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SFACON 2023 – Indianapolis
“High-Speed Low Drag”

SFA Convention
+ May 22-26, 2023 +

2023 Indianapolis 500 Presented by Gainbridge

Attendees:

Click here to sign up for the Convention

Indianapolis motor speedway is rolling out the red carpet for this year’s SFA Convention for Green Berets and their families. Plenty of perks and incentives to be a part of this great event!

  • Including FREE admission for your whole family
  • Qualification & Armed Forces Weekend – May 20-21
  • Carb Day May 26th
  • Indy 500 May 28th

SFACON2023 promises to be fast-paced and jam-packed full of fun, learning, and excitement. While honoring our brothers killed in action over the decades.

Please help us reach our financial goals to help us put on this great event.
Donate today and share this donation link page with those you feel would love to contribute but can not make it.

Below you’ll find a tentative outline of the events at the 2023 Special Forces Convention!

PLEASE watch for updates on the website as we add different excursions and other activities for our guests.  We promise this event will be unlike anything you have experienced before and have our eyes looking forward to the bright future of the Special Forces Association.

We hope to bring the Green Berets of Past and Present together to strengthen their communities and work towards the same goals!

Convention tickets are on sale now; please book your rooms today to ensure you have a place to stay – things will get packed this week- so get your rooms early.

For those that come and stay during the week of the convention, we have a LIMITED number of rooms available for Saturday and Sunday. They are half of the normal race weekend prices – you will not find them anywhere else. These will be for special guests and those participating in our parade and race extras.

Carb Day / Picnic / Party day (May 26)
For all you SNAKE eaters out there it will be
Tons of fun with live music – in the SNAKE PIT!

Vendors

We’re looking for more vendors, partners, and supporters for this event! Are you a part of an organization or business that wants to associate with and support the Quiet Professionals from the Special Forces? Please see our vendor application attached:

Link to Vendor document

Become A Sponsor?

The Special Forces Association Convention  2023 is a five-day national event to be held in Indianapolis, IN, from May 22-26 (Monday-Friday). This annual gathering of approximately 700 Green Berets celebrates the U.S. Army Special Forces (SF) seven decades of service to our nation. The event features:

Past, Present, and Future of the Green Berets both on and off the field of battle

  • Auctions,

  • civilian outreach,

  • Video archive of stories of our members,

…and the iconic Indy 500 Racetrack, including pre-and post-activities. SFACON 2023 concludes with a Regimental Banquet to honor the Green Berets’ past, present, and future. We’ll finally close out the party with our annual picnic at the Indy 500 Carb Day!

Link to Sponsorship document

Our Sponsors

Hotel Reservations

Wyndham Indianapolis West

Wyndham Indianapolis West

2544 Executive Drive,
Indianapolis, IN, 46241
317-248-2481

Note: Please stay and book in the hotel until it is full before trying to go anywhere else. We block a certain number of rooms and are on the hook for filling them. If we do not fill them we will be required to pay for them.

Room Rates: $149 +taxes a night 

For reservations checking in 05/20/2023 and checking out 05/27/2023, please use this link:

https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wyndham/indianapolis-indiana/wyndham-indianapolis-west/rooms-rates?&checkInDate=05/20/2023&checkOutDate=05/27/2023&groupCode=052023SPE_001

Room Rates: $209 +taxes a night VERY LIMITED Race weekend

Only a few rooms are ½ off what they normally charge for Indy 500 Race weekend when they sold out at this rate you will have to move hotels.  Other hotels and options are available but will be outside the Indianapolis city limits at better prices.  We will have more options once ours fill up.

For reservations checking in 05/27/2023 checking out on 05/29/2023, please use this link: 

https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wyndham/indianapolis-indiana/wyndham-indianapolis-west/rooms-rates?&checkInDate=05/27/2023&checkOutDate=05/29/2023&groupCode=052023SPE_001

Tentative Schedule

2023 Special Forces Association
Annual Convention Schedule of Events

Unofficial – FREE admission Qualifying & Armed Forces Day:

Will feature three highly competitive battles – for the last three starting positions in the field of 33, followed by two action-packed Top-12 Qualifying, and the pole-deciding Firestone Fast Six to determine the starting order of the first four rows. Free entry for all military personnel with a valid military ID.

Unofficial – FREE admission Qualifying & Armed Forces Day:

SPECIAL SUITE THIS DAY for SFA ONLY
We have 30 spots donated by Lifeline Date Center suite–
(Look at sign up page we do not have a way to stop sign ups so sign up and you will be notified if you have one of the tickets to come to the suite)

Will feature three highly competitive battles – for the last three starting positions in the field of 33, followed by two action-packed Top-12 Qualifying, and the pole-deciding Firestone Fast Six to determine the starting order of the first four rows. Free entry for all military personnel with a valid military ID.

