
Chapter XLIII’s Christmas Luncheon was a wonderful success! Guests enjoyed great food, drinks, friendly conversation, and several lucky attendees walked away with raffle prizes. You could truly feel the Christmas spirit in the air. Chapter President Stephen Durfee (Durf) shared a recap of the year’s events, expressed gratitude to our contributors, and concluded by presenting the Most Valuable Veteran of the Year Award.
We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of local businesses and community partners who are committed to serving Veterans. A special thank you to:
Gunfighters, Inc. – https://gunfightersinc.com/
Fernan Rod and Gun Club – https://frgc.org/
Pastor David Bruyette (Chapter XLIII’s adopted Chaplain) – partnered with our local Red Robin during the month of November, helping raise over $3,500 in gift cards to be distributed to members of our community in need.
We would also like to recognize the party planning committee, who went above and beyond to make Christmas feel extra special. Each guest left with a homemade loaf of bread, homemade cookies, and a custom-made Christmas wine bottle light. Thank you, Brenda, Iku, and Lorie, for your creativity, time, and heartfelt efforts.
After being diagnosed with bladder cancer in 1995, he was forced into retirement and later moved to Sandpoint, Idaho in 1999 with his mother, Janet, and daughter, Shanna. Terrence is survived by his daughter Shanna (John) Swalander, son Jeremiah Smith, grandchildren Aurora Lippard, Edwin Swalander, and Logan Swalander, sister Diane (Robert) Prater, and brother Richard (Susanna) Smith. Sarge’s service, strength, and legacy will never be forgotten.
Gold Star Families:
We are fortunate to have two Gold Star families as members of Chapter XLIII: John and Lorie Goldsmith, parents of SGT 1st Class Wyatt Goldsmith, KIA 7/15/11, A Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group and Steve and Brenda Day, family of SGM Bradly Conner, KIA 5/7/09, C Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group.
Both families are actively involved members who are consistent in attending monthly meetings and Chapter events while always lending a helping hand when needed. Their warmth and generosity contribute to the strong family atmosphere within Chapter XLIII.
Greetings from the Gem State.
The chapter held its final range event on 22 November, the Sgt Alvin York Turkey Shoot and Chili Cookoff. The Turkey Shoot winners in the following categories were:
Center fire – Jeff Zuidema
Rim fire – Steve Merrill
Black powder – Don Thompson
The Chili Cookoff winner was Mike Edwards.
The last event for the year was our annual Christmas Party held at a local Italian restaurant. It was very well attended, the food was delicious and everyone had a great time.
The chapter started 2026 with a WWII Shoot on 24 January. There were nine people in attendance and six shooters. Weapons available included an M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, German Mauser, British Enfield, Thomson sub-machine gun and an M1911 pistol. The shooting went very smooth despite the cold temperature.
Mike Tomlin had his second novel published in January 2026. “Final Justice” is available on Amazon.com. His first novel, “Justice in Mean Valley”, was published in 2023 and is also available from Amazon.
Upcoming events include Emergency Medical Training on 21 February conducted by Dave Cotter, Shooter Vetting by Devin Hagar on 14 March along with Shotgun Training by Travis Denman.
If your travels bring you to the Treasure Valley (Boise, Nampa, Caldwell) of southern Idaho, call or message one of the chapter officers. Better yet, the chapter meets the first Tuesday of each month at 1830 hours at Fiesta Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant in Nampa.
SFA Chapter LXX
The fourth quarter meetings of our chapter were centered around recognizing members and people who have provided great service to the chapter and our country.
Our October 2025 meeting was held at the VFW in Layton, Utah. We presented a plaque to Alisa Williams for her work with the families of our deceased members at the Utah Veterans Cemetery.
During November, held at the Fort Douglas Museum, we honored three members of the chapter. First, James G. McGee was presented the Member of the Year Award for 2024 for his project to provide families with the “Final Jump” for our members who have passed. Kent Anderson and Nikki Pino were presented Utah Cold Ward Medals and Certificates.
Seventy-four members and guests attended the December Christmas Party at the Timbermine in Ogden, Utah. For the first time, the Chapter awarded a “Grand Lady of the Chapter” plaque to Jane Martin, wife of BG (Ret) James Martin.
Seventy-four members and guests attended the December Christmas Party at the Timbermine in Ogden, Utah. For the first time, the Chapter awarded a “Grand Lady of the Chapter” plaque to Jane Martin, wife of BG (Ret) James Martin.
