Special Forces Association Chapter 7

Special Forces Association Chapter 7 The OFFICIAL page for Chapter 7! Web: www.sfa7.com
X: https://x.com/SFAChVII
IG: Gulick. Gulick to Ft. Davis in 1986. Sherman. Clayton.

CHAPTER 7 HISTORY
Chapter 7 of the Special Forces Association has a long and treasured history of serving the men and families of those who served “south of the border” over the last several decades. With its beginnings on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal Zone with the men and families of the 8th Special Forces Group and later the 3d Bn, 7th Special Forces Group, the Chapter moved with the un

it over the years and continues to do so to this day. The origins of the Chapter lie in France Field outside of Colon, Panama, and later at Ft. After the signing of the Panama Canal Treaty, 3/7 moved from Ft. Davis in 1984, but the Chapter remained on Ft. Gulick for two years before following the Battalion to Ft. In 1990, the majority of the battalion returned to Ft. Bragg, but the Chapter stayed in support of those that remained in Panama from C/3/7 and the SF Soldiers assigned to the Jungle Operations Training Center at Ft. For those that were with the Chapter for the many years on the Atlantic side, the memories of Devil’s Beach, jumping on Gatun and White DZs, fiestas at the Aquativity Center, fishing on Gatun Lake, adventures in Colon, and the unique brotherhood that we enjoyed in Panama will endure forever. In 1995, C/3/7 again moved, this time to the Pacific side of the Canal and Ft. The Association followed, and with the support of the Command Team of MAJ Bob Louis and SGM Frank Browski, established operations on the 2d floor of Building 207, the same building where the unit resided. Joined by the SF Soldiers and their families assigned to SOCSOUTH, the Chapter continued to thrive and serve as the focal point for the small SF community remaining in Panama. As US forces left Panama in 1999, so did the SF units, moving to Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico. Again, Chapter 7 moved with the unit continuing to be the focal point of camaraderie for the SF Soldiers of C/3/7 and SOCSOUTH and their families. After a stay of four years in Puerto Rico, the SF units returned to the United States in 2003, with C/3/7 returning to Ft. Bragg and SOCSOUTH to Homestead AFB, FL. Sadly, Chapter 7 was closed down upon return the Bragg, and all of the property and mementos of the years in Panama and Puerto Rico stored in the new C/3/7 company area. With the BRAC move to Eglin Air Force base looming on the horizon, Chapter 7 was revived on 10 Aug 2010 with 15 charter members forming the core of the new Chapter. The new Chapter officers immediately went to work building membership, raising funds, and supporting the men and families of the Chapter and the 7th Group. The first major event ran by the Chapter was the Jingle Bell Jog, an event traditionally run by the former 7th Group Association. It was a resounding success. The Chapter was able to donate $5000 to the families of the 10th SF Group who lost their household goods in a fire before Christmas, and continues to provide support the Group families. The 7th Special Forces Group moved to Eglin Air Force Base in the Spring of 2011 again the Chapter and all its possessions moved with the Group standing ready to support the Soldiers and Families wherever needed. A new web site was designed in 2011 (www.sfa7.com), and many lost souls from the “South of the Border” Chapter began to learn of the revival of their old chapter and home. Upon arrival at Eglin the Chapter set up shop in the Alpha Company roll-up storage building within the 3rd Battalion 7th Special Forces Group motor pool. Many of our Special Forces Brothers from the past began to attend the Chapters monthly meetings and the membership began to grow. The motor pool served the Chapter well until July of 2013 at which time the Command Sergeants Major and Commander of the 3rd Battalion loaned an air-conditioned room to the Chapter for its last and final move prior to establishing a permanent structure in the future. The Chapter is proud to be a community member within the tri-county area of Okaloosa, Walton, and Escambia Counties. Many friendships within the community have been formed and will continue to grow as our roots grow deeper at our new home.

“We are the keeper of the flame, the Guardians of tradition, Active and Retired, who will never stack arms…
We are dedicated to the principles and ideals of the Special Forces Regiment. We are the Special Forces Association Chapter VII”

Great seeing our brother and friend JD honored at the Ice Flyers game! Well deserved JD!
02/16/2026

Great seeing our brother and friend JD honored at the Ice Flyers game! Well deserved JD!

We are proud of member and brother in arms Mike Hume! A career of service in the Army and now continuing to service our ...
02/14/2026

We are proud of member and brother in arms Mike Hume! A career of service in the Army and now continuing to service our community! Well deserved recognition!

