| SPECIAL FORCES ASSOCIATION CHAPTER LXIX NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2007 BERNIE FISHER CHAPTER THE NEXT MEETING IS ON JANUARY 8TH AT NOODLES AT 1900 HOURS. |
President: Jack Frost 208-454-8361
Vice President: Bob Shuster 541-372-5222
Treasurer: Bob Robertson 208-459-4798
Chaplain: Vahan Sipantzi 208-482-7495
Editor: Ted_Hyde@fiberpipe.net
Vice President: Bob Shuster 541-372-5222
Treasurer: Bob Robertson 208-459-4798
Chaplain: Vahan Sipantzi 208-482-7495
Editor: Ted_Hyde@fiberpipe.net
A great attendance showed up at the last meeting let’s keep it up. Remember the next meeting after the
Christmas party will be at Noodles on the 8th of Jan as they will be closed on the 2nd, so mark your calendars and
refrigerator door. The Christmas party will be in the newsletter Ted has looked around so check the web page he will
provide the location and map or specific directions on getting there. I would like those that have the green BLAZERS
to wear them the rest informal but not to informal and bring the wives and girl friends but not both as we don't need a
fight unless they are friendly. I received an information letter from Congressman Sali on what is going on in
congress, not much for veterans. They are preparing to vote on VA matters, I responded on what congress is doing
about our SBP payments that were supposed to be cut of as of Oct 07 instead of 08 if one had paid into it for
30years or was over 70. The senate has passed it but congress is setting on their hands, it will be interesting to see
the response. During the parade I was talking to Vaughn and Rex, a big tip of the Beret to both of them, about the
support of our activities, they suggested that I start a bad mouth section or something to that effect. Here it goes
THEIR WERE SEVERAL SAID THEY WOULD PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE, WHEN WE GOT THERE IT WAS
DOWN TO THREE WARM BODIES, TWO CALLED AND OPTED OUT, ONE COULD NOT WALK THAT FAR AND THE
OTHER WAS DOING SOMETHING PREPLANNED WITH HIS SON (THANKS TO THOSE TWO) THIS ONE OF THE
FEW THINGS WE PARTICIPATE IN AS A CHAPTER I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A LITTLE MORE SUPPORT, I KNOW I
SAID IF IT IS RAINING IT DID NOT RAIN UNTIL THE PARADE WAS OVER. This concludes my rant thank you
Remember the Christmas party Ted will publish the menu as we order of the menu and the Jan meeting on the 8th.
Jack
Christmas party will be at Noodles on the 8th of Jan as they will be closed on the 2nd, so mark your calendars and
refrigerator door. The Christmas party will be in the newsletter Ted has looked around so check the web page he will
provide the location and map or specific directions on getting there. I would like those that have the green BLAZERS
to wear them the rest informal but not to informal and bring the wives and girl friends but not both as we don't need a
fight unless they are friendly. I received an information letter from Congressman Sali on what is going on in
congress, not much for veterans. They are preparing to vote on VA matters, I responded on what congress is doing
about our SBP payments that were supposed to be cut of as of Oct 07 instead of 08 if one had paid into it for
30years or was over 70. The senate has passed it but congress is setting on their hands, it will be interesting to see
the response. During the parade I was talking to Vaughn and Rex, a big tip of the Beret to both of them, about the
support of our activities, they suggested that I start a bad mouth section or something to that effect. Here it goes
THEIR WERE SEVERAL SAID THEY WOULD PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE, WHEN WE GOT THERE IT WAS
DOWN TO THREE WARM BODIES, TWO CALLED AND OPTED OUT, ONE COULD NOT WALK THAT FAR AND THE
OTHER WAS DOING SOMETHING PREPLANNED WITH HIS SON (THANKS TO THOSE TWO) THIS ONE OF THE
FEW THINGS WE PARTICIPATE IN AS A CHAPTER I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A LITTLE MORE SUPPORT, I KNOW I
SAID IF IT IS RAINING IT DID NOT RAIN UNTIL THE PARADE WAS OVER. This concludes my rant thank you
Remember the Christmas party Ted will publish the menu as we order of the menu and the Jan meeting on the 8th.
