Proudly serving the cause of Patriotism....SePteMBer-oCtoBer 2015 the Sojourner 3 NATIONAL...

THE SOJOURNERProudly serving the cause of Patriotism.

PURPOSESThe Purposes of National Sojourners shall be to organize Commissioned Of-

ficers, Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers of the uniformed forces (past and present) of the United States, and Honorary Members, who are Master Masons, into Chapters, for the promotion of good fellowship among its members, for assisting such as may be overtaken by adversity or affliction, for cultivating Masonic ideals, for supporting all patriotic aims and activities in Ma-sonry, for developing true Patriotism and Americanism throughout the Nation, for bringing together representatives of the uniformed forces of the United States (past and present) in a united effort to further the military need of national defense, and for opposing any influence whatsoever calculated to weaken the national security.

PRONOUNCEMENTNational Sojourners believe in God as The Supreme Architect of the

Universe.We hold that political, economic and social problems are subsidiary to

and ever separate from that steadfast belief in God.We maintain that God must motivate man if present day problems are

to be solved and we urge active participation in maintaining that Govern-ment for which our forefathers fought.

Sojourners remember that George Washington once said, “When we assumed the soldier we did not lay aside the citizen.”

VOL. 92, No. 5 September - October 2015

S U B M I S S I O N D E A D L I N E I N T O T H E N E X T S O J O U R N E R I S 2 0 O C T O B E RM I D - W I N T E R M E E T I N G W I L L N O T B E I N O K L A H O M A C I T Y - S T A Y T U N E D .

9 6 t h A N N U A L C O N V E N T I O N , G R E E N V I L L E , S O U T H C A R O L I N A , 1 2 - 1 8 J U N E 2 0 1 6

NEW LONDON #58, CWO4 James Chianese, Secretary, 30 Pond Drive, North Stonington, CT 06359. On May 21, 2014 we continued our program of awarding the ROTC award to NJROTC Cadets at New London High School. Bros. John Moulson, President; John Plante, PP; William Breed, Treasurer; and Jeff Stober Cdr in Chief represented the chapter. They presented the annual award to Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade Alyse Cornish. The ROTC Award supports the purposes of developing true patriotism and American-ism throughout the nation and furthering the military needs of national defense. The criteria for the award are that the recipient must have encouraged and demonstrated the ideals of Americanism by deed or conduct or both and that the recipient has demonstrated a potential for outstanding leadership. The Naval Science instructors select the recipient. Cadet Cornish has been in the unit for the past three years. She quickly advanced through the ranks and was recently assigned the position of Operations Officer responsible for scheduling and organizing all NJROTC activities. She has accomplished all of her duties with confidence and determination. In addition to her staff responsibilities she has been the Captain of the Unarmed Drill team and a key member of the Armed Drill Team, and Color Guard. In addition to her service to the unit, Alyse is an accomplished student who has attained one of the highest grade point aver-age in her class. For her academic excellence, military aptitude, and community service, she has earned numerous NJROTC awards including: Naval Science Outstanding Cadet, Exemplary Conduct, Military Aptitude, Academics, Participation, Exemplary Personal Appearance, Color Guard, Drill Team and Community Service. CDR Ted Ward, the senior Naval Science instructor, reports that it is a distinct pleasure to have a cadet of her intelligence, enthusiasm, character and initiative in this program. Her actions reflect great credit upon herself, her unit, and her school, and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. She has truly set a very high standard for future NJROTC cadets to follow and is a worthy recipient of the National Sojourners Award

(Photo L-r: Bros. John Plante, PP; Cadet Cornish, and William Breed. In the background is Jeff Stober.)

2 the Sojourner SePteMBer-oCtoBer 2015

NATIONAL LINE OFFICERS JUNE 2015-JUNE 2016

PRESIDENTCAPT James N. Higdon10122 North Manton LaneSan Antonio, TX 78213210-344-4309Email: [email protected]

PRESIDENT-ELECTCWO4 James A. BakerP O Box 733Liberty Hill, TX 78642-0733512-515-5632Email: [email protected]

FIRST VICE PRESIDENTLt Col Ronald D.R. Sortino212 Edgewood LaneJacksonville, NC 28546-9200910-347-1660Email: [email protected]

SECOND VICE PRESIDENTCol Edward W. Nolte4702 Windcrest DrivePapillion, NE 68133-4767402-592-0184Email: [email protected]

THIRD VICE-PRESIDENTLt Col William H. Haynes621 Prices DriveCresco, PA 18326-7891570-595-3333Email: [email protected]

