Point of Contact:
SFA Chapter 89
2370 Ellendale Road
Reno, Nevada 89503
email
OUR MISSION:
The mission of Chapter 89 of the Special Forces Association is to carry out the mission of the Special Forces Association. This is a national association of over 100 Chapters that covers the United States and a number of foreign countries where conclaves of Special Forces troops live.
Locally, Chapter 89, formed in 2005, is emphasizing education about Special Forces, promotion of youth leadership and education in both civilian and military careers, participating with local veteran organizations (MOPH, MOAA, and American Legion) and civilian organizations such as the Lions Club annual Veterans Day parade. We all share a common camaraderie and fellowship within the community and are often called upon to participate in Civic Activities.
Some of the programs initiated in the last three years include:
The Annual Los Molinos High School Scholarship Program. Allen Johnson, our memorial Chapter namesake, died under heroic circumstances in Afghanistan in 2005. A 1991 graduate of Los Molinos High School, we thought it appropriate to sponsor a scholarship in his name. Chasity Eaton and Jenny Johnson brought a proposal to the Chapter for a Scholarship Program and it was unanimously accepted. The Scholarship committee members are: Chasity, Jenny, Doris Cleckner, Susan Houston and President Cleckner. With donations from Chapter members, fund raising, and yard sales by the committee, three outstanding graduates received $300.00 scholarships to Junior College and four year institutions in 2008.
SFA & ROTC Award of Excellence Program. This awards program is developed jointly by the Special Forces Association and the U.S. Army ROTC//JROTC Command. In November 2007, SFA Chapter 89 made the decision to sponsor this special program.
Annual Programs, Wreath Across America, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and World Wide Echo Taps programs at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery at Igo, CA. These National Veterans programs are presented by the California Veterans Cemetery Commission and by invitation, SFA Chapter 89 has been asked to participate in each year’s programs since the Chapters inception.
Veterans Day Parade. Chapter 89 is an integral part of the annual Shasta County Veterans Day Parade and participates in the annual event with the local Lions Clubs and other Veterans Service Organizations. We always have a float on the ground, and the Chapter arranged for a C-17 fly over from the Air Force this year thanks to Chapter Member Bob Maraviov. By providing experienced ground control from an experienced Chapter member, the pilot is able to lay out his route and timing. This stunning display of this huge jet is a thriller not many people get to see.
Special Forces Memorial Monument. Special Forces Chapter 89 officers embarked on a joint effort to construct the first North California Veterans Cemetery. It was completed in 2005 in Igo, CA.
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. Pictures and information of the monument site and construction are in our photo gallery.
Civic Projects. Chapter 89 has participated in the planning, fund raising, and execution of many Civic projects in its geographical area. The list of accomplishments by Chapter 89 members is significant. The Northern California Veterans Cemetery, the Northern California Veterans Home, the Redding VAOPC, the renovations of the Redding Veterans Memorial Grove and the renovation of the Shasta Lake Veterans Memorial are just a few of the Chapter’s accomplishments or the contributions of its members to the local area.
Missing In America Project (MIAP). MIAP arranges for burials of Veteran Heroes whose remains were found in mortuaries, which had not been claimed by their families.
Special Forces Association Chapter 89, was invited to participate in the Memorial Services in Honor of United States Army Captain, Donald Wendel Smith, WWII. On November 18, 2009 John Cleckner Sr. and Robert Maraviov represented the Chapter for the service and internment of Captain Smith’s unclaimed remains. The day’s Memorial Service honored 15 heroes who had been forgotten, some for over 100 years. Services and internment were held at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, CA.
Chapter 89 will continue to excel and report back on its accomplishments.