Come out and celebrate our brother in arms Dan Williams next Saturday, February 21st at 3pm, at the Hub City Church in C...
02/14/2026

Come out and celebrate our brother in arms Dan Williams next Saturday, February 21st at 3pm, at the Hub City Church in Crestview, with dinner and fellowship to follow. The meal will be potluck style, so feel free to bring a dish to share.

This will be a time to share stories and celebrate his legacy among those that had the honor to know and love him.

It’s been our honor to have had the time working with Dan throughout his career in the Army and Special Forces.

Missed dearly but never forgotten.

Hub City family and friends, we want to invite you to join us as we celebrate the life of our dearly loved brother, Dan Williams, who faithfully served as our Deacon of Outreach and made such a huge impact in our lives.

The service will be held next Saturday, February 21st at 3pm, with dinner and fellowship to follow. The meal will be potluck style, so feel free to bring a dish to share.

More than anything, this will be a time to give thanks to the Lord for the abundant grace we saw in Dan’s life — his servant heart, his love for people, and his passion for the gospel. We grieve his loss, but we do so with hope, confident that we will see him again around the throne of the risen Christ.

Anyone who knew and loved Dan is welcome to attend as we honor his legacy, strengthen one another in hope, and give glory to Christ for the beautiful work He accomplished through Dan's life.

Today we remember, Sgt. Alberto D. Montrond, 27, a Soldier assigned to the Group Support Battalion, 7th Special Forces G...
02/13/2026

Today we remember, Sgt. Alberto D. Montrond, 27, a Soldier assigned to the Group Support Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C., died Feb. 13, 2006, when an Improvised Explosive Devise detonated near his Humvee north of Deh Rawod in central Afghanistan.

A resident of Fayetteville, N.C., SGT Montrond enlisted in the Army in July 1998 as a quartermaster and chemical equipment repairer. After completing his specialty and airborne training, he was assigned to Fort Bragg, N.C. with the 307th Forward Support Battalion, 82nd Division Support Command, 82nd Airborne Division. In June 2002, Montrond was promoted to the rank of sergeant and assigned to the 528th Special Operations Support Battalion (Airborne), U.S. Army Special Operations Support Command. Two years later, he was assigned to the Group Support Battalion, 7th SFG (A), where he served until his death.

SGT Montrond’s military education includes the Primary Leadership Development Course and Basic Airborne Course.

His awards and decorations included the Bronze Star for valor, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (3), the Army Achievement Medal (4), the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutist Badge and Driver and Mechanic Badges. He was posthumously awarded include the Bronze Star Medal for valor, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal and theCombat Action Badge.

He was survived by his wife Christl, who has since passed away, his children Nazeraeh and Kevyn, and his parents, Alberto and Maria Montrond.

- DE OPPRESSO LIBER –

Today we remember, Staff Sgt. Edwin H. DazaChacon, 38, a cryptologic linguist assigned to the Headquarters and Service C...
02/13/2026

Today we remember, Staff Sgt. Edwin H. DazaChacon, 38, a cryptologic linguist assigned to the Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C., died Feb. 13, 2006 when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated near his vehicle north of Deh Rawod in central Afghanistan.

A native of Diamond Bar, Calif., SSG DazaChacon enlisted in the Army in 1990 as an infantryman. He spoke Spanish and was a college graduate. He served with the 508th Infantry Regiment (Airborne) in Vincenza, Italy and participated in deployments in Southwest Asia, Bosnia, Rwanda and the Sanai. He also served with 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Bragg, N.C., during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He left military service in 1997 and reenlisted in March 2005.

In April 2005, SSG DazaChacon was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th SFG (A), where he served as a Special Operations TeamAlpha (SOT-A) Team Leader until his death. SOT-A Teams deploy with Special Forces Operational Detachments "Alpha" to provide signals intelligence and electronic warfare support.

His military education included Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training for Infantrymen, the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, the Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Airborne Course, and the Jumpmaster Course.

SSG DazaChacon’s awards and decorations included the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Multinational Force and Observers Medal, the NATO Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait), the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Senior Parachutist Badge, and the Tunisian Parachutist Badge. His posthumous awards include the Bronze Star Medal for valor, Meritorious Service Medal, Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge.

He was survived by his mother, Smila Franks; his father Edison DazaArana; and his sisters, Monique Francesca DazaChacon, and Jessica DazaChacon.

