TAPS

Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line was held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace, and farewell…

The 10 most recent deceased SOA members are shown at the top of the page.
Non-Members who have passed are listed below these.

FOREST EARL TODD, SOA #124GL, Passed away June 18, 2010. Earl had suffered a stroke in Nov. 2005 and had been hospitalized since. He was hospitalized at the VA hospital in Salisbury, NC. Recently he had suffered several heart attacks and was diagnosed with incurable leukemia. Earl was a member of the SFA and the SOA #124 GL. Earl served 2 years/7months in Vietnam as a member of SF. He was a SOG recon team leader and 1st/Sgt of FOB 2. He received many decorations for his service including: Silver Star; Purple Heart w/2 OLC; Bronze Star; Air Medal w/OLC; ArCom. w/V; ArCom. w/2OLC; UN Service Medal; Korean Service Medal; Soldiers Medal; GCM w/ 3 knots: CIB; EIB; Master Parachutist Badge and several other awards. Earl left the service on 4 June 1971 with 17 years and 8 months served.

RENE D. CARDENAS, SOA #967, CSM (Ret), a member of Chapter 1-18, passed away on June 16, 2010. A 'wake' will be held at Rogers & Breece Funeral Home, 500 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC between 7 - 9 p.m.(Thursday)tomorrow night (June 17). A Mass will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday (June 18) at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 365 N. Cool Spring St., Fayetteville, NC (910) 483-3216]. This service will be followed with a Committal Service at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, Spring Lake, NC at 2:00 p.m. with full military honors. Father Thomas Malloy will conduct the Mass and Chaplain Roy F. Hill will conduct the Committal Service. Cards/Letters may be sent to Rene's family at: Mrs. Irma G. Cardenas, 2422 Cleveland Ave., Fayetteville, NC 28312-9247. Tele: (10) 321-6050. Another fine Green Beret has relocated to the ultimate SFOB.

DONLALD M. PALMER, SOA #963, One of our Australian buddies, passed away on 24 May 2010. Donny served some 25 years in the Australian Army, all with Infantry Battalions. WO1 Palmer served in Korea at the age of 18. After Korea he served in Malay and later in Vietnam. Donny served with the 5th SFGA, A-107.Later with Mobile Advisory Training Team 4 RF Coy and again later with Matt 4 Long Dien, AN Ngai and Phuoc Tuy. Donny was highly decorated for his time in Vietnam. Donny retired from the Army as a well respected RSM (Regimental Sgt. Major) of 5th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, Infantry. Don is survived by his wife Daph, three children Douglas,David and Michel and grandchildren. Donny will be missed by all.

HARRY "HEINIE" ADERHOLT, SOA #900, BG (Ret), passed away away on Thursday morning, 20 May 2010 in his home  surrounded by family, loyal friends and his devoted caregiver, Jamie Newman. He was born on Jan. 6, 1920, in Birmingham, Ala., to Forest Aderholt and Katie Banholzer and was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Jessie; brothers, Roy Aderholt and Robert Aderholt; and sister, Cornelia Akin. He is survived by his wife, Anne; daughter, Janet Lynn Elliott and husband Chaplin Col. (Ret.) Richard G. Elliott Jr. of Panama City, Fla.; son, George Aderholt and wife Pat of Navarre, Fla.; one sister, Katherine McDaniel of Trussville, Ala.; two brothers, Warren Aderholt and his wife Bunny of Marietta, Ga., and Louis Aderholt of Huntsville, Ala.; grandchildren, Kevin Richard Elliott and wife Kathy Anderson Elliott, Stacie Lynn Elliott, Kellie Marie Elliott and Mark Randall Elliott; great-granddaughter, Annie Lynn Elliott; and several nieces and nephews. Heinie was one of seven children raised by his widowed mother (his father died, as a result of an accident, when Heinie was just a boy of nine), and he learned very early in life many lessons that would shape his future. Undoubtedly, his mother's influence from her strength, courage, love and strict discipline, provided him with the solid foundation that helped him to grow and develop into the remarkable man he became. Heinie's love of people was obvious and his sincerity and straight forward, up-front approach encouraged the development of many life-long friendships. None more enduring than the bond of love, loyalty and mutual respect that he shared with Maj. Gen. Richard Secord. We wish to thank his faithful friend, Joseph Caruth, who enabled him to continue his early morning ritual of working out at Aderholt Fitness Center. Until his final days he remained close to his brothers and sister and their families. As recently as late January, he made a trip to Birmingham, on to Huntsville, then to Atlanta, assuring all he would be back soon. Gen. Aderholt's 30-plus year military career is legendary. His status as a leader, his many accomplishments, awards and citations will be recorded in the annals of military history. His innumerable friends will remember him as a man of integrity with a loving heart who inspired and touched so many lives.

