Initial GBF Board of Directors meeting held at SFA HQ’s
Fri, 2010-01-22 16:29 — admin_gbfBy Loree
I received a call from Aaron Anderson, a former teammate of my husband’s and a friend of our family, back in December asking if I'd be available to take minutes at a Board meeting at the Special Forces Association HQ's. At that point I had no idea what I was in for and was only worried if he'd understand the notes I took. The meeting was for the Green Beret Foundation, which Aaron founded in July of 2009. I was introduced to the Board of Directors; all of whom are retired, senior ranking members of the Special Forces community. I couldn’t help but listen to and smile as they joked among themselves before the meeting took place. Most of these men knew each other and had worked with one another at some point in their careers. As the saying goes, "If I were a fly on the wall in that room", rang true that day. It felt like it was history in the making.
The agenda that day was to discuss ways of getting the Green Beret Foundation (GBF) off the ground, whom it should help, and how to build awareness. Even the way the directors plan to organize the board is similar to an ODA with a business savvy touch to it. Many of the directors have a strong business background, companies of their own or still work directly with the SF Command. From what I gathered, there are foundations out there that are set to the specific needs of individual SOF units like the Rangers and the SEALs. There are also organizations geared towards larger commands like USASOC. However, there has been no benevolent organization set up to specifically meet the needs of our wounded, ill or injured Green Berets, their families and those who directly support their missions. There have been gaps and shortcomings that have been identified by members of the USSOCOM Care Coalition and Aaron has been working with these individuals to identify all of these issues to ensure the SF community is well taken care of in time of great need. One person in particular who was brought up extensively in the meeting was CSM(R) Pete Habicht of the Care Coalition. He now oversees a lot of the SF casualties and makes certain that they are receiving the proper care and support while recovering.
The GBF will ultimately be based out of Fayetteville, where they will be close to USASFC and the SFA HQ's. The board members made it clear that the GBF will eventually grow to have an office or presence at the locations of each separate Group HQ's. The object of the GBF is to make sure that every wounded Special Forces soldier receives the help they need for their road to recovery. As well as, helping out with the immediate needs for the families of those KIA while they are dealing with the loss of a loved one.
In order for the GBF to get off the ground they will need donations and volunteers. These donations will help our SF soldiers in many different ways such as sending our wounded through Operational Health And Performance (OHAP) programs. These programs are similar to what pro athletes go through after an injury to ensure they maximize recovery. They will also make sure the wounded receive the equipment they need for their rehabilitation, paying for travel costs to their treatments that may be in other parts of the country and not covered in some cases, as well as medical treatments not covered by Tricare. They are currently seeking volunteers in the Fayetteville area that can provide administrative and clerical support as the foundation grows. They spoke about several severely wounded Green Berets that are still serving and how these men are amazing examples of Special Forces soldiers that continue to serve honorably despite the great challenges they have endured.
Part of the discussion included the relationship between the GBF and the SFA. These two separate organizations work closely together in order to be as effective as possible for the same community they serve and love so much. The coordination and support that they give one another is encouraging to see. I imagine this will make the Special Forces a stronger community overall.
Aaron flew out to Las Vegas at last year's SFA convention to meet with the directors of the SFA in order to describe the need for the GBF and how both organizations could work together to be as effective as possible. Several months later, members of the GBF and SFA briefed USASFC Commanding General, MG Michael Repass; USASFC CSM, CSM Mario Vigil and USASFC Command Warrant, CW5 Bruce Watts on the mission, direction and progress of the GBF and how it will benefit the entire SF community. Aaron stated that the success of this organization is greatly attributed to the hard work of CSM(R) Chris Zets and that if it weren’t for him, this organization would not be where it is today. He went on to tell me that, "He’s a great example of what an SF SGM should be. He holds you accountable and expects a lot from you."
As the 7th GRP CSM, Mr. Zets helped carry Aaron off the aircraft in Kandahar when he arrived from a firebase in Afghanistan after being severely wounded by an IED in the Oruzgan Province back in 2006. Chris made it a point to see him and the other wounded SF guys at Walter Reed in the months that followed.
As a wife of a Special Forces soldier, I found this meeting very enlightening. If my husband were ever injured, I would want this foundation helping me ensure that my husband receives the best care because the GBF focuses primarily on the SF soldier. This foundation understands the needs and determination of the Special Forces warrior.
Founding members of the Green Beret Foundation:
Top Row: CSM(R) Chris Zets, MG(R) Phillip Kensinger, CSM(R) Joe Dennison, CSM(R) Denzil Ames, CSM(R) Terry Peters, MG(R) Harley Davis, MSG(R) John Terzian
Bottom Row: SSG(R) Aaron Anderson, SGM(R) Billy Waugh, SGM(R) Bruce Parkman
