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Chapter Meeting Minutes
15 November 2025
Bamboo Grove Hawaiian Grill
515 SE Carolina Street
Portland, OR 97239
Call to Order: 1231
Attendance (20): Steve Walker, Mike Ward, Geno Williams, Tony Tycer, Joe Smith, Jerry Powell, Steve Cornacchia, Joe Vering, Alan Johnson, Greg Meiling, Bill Gritzbaugh, Cliff Canucci, Robert Kinyon, Janis Zuments, Paul Henderson, Sid Macken, Brian Boggess, Danny Deitz, Randy Butler, LTC John Scott
Honors: Geno Williams, Sgt. at Arms, led the Pledge of Allegiance, Danny Deitz, presented the Special Forces Prayer.
Introductions: Steve Walker introduced Daniel Nelson, a home-schooled student who is interested in the Special Forces 18X enlistment option. Paul Henderson introduced his friend and Vietnam Veteran, Duane Vincent.
Sick Call: Montie Stephens passed away last week in Lebanon, OR
Minutes: A motion to accept the October 2025 minutes: Accepted.
Financial Report: Steve Walker reported a bank balance of $12,914.61, and a funeral assistance balance of $1,100.00. Danny Dietz reported that the bottle fund has a balance of $518.05. A motion to approve the financial report. Accepted.
President’s Comments: President Steve Walker reminded members to renew their membership for 2026. Please note Weldon’s new address on the form.
Daniel Nelson was linked up with LTC Scott from the Portland Army recruiting office.
Montie’s funeral is scheduled for November 19, 2025 in Lebanon. A motion to provide a flower arrangement from the chapter not to exceed $150.00. Accepted
Sarah Yacapin discovered a box of Chapter 47 dress shirts and is donating them to the chapter. Steve Walker will inventory the shirts and will let members know the description, sizes and prices. All proceeds with go to the chapter.
The December 2025 meeting has been cancelled.
Sid Macken has recently published a nonfiction essay “Let That Be A Lesson” in the Military Experience & The Arts, “As You Were:” The Military Review, Vol 23 Autumn 2025.
Old Business: Steve Cornacchia has drafted a set of By-Laws for Chapter 47. Steve Walker will send it to members for review and discussion prior to a vote.
This is Your Life: Tony Tycer presented his “This is Your Life”.
Tony Tycer’s life has been defined by service, resilience, lifelong learning, and deep gratitude for the people and experiences that shaped his journey. He graduated from Jesuit High School in 1978, where he competed in track and cross country before attending Oregon State University. At OSU, he majored in History while participating in ROTC and the Academic Honors Program, completing a thesis on Che Guevara. During this formative period, he met influential mentors and peers, including Brian Boquist, General Rosler, Professor Bernie Spinrad, and Cadet Joey Schwitzer, the grandson of Albert Schwitzer. Tony graduated in 1983.
He was commissioned and attended the Infantry Officer Basic Course in 1986. He completed Special Forces Assessment and Selection and later graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFOQC) including SERE, with Class 2-90.
Tony served with A Company, 3rd Battalion, 12th Special Forces Group, working alongside teammates including Magginis, Marty Goldman, Paul Henderson, his old G Chief COL Mark Harrel, Joe Vering, Steve Summers, and others he remembers with appreciation. His training and assignments included Jumpmaster School, language education, and international exercises—including an 18E heavy team deployment to Chitose, Japan. In 1994, he transitioned to the 19th Special Forces Group, where he again served with Brian Boquist and participated in Thai military exercises integrating Special Forces, Civil Affairs, and cross-cultural training. While in Thailand,he earned his Thai jump wings.
In 2001, Tony entered seminary, continuing a deepening spiritual journey. A turning point came in 2005 while working in tree service when he survived a 35-foot fall—an experience that strengthened his faith and resilience.
Pursuing education and global engagement, he earned a Master’s in Education and TESOL and moved to Doha, Qatar in 2011, where he taught at a small college for five years. His time in the Middle East opened the door to a Department of Defense contracting role with Lockheed Martin and later Raytheon in Afghanistan. While deployed, he proposed to his wife Jean during a Zoom call. She supported their family through his deployments, including caring for his father during cancer treatment and his mother during her struggle with vascular dementia.
Tony continues to value the friendships, mentors, and heroes who influenced his life, including Andrew Klein, Randy Butler, Geno Williams, his cousin, Ambassador Harriet Isom, and many brothers from military service. He currently serves as Chaplain for the chapter, a role he accepted with humility and gratitude.
Today, Tony reflects on his journey with appreciation—grateful to God, to those who guided or served beside him, and for the experiences that shaped who he has come to be.
Guest Speaker: Randy Butler gave an update on his non-profit Silent Bridge by him and his teams in Nepal, Bangladesh, Shri Lanka, Belize, Honduras, Thailand, Ukraine, and in parts of Africa. Silent Bridge exists to provide recovery and reintegration support for children and vulnerable women who have been impacted by sex trafficking and exploitation.If you would like to contribute, go to silentbridge.org
50/50 Drawing: Steve Cornacchia won the drawing and donated his share of the $136.00 back to the chapter. The chapter gave Steve $20.00 towards the purchase of his lunch.
Good of the Order: Jerry Powell gave an AAR on the 2025 SFA Convention. There was discussion on the National Constitution and the By-Laws and the changes that will be proposed in the next year. There was also consensus that the DROP will continue to be published in hard copy.
Chapter 47 Events for 2026
January 17 – Chapter 47 Meeting, Salem
February 21 – Chapter 47 Meeting, Portland
March 21 - Chapter 47 Meeting, Salem
March 26 – Medal of Honor Day – Various Locations
April 18 - Chapter 47 Meeting, Portland
May 16 - Chapter 47 Meeting, Salem
June 20 - Chapter 47 Meeting, Portland
Adjournment: 1404
Mike Ward
Secretary
SFA Chapter 47