DANIEL P. KELLY JR., SOA #2687, SFC (Ret), was found dead in his home on the evening of May 13, 2010 from an apparent heart attack. Daniel is survived by his 4 kids; Daniel, Clayton, Sandra , Melissa and his ex-wife Edith. Daniel Kelly was born in Oswego, NY on April 21, 1939 and was living In Lawrence, KS when he passed away. I’m not sure of the exact years my father served in Vietnam, but I do know that in 1967 he received 3 Bronze Stars. He was associated with MACVSOG CCS and Project Omega. He was stationed at the following posts: Ft Bragg, NC, Ft Richardson, AK, Ft Gulick, Panama Canal Zone, Ft Devens, MA, Ft Carson, CO and his final duty assignment was as an ROTC Instructor at Kansas University in Lawrence, KS where he retired.

WIL CHARETTE, SOA #1410, Wilfred J.A. Charette born 14 November 1936, passed away 9 May 2010 at his home in Tampa, FL. Wil Charette, a native of Rhode Island served 11 years of military service followed by service with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1964 until his retirement on 29 November 1996. His first CIA assignment was as a paramilitary Staff Officer at CIA Headquarters and its domestic training facilities. He then served in Laos and Thailand as a Paramilitary Case Officer, Chief of Operations, and Chief of a Laotian irregular paramilitary unit for 8 years. Mr. Charette was then assigned to Ethiopia and Ghana from 1974-1979. In late 1979 Mr. Charette was posted to Swaziland, as Chief of Station (COS) until 1982 when he was assigned to Kampala, Uganda, as COS. Following a two-year tour in Uganda, Mr. Charette attended the US Naval War College in Newport, RI, where he received a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. In 1985, he was appointed Chief, CIA Counter Terrorist Center, Foreign Liaison Training and Terrorist Incident Response Team (IRT). From 1992-1994, Mr. Charette served as the Agency’s Deputy Chief, Office of Field Deployment. His last U.S. Government assignment was that of DCI Representative at U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill AFB, Tampa, Florida. Mr. Charette, in post retirement, continued to serve the intelligence community as a senior advisor to SOCCENT at MacDill AFB. Mr. Charette served on the board of directors and co-founded the Special Operation Memorial Foundation, MacDill AFB. Mr. Charette had extensive military experience, having served domestically and overseas with the 508th Airborne Regimental Combat Team (ARCT), the 101st Airborne Division, the 1st Calvary Division, and Special Forces. Mr. Charette is a Charter Member of the US Army Parachute Team (Golden Knights). He was the first Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the Special Forces Training Group High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) Committee, which included Fulton Recovery Systems (SKYHOOK) Operations. In 1961, he was selected to train the 22nd Special Air Service Regiment’s military free fall cadre at Hereford, England. Mr. Charette was a member of the Joint Army/USAF HALO Test Team in the early 1960’s that established much of the HALO training and operations doctrine still in use today. He also participated in the record breaking 43,500 foot jump to establish a world record “FAI Class G-II-C, group of nine with delayed fall”. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his participation in the HALO Test Program and his subsequent use of HALO insertion techniques. He is the author of the United States Parachute Association (USPA) Publication, “Jumping in the Troposphere”, and is the recipient of the USPA Golden Wings representing 1,000 free fall parachute jumps. Mr. Charette’s last military assignment was with the 5th Special Forces Group. During his stellar and distinguished career, Mr. Charette received the following awards and commendations: (CIA) Donovan Award for Excellence
Career Intelligence Medal for Exceptional Achievement Two Director Of Central Intelligence awards for exceptional service under conditions of hazard and hardship Promoted into the Senior Intelligence Service (SIS-1989) (DOD) Distinguished Flying Cross Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service Wil Charette will be remembered for his commitment to service, to his country and to his family. He will always be remembered as a patriot and the epitome of what it means to be a true American hero. In the words of his brothers and sisters in the clandestine service “he was a legendary warrior…A legend in own time. The things he survived, his mentoring, his leadership, and his unwavering patriotism is and will forever be a flame that goes on burning, we will never forget him. He was our commander… our General.”

CHARLES A. "CHUCK' RILEY, SOA #1107GL, LTC USAF (Ret.), age 83 of 23 Hamburg Mtn. Road died Friday, April 30, 2010. Charles was born August 8, 1926 in Sullivan County, Tenn. and was a career military officer before retiring to Weaverville in the 1970's. He officer was the son of the late Charles Andrew Riley and Marian Lee Null Riley. Col. Charles A. Riley, USAF Retired, served with the Navy Amphibious Forces in the pacific Theater during World War II, (Iwo Jima), the Army's 82nd Airborne Division after the war. He then transferred to the US Air Force in 1949 to attend Pilot School. He flew aerial combat in Korea with the Air Rescue Service, then two tours in Vietnam in Air Commando Squadrons. He was a Master Parachutist and a Command pilot. After retiring from the military he worked with photography and was an alcohol and drug abuse counselor. Surviving are his wife of 6l years, Vera "Kit" Young Riley; daughters, Sallye Riley Fox and husband Martin of Fairview and Kathryn Crawford and husband Chip of Sarasota, Fla.; son, William D. 'Bill" Riley and wife Pat of Bradenton, Fla.; sister, Ruth Ann Latham of Knoxville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Sloan Brigman, Kelly Waldrop, and Bridget Riley and great granddaughter, Haley Brigman.

