Special Forces Association
Chapter 89

On April 25, 2009 Special Forces Association (SFA) Chapter 89 held a Dedication Ceremony and unveiled it Special Forces Memorial Monument at the California Department of Veterans Affairs Cemetery at Igo, CA. This Monument is dedicated to all Special Forces troops, past and present.

The Ceremony was opened by Master of Ceremonies and President of Chapter 89 Major John Cleckner, USSF (Ret.) with the Presentation of the colors by Semper Fi II and the Pledge of Allegiance. Reverend Don Mangrum lead our opening prayer.

Opening remarks were given by Secretary Johnson of the California Department of Veterans Affairs, Steve Jorgensen, Administrator of the California Department of Veterans Affairs Cemetery and Special Forces Association President Ron McCan. Roger "Yellow Knife" Cauthen honored us with his Native American Indian Blessing.

Former POW and Medal of Honor recipient John Cavaiana, CSM, (R) was our keynote speaker. He and Chapter Treasurer Bob Maraviov, SFA Member of the Year unveiled the Monument.

The SFA Chapter thanks the many participants and attendees, with special thanks to Mona Lamont, Steve Jorgensen, MSG Joe Hoffman, USMC (R), MIAP & PGR Major Fred Salanti USA (R), Semper Fi II, the California National Guard and their Team Leader Cathy Strudle, Director Dan Warner and the Redding Riverside Chorus for singing the "Ballad of the Green Beret" and "God Bless America"

A part of the cemetery has plans for a Special Forces Memorial Monument in the State of California in the Northern California Veterans Cemetery by the members of Special Forces Association, Chapter 89. Chapter 89's committee applied for and attained and then designed the Special Forces monument. The Monument's location has been set and the design has been approved by the CA Veterans Cemetery Commission. We are proud to see the completion of the 1st California State Veterans Cemetery.

The SF Memorial Monument after the unveiling and dedication.

A Gathering of Green Berets: FRONT ROW (L-R): Don Magnum, Ken Rose (CH-71), MAJ(R) Jim Taylor (MOH), Jon Cavaiana (MOH/POW),John Cleckner, Bob Maraviov, Ron McCan. BACK ROW: (L-R): Jack Bowles, Larry Chaston (CH-71), Scott Masterson, Jim Sorensen, Jim Wipf, Wes Fowler, LTC “Bull “ Navarro, Mel Smith, Ken Delfino (hiding)

CSM (R) Jon Cavaiana (MOH/POW) the keynote speaker for the dedication.

Chapter members and honored guests gathered pre-unveiling.