Fall 2011

We have completed the summer chapter activities and are looking forward towards Fall and 2012.

We have already started planning next year's Army Navy Formal scheduled to occur in May 2012. This event will follow more of a banquet format and we are looking at leveraging regional participation by asking the other SFA Chapters in Region 3 to team with us and participate in the formal.

In September we will have a chapter business meeting where the membership will be briefed on actions to attract, recruit, and retain current generation Special Forces soldiers.  Additionally, during the September meeting we will be highlighting and demonstrating changes to the chapter web page and the membership application.  We will also be talking about the Mission and Vision for the chapter as we move forward into the future.

In October we will be hosting a guest speaker Mr. Gordon M. Ettenson, a member of the Senior Executive Service, and the Deputy Director of Operations, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.  Mr. Ettenson also assists the Director of Operations with policy, guidance and oversight of Air Force air and weather operations training and resourcing, with specific responsibilities for irregular warfare, special operations and aviation energy. During more than 26 years of military service, Mr. Ettenson spent 22 in a broad range of Air Force and joint operational, staff and command positions in special operations. 

In December I will again be hosting the Chapter Christmas Party at my home in Stafford, VA.

Additionally, we are taking actions to advance the Chapter forward by embracing the current generation thru social media and planning events such as mixers that will attract their involvement and continued participation.  We also have been working with the current generation to obtain their ideas for events and activities that will appeal to them and attract them to chapter functions.

It should be recognized that in order for our chapter to grow and flourish the current generation needs to be recruited and retained with a vision of them managing and running the chapter in the future.  It is time for us to begin the transition process that will empower them to carry on the cherished tradition found within Special Forces.

Finally, I would ask that you make every effort to attend the next two meetings being held in September and October to see where we intend to go with the chapter.  I believe you will not be disappointed.

Till then, be safe and I am looking forward to seeing you at our September and October meetings.

Lou Hoffman
SFA Chapter XI
President