SFACh55 - Special Forces Association

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Michigan Special Forces Chapter 55

Michael F. May Memorial Chapter

CHAPTER LEADERSHIP

PRESIDENT DOUGLAS SHERD

VICE PRESIDENT MIKE JACIUK

SECRETARY CHRIS MIZE

TREASURER DOUGLAS MORGAN

HISTORIAN: DAVE FETTERS

(PRESIDENT EMERITUS)

MEMBERSHIP: DOUGLAS MORGAN

dm4banger@aol.com

POC: DOUGLAS SHERD

15975 SIPPLE AVE

SAND LAKE, MI. 49343

doug.sherd@sfchap55.net

*Attention*

WARNING NOTICE

Dates for the Summer PicNic

Our August get together and Pic Nic is going to be August 9, 2025 at the Fenton, Mi. VFW.

The Fenton VFW is an ideal site for our gathering. There is a very large pavilion, plenty of parking, fire pit, gas grills and lots of room to spread out either in the pavilion or the ample green area. If you want to bring your RV and stay overnight there is plenty of parking! If you prefer hotel accommodations there are two motels within 2 miles of the VFW facility. Note, if you plan to stay overnight on the 9th it is advisable to call for reservations ASAP!

LOCAL MOTELS

COMFORT INN & SUITES

810-714-7171

FAIRFIELD by MARRIOTT

810-629-0400

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO FOLLOW

MICHIGAN'S

"QUIET PROFESSIONALS"

Your home for continuing your

SPECIAL FORCES JOURNEY

AND KEEPING THE PRIDE ALIVE

HOTELS AROUND FENTON

There are two hotels in Fenton located about 2 miles from the Picnic area. If they do not fit your requirements, just 15 minutes North of Fenton at the Hill Road and US 23 area there are 3 nice hotels. There are also hotels in the Grand Blanc area of I-75 and S. Holly Road, again about a 15 minute trip.

PICNIC SCHEDULE

Fenton VFW

1148 N Leroy St.

Fenton, Mi. 48430

9:00 hrs, Coffee, Juice and Doughnuts. 12:00 hrs, Lunch, Build your own sandwich, chips and condiments.

13:00 hrs, Meeting. Social time after meeting. 16:30 hrs, AUCTION. Bring an item to auction!

17:30 hrs, Cook out with Burgers, Dogs, Brats, Potato Salad, and fixen's provided. Bring your specialty dish or desert to pass!

50/50 Raffle after the evening meal.

Social time around the fire pit! Bring your lawn chair and favorite beverage! Pop, beer and water will be provided all day!

If you plan to bring your camper/trailer RSVP to make sure make sure that the facility gate is open.

Most importantly remember to RSVP! Contact Doug Morgan (248) 752-5445 or email dm4banger@aol.com.

Check the website for updates! specialforcesassociation.org/SFAChapter55

LOOKING BACK TO

"2012"

RSVP

Remember your Picnic RSVP to Doug Morgan by 7/20/25 to insure we have adequate food and beverages on hand for all to enjoy!

Do you have pictures of past Chapter events? Send them to Doug Morgan at dm4banger@aol.com.

PICNIC HELP NEEDED

We need a cooker like a turkey fryer to prepare CORN ON THE COBB at our summer meeting and Picnic. Please contact Doug Morgan for details.

FRANKLIN D. MILLER MOH

JANUARY 1945-JUNE 2000

Member SFA Michigan Chapter 55. Command Sergeant Major Ret. 6 tours in Viet Nam March 1966- Nov 1972.

Unit: 5th SFG, MAC-V SOG.

Other Awards: Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars w/V, 6 Purple Hearts

SGT. MICHAEL F. MAY

JUNE 1947-March 1969

Namesake of SFA Michigan Chapter 55.

Unit: 5th SFG, MAC-V SOG.

Other Awards: Bronze Star, Purple Heart

KIA, BNR

SGT. GORDON D. YNTEMNA MOH

JUNE 1945-JANUARY 1968

Honorary Member of SFA Michigan Chapter 55.

Unit: 5th SFG, A431

Other Awards: Silver Star, 2 Purple Hearts.

One of 4 MOH recipients from Holland, Michigan

FROM SFA PRESIDENT

The National Board of Officers has a vacancy that requires replacement. Our Vice President, Pete Tingstrom, has submitted his resignation due to "personal reasons that require my full attention at this time". The Board of Officers, and the SFA Membership, owe him the debt of gratitude for his contributions and wish him success in the future.

I am contacting the Membership to request volunteers to fill this position. My intent is to receive biographies from interested individuals and allow the other officers on the board an opportunity to select the replacement, rather than my single nomination for the other Board Officers to approve.

This is an important role that will require a few hours of your dedication each week. Please consider my request, and if available, send your bio explaining your background and how you can contribute to the SFA as a member of the National Board of Officers. I request all responses no later than 07 JULY so that the Board can review and make a selection to be announced on 09 July during our scheduled Board meeting.

Chris Wilkerson

SFA President

President@specialforcesassociation.org

SPRING 2025 MEETING

Our spring meeting was hosted by Vinnie Messina at the Memphis, Mi. Merrick-Potter-Schribner American Legion Post 556 with 19 members in attendance.

A hats off to the cooks at the American Legion, they served up a great meal of Mostaccioli, salad, rolls and dessert and beverage with enough left over for those who wanted could leave with a take home box.

President Doug Sherd could not make the meeting due to health issues. Vice President Mike Jaciuk stepped in and did an excellent job in running the meeting. Full meeting minutes will be put on our web site as soon as they become available.

Thank you Vinnie for hosting, a GREAT JOB!

REAL ID ALTERNATIVES

If you have a VA Health ID, DOD identification, or retired Military ID you do not need to get a Real ID indorsement on your Drivers License. These and several other types of ID are listed alternatives.

WERE YOU AWARDED A PURPLE HEART

The MICHIGAN MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART has a special offer for those who qualify. MICHIGAN MOPH will pay half of any new members life membership application. The regular life membership fee is $200. MICHIGAN MOPH will offset $ 100. of that fee upon membership eligibility confirmation.Eligibility required is a copy of the applicants DD214 showing the Award of the Purple Heart Medal. For more information contact MICHIGAN MOPH Commander Fred Honerkamp @989-859-8587

*JULY LUNCH*

Due to the 4th of July falling on Friday and allowing for a 3 day weekend the SF/Ranger lunch will be the second Saturday in July!

Same Place, Same Time NEW DATE July 12th.