The Saint Philip Neri Award Program
The Saint Philip Neri Award Program was established by the United States Army Special Forces Command in 2002. St. Philip Neri was selected as the Patron Saint of Special Forces because he embodied the traits of the ideal Special Forces Soldier, Selfless, Superb Teacher, and Inspirational Leader. The Medal was first awarded at the SFA 50th Anniversary Banquet with three Gold Medal Awards. On 26 May 2003, General Lambert, CG USASFC, officially turned over the program to the SFA for their administration and implementation. At the 2003 convention, a Selection Committee was nominated and elected to serve by the Chapter Presidents/Representatives. These Members are: (1) President of the SFA (2) Secretary of the SFA (3) Cliff Barnhill, C-38 (4) Armando Canales, C-15 (5) Michael Linnane, C-57 (6) Frank Graham C-93 (7) Alternate -Wally Johnson, C-II (8) Alternate - Gus Masiello, C-54.
To date; nine Gold, five Silver, and twenty-nine Bronze Philip Neri Medals have been Awarded.
Replacement/Appointment of Proponent Committee Members
Saint Philip Neri National Committee members may be designated/appointed Pro Tem, as the replacement need arises, by the National Board of Officers, subject to the approval of the General Membership vote at the appropriate National SFA Convention.
Term:
The committee members will serve for a term of two years in conjunction with the National Elections. The Committee will consist of the National President (Chairman) and National Secretary as elected in the general elections and three primary and two alternate members selected at the Chapter Presidents meeting during years that National Elections are held. Results will be formally announced at the General Membership Meeting, in The Drop and by mail/electronic means to the Army Special Forces Command.
criteria:
For The Order of Saint Philip Neri Gold Medal—this medal is the most distinguished of the three levels of the Military Society of Saint Neri. It recognizes the select few who stand above their brethren of the Silver or Bronze Order. The specific criterion for accession into the Gold Order is to have performed conspicuous, twenty years or more long-term service for or on behalf of the United Slates Army Special Forces or the Special Forces Association. The Gold Order is reserved for an elite few whose careers have embodied the spirit, dignity and sense of sacrifice and commitment epitomized by Saint Philip Neri. Only one nominee will be awarded the Gold Order per calendar year. Additionally, one Gold award may be presented posthumously following the same criteria. The Saint Philip Neri Selection Committee may approve, disapprove or downgrade the nomination to the Silver Order, as they deem appropriate. This award may only be presented to veterans of Special Forces who have been awarded the Green Beret and Special Forces Skill Identifier or Special Forces Tab.
For the Order of Saint Philip Neri Silver Order—This Medal recognizes those individuals who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character; displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence; served in the United States Army Special Forces or the Special Forces Association for a period of 15 years or more with selflessness; and contributed to the promotion of Special Forces or the Association in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient's seniors, subordinates and peers alike. Only two nominees will be awarded the Silver Order per calendar year. The Selection Committee may approve or disapprove the nominations, as they deem appropriate. This Award may only be presented to veterans of Special Forces who have been awarded the Green Beret and a Special Forces Skill Identifier or Special Forces Tab.
For the Order of Saint Philip Neri Bronze Order—The Bronze Order Medal is reserved for Active Duty and National Guard Special Forces qualified soldiers only; who have contributed in a significant way to the improvement of the United States Army Special Forces. Nominations may be submitted to the Selection Committee by any Special Forces Unit Commander. One Bronze award may be awarded to each Special Forces Group, U.S. Army Special Forces Command and US Army John F Kennedy Special Warfare Center & School per calendar year. The Selection Committee may approve or disapprove the nominations, as they deem appropriate.
Nominations for all of the above medals must be in written letterform and include all the criteria as outlined in the above message. Any member of the Special Forces Association may nominate another Association member for the Gold or Silver Order Award. Any Nomination for someone other than an Association member must be approved by the National Board of Officers for submission to the Selection Committee for their consideration.
Nominations may be submitted during the months of November, December, January and February each year with a cut-off date of the last day in February to be considered by the Selection Committee. Send to the:
Special Forces Association
Attn: Philip Neri Selection Committee
PO Box 41436
Fayetteville, North Carolina 28309-1436.
Recipients of the Medal Awards will be presented the awards at the annual Special Forces Association Convention. Active duty or National Guard recipients may be presented their awards at their unit locations or at the annual Special Forces Conference.
A photo and bio is requested to accompany each nomination letter.