SECRETARY-TREASURER MAJ William R. Sanner7942R Cluny CourtSpringfield, VA 22153703-765-5000 / FAX: 703-765-8390 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nationalsojourners.org

CHAPLAINCOL R. Thomas Davies, IIIOne 7th St. #1004Augusta, GA 30901-1364Email: [email protected]

NATIONAL COMMANDER 1Lt Raymond J. Vanden Berghe, Sr.P O Box 123Sergeantsville, NJ 08557-0123609-397-3017Email: [email protected]

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL SOJOURNERS, INCORPORATED

THE SOJOURNER is published bi-monthly for $10.00 per year by National Sojourners, Inc., a non-profit organization,

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE SOJOURNER, 7942R Cluny Court, Springfield, VA 22153.

EDITOR: WILLIAM R. SANNER.Names and addresses included in this publi-

cation shall not be released for any commercial or charitable enterprise without the express writ-ten authority of National Sojourners, Inc. “The opinions or assertions contained herein, unless otherwise noted, are the private ones of the writers and are not to be construed as official or reflecting the views of National Sojourners, Inc., or any branch of the Federal Government.”

NATIONAL CHAPLAIN’S WISDOM Ascending or Descending?

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD;my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.Psalm 84

It seems lately any time I attend a masonic function there is a reminder that membership in that particular body is waning. And I have to wonder why? Is it simply a matter of distractions, priorities, sense of belonging, a lack of assimilation? What is the cause of empty seats and a seem-ing challenge in filling the chairs with competent Masons?

I freely admit I have a very deep sense of the propriety and integrity of Worship. I assume we are all aware of the happenings in a worship service, no matter what our denominational or religious affiliations. Over the last couple of years I have wondered what the connection is between what we do with our Brothers and what we do with our brothers and sister in the faith.

As Masons one of the first things we do as we begin and close a gathering is to call upon our Deity. In most churches we call the opening prayer the invocation, whereby we are calling upon our Deity to be present in our activities. At this point do we simply excuse our deity to go sit in the corner or does our faith carry over into how we conduct the business of the “lodge”?

I started attending a local lodge almost 25 years ago. They had some issues that I did not par-ticularly agree with but I could overlook them and I also knew that I would be moving on in my ministry to another place. Well I did move on, but I also came back and retired here. As I was emerging from my cocoon back into the Blue Lodge I was very disheartened. A lot of the brothers were good friends, fellow Nobles, prospective Sojourners, but I did not like what was going on in lodge. A young man was being “black balled” month after month, even year after year. Lodge meetings revolved around who would be in lodge and how long would it take for the vote?

Charges were filed. Grand Lodge let their feelings be known. A “masonic judge” was dismissed. A deacon was exiled. I don’t know that this EA ever made it to Fellow Craft. The sad part is that it did not have anything to do with that EA, it was a feud that had been present for decades. I quit attending that lodge and think probably a lot of my brothers are also waiting for the dust to settle so we can once again take up the tools of our craft. This lodge is continuing to “black ball” themselves out of existence. If they do not allow anyone in they will die a very lonely, miserable death. I could very easily ask where my Higher Power in all this wrangling was? Shaking His head and wondering?

This is just one really bad experience but it has encouraged me to look discerningly at our or-ganizations. If we were to distill our meetings down to the elemental level what would we be left with? What do we accomplish? What have we gained or accomplished by going to our meetings?

In the closing charge we are strongly encouraged to meet upon the level, to act upon the plumb, and to part upon the square. “May brotherly love prevail, and may every moral and social virtue cement us! In the name of God…

My prayer in the coming months is that it may be so!

Contact: [email protected]/ 706-722-3602

SePteMBer-oCtoBer 2015 the Sojourner 3

NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGECARPE DIEM – FIAT LUX – SEMPER FIDELIS

Recently, I read an article by Texas lawyer, James E. Brill, in the Texas Bar Journal that attracted my attention. Carpe Diem was its title and its subtitle was “Will you answer when opportunity knocks?” I think I had heard the expression carpe diem before, but even though we have to know a few Latin phrases in the practice of law, I did not know this one or what it meant. The article told me, however, and I believed it to be apropos to our journey in the furtherance of the aims of National Sojourners. Carpe Diem means “seize the day.” It is a call for action. And the call for action has many applications in the furtherance of our aims and objectives in “Promoting and Serving the Cause of Patriotism” and membership acquisition, among others.

