NEWSLETTER

NATIONAL SOJOURNERS, INC. FT SAM HOUSTON CHAPTER #17

ALAMO CAMP HEROES OF ‘76 SEE OUR WEBSITE AT

http://www.ftsamhoustonsojourners.txmasons.org Editor: Thomas J. Griffy

Email: FtSamChapter17@kestler.org

Minutes of Business Meeting 5 July 2017

The Monthly Business Meeting of the Chapter was

held on 5 July 2017 at The Barn Door. The meeting was preceded by lunch which was ordered from the menu pro-

vided. President, Brother Nick Ramos opened the meeting at 1200 hours. The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was led by President Brother Ramos, Toast to the Flag was given by Brother Dennis Lafferty, and the prayer by Chaplain Brother Ray Benton. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the June 2017 meeting were approved as published in the Newsletter. TREASURER’S REPORT: Approved as presented. SICKNESS AND DISTRESS: Brother Bob Cox is home and is up and running on the internet. Bro Sid Shaenfield is at home and likes calls. Brother Wolfe has eye problems. Brother Max Harvey is at home and likes calls. Brother Sam Green still has his problems but was in attendance. Brother Elliott Samuels had surgery and is doing well. Brother Ralph McCloud’s brother passed away. Lois Lorch, the wife of Brother John Lorch had a pacemaker installed. Carolyn Dia-mond, wife of Past National Commander, Brother Carl Dia-mond is having heart issues. Lyn Sanders, wife of Bro PNP Harry Sanders is doing quite well. Keep these Brothers and their families in your prayers. CORRESPONDENCE: None. REPORT OF MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: Brother Al Posey was in attendance and has application forms. REFERRAL OF APPLICATIONS: One applications was received and was read by the Secretary. After review and con-firmation, it will be voted on at the August business meeting. APPLICATIONS VOTED ON: Three applications were voted on. Brother Russell Flowers, Brother Anthony Harris and Brother Bennett Elliott. All three received a favorable vote and will be contacted for initiation dates. INITIATION OF NEW MEMBERS: None. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: AMERICANISM: Brother Elliott Samuels was not in attend-ance.

ISSUE 17-08 AUGUST 2017

ROTC: Brother Dennis Lafferty reported that the ROTC Awards have been completed and thanked those who presented awards this year. Sixty-seven awards were present-ed this year. Forty-seven were presented at the awards cere-monies and twenty-three were mailed to the schools for presentation. A successful year.

FREEDOM FOUNDATION: Three students have been selected to attend FFVF on 6 to 9 July. Funding for the tuition was taken from the SAEF at National and transporta-tion was covered by the chapter. Upon their return, they will be invited to speak at our August Dinner Meeting.

MOWW YLC: Nothing to report. ESSAY: Brother Roger Hopkins reported that he had

the 2018 Essay Contest form and will be preparing for the upcoming year. This past year we received five and sent three to National.

FLAG PROGRAM: Brother Lafferty reported the next flag presentation is to the San Antonio – Bexar Kiwanis Club on 14 July. More are in the mill. BY LAWS: Nothing. FINANCE COMMITTEE: Nothing new at this time. EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE: None this month. PROGRAMS: The next dinner meeting is on 12 July at the Barn Door. This will be a patriotic program. BRIDGE OF LIGHT: Still scheduled for February 2018 at the Ft Sam Houston Golf Course. COMMANDER OF HEROES: Camp Commander Brother Joe Estlack stated that the next Bivouac will be on 30 August 2017 and will be practice getting things in order. OLD BUSINESS: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None. NEW BUSINESS: None. Nick Ramos 1st Mtg.

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Nick Ramos Roger Hopkins J. R. “Bob” McConnell Joe Estlack J. R. “Bob” McConnell 241 Ralston 9129 Bonny Brook 134 Rhonda Dr. 1902 Ashprington 134 Rhonda Dr. Converse, TX 78109-1909 Windcrest, TX 78239-2001 Universal City, TX 78148 San Antonio, TX 78251-1300 Universal City, TX 78148 (210) 658-9343 (210) 658-9343 (210) 659-6813 (830) 627-2173 (210) 659-6813 nicksr@sbcglobal.net rhopkins8@satx.rr.com JMcconn529@aol.com joestlack1@juno.com JMcconn529@aol.com

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ANNOUNCEMENTS: Dinner meeting will be on 12 July 2017. Brownwood Commandery will meet tonight at 1800 hours with the program at 1900 hours. At 1800 hours Alamo Lodge will present the Golden Trowel award. On 9 August at 1030 AM, the Grand Lodge will lay a cornerstone. An open-ing of a representative of the Grand Lodge will be at 8 AM at Alamo Lodge. The Austin Scottish Rite Degree Team will put on an outdoor degree near Luling, Texas in 1836 Uniforms. CLOSING: There being no more business, Brother Presi-dent closed the meeting at 1235 hours.