ROY LEE JOHNSON, SOA #1458, Died 7 April 2010 at his home in Tampa FL after a courageous battle with cancer, Roy was in the care of LifePath Hospice and surrounded by members of his loving family. Mr Johnson was born on January 17, 1932 in Penn Laird, VA to Melvin and Ruby Good Johnson. Roy was married to Takeko "Kay" Kasai who preceded Roy's death in August 2008. He is survived by his two children, John E. Johnson and Jo Ann Babcock, of Tampa, FL. four sisters and a brother, as well as seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Roy was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. Roy joined the U.S. Army in 1950, and 25 years of distinguished service retired in 1975. During his military career, Roy served 22 years in elite airborne units, including 14 years in the U.S. Army Special Forces. He was a decorated veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, and served in the Dominican Republic as a military advisor during the Cuban crisis. He was awarded several medals as a result of his combat tours, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with V, Air Medal, Korean Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. After Roy's military retirement he moved to Broadway, VA where he and his wife owned and operated the Broadway Restaurant and Cleaners for over 16 years. Memorial services will be held in Broadway, VA. on 17 April 2010.

ROBERT L. (BOB) KORCHEK, SOA #246-DD & SFA #D-560L, LTC (Ret.), a member of Chapter XXXIII, Special Forces Association, suffered a debilitating stroke in late January and passed away in Hospice in Spartanburg, SC on Tuesday, February 2, 2010. He was 81 years old. A veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Bob started his military career by following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and enlisting in the US Marine Corps at the end of WWII. Demobilized in 1946, he applied for entrance to the United States Military Academy at West Point, entering the academy in 1947 as a member of the Class of 1951 where he later achieved the distinction of being the class “Goat.” He initially served in the 511th AIR of the 11th Abn Div, but, along with most of the Class of ’51, he was immediately shipped to the war in Korea, serving with the 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Inf Div for 15 months as a Platoon Leader and Company Commander. Returning to the States, Bob attended the regular Army schools and then served in the 505th AIR, 82nd Abn Div for three years as a Bn S-1 and Company Commander. In 1958 Bob joined Special Forces, serving in the 77th (later the 7th) SFG(A) as an A Team Leader. While assigned to the 77th, he served his first of two tours with the WHITE STAR MTT in Laos. He next served in the 1st SFG(A) for four years as an A Team Leader and on the Group S-3 staff, where he once again deployed to the WHITE STAR MTT in Laos. Later SF assignments included one year on the USMACV(SOG) staff; service as an Instructor in the Officer’s Special Forces Qualification Course; and a year as the S-3 of the 46th SF Co (A) in Thailand. Returning from Thailand, Bob immediately deployed overseas again: this time to Panama where he served three years as the Commander of A Company and as the Group Deputy Commander. While commanding Company A, he earned the nickname “The Rock” because he was fondly known as a hard, demanding, firm but fair commander. He carried this nickname with him until he retired from the Army. His last assignment was to the Special Warfare Center where he served as the Course Director for the Enlisted Special Forces Qualification Course. LTC Korchek was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations for both valor and service. He is survived by his beloved wife, Annemarie; a daughter, Lori; and four step children: SSG Thomas P. Cronin, Tina, John and Rheinhart.

PAUL FREDRICK POOLE, SOA #2550, MSG (Ret.) age 67, of Cabot went to be with his heavenly father Tuesday, February 2, 2010. He was born May 25, 1942 in Horatio, Arkansas to Helen Bailey Poole of Cabot and the late Paul Emerson Poole. Mr. Poole enjoyed training and riding horses. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by two sons, Paul and Edward Poole. Mr. Poole is survived by his wife, Nona Poole of the home, his mother Helen Bailey Poole of Cabot, a sister Rosalie Petersen (Dr. Rex) of Neosho, Missouri, one brother David Poole (Carolyn) of Sheridan and several nieces and nephews.