We can’t do the former without the lat-ter. Therefore, we must—each one of us—“Seize the Day!”—and increase our membership by exemplifying our promotion of and service to the cause of patriotism. We must “walk the walk” and not just “talk the talk.” If we do so, we will attract to our Chapters qualified Masons to join us as members in our spreading of the light of patriotism, that is, the second of my Latin

phrases in the title of this article—“Fiat Lux!”—“Let there be light!” Of course, most of us, as Masons, have heard the expres-sion “Fiat Lux” at some point in our Masonic journey through our several degrees. I am aware of it since it adorns the Grand East of the Grand Lodge of Texas and I see it every time I am in our Grand Lodge building in Waco. I also know it since it is the motto (or at least part of the logo) of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), a national legal organization of which I am a member (Fellow), whose members, as it were, “dispense the light of the law” in fam-ily law matters. We, as Sojourners, on the other hand, are called upon to “dispense the light of patriotism” and, in doing so, that of freedom also.

So, if we “seize the day” in seeking out potential members and impressing them with our membership in National Sojourn-ers by the “light we dispense” in fostering and promoting the cause of patriotism by the “walk we walk,” they will thereby be encouraged to join with us in the dispensing of our patriotic light by becoming members of our very meaningful and worthwhile organization.

Finally, I harken back to the close of my first article. There I quoted Brother Harry Sanders as saying:

Our greatest glory is not in that we never failed --- but in rising up every time with renewed enthusiasm when we do!!!

Join me and cop an attitude that together we will succeed. The road to the vision of a national home lies ahead --- perhaps just around the next bend.

Thus, if we Carpe Diem, seize the day, and thereby let the light of our patriotism and patriotic endeavors shine forth [Fiat Lux], we will be found co-owners with our Marine Corps Brothers and their motto, Semper Fidelis, always faithful; always faithful in all

that we do to promote patriotism, Masonic Brotherhood, and our beloved organiza-tion, National Sojourners. But none of this will happen without action—your action, my action, and the concerted actions of each of us. Teddy Roosevelt is reported as having said that “the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena … who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” Therefore, let us “actually [be] in the arena in [our] worthy cause;” knowing that, in the end, we have spent ourselves “in a worthy cause”—the cause of patriotism and free-dom—having “dared greatly.”

As the Holy Bible says in John 4:35, “…I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (NIV) This passage also calls for and demands our action. We cannot sit on our backsides. Our fellow Sojourners, past and present, not to mention the Chapters in which we claim membership, demand our action; demand our getting out into the fields to reap the membership harvest. If we do so, we will have seized the day; we will have spread what we have to dispense: the light of pa-triotism and freedom; and we will be found to be and have been “always faithful!”

Fraternally,

Jim Higdon National President

SECRETARy’S MESSAGEWe began our new Fiscal year on July 1st and annual reports were due on July 31st. We have received just over 2/3 of the Chapters

reports. We have also received a little less than 2/3 of the 990N postcard acknowledgements. Thank you and congratulations to those who have gotten their reports in. To those who have not, is there a problem we can help you with? It is important that we get 100% of the reports that are due. If you have questions or are experiencing problems please contact us for help. National Headquarters con-tinues to evolve in appearance and has been in a continuous process of review and realignment. The Heroes Room has been mostly reestablished and has hosted two Light Horse Harry Lee Heroes meetings. The museum is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Spirit of America Education Foundation team tha will be working to get those displays set up. We are always ready to receive visitors and are having each visitor sign our Guest Book. We have a new element ot our Sales program. There is a link on the Web Page under Resale Catalog: http://nationalsojourners.qbstores.com that takes you to our On-line store for man’s and women’s apparel along with other items that can be embroidered. Currently only the Sojourner emblem is available but we intend to add the Heroes and Camp Fol-lower Emblems in the near future. We look forward to your comments on this venture to include other items you think should be added.


CHAPTER NEWS

WASHINGTON #3, MAJ William D. Means, Secretary, 400 Cobblestone Drive, Apt #2, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. As our members were socializing during lunch at our May 2015 meeting, Kenneth Davis entered our meeting room seeking a club representative for lunch. He is the father of Col. Mark K. Davis who was as-signed as a faculty member at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF). Col. Davis died as a result of brain cancer while assigned to the ICAF. An exceptionally well respected officer, a tree was planted in his honor at ICAF. The family had gathered for the wedding of Col. Davis’s son, viewed the grave at Arlington Cemetery and were invited to visit the club, which does not oper-ate on Saturday except for catered events. They were seeking lunch at the club. After a quick huddle by the members, with 10 meals orders, but not served, we invited the seven persons in the Davis party to join us.

HONOLULU #11, CAPT Roy T. Ota, Secretary, 823 Ala Lilikoi Street, #6, Honolulu, HI 96818. Presentation by Bro. John J. Brown, National Commander to AFJCROTC Cadet Richard Long at the Kailua High School Awards Ceremony on Friday, 08 May 2015.