Registration Day

Monday, May 22
For Early Arriving Attendees, Explore on Your Own
1400 2000 SFACON Registration
1800 2200 Hospitality Room Open with Cash Bar/Official Convention Opening*
1800 2200 Green Beret Marketplace Open for Business

Day 1

Tuesday, May 23
Hall of Champions (1-2) 730 830 President’s Continental Breakfast – Kevin Harry
Hall of Champions (3) 730 900 Continental Breakfast
Golden Preconvene 800 1800 SFACON Registration
Golden Ballroom 800 2200 Hospitality Room Open with Cash Bar*
Golden Ballroom 800 2200 Green Beret Marketplace Open for Business
830 900 Room Change
Fortune Square 900 1500 Video Stories – See individual room and time assignments
Hall of Champions 900 1000 SFA Symposium– BG Lawrence Ferguson – Special Forces Command
Hall of Champions 1000 1100 SFA Symposium– Col Matthew Valas – 20th Group Commander
1100 1130 Room change lunch set up
Hall of Champions 1130 1300 Lunch Buffet*
Hall of Champions 1200 1300 SFA Symposium–Lunch Buffet* with Jeff Man – NSA
1300 1330 Room change
Front of hotel 1300 1600 Motorcycle Ride with Local Participation*
Front of hotel 1300 1530 Indy Monuments & Memorials Tour*
Front of hotel 1300 1530 Indy 500 Museum/Tour*
Front of hotel 1300 1600 Museum of Art*
Hall of Champions 1330 1430 SFA Symposium– Alex Quade
Hall of Champions 1430 1530 SFA Symposium– John Armezzani
Hall of Champions 1800 2100 Welcome Dinner Buffet* Greg Stube followed by Comedian Galye Becwar

Day 2

Wednesday, May 24
Hall of Champions (1-2) 730 830 Continental Breakfast – Alex Quade Film
Hall of Champions (3) 730 900 Continental Breakfast
Golden Preconvene 800 1800 SFACON Registration
Golden Ballroom 800 2200 Hospitality Room Open with Cash Bar*
Golden Ballroom 800 2200 Green Beret Marketplace Open for Business
Front of hotel 830 1200 Dallara Indycar Factory Tour*
Hall of Champions (1-2) 830 900 Room Change
900 1500 Video Stories
Hall of Champions 900 1000 SFA Symposium– Lt. Gen. David Fridovich
Hall of Champions 1000 1100 SFA Symposium– MG Mike Repass
1100 1130 Room change lunch set up
Hall of Champions 1130 1300 Lunch Buffet*
Hall of Champions 1200 1300 SFA Symposium– Lunch talk – COL(R) Dave Maxwell
Front of hotel 1230 1600 Dallara Indycar Factory Tour*
Hall of Champions 1300 1330 Room change
Front of hotel 1300 1530 Indy Monuments & Memorials Tour*
Front of hotel 1300 1530 Indy 500 Museum/Tour*
Hall of Champions 1330 1430 SFA Symposium– Lt. Colonel Jeff Tiegs
Hall of Champions 1430 1530 SFA Symposium– MOH Master Sergeant Earl
Hall of Champions 1800 2100 Dinner Buffet* and – Silent Auction -Public invited – (possible entertainment)

Day 3

Thursday, May 25
Hall of Champions (1-2) 730 830 Continental Breakfast
Hall of Champions (3) 730 900 Continental Breakfast
Golden Preconvene 800 1800 SFACON Registration
800 2200 Hospitality Room Open with Cash Bar
800 2200 Green Beret Marketplace Open for Business
Hall of Champions (1-2) 830 900 Room Change
900 1500 Video Stories
Hall of Champions 900 1000 SFA Symposium– National Meeting
Front of hotel 1000 1230 Indy 500 Museum/Tour*
Front of hotel 1000 1500 Conner Prairie*
Hall of Champions 1000 1100 SFA Symposium– Bianca Baldwin
1100 1130 Room change lunch set up
Hall of Champions 1130 1300 Lunch Buffet*
Hall of Champions 1130 1230 SFA Symposium– MSG Geoffrey, Dardia
Hall of Champions 1230 1330 SFA Symposium– Dr. Alice Atalanta
Front of hotel 1300 1530 Indy 500 Museum/Tour*
Front of hotel 1300 1600 Museum of Art*
Hall of Champions 1330 1430 SFA Symposium– Dr. Erik Won
Hall of Champions 1430 1530 SFA Symposium– Admiral Brian Losey
1530 1800 Room change
TBD 1700 1800 Social Hour
Hall of Champions 1800 2000 Dinner Banquet* MC- LT Col Mitch Utterback Keynote – Scott Mann
Hall of Champions 2000 2200 After Dinner Special by Scott Mann (Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret)

Day 4

Lottie Dottie everybody field trip to the track

Friday, may 26
Hall of Champions (1-2) 730 900 Continental Breakfast
800 900 Green Beret Marketplace Closes
Hall of Champions (1-2) 800 900 General Session with Closing remarks
Front of hotel 900 1000 Bus to “Carb Day at the Indy 500” – Time Subject to Change
Indy Motor Speedway 1000 1130 Arrive at “Carb Day at the Indy 500” – Time Subject to Change
Indy Motor Speedway 1130 1330 Gold Star Picnic at “Carb Day at the Indy 500” Speaking COL Ken Hurst
Indy Motor Speedway 1330 1530 “Carb Day at the Indy 500” party day – Time Subject to Change
Indy Motor Speedway 1600 1800 “SNAKE PIT” CarbDay Concert
TBD – 1700 Bus to Memorial Service – (we are finalizing this, subject to chage)
Downtown Indy 1830 1930 American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service – Time Subject to Change
2000 ——- Conference officially ends

Unofficial Day–

Indy Festival activities including Parade and others (look for sign up) https://www.500festival.com/parade/

The day before the Indy 500 is going to be a fun one! Get access to the star drivers of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with the full field autograph session and the Public Drivers’ Meeting as drivers receive their final instructions before Race Day. Plus, your favorite Indy 500 veterans will have an autograph session of their own! TICKETS STARTING AT $10.00 View event.