MINUTES OF DINNER MEETING – 12 JULY 2017 The monthly Dinner Meeting was held on 12 July 2017 at the Barn Door Restaurant. An enjoyable social period beginning at 1800 hours was held. President Brother Ramos welcomed those present at 1830 hours, and had Chaplain Pro Tem Broth-er Nelson Dunn give the blessing on our endeavors and meal.

SICKNESS AND DISTRESS: Brother Bob Cox is at home and getting along okay. Brother Sid Shaenfield is still basically home bound and need our calls. Brother Max Har-vey also likes to receive your calls. Brother David Wolfe is having eye problems. Keep all of them and their families in your prayers.

INTRODUCTIONS: Those in attendance were in-troduced by Brother McConnell. They were: R:W: Donald P. Garrido, Past District Grand Master in the Panama Canal and his lady Lydia, Brother James R. (Bob) McConnell, PNP, Na-tional Trustee and Houghton recipient and his lady Pat, Broth-er Merlen F. Howe, PNP and National Trustee and his lady Judy, Brother Dennis Lafferty, recipient of the Houghton in 2016 and his lady Tina, Brother Dock Dixon, R:E: PGC, the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Texas and his lady Virginia, Brother Nick Ramos, MIPMIGM, Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Tennessee, Sweethearts, Helen Kelly, Betty Sanders, Jackie Purvis and Lucile Lively. All Chapter officers were in attendance except the Chaplain and the Marshal. Brother Russell Flowers and Lucile Lively were introduced as guests with more information later in the evening. Dinner was then served.

OPENING: President Brother Ramos opened the meeting at 1930 hours with the pledge followed by the Toast to the Flag, by Brother Lafferty, and Chaplain Pro Tem Nelson Dunn gave the prayer.

INITIATION OF CANDIDATES: One candidate was initiated. Brother Russell Flowers was announced as the individual to be initiated. Brother Bob McConnell gave the lecture, President Brother Ramos gave the obligation, and Brother Dennis Lafferty gave the Medal Lecture. The Secre-tary then presented Brother Flowers with his name badge with medal, the Chapter By Laws, Chapter Rules and Regulations and a copy of the Members Handbook.

PROGRAM: Brother Ramos called upon Brother Freddie Freeland for the introduction of our speaker for the evening. Brother Freeland announced that it was one of our own, Marsha Putnam, who would present the program. He had heard her present it before and felt that it was appropriate for presentation at this months meeting.

Marsha’s comments were a comparison of what we see in our daily lives versus what you might see elsewhere in the world. She presented it as viewing things with her own eyes and what she saw about America. She compared many things that we take for granted. During her presentation she

(continued from page 1) cited our veterans and what they stand for. God gave us our freedom, desire and courage. She did not want us to forget the veterans and their duty to our country, even to the point of sacrificing their lives to insure we are free. She played the “Amazing Grace” which was rendered by bagpipes. It was an original Christian hymn. It inspires hope and is played at funerals and memorials. She read a poem which was outstanding and was by an anonymous poet. At the end of her presentation she played taps. The total program was outstanding and she received a standing ovation.

PRESENTATIONS: President Brother Ramos presented Marsha Putnam a Patriot of ’76 Certificate for her presentation, which he stated was absolutely outstanding.

Pres. Ramos Presenting Certificate to Marsha Putnam Brother PNP Bob McConnell then had the Mar-

shal escort Lucile Lively to the podium. He then discussed the Memorial Service that we conducted in May and stated that Lucile could not be in attendance at the meeting. He presented her with a Widows Certificate, her widows card and her widows pin, informing her that if she needed any assistance she should not hesitate to contact us.