Jack
| WORDS FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE CHAPTER |
| THE CHAPLAIN’S CORNER |
HOLIDAYS OR HOLY DAYS
I was doing some pre-Thanksgiving shopping and on leaving the store was sent off with “Happy TURKEY DAY!”
I haven’t met a turkey yet who looked forward to Thanksgiving Day even though he/she is King/Queen for the day.
On the other hand I’ve met a whole lot of folks who looked forward to Thanksgiving because they had so much to be
thankful for to God especially if they’d survived combat or spent anytime in the Third World and saw first hand how
that world struggles to have the things we take for granted here like: clean - just turn on the tap - water, 24 hour
electricity, and paved roads – not to mention complete freedom to practice or not practice the religion of their choice.
Once we’ve gotten rid of Thanksgiving and its religious overtones we move on to eliminating Christ from Christmas,
which has been done so well in public schools by replacing Christmas (Christ-time) with “Happy Holidays”. Holiday
once meant Holy Day, which is what Christmas is meant to be. Unfortunately, like many words in our language
‘Holiday’ has morphed into “Vacation”, which robs Christmas of its original meaning as well as the significance of the
Creator “emptying Himself and becoming like one of us” to do for us what we could not do for ourselves – pay the
penalty for our disobedience to His guidelines for successful living – what we call sin so that we would have the
freedom to accept Him or reject Him. Why would anyone want to trade or replace the significance of Christmas for a
“Vacation”? Happy Holy Day – YES! Happy Holiday or Happy Vacation? Take your pick. The Christ of Christmas
gives you the freedom to make that choice.
A Joyous Christmas to each of you – that’s my prayer
Chaplain Vahan Sipantzi
26972 Lower Pleasant Ridge Rd.
Wilder, ID 83676
(208) 482-7495
I was doing some pre-Thanksgiving shopping and on leaving the store was sent off with “Happy TURKEY DAY!”
I haven’t met a turkey yet who looked forward to Thanksgiving Day even though he/she is King/Queen for the day.
On the other hand I’ve met a whole lot of folks who looked forward to Thanksgiving because they had so much to be
thankful for to God especially if they’d survived combat or spent anytime in the Third World and saw first hand how
that world struggles to have the things we take for granted here like: clean - just turn on the tap - water, 24 hour
electricity, and paved roads – not to mention complete freedom to practice or not practice the religion of their choice.
Once we’ve gotten rid of Thanksgiving and its religious overtones we move on to eliminating Christ from Christmas,
which has been done so well in public schools by replacing Christmas (Christ-time) with “Happy Holidays”. Holiday
once meant Holy Day, which is what Christmas is meant to be. Unfortunately, like many words in our language
‘Holiday’ has morphed into “Vacation”, which robs Christmas of its original meaning as well as the significance of the
Creator “emptying Himself and becoming like one of us” to do for us what we could not do for ourselves – pay the
penalty for our disobedience to His guidelines for successful living – what we call sin so that we would have the
freedom to accept Him or reject Him. Why would anyone want to trade or replace the significance of Christmas for a
“Vacation”? Happy Holy Day – YES! Happy Holiday or Happy Vacation? Take your pick. The Christ of Christmas
gives you the freedom to make that choice.
A Joyous Christmas to each of you – that’s my prayer
Chaplain Vahan Sipantzi
26972 Lower Pleasant Ridge Rd.
Wilder, ID 83676
(208) 482-7495
| From The Editor |
I have a new home e-mail
Ted_Hyde@fiberpipe.net
Here is a e-mail that I have gotten from a few that I think says a lot.
Very interesting
The Christmas Party is going to be on the 18th at See you all there at 1830
Franco Latino
775 S. Rivershore Lane
Eagle, Idaho, 83616
208.938.2850
“Franco Latino is a unique culinary fusion of European techniques with Latin flavors. It is the hallmark of Franco
Latino to present only the freshest and best to our clients. Whenever possible we source local products from Idaho
ranchers and farmers. Franco Latino’s menus are ever changing to insure that the best available market product is
utilized.”
