|
Drop Articles
|
|
 | Click caption to enlarge photos |  | | |  | |  | |  |
SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION
Nate Chapman/Erawan
Memorial Chapter Chapter III Thailand Sawadee krap from Chapter III in the Land of Smiles. This past season was a very interesting time to be in Thailand. Christmas Party with temperatures in the 90’s, a visit from the CSM Tommy Smith and the unfortunate passing away of a beloved member Bruce “Buzz” Parish. The chapter had a great Christmas party which was hosted by former VP Bru Taylor, members brought in dishes of delectable delights and the chapter brought in the turkey with all the fixings; members, friends and family all had a great time. In August Chapter III was fortunate to have the CSM Tommy Smith drop by the Safehouse and give us the G-2 on the future of Special Forces and the great things that are being accomplished by the men of the Special Forces community. After the informal presentation one can only think of how fortunate America is to have such men answering the call of freedom and living by our motto “de oppresso liber” SF chapter III members who were present would like to thank the CSM for dropping by and sharing his thoughts and time. On a more sober note this pass September brought the passing of one of Chapter III’s special members Bruce “Buzz” Parish. Bruce was special because of, as fellow member and friend Mark Smith put it, “he had tremendous respect for those in the SF community “never was there a more committed, generous and kinder member. After serving several tours [contracts] in Afghanistan handling and locating munitions from pass conflicts there, Bruce contracted an illness he could not shake. Funeral services were held at Wat Latsanoon which is located in Bangkok and the Chapter provided military honors to a well deserving patriot. Treasurer Jim Gibson, made a suggestion that instead of flowers that monies could be collected instead and a project could be undertaken in Bruce’s name. Many answered the call and some 200,000.00 TB were raise in Bruce’s honor and as of the second week of February, the chapter members have voted to donate the money for a water filtration, library other worthwhile activity which will be constructed on the property of Wat Krajae, located in Kanchana -buri province. A plaque with Bruce’s name will be erected at the site in his honor. On the 19 of September 2008 the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, The honorable Eric John hosted a commemoration to the POW/MAI day. Present were, the longest held POW of the Vietnam War, Col. Chaicharn (Royal Thai S.F.) ,Ambassador Douglas “Pete” Peterson (U.S. Air Force), Major Mark Smith (U.S. Army Special Forces), and Pisidhi Indradat (civilian with Air America) -- all four of whom suffered as Prisoners of War (POWs). In closing, all members of chapter III, Bangkok, Thailand would like to wish all our brothers in the association, the very best in the New Year. Should any fellow association members be passing by please drop us and email, and let us know you are coming, our doors are always open. Officers of SFA III
|
Reading Room