UnofficialIndy 500 May 28th– FREE admission

(Normally $40 – FREE ADMISSION ONLY FOR VETERANS THAT PARTICIPATE IN THE PRE-RACE CEREMONY (I.E. ON THE TRACK ITSELF WEARING CONVENTION SHIRT)

Participants: 

  • Will parade the front strip at the track before the race.
  • 86 people can be in a parade lap around the track in a truck (uniformed first then what’s left we can fill in up to 86)
  • Wear the convention shits and berets!!
  • Transportation on your own
  • We can get tickets to the Indy 500 race for everyone that stays and participates (tickets will include spouse + families)
  • General admonition ticket (north 40 tickets)
  • Track Bucks get a FREE meal to concession stand dollars.https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500 It’s the buzz of energy in the Indiana air. It’s the sense of pride racing through your heart. It’s that feeling connecting you to “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” It’s time to come Back Home Again Sunday, May 28 for the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.

SPEAKERS

Keynote Speaker

Scott Mann - Keynote Speaker

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Scott Mann is a former U.S. Army Green Beret with tours all over the world including Colombia, Iraq, and multiple tours in Afghanistan. He is a warrior storyteller and the founder of Rooftop Leadership where he shares the rapport-building skills he learned in Special Forces to help today's leaders make better human connections in high-stakes, low-trust engagements.

Scott is the author of the instant New York Times Best-Seller, Operation Pineapple Express, a third-person narrative detailing the harrowing stories of the veterans, volunteers, and Afghan Allies who navigated the US abandonment of Afghanistan in August of 2021. The Gary Sinise Foundation has also partnered up with Scott to bring his play, Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret
- Click for more

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Scott Mann is a former U.S. Army Green Beret with tours all over the world including Colombia, Iraq, and multiple tours in Afghanistan. He is a warrior storyteller and the founder of Rooftop Leadership where he shares the rapport-building skills he learned in Special Forces to help today's leaders make better human connections in high-stakes, low-trust engagements.

Scott is the author of the instant New York Times Best-Seller, Operation Pineapple Express, a third-person narrative detailing the harrowing stories of the veterans, volunteers, and Afghan Allies who navigated the US abandonment of Afghanistan in August of 2021. The Gary Sinise Foundation has also partnered up with Scott to bring his play, Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret

to the legendary theater Steppenwolf, as well as to stages across the country in an effort provide healing to our Veterans and Families of the Fallen, as well as providing insight to our citizens on the personal cost of the longest war in our Nation’s history.

Scott’s greatest accomplishments are his family; he has three grown sons which now gives him the newfound opportunity to chase Monty, his wife of 27 years, around their Tampa home as often as possible. To learn more about Scott’s full body of work, visit ScottMann.com

Jeff Tiegs

Jeff Tiegs is a Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Expert with over 25 years of service in the U.S. Army Special Operations. He has commanded units during combat operations around the globe including Panama, Iraq and Afghanistan. Jeff has a Master’s Degree from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island and has earned numerous military decorations including the Ranger and Special Forces Tabs, Special Forces Combat Diver Badge and the Military Freefall Badge
-Click for more

Jeff Tiegs is a Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Expert with over 25 years of service in the U.S. Army Special Operations. He has commanded units during combat operations around the globe including Panama, Iraq and Afghanistan. Jeff has a Master’s Degree from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island and has earned numerous military decorations including the Ranger and Special Forces Tabs, Special Forces Combat Diver Badge and the Military Freefall Badge. He has also received numerous awards including five bronze stars for distinguished service during combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and a silver star award for valor during combat in Iraq. In addition to combat experience, his non-traditional assignments were influential at the policy and strategy levels of the U.S. government.

David Maxwell

David Maxwell is a retired US Army Special Forces Colonel and has spent more than 30 years in Asia as a practitioner and specializes in North Korea and East Asian Security Affairs and irregular, unconventional, and political warfare. He is the Editor of Small Wars Journal and a Senior Fellow at the Global Peace Foundation (where he focuses on a free and unified Korea), and a Senior Advisor to the Center for Asia Pacific Strategy.

David Maxwell is a retired US Army Special Forces Colonel and has spent more than 30 years in Asia as a practitioner and specializes in North Korea and East Asian Security Affairs and irregular, unconventional, and political warfare. He is the Editor of Small Wars Journal and a Senior Fellow at the Global Peace Foundation (where he focuses on a free and unified Korea), and a Senior Advisor to the Center for Asia Pacific Strategy.