Here is a sample of what they serve but it changes from day to day depending on what is the freshest and best that
night.
Chef's Tasting Menu
Fish 3 Ways
Fresh fish and prawn pan roasted
Seasonal salsas and accompaniments
Wilted Spinach
Baby spinach leaves, clover honey
and bacon dressing, toasted pecans
Beef Tenderloin
Grilled, root vegetable purees
Crispy shallot curls
Molten Chocolate Cake
Bittersweet chocolate, Valencia orange
essence, genache
40-
Entrees
Chicken
"Frenchilada" Green onion infused crepe, chicken chili Verde, trio of salsas, 15-
Artichoke Braised Chicken Local mushrooms, chardonnay, tomato basil risotto 18-
Smoked Chicken Relleno Crisp corn crust, roasted bell pepper sauce, corn salsa, green rice 15-
Fish
Idaho Trout Roulade Blue crab and spinach stuffing, lemon butter, potato cake 19-
Potato Crusted Salmon Golden russet crust, ratatouille of winter vegetables 20-
Fresh Fish Pasta Fish, shrimp, shellfish, roasted pepper sauce, fresh basil, Fettuccine 17-
Pork
Roasted Loin Cinnamon and cumin pan roast, cheese grits, spinach puree, confit onion 19-
Beef
Blackened Rib Steak Smoky three bean cassoulet, roasted Yukon gold potato 26-
New York Steak Grilled, white cheddar au gratin potato, demi glace 25-
Tenderloin Grilled, mushroom, potato and winter vegetable fricassee 28-
Vegetables
Vegetable Trio Roasted vegetable cassarole, seasonal vegetables, green rice, salsas 14-
Appetizers
Fresh Corn Cakes Mango salsa, roasted pepper salad, cilantro cream 7-
Beef Tenderloin Meatballs Roasted chili mole, crispy shallot curls, crème fraiche 7-
Nacho Napoleon Super chips, chicken verde,
white cheddar, olives, tomato and sour cream 7-
Pecan Crusted Brie Apple and lingonberry chutney, grilled garlic toast 9-
Croquette Rolls Apple wood bacon, cheese and Idaho potato filling, chipotle ketchup 7-
Crab Cakes Crisp pan fried, whole grain mustard sauce, cucumber salad 8-
Bruschetta Pomodoro Balsamic marinated tomatoes, fresh basil, grilled toast 7-
Shellfish Stew Puget Sound clams and mussels in smoked tomato broth, saffron rouille 9-
Grilled Prawns Cilantro pesto, jicima salad, purple potato chips 9-
Soups and Salads
Soup of the Day House made broths, seasonal garnishes and ingredients 6-
Butternut Squash Soup Balsamic reduction, crisp leeks, crème fraiche 6-
House Green Salad Romaine, red leaf, tossed w/ choice of dressing 6-
Warm Seafood Salad Fresh fish and shellfish, capers, lemon, wilted spinach, Parmesan 10-
Caesar Salad Romaine heart with lemon anchovy dressing, tamale croutons 6-
Avocado Salad Lime, olive oil vinaigrette, salsa scented, crisp tortilla ribbons 7-
Citrus Spinach Salad Toasted almonds, citrus filets, strawberry vinaigrette 6-
Dressings: Chipotle buttermilk, red wine vinaigrette,
bleu cheese vinaigrette, Dijon vinaigrette
Spilt plate charge is $5.00. Vegan, vegetarian, and all dietary concerns are graciously accommodated.
If you want to see what is being served today go here.
Here is a link to a real dirt bag please take a look and remember
P.O.S. FAKE LTC++ (I think you all know what I mean)
(I really HATE tango's)
Ted
Ted_Hyde@fiberpipe.net
Here is a e-mail that I have gotten from a few that I think says a lot.
Very interesting
The Christmas Party is going to be on the 18th at See you all there at 1830
Franco Latino
775 S. Rivershore Lane
Eagle, Idaho, 83616
208.938.2850
“Franco Latino is a unique culinary fusion of European techniques with Latin flavors. It is the hallmark of Franco
Latino to present only the freshest and best to our clients. Whenever possible we source local products from Idaho
ranchers and farmers. Franco Latino’s menus are ever changing to insure that the best available market product is
utilized.”
