Matt in TN

If you haven't seen them already, scores from the day matches are posted here: 5k: https://practiscore.com/results/html/feb76616-2136-448a-9c0f-a77e86ea6245 10k: https://practiscore.com/results/html/de8b80bb-fa1b-4897-bbff-4ad7bafc1266 Ellis is old-school, so scores for the night matches were emailed out to all competitors. Pictures from Friday (Staff & VIP run day) are up at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lstennett/albums/72177720302120383 Lisa has over 3,000 pictures to go through, so it'll take some time before she publishes the rest. Shortly after those get out I'll get the official match video done and published. Thank you so much to everyone who participated!

Bring plenty of extra cash as always this weekend - we'll have at least one rifle raffle, Ashley Edgcombe's painting raffle, a few different colors of t-shirts for $25 each, a limited number of morale patches for $10 each, and stickers for $5 each. All to raise more money for the Special Forces Association, Chapter 38. Last year we netted them $20,000. We're on track to net $30,000 this year - but only with your help and generosity!

We have a lot of new challenges this year, but I haven't yet told you about the heaviest weight I'll ever ask you to carry: SFA has provided us a dog tag for every fallen soldier in 5th Group History. Pick one up before you go on your run, and carry that soldier with you on the course. Draw strength from his memory, and when you feel like quitting or slowing down think of how insignificant your struggles are compared to all he and his family went through. Honor him with your performance and perseverance. Hang that dog tag in a place of honor after you cross the finish line, then go home and learn about that soldier who went with you on the course. Tell your family and friends about him, and remember him well. Military gets first pick of the dog tags, but civilians CAN and SHOULD take part in this too. DON'T YOU DARE leave one single dog tag uncarried - no one gets left behind.

Be sure you have eye and ear protection. Yes, it sucks to run in glasses and plugs/muffs. Either deal with it, or take the extra time to put them on before you arrive at a stage. If you show up at a stage without either, you will not be allowed to shoot. Other things you probably want to have too: 1. Stopwatch to log your wait time (ROs will NOT do it for you) 2. Compass to plot your course through an unmarked section of trail (not mandatory - but will get you a shorter course) 3. Radio to listen in on enemy transmissions (not mandatory, but will help you if you can listed to the 70cm ham band)

Stage 3 (10k Only): MSG Robert W. Pittman Jr. In this stage: Defend the Canal. (18C – Engineer SGT) Honoring A Hero https://www.gwcommonwealth.com/news-top-stories/honoring-hero#sthash.71i0pAOg.dpbs “‘Hero’ is not a word I use lightly, and Robert was a hero,” said Maj. Dave Groves, who knew Pittman while serving in Afghanistan in 2010. “Robert was an absolute consummate professional. If there was a mission to go on, if there was something hard to do, Robert was the first person to volunteer. He was always leading that charge.” At 41 years old, only a few months after retiring from the Army, Pittman was killed in combat while serving as an Asymmetric Warfare Group consultant in Afghanistan in 2010. Pittman was a 1986 graduate of Greenwood High School and attended Mississippi Delta Junior College. He was the older of two children; his younger sister is named Allison. His mother and father said Pittman had always wanted to join the Army. Before he turned 21, his parents would not sign the release form for him to enlist. “We kept trying to talk him into finishing college, because he was so smart,” said Wayne. In January 1990, Pittman enlisted in the Army. When asked what motivated Pittman to join the Army, Vicki said “John Wayne. I think he watched too many John Wayne movies.” Wayne said his son did not like the idea of working inside a building or office all day to make a living. “He wanted to be outside,” he said. “That was the reason the Army was so attractive to him. He could be outside and do all the stuff that you do in the Army.” Not only did Pittman like being outside, but he had a passion for his work. After completing basic training and Airborne school, he completed Ranger school and served in the 6th Ranger Training Battalion at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. He was then assigned to the 187th Infantry Regiment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he served as an infantryman, team leader, squad leader and scout squad leader. In August 1996, Pittman attended the Special Forces engineer course, where upon completion he was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group in Fort Campbell in 1997. With the exception of a two-year assignment with the 1st Special Warfare Training Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Pittman spent the remainder of his 20-year Army career with the 5th Special Forces Group. While assigned to the 5th Special Forces, he served as a Special Forces engineer sergeant, sniper team leader, senior instructor for Phase II of the Special Forces qualification course, Special Forces operations sergeant and troop sergeant major. He retired in April 2010. Pittman had a distinguished military career, receiving numerous awards, decorations and badges. One of his awards was the Bronze Star Medal with the “V” device to denote heroism. It is the fourth highest military decoration for valor. “Robert called and said I had to get a copy of USA Today,” said Vicki. The date he said she needed to get was a few days old. “I was on a mission,” she said. “I called every motel, everybody I could think of, and finally found a place that still had copies. I accomplished my mission. I think I got all that they had.” USA Today’s Oct. 20, 2003, front page featured a story about Master Sgt. Tony Pryor, who earned the Silver Star and who was Pittman’s commander. Pittman, although unnamed in the article, is mentioned: “... seven Green Berets in the unit received Bronze Stars for valor in that fight.” He was part of a team of 26 Special Forces soldiers who raided an al-Qaeda compound in the mountains north of Kandahar the year before. Because Pittman was part of the Special Forces, his parents did not know many of the details of their son’s missions. But they were “super proud” of him, Vicki said. They did, however, find out more information after Pittman passed away. “After we learned more of what he did, my heart was just filled with pride,” said Vicki. “It was just bursting to know that he did all of that.” “In the military, Robert was always out front,” said Wayne. “Many times, if he heard shots fired, he’d run to the shots being fired.” Pittman began working with Asymmetric Warfare Group, an Army unit headquartered in Fort Meade, after he retired from the Army. “He formed his own company, Southern Eagle Consultant LLC, and he did contract work, and he was actually working for AWG as a consultant,” said Wayne. At the time of his death, Pittman was serving as an adviser to Lt. Col. David Flynn’s battalion in Afghanistan. The Battle of Bakersfield, including information about Pittman’s death on July 30, 2010, is included in two books — “All In: The Education of General David Petraeus” by Paula Broadwell and Lt. Gen. Daniel Bolger’s “Why We Lost.” Three died that day, and 12 were wounded. Bolger’s book features Pittman advising soldiers during his time as a contractor. His advice taught small units in contact to maneuver rapidly and not in the ways the Taliban anticipated. “Pittman argued for always seeking the harder path, not taking the obvious, inviting trail, which was invariably filled with IEDs.” Buried in Arlington, Virginia, Pittman, who lived in Clarksville, Tennessee, was survived by a wife, Melissa, and two daughters — Loren, who is now 26, and Robbie, who is now 21. “He did what he loved — being out on the field with soldiers, advising and assisting them,” said Groves. “Robert represented more than any of us who serve in this uniform could hope to represent, in my opinion.”

