Major General Iron Mike Healy honored at 5th Special Forces Group Green Beret

Flash Ceremony
The 5th Special Forces Group conducted a Green Beret Flash Ceremony on Wednesday, March
23, 2016 in Jacksonville, Florida at Northeast Florida, Chapter 88. Retired Major General
Michael D. Healy, who throughout his 35-year military career has been honored with numerous
medals and awards commemorating his hard work and dedication to the American military,
spoke during the presentation of the new Green Beret flash.
The Vietnam Green Beret flash, worn by the 5th Special Forces Group between 1964 and 1985
acknowledges the Groups history in the Vietnam War, the first grand-scale employment of the
U.S. Army Special Forces. Returning the yellow and red stripes to the 5th Group flash
acknowledges the groups history and each Special Forces Vietnam veteran who served in the 5th
Group, including more than 800 5th Group soldiers who paid the ultimate price.
In a moving speech that left not a single dry eye in attendance, Healy reflected on his military
career with this to say. Im proud of what you are doing to keep this alive and in the view of the
American public. I dont think that anyone could spend the night with a lot of nasty people that
would like to do them in beyond the support of artillery and limited in their ability to call for air
support could face it all by themselves. Thats the reason Im so proud that they (5th Special
Forces Group) honored me by letting me serve them.

Hearing Healy reflect left many audience members, servicemen, family and friends alike in tears.
One individual in attendance in reference to Healys reflection stated, Healy has to be the single
most amazing individual I have ever had the fortune of meeting.
Despite the nickname Iron Mike, many men in the Special Forces community will tell you that
Healy has always had a big heart when it comes to his men. After receiving his Distinguished
Member of the Special Forces Regiment last year, an emotional Healy had this to say. This is
the highest honor that Ive ever received, but its not really mine. This honor belongs to every
soldier I was honored and permitted to serve with. Though Healy is known for his hardiness, he
is not the least bit ashamed in shedding a tear for what he loves, his men and his country.
Healy, a Chicago-born Jacksonville resident is a household name that spans beyond the Special
Forces community. Famed for his unending dedication to the American military, Healy has been
a figurehead for the Green Berets, so much so that John Waynes character in the 1968 film
Green Berets was based off of him.
Over General Healys 35 years of military service he completed 5 and tours in Vietnam.
During his fourth tour he was called to command the 5th Special Forces Group. Healy
commanded the 5th Special Forces Group for nearly 20 months before returning the United States
in 1971. For his lengthy service, Healy was awarded the first of his two Distinguished Service
Medals. In 1973, Healy was one of the first Americans to enter Vietnam. Ten years later, he was
still there commanding a large portion of U.S. forces during the end of U.S. involvement.
Healy offered a heartfelt thank you after the flash ceremony to all the current active men and
women of the Special Forces commending them for their courage. What you guys are doing in
Afghanistan and Iraq is no less important, maybe even more. Thank you all from the bottom of
my heart. I appreciate associating with you. Its an honor.
Jacksonville, Florida has the honor of hosting the 2016 Green Beret Special Forces Association
Conference this summer, June 12-19 at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel. Major General
Iron Mike Healy will be present during this week-long event where we honor some of the
countrys most revered men in the largest Special Forces conference and development forum in
North America.
In an effort to help bring the six living Medal of Honor recipients to Jacksonville for this
tremendous occasion, the Special Forces Association has launched Operation Green Beret
Hero. If you wish to participate in Operation Green Beret Hero your generous donations will
help fund travel, medical, hotel and conference expenses for these great Americans. With your
donations, we can bring these icons to Jacksonville and giving all those in attendance an
opportunity to walk with the giants. For those wishing to donate, please visit
https://www.gofundme.com/greenberethero. Donations of $100 or more will receive recognition
during the Conference banquet. All donations are tax deductible. Your generosity is appreciated.
For more information about the 2016 Green Beret Special Forces International Conference,
please visit http://www.sfachapter88.org/.