Arkansas Society

National website: http://members.usdaughters1812.org

State website: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~arsd1812/arkansas1812/

Simon Bradford website: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~arda1812/SimonBradford1812/

Baseline-Meridian website: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~arbmcusd/baselinemeridian1812/

December 2014 Volume 2, Issue 12 Arkansas

Sheila Beatty, Editor

ear Daughters and pending/prospective Daughters: As we come to the end of the year, I have reflected on the many blessing I have received, all of you are among them.

November was a month of many activities as we gave thanks, honored and supported our Veterans. Thank you ladies.

Time for your written reports to me (do not send directly to National). Please send to me by Dec. 31st. Thank you!!

And with sadness we reported the passing of a very special lady – Jean Speer. Her death was unexpected and she will be missed by many. Have a blessed Christmas. In Your Service

Sheila ******************************************************

Memorial

Imo Jean Atkinson Speer Baseline-Meridian Chapter

9 November 2014 *********************************************************

NEW Arkansas MEMBERs

e continue to grow and we want to welcome new members Mary Herron, Gloria Mugno, Cathryn Babbit, Joanna

Thompson and Carol Hunter. Please add them to your yearbook. Organizing Pres. George Washington

Mary Ellen Graves Herron 3 Hickory Hill Drive Texarkana, AR 71854-8214 870-773-8406 herronme2@yahoo.com Birthday: 8 Sep ADM: 10 Nov 2014 N 32523 S 818 ANC: George Edwards, OH

Gloria Lynne Edmonds Mugno 5701 Whitney Lane Texarkana, TX 75503-4524 903-334-8551 glo2@cableone.net Birthday:23 Jun ADM: 17 Nov 2014 N 32548 S 822 ANC: James Edmonds, VA

Thomas H. Flippen Chapter

Cathryn Ann Campbell Babbit c/o Becky Babbit Feaster 3 Cranberry Bend The Woodlands, TX 77381-4743 Becky’s 281-466-2715 Becky’s RLFbaskets@Comcast.net Birthday:19 Sep ADM:5 Nov 2014 N 32525 S 819 ANC: Ephraim D. Dickson, TN

Joanna Louise Findley Thompson 4528 North Troost Kansas City, MO 64116-1924 816-453-3705 No email Birthday: 6 Jan ADM: 5 Nov 2014 N 32526 S 820 ANC: Amos Wilson, TN

Baseline-Meridian Chapter

Carol Ann Gilmer Hunter 1123 Twin Points Rd, Apt B Hot Springs, AR 71913-5521 501-520-5252 cahunterlady@hotmail.com Birthday: 6 Dec ADM: 6 Nov 2014 N 32539 S 821 ANC: James Jordan, GA

We now have 126 members. Another 5 to

be a Tier 2 State!

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Congratulations to the Thomas H. Flippin Chapter

Becky Babbit Feaster and her mother Cathy Babbit

“Congratulations, Patti and all of Thomas H. Flippin Chapter U.S.D.1812! I'm so excited for you and the formation of a new U.S.D.1812 Chapter in my ancestor's "neck-of-the-woods". And my mom, Cathy Babbit and I, are looking forward to being a part of Thomas H. Flippin Chapter, even though she is in Missouri and I, Texas. Our 1812 Patriot is Capt. Ephraim D. Dickson, one of ‘Old Hickory's Tennessee Mountainmen.’ Ephraim is buried in Mount Comfort Cemetery in Fayetteville. My mom and I were able to make the Civil War Marker dedication for Mount Comfort Cemetery on October 12th. Below is a picture of us that day. Sorry, my trip did not extend until your initial meeting date, but we hope to make a meeting sometime in 2015. Thanks again for accepting mom's application and me as an Association Member. We look forward to hearing soon that her application has been approved. As they say, "the check is in the mail" for our chapter dues. HUZZAH! Sincerely, Becky Babbit Feaster, member, Thomas Bay Chapter U.S.D.1812” *********************************************************

U.S.D. 1812 Committee

Corner:

The Flag House and Star-Spangled Banner Museum

The Flag House, built in 1793, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970. This birthplace of America’s Flag was the home of Mary Young Pickersgill, a renowned flag maker who, along with her mother, was assigned by Major George Armistead to create the 30 x 42 foot flag which was flown over Fort McHenry during the defeat of the British in the Battle of Baltimore in 1814. The Flag House is still standing and is now joined by a museum dedicated to the history of the creation of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the name

given by Francis Scott Key who penned our National Anthem after observing the flag still flying over Fort McHenry during the battle. Arkansas Chapters supports this committee with donations and programs. *********************************************************

Honoring our Veterans: U.S.D. 1812 Nominee Inducted

in the Arkansas Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame

olonel Robert (Rip) Phillips was posthumously awarded the “Hall of Fame Medallion” on 1 November 2014, at the 4th

