Upcoming events

 Chapter Pres. Josh Shaffer and VP James Collins provided assistance to our Aussie mates from the RSL during their monthly medical mission. This one was held in Barangay Amsic, Angeles City. The RSL organized Filipino Dr. and nurses to assess patients and prescribe medicine which we assisted in dispensing. The RSL also had stations set up for burn patients and burn prevention, those in need of wheel chairs, and a station for deworming. Outstanding organization, crowd control measures, and staffing. We'll done RSL! Enjoy phots in our Archive #3 or on FB at https://www.facebook.com/SFACH46.

Over the course of two weekends, Chapter members will provide 4 hours of classroom instruction and on February 05, 2023 we led the first of 4 x 10 mile hikes which will culminate in a final hike of 10 mile. The classroom training and 60 miles of hiking will enable those Scouts completing all requirements to earn their hiking merit badge. There are approximately 22 Scouts (girls and boys) from Troop 485 attempting to earn this difficult badge. One of the hikes will retrace part of the infamous Bataan Death March which commenced on April 10, 1942 and ended at San Fernando, Pampanga approximately 7 days later. At the end of the hike, scouts and Chapter representatives will lay wreaths at one of the Death March markers on Bataan.

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 The chapter had a great day on Sunday, 12 FEB 2023. Fifteen chapter 46 personnel met up down at Ft. Santo Domingo, Santa Rosa, Laguna, the training camp of the Philippines Special Action Force (SAF) for a 5k run and 7k obstacle course challenge. From Angeles City we left at 0145 and were back by about 1330. The members driving down from Manila left about an hour later and got home about 90 minutes earlier. The weather was phenomenal, the camaraderie exceptional, and the memories long lasting. Take a few minutes and enjoy the photos in archive three or in our FB post at https://www.facebook.com/SFACH46

The Chapter President was invited to by the Elk's Club in Makati, Metro Manila to address the assembled veteran's community members. Other speakers included  

- Veterans Administration

- American Citizen Services

-US Embassy Immigration Service

- Veterans of Foreign Wars

After each address, speakers fielded questions from the veterans and community representatives in attendance. The forum included a buffet and social hour following the conclusion of the formal presentations.

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 Chapter 46 held our yearly elections for the four Chapter Officer positions on March 11, 2023. Due to the April meeting being cancelled, the Officers for the 2023-2024 period were sworn in on April 13 and assumed office the same day. The President remains Josh Shaffer, the Vice President is now Dave Payne, and both Treasurer Roo Dengerud and Secretary Mike Bolding were reelected to serve another year. Congratulations!

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On March 15, 2023, Chapter 46 assisted the Aago Optical Clinic and members of VFW Post 2485 Auxiliary provide eye tests, optical prescriptions, and eyeglass fitting at the Amsic Integrated School in Angeles City. On March 27, we returned to the school to distribute the free eyeglasses to the children. It was amazing to see all the smiles when some of the children were able to see clearly for the first time in their life.

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 Chapter members assisted local Scout troop 485 (B&G) to complete their SCUBA merit badge and receive PADI Open Water certification. President Josh Shaffer and Chapter Member Gerald Casey assisted professional dive instructors from Ocean Deep Dive Center from San Fernando, La Union over the course of three weekends as the underwent pool training and academics in Angeles City (March 4-5). Josh and Gerald then took turns escorting the Girls' Troop (March 18-19) and the the Boys' Troop (March 25-26) up to La Union where they joined the scouts on their Open Water certification dives.

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 Chapter members supported active duty Special Forces during SOF UW validation exercise, Sage Eagle 23, a component of the overarching joint combined exercise, Balikatan 23 which was conducted from 14 to 28 April, 2023. The exercise was conducted in the Philippines with forces from the Philippines, US, and Australian military participating. Chapter members provided logistical coordination for maritime support, coordinated for safety inspections, permits, and permissions for open ocean and coastal boat transit, facilitated in provision of safety boats for a HALO jump onto the northermost island in the Philippines, coordinated for ground transportation support, provide role player, and conducted threat briefs for exercise personnel as they arrived in the Philippines in three separate waves. We're very proud of the excellent support our members provided at their own expense! The Chapter was recognized for the accomplishment of our personnel that supported the exercise, receiving tokens of appreciation from the command element of 1st SFG(A), 3/1 SFG(A) Operations Staff, and exercies planners from 1st SFC(A). We were glad to assist by alleviating logistic concerns, enhancing security awareness and injecting realism into the exercise scenario. 