It is with deep regrets, that the SOA Board of Officers announces to the membership this continued list of Members who have passed away:

CHARLES D. "CHICK" BUSLER, SOA #1975, SSG (Ret), of New Cumberland, PA died Tuesday January 18, 2009 at the age of 63 in Health South, Upper Allen Twp. He was a retired Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army serving with the Special Forces / Green Berets in Vietnam. He also a retired technician for UGICorp., Harrisburg. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division Assn.; Special Operations Assn.; American Legion, Dry Run, PA; VFW Post 7415, New Cumberland; and Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 50, Camp Hill. Chick was born in Lemoyne to the late William and Clara (Sprecker) Busler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother William “Little Bill” Busler. He is survived by his wife, Karen (Yinger) Busler; his two sons, Rod Snell and Heath Snell, both of New Cumberland; two sisters, Shirley Heiges of Harrisburg and Roberta “Bobbie” Eason of Lemoyne; two brothers, Elmer “Herk” Busler of Mechanicsburg and Richard “Dick” Busler of Lemoyne; five grandchildren, Tyler, Dylan, Cody, Emily and Connor; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Saturday January 23, 2010 at 2 pm in Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland with the Rev. Dale Parker officiating. Viewing will be from 12:30 pm until time of service Saturday in the funeral home. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family. 

MICHAEL P. DUGGAN, SOA #34, CPT, passed away at the age of 65 on Tuesday, December 29, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mike leaves behind his loving wife, Lucy (Macell) Duggan, two daughters, Karen M. Lambert and Tina A. Mascia, 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Born in Fitchberg, MA, Mike lived most of his life in Worcester, MA. He served 3 years in the U.S. Army, Special Forces and SOG. Mike was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1971. He was awarded the Silver Star, 3 Bronze Stars, and the Air Medal. Mike was very close, caring, and attentive to his wife, children and grandchildren. He also leaves behind a multitude of loyal friends whose lives were forever changed for the better for having met him.

ROBERT LEWIS HOWARD, SOA #969, COL (Ret), Medal of Honor, died Wednesday, 23 Dec. 2009 at a hospice in Waco, Texas. He was 70 years old. Robert L. Howard was born on July 11, 1939 in Opelika, Alabama. He joined the Army in 1956 at age 17 and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. Bob joined Special Forces on completion of his 101st Airborne tour. He served five tours in Vietnam and was the only soldier to be nominated for the Medal of Honor three times for three separate actions. Bob received the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, Four Bronze Stars, eight Purple Hearts along with numerous other awards. Due to exceptional service, SFC Bob Howard received an Officers Commission. In 1971 Bob Howard was presented the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon. Robert L. Howard was one of the Vietnam War's most highly decorated servicemen. Bob retired from the Army in 1992. He is survived by his daughters Denicia Howard of Florida; Melissa Gentsch of Hewitt, Texas and Rosslyn Howard of California; a son Robert Lewis Howard, Jr of California and four grandchildren.

LEWIS WELLS, SOA #1015, MSG (Ret), passed away 8 December 2009. Lewis is survived by his wife Audry, four children, four grandchildren, and one great grandson. Lewis will be missed by all his friends and family.

WILLIAM T. PARLON, SOA #1922, MSG (Ret), passed away 05 Dec 2009. His wife, Barbara, preceded him in death 2 or 3 days before. Bill served in CCN, 1st SFG, 187th Airborne, and other units. He retired as a master sergeant. Bill retired from the U.S. Army after 25 years of service to his country. William is survived by his two children, Billy Parlon and Ann Harris; four grand children and two great- grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Paul E. Parlon and a sister, Grace H. Keefe.

LEWIS L. MILLET, SOA #505-GL, COL (Ret), Medal of Honor recipient of Idyllwild, CA died Saturday morning at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center in Loma Linda. He was 88. "He had a brief hospitalization. He came in the day before Veterans Day," said hospital spokeswoman Annie Tuttle. Col. Millett had various health problems over the last three to five years, including diabetes, said Mike Goldware, a family spokesman. A cause of death was not announced. Funeral arrangements were pending. Col. Millett was a regular at patriotic events locally and across the country. In April, Col. Millett served as grand marshal for the Salute to Veterans Parade in Riverside. Earlier this year, a park in San Jacinto was dedicated in his name. "He was a regular at the (Riverside) National Cemetery," Goldware said. "If he could get on board a military transport, he would go anywhere for the troops." Col. Millett was born in Mechanic Falls, Maine, on Dec. 15, 1920. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1940 and served as an air gunner, then joined the Canadian Army when it appeared the United States would not enter World War II. "He joined the Royal Canadian Army after President Roosevelt said in a speech that no American boy would fight on foreign soil," Goldware said. He returned to the U.S. Army in 1942 upon the United States' entrance into World War II and served in the 1st Armored Division. After making sergeant, he was awarded a battlefield commission. According to his Medal of Honor Citation, then-Capt. Millett distinguished himself "above and beyond the call of duty in action" in Korea, after he and his men came under heavy enemy fire on Feb. 7, 1951. He ordered and led a bayonet counterattack up the hill, killing enemy soldiers in hand-to-hand assault during which he was wounded by a grenade blast. But by early afternoon, his company had taken the hill. He was presented the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman in July 1951. He retired as a colonel in 1973 after a 31-year career in which he served in World War II, Korea War and the Vietnam War.

