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1st SFG (A) and Canadians begin Menton Week Celebration

Story by Staff Sgt. Andrew Kosterman
1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Public Affairs Office

Quote:

FORT LEWIS, Wash. (USASOC News Service, Dec. 6, 2007) – In a short ceremony at the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Memorial Wall here, soldiers of 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command and the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry formally began Menton Week Dec. 4.

Menton Week is a recognition of the inactivation of the 1st Special Service Force, a combined Canadian-American Special Operations unit during World War II. This year marks the 63rd time the annual event has taken place.

The ceremony was highlighted with a wreath laying and unveiling of the newest names engraved on the wall.

“Since Sept. 11, the names of 23 First Special Forces Group Soldiers have been added to the wall,” said Eric P. Wendt, 1st SFG (A) commander. “Each name reminds us of the sacrifice and dedication of these fine men who have passed before us.”

Seven names have been added since last year.

This year’s Menton Week events include a combined Canadian-American airborne operation and a shooting competition.

--usasoc--

Maj. Glen Zilkalns of 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, Col. Eric P. Wendt, (center) commander of 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) and Maj. Michael Blackburn (tan beret) of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, shortly after placing memorial wreaths during a ceremony at the 1st SFG (A) Memorial Wall at Fort Lewis, Wash. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Kosterman/1st SFG (A) Public Affairs Office)

1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Soldiers answer questions from a visitor on the characteristics of a weapon at a static display at Fort Lewis, Wash. Dec. 5. The display was part of the 63rd Annual Menton Week. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Kosterman/1st SFG (A) Public Affairs Office)

A Canadian jump master inspects a parachute worn by Maj. Che Arosemena of the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Rogers Drop Zone on Fort Lewis, Wash. Dec. 5. The combined airborne operation was part of the 63rd Annual Menton Week, a celebration of the inactivation of the combined Canadian-American 1st Special Service Force. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Kosterman/1st SFG (A) Public Affairs Office)

A 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Soldier explains the uses of his equipment to a group of visitors at a static display at Fort Lewis, Wash. Dec. 5. The static display was part of the 63rd Annual Menton Week, a celebration of the inactivation of the combined Canadian-American 1st Special Service Force. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Kosterman/1st SFG (A) Public Affairs Office)

A 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Soldier prepares to land following a High Altitude Low Opening jump at Rogers Drop Zone on Fort Lewis, Wash. Dec. 5. The jump was part of the 63rd Annual Menton Week, a celebration which commemorates the inactivation of the combined Canadian-American 1st Special Service Force. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Alicia Sanders-Pelayo)

Canadian paratroopers wait for an American CH-47 Chinook helicopter to land at Rogers Drop Zone on Fort Lewis, Wash. Dec. 5. The paratroopers were participating in a combined airborne operation with the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) as part of the 63rd Annual Menton Week, a celebration which commemorates the inactivation of the combined Canadian-American 1st Special Service Force. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Kosterman/1st SFG (A) Public Affairs Office)

Maj. Michael Blackburn (tan beret) of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, Col. Eric P. Wendt, (center) commander of 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) and Maj. Glen Zilkalns of 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry salute during a wreath-laying ceremony at the 1st SFG (A) Memorial Wall at Fort Lewis, Wash. Dec. 4 as part of Menton Week. The Canadians and Americans formally began the 63rd Annual Menton Week celebration at the ceremony. Menton Week commemorates the inactivation of the 1st Special Service Force, a combined Canadian-American special operations unit, during World War II. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Kosterman/1st SFG (A) Public Affairs Office)

Family members view the 1st SFG (A) Memorial Wall after a wreath-laying ceremony at Fort Lewis, Wash. Dec. 4 as part of Menton Week. Seven Soldiers names were added to the wall since last year’s ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Kosterman/1st SFG (A) Public Affairs Office)

1st SFG (A) ‘cans’ Canadians; beat northern neighbors 7-0

RELEASE NUMBER: 071206-02
DATE POSTED: DECEMBER 6, 2007

Quote:

1st SFG (A) ‘cans’ Canadians; beat northern neighbors 7-0

Story by Staff Sgt. Andrew Kosterman
1st Special Forces Group (Airborne)

FORT LEWIS, Wash. (USASOC News Service, Dec. 6, 2007) – When Jordan Veasey stepped in as the goalie for the Canadian team in what was dubbed a “friendly soccer match,” he got more than he bargained for.

Five minutes into a match between the U.S. and Canadian armies at Cowen Field Dec. 3, Marcos Ecute of the American squad let Veasey know it wouldn’t be an easy match. Ecute bounced a bullet-speed shot off the crossbar and tried in vain to keep a small grin to himself. It may not have put the first point on the board, but it did settle some good-natured heckling from the Canadians.

Seven minutes later, Ecute drew first blood and got what he was looking for when a drop shot got behind Veasey. It was the last time Canada saw an even score, and from there the game was put to bed.

The Americans, comprised of members from the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), took a two-goal lead in the 43rd minute when Matt Jones slipped the ball into a short breakaway.

The half gave the Canadians a break and Americans a chance to assess the weaknesses in the other team, said American team member Pedro Ochoa.

“They were playing good, physical defense,” Ochoa said. “We just had to play better and stop getting bunched up.”

This plan proved effective as Che Arosemena scored another point for the U.S. at the 49th minute, making the score 3-0.

A breakdown of the Canadian defense allowed more goals at the 51st and 56th minutes. These would be Veasey’s undoing as Cole Rosentreter stepped in as goalie to stop the American offense.

It was a fruitless substitution as the Americans scored again at 67th minute.

With 20 minutes remaining, the Canadians got their 4th of 5 shots on goal and missed by inches. It was the closest they came to scoring.

The final blow came in the 88th minute when Ruben Gonzalez eluded three defenders and chipped an inside-the-goal-box score. The landslide finally ended two minutes later. The damage: U.S. 7, Canada 0.

After the game, Ochoa said this was the most lopsided game in the four matches he’s played against the Canadians.

“I really didn’t expect the game to go the way it did,” Ochoa said. “It was a nice surprise.”

Others had a different opinion of the game.

“Regardless of the score, it was a great chance for our soldiers to meet and interact,” said U.S. Army Capt. Gabe Ramirez, a 1st SFG(A) spokesperson. “This game clearly shows the friendly rivalry between our two great countries.”

--usasoc--

Canadian goalie Jordan Vessey slides past Matt Jones of the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) as a Canadian defender watches Dec.3 at Cowen Field. (U.S. Army Photo)

Matt Jones of the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) watchesas his kick skips past Canadian goalie Jordan Vessey Dec. 3 at Cowen Field (U.S. Army Photo)

Canadian and U.S. players struggle for control over the ball during the Canadian vs. U.S soccer match. (U.S. Army Photo)

Maybe they should have had a curling match instead. :)

Also, tonight (12/07/07) at 1900 Hours will be the Menton Day ball at the Tacoma Convention Center, Tacoma, WA. I'll be there, as well as many others from SFA Chapter 16. :munchin

Menton Day Ball was a wonderful experience for myself and my wife. It was first rate in setup and execution. The Canadian Drumline was amazing in their performance. Hope to make it to the next several while I'm assigned to 1st SFG(A).

Menton Day Ball Pictures.:

Pic #1: 1st SFGA & Canadian's (Color Guard)

Pic # 2: Princes Pat Drum line

Pic# 3: The only FSSF Veteran & Spouse