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Members of Chapter 46 will gather at the Clark Veterans Cemetery (CVC) at 0600 on Saturday, May 27, 2023, to help the American Battlefield Monuments Commission staff in decorating the 13,000 headstones at the cemetery with American and Filipino National Flags in preparation for Memorial Day. We want our departed brothers and sisters and arms to be looking sharp on the day!

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  On Saturday afternoon, June 17, SFA Chapter 46 members gathered at the Elk's Lodge in Makati, Metro Manila to commemorate the 248th Birthday of our US Army. Chapter President, Josh Shaffer was one of two invited guest speakers who spoke to the assembled guests. The guests included senior JUSMAG-P officials, senior VA officials, VFW Post 2485 Auxiliary, and VFW Robert W. Zaher Post 2485 members as well as guests and family members of Veteran's. There was even one British citizen on-hand and he was an OBE holder! Great night, great friends, and great reason to celebrate! 

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 Members of the Chapter participated in our second annual 5k ruck march as part of Operation Mercury, a worldwide effort to raise awareness of suicide rates in both Active Duty and Veteran's communities. The ruck was held in Barrio Barretto, Olangapo, Philippines on Saturday, 24 June 2023. It was fitting that ODA 1123 ftom Okinawa joined us for the hike along with Veteran's and family members. It was a great day but a hot one for sure! 

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 On July 4th, chapter members, relatives, friends, family, active duty Special Forces soldiers, and other members of SOCOM traveled far and wide to come together in the spirit of patriotic display to celebrate our nations 247th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence. It was a fantastic time with great cameraderie, music, dancing, food, drinks, games, swimming, raffles, and auctions. Chapter 46 would again like to thank all of you that attended and/or contributed to the success of the event! DOL. 

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On Friday, 18 AUG 2023, members of Chapter 46 gathered at Clark Veterans Cemetery to participate in a memorial service conducted by the Returned & Services League of Australia. The host of this event was the RSL President, Gary Barnes, and the keynote speaker was Australian Embassy Chancellor, Thanh Lee. Also officiating at the event was MAJ Michael Cracknell, Chief, Australian Joint Training Mission. Following the ceremony we all met up at the Vincent Hotel & Resort for refreshments and sausage sizzle. Thank you to our brother's at the RSL for inviting us to your outstanding event.

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 On Saturday, 16 September, Chapter 46 members, Josh Shaffer, Jim Collins, John Deschamps, Rick Cantrell, Kirk Munro, John Frye, and Spike Nasmyth, made their way up to the Cabanatuan POW/MIA American Memorial to attend memorial services recognizing the sacrifices that our POW have made in every war. This year was particularly noteworthy to us as our very own Spike Nasmyth gave the guest speaker presentation sharing some of his experiences of capture and captivity as the 119th longest serving POW during the Vietnam war. Additionally, SF COL Ed Evans gave a rousing presentation as the keynote speaker. Congrats to all those that participated, attended, and assisted with the preparations. It was an outstanding effort all around! 

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On Sunday, October 21, our Chapter President travelled with the VFW National Commander in Chief, Duane Sarmiento, the VFW Department of the Pacific Commander, Alex Fores, and District 7 (Philippines) Commander, and past Chapter 46 President, Jim Collins, to Puerto Princessa, Palawan to participate in the inauguration of a new VFW Post (12224). The U.S. Embassy's D 

On Sunday, October 21, our Chapter President travelled with the VFW National Commander in Chief, Duane Sarmiento, the VFW Department of the Pacific Commander, Alex Fores, and District 7 (Philippines) Commander, and past Chapter 46 President, Jim Collins, to Puerto Princessa, Palawan to participate in the inauguration of a new VFW Post (12224). The U.S. Embassy's Director for U.S. citizen services spoke at the ceremony as did local officials, including the city's Vice Mayor and the Wing Commander of the Philippine Air Force's fighter interceptor wing in Palawan. Chapter President Josh Shaffer's wife Irene was recognized by the VFW CINC for her efforts in standing up the first ever VFW Auxilliary in the Pacific Department last year while serving as Aux President. Congratulations to the Officers and members of the VFW's newest Post in the Philippines, Post 12224!