BILL “TWEETY” SYLVESTER, SOA #973-GL, MAJ (Ret) age 68, passed away on 9 November 2009, in San Diego, CA. He was a lifetime member of the SFA and the current president of Chapter LXXV (75). Bill was also very active with the SOA, most recently serving as the SOA Tally Committee Chairman. Bill enlisted in the Army in the early 1960s, and was a graduate of Infantry OCS, Airborne School, Ranger School, Special Forces Officers Course. He served with the 1st SFG(A); 5th SFG(A) MACVSOG FOB 1(Hatchet Forces), CDR Det 341 (Bu-Dop), S3 B-34, S3 Co. A, III Corps; Training/Ops Advisor to USAR units of the 11th SFG(A) and 12th SFG(A). Bill was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab, Bronze Star Medal w/V device (1st OLC), Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (w/numeral 1), Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 device, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation (1st OLC), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/palm, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Thailand Parachutist Badge w/Fourragere, Republic of Vietnam Parachutist Badge. Bill is survived by his long time companion Julie Wise and his sister Gail. Bill was full of life, loved those dearest to him, and was loyal to his friends and a country that he served so well. He will be missed – Lest We Forget.

ROSA "ROSIE" CHILDS, SOA #1252-ww, Rosie Childs was suddenly taken from the lives of her family and friends on Sunday, November 8, 2009. She was born on a farm in southern Bavaria but spent most of her life as Mrs. Arthur Childs. In the U.S., she and her sons, followed Arthur whenever his assignment allowed. She lived in Germany, the United States, and Viet Nam, (she was there during the 1968 Tet Offensive), and the middle east. She traveled extensively to Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and middle and western Europe. Rosie was proud of her German heritage, but becoming an American citizen was one of the proudest moments of her life. She was a proud Special Forces wife, and loved her Special Operations family. Rosie was always the life of any party. Her smile lit up the room as she made her sweeping entrance, often sipping her favorite drink, champagne (which eventually was dubbed "Rosie juice"). Her hugs and laughter were always a welcome spark to any gathering. Though she was not ready to leave this world, Rosie would love to know that she is the first SOA warrior widow to join her warrior husband Art in the hereafter. We can picture Rosie making Arthur wait until she selects the right angel outfit so he can walk her through the pearly gates in style. Rosie is survived by her three sons, Chris, Mike and Patrick, two grandsons, Brian and Eric, and numerous nieces and nephews in Germany. Rosie was well-loved by her family and friends and will be sorely missed. God speed dear friend and may you rest in peace.

EDWARD H. "LITTLE MAC" MacDOUGALLl, SOA #1511, E-8 (R), passed away 23 Oct. 2009. He served in the 101st, 82nd, 10th, 12th, 1st, 7th and 5th Special Forces. He also served with MAC V SOG. He was wounded in Vietnam where he received the Silver Star and Purple Heart. He was preceeded in death by his wife, Marguerite "Peggy" MacDougall, and son, James MacDougall, whom he loved very much. He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Olsen and husband John of Lakeland, GA; his son, Edward H. MacDougall, Jr. and wife Cathy of Raleigh, NC; granddaughters, Lauren Olsen, Jasmine Olsen and Kim MacDoughall Davis; grandsons, Sam, Mike and Dave MacDougall and great-grandsons, Ivy Davis and Cade MacDougall. This very proud soldier has completed his final mission and will be missed by many. Reeves Funeral Home of Hope Mills, NC is in charge of arrangements.

ROBERT "BOB" SCHREIBER, SOA #2221, LTC (R), passed away 20 Oct. 2009. Bob requested to be cremated and his ashes scattered on the grounds of the SFA. Cards/Letters may be sent to his wife, Chris Schreiber at 457 Crestview Drive, Boiling Springs Lake, NC 28461