Stage 2 (10k Only): SGT Dustin M. Adkins In this stage: React to the helicopter crash in the water near Baghdad, Iraq. Fight from the helicopter to land to clear the area. (GSB) [My own personal note: We included this one on purpose because many times the Support folks don't get the recognition they deserve when we focus on the ODA Teams. This guy was a dentist. And died in a helicopter crash in a lake in Iraq. No one is immune.] A Defense Department press release said Sticklen and Maj. Joseph T. McCloud, 39, of Grosse Pointe Park, Mich., were killed Sunday when the CH-46 helicopter they were in went down in Anbar province west of Baghdad. Earlier this week, the military identified the other servicemen killed as Air Force Capt. Kermit Evans of Hollandale, Miss., and Army Spc. Dustin M. Adkins of Finger, Tenn. The Sea Knight helicopter they were in suffered "a power malfunction," according to the military, and landed on Lake Qadisiyah. There were 16 service members aboard. Out of fears the aircraft would tip or sink, most of them were evacuated out the back of the chopper when it touched down. Four drowned, according to military reports. The pilots managed to "surf-glide" the helicopter across the lake and up a boat ramp, a military spokesman said. One Marine was pulled from the water - it's unclear if it was Sticklen or McCloud - but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, the military said. Three service members were found after a search. Twelve others survived. Military officials said the cause of the power failure remains under investigation. https://www.pilotonline.com/military/article_57e53572-0cf4-5301-a6d0-2901302a4bb5.html

