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

**Dan** · 12-07-2007, 07:20

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--

**Dan** · 12-07-2007, 07:21

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)

**Dan** · 12-07-2007, 07:22

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)

**Dan** · 12-07-2007, 07:23

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)

**Dan** · 12-07-2007, 07:24

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)

**Dan** · 12-07-2007, 07:25

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)