BG Lawrence Gilbert (Gil) Ferguson

BG Lawrence Gilbert (Gil) Ferguson is a career Special Forces Officer from Terry, Mississippi. Gil attended the US Air Force Academy and upon graduation in 1990 cross-commissioned into the Army as an infantry officer. Following a tour at Fort Campbell, KY, Gil separated from service for several years, returned to graduate school where he earned an M.A. in American History from Mississippi College and was a schoolteacher before returning to active duty as a Special Forces Officer. Upon returning to Active Service Gil served with 7th Special Forces Group as a Detachment Commander and Headquarters Company Commander.
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BG Lawrence Gilbert (Gil) Ferguson is a career Special Forces Officer from Terry, Mississippi. Gil attended the US Air Force Academy and upon graduation in 1990 cross-commissioned into the Army as an infantry officer. Following a tour at Fort Campbell, KY, Gil separated from service for several years, returned to graduate school where he earned an M.A. in American History from Mississippi College and was a schoolteacher before returning to active duty as a Special Forces Officer. Upon returning to Active Service Gil served with 7th Special Forces Group as a Detachment Commander and Headquarters Company Commander.
While at Staff College Gil assessed for 1st SFOD-D where he served as a Troop Commander, Squadron Commander and Deputy Commander. He later commanded 10th Special Forces Group.

Gil has served as an operations officer in the Joint Staff J37 Deputy Directorate for Special Operations; Executive Officer to the CG, US Army Special Operations Command; Chief of Staff at 1st Special Forces Command and US Army Special Forces Command; ADC-O at the 82nd Airborne Division and Director of Operations for CJTF-OIR. He currently serves as the DCG-O for 1st Special Forces Command. Gil has Special Operations experience throughout Latin America, the Middle East and Europe.

Gil and his wife of 28 years, Renee’, have three sons: Lawrence (22), Duncan (20) and Dylan (18). Lawrence is a senior at CU-Boulder where he is an MS4 in Army ROTC. Duncan is a sophomore at UNG where he is an MS2 in Army ROTC. Dylan is a Freshman at Savannah College of Art and Design where he is studying sound design. All three boys grew up playing a variety of sports to include golf, track, soccer and football. Their family enjoys a multitude of outdoor family activities to include snow-skiing, shooting, swimming and hiking.

Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee

MOH Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee was born in Clinton, Oklahoma. He grew up working on his family’s cattle ranch and oil field instrument company.

He began his military career by joining the Oklahoma National Guard, serving in the 45th Field Artillery Brigade as a rocket artilleryman (13M) during his junior year of high school. After graduating high school in 2000, Plumlee joined the United States Marine Corps. He attended boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California and Marine Corps School of Infantry. Plumlee was then assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, located in Kaneohe, Hawaii, where he served his first enlistment in a weapons platoon.

-Click for more

Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee was born in Clinton, Oklahoma. He grew up working on his family’s cattle ranch and oil field instrument company.

He began his military career by joining the Oklahoma National Guard, serving in the 45th Field Artillery Brigade as a rocket artilleryman (13M) during his junior year of high school. After graduating high school in 2000, Plumlee joined the United States Marine Corps. He attended boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California and Marine Corps School of Infantry. Plumlee was then assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, located in Kaneohe, Hawaii, where he served his first enlistment in a weapons platoon.

Plumlee deployed to Okinawa, Japan, after the 9/11 attacks occurred. He was sent to Bahrain and served on a Marine Security Element to the 5th Fleet. In 2003, he was deployed to Zamboanga, Philippines, to the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines on Camp Navarro. After returning from this deployment, Plumlee attended the 4th Force Reconnaissance, Recon Indoctrination Program, and was selected to attend the Marine’s Amphibious Reconnaissance Course and became a Basic Reconnaissance Marine. Afterwards, Plumlee attended and graduated from Navy SERE School, Basic Airborne School, the Marine Corps High Risk Personnel Course, and Marine Combat Dive School. Upon returning to the 4th Force Recon, he volunteered for a deployment to Iraq with the 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company.

Plumlee was deployed to Iraq’s Al Anbar region, operating from the Al Asad Airfield from August 2005 to February 2006. Upon returning from this deployment, he attended Military Free Fall School. From there, he was promoted to Recon team leader. In 2007, he married his wife, Terrie. Following his wedding, Plumlee volunteered to deploy to Iraq again in 2008. During this deployment, he was selected and recognized as the Marine Corps Recon Team Leader of the Year. After returning from Iraq, Plumlee decided to make a change in his career trajectory and joined the U.S. Army under the 18X program in January 2009. Upon successful completion of the Special Forces Assessment and Selection, he was chosen to attend the Special Forces Qualification Course, where he had the unique opportunity to attend SERE School for a second time.

In 2009, successfully graduated SFQC as a Special Forces weapons sergeant (18B) and was assigned to 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). There, he served in various rotations through the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. Plumlee deployed to Afghanistan in April 2013, where his unit was tasked with conducting stability operations. Later in this deployment, he was located at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, which was subject to a complex attack on Aug. 28, 2013.