Most people have heard good stories about all of the good things SFA does, and many of our group even have personal experiences (which makes them ardent supporters). But we have a lot of new people as well, and some ask questions about how SFA Chpt 38 spends the money we donate from the match - which is perfectly reasonable in this age of shysters and crooks. So here are some facts to help you feel better about your donations and support: The Special Forces Association, Chpt 38, is a 501(c) nonprofit organization with ZERO administration costs. 100% of the money donated goes through six different accounts to fund things that support SFA’s mission: PF (Preservation of the Force and Family): This fund is used to support many family/FRG (Family Readiness Groups) programs in the unit I.e. FRG events, hail and farewells, retirement ceremonies, new comers briefs and other family oriented events. Immediate Needs: This fund is for Soldiers and their families as well as Legion veteran’s emergency needs. Some examples are: death in the family, unexpected expenses to Soldiers like car repairs and is their only vehicle available, newborn ICU emergencies, and we support the Soldier with gas money to commute to Nashville hospital, if a Soldier/veteran’s house burns down so we put them in a hotel until insurance takes over etc. Child Care: This fund supports Childcare needs for soldiers in different modes: Unit Formals, FRG briefings, New comers brief etc. Gold Star: Any needs our Gold Star families have. Also we provide support for our annual Gold Star ceremony. Catástrofe: When we have multiple casualties or any catastrophic event that affects multiple Soldiers/Vets Casualty Fund: When we have injured Soldiers or a single casualty and the family needs some type of financial support. By all means, look into it further starting here: https://sfa38.org/ And if we have anyone here who has had a personal experience with SFA and is willing to share - please don't hesitate to do so!

The full Rules & Procedures will be emailed to all competitors one week before match day, but to hit some important highlights: Shooters will be disqualified (DQ’d) and not allowed to finish the course for the following violations: having a loaded rifle anywhere EXCEPT on a shooting stage after the “beep”, dropping a loaded pistol, pointing a loaded weapon at someone, or having a Negligent Discharge (ND). It is solely the judgement of my Staff that I trust if these should occur, and if you argue with an RO you will lose. Participants will receive both a score for their run based on how long it took them to complete the course, and a score for their shooting based on how long it took them to clear each course of fire. The run score and shooting score will be equally weighted in determining the participant’s final score. This is true run-what-you-brung field-style shooting. For the most part, if you want to carry it for 5 or 10 clicks, be our guest. Any questions? Any warnings/advice for newbies from people who have been here before?

Big WIN in the sponsorship field last week: It's pretty small in an overall dollar thing, but Hoist is signing on and providing 300 bottles (1 for every competitor) of their product, This is HUGE because I've been trying for years to get a non-shooting related company as a sponsor (SF owned beer/liquor doesn't count!) , but they all back away when they find out guns are involved. Not Hoist. Full disclosure: I've never tried it. I learned about it because they sponsor a crazy Navy SEAL/ultrarunner podcast I listen to. The basics look very good though: - 3x the electrolytes of traditional sports drinks - ½ the sugar of traditional sports drinks - No high-fructose corn syrup - No artificial preservatives, sweeteners or dyes - BPA free - Kosher - Made in the USA - 6 delicious flavors Find out more at https://drinkhoist.com/

Stage 1 (10k Only): SFC Robert H. Deeks, Jr. In this stage: Treat injuries in the vehicle to stabilize your teammates. Exit the vehicle and assault the multi-story building in Somalia to clear the area. (18D – Medical SGT) True Hero https://www.teenink.com/nonfiction/heroes/article/135328/True-Hero/ Sgt. First Class Robert Deeks was attached to the 562 Green Beret unit as a combat medic in 1990’s. When Sgt. Deeks and his unit arrived in Somalia they were assigned to patrol the Somalia’s disputed border with Ethiopia. The two countries had fought a savage, decade-long war and had only a line in the sand border to show for the bloodshed. On March 3, 1993 Sgt. Deeks was driving one of his team’s soft-top Humvees, following behind another vehicle. His left wheel drove right over a buried land mine, so his body took the full force of the blast. When his teammates saw his bloody, mangled body they thought he was dead, so they began giving first aid to the other wound men, one whom had his back broken in the blast. Sgt. Deeks had been the team’s only medic so the others treated the wounded to the best of their training. As the men worked quickly to stabilize the wounded, one of them saw Deeks move. His face was covered in blood. The land mine had ripped his legs off and he lost one hand and an eye. But Sgt. Deeks was able to regain consciousness and began to instruct his follow soldiers on what first aid to give to the other wounded and him. He was a medic and his job was to save lives at all cost. The team frantically tried to contract Beledweyne, where the medical evacuation unit of the Canadian airborne was located. But their main radio was in Sgt. Deeks Humvee and was destroyed in the blast. But they finally got the backup radio working. After an hour and a half the helicopter arrived. As it lifted off with Deeks in the bay, he lost consciousness. He done all he could do for his teammates. He died as the copter landed about thirty minutes later. No U.S. Army Special Forces soldier talks about Somalia with out mentioning Bobby Deeks. The Special Forces language lab located in Fort Campbell is named after him. And Fort Campbell’s simple memorial park where a tree is planted for each Special Forces soldier who has died in action or on a training exercise, there is a tree with a plaque for Bobby Deeks.

