ON THE COVER: The Higgins Boat Monument is located at Utah Beach. One of the most iconic boats in WWII history—the Higgins boat, or LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel)—ferried Allied troops onto the beaches of Normandy. This was one of the many locations visited by the Chapter 78 delegation that visited Normandy, France, for the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. Click here for the first installment of the story about this adventure. (Photo courtesy of Aaron Brandenburg)
In this issue:
Special Forces Officer Receives Medal of Honor
Retired U.S. Army Maj. Nicholas Dockery received the Medal of Honor from President Donald J. Trump on June 18, 2026. Click to read about his acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty.
In the opening installment of this special series, follow SFA Chapter 78’s delegation as they journey to Normandy for the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, honoring the heroes who liberated Europe while walking alongside two World War II veterans whose personal stories bring history to life.
From prisoner to victor. Retired Green Beret Greg Walker recalls escorting a Desert Storm POW back to the Baghdad hotel where he was once held captive — this time walking free.
SOAR XLV Memorial Breakfast: A Brother’s Tribute
A brother’s decades-long search for answers. Jim Suber recounts losing his brother, MIA in Laos since November 13, 1969, and the chance encounter years later that finally connected him to the men who served alongside him — and to the healing that followed.
SFA Chapter 78 June 2026 Chapter Meeting
Guest speaker James Stejskal, a former Special Forces and intelligence professional, gave a presentation based on his book Masters of Mayhem: Lawrence of Arabia and the British Military Mission to the Hejaz. His talk included an overview of T.E. Lawrence, details about the operations that became known as “Hedgehog,” the code name for the British military campaign during WWI to destroy the Hejaz Railway, and how unconventional warfare played a part.
If you haven’t already done so, be sure to read the review of Masters of Mayhem in the SFA’s quarterly publication The Drop, Spring 2026 edition.
WHAT’S NEW?
James Stejskal: America’s Commandos Behind the Iron Curtain
Playlists: Chapter Meeting Presenters
Hidden inside Cold War Berlin was a highly classified Special Forces unit preparing for a mission few Americans knew existed. This presentation offers a rare look at the courage, preparation, and ingenuity of America’s secret Cold War Commandos.
James Stejskal, author of Special Forces Berlin, explains how six Green Beret teams trained to infiltrate East Germany, destroy critical Soviet targets, and conduct unconventional warfare if war erupted in Europe. Their plans involved underground tunnels, waterways, covert weapons, disguises, demolition, and survival behind the Iron Curtain.
James Stejskal is an author, military historian, conflict archaeologist, retired U.S. Army Green Beret. Over 35 years, he served in special operations and intelligence assignments across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Drawing on firsthand experience and extensive research, he writes authoritative military histories and authentic Cold War espionage thrillers. His acclaimed works include Special Forces Berlin, Masters of Mayhem, Mission Iran, and the popular Snake Eater Chronicles series.
SOGCast 051: RT Idaho’s John Trantanella on 2nd SOG Combat HALO Jump Into Laos.
Featured Channel: Jocko Podcast — SOGCast
Featured Playlist: SOGCast
SOGCast 052: Alfonso “RT” Rivero, Crew Chief w/ Storied Air Force 20th Special Operations Squadron.
Featured Channel: Jocko Podcast — SOGCast
Featured Playlist: SOGCast
THE BIG PICTURE: Green Berets and Montagnards
Featured Channel: The Columbus Dispatch
Featured Playlist: Vietnam
A blast from the past—The Big Picture was a film series produced by the US Army during the Vietnam War, intended to drum up support for the War.
History of Gabriel Memorial Field
Featured Channel: Bonnie Cooper
A history and overview of the monuments of 5th SFGI(A)’s Gabriel Memorial Field.
Bonnie Cooper—SFA Honorary Member and US Army veteran—has long served the Special Forces Association and Special Operations Community, and worked with the Special Operations Association and other Veterans Organizations. We are subscribers of her YouTube channel, which includes her video on the History of Gabriel Field (linked above) as well as the presentation by Jim Suber, which is linked above (see “SOAR XLV Memorial Breakfast: A Brother’s Tribute”).
Subscribe to @sfachapter78 on YouTube!
Be sure to select “All Notifications” to keep up with our new content. Watch and share the videos on our channel and stay tuned—new videos are on the way!
SENTINEL Awards
- Awarded Special Forces Association Newsletter of the Year at SFA National Convention, June 2026
- The Golden Arrows for Excellence in Newsletters 2020 awarded by SFA National
- The Golden Arrows for Excellence in Newsletters 2019 awarded by SFA National
- The War Reporters Award, Presented by Alex Quade – (War Reporter and Film Producer) for Chapter 78 Sentinel’s Commitment documenting Special Forces History, July 2018
- Special Forces Association (SFA) Cross Arrow Award for Excellence, 2018, First Award Presented by SFA in this category
- Best Newsletter Award for 2017 from Special Forces Association National Board of Directors at the International Convention in Fayetteville, NC
- Awarded Golden Quill at SFA National Convention June 2015 and June 2016
- Awarded best Special Forces Association Monthly Newsletter at SFA National Convention June 2011 and 2014
The Sentinel is published monthly by Special Forces Association Chapter 78, Southern California — art direction and design by Debra Holm, Dinwiddie Holm Graphics. The views, opinions and articles printed in this issue do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Army or the United States Special Operations Command, the Special Forces Association, or Special Forces Association Chapter 78. Please address any comments to the editor at sfachapter78@gmail.com.
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