After returning from Afghanistan, Plumlee completed nine months of physical rehabilitation, while continuing to serve in the 4th Battalion, 1st SFG (A).

In 2015, Plumlee was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, with the 1st Battalion, 1st SFG (A), where he served in the INDOPACOM-Crisis Response Force. There he served on foreign details for President Obama and President Trump. In 2018, he was selected for promotion to master sergeant and ended his time in Okinawa. He and his family returned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, where he served in the 1st SFG (A) headquarters. In August 2020, he was selected to become a team sergeant at 3rd Battalion 1st SFG (A), where he continues to serve.

His awards and decorations include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, two Navy Achievement Medals, the Combat Action Ribbon, four Army Good Conduct Medals, two Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Device, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device, three Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, four Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, the NATO Medal, two Navy Unit Commendations, Marine Corp Combatant Dive Badge, the Marine Unit Commendation, the Special Forces Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Military Free-Fall Parachute Badge and the Indonesian Parachutist Badge.

Michael S. Repass, CEO Major General (Retired, U.S. Army)

Michael S. Repass is the Chief Executive Officer for Able Global Solutions LLC which he founded in 2013 after retiring from the Army. AGS focuses on international business development to match emerging technology and proven products with potential clients. AGS also examines trends and environments for strategic perspectives.

- Click for more

Michael S. Repass is the Chief Executive Officer for Able Global Solutions LLC which he founded in 2013 after retiring from the Army. AGS focuses on international business development to match emerging technology and proven products with potential clients. AGS also examines trends and environments for strategic perspectives.
Mike Repass’ military career began in 1980 upon graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. He served an infantry officer and over 30 years as a Special Forces officer. He commanded at every level in Special Forces from captain to major general. He commanded tactical units in the 5th Special Forces Group; the 1st Special Forces Group in Japan, then Commanded the 10th Special Forces Group. He commanded the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Arabian Peninsula during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM for two combat tours. He was the Commanding General for both U.S. Army Special Forces Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, Europe in successive tours.
Mike Repass received a bachelor’s degree in science from the USMA in 1980 and a master’s degree in strategic studies in 2003 from the U.S. Army War College.
His awards include: two Army Distinguished Service Medals, Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars; the Combat and Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Parachutist’s and Air Assault badges, and Ranger and Special Forces tabs. He has multiple foreign decorations, accomplishment badges, and awards from the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Ukraine.
In his post-military life, has served as an adjunct instructor on a mobile education team working with European and African nations on national security policy education. He has worked with Ukrainian military forces since 2016 as an instructor and a strategic advisor.
A native of West Virginia, Mike Repass is married to the former Linda L. Rainey from Sheboygan, Wisconsin. They reside in Belle Isle, Florida.

LTG (RET) David P. Fridovich

LTG David P. Fridovich is a retired Lieutenant General and Green Beret in the United States Army. He graduated in 1974 from Knox College where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. He then went on to receive a master’s degree in political science from Tulane University in 1976. After graduation, LTG Fridovich was commissioned an infantry Second Lieutenant. He served as a Rifle and Reconnaissance Platoon Leader - Click for More

LTG David P. Fridovich is a retired Lieutenant General and Green Beret in the United States Army. He graduated in 1974 from Knox College where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. He then went on to receive a master’s degree in political science from Tulane University in 1976. After graduation, LTG Fridovich was commissioned an infantry Second Lieutenant. He served as a Rifle and Reconnaissance Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and Light Infantry Company Commander with the 172nd Light Infantry Brigade, Fort Richardson, Alaska. He was appointed Assistant Professor of Military Science at Norwich University, where he trained the Mountain Cold Weather Cadre and Rescue Team.

LTG Fridovich Commanded the Combine/Joint Special Operations Task Force in Operation Joint Forge, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, from January through July 2000. He assumed command of the 1st Special Forces Group(AIRBORNE) in August of 2000. There, he led the Army Special Operations Task Force, Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines, Zamboanga, Republic of the Philippines from January through June of 2002. In January of 2005, LTG Fridovich assumed duties as Commander, Special Operations Command, Pacific. He subsequently assumed duties as the Director, Center of Special Operations, U.S. Special Operations Command in 2007, and became deputy Commander in May 2010.
LTG Fridovich retired on November 14, 2011 after more than 37 years of service in the U.S. Army. At the time of his retirement, he was the senior Green Beret in the Army.