Here is a sample of what they serve but it changes from day to day depending on what is the freshest and best that
night.
Chef's Tasting Menu
Fish 3 Ways
Fresh fish and prawn pan roasted
Seasonal salsas and accompaniments
Wilted Spinach
Baby spinach leaves, clover honey
and bacon dressing, toasted pecans
Beef Tenderloin
Grilled, root vegetable purees
Crispy shallot curls
Molten Chocolate Cake
Bittersweet chocolate, Valencia orange
essence, genache
40-
Entrees
Chicken
"Frenchilada" Green onion infused crepe, chicken chili Verde, trio of salsas, 15-
Artichoke Braised Chicken Local mushrooms, chardonnay, tomato basil risotto 18-
Smoked Chicken Relleno Crisp corn crust, roasted bell pepper sauce, corn salsa, green rice 15-
Fish
Idaho Trout Roulade Blue crab and spinach stuffing, lemon butter, potato cake 19-
Potato Crusted Salmon Golden russet crust, ratatouille of winter vegetables 20-
Fresh Fish Pasta Fish, shrimp, shellfish, roasted pepper sauce, fresh basil, Fettuccine 17-
Pork
Roasted Loin Cinnamon and cumin pan roast, cheese grits, spinach puree, confit onion 19-
Beef
Blackened Rib Steak Smoky three bean cassoulet, roasted Yukon gold potato 26-
New York Steak Grilled, white cheddar au gratin potato, demi glace 25-
Tenderloin Grilled, mushroom, potato and winter vegetable fricassee 28-
Vegetables
Vegetable Trio Roasted vegetable cassarole, seasonal vegetables, green rice, salsas 14-
Appetizers
Fresh Corn Cakes Mango salsa, roasted pepper salad, cilantro cream 7-
Beef Tenderloin Meatballs Roasted chili mole, crispy shallot curls, crème fraiche 7-
Nacho Napoleon Super chips, chicken verde,
white cheddar, olives, tomato and sour cream 7-
Pecan Crusted Brie Apple and lingonberry chutney, grilled garlic toast 9-
Croquette Rolls Apple wood bacon, cheese and Idaho potato filling, chipotle ketchup 7-
Crab Cakes Crisp pan fried, whole grain mustard sauce, cucumber salad 8-
Bruschetta Pomodoro Balsamic marinated tomatoes, fresh basil, grilled toast 7-
Shellfish Stew Puget Sound clams and mussels in smoked tomato broth, saffron rouille 9-
Grilled Prawns Cilantro pesto, jicima salad, purple potato chips 9-
Soups and Salads
Soup of the Day House made broths, seasonal garnishes and ingredients 6-
Butternut Squash Soup Balsamic reduction, crisp leeks, crème fraiche 6-
House Green Salad Romaine, red leaf, tossed w/ choice of dressing 6-
Warm Seafood Salad Fresh fish and shellfish, capers, lemon, wilted spinach, Parmesan 10-
Caesar Salad Romaine heart with lemon anchovy dressing, tamale croutons 6-
Avocado Salad Lime, olive oil vinaigrette, salsa scented, crisp tortilla ribbons 7-
Citrus Spinach Salad Toasted almonds, citrus filets, strawberry vinaigrette 6-
Dressings: Chipotle buttermilk, red wine vinaigrette,
bleu cheese vinaigrette, Dijon vinaigrette
Spilt plate charge is $5.00. Vegan, vegetarian, and all dietary concerns are graciously accommodated.
If you want to see what is being served today go here.
Here is a link to a real dirt bag please take a look and remember
P.O.S. FAKE LTC++ (I think you all know what I mean)
(I really HATE tango's)
Ted
Long Island Newsday
December 5, 2007
Pg. 39
Our Real Fight's In Afghanistan
The United States should shift the military's focus to the place where the 9/11 attacks were spawned
By Rep. Steve Israel
Over Thanksgiving, I visited remote combat bases in Afghanistan. I came home sadly convinced that six years after
9/11, the Taliban has gained strength in key areas and remains a potent threat against us. It's time to redeploy the
maximum possible number of troops from Iraq to Afghanistan and return to the battlefield where the 9/11 attacks
were born.
