EMAIL: tcagnolatti@specialforces78.com

My assignments: Company C, 2nd Bn., 5th Special Forces Group

(Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

Operational Detachment A-563

Awards/Decorations/Special Forces schools attended:

Outstanding Leader Trainee (Basic Combat Training, Ft. Ord, CA.)

Honor Graduate, Airborne 4th Student Bn., Class #11

Special Forces, Engineer /Demolitions School

Special Forces Weapons School

Redeye Gunner School (Stinger Missile)

Rough Terrain Jump School

Iranian Jump Wings (jumps made in Iran)

Why I joined the Special Forces:

My intentions were to join the US Army Military Police Service.  However, I was introduced to SFC. Robert Nelson, one of the Son Tay Raiders.  After speaking with him for a while, I realized that Special Forces was the only unit for me.

My favorite story:

I never took off my life preserver for the entire flight to Iran.  Didn't matter if we were over land or not.  I had never seen that much water before in my life.

The story I never told anyone:

The day I was awarded the Green Beret with the 5th Group Flash, the first person I called was my Mom.  She was very proud.  Hey, where would we be without our Moms.

The guys I never forgot:

Sgt. Mike Reynolds, Sgt. Randy Goerndt, PS6 Elvin F. Bye.  (Bye was my Senior Tac NCO at Jump School.  He never was able to pronounce my name--he called me everything under the Sun).  Lastly, all the Team Members of SFOD A-563.

The best thing to happen to me in the Service:

Going to Iran.

The worst thing:

Training at Ft. Polk during the summer months.  I was born in New Orleans.  If a native-born Lousianian tells you it was hot at Ft. Polk, guaranteed it was hot!!!

After the Service:

I began a career in Law Enforcement.  I have completed 27 years of service and plan to retire in two or three years.

Miscellaneous:

I am proud to be a member of the Special Forces Association, and very proud to be in Chapter 78.  It's like being on an A Team again.