War Reporter

Alex Quade

War reporter and documentary filmmaker Alex Quade started her career at the White House during the Persian Gulf War. She’s worked in television covering global conflicts and hostile environments for CNN, FOX, CBS, HLN, APTN and CNNI out of Frankfurt and Berlin, Germany, New York and Atlanta ( Alex Quade - IMDb ). - Click for more

--- ALEX QUADE ---
War reporter and documentary filmmaker Alex Quade started her career at the White House during the Persian Gulf War. She’s worked in television covering global conflicts and hostile environments for CNN, FOX, CBS, HLN, APTN and CNNI out of Frankfurt and Berlin, Germany, New York and Atlanta ( Alex Quade - IMDb ). She’s produced videos and reports for The New York Times; front page stories for The Washington Times, Military Times, and Small Wars Journal; and magazine cover features for National Guard, Communicator, and Dangerous Assignments. She’s the recipient of more than two dozen journalism awards. Among them: two national Edward R. Murrow Awards, the national Defense Media Award for her career covering special operations, an International Aerospace Media Award, group Emmy, Peabody and Columbia du-Pont Awards, and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s Excellence in Journalism Award “for her courageous reporting and honest news coverage". For more info or to contact: http://alexquade.com/ ( Alex Quade — Communications Professional )
Dr. Mental Health

Dr. Alice Atalanta

Dr. Atalanta has spent nearly a decade working in support of the Special Operations community, with special emphasis on the Green Beret community. A sought-after ghostwriter, collaborator, and editor, the words you find on bookstore shelves, online, or in other communications from your favorite Special Operations inspirational figure may very well be hers.

Dr. Atalanta has spent nearly a decade working in support of the Special Operations community, with special emphasis on the Green Beret community. A sought-after ghostwriter, collaborator, and editor, the words you find on bookstore shelves, online, or in other communications from your favorite Special Operations inspirational figure may very well be hers. She publishes her own work, as well, having most recently co-authored “Meditations of an Army Ranger: A Warrior Philosophy for Everyone” with LTC JC Glick; and of her numerous viral eponymous online compositions, her essay “We Are the Useful Idiots: How Our Nation Divided Is Playing Straight Into the Hands of Our Greatest Enemies” earned the distinction of Havok Journal’s Article of the Year. She is founder and CEO of SOFXLE (www.sofxle.com), a consultancy bringing Special Operations strategies for mindset, resilience, and no-fail mission success to America’s Law Enforcement community. A trusted writer for, supporter of, and friend to the Green Beret Foundation, Dr. Atalanta owes her career in large part to the Green Berets who have opened their minds, experiences, and worlds up to her.

In her SFACON 2023 talk, “The Hidden Gifts of the Green Beret,” Dr. Atalanta shares the key life lessons she has learned from the Green Berets with whom she has been blessed to collaborate—and hopes to give back to this magnificent community of strength an awareness of the gifts that they bring to bear when they transition back to the civilian world.

You can find her at www.aliceatalanta.com, www.sofxle.com, or [email protected] .

Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation (TFDSOF) Founding Director TFDSOF Health Initiatives Program

MSG Geoffrey, Dardia

A volunteer at Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation (TFDSOF)

Founding Director TFDSOF Health Initiatives Program

The Task Force Dagger Foundation Health Initiative Program started with Geoff Dardia, a career Special Forces soldier, in 2013.

A volunteer at Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation (TFDSOF)

Founding Director TFDSOF Health Initiatives Program

The Task Force Dagger Foundation Health Initiative Program started with Geoff Dardia, a career Special Forces soldier, in 2013. His story started like many others: he was “banged up” physically, mentally, and emotionally. Facing divorce, medical retirement, deep depression, and suicidal ideation, he refused to accept standard of care and refused to believe a large portion of his symptoms were “all in his head.”

Geoff sought care outside the conventional medical system. He started a transformational health experience that he later continued with the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine with Dr Mark Hyman MD, at the flagship clinical care and research facility for the Institute of Functional Medicine.

Greg Stube

● Enlisted to US Army Infantry in July, 1988.
● Selected for 18D in November, 1992.
● Stube served as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant (18D), until retirement, July, 2011
● Foreign language training - Russian
● Received additional skill training as a Dive Medical Technician at the Special Forces Underwater Operations Facility in Key West, FL.
● SERE Qualified (Survival, Evasion,
● Master Parachutist Badge awarded

FOX news
Green Beret: The Left is wrong. I am a warrior. Not a victim
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/green-beret-the-left-is-wrong-i-am-a-warrior-not-a-victim

Click for more

● Enlisted to US Army Infantry in July, 1988.
● Selected for 18D in November, 1992.
● Stube served as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant (18D), until retirement, July, 2011
● Foreign language training - Russian
● Received additional skill training as a Dive Medical Technician at the Special Forces Underwater Operations Facility in Key West, FL.
● SERE Qualified (Survival, Evasion,
● Master Parachutist Badge awarded
● Participated in initial development of Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat training doctrine and 10th SFG(A) SFAUC course.
● Multiple Liaison Team and Joint Commission Observer missions in Bosnia and Kosovo in the 90s
● Wounded in Afghanistan during Operation Medusa / The Battle of Sperwan Ghar, which lasted over a week.
● Stube has since retired with 23 years of service, to become the host of his own television show on NBC Sports, “Coming Home with Greg Stube.” Since the conclusion of the tv series, he has developed what he calls “Lessons Learned from the Battlefield,” to give these products back to society through youth development, business consulting and Law Enforcement training.
● For over a decade, Stube has served as a leadership presenter for the FBI and the FBI National Academy, the DEA, the NYPD Homicide Detective’s Academy and many other agencies and major corporate entities.
● Wrote CONQUER ANYTHING; A Green Beret’s Guide to Building Your A-Team
● Author, James Patterson, included Stube in his recent Best Seller, Walk in my Combat Boots. The New York Post chose Stube’s story to lead its article introducing Patterson’s new book.
“Silver Star” Surviving Spouse of Major Darren R. Baldwin

