Special Forces Association MSG Earl Kalani Memorial Chapter VIII - Hawaii

Public Image of Special Forces and Promotes the General Welfare of the Special Forces Community. The History of SFA Chapter VIII (8): It required ten members for initiating an application to become a Chapter of the SFA. The Original Charter members (Plankholders) were:
Nelson Ahina (Deceased)
James R. Bolan
Vernon Broad (Deceased)
John Carvalho
William Ferguson
Earl Kalani (Deceased)
James Roach
Robert Silva (Deceased)
Joseph BW Smith (Deceased)
Paul Tracy (Deceased)
The Chapter VIII (8) application was approved in November 1972. Meanwhile, Chapter VIII had a “whiz” recruiter named Master Sergeant (MSG) William Coombs. He had screened all records of US Army units in Hawaii for potential qualified recruits. A charter member, Sergeant Major (SGM) Robert Silva, had secured a post retirement position in the Farrington High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) department. From this position, he had significant influence in the filling of similar positions at seven other Hawaii High Schools with established JROTC programs. As 1972 closed out, the Chapter became very active, organizing events, including, a Luau, which became the annual centerpiece of Chapter activities for many years. At Ft DeRussy, most (if not all) the existing structures were being planned for removal or replacement. On an open corner opposite the old NCO Club (removed) a two-story office building was constructed. It had an open assembly area, kitchen and small arms firing range. It was named “Earl Kalani Center.” Planned for removal was the old Advisor Gp building, the Hawaii state draft center and 8-10 residences. Influential local hotel industry developers were salivating over this area for future commercial hotel construction while the US Army Engineer District Hawaii had tentative plans for a 100-room recreation center. A meeting was organized by the US Army Pacific (USARPAC) Command Welfare Fund (CWF) which had jurisdiction over development of this area. The subject of the meeting was to make a recommendation as to the area’s future development. The developers had “stacked” the meeting room with their supporters’ while the Engineer’s proposal was only represented by their commander. Unknown to either side, the room was filled with representatives of many of the USAR units- nearly all of whom were former members of the 40th SF. Following the presentations by the engineers and hotel industry, a representative of IX Corps HQ (Reserve) requested to speak. He was SGM Vernon Broad (also a Chapter VIII charter member) former 40th SF SGM. He made an impassioned, convincing argument by casting the developer’s as “blood suckers” having generated tremendous profits over the years from the Vietnam Rest & Recuperation (R&R) program. Now, he pointed out, they were willing to push aside a soldier-related project that would benefit all military personnel. The resulting applause helped seal the deal for the engineer project, which upon being forwarded to USARPAC, was approved. The project became the Hale Koa Hotel. It should be remembered that 1972 and in the immediate following years anti-war sentiment was considerable. Anti-war activists (mostly on Oahu) were demonstrating for the elimination of the senior ROTC (Sr ROTC) program at the University of Hawaii (UH)and JROTC programs at the high schools. Chapter VIII was among the veteran organizations gathered to oppose the activists. SGM Robert Silva (Chapter 8 charter member) had been extremely successful at filling many of the JROTC advisor positions filled by SF retirees. Add the fact that the UH Officer and senior NCO (a retired SGM) were SF became a unified front against the activist opposition and ensured retention of the programs. Over the years, Chapter VIII master recruiter (MSG William Coombs) worked his magic and ferreted out former SF qualified NCOs among the US Army units in Hawaii. Many joined after being contacted, and Chapter membership approached 300. With this support, Chapter VIII became the first to establish a scholarship award program in SFA. The annual “Luau” grew until it was hosting over 400 people. After all, who could resist an all-you-can-eat luau and unlimited drinks for only $12. The Chapter instituted a fund-raising “raffle” program. Tickets would be sold to members and their supporters. Mostly through the efforts of 5-8 Chapter members who resided in Waikiki, the effort expanded to locals. They would frequent many of the smaller Waikiki bars and successfully sell (usually in 5-ticket books) enough to make the Chapter fund cash position very comfortable. After Chapter members attended an SFA Convention in Florida (Chapter 21), a decision was made to host one. While it was known to have been a good time, it had limited attendance from the mainland. SFA members were not known for extended air travel and preferred to stay close to their own chapter area. As the 1970s drew to a close, Chapter VIII had established many “firsts.”
An annual “Luau”
Scholarship program
Award program supporting Island Sr ROTC & JROTC programs
Sponsored a JROTC Field Competition
1971 Established a monthly newsletter (Coconut Wireless)
A continuous monthly membership meeting (continues into present - never missed a meeting or CW issue due to Covid)
SFA Chapter VIII Actively Participates in Events sponsored by:
State of Hawaii
City &County (C&C) of Honolulu
Pacific Command (PACOM)- now Indo-PACOM
USARPAC
25th Infantry Division (25ID)
Joint Pacific POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC)-
Now Defense POW/MIA Accounting Activity (DPAA)
Oahu Veterans Council (OVC)- SFA is a charter member
Individual Veteran Organizations
Community Activities for Veterans
Activities include events such as parades, award ceremonies and as invited observers to special events.