One of my principal concerns about the Bush administration's handling of Iraq has been the lack of public attention
to Afghanistan and the blurring of both military theaters in the American consciousness. The terrorists who
masterminded and executed the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that killed thousands, including dozens of my constituents,
were trained in Afghanistan.
In that same country, Osama bin Laden led and fled. Afghanistan heard the opening shot of the global war on terror.
Now that shot seems like a mild echo against the violent rumbling in Iraq.
Today the Taliban remain a strong, sustained and flexible presence in parts of Afghanistan. They are shifting
locations, importing foreign fighters, recruiting adherents and improving the technologies they use against us and
the Afghan people.
Local populations are not inherently "pro-Taliban," but they fear Taliban reprisal if they associate with coalition
forces. They believe that once we leave their region, they'll no longer be protected and will be punished for assisting
our efforts. In other words, many Afghan civilians are hedging their bets that the Taliban will have a sustained
presence in the region, while coalition forces will come and go.
The United States has a history of using soft power to "win the hearts and minds" of civilians in a military theater. We
usually do it by building bridges, lighting streets and providing services to enable security. Our military presence in
Afghanistan initially had been very effective in accomplishing these aims.
But the problem now is that we believed we could build a bridge, repair a street, turn on the lights and that people
would live with more security and with alternatives to violence. What we overlooked is that once we left a region, the
insurgents reappeared. And not only did they blow up the bridges and turn off the lights, they retaliated against
those who weren't loyal to them.
The way to render the Taliban plans against us impotent is to gain enduring local support against them. That means
we must demonstrate not only an alternative to terrorists, but also a future without terrorists. Simply killing Taliban
fighters in an Afghan region, then building a sewage system and leaving will not kill the Taliban movement or build a
lasting peace. As soon as the coalition departs for another area, the Taliban return.
Therefore, we need long-term and widespread investments in combat power, economic development and public
infrastructure.
Unfortunately, our military presence in Iraq has provided a major obstacle to our progress in Afghanistan. We simply
don't have the resources to provide sustainable security in Afghanistan. Ultimately, the Afghan National Army and
local police must develop a capacity to protect local populations, but if our coalition bases have severe shortages of
reliable local security, that training will never take place.
That's why we must redeploy the maximum number possible of U.S. forces from Iraq into Afghanistan, where the war
on terror began. There are 48,000 international troops operating in Afghanistan today, and half of these are
American. Even sending an additional 12,000 U.S. troops in from Iraq would make a dramatic difference on the
ground there.
But we don't have the resources to secure Afghanistan alone. Some of our troops in Iraq are serving their third or
even fourth tours of duty and need to return home. We must engage in a "diplomatic surge" to ask other nations to
commit additional assets in Afghanistan.
Specifically, we must ask the 26 NATO countries and others that have already contributed troops to increase their
presence in Afghanistan. And as countries like Australia reduce their presence in Iraq because of political
circumstance at home, the United States should make the case that their troops would be well used fighting al-Qaida
and the Taliban in Afghanistan.
With even modest increases we could easily double our current presence in Afghanistan. And that would increase
our effectiveness against the resurgent Taliban.
On my last day in Afghanistan, I saw three small children pressing against the security fence at Fire Base Tycz. They
were asking for candy. Those kids are growing up amid the Taliban and will likely be recruited to join them. In a few
short years they'll be choosing between trying to blow up buildings in New York or trying to build peaceful lives in
Afghanistan.
They're the new front in this war, and we need to deploy serious resources to protect them - which will protect us.
Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and its subcommittee on state,
foreign operations and related programs.
December 5, 2007
Pg. 39
Our Real Fight's In Afghanistan
The United States should shift the military's focus to the place where the 9/11 attacks were spawned
By Rep. Steve Israel
Over Thanksgiving, I visited remote combat bases in Afghanistan. I came home sadly convinced that six years after
9/11, the Taliban has gained strength in key areas and remains a potent threat against us. It's time to redeploy the
maximum possible number of troops from Iraq to Afghanistan and return to the battlefield where the 9/11 attacks
were born.