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On Saturday, November 11, members of SFA Chapter 46 gathered at Clark Veterans Cemetery in Angeles City, Philippines to attend an outstanding ceremony held by VFW Post 2485. former Chapter 46 Vice President, Jim Collins, who is also the VFW Post commander led the ceremony and was followed by speeches from ABMC,Defense Attaché to the Philippines, and the VFW Department of Pacific Affairs Junior Vice Commander. Three active duty U.S. Military soldiers joined our Chapter members at the ceremony. There were approximately 200 people at both events. At the celebration, conducted in the Josefaville II clubhouse and pool grounds, a delicious barbeque lunch of chicken, ribs, and all the fixings was served up by the VFW Lamppost restaurant for a small fee and the VFW provided all beverages free of charge.  There was a great band that played throughout the afternoon and early evening and many people got up to dance, sing with the band and sit in to jam. Chapter Treasurer Roo Dengerud joined the band on lead vocals for two songs and also led the line dance for the song "Electric Slide.".

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 On Saturday, 02 December, 2023 Chapter members celebrated Menton Day at the Oasis Hotel in Angeles City.  This commemorative event is held each year to recognize that on December 05, 1944, the combined US-Canadian 1st Special Services Force paraded one final time at their Villeneuve-Loubet camp, near the town of Menton, in Southeastern France. The 1st Special Forces Regiment and all US Army SF groups trace their official lineage to the FSSF.  the 1st Special Forces Group, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, has a memorial wreath laying, physical fitness competition, range day, a U.S.-Canadian parachute jump, and formal ball with a noted guest speaker. This will be a fantastic event this year with fine dining, dancing, speeches, live music, and drinks. This year we were happy to be joined by SFLE members, active-duty ODA members, Filipino friends, Expat friends, and Members of JUSMAG- Philippines.

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 On Monday, 25 April 2022, on behalf of Chapter 46, President Josh Shaffer and Vice President Jim Collins presented a Chapter 46 wreath in honor of Australia's and New Zealand's national day of remembrance that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served". Anzac Day was originally devised to honor the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served in the Gallipoli Campaign, their first engagement in the First World War (1914–1918).

 On Saturday, 21 May 2022, Chapter 46 President and Vice President joined VFW Post 2485 and Scout Troop 485 for a tour of Bataan to see where the final battle took place (Mt. Samat) between the defenders of the Philippines and the Japanese Army during WWII.  From there the group of about 65 went to view the surrender site (Balanga), and travel the route the Death Marchers took on their way to San Fernando, Pampanga. In San Fernando the group stopped at the old train station to visit the museum dedicated to the memory of those that fell during the Death March. 

On Sunday, May 29, 2022 members of Chapter 46, family, and friends met at the Clark Veteran's Cemetery to plant U.S. and Philippine flags at gravesites of all veterans interred there. The chapter joined with other volunteers in this effort. Approximately 16,000 graves were decorated that day. It took approximately 4 hours to complete the task. The weather was fair and hot!! Thanks to all for the assistance provided to honor our veterans.

At 0930 on Monday, May 30, 2022 members of the chapter met at the Clark Veterans Cemetery to join in the ceremony to honor the memory of all veterans. It was a beautiful morning with fair weather. The key note speaker was the COO of the American Battlefield Monuments, Mr. John Wessel. The ceremony kicked off at 1000 and afterwards chapter members convened at Garfield's Last Stand to swap war stories enjoy camaraderie with chapter mates and friends.