Bro McConnell presenting Widows Certificate, Card and Pin to Lucile Lively

National Sojourners, Inc. Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17 Alamo Camp Heroes of 76

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Brother McConnell, then proceeded to present certifi-cates that were available for members who did not attend the National Convention. He started out with the ladies with the Chapter awards with the assistance of Past President Brother Lee Leopard, followed by the men’s awards. He then moved to the Camp awards assisted by Past Commander Brother Bob Perkins.

Chapter Ladies Awardees

Chapter Men’s Awardees

Camp Ladies Awardees

Camp Men’s Awardees

August Birthdays Lawrence Casey 8/2 Leland Potter 8/4 William Sizemore 8/4 Nelson Dunn 8/5 Brack Jones 8/5 Andrew McVeigh 8/5 Ronnie Pfeil 8/5 Louis Numkin 8/6 William Gower 8/8 James Pearlman 8/8 Juan Pena 8/11 James Davies 8/12 Douglas Smalley 8/12 Charles Blacknall 8/13 Loren Hayes 8/13 Lester Williams 8/14 Karl Starkloff 8/18 Thomas Mote 8/20 John Anthis 8/21 Robert Perkins 8/21 Michael Lally 8/22 Salvador Campos 8/23 Joe Estlack 8/23 Wendell Miller 8/26 Ed O’Banion 8/27 William Mullins 8/28

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. BUSINESS MEETING: We will again be at the Barn Door, 8400 North New Braunfels, (Inside Loop 410), 2 August 2017. Come early get your lunch with the

meeting to begin at 1200 hours. It will be order from the menu. Main business will be voting on membership applications. Come and enjoy the fellowship.

THE MONTHLY DINNER MEETING is sched-uled for 9 August 2017 at the Barn Door, 8400 North New Braunfels, (Inside Loop 410). Social time at 1800 hours with dinner at 1830 hours (NOTE CHANGE). Come and enjoy the fellowship. Dinner

will consist of Salad, 6 oz. Filet, or Salmon, Baked Potatoes, Vegetable, Dinner Rolls/Butter, Iced Tea and Water, Coffee by the cup and Complimentary dessert. Price of the meal – Steak $25.00 Salmon $30.00. Reservations to Bob McConnell, at 210-659-6813 or JMcconn529@aol.com, or Lee Leopard at 210-434-7429 not later than 7 August 2017. The program will be the students that we sent to Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge. Come and hear their experience while at Freedom Foun-dation. Sign up early and come and enjoy the fellowship.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Bob McConnell

Dennis Lafferty

This Months ROTC Uncles

Sid Shaenfield

Brother McConnell announced the Chapter Awards presented at the Annual National Convention. The Chapter earned the Bridge of Light Award, the Chap-ter Excellence Award and the Chapter Newsletter of the Year. Each came with a streamer for our flag and a plaque for the Newsletter of the Year.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Brother Ra-mos announced that the next Heroes Bivouac will be on 30 August 2017. Next Business Meeting will be on 2 August 2017. Brother Lafferty announced that the next Flag Program is on 14 July 2017 for the San Antonio-Bexar Kiwanis Club and will be held at Luby’s on North Main.

DRAWING: Brother Freeland performed the drawing with the assistance of Brother Lafferty which resulted in three individuals going home with a prize. The winners were: Bonnie Hopkins Julia Perkins and Helen Kelly.

Bonnie Hopkins Julia Perkins Helen Kelly

CLOSING: Without further ado the meeting was officially closed at 2035 hours by Brother President Nick Ramos. Peace and harmony prevailing.

SEE YOU NEXT MONTH

The Austin Scottish Rite Republic of Texas Masonic De-gree Team will conduct an outdoor Master Masons De-gree as part of the Lem Maddox Day celebration on Satur-day, August 19, starting at 9 am. The degree will be held at the Flying S Ranch, 1130 Oak Grove Rd., Luling, Tex-as, 78648. If there is rain, they will probably hold the degree in the Hardeman Masonic Lodge # 179 in Luling. Members of the Republic of Texas Team dress as 1836 Texian Army soldiers. It is a unique experience for those who have yet to see one of their degrees Usually there are coffee, donuts, and juice available before the degree and lunch will be served afterwards.