One of my principal concerns about the Bush administration's handling of Iraq has been the lack of public attention
to Afghanistan and the blurring of both military theaters in the American consciousness. The terrorists who
masterminded and executed the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that killed thousands, including dozens of my constituents,
were trained in Afghanistan.
In that same country, Osama bin Laden led and fled. Afghanistan heard the opening shot of the global war on terror.
Now that shot seems like a mild echo against the violent rumbling in Iraq.
Today the Taliban remain a strong, sustained and flexible presence in parts of Afghanistan. They are shifting
locations, importing foreign fighters, recruiting adherents and improving the technologies they use against us and
the Afghan people.
Local populations are not inherently "pro-Taliban," but they fear Taliban reprisal if they associate with coalition
forces. They believe that once we leave their region, they'll no longer be protected and will be punished for assisting
our efforts. In other words, many Afghan civilians are hedging their bets that the Taliban will have a sustained
presence in the region, while coalition forces will come and go.
The United States has a history of using soft power to "win the hearts and minds" of civilians in a military theater. We
usually do it by building bridges, lighting streets and providing services to enable security. Our military presence in
Afghanistan initially had been very effective in accomplishing these aims.
But the problem now is that we believed we could build a bridge, repair a street, turn on the lights and that people
would live with more security and with alternatives to violence. What we overlooked is that once we left a region, the
insurgents reappeared. And not only did they blow up the bridges and turn off the lights, they retaliated against
those who weren't loyal to them.
The way to render the Taliban plans against us impotent is to gain enduring local support against them. That means
we must demonstrate not only an alternative to terrorists, but also a future without terrorists. Simply killing Taliban
fighters in an Afghan region, then building a sewage system and leaving will not kill the Taliban movement or build a
lasting peace. As soon as the coalition departs for another area, the Taliban return.
Therefore, we need long-term and widespread investments in combat power, economic development and public
infrastructure.
Unfortunately, our military presence in Iraq has provided a major obstacle to our progress in Afghanistan. We simply
don't have the resources to provide sustainable security in Afghanistan. Ultimately, the Afghan National Army and
local police must develop a capacity to protect local populations, but if our coalition bases have severe shortages of
reliable local security, that training will never take place.
That's why we must redeploy the maximum number possible of U.S. forces from Iraq into Afghanistan, where the war
on terror began. There are 48,000 international troops operating in Afghanistan today, and half of these are
American. Even sending an additional 12,000 U.S. troops in from Iraq would make a dramatic difference on the
ground there.
But we don't have the resources to secure Afghanistan alone. Some of our troops in Iraq are serving their third or
even fourth tours of duty and need to return home. We must engage in a "diplomatic surge" to ask other nations to
commit additional assets in Afghanistan.
Specifically, we must ask the 26 NATO countries and others that have already contributed troops to increase their
presence in Afghanistan. And as countries like Australia reduce their presence in Iraq because of political
circumstance at home, the United States should make the case that their troops would be well used fighting al-Qaida
and the Taliban in Afghanistan.
With even modest increases we could easily double our current presence in Afghanistan. And that would increase
our effectiveness against the resurgent Taliban.
On my last day in Afghanistan, I saw three small children pressing against the security fence at Fire Base Tycz. They
were asking for candy. Those kids are growing up amid the Taliban and will likely be recruited to join them. In a few
short years they'll be choosing between trying to blow up buildings in New York or trying to build peaceful lives in
Afghanistan.
They're the new front in this war, and we need to deploy serious resources to protect them - which will protect us.
Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and its subcommittee on state,
foreign operations and related programs.
| Here is something that I got from Stephen |
S.F. SWEATSHIRTS: Vahan would like to know if anyone is interested in purchasing a SF white sweatshirt (my
favorite design) let him know. In order to get the $23.00 price 12 must be ordered and he is ordering 4. Call him
(Vahan) 482-7495. He will bring a sample one to the Christmas dinner.