Region XI — Overseas Region

Royal Thai Armed Forces Airborne Association Partnership

SFA Chapter 3 participated in the Annual Thai Airborne Association meeting in Lopburi province. The Thai Airborne Association and the Special Forces Association have a long history of cooperation and joint donations in support of local schools, charities and community outreach initiatives. SFA Chapter 3 was honored to provide a 10,000 Thai Baht donation to support these shared initiatives.

USSOCOM Visit to SFA Chapter 3

SFA Chapter 3 had the privilege of hosting General Fenton, Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command and General Songwit, Thailand’s Chief of Defense Forces, during their engagement in Thailand. The high-level engagement reinforced the enduring bilateral partnership and laid groundwork for expanded future collaboration in key areas such as counterterrorism, maritime security, cyber defense, and humanitarian assistance while also renewing longstanding personal connections among Special Operations professionals.

Service, Brotherhood, and Purpose: A Quarter of Meaningful Engagement for Chapter VIII

The Special Forces Association MSG Earl Kalani Memorial Chapter VIII continues to exemplify the enduring values of the Green Beret—quiet professionalism, lifelong service, and unwavering brotherhood. The final quarter of 2025 was marked by a sustained operational tempo that reflected both the chapter’s commitment to honoring the past and its focus on strengthening the Special Forces community in Hawaiʻi today.

As the chapter prepares to enter 2026, it does so under a newly announced slate of officers who represent experience, continuity, and shared purpose. The 2026 leadership team includes President Pete Tingstrom, Vice President Lynn Mariano, Secretary Jeremy “Bama” Guin, and Treasurer William Nagel. Together, this group brings a balanced blend of operational leadership, administrative competence, and deep respect for the chapter’s legacy. Their collective vision is rooted in service—to the Association, to fellow Green Berets, to veterans of all eras, and to the wider community that supports them.

Since the last issue of The Drop, Chapter VIII has remained consistently engaged across Oʻahu, maintaining a visible and meaningful presence at commemorative ceremonies, community events, and internal chapter activities. November began with participation in the island-wide Veterans Day Ceremony, an annual observance that brings together service members, veterans, civic leaders, and local families. Chapter members stood shoulder to shoulder with brothers and sisters in arms from across generations, reinforcing the message that service does not end with retirement or transition from active duty. For Chapter VIII, Veterans Day is not only about remembrance—it is about reaffirming responsibility.

That same month, members attended the Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) beach birthday celebration, followed by the SOCPAC Christmas Ball. These events offered opportunities to engage with the broader special operations community across the Indo-Pacific region, bridging the gap between active-duty forces and those who have gone before them. For Chapter VIII members, many of whom served in complex operational environments, these gatherings underscored the continuity of the profession and the shared identity that binds Special Operations Forces across time, units, and missions.

December carried particular weight and significance. On December 7th, Chapter VIII proudly participated in the Pearl Harbor Parade, commemorating the anniversary of the 1941 attack. The event remains one of Hawaiʻi’s most solemn and historically important observances. Marching in remembrance, chapter members honored the fallen of Pearl Harbor while reflecting on how that pivotal moment reshaped American military history. For Special Forces Soldiers—whose mission often operates in the shadows—the parade offered a rare but important opportunity to stand publicly in tribute, representing both past sacrifice and present resolve.

The holiday season also brought the chapter together internally. The annual SFA Christmas Party once again proved to be a cornerstone event, fostering camaraderie among members and their families. Beyond the decorations and celebration, the gathering reinforced something essential to the chapter’s culture: the importance of family, fellowship, and mutual support. For many Green Berets, the Special Forces Association is more than an organization—it is an extended family that understands shared experiences, unspoken challenges, and lifelong bonds formed under demanding circumstances.

Throughout the quarter, Chapter VIII members dedicated considerable time and presence to events associated with The Wall That Heals, the traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. These events carried profound emotional significance, particularly for Vietnam-era veterans and their families. Chapter members stood vigil, assisted visitors, shared stories, and offered quiet respect to those whose names are etched in black granite. For many, the experience was deeply personal—a reminder of teammates lost, missions endured, and a war that shaped the Special Forces community in lasting ways.