I am excited to announce Tomahawk Strategic Solutions (https://tomahawkstrategicsolutions.com/) has signed on as a Stage Sponsor. Tomahawk personnel include Special Operations Forces (SOF) operators, corporate security experts, SWAT/ESU/Patrol officers (retired and active) hand-selected for their specialized skills and experience, and medical professionals. Tomahawk Strategic Solutions has a proven track record working with a multitude of organizations to improve their security needs. Our experience stretches across a wide spectrum of industries, including law enforcement, healthcare, education, finance, and private security. We are passionate about our work and dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals. https://tomahawkstrategicsolutions.com/media.html?wvideo=5wpps841b8

Stage 5 (5k) or 7 (10k): MSG Kelly L. Hornbeck In this stage: Crawl to your hide position in South America. Engage guerillas from the hide. (18B – Weapons SGT) Special Forces Soldier killed in Iraq https://army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=34085 While in South America fighting drug dealers for the U.S. military, Master Sgt. Kelly L. Hornbeck flew a Texas flag over his camp. When asked by a friend, retired Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Callahan, why the banner was chosen, Hornbeck replied: "When those guerrillas attack, I want them to know there's a Texan here." Hornbeck, 36, was wounded Jan. 16, 2004, when an explosive device hit his vehicle near Samarraon, Iraq. The soldier, who was stationed at Fort Carson, Colo., died two days later. Born in Selma, Ala., Hornbeck graduated high school in 1985 in Fort Worth, and left Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, after a year to join the military. "Dad was a great friend," one of Hornbeck's daughters, 11-year-old Jacqueline McCall, said at her father's funeral. "He died for his country and he was the best soldier because he was brave." Master Sgt. Kelly L. Hornbeck sent signals to his parents when he went on a classified mission. Once, through a vague letter, Hornbeck let them know that he would be out of touch for a while but that they should not worry and that he loved them very much. "My training is not only limited to that which has been bestowed on me by the mightiest military in the world but also by the greatest set of parents in the world," the 36-year-old Special Forces soldier wrote to his parents, Jeff and Camille Hornbeck of Fort Worth. "I am who I am because ya'll made me that way, and for that I thank you." Kelly Hornbeck's parents learned late last week that their only surviving child had been gravely wounded in Iraq. The Defense Department later reported that an explosive device struck his vehicle on Friday while he was on patrol with his unit south of Samarra. He died two days later at a hospital in Baghdad. On Wednesday, his parents spoke about his life, their loss and their love of country. "He was doing a job he was called to do," Camille Hornbeck said during a news conference in the front yard of their southwest Fort Worth home. "We just want to celebrate Kelly's life as a hero and to let the world know he is a special young man." Kelly was buried with full military honors. He leaves behind two daughters, Jacqueline McCall, 10, of Frederick, Md., and Tyler Rae Hornbeck, 7, of Lumber Bridge, N.C. Hornbeck graduated from Paschal in 1985. He attended Tarleton State University for one year, playing on the college's football team, before enlisting in the Army in 1987. At first he trained as an infantryman, but he was eventually promoted to drill sergeant. He volunteered for duty with the Special Forces in 1990 and served as a combat diver, a free-fall parachutist and a jump master. It was a dangerous way to make a living, his parents said. "You knew you had to function, so you put it in another place," Jeff Hornbeck said about his knowledge of the perils his son faced daily. "There was a lot of denial that something may happen. "They were always where the pot was bubbling," he added. In recent years, Kelly Hornbeck did one tour of duty in Afghanistan and was serving his second tour in Iraq when he was killed. His friends said he didn't talk much about his work during visits home. Here is an undated letter from Kelly Hornbeck to his parents: Dear Mom and Dad: If ya'll are reading this, then I am on my way to help do my part to ensure the future security of our great nation. I don't take this charge lightly or with a cavalier attitude, rather with a resolute heart and a clear conscience. I am strongly convinced that what we are doing is just and worthy of all that could be spent in the effort. I am not afraid and neither should either of you be, for I trust in my God (Psalm 23) and my training, two powerful forces that cannot be fully measured. My training is not only limited to that which has been bestowed on me by the mightiest military in the world but also by the greatest set of parents in the world. I am who I am because ya'll made me that way, and for that I thank you. If anything untoward should befall me please insure that the qualities you raised me with get passed onto my children. I love you both very much and intend to see you soon!-