PATRICK EUGENE MARTIN, SOA #2109-GA, passed away the evening of October 3, 09. Organizations: US ARMY, SPECIAL FORCES, B-36, CSEA REP, FOLSOM PRISON TEACHERS ASSOC. Survived By: Jolie Lynn Miller, Daughter, Jeffrey Miller, Son in law, Taylor Miller, Grandson, Cody Miller, Grandson, Mary Earle, Sister, James Marsh, Nephew, Lisa Davies, Neice, Jessica Rosales, Niece, Sharon Hilde, Sister in Law, and Ron Earle, Brother in Law. Patrick Martin was born in 1939 in Omaha, Nebraska to June and Eugene Martin. Patrick was always cited as being a mischievous child, but one with a big heart. Patrick's father passed away while Pat and Mary were young. Pat took care of his mother and sister. June, Pat's mother, eventually married Robert Swain whom Pat and Mary considered their dad. Pat ended up getting into some trouble and was offered the opportunity to join the armed forces. He joined the Army. While Pat was in the Army, his mother and Helen Simon, Carole's mother, got together and decided Pat and Carole should become pen pals. Shortly after their relationship developed, they ended up getting married in 1961. They spent the next twelve years traveling and living/loving the Army life. Eventually they gave birth to Jolie Lynn, their one and only child. The three of them continued to move with the Army. Germany seemed to be their favorite place to be stationed. After 20 years of service Pat finally retired. He decided to finish school and become a teacher. He substituted for awhile, and then was hired by Folsom State Prison as a teacher. He taught for the next 15 years at Folsom. During this time he also took care of his wife Carole "Cookie" whom was battling cancer; as the two of them continued to raise Jolie. Pat retired from Folsom Prison and went to work for the State of California "CSEA" as a Union Representative. Pat loved the job and continued to work there until Cookie passed away in 2003. Pat retired and turned his focus and time onto his family. He enjoyed being with his daughter and grandsons all of the time. After the death of his father Robert Swain in 2006, Pat moved to Port Angeles, Wa to be with his mother June. In 2007 Pat suffered a massive stroke rendering him disabled. He came back home to California to live near his daughter Jolie. In 2008 Patrick's mother passed away. Patrick always spoke of loving to be with his family, but that he was ready to go home to be with Jesus and his beautiful wife Cookie. We all know he is with them, and he has a big smile on his face and he is looking down over all of us.

GERALD ALLAN PLANK, SOA #75 GL, SFC, US Army, died 16 August 2009 in Petersburg Alaska, from a heart attack. He is survived by wife, Candyce Jones; son, Jason Roy Plank; grandson, Caeden Gerald Plank; daughter, Joselynn Jean Plank and mother Ramona Jean Plank. His father, Leroy Plank was deceased on October 8, 2005. Jerry served with CCN, MACV-SOG in Vietnam. He also served on Det A-323 (SCUBA), 1st Special Forces Group. His awards and decorations include: three Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars with "V" for valor, Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. After leaving the service he was employed as a commercial diver in Seattle, Washington and Alaska. He has lived in Petersburg, Alaska, since 1997.

HUGH RAINES HUBBARD, SOA #600, MSG, US Army retired, passed away August 13, 2009 at the Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee at age 75. Hugh's Special Operations assignments include Combined Studies and MACVSOG OP 35. He was an outstanding medic, a fine Special Forces Soldier and a pioneer of the A-Teams of the 60's and 70's. He was the senior medic on A-246 in April 1962 at Mang Buk, Vietnam, and A-331 at Bong Son in April 1965. He made five TDY and PCS tours to Vietnam from 1962 until 1972 while assigned to the 1st SFG(A) , the 5th SFG(A), and SMAG. He retired from the Army while assigned to the 10th SFG(A). After retiring from the US Army, Hugh went to work for the Vinnell Corporation in Saudi Arabia and then retired from the Washington State Department of Corrections as a Civil Service employee in Monroe, Washington. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with V one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry W/Palm, Philippine Republic Unit Citation, Combat Medical Badge, and Master Parachutist Badge. Memorial services with full military honors by the 5th SFG(A) were held at McKenzie, Tennessee. Hugh is survived by his beloved wife Cheryl of McKenzie, TN.

ALBERT H. DAVIS, SOA #1018, MSG, US Army, retired, passed away on 27 April 2009 while in the hospital. Al was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars and joined Special Forces in 1952. His SF assignments included service with the 3rd, 5th, 10th, and 77th SFG(A). He also served with SF Training Group and three tours with MACV-SOG. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge in Korea and Combat Medical Badge in Vietnam along with numerous other awards and decorations. He is survived by his wife Ruth and two children.

KIMBER O. BUDROW, SOA #1694-GA, SGM, US Army, retired, passed away Sunday, 5 April 2009 at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. Kim served with C&C Det, FOB4, and CCN. He was born on May 13, 1937, in Fowler, Ind., son of Delton and Margaret Colescott Budrow. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. At his retirement, he had attained the rank of Sgt. Major with the Army in Special Forces as a Green Beret. Among his many awards were the National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He also had been employed as an archeologist for Louis & Berger in East Orange, N.J. He is survived by his wife, Linda Lippard of Kane; four children, Robin (Vance) Riggs of Huntsville, Ala., Michael (Carla) Budrow of DeForest, Wisc., Sheryl (John) Maher of Buffalo, N.Y. and Cynthia (Robert) Kwiatkowski of Stanley, N.C.; three step–children, Louisa Lippard of Queensbury, N.Y., Thomas Lippard of Smethport and Jennifer Lippard of Sharon; 15 grandchildren; and a sister, Oma Godina of Scottsdale, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held at a future date to be announced. Memorial donations may be made to the Special Forces Association. The Cummings Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.