Honoring Vietnam Veterans remains a core responsibility for Chapter VIII. Many members understand firsthand the long road toward recognition and healing that followed that conflict. Participation in The Wall That Heals was not ceremonial alone; it was an act of solidarity and remembrance, ensuring that the sacrifices of Vietnam Veterans are neither forgotten nor diminished by time.

In parallel with these major events, Chapter VIII maintained a consistent internal rhythm that sustains the chapter’s cohesion and effectiveness. Monthly pau hana gatherings provided informal settings for fellowship, mentorship, and connection. These gatherings allow senior members to pass on lessons learned, while newer members gain perspective and a sense of belonging. In an era where many veterans struggle with isolation, these simple but intentional moments of connection carry lasting impact.

As Chapter VIII looks toward 2026, it does so with a strong foundation and clear sense of purpose. The past quarter demonstrated that the chapter is not defined by any single event, but by sustained engagement over time. Whether participating in public ceremonies, supporting fellow veterans, honoring the fallen, or simply gathering in fellowship, MSG Earl Kalani Memorial Chapter VIII continues to embody the ethos of “De Oppresso Liber” beyond the battlefield.

The coming year will bring new opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities. With dedicated leadership in place and an active, committed membership, Chapter VIII stands ready to continue its work—quietly, professionally, and with honor. In doing so, the chapter ensures that the legacy of Special Forces in Hawaiʻi remains strong, relevant, and rooted in service to others.

SFA Chapter 91-101--The Combat Chapters Iraq and Afghanistan

Lo, there do I see my father. Lo, there do I see my brothers. Lo, there do I see the line of my people, Back to the beginning. Lo, they do call to me. They bid me take my place among them, In the halls of Valhalla, Where the brave may live forever! Phil Hudicourt would have said these words had he been able--his brothers gathered in Florida to see him to his final rendezvous.

Phil Hudicourt’s US Army active duty military career was exceptional, always serving on the cutting edge--paratrooper, ranger battalion, special forces, the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) staff, and two years combat employment as a Special Mission Unit (SMU) operator. Also exceptional was his 23-year service as a contractor supporting U.S. forces and objectives, including 17 years in combat zones and 6 years foreign internal defense (FID).

Phil was a warrior--recipient of the 2025 SFA Gold St Philip Neri award--his numerous achievements and exploits are found on Teamhouse. He steadily rose through the ranks of Falcon Security in Iraq as all his predecessors were killed, mostly performing convoy security. Phil was the fourth president of SFA-91 (Iraq).

Phil’s daughters, Michelle and Rebecca, hosted a memorial well-attended by his family. From the SFA were Prez Chris Wilkerson, two SFA-91 past presidents, and John Schuler (SFA-38). Also COL (Ret) Jim Mowery from 2-505 ABN service and Lee Sharon from 2-75 RGR days. COL Mowery said Phil was the finest NCO he ever knew. Rebecca, who accepted the St Philip Neri award for her father last year, is an honorary member of SFA 91-101 and expects to attend SFACON 2026.

Phil’s funeral was well conducted and attended by the SFA. His brothers from the Patriot Guard Riders led the procession, including John Gilio and Jeff Garten (SFA-76), Charlie Gates (SFA-60), and Bill Yeider (SFA 1-18). SFA President Chris Wilkerson gave a respectful tribute at the ceremony. Also attending were SFA-85 President Pete Marceau, Chris North and Phil Crowley (SFA 91-101), all who knew Phil Hudicourt well in his downrange years.

Lee County, Florida dedicated a portion of Veterans Parkway--between the Midpoint Bridge and the toll booth--as the: “Captain Daniel W. Eggers Memorial Highway,” honoring Captain Daniel W. Eggers, killed in Afghanistan on May 29, 2004.

Captain Eggers served with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg. He was killed when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Zabul Province, Afghanistan. The U.S. military previously honored him by renaming the Kabul compound Camp Eggers in 2005. Dan’s father, Bill, is an honorary SFA 91-101 member and expects to attend SFACON.