Special Forces Association
MISSION STATEMENT:
The Special Forces Association serves as the voice for the Special Forces community; perpetuates Special Forces traditions and brotherhood; advances the public image of Special Forces and promotes the general welfare the Special Forces community.
Chapter CXI (111):
The Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter
(MSG Jefferson D. Davis & MG Gary L. Harrell Memorial Chapter)
MSG Jefferson D. Davis:
ODA-574, A Co., 3rd Bn., 5th SFG(A)
"JD", as he was known to his family and friends, was born in Tennessee on October 22, 1962. He graduated from Elizabethton High School in 1981. He enlisted in the US Army in August 1984 and served in Korea for three years as a Medical Specialist. After graduating from the Special Forces "Q" Course, he was assigned to the 5th SFG, Ft.Campbell, Kentucky where he served as a Medical Sergeant on ODA 562 and ODA 564. He then was transferred to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina where he served as a Senior Instructor at SWC. JD then returned to 5th SFG and served as a Team Sergeant in 3rd Bn.
MSG Davis participated in Operation Desert Shield/Storm and numerous contingency operations in Southwest Asia before being Killed In Action on 5 December 2001 during Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan.
His awards and decorations include: Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (x2), Army Commendation Medal (x2), Defense of Saudi Arabia Medal, Liberation and Defense of Kuwait Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantrymen's Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Master Parachutist Badge and Military Freefall Parachutist Badge.
JD is survived by his wife Mi Kyong, his daughter Christina, his son Jessie, and his parents William & Linda Davis.
MG Gary L. Harrell:
Gary was born in Johnson City, TN in 1951. He was awarded the first 4-year ROTC scholarship to ETSU and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, US Army in December 1973. He completed Special Forces training in 1977 and from there his storied career took him around the globe. He spent 15 years with Delta Force, to include two years as Commander. During his time in Delta his exploits included hunting Pablo Escobar, rescuing American hostages in Panama, and operations in Somalia. After leaving Delta, he joined Central Command and oversaw the initial operations in Afghanistan. He was SOCCENT commander during the beginning stages of the ground war in Iraq. In 2008 he retired from the US Army and continued to work in the private sector.
MG Harrell died 14 February 2023 in Johnson City, TN. He was 71 years old. Gary peacefully reunited with his brothers-in-arms who went before him, surrounded by loved ones, following an 18-month battle against his toughest enemy - glioblastoma brain cancer.
Gary is survived by: his bride of 50 years, the former Jennifer Counts; his children Andrea, Chad, and Amanda; his six grandchildren; his mother Louise, brothers Robert & Jim and sister Mary.