BURREL "RAT" WILSON, SOA #1559-GL, MSG, US Army, retired, passed away 17 March 2009 while in WOMACK Army Medical Center. A Vietnam veteran, Rat's SF assignments included participating in MTT White Star in Laos in 1962 while with the 7th SFG(A), with 1st SFG (Okinawa) 1964, with SOG and 5th SFG(A) in Vietnam in '65, '66, '68-'68 and with USAIMA. His awards and decorations included Combat Infantryman Badge, Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Master Parachutist Badge and numerous other awards and decorations. He is survived by his companion Shirley Farrow, two sons, a daughter, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

TAPS (SOA Members) - Page 2

It is with deep regrets, that the SOA Board of Officers announces to the membership this list of Non-Members who have passed away:

FRED BRADLEY SCHOOMAKER (“BRAD”), (Non-Member), 88, died peacefully on June 21, 2010 with family members at his side at the McGraw Center for Caring (Community Hospice of Northeast Florida), in Jacksonville, Florida. Following his death, a private family service was held, with plans for inurnment and a service with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. A native of Three Rivers, MI, Brad Schoomaker attended Western Michigan and Michigan State College (now MSU) where he met his future wife, Frances E. Vargha of Detroit, MI. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and completed Officer Candidate School (OCS) two years later. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery on June 16, 1944, he began a long and storied military career. His wartime service to our country took him to Europe in World War II, to the landing at Inchon and service on the Korean Peninsula during the Korean War, as well as Saigon during the early stages of the Vietnam War. Brad and Frances were married in 1943 in Detroit, MI prior to his deployment for WW II. Even the challenges of repeated wartime service during WWII , Korea, and Vietnam didn’t prevent them from successfully raising a family of four boys. In addition to his foreign travels during wartime service, Brad’s military service took him to: Ft. Sill, OK; the Canal Zone in Panama; the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, KS; the Army War College in Carlisle, PA; the Pentagon; and Stuttgart, Germany. Brad completed his 32-year Army career when he retired in 1974 as a Colonel in the Field Artillery. This was followed by a second career working for Braddock, Dunn & McDonald (BDM International) in Fairfax, VA as a nuclear operations analyst, before he and Fran fully retired in 1986 Following retirement, the couple moved from Annandale, VA and lived briefly in Advance, NC before finally settling in Cypress Village in Jacksonville, FL in 1993. Brad’s greatest joys in recent years were being a volunteer at Mayo Clinic assisting with the transport of patients, involvement with friends and neighbors in the community, and traveling to Canada visiting friends and family along the way. Brad is survived by Frances, his wife of 67 years, his four sons and their wives, eleven grandchildren and spouses, and five great grandchildren including: Pete & Cindy Schoomaker [Wendy, Lara (& MJ Winchester) and Andrew]; Eric & Audrey Schoomaker [Heidi, Kayla & Evan]; Mark & Jane Schoomaker [Matthew & Peter]; and Paul & Lee Schoomaker [James (& Julie with Isabel & Brad), Carrie (& John Dolton with Sophia, Amelia & Ethan) and Sara (& Sean Kelly). Full military honors and inurnment are planned for Brad at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA on Friday, October 29, 2010, at 11:00. In lieu of any flowers or other gifts, Brad requested that he be memorialized with donations to: Special Operations Warrior Foundation (http://www.specialops.org/), or your local hospice organization.

PETE ANDRE, (Non-Member), COL, SF, USA (Ret.), died 27 June. The specific cause of death is not known to this writer but Pete had suffered for many years with ever more debilitating multiple sclerosis (MS). For the last few months he had been in a number of hospitals, care centers, etc. Pete was of a rare breed. He discovered Special Forces while it was still new and he was a lieutenant. He became what he characterized as a "True Believer." Ever after he self-identified as a Special Forces soldier and officer. His career spanned the era when a Special Forces assignment was deeply frowned upon by an officer's parent branch---particularly Pete's branch, Infantry---and pursuit of a second such assignment was equated to career suicide. Pete was one of the 'dedicated defiant'; telling branch managers with well chosen words what he thought, what he wanted and what they should do. He served in a rich variety of assignments from being an instructor in early SF officer training to being a member of a small SF team in that trained the Cuban brigade that invaded Cuba at the ill starred Bay of Pigs. He served in Laos in the White Star program and in Vietnam both with Studies and Observation Group (SOG) and as an advisor to the Korean division. Many older special operations veterans will remember him from Special Forces' bleak years following Vietnam when from his Unconventional Warfare position at Readiness Command (REDCOM) he initiated and executed an effort to identify equipment and techniques to support Special Forces and SEAL operational missions. Because of the paucity of assigned assets, the successes of this program were largely dependent on his abilities to describe, convince, wheedle, and cajole. His forte was managing to add experimental equipment tests to approved joint exercises, thereby acquiring needed support. During his twentieth year of service he discovered he had MS. He determined that he was not going to let it control his life. By pacing himself and care he managed to serve an additional nine years before he felt that for the good of the Army and himself, he should retire. During retirement Pete and another similarly afflicted officer built an information support net for military personnel who discovered that they had MS. Typically of Pete, he would listen to no complaints or 'why me?' but was ready to provide the best available information, flavored by his experiences. Special Forces was fortunate in the days before the protection of personnel specialties, a combat arms branch, and recognition of its value to have such officers as Pete Andre.