 On Saturday, June 18, 2022, Chapter 46 members, wives and friends, traveled to the Manila Elks Lodge to celebrate the U.S. Army's 247th birthday. Chapter 46 VP, Jim Collins, was one of two guest speakers to address those assembled for the event. The other guest speaker was the U.S. Army Defense Attaché to the U.S. Embassy (and Special Forces qualified officer) COL Singleton. Prime rib and salmon were on the menu with an excellent selection of fine wines to was it all down! Very elegant venue with great singers adding to the ambience. Thank you Elks Lodge members!

 On June 25, 2022 chapter members, members of VFW Post 11447 (Olongapo), and Barrio Barretto-based Hash House Harriers kicked off our 1st annual 5 km ruck march to raise awareness of suicide rates among active duty and military veterans. This is a worldwide event put together by "22 Until None," who coordinated for 5 km ruck/walks to be held on one day in multiple locations around the world by veterans of allied nations. Chapter 46 member Sean O'Connor organized our event which was held in the hills surrounding Barrio Barretto.

 On Monday, July 04, 2022 Chapter 46 held our annual Independence Day celebration. This year we invited members of VFW Post 2485 and their auxiliary and had a total of about 195 guests at the event.  We had live bands, games for children and adults with prizes, raffle drawings for five separate prizes (2-in-1 electric grill, air fryer, gift certificate for two at a local spa, a 3-D U.S. flag plaque, and a 50/50 giveaway), bbq meat (ribs, chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs), assorted side dishes, and plenty of ice cold beer. We kicked off the celebration with a welcome speech by Chapter President, Josh Shaffer, followed by the pledge of allegiance and reading of the significance of Independence Day led by members of Scout Troop 409. It was a great day! Please check out the photo archive for more pictures.

 Chapter 46 members helped the Angeles City Chapter of the  Australian Returned & Services League commemorate Australian/New Zealand Vietnam Veterans and Battle of Long Tan Day at the Clark Veteran's Cemetery on Thursday, August 18th. The guest speaker during the ceremony will be Mr. Richard Sisson, Australia's Deputy Head of Mission (Deputy Ambassador) to the Philippines (pictured above next to Chapter Pres Josh S). The social which followed  was held at Orchid Inn, Angeles City.

Chapter President Josh Shaffer spoke at this event hosted by the Elk's Club in Makati, Metro Manila. Other speakers include  

- Veterans Administration

- American Citizen Services

- Veterans of Foreign Wars

- American Legion

- Social Security Administration

- US Embassy Immigration Services

- Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA)

- JUSMAG

All speakers fielded questions from the assembled veterans and community representatives after their addresses. The assembly included a buffet and social hour following the conclusion of the formal presentations.

Four Chapter 46 members travelled along with a contingent from VFW Post 2485, the Post Auxiliary and Scouts and Leaders of Scout Troop 485, escorted by members of Thunder MC to Cabanatuan American Memorial in Nueva Ecija Province to honor those who have been held in captivity and to memorialize those still missing. This memorial is located at the site of the WWII Japanese POW camp (Camp Pangatian) which eventually held approximately 20,000 defenders captured after the fall of Bataan. Of those that made it to Cabanatuan, 6,656 would die there. The Camp Pangatian P.O.W. camp was liberated in 1945 in an operation known as the most successful tactical rescue mission ever executed by the American military, the raid at Cabanatuan. US Army Rangers were aided by Filipino guerrillas who were fighting the Japanese. This tactical operation was depicted in the 2005 film The Great Raid. Although the Bataan Death March was a significant historical event, the establishment of its memorial in Cabanatuan was not mentioned in any major U.S. news outlet.

This was a humbling experience for Josh S., Jim C., and Tom P. and they would strongly recommend participation in this event next year. It would be great if we could drag Spike N. up there next year!

A marble altar rests in the center of 90-square-foot (8.4 m2) concrete base of the memorial wall inscribed with the names of all those prisoners who died while held at Camp Pangatian. A large mural of Filipino and American soldiers carrying each other in battle is present on the roof deck of the memorial. This elevated circular platform is the only place in Nueva Ecija where the American flag stands beside the Filipino flag.