National Sojourners, Inc. Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17 Alamo Camp Heroes of 76

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This Month in History (Chronologically ordered by day)

August 1, 1801 – First Barbary War: The American schooner USS Enterprise captures the Tripolitan polacca Tripoli in a single-ship action off the coast of modern-day Libya. August 2, 1923 – Vice President Calvin Coo-lidge becomes U.S. President upon the death of President Warren G. Harding. August 4, 1873 – American Indian Wars: While protecting a railroad survey party in Montana, the United States 7th Cavalry, under Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer clashes for the first time with the Cheyenne and Lakota people near the Tongue River; only one man on each side is killed. August 5, 1861 – American Civil War: In order to help pay for the war effort, the United States government levies the first income tax as part of the Revenue Act of 1861 (3% of all incomes over US $800; rescinded in 1872). August 7, 1782 – George Washington orders the creation of the Badge of Military Merit to honor soldiers wounded in battle. It is later re-named to the more poetic Purple Heart. August 8, 2000 – Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley is raised to the surface after 136 years on the ocean floor and 30 years after its discov-ery by undersea explorer E. Lee Spence. August 10, 1949 – U.S. President Harry S. Tru-man signs the National Security Act Amend-ment, streamlining the defense agencies of the United States government, and replacing the Department of War with the United States De-partment of Defense. August 11, 1929 – Babe Ruth becomes the first baseball player to hit 500 home runs in his ca-reer with a home run at League Park in Cleve-land, Ohio. August 13, 1942 – Maj Gen Eugene Reybold of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers authorizes the construction of facilities that would house the "Development of Substitute Materials" pro-ject, better known as the Manhattan Project

This Month in History (Continued))

August 14, 1959 – Founding and first official meeting of the American Football League. August 16, 1841 – U.S. President John Tyler vetoes a bill which called for the re-establishment of the Second Bank of the United States. Enraged Whig Party members riot outside the White House in the most vio-lent demonstration on White House grounds in U.S. history. August 17, 1978 – Double Eagle II becomes first balloon to cross the Atlantic Ocean when it lands in Miserey, France near Paris, 137 hours after leaving Presque Isle, Maine. August 19, 1812 – War of 1812: American frigate USS Constitution defeats the British frigate HMS Guerriere off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada earning the nickname "Old Ironsides". August 20, 1962 – The NS Savannah, the world's first nuclear-powered civilian ship, embarks on its maiden voyage. August 21, 1961 – Motown releases what would be its first #1 hit, "Please Mr. Post-man" by The Marvelettes. August 23, 1939 – World War II: Nazi Ger-many and the Soviet Union sign a non-aggression treaty, the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact. In a secret addition to the pact, the Bal-tic states, Finland, Romania, and Poland are divided between the two nations. August 24, 1814 – British troops invade Washington, D.C. and during the Burning of Washington the White House, the Capitol and many other buildings are set ablaze. August 26, 1920 – The 19th amendment to United States Constitution takes effect, giving women the right to vote. August 29, 1786 – Shays' Rebellion, an armed uprising of Massachusetts farmers, be-gins in response to high debt and tax burdens.

SUPPORT YOUR BLUE LODGE. THEY NEED US AND WE NEED THEM! CONTACT A BROTHER WHO HASN’T BEEN TO LODGE AND ASK HIM TO GO WITH YOU.

SECRETARY NOTES: If you have a change in your address or phone num-ber, please send a note to Bob McConnell, 134 Rhonda Dr., Universal City, TX 78148, or call 210.659.6813. If you have a change in your email ad-dress, please send an email to

FtSamChapter17@kestler.org or call 830.368.4071 with the new information.

Return Service Requested

NATIONAL SOJOURNERS, INC. Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17

Alamo Camp Heroes Of 76 Bob McConnell 134 Rhonda Dr.

Universal City, TX 78148

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS: Please keep our Military Forces and their families in your prayers. Take the time to stop them and thank them for their service to our country. We can’t

thank them enough for their dedication and sacrifice to maintain our freedom and liberty.

They are the finest and best this country has to offer, and we, as citizens, need to express our gratitude to them at every opportunity.

If you are receiving this newsletter by US mail and have email, please send your email address to FtSamChapter17@kestler.org. Each printed copy costs your chapter more than $1.50 to produce and mail; the only cost for email is my time.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER BIVOUAC OF ALAMO CAMP

HEROES OF 76

Attention all Heroes: A bivouac is scheduled for Wednesday, 30 August 2017 at Grady’s BBQ, 6510 San Pedro. Put it on your calendar. Dine at 1700 hours.