Chapter 78's Christmas party on December 16 at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, Newport Beach was graciously hosted by member and new vice president Richard Simonian. All enjoyed a great buffet and an open bar. New chapter officers were installed with Ramon Rodriguez continuing as chapter president who spoke about the chapter's objectives for 2006. Chapter member Al Watts presented a truly inspiring and moving story of the POW table.

Chapter members for the year 2005 Terry Cagnolatti, the new chapter treasurer was recognized and presented a certificate as was Colonel Tai Moc for the Vietnamese Lost Commandos represented in the chapter membership. Recognition and thanks was given to the outgoing chapter vice president Robert Crebbs. Colonel Tai Moc , the ranking member of the Lost Commandos gave a speech about the treatment, political indoctrination and repatriation of POW's held in North Vietnam an average of 20 years.

Members and guests were provided a rare treat in the premiere showing of the short film entitled “Dust” produced by Angela Sostre, the daughter of member Jim Duffy and with producer/director/actor Dick Hillenbrand. The Chapter members helped support the script writing and production of the film which is a story about an army ranger patrol operation in Iraq. “Dust” explores the psychological trauma of a specific combat incident which the patrol encounters. The film will make the rounds of the international film festivals during 2006. The party events were also filmed and photographed under the direction of Angela Sostre in preparation for a future chapter project.

President Ramon Rodriguez attended services for Lost Commando CPT Tam Van Nguyen who had endured 21years as a POW after capture during an operation into North Vietnam . Chapter members express their sincere condolences to his family and the Lost Commandos for his service and sacrifice to his country.

New chapter members during the last quarter Cao Son aka “Budda”, Tom Redfern and Juan Robertson are warmly welcomed. Congratulations to member Tom Redfern in winning the 1 st place trophy using a borrowed SOCOM 16 in chapter member's “Al Watts Shoot Out” sponsored by American Legion Post 295 the host for chapter meetings.

Richard Simonian and Terry Cagnolatti attended the USC vs.UCLA football game. A major rivalry ending in a USC win of 66 to 19.

The last few chapter meetings highlighted a showing of the History Channel's documentary “ Heroes Under Fire” spotlighting the story of CCN's RT Alabama. SFA and RT Alabama member featured in the film Doan Khanh aka “Cowboy” recently visited us at a chapter meeting. Member Jim Duffy was presented his life/decader membership from Ramon Rodriguez. Member Jack Eckles reported on activities in Iraq while home on leave from his current tour of duty. BG (Ret.) Len Wallach with the Institute of Military Honors discussed the importance of presenting military medals and ribbons to those deserving soldiers in a proper ceremonial fashion.

Please review our new website and sign our guestbook at www.specialforces78.com .

Photo plaque from crew of “Dust” presented to chapter with Dick Hillenbrand (left), Richard Simonian (vice president), Angela Sostre and Ramon Rodriguez (president)

2005 Member of the Year Terry Cagnalotti (right) presented certificate by Ramon Rodriguez (president)

Jim Duffy (right) presented life/decader membership from Ramon Rodriguez (president)

Group photo of Chapter 78 members at the annual Christmas party

2005 Member of the Year Lost Commando Tai Moc (center) presented certificate by Ramon Rodriguez (president) and Richard Simonian (vice president)

2006 Chapter officers. (L – R Front)Ramon Rodriguez (president), Robert Foley (secretary), Brad Welker (asst. treasurer)

(L-R Rear) Richard Simonian (vp), Jim Duffy (asst. vp), Terry Cagnalatti (treasurer)

(Not in photo) Frank Lilly (asst. secretary), Art Dolick (sgt-at-arms)