- DE OPPRESSO LIBER-

Sgt. 1st Class Chad A. Gonsalves, 31, a Special Forces weapons sergeant assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Gr...
02/13/2026

Sgt. 1st Class Chad A. Gonsalves, 31, a Special Forces weapons sergeant assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C., died Feb. 13, 2006, when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated near his Humvee north of Deh Rawod in central Afghanistan.

A native of Turlock, Calif., Gonsalves enlisted in July 1996 as an infantryman.
His first assignment was with 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment at Conn Barracks near Schweinfurt, Germany where he served for four years.
Gonsalves attended the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2000 and was assigned in November 2001 to 3rd Battalion, 7th SFG (A), as a weapons sergeant, where he served until his death.

His military education included the Special Forces Qualification Course, Ranger Course, Combat Diver Qualification Course, Special Operations Target Interdiction Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Spanish Basic Military Language Course, Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course, Basic and Advanced Airborne Courses, Jumpmaster Course, Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training for Infantryman, Primary Leadership Development Course and Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course.

His awards and decorations included the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, NATO Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Special Operations Diver Badge, the Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab. His posthumous awards include the Bronze Star Medal for valor, the Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal.

He was survived by his wife, Julie, and three sons, Cody, Blake and Dylan; and parents, Larry and Marsha.

– DE OPPRESSO LIBER –

Sergeant 1st Class Antonio “Rod” Rodriguez, 28, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, died Feb. 8, 2020, of wounds sustained during...
02/08/2026

Sergeant 1st Class Antonio “Rod” Rodriguez, 28, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, died Feb. 8, 2020, of wounds sustained during combat operations in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

He was posthumously promoted to Sergeant 1st Class, awarded the Combat Action Badge, the Bronze Star medal and the Purple Heart.

Born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on July 26, 1991. He graduated from high school in the spring of 2009 and enlisted in the Army the following October. Rodriguez completed one station unit training at Fort Benning, Georgia, followed by jump school and the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program.
He was first assigned to Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, the Battalion Reconnaissance Platoon, and then the Regimental Military Intelligence Battalion. Rodriguez deployed eight times as a Ranger. In 2018, he re-classified as a cryptologic linguist with Spanish as his chosen language and was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in the 3rd Battalion Military Intelligence Detachment.

SFC Rodriguez’s Military Education includes: One Station Unit Training (OSUT) to become an Infantryman (11B), U.S. Army Airborne School, Regimental Assessment and Selection Program (RASP), US Army Ranger School, Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to become a Cryptologic Linguist (35P)

His Awards and Decorations: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Good Conduct Medal (second award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (two Campaign Stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Action Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.

He was survived by his wife Ronaleen Omega-Rodriguez; parents Guadalupe Rodriguez Jaramillo and husband Javier D. Jaramillo; brothers Christopher James Rodriguez-Jaramillo and David Hernandez, Jr.; sister Valerie Hernandez; father David Hernandez and wife Isela Hernandez; grandparents Reymond and Celia Rodriguez; uncle Jaime Rodriguez; aunts Maria Ellena Baca and Anita Rodriguez.

- RLTW - DOL -

Sgt. 1st Class Javier J. Gutierrez, 28, of San Antonio, Texas, died February 8, 2020 from wounds sustained during combat...
02/08/2026

Sgt. 1st Class Javier J. Gutierrez, 28, of San Antonio, Texas, died February 8, 2020 from wounds sustained during combat operations in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.
Born in Jacksonville, N.C., August 12, 1991, Gutierrez enlisted in the Army in 2009, as an infantryman and was stationed at Fort Bragg, while assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. In 2012 Gutierrez attended the Special Forces Assessment and Selection at Fort Bragg, and was selected to attend the Special Forces Qualification Course. He graduated in 2015 as a Special Forces Communications Sergeant and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
Gutierrez deployed once to Iraq while assigned to 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment and once to Afghanistan while assigned to 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
He is a graduate of Basic and Advanced Leader Courses; U.S. Army Airborne School; Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape School; and the Special Forces Qualification Course.
Gutierrez’s awards include the Army Commendation Medal (1OLC); Army Achievement Medal; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 2); Army Service Ribbon; Expert Infantry and Parachutist Badges; and the Special Forces Tab.

- De Oppresso Liber -

A quick glimpse at the schedule for SFACON 2026!This year's convention on the Emerald Coast will showcase the Fort Walto...
01/30/2026

A quick glimpse at the schedule for SFACON 2026!