Bianca Baldwin

Mrs. Bianca Baldwin is the “Silver Star” Surviving Spouse of Major Darren R. Baldwin and a Caregiver Advocate for the Special Forces community. She earned her degrees in Special Education from the Justus-Liebig-University in Giessen, Germany before becoming a military spouse.
Mrs. Baldwin committed her time, prior to Major Baldwin’s sustained combat injuries, to the respective Family Readiness Groups of SWCS in Fort Bragg, NC, and 10th SFG (A) in Fort Carson, CO throughout his military career.

Mrs. Bianca Baldwin is the “Silver Star” Surviving Spouse of Major Darren R. Baldwin and a Caregiver Advocate for the Special Forces community. She earned her degrees in Special Education from the Justus-Liebig-University in Giessen, Germany before becoming a military spouse.
Mrs. Baldwin committed her time, prior to Major Baldwin’s sustained combat injuries, to the respective Family Readiness Groups of SWCS in Fort Bragg, NC, and 10th SFG (A) in Fort Carson, CO throughout his military career. She has been a spokesperson and advocate for injured Green Berets and their spouses prior to Major Baldwin”s passing and since as she dedicated her life to longterm caregiving of Major Baldwin for over 15 years. Mrs Baldwin also serves as the Vice President on the Board of Directors for the Major Darren Baldwin Legacy Foundation and is currently working on completion of her End-of-life Doula Specialist certification.
Mrs. Baldwin was awarded the United States Army Superior Public Service Medal, the Army Commander’s Award for Public Service Medal, and was honored as the first “Keeper of the Brave” recipient by the Green Beret Foundation in 2017.
CEO Wave Neuroscience

Dr. Erik Won

Dr. Erik Won is President and Chief Medical Officer of Wave Neuroscience, Inc; a biotechnology company that has innovated breakthrough technologies called Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT) and Synchronized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (sTMS). These technologies utilize computational neuroanalytics and brain imaging to customize treatment protocols with the aim of restoring optimal neurological function. These modalities represent a form of personalized precision-guided medicine that has been researched or is currently in clinical trials with premier institutions such as US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM),
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Dr. Erik Won is President and Chief Medical Officer of Wave Neuroscience, Inc; a biotechnology company that has innovated breakthrough technologies called Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT) and Synchronized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (sTMS). These technologies utilize computational neuroanalytics and brain imaging to customize treatment protocols with the aim of restoring optimal neurological function. These modalities represent a form of personalized precision-guided medicine that has been researched or is currently in clinical trials with premier institutions such as US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), Uniformed Services University Health Sciences (USUHS), the Henry M Jackson Foundation, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the University of Southern California (USC) Center for Neurorestoration, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) - David Geffen School of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine, Brown University - Warren Alpert School of Medicine, and the Texas A&M Institute for Bioscience and Technology, among others. Erik joined Wave Neuroscience after serving as the Chief Physician and Chief Technology Officer (Health Services) for the Boeing Company. He also served as a US Navy Flight Surgeon for Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268, and received the distinction of serving as the ACE (Aviation Combat Element) Flight Surgeon for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. Dr. Won has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, and presented in numerous academic conferences. He completed his residency at the Harvard OEM combined residency program and was appointed Chief Resident. He received a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the Harvard School of Public Health and Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business.
Comedian Magician

Gayle Becwar

Gayle Becwar has shared the stage with prop comedian Carrot Top, country CMA award winning band Sawyer Brown, comedian Bill Engvall (from the “Blue Collar Comedy Tour”), the musical group Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, comedian Kevin Farley, comedian Michael Winslow (the man of 10,000 Voices), and also in a series of shows with the late legendary comedienne Phyllis Diller.

Gayle Becwar has shared the stage with prop comedian Carrot Top, country CMA award winning band Sawyer Brown, comedian Bill Engvall (from the “Blue Collar Comedy Tour”), the musical group Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, comedian Kevin Farley, comedian Michael Winslow (the man of 10,000 Voices), and also in a series of shows with the late legendary comedienne Phyllis Diller.

Becwar has taped “clean” television performances for HBO and Showtime Television.
He’s performed at comedy clubs and casinos nationwide including: The Las Vegas “V” Theatre, the Las Vegas Rio, MGM, Excalibur, Flamingo Casinos, Hollywood’s world famous Magic Castle, The Los Angeles Comedy Store, and Bud Friedmann’s Improvisation Comedy Club.
Gayle Becwar’s quick wit, sharp memory, and likable ad-libbing style, full of audience participation makes each of his performances exciting and special.
His college degree in Broadcasting, Speech, and Advertising, contributes to his professionalism, as well as a warm and engaging rapport with his audience.