The post everyone has been waiting for: HIT COUNT! The MINIMUM required hits are as follows: 5k: 50 rifle and 60 pistol 10k: 80 rifle and 60 pistol The shooting at Legion is always difficult, so I highly suggest NOT skimping on the ammo you carry so you don't run out. I personally will carry 180 rds rifle and 126 rds pistol for the 10k when I run it - and I know exactly what is coming. Night matches will use the 5k hit count as the MAXIMUM. Ellis may simplify some of the stages once he sees them on the ground if he feels it's necessary - so you MIGHT shoot a little less at night, but you will definitely not shoot more. And just because I'm a nerd, the pic shows how this year's round count compares to all the other Legion matches over the years. Keep in mind a basic Army load is SEVEN 30 rd rifle magazines (and a "double basic load" is 14!) - so while our round counts are a little higher than others, it's well under even a basic load. I'm really excited for everyone to see the stages this year. We have a very balanced match with several unique challenges, all based around remembering fallen 5th Special Forces Soldiers. I hope you're ready!

I am pleased to announce Timney Triggers is returning this year as an Obstacle sponsor. I know several people who shoot well with a terrible trigger, but it's so much easier to shoot well with a good trigger. Check out https://timneytriggers.com/ if you want to be one of the latter instead of the former.

Stage 4 (5k) or 6 (10k): SFC Nathan Chapman In this stage: As you approach a checkpoint in Khost, Afghanistan, react to the attack that mortally wounded SFC Chapman. Eliminate the enemy, avenge Chapman, and gather intel about bin Laden and Taliban commander Jalaluddin Haqqani’s location in the mountains outside of town, then radio it in to HQ. (18E – Communications SGT) Born into a military family, Chapman was born at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland where his father was stationed. He graduated high school from Centerville High School in Ohio and was active with the wrestling team. He immediately joined the Army and went to Ft. Benning for Basic, Advanced Infantry Training and Ranger training before being assigned to the 2nd Ranger Bn at Ft. Lewis, Washington. In December of 1989, Chapman participated in the invasion of Panama during Operation Just Cause and parachuted into the airfield at Rio Hato, where the Rangers seized the airfield and took down Manuel Noriega’s beach house which had a headquarters in the upper floors. In 1991, Chapman would once again go into combat during Desert Storm in January 1991. Later that year, he volunteered for Special Forces training and attended SFAS, and the Special Forces Qualification Course at Ft. Bragg, NC. He graduated in December 1992 as an 18E (Communications Sergeant) and then attended the Defense Language Institute’s Tagalog course, finishing in June of 1993. Chapman was assigned to the 3rd Bn, 1st SFG(A) in July of 1993 and served on ODAs A-185 and A-195. During 1995, he went with his unit to Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy. In 1998, Chapman was assigned to 1st Bn, 1st SFG(A) on Okinawa and served there for three years. He returned to Ft. Lewis and the 3/1 SFG in 2001. After 9/11 he volunteered for a special mission in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Before he left, he told his wife that his chances of returning were 50/50. They took a family photo and he gave her a heart pendant that they broke so that each could take half. But after arriving in the country, his odds of surviving got better. The Americans with Northern Alliance allies and massive U.S. air support battered the Taliban and bottled them and al-Qaeda up in Tora Bora including Osama bin Laden. On the fateful day of January 4, Chapman was with a group of 25 Special Operators, CIA men and their Afghan allies commanded by Zakim Khan Zadran. Team Hotel consisted of three Green Berets, two CIA Paramilitary Officers, and one CIA Contractor. When they arrived in Khost, they were met by Afghans loyal to Padsha Khan Zadran, who, although are unrelated belong to the same clan of Pashtuns who dominate the surrounding area. In a story that goes back hundreds if not a thousand years, the two warlords were locked in a jealous struggle for power and prestige. With the Taliban on the run, the power vacuum opened the door for old rivalries to take center stage. Padsha Khan Zadran ordered his men to fire on the Americans at their checkpoint in order to convince American commanders to ditch Zakim Khan Zadran and force their alliance to him. To Chapman and the other Americans, they were searching for information that both bin Laden and Taliban commander Jalaluddin Haqqani were holed up in the mountains outside of town. After the Americans had met with both warlords they set out to inspect two sites where American airstrikes had hit Taliban targets about 3 miles away. One target, a bombed-out mosque, Chapman conducted bomb assessment damage and then drove to a fort where Taliban tanks had taken a beating from U.S. airstrikes. As they approached a checkpoint manned by Padsha Khan Zadran’s men, Chapman was standing in the rear of the truck with a camera around his neck. Shots rang out, Chapman slumped in the back of the truck, severely wounded. Before he collapsed, he emptied his M-4 in the direction of the enemy. By the time they got back to where they’d left from just a short time before, he was dead. A CIA Paramilitary Officer from the Special Activities Division was wounded. The fighters loyal to Zakim Khan Zadran stated the fire came directly from the checkpoint but the other warlord disagreed. He claimed that the firing came from 50 yards away behind a half-finished mosque. He said his men had arrested a 14-year-old boy who claimed that he had fired the shots to avenge the removal of the Taliban and the bombing of the mosque. Conveniently, the boy escaped from confinement two days later and fled to Pakistan. However, witnesses identified three men who fired the shots as fighters of Padsha Khan Zadran who then also, conveniently, fled to Pakistan. Chapman’s body was returned to Washington state and he was buried about a week later in Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star with “V” device, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the United Nations Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with arrowhead, the Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Joint Meritorious Service Unit Award, the Army Superior Unit Award, the Combat Infantryman Badge second award, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Parachutist Combat Badge with bronze service star, the Special Forces Combat Divers Badge, the Special Forces Tab, the Ranger Tab, and the Royal Thai Army Parachutist Badge. He left behind his wife Renae and two children a daughter Amanda (2) and a son Brandon (1) who were too young to remember their father. The CIA honored Chapman in 2015 by unveiling a star on their Memorial Wall in his honor. https://sofrep.com/specialoperations/remembering-nathan-chapman-green-beret-cia-kia-afghanistan-2002/