JERRY HOWLAND, (Non-Member), first 1-0 of RT Hawaii in 1966-67, passed away this morning at 1:45am. Upon retiring he became the Fayetteville, NC city engineer. The surviving family members are working on his funeral arrangements. There will be services at Reeves Funeral Home 3308 N. Main St. Hope Mills, NC 28348 910-424-3700.

RALPH W. "PAPPY" SHELTON, (Non-Member), MAJ. Prior to OCS Pappy had 10 years enlisted service, making him one of the “old” men of the group. Pappy came to OCS as an MSG, having served in Germany (8ID), several stateside posts, Japan (1CAV) and Korea. Pap was in G Co 19th Inf Regt 24th ID during the Korean War’s early fighting. Pap’s military schools include Inf Car Crs, Special Forces Off Crs, Unconventional Warfare, Jumpmaster, and Language School (Spanish). Awards include SS, JSCM, two ACMs w/V and CIB w/Star. Assignments include Plt Ldr, Co XO and CO and SF Det Cmdr and Operations Officer. Pappy say the most significant event of his career was heading the Mobile Training Team—MTT Shelton—from Panama to Bolivia in 1967. He trained the Ranger Bn that fought Che Cuevara’s guerrilla band, defeated the band and captured Che on 8 October 1967. Another significant assignment was with the White Star MTT in Laos, January-July 1962, another secret action at the time. Pappy retired from the Army in August 1968. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Memphis State in 1977 and his master’s degree there in 1980. His major employment since retiring from the military in 1968 has been as JROTC instructor for Memphis city schools and as training officer for the U.S. Office of Personnel Mgmt. Pap and his first wife, Margaret, had one son and four daughters. He and Susan, a lawyer, were married in August 1974. He retired the second time 2 May 1994.

RICHARD E. JENKINS, (Non-Member), SSG, Former SOG Recon member, passed away March 13, 2010. Richard “Big Jenks” was a member of RT Iowa, Jerry Wareing 10, in 1966 in FOB 2, Kontum. Later, toward the end of his tour, he moved to Kham Duc with Jerry Howland and Snuffy Conroy to establish a training program for Nungs recruited for the Hatchet Forces. He left the Army to return to civilian life and was not a member of the SOA. Jenkins last rank held was SSG E-6. Originally from Maine, Big Jenks lived in Vancouver, WA at the time of his passing. He is survived by a daughter, Deborah Brooks.

DONALD T. HAYAKAWA, (Non-Member), SFC, US Army, retired, passed away 5 September 2009 at Winter Park, Florida. "Haki" served in Project Delta 1965. He also served in the 5th (1962-1964 & 1968), 3rd, 6th, 10th Special Forces Group and 46th (CO D,1st) Special Forces Company and was a veteran of the Korean War.

RICHARD A. "DICK" DELANEY, (Non-Member), age 79, passed away July 17, 2009 at his home due to ALS "Lou Gehrig's Disease". He was born in Exeter, Neb., on Jan. 8, 1930 to Alven L. and Eva G. Delaney. He is preceded in death by his parents and only sibling, Betty J. Wyant. Dick spent over 30 years in the Army, beginning with basic training at Ft. Riley, Kansas and then on to Jump School at Ft. Benning, GA. Upon completion of Jump School, he joined the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, N.C. He then went to Special Forces, serving at Fort Bragg, N.C., Fort Gulick, Canal Zone, Fort Devens, MA., as well as two tours in Vietnam. He also served 3 vrs. with USMILGP, Bogota, Columbia, S.A. While in service he received the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 1st thru 9th Awards, Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal w/1 OLC, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachute Badge, Vietnam Parachute Badge and the Legion of Merit. He was also an ROTC instructor for St. Bonaventure University, N.Y., and Haines City Jr. High, FL. Mr. Delaney is survived by his wife of 56 years; Doris and two sons; Michael of Dundee, FL., James (Kim) Newport News, VA.; two daughters, Katherine (Bernard) Carin, Leominster, MA., Carol (Orland) Olsen, Winter Haven, FL.; 7 grand and 7 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Polk County, Lake Hamilton Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 116, Lake Hamilton, FL., or ALS Assoc. Fla. Chapter, 3242 Parkside Center Circle, Tampa, FL., 33619. Interment is at Bushnell National Cemetery.

PHILLIP S. SALZWEDEL, (Non-Member), MSG, US Army, retired, passed away in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Phillip served with Project Delta

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