At the 12 August 2015 monthly meeting, Pres. Bill Hollingsworth presented a Certifi-cate of Appreciation to CDR Matt Wingate,

NOAA, CO of NOAA’s Marine Operations Center on Ford Island at the conclusion of his presentation.

L-r: Bro. Bill Hollingsworth, Matt Wingate

KNICKERBOCKER – WESTPOINT #13, LTC Jack H. Moore, Secretary, 145 Lincolndale Acres, Washingtonville, NY 10992. On Sunday, 16 August, Sojourners and fellow Masons from West Point Masonic Lodge #877 gathered for their annual sum-mer picnic at the Round Pond Recreational Area on the West Point Military Reservation. Throughout the afternoon brothers and family members gathered for BBQ chicken, burgers and hot dogs. Additionally, Bro. Moore brought clams and crabs from Long Island. MRE’s were an additional option that some of the older soldiers had never tried and were enjoyed by several of the children. A great time was had by all. The next gathering is planned for a breakfast meeting and initiation of new members ten-tatively planned for Sunday, 15 November in Highland Falls, with a follow-on tour of the West Point Museum and Visitors Center.

Major Seaman & Lt. Pommerance and his wife checking out the MRE’s.

Sojourners enjoying crabs & clams.

FORT SAM HOUSTON #17, Col. James R. McConnell, Secretary, 134 Rhonda Drive, Universal City, TX 78148. We held our monthly Dinner Meeting on 12 August 2015. Pres. Nelson Dunn called the meeting to order at the Barn Door. The dignitaries and guests were then introduced. Sweet-hearts attending were: Helen Kelly, Betty Sanders and Jackie Purvis. The guests for the evening were: Parker Archilla and Thalia Lara, FFVF Students, James LaFeldt and Drew Penn, MOWW USS Lexington Stu-dents. The parents of all the students were also in attendance along with a couple of brothers and a sister. Bro. Dunn opened the meeting at 1950 hours with the prayer and pledge. Bro. Elliott Samuels gave the Toast to the Flag. He called upon the Secretary for anyone awaiting initiation. There was one, Bro. Earl “Tex” Phillips. Bro. Dunn then proceeded with the initiation of Bro Phillips. The lecture was given by PNP McConnell, the obligation by Bro. Dunn, and the Medal Lecture by Bro. Lafferty. Secretary Bob Mc-Connell then presented Bro. Phillips with his name tag, sojourners medal, By Laws and Rules and Regulations of the chapter. Bro. McConnell was then called upon for the introduction of the program for the eve-ning. He introduced each student and then each student gave a 10 minute summary of their experiences. Parker Archilla is a home schooled student, Thalia Lara is a student at Brennen High School, James LaFeldt is a student at MacArthur HS, and Drew Penn is a student at Madison HS. All gave their ex-periences at the two locations and all were very much impressed with the experiences that they encountered. All were highly sup-portive of the curriculum and the personal relationships that they developed with the other students. They each outlined all of the activities that took place and pointed out the fun things as well. They were all very profes-sional in their presentation and it was a very informative program thoroughly enjoyed by all. A hearty applause greeted each as they completed their comments.

Announcements for the upcoming meet-ings were made. Business Meeting on 2 September and Dinner Meeting on 9 Sep-tember 2015. Next Heroes Bivouac will be on 30 September. Without further ado the meeting was officially closed at 2035 hours by the President Nelson Dunn.


WICHITA #24, LTC Larry G. White, Sec-retary, 4409 W. 10th, Wichita, KS 67212. The officers for the current year (2015-2016) who were installed in early June 2015 are the following: President – Floyd W. Piper, VP – John W. McCarty, Secre-tary/Treasurer – Larry G. White, Marshall – Wayne L. White, and Chaplain – Paul L. Miller. We continue to meet monthly on the first Wednesday at the Rolling Hills Country Club in Wichita. We presented nine JROTC Medals and one ROTC medal to deserving cadets at the end of this school year. Bro. Wayne L. White presented the Bridge of Light Programs to members of the local Masonic Blue Lodges in the Wichita area in May 2015. We were saddened by the pass-ing of our president, Floyd Wesley Piper, on June 27, 2015. Bro. Floyd was a World War II veteran in the Army Air Corps. At his me-morial service, military honors and “TAPS” were presented by airmen from McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, KS. There was also a Scottish Rite Memorial Service.

TINKER #43, CW4 Daniel Burchett, Secretary, 4