Stage 3 (5k) or 5 (10k): SGM Michael B. Stack In this stage: React to a convoy attack near Baghdad, Iraq. Assault the enemy position, evacuate casualties, and reinforce your position before a counterattack. Silver Star: Awarded For Actions During Global War on Terror https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/29117 The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Major Michael Boyd Stack, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Company Sergeant Major with Company C, 2d Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, near Baghdad, Iraq, on 11 April 2004. On that date, Sergeant Major Sack's Special Forces team was traveling from Baghdad to Al Hillah, Iraq, when they came under enemy fire. His vehicle was pulling rear security for the convoy and Sergeant Major Stack immediately began to fire upon the enemy so that the others in the kill zone could escape from the hail of enemy fire. He then led a security force into the kill zone to eliminate the remaining threat and allow for the safe evacuation of casualties. After the casualties were evacuated, Sergeant Major Stack began preparation for a counterattack on the enemy position. He manned a .50 caliber machine gun to cover the elements movement toward the enemy position but, because of a damaged vehicle, the counterattack was abandoned, so Sergeant Major Stack directed a link-up with a nearby quick reaction Force and returned to Forward Operation Base 52 to refit. Knowing that the element was in danger of being attacked, he began leading the soldiers in reinforcing their position. That night, as their convoy moved toward Al Hillah, the Special Forces element was ambushed several times from several directions by a high volume of enemy fire in a multiple-kilometer kill zone. In the midst of the ambush, Sergeant Major Stack remained calm and continued to direct fire upon the enemy while keeping control of his element and allowing other vehicles to maneuver to covered and concealed positions. After seeing Sergeant Major Stack's actions, which helped to lead the Special Forces element out of the kill zone, the enemy began to concentrate fire on his vehicle. An explosion killed him instantly. Sergeant Major Stack's personal sacrifice and courage allowed the remainder of the attack t fight its way out of the ambush and ultimately, to survive the attack. His intrepid actions, at the cost of his life, exemplified the highest traditions of the military forces and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and the United States Army.

Stage 2 (5k) or 4 (10k): SFC Eugene Ashley, Jr. In this stage: React to a machine gun attack, assault 5 different positions while dealing with high explosives, illuminating the sky with mortar rounds, and calling in airstrikes to free the Lang Vei Special Forces camp and rescue your teammates. (18F – Intelligence SGT) Congressional Medal Of Honor Citation https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/eugene-ashley-jr SFC Ashley distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Detachment A-101, Company C. Sfc. Ashley was the senior Special Forces Advisor of a hastily organized assault force whose mission was to rescue entrapped U.S. Special Forces advisers at Camp Lang Vei. During the initial attack on the Special Forces camp by North Vietnamese Army forces, Sfc. Ashley supported the camp with high-explosive and illumination mortar rounds. When communications were lost with the main camp, he assumed the additional responsibility of directing air strikes and artillery support. Sfc. Ashley organized and equipped a small assault force composed of local friendly personnel. During the ensuing battle, Sfc. Ashley led a total of five vigorous assaults against the enemy, continuously exposing himself to a voluminous hail of enemy grenades, machine gun and automatic-weapons fire. Throughout these assaults, he was plagued by numerous boobytrapped satchel charges in all bunkers on his avenue of approach. During his fifth and final assault, he adjusted air strikes nearly on top of his assault element, forcing the enemy to withdraw and resulting in friendly control of the summit of the hill. While exposing himself to intense enemy fire, he was seriously wounded by machine-gun fire but continued his mission without regard for his personal safety. After the fifth assault he lost consciousness and was carried from the summit by his comrades only to suffer a fatal wound when an enemy artillery round landed in the area. Sfc. Ashley displayed extraordinary heroism in risking his life in an attempt to save the lives of his entrapped comrades and commanding officer. His total disregard for his personal safety while exposed to enemy observation and automatic-weapons fire was an inspiration to all men committed to the assault. The resolute valor with which he led five gallant charges placed critical diversionary pressure on the attacking enemy and his valiant efforts carved a channel in the overpowering enemy forces and weapons positions through which the survivors of Camp Lang Vei eventually escaped to freedom. SFC. Ashley's bravery at the cost of his life was in the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