The dedication, which is located on the back of the Cabanatuan sign, describes the memorial. It reads,

SITE OF THE JAPANESE PRISONER OF WAR CAMP 1942 TO 1945
THIS MEMORIAL HONORS
THE AMERICAN SERVICEMEN AND THE CIVILIANS
WHO DIED HERE AND GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES
THE EQUALLY HEROIC SACRIFICES
MADE BY FILIPINO SERVICEMEN AND CIVILIANS
IN A MUTUAL QUEST FOR HONOR, FREEDOM AND PEACE
IT ALSO REMINDS MANKIND OF MAN’S INHUMANITY
TO HIS FELLOWMAN

ERECTED AND DEDICATED 12 APRIL 1982 BY
AMERICAN AND FILIPINO COMRADES, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.

 This is not your typical event that the Chapter participates in but we've been supported by enough US Air Force rotary and fixed wing assets over the years that we thought it was high time to pay our respects at their 75th Birthday Celebration held in the Elk's Lodge, Makati, Manila. Chapter Officers Josh S. and Roo D. represented the chapter along with their lovely wives. It was a dress up event and Josh and Roo elected to go with the Filipino Barong Tagalog formal wear. Great event, food, drinks, and camaraderie. While there, the Josh and Roo had a chance to meet the Chief of JUSMAG-P, who happens to be an SF Qualified Officer, and invited him to the next business meeting in October. We all hope to see him there. 

 At our business meeting in September a vote was passed to hold October's meeting in Manila. Our treasurer, who lives in Manila secured a great venue - The Perfect Pint. Chapter members from Cebu, Angeles City, and Pangasinan travelled to Manila and spent the night in area hotels. The Perfect Pint is a craft beer specialty place with a quite area upstairs in which we held our meeting. COL Ed Evans was kind enough to join the men of Chapter 46 as a VIP guest. Some of you may recall we met him at the Air Force birthday celebration in September. Following the meeting we adjourned for rounds of craft beer and a short two venue tour of other adult beverage places in the surrounding area.  

 Chapter President Josh S. and Treasurer Roo D. once again represented Chapter 46 at another military birthday celebration at the Elk's Lodge, Makati, Manila. Their wives again donned their Sunday best and joined the festivities as well. Josh and Roo once again went with the Barong Tagalog look. The meal was Prime Rib or Salmon served with plenty of wine and mixed drinks to keep the crowd happy. The lead singer at the event sings a spine chilling rendition of the Star Spangled Banner that left everyone a bit awestruck. The Guest Speaker at this event was a retired Navy Capt (O-6) that is a current resident of Angeles City, the town in which our Chapter headquarters is located. The chapter officers in attendance made some great contact and had a fantastic time!

  On Saturday, November 11, members of SFA Chapter 46 gathered at Clark Veterans Cemetery in Angeles City, Philippines to attend an outstanding ceremony held by VFW Post 2485. Chapter 46 Vice President, Jim Collins, who is also the VFW Post commander led the ceremony and was followed by speeches from ABMC and US Embassy personnel. Five active duty Special Forces ODA members joined our Chapter members at the ceremony and the outstanding celebration that followed. There were approximately 200 people at both events. At the celebration, conducted in the Josefaville II clubhouse and pool grounds, a delicious barbeque lunch of chicken, ribs, and all the fixings was served up by the VFW Lamppost restaurant for a small fee and the VFW provided all beverages free of charge.  There was a great band that played throughout the afternoon and early evening and many people got up to dance, sing with the band and sit in to jam. Chapter President, Josh Shaffer's 10 year old son accompanied the band on 5 different songs while Chapter member Dan Lasher got on lead vocals.  

  Chapter members commemorated Menton Day on Saturday, 03 December, 2022 at the Oasis Hotel in Angeles City.  This commemorative event is held each year to recognize that on December 05, 1944, the combined US-Canadian 1st Special Services Force paraded one final time at their Villeneuve-Loubet camp, near the town of Menton, in Southeastern France. The 1st Special Forces Regiment and all US Army SF groups trace their official lineage to the FSSF.  the 1st Special Forces Group, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, has a memorial wreath laying, physical fitness competition, range day, a U.S.-Canadian parachute jump, and formal ball with a noted guest speaker. This was a fantastic event this year with fine dining, dancing, speeches, and drinks.