Annual Induction Ceremonies for the Arkansas Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame (AMVHOF) held in Little Rock. His widow, Toni, accepted the medal on his behalf. Family members and friends from three states attended the momentous occasion. Colonel Phillips served in both Korea and Vietnam (4 campaigns) where he ultimately was the Battalion Commander of the 158th Aviation Battalion (Assault and Ambulance Helicopter), 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). His numerous awards and decorations include the: Silver Star, Legion of Merit (2), Distinguished Flying Cross (2), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Medal (18), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal; the Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star and the Armed Forces Honor Medal First Class from the Republic of Vietnam; and the Medalha da Pacificadora from the government of Brazil. During his career he also earned his Master Army Aviator wings and his Expert Infantryman’s Badge. As a skilled pilot Colonel Phillips logged 4,206 flight hours, mostly in UH-1 “Huey” helicopters and flew 1,160 combat hours. As evidenced by his decorations, Colonel Phillips consistently showed his courage under fire. His Silver Star citation states: “For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in Laos. Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Phillips distinguished himself on 21 and 22 February 1971 while serving as pilot of a UH-1H medical evacuation helicopter during the medical extraction of Army of the Republic of Vietnam in Laos. Piloting his aircraft to besieged Fire Base Aluoi under marginal weather

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conditions, LTC Phillips, despite the extreme danger from possible enemy fire, safely evacuated six critically wounded soldiers to a medical facility. On the following day he volunteered to lead three helicopters to Fire Support Base 31 in Laos to extract more critically wounded soldiers. Though his flight came under intense hostile antiaircraft fire while approaching the firebase, LTC Phillips maneuvered his craft through the barrage to the landing zone which immediately came under mortar attack. Subjecting himself to the onslaught, he remained on the ground until fourteen wounded soldiers had boarded and then safely transported them to a nearby hospital. LTC Phillips’ gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.” Phillips served on active duty in the Army for 24 years and was posted in Korea, Panama, Viet Nam and Brazil as well as stateside assignments in Texas, California, Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Illinois, Pennsylvania and the Pentagon in Washington D.C where he was on the Army General Staff. He was a resident of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas at the time of his death. He was a graduate of Jasper High School and served for a brief time in the Arkansas National Guard. He received a B.S. from Arkansas Tech and a Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. He was also a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (USACGSC), U.S. Army War College (USAWC) and the Defense Language Institute. After moving to Hot Springs Village, he volunteered in several service organizations including the Village Genealogical Society, Gardening Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Retired Military Officers Association. Colonel Phillips was nominated for induction to the AMVHOF by the Arkansas Society, United States Daughters of 1812. A total of 15 Arkansans were inducted into the AMVHOF this year, and only four of those were Silver Star recipients. Also inducted were: Sgt. Maj. Robert Gene Brashears, Maj. Gen. Ronald Stephen Chastain, Tech. Sgt. Kirby Cowan, MSgt Parnell Gene Fisher, Maj. John Barrett Floyd, Lt. Col. John Frederick Hay, SSgt. Danny Lee Jacks, CSM Cleo Lee, Capt. Art Bradley Martin, Sgt. Maj. Richmond Junior Nail, Lt. Col. Martin Schoenborn, Jr., Lt. Col Danny Arlen Stedman, Col. Tom Warner Thomas and Lt. Col. David Ray Wallace. The primary purpose of AMVHOF is to honor Arkansas military veterans and to educate Arkansans, through their website, of the outstanding military accomplishments of their fellow Arkansans. Up to fifteen Arkansas military veterans are inducted each year at an Awards Banquet. They are inducted into the Hall of Fame and awarded the “Hall of Fame Medallion” recognizing their military service to our nation and

to the State of Arkansas during the annual banquet. Of the fifteen inductees, up to ten are selected exclusively for their valorous military service to our country and up to five are selected for their combined military/civilian service to our community, state, and nation. [Editor: Notes we

received from Col Phillip’s sons] – “Sheila, Thanks so much for taking the time and initiative to pull together the information for the AMVHOF Nomination Package – and for sending it along. I also appreciate the effort that you expended to write-up the biographical article for the newspapers after the banquet. As you know, this Award is something that my father would take great pride in – but would never have done for himself. It is also something that mom is very appreciative of - but could not have accomplished without you taking care of all the details. I am sorry that I did not get a chance to talk to you and Ron more at the AMVHOF banquet. If there is ever anything that you ever need from me, please do not hesitate to ask. Regards, Geoff” “Thank you very much for sending this {copy of nomination packet]. More importantly, thank you for all your efforts on my father's behalf and for helping us celebrate this magnificent honor. This means a lot to our family and we are extremely grateful. This is something we will cherish forever. My very best regards, Greg”

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Simon Bradford Member

Organizes 5-K Run for

Veterans’ Museum imberly Jones headed up the activities for the 5K run to benefit the Museum of Veterans and Military History in Vilonia. The K

Museum was destroyed earlier this year when the tornadoes devastated the town. Member Beth Webb, with her trusty friend Shiloh, ran the 5K run with support from sister Beverly. Beth, a U.S. Navy Veteran, along with Kimberly's husband Steve Jones, a U.S. Army Veteran, carried Flags and stood a Flag line in the ceremony representing their fallen comrades. Eighty-five (85) Flags were given to the participants. Thanks to Beverly for the wonderful pictures and report!