COMMANDER, 20TH SPECIAL FORCES GROUP (AIRBORNE)

COLONEL MATTHEW A. VALAS

Colonel Valas is a graduate of the United States Army War College. He received his commission as an Infantry Officer from Hofstra University in 1998. He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic Course, and the Field Artillery Captain's Career Course, the Command and General Staff College, the Special Forces Detachment Officer Qualification Course, Jumpmaster Course, and Ranger School.

Colonel Valas is a graduate of the United States Army War College. He received his commission as an Infantry Officer from Hofstra University in 1998. He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic Course, and the Field Artillery Captain's Career Course, the Command and General Staff College, the Special Forces Detachment Officer Qualification Course, Jumpmaster Course, and Ranger School.

His previous command assignments include 26 months as Commander of 1st Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), where he deployed as the Deputy Commanding Officer of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Arabian Peninsula, Manama, Bahrain; 27 months as Commander, A Company, 1st Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), where he deployed in support of OPERATION NEW DAWN, Kirkuk, Iraq; and 27 months as Commander, ODAs 2034 and 2116 1st Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) where he deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Previous non-command assignments include service as the Senior National Guard Advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Security Cooperation, Assessment Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate; State Training Officer of the Alabama Army National Guard; Group Assistant Operations Officer and Operations Officer, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Battalion XO, 1st Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne); Battalion XO, 1st Battalion, 167th Infantry; and Infantry Platoon Leader, Support Platoon Leader, and Battalion Logistics Officer, 2d Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze star Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster) the Defense Meritorious Service Medal(with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal (with 3d Oak leaf cluster), the Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Afghan and Iraq Campaign Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device and Silver Hourglass, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Multinational Forces and Observers Medal, the Senior Parachutist Badge, the Expert Infantryman’s Badge, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab.

Mitch Utterback

Mitch Utterback enlisted with a Special Forces contract in 1982 and was assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group at Ft. Devens, Massachusetts as a light weapons specialist in 1983 on ODA 315, later redesignated 075. He reclassified as a communications specialist, completed the Combat Diver Qualification Course at Key West, and studied German at the Defense Language Institute (DLI). - Click for more

Mitch Utterback enlisted with a Special Forces contract in 1982 and was assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group at Ft. Devens, Massachusetts as a light weapons specialist in 1983 on ODA 315, later redesignated 075. He reclassified as a communications specialist, completed the Combat Diver Qualification Course at Key West, and studied German at the Defense Language Institute (DLI).

While at DLI, he was recruited by PSSE-Berlin and served in the unit until 1988, when he left active duty as a staff sergeant to attend college and Army ROTC at San Diego State University. After Ranger School, commissioning, college graduation, and the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Mitch returned to Ft. Bragg and completed the SF Detachment Officer Qualification Course.

Mitch served on active duty with the 10th Special Forces Group and the 410th Special Forces Detachment, in the Army Reserve with 12th Special Forces Group, and the Army National Guard with the 19th Special Forces Group. While with 19th Group, Mitch was a detachment, company, and battalion commander. He deployed three times to Afghanistan and once to Iraq. Mitch retired with 20 years of active federal service in 2015.

Mitch is dedicated to remembering and telling the stories of special operations from WWII onward, and ensuring the current generation of operators understand their history. He is deeply involved in the future of the Regiment through his work as a guerrilla chief in the Robin Sage exercise.

Mitch is a Life Member of the Special Forces Association and a founding member of SFA Chapter 75 in San Diego.

Jeff Man

Former "red team" at NSA.
Respected Information Security advocate, advisor, evangelist, international speaker, keynoter, and co-host on Paul's Security Weekly, one of the longest running cybersecurity-based podcasts. Currently serving in a Consulting/Advisory role for Online Business Systems.
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Respected Information Security advocate, advisor, evangelist, international speaker, keynoter, and co-host on Paul's Security Weekly, one of the longest running cybersecurity-based podcasts. Currently serving in a Consulting/Advisory role for Online Business Systems. Nearly 40 years of experience working in all aspects of computer, network, and information security, including cryptography, risk management, vulnerability analysis, compliance assessment, forensic analysis and penetration testing. Certified NSA Cryptanalyst. Previously held security research, management and product development roles with the National Security Agency, the DoD and private-sector enterprises and was part of the first penetration testing "red team" at NSA.
Admiral

Brian Losey

Brian Losey a retired rear admiral of the United States Navy. He headed the Naval Special
Warfare Command from 2013 until his retirement in 2016
. He has spoken publicly about the benefits of psychedelics in treating mental health issues in
the special operations community

Brian Losey a retired rear admiral of the United States Navy. He headed the Naval Special
Warfare Command from 2013 until his retirement in 2016. He has spoken publicly about the benefits of psychedelics in treating mental health issues in the special operations community.

Brian served in the U.S. Navy for 33 years. He commanded U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command, U.S. Special Operations Command Africa, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, Naval Special Warfare Development Group, and SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE. He worked alongside teammates in Task Forces deployed to the Middle East, Central Asia, the Balkans, and Africa, and has significant operational experience in contingency operations around the world. He served as a Director for Combating Terrorism and Director for Maritime Security on the National Security Council Staff under the Bush and Obama Administrations.

Tours & Excursion  Series