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 1 February 2017

. The Monthly Business Meeting of the Chapter was

held on 1 February 2017 at The Barn Door. The meet-ing was preceded by lunch which was ordered from the menu provided. President, Luther Lee Leopard opened the meeting at 1200 hours. The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was led by President Leopard, Toast to the Flag was given by Brother PNP Elliott Samuels, and the pray-er by Chaplain Jerry Hopkins. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the January 2017 meeting were approved as published in the News-letter. TREASURER’S REPORT: Approved as presented. SICKNESS AND DISTRESS: Brother Bob Cox is home with fluid on his legs and back on email. Bro Sid Shaenfield is at home and likes calls. Brother Sam Green has a balance problem and gets out occasionally. Brother Wolfe has eye problems. Brother Al Putnam is getting along just fine and was in attendance. Brother T. K. Anthony is progressing and was at the meeting. Brother Max Harvey was in the hospital but is now at home. Brother Bob Ross, National 3rd Vice President was in an auto accident and was seriously injured. Brother James Norris, Past National Commander and Legion of Honor recipient passed away. Suzanna Kirby, wife of the Grand Master, has serious problems. Barba-ra Higdon had surgery but is doing well. Brother John Gibson, Past Grand Commander had a stroke. Keep these Brothers and Sisters and their families in your prayers. CORRESPONDENCE: Received the paperwork on Brother Michael Lafferty from National. He will be pre-sented his certificate and membership card as soon as we can get it scheduled. Received registration forms for the South-Central Conference and Encampment in Col-

ISSUE 17-02 FEBRUARY 2017

lege Station. See the Secretary for a copy. REPORT OF MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: Since Brother Sid Shaenfield cannot attend the meetings, Brother President has appointed Bother Aru-thur Polsey as the new committee chairman. REFERRAL OF APPLICATIONS: Two applications were received and read and will be voted on at the March meeting. APPLICATIONS VOTED ON: None. INITIATION OF NEW MEMBERS: None. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: AMERICANISM: Brother Elliott Samuels deferred to the committee chairs.

ROTC: Brother Dennis reported that he has the latest lists and letters and emails will be going out to 83 possible presentations. He has sufficient medals on hand for this year.

FREEDOM FOUNDATION: Have the new pamphlet and it will be held a week earlier this year, 6 – 9 July 2017. Distribution to the local Rainbow Girls and the Demolay boy will be accomplished shortly. Antici-pate sending two students to Valley Forge.

MOWW YLC: We have two quotas for the Lexington II session in Corpus Christi. It will be held on 25 – 29 June 2017.

ESSAY: Brother Roger Hopkins reported that seventy-six letters with essay contest forms were dis-tributed and he received eleven submissions. The com-mittee met and forwarded three to National.

FLAG PROGRAM: Brother Lafferty reported that the 28 February 2017 presentation to the Wilson County Republican Women’s organization has been changed to April. On 21 June, a Building the Flag will be presented to the local Sons of the American Revolu-tion meeting. BY LAWS: Nothing. FINANCE COMMITTEE: Nothing new at this time. EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE: None this month.

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President 1st Vice President Secretary / Treasurer Commander Adjutant

Luther Lee Leopard, Jr. Nick Ramos J. R. “Bob” McConnell Bob Perkins J. R. “Bob” McConnell 226 Highview Dr. 241 Ralston 134 Rhonda Dr 3513 Foxbriar Ln 134 Rhonda Dr San Antonio, TX 78228 Converse, TX 78109 Universal City, TX 78148 Cibolo, TX 78108 Universal City, TX 78148 (210)434-7429 (210) 658-9343 (210) 659-6813 (830) 627-2173 (210) 659-6813 nicksr@sbcglobal.net JMcconn529@aol.com rp3513@att.net JMcconn529@aol.com