I love it! With a plan like that, you should do well. As far as optics for the white light match - most day optics work fine at night with relatively low magnification. The higher the magnification, the more light you need to see what you're shooting at. Does your rifle light have a long enough throw?

This year I'm going to try to tell a little bit more about the men we honor with each stage. Please do take the time to read about them. Tell your friends about them. Say their names out loud and remember them well. Stage 1 of the 5k (and night matches) honors MSG Anthony R. C. Yost. In this stage: Search a building for insurgents in Mosul, Iraq. React to contact and neutralize the threats. (18Z – Operations SGT) Silver Star: Awarded For Actions During Global War on Terror https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/3876 The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Master Sergeant Anthony Ray Charles Yost, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with 3d Battalion, 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne), while assigned to Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 381 (ODA-381), 3d Battalion, 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne), FOB 51, Mosul, Iraq, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 19 November 2005, at Mosul, Iraq. Master Sergeant Yost's personal bravery and selfless actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD: Master Sergeant Anthony Ray Charles Yost distinguished himself exceptionally valorous conduct while engaged in combat operations against enemies of the United States during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, 3d Battalion, 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne), while assigned to Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 381 (ODA-381), FOB 51, Mosul, Iraq. In the early morning hours of 19 November 2005, while serving as the Detachment Operations Sergeant, Master Sergeant Yost was called into action to respond to distress calls from elements of the Iraqi Police Service and 2-1 Infantry, 172d Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) that were engaged in a furious battle with heavily armed insurgents in northeastern Mosul. In a dense urban area against determined opposition, the Iraqi Police (IP) had suffered four KIA and many more wounded while the U.S. infantry had already suffered 11 wounded, two of whom would later die of wounds. Master Sergeant Yost responded to their urgent calls for assistance by rapidly assembling his detachment and elements from the 2d Iraqi Army Division that had been trained and advised by SFODA 381. After organizing this response force and moving to the objective area, Master Sergeant Yost was informed that U.S. infantry had been engaged from multiple locations and were unable to secure and clear the house. Even rocket fire from U.S. helicopters had been unable to dislodge this determined enemy force. Without regard for his own safety, Master Sergeant Yost volunteered to lead an assault to secure the house. He quickly assembled a group of Special Forces and IA soldiers, and led them into the target house where they were rapidly engaged by insurgents, both inside as well as outside of the house. As the firefight raged, Master Sergeant Yost, accompanied by a squad of Iraqi Army Soldiers, fearlessly moved forward and entered the enemy stronghold. Once inside the house, Master Sergeant Yost led his Iraqi Soldiers on a room to room search, once again with total disregard for his own safety, and eliminated the insurgents inside the house. As he was consolidating his force, an enormous explosion from a hidden demolition charge engulfed the house, instantly reducing most of it to rubble and fatally wounding Master Sergeant Yost and several of the Iraqi Soldiers accompanying him. The corpses of seven insurgents were recovered from the rubble of the house as well as a cache containing explosives, mines, remote detonating devices, and a scoped rifle. Master Sergeant Yost died leading a group of Iraqi soldiers from the front, soldiers that he had trained. Rather than simply have the Iraqi Army unilaterally clear the house, Master Sergeant Yost voluntarily and audaciously led the assault element, going far above and beyond what was required of him as a combat advisor. Master Sergeant Yost's exceptional courage and leadership inspired the inexperienced Iraqi soldiers to follow him and assault a determined enemy that had already inflicted significant casualties on friendly forces, despite the immediate danger they faced. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the Command, Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army.