Beth and Kimberly

Kimberly

Beth and Shiloh

Beautiful Beth – always serving

Beth standing the Flag line

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Thanking Our Veterans

Mary Reid Warner pinning Veteran Lynn Nabben

aseline-Meridian members Mary Reid Warner, Sheila Beatty, Marlene Davis and prospective member Joan Davis took the

opportunity on Sunday previous to Veterans’ Day to thank 65 Veterans at their church. ********************************************************

Veterans’ Day at St. Francis House

imon Bradford and Baseline-Meridian members teamed with the Col. John Washington Chapter, CDXVIIC, in a reception

for homeless Veterans at St. Francis House. Homemade desserts were baked by the Daughters

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and Dames and served to our Veterans on the afternoon of Veterans’ Day. Each Veteran was given a small gift of socks, a Flag pin and a thank you card. Thanks to Beth & Beverly Webb, Pat Bertnolli, Valerie Hartnett, Mary Ellen Laursen, Sheila Beatty and prospective member Joan Davis. Six cakes and ice-cream were served; 71 pairs of socks, 50 ribboned Flag pins and 40 star thank you cards were presented.

Getting Ready

Sheila thanking Beth for her service

. Beth giving Star thank you card to our first customer

Here they come

Mr. John Trotter, a WWII Veteran who had no place to live through no fault of his own; Beverly helping him

Sheila and Beth giving Flag pins and Stars

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Preparing for Veterans’ Day

Mary Ellen Laursen and Sheila Beatty

n preparation for Veterans’ Day, the Baseline-Meridian Chapter assisted in placing 6,000 Flags on gravesites at the Arkansas Veterans’

Cemetery in North Little Rock. The effort, including the Flag pickup after Veterans’ Day, is dependent on volunteers. Volunteers included individuals as well

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as groups such as Rolling Thunder #1, Boy Scouts, Veterans of Foreign Wars, United Daughters of the Confederacy and others. U.S.D. 1812 members also volunteer at the cemetery on Memorial Day and at Christmas for Wreathes Across America…. ********************************************************

And speaking of Wreathes Across America…

Volunteers are needed to place wreathes on the gravesites of our Veterans on Dec. 13th at the NLR Veterans’ Cemetery. Please contact me if you can assist - Sheila ********************************************************

Ephraim Lemley, War of 1812 Veteran,

Grave Marking & Dedication

As reported in the Special Pictorial

Report issued 11/25/14:

Ephraim Lemley 1795-1891 ********************************************************

A look at yesteryear 1953 Oct Vol. 28 #2 Report to National

An antique chair was presented [for] the 1812 room in the Old State House in Little Rock, in memory of Mrs. E.W. Freeman, a charter member of Simon Bradford, and also an Honorary State President. ******************************************************

Hard Work U

College of the Ozarks

“As a new member of U.S.D. 1812, I received my first newsletter and was excited to learn that N.S.U.S.D. 1812 supports four schools and one of them is College of the Ozarks (CofO). The reason for my excitement is I am a 2004 graduate of CofO. I just came back from my ten year reunion on November 1st and wanted to tell you why the college is worth supporting.” “For one thing it provides the opportunity for a private, Christ centered, and Patriotic education at no cost to the students. But you have to earn it. Students must work fifteen hours a week on campus and two 40 hour work weeks during some of the breaks given. Students may also work during the summer to pay for room and board. There are many work station on campus because CofO is a self-maintained community. There is a beautiful lodge and restaurant, a wonderful museum,

radio station, post office, fire department, power plant, fruit cake and jelly kitchen, stain glass makers, a mill and weaving, dairy, farming, plus students do the custodian and landscaping work. All of this to get an excellent education as well.” “Another reason is the school is in line

with U.S.D. 1812’s goals of patriotism. This goal seems to flourish even more now than

when I attended even. Booths of different organizations were set up for the alumni to

attend. One booth was the Young Americans for Freedom. I was met by an enthusiastic student who gladly explained their goals and their main goals are to

encourage students to vote and be active in government. I was given a pin at this booth with a flag on it that said ‘Faith and Flag.’ “The college also has a program that

pairs a student with a veteran and sends them overseas to a significant battle site where the veteran fought. I think they have also gone to the Memorial Wall. All of this is

at no charge to the student or veteran.” “CofO strives to give students an education they can work for and develops them to be upstanding citizens in the community. It is more than just giving students an education in the classroom. They teach them how to be patriotic and live a Christ like life.” Amber Friday-Brown, Vice President, Thomas H Flippin Chapter *********************************************************

Two great symbols of Freedom-

The Cross and Old Glory The American flag is a symbol of freedom, liberty and human rights. It is a symbol of our home and all that we believe in. A symbol men rally behind, whether on our shores or foreign shores. Some hold the flag as something sacred; others have a moderate reverence for it. The Christian Cross, seen as a representation of the instrument of the crucifixion of Jesus, is the best-known symbol of Christianity. ********************************************************

And to us a child is born…