This year's convention on the Emerald Coast will showcase the Fort Walton Beach area and share time on Camp Bull Simons with 7th Group. We look forward to bringing multiple generations of Green Berets together to experience some of the most military supportive communities, great beaches and culture, and the home of 7th Special Forces Group.

Conference Registration will open soon and include a hospitality room, the expo/ symposium, socials, and banquet. Additional outings and activities will be available via separate registration.

Vendor Registration:

https://forms.gle/oebFyiA37A5Kf2cJ9

or contact Mike Hume at:
[email protected]

Hotels:

Home 2 Suites and Holiday Inn Express are located at the Freedom Tech Center, adjacent to the Rigdon Conference center and about 25 min to Camp Bull Simons. The Island resort is an amazing on the beach resort option and about 15 minutes from the Freedom Tech Center.

Home 2 Suites Fort Walton Beach Eglin Air Force Base
https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=VPSWBHT&groupCode=CHT90L&arrivaldate=2026-06-07&departuredate=2026-06-12&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Walton Beach Eglin Area:
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/find-hotels/select-roomrate?fromRedirect=true&qSrt=sBR&qIta=99801505&icdv=99801505&qSlH=VPSFN&qCiD=05&qCiMy=052026&qCoD=14&qCoMy=052026&qGrpCd=SFC&setPMCookies=true&qSHBrC=EX&qDest=300%20Liberty%20Lane%20NW,%20Fort%20Walton%20Beach,%20FL,%20US&showApp=true&adjustMonth=false&srb_u=1&qRmFltr=

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
https://be.synxis.com/?Hotel=37398&Chain=6255&arrive=2026-06-07&depart=2026-06-12&adult=1&child=0&group=2606SFACON.. standard to spectacular!

Today we remember Master Sergeant Sean W. McClure, 42, who died unexpectedly on 5 January 2015 while on holiday leave. H...
01/05/2026

Today we remember Master Sergeant Sean W. McClure, 42, who died unexpectedly on 5 January 2015 while on holiday leave. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

MSG McClure, a resident of Niceville, Florida was born December 19, 1972 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was a 1991 graduate of Severna Park Senior High School in Severna Park, Maryland. MSG McClure enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, and most of all spending time with family and friends. He was an avid Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles fan. Immediately following high school graduation, he enlisted into the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer where he served in various MP leadership positions. He volunteered for Special Forces in 1999. MSG McClure attended the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) in 1999. He graduated SFQC in 2001 and was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) as a Special Forces Communications Sergeant. While assigned to 2nd Battalion, MSG McClure deployed to Colombia and Afghanistan. In 2004 he was assigned as a Senior Communications Sergeant in the 7th SFG (A) Commander's In-extremis Force (CIF). While assigned to the CIF, he deployed with ODAs 7335 and 7336 to Colombia, Paraguay, Chile, Iraq, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago and Peru. In 2011 he was assigned to B Company 1st Battalion 1st SWTG (A) where he served as the Senior Writer/lnstructor for Small Unit Tactics (SUT). In January 2014, MSG McClure returned to C Co 2nd Battalion 7th SFG (A) where he served as Team Sergeant for ODA 7234 and was deployed to Honduras.

MSG McClure's military education includes the Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defense Course, Warrior Leader Course, Air Assault, Advance Leader Course, Airborne, Special Forces Qualification Course, Spanish Basic Military Language Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (High Risk) Course, Ranger School, Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance, Target Analysis, and Exploitation Techniques Course, Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Course, Senior Leader Course, Airborne Jumpmaster Course, Special Operations Target Interdiction Course, Military Free Fall Parachutist Course and Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Course.

MSG McClure's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with V device 2nd OLC, Army Commendation Medal 6th OLC, Army Achievement Medal 4th OLC, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal 6th OLC, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Two Iraq Campaign Medal's, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Military Freefall Parachutist Badge, Military Freefall Parachutist Jumpmaster Badge, Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge and Legion of Merit Award (Posthumous).

He was survived by his parents; mother, Maureen Truitt; step-father, Dean Truitt; step-mother Karen McClure Williams; step-father, Michael Williams; his fiancé, Hilda Arnett, his sisters, Kristie McClure Martorana,(Scott) and Stacey McClure Hoppel; his brothers, Adam McClure, and Aaron McClure; and two children, Sean E McClure and Dylan Tyler McClure.

Address

5439 Mare Creek Drive
Crestview, FL
32536

Website

https://www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/sfa7, https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepz2UddVQqVCq3

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