We are EIGHT WEEKS out from match day. If you haven't already, NOW would be the perfect time to start a dedicated training program. If you've never done anything like this before, google "Couch To 5k" and follow that program. If you've done this for years, continue to tweak your training program to improve your weak spots and cater to whatever match you're about to run. I, for example, am doing a modified version of this Intermediate 10k training plan (https://www.verywellfit.com/10k-training-intermediate-runner-schedule-2911612) in which I run intervals on Tuesdays, run with a metronome setting my pace on Thursdays, and do a weighted trail run on Saturdays. And of course shooting some kind of drills every weekend and a match once a month. What is everyone else doing? Share your plan here to give people ideas, or ask here if you have questions and want input!

BLUF: White light WILL be allowed on pistols for the NVG match. More details: We've had some back and forth about this recently, and I was wrong in my assumptions. It turns out that, until recently, 5th Group used white lights on their pistols almost every time they worked in the dark. By the time they got to pistol distance, "sneaking around" no longer mattered and the improved situational awareness and target ID were well worth the trade-off. So this is what we'll do here. I know a couple of you said you would withdraw if white lights were allowed on pistols in the NVG match, and I'm sorry you feel that way but completely understand - just withdraw through Practiscore and I'll take care of it with no hard feelings. Or you can always use IR on your pistol (what I do), and practice what/how you want to practice along the way. I'm sorry this wasn't clear from the beginning, but one of the difficulties with doing new things is figuring out all the details along the way. Interestingly, just recently with the higher likelihood of "near peer" enemies, the doctrine has changed. They are no longer using white light OR IR light/lasers at night, and have gone to 100% passive aiming. There's a good chance we'll have a stage using passive aiming to give everyone a glimpse of this (especially with a full moon forecast!), but having zero light emission of any kind for the whole course would just be too much to ask of everyone at this point. Maybe in the future???

You know what's crazy? We have SEVENTY FIVE volunteers spending their own money, time off work, and a significant amount of sweat, tears, and likely a little blood to help put this on this year. Coming from SIXTEEN different states all across this great country (as far as Oregon and Utah!). That's more than some matches all together - in staff only. All in exchange for a t-shirt, lunch, and a bunk in a bunkhouse. But of course that's not why they're doing it. They're doing it to be a part of something bigger than themselves. To honor the men we've lost. To cry with the Gold Star Families when they tell stories of their loved ones. To thank the men still serving. To help fund those who take care of these families. I am humbled and overwhelmed by their commitment, but NOT SURPRISED. We have the best people on the planet. THANK YOU for being you, and for all you will do to help. Be sure to thank them when you see them, as this quite literally wouldn't be possible without them. Now I just have to figure out how to manage 75 crazy monkeys all weekend long and keep them all in the right place, at the right time, and pointed in the same direction. God help me.

I'm thrilled to announce Spike's Tactical is returning yet again as a Title Sponsor. They've donated a ton over the years and really support our cause well - be sure to check them out at https://www.spikestactical.com/ if you're in the market for a great rifle! Or you can just win the match and there's a good chance you'll pick one up off the prize table. That's about as easy as becoming a Green Beret though, so...

Registration will open in TWO WEEKS on Saturday, June 11th at 10:00am Central Time. This usually sells out in literally a few minutes, so if you want in you need to make plans to be near a computer or phone right at that time. To get as many different people in as possible, I’m asking everyone to limit their registrations to ONE DAY MATCH and ONE NIGHT MATCH at the most. If you really want to be nice, register for whichever one you want to do the most, then give it a day or so to let everyone else get in and THEN register for your second match. There is a lot of room for confusion as we are running FOUR SEPARATE MATCHES on the same weekend this year. Be sure you sign up for the right match. Cash (or checks made out to Special Forces Association, Chpt 38) will only be accepted on match day to avoid any tax issues. Sorry – there is no online payment. Here are the registration links: Friday night, Sept 9, 2022: NVG Night 5k https://practiscore.com/nvg-night-5k-legion-9-11-memorial-run-n-gun-2022-clone/register Saturday, Sept 10, 2022: 5k Day Match https://practiscore.com/5k-legion-9-11-memorial-run-n-gun-2022-1/register Saturday night, Sept 10, 2022: White Light NIGHT 5k https://practiscore.com/white-light-night-5k-legion-9-11-memorial-run-n-gun-2022/register Sunday, Sept 11, 2022: 10k Day Match https://practiscore.com/10k-legion-9-11-memorial-run-n-gun-2022-1/register Staff has been contacted already, and I will be registering them ahead of time. If you think you’re staff and haven’t seen an email from me this morning, let me know.

I am very thankful to announce that Alan's Arsenal LLC is returning yet again as a Title Sponsor of the match this year. They have supported us from the beginning, so please be sure to check out their website at https://alansarsenal.3dcartstores.com/ and think of them often anytime you need parts!