Chapter 78 Officers for 2007:

President Ramon Rodriguez
Vice President Richard Simonian
Secretary Brad Welker
Treasurer Terry Cagnolatti
Sgt-at-Arms Art Dolick

Chapter 78 activity for the fourth quarter was highlighted by several events. Members from Chapter 78 and Chapter 12 held a BBQ and joint meeting at the Camp Pendleton beachside campground (San Onofre) on September 8th, 2007. Attending were Ramon Rodriguez (president), Brad Welker (secretary), Terry Cagnolatti ( treasurer), Art Dolick (sergeant –at-arms), Jim Duffy (asst. vice president) and Tom Redfern (asst. secretary) along with Chapter 78 members Randy Hedges,, Sal Sanders and Lou Smith. Chapter 12 members and wives hosted the BBQ. A First Special Service Force (FSSF) plaque was presented to Chapter 12 member Ted Fleser by Art Dolick (sergeant-at-arms) of Chapter 78 as a gesture of friendship and service. Ted Fleser was a ranger replacement to the FSSF in 1943 until they disbanded on December 5,1944. He has also served as president of the FSSF Association. Art Dolick served four years in the Canadian Army prior to his enlistment in the U.S. Army and service with Special Forces. Chapter 78 President Ramon Rodriguez (Ret CSM) D1978 L was selected as the Veteran of theYear for the state of California . This prestigious award will be given to Ramon by the Governor (The Terminator) at half time during the game between UCLA and Arizona State at the Rose Bowl on Saturday 10 Nov 2007.

Chapter 78 member Jim Duffy (asst. vice president) traveled to China in September and October. His trip host was again General(four star retired) Wan Su Jian, a veteran of forty years with the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The trip included travel in Beijing , the capital and Beidaihe on the coast of the East China Sea . A number of ancient and sacred sites visited such as Bei Hai Temple , Bi Yun Temple and the Forbidden City were highlights of the trip. Jim got to visit and shoot on the grounds of the newly constructed area for the 2008 Olympic marksmanship/shooting competitions. During the trip General Wan was presented a Chapter 78 and an ODA-109 honorary membership along with Chapter 78 and ODA-109 5 th SFG VN coins. General Wan presented Jim the PLA 80 th Year Commemorative Medal and a PLA wallet. General Wan is also a Taoist Qigong Master and a medical doctor recognized as one of the top ten doctors in China and recently appointed as the Chief of the medical staff for the Beijing 2008 Olympics. He is the Director of the Beijing Red Cross Traditional Medical Exchange Institute where his students train in a variety of Chinese martial and healing arts with the goal of becoming practitioners and doctors of Chinese traditional medicine. They are the Red Cross Emergency Rescue Team for the 2008 Olympic Games. At an orphanage in a remote village of DaTong city Doctor Wan and his staff provide their monthly medical treatment to the many orphans and village children with serious health problems. In Beidaihe, Jim trained with well known Madame Wang Yan and Master Jiang Nan. Master Wang who resides in Amsterdam is an award winning martial arts performer and an excellent Traditional Medicine doctor and healer. Master Jiang is one of the most highly respected Qigong Masters and I Ching (fortune telling) experts in China and the creator of Tianshan Xuelian Qigong. Jim received additional training in the Chinese arts of Qi Gong and Ba Gua. Personal treatments Jim received included Ba Gua Qi Gong healing, Tibetan Long Horn sound healing, acupuncture, Tuina bodywork and massage. Jim has traveled to China over a dozen times. In addition to other martial arts ratings Jim is a certified instructor in Tai Ji and Qi Gong.

Note: Chapter 78 business cards are in the final stage for all chapter officers and members. Please review Chapter 78's expanded, revised and newly updated website. See updates for Jim Duffy's and Rob Richmond's member web pages. 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.

Photo
Ted Fleser (L) receiving FSSF plaque from Art Dolick (R) (sergeant-at-arms)

Jim Duffy (L) presenting Chapter 78 Honorary Membership to General Wan Su Jian (R)

Jim Duffy (L) presenting ODA-109 Honorary Membership to General Wan Su Jian

General Wan Su Jian (L) presenting Jim Duffy with the PLA 80th Year Commemorative Medal and PLA Wallet.

(L-R) Madame Wang, Jim Duffy and Master Jiang