Chapter 78 Officers for 2008:

President /Secretary Jim Duffy
Vice President Terry Cagnolatti
Treasurer Richard Simonian
Sgt-at-Arms Art Dolick

Chapter 78 activities for the end of the fourth quarter was highlighted by several events. A POW/MIA briefing, Past President Ramon Rodriguez (Ret CSM) selection as the California Veteran of theYear, a Chinese Nung unit military ball, the Chapter 78 Christmas party, a visit to a nuclear submarine and the return of the chapter's first president.

On November 10, 2007 at the chapter monthly meeting James Webb presented an update on his many years of investigation into the POW/MIA Issue. His goal is to keep the POW/MIA issue alive and not abandon the prospect of live Americans still being held in Southeast Asia .. James recommends that the President appoint a Presidential Independent Southeast Asian POW/MIA Review Board to do a complete review of each case of missing men from the war in Indochina . He served for fourteen years from 1989 to 2003 as the U.S. government's senior investigative team commander and in other high level positions for the POW/MIA Issue. He retired from the U.S. Army after 24 years active service in special operations and intelligence and then worked for over seven years as a government employee on the POW/MIA Issue. James Webb has written a book on the POW/MIA Issue to be released soon detailing his adventures titled "Last Known Alive". In addition James has a two and a half hour interview DVD set called "The Untold Story" (see www.powmiainsider.com). The chapter members again thank James Webb for his frank and informative discussion on a subject close to all our hearts.

On November 10 th ,2007 at the 11th Annual Veteran's and Armed Forces Appreciation Day Ramon Rodriguez(past president) was presented an award. During the football game's halftime between UCLA and Arizona State at the Rose Bowl he was named California 's Veteran of the Year.This prestigious award was given to Ramon by USMC Col.(R) Joe Smith, MG Harrell (CO 40thID) and the American Legion.

Jim Duffy (president/secretary) attended the United States Army Volunteer Reserve (USAVR) military ball on December 16, 2007. The event attended by over 300 members and guests included great food, entertainment, awards and installation and promotions of unit officers and NCO's. See www.usavr.net for more details

Chapter 78 members attended the annual chapter Christmas party on December 21, 2007 at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club.The fabulous buffet and open bar was hosted by Richard Simonian (treasurer) for approximately 80 attendees. The attendees included several members and guests from SFA Chapter 12 and A-5 19 th SFGA.The event included the induction of new chapter officers and the announcement of Chapter 78 Members of the Year Robert Richmond (currently serving in Iraq with Army Special Forces) and Thai Van Tong (vice president Lost Commandos). Entertainment was provided by a Frank Sinatra impersonator who not only looked like old blue eyes but sang like him as well.

Chapter 78 Officers, Jim Duffy, Ramon Rodriguez, Richard Simonian, Terry Cagnolatti, Art Dolick and Mark Miller had the opportunity to visit an active nuclear submarine on December 29 th , 2007. The event was organized by Navy Captain (Ret.) Larry LeDoux. The USS Helena named after Helena , Montana was commissioned July 11, 1987 and is currently commanded by CDR Dan Brunk. The USS Helena is a Los Angeles-class fast-attack nuclear submarine assigned to Submarine Squadron Eleven. After the extensive tour and briefings Jim Duffy (president/secretary) presented Commander Brunk with a Chapter 78 coin and T-shirt. For more details on the USS Helena see their website at www.css11.navy.mil:80/helena.html.

At the meeting on January 12, 2008 Ray Estrella, the first president of Chapter 78 returned as an active chapter member. Likewise, Louis Holmes and Perter Tang returned. Ramon Rodriguez (past President) gave an informative DVD presentation on the MACV RECONDO School . Ramon was also a participant in the documentary production.

Note: Please review Chapter 78's expanded, revised and newly updated website. In addition, see the home page New Features link to order some great quality regular and custom embroidered Special Forces clothing items. Please sign our guestbook at www.specialforces78.com.

 

Jim Duffy thanking James Webb for his presentation.

(L-R) USMC Col (Ret.) Joe Smith, MG Harrell, Ramon Rodriguez ( California Veteran of the Year) and the American Legion Representative.

Jim Duffy congratulating USAVR Commander LTG Si Sap Vong on his promotion at the military ball.

Member of the Year Thai Van Tong (Lost Commandos-Vice President) with Jim Duffy (president/secretary)

Jim Duffy(president/secretary) presenting CDR Dan Brunk of USS Helena with a Chapter 78 coin and T-Shirt

Chapter 78 Officers (L-R) Mark Miller, Richard Simonian, Jim Duffy, Lou Smith, Ramon Rodriguez, Terry Cagnolatti and Art Dolick at the USS Helena