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

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PROGRAMS: The next dinner meeting is on 8 Febru-ary at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Course. It is our Bridge of Light program honoring the Worshipful Mas-ters and District Deputy Grand Masters in our area. The Grand Master of Texas will be the guest speaker. BRIDGE OF LIGHT: Everything is completed with the Golf Course for the BOL. Weill need help with the setup on the day of the event as well as assistance as greeters and collection. Everyone will be given an enve-lope with their name, table number and meal tickets in-side. An easel with a seating chart will be near the check in table. After the evening, we will have our drawing for the eight items and all proceeds will go to sending stu-dents to Valley Forge and the USS Lexington. Hope to have a count by end of the week of total attendees. COMMANDER OF HEROES: Camp Commander Brother Bob Perkins stated that the next Bivouac will be on 29 March 2017. There will be a South-Central Area Conference and Encampment on 24-26 March 2017 in College Station, Texas put on by Brazos Valley Chapter. They have asked for our assistance. OLD BUSINESS: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS: The meal selection for the Bridge of Light in February will be sliced roast beef or chicken cordon blue as the choices. NEW BUSINESS: Brother McConnell brought up the purchase of an ad for the Souvenir Book in June 2017. A second was heard and a unanimous vote approved a full-page ad in the book. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Brownwood Commandery will meet tonight at 1800 hours with the program at 1900 hours. Brother Dennis has tickets for the 8 Americanism items being raffled. Brother Samuels pointed out that if you Googled, Toast to the Flag it brings up Ft Sam Hou-ston Chapter. Knight Masons are meeting Saturday at 1400 hours at the Scottish Right. On Thursday, 2 Febru-ary, the Scottish Right will hold installation of officers. CLOSING: There being no more business, Brother President Leopard closed the meeting at 1305.

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MONTHLY BIRTHDAYS !!!

Simon Mcllroy 3/1

Rick Corbin 3/3

Benjamin Linduff 3/3

Robert Madison 3/5

Robert Dale 3/9

Donald Starnes 3/11

Luther Leopard 3/12

Forest Little 3/14

Albert Pike 3/19

Elliot Samuels 3/19

James Worley 3/19

James Gordon 3/20

Clifford Wagner 3/20

Andrew Solari 3/21

Leonard Harvey 3/22

James Kenney 3/22

Ira Flax 3/23

Russell Brown 3/25

John Lorch 3/26

Gregory Wright 3/30

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

MARCH 2017 | Page 3

Minutes of the Annual Bright of Light Dinner Meeting 8 February 2017

Table set up for Bible and Charters

On the evening of 8 February 2017, 115 people arrived at the Ft Sam Houston Golf Course Banquet Hall for the Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17 Annual Bridge of Light Dinner Meeting. The social hour ended, 1st Vice Presi-dent, Brother Nick Ramos then gave his opening re-marks. He called upon Brother Bob McConnell to report on President Brother Lee Leopard. His report was that Brother Lee was in the hospital having tests done to de-termine what was wrong with him and that Brother Ra-mos was in Charge. He then called upon Brother PNP Jim Higdon to report on the Grand Master. Brother Jim informed the audience that M:.W:. Kirby was on his way to San Antonio when he received a call that his wife was being taken to the hospital. He relayed his disappoint-ment in not being able to join us but he was returning to be with his wife. Brother McConnell was notified and obtained a guest speaker in the Grand Masters place. Chaplain Brother Jerry Hopkins was called upon and gave the dinner prayer asking God’s blessing on our meal and meeting. Dinner was then served. The meeting was formally opened by Vice President Ramos at 2000 hours, followed by the prayer and pledge to our flag. The Toast to the Flag was performed by PNP James N. Higdon. Vice President Ramos then turned the program over to PNP/LOH Elliott Samuels, the Master of Cere-monies. INTRODUCTIONS: Brother Samuels introduced the dignitaries in attendance beginning with the Chapter sweethearts: Chapter Sweethearts: Helen Kelly Betty Sanders Tini Riggs Chapter President: Luther L. Leopard in absence since he was in the hospital Camp Commander: Bob Perkins, who was also absent. National Sojourners Representatives: PNP/Trustee, LOH Recipient and Chairman of NASO-COC Board of Directors, Andrew J. McVeigh, III and his lady Ervalyn. PNP/PNC, LOH Recipient and National JA, Benjamin M. Yudesis, and his lady Donna

PNP/Trustee and Houghton Award Recipient James R. (Bob) McConnell and his lady Pat. PNP/Trustee, Keye E. Perry, Sr. and his lady Becky PNP, Jim Higdon and his lady Barbara National President, James Baker and his lady Kay Houghton Award Recipient, 2016, Dennis Lafferty and his lady, Tina Past Grand Masters of Texas: R:. W:. Thomas E (Gene) Carnes and his lady Gay. Grand Lodge of Texas officers not at the head table:

R∴W∴ William Boyd, DDGM District 39A

R∴W∴ W. Bradley (Brad) Kohanke, DDGM District 39B

R∴W∴ Walter R. (Red) Lohmann, DDGM District 39C, and his lady Jean

R∴W∴ George A. Gwaltney, DDGM District 35B, and his lady Nannette

R∴W∴ David Potter, DDGM District 42 and his guest Kathleen Bailey

R∴W∴ James E. Harrell, DDGM District 51, and his guest Randall Edmondson

R∴W∴ W. Keith Reynolds, Committee on Work The evening’s special guests, San Antonio area Wor-shipful Masters and their ladies:

W∴ Anthony D. Harris, Alamo # 44, and his lady Nokomie

W∴ Adam G. Frey, Albert Pike # ll69

W∴ Joshua Martinez, Anchor # 424 and his lady Adrian-na

W∴ William D. Jackson, Army #1105, and his lady Judy

W∴ Eloy Guzman, Sr., Brahan # 226 and his lady Maria

W∴ Freddie G. Freeland, Charles W. Anderson # 1413 and his lady Sally

W∴ Matthew W. Brown, Cibolo # 151 and his lady Lacie

W∴ Douglas Montgomery, Davy Crockett # 1225 and his lady Sonja

W∴ Howard B. Henderson, DeMolay # 199

W∴ Justin W. Tays, Guadalupe # 109 and his lady Jo-lind W∴ Richard Davey, Helotes # 1429 and his lady Celeste

W∴ Tommy Evans, Highland Hills # 1373

W∴ James A. Rodriguez, Merit # 727, and his escort Charlotte Luongo

W∴ Oscar S> Reyes, Nat M. Washer 1270 and his guest Brandy Conklin

W∴ Sam H. Merritt, New Braunfels # 1109, and his lady Amy

W∴ Arthur F. Polsey, Patterson # 1177, and his lady Roxanne

W∴ John P. Winkler, Valley Hi # 1407 and his guest Carol Fenner NATIONAL PRESIDENT: Brother Elliott Samuels introduced National President James A. Baker, who Brother McConnell obtained as the guest speaker. He gave a short resume of the National President and turned the podium over to Him. The National President nformed thanked the Chapter for asking him to fill in and

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

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BUSINESS MEETING: We will again be at the Barn Door, 8400 North New Braunfels, (Inside

Loop 410), 1 March 2017. Come early get your lunch with the meet-ing to begin at 1200 hours. It will be order from the menu. Come and

enjoy the fellowship. Will be voting on two appli-cations. THE MONTHLY DINNER MEETING is scheduled for 8 March 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 Leop-ard at 210-434-7429 not later than 27 February 2017. Sign up early and come and enjoy the fellow-ship.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Bob McConnell

Dennis Lafferty

This Months ROTC Uncles

Sid Shaenfield

about the Bridge of Light and our various programs that we provide and support. He offered the services of Ft Sam Houston Chapter to all the Lodges represented to put on the programs for their Lodge members. The National President thanked the Chapter for honoring the Masters of the San Antonio area’s Masonic Districts. National Presi-dent’s remarks were followed by a standing ovation from all members and guests. PRESENTATIONS: As a token of Ft Sam Houston Chapter’s appreciation for his attendance and service to Texas Masonry and National Sojourners, 1st Vice Presi-dent Ramos presented the National President with a Bridge of Light Certificate.

1st VP Ramos and NP Baker Before the Chapter was closed, the drawings for the items on display to support the Americanism Program was con-ducted by Brother Dennis Lafferty, Brother Freddie Free-land and Brother Bob McConnell. The porch glider was won by Brother Russell Brown, The large Flag Quilt was won by Brother Daniel Owczarzak, the 13 Holiday Yard Flags were won by Brother Russell Brown, the Blue Bon-net Quilt was won by Jane Brookover, the Americana Bracelet & Ear Rings were won By Brother Russell Brown, (who we hope he will let his wife wear), The Square Americana Compact was won by Marsha Putnam, but as she had won the round Americana Compact she had another number drawn which turned out to be Brother Dock Dixon (who we suppose his wife will receive it to use), and the Texas Coin Necklace was won by Brother Al Wiggins. All proceeds from the sale of tickets goes to-ward our Americanism programs. After several announcements, Vice President Ramos for-mally closed the Chapter at 2100 hours and thanked every-one for their attendance and wished them God Speed and a safe journey home.

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)

March 1, 1961 – United States President John F. Kennedy establishes the Peace Corps. March 3, 1776 – American Revolutionary War: The first amphibious landing of the United States Marine Corps begins the Battle of Nas-sau. March 4, 1944 – World War II: After the suc-cess of Big Week, the USAAF begins a daylight bombing campaign of Berlin. March 6, 1836 – Texas Revolution: Battle of the Alamo – After a thirteen-day siege by an army of 3,000 Mexican troops, the 187 Texas volunteers, including frontiersman Davy Crock-ett and colonel Jim Bowie, defending the Alamo are killed and the fort is captured. March 7, 1951 – Korean War: Operation Rip-per: United Nations troops led by General Mat-thew Ridgway begin an assault against Chinese forces. March 9, 1945 – World War II: The first noc-turnal incendiary attack on Tokyo inflicts dam-age comparable to that inflicted on both Hiro-shima and Nagasaki five months later. March 15, 44 BC – Julius Caesar, Dictator of the Roman Republic, is stabbed to death by Marcus Junius Brutus, Gaius Cassius Longinus, Decimus Junius Brutus, and several other Ro-man senators on the Ides of March. March 16, 1926 – History of Rocketry: Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket, at Auburn, Massachusetts. March 18, 1314 – Jacques de Molay, the 23rd and the last Grand Master of the Knights Tem-plar, is burned at the stake.

This Month in History (Continued)

March 19, 1941 – World War II: The 99th Pursuit Squadron also known as the Tuskegee Airmen, the first all-black unit of the US Ar-my Air Corps, is activated. March 20, 1922 – The USS Langley is com-missioned as the first United States Navy air-craft carrier. March 22, 1630 – The Massachusetts Bay Colony outlaws the possession of cards, dice, and gaming tables. March 24, 1944 – World War II: In an event later dramatized in the movie The Great Es-cape, 76 Allied prisoners of war begin break-ing out of the German camp Stalag Luft III. March 25, 1979 – The first fully functional Space Shuttle orbiter, Columbia, is delivered to the John F. Kennedy Space Center to be prepared for its first launch. March 26, 1982 – A groundbreaking cere-mony for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is held in Washington, D.C.. March 27, 1836 – Texas Revolution: Goliad massacre: On the orders of General Antonio López de Santa Anna, the Mexican army massacres 342 Texas POWs at Goliad, Texas. March 29, 1984 – The Baltimore Colts load its possessions onto fifteen Mayflower mov-ing trucks in the early morning hours and transfer its operations to Indianapolis. March 31, 1992 – The USS Missouri, the last active United States Navy battleship, is de-commissioned in Long Beach, California.

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, 29 March 2017 at Grady’s BBQ, 6510 San Pedro. Put it on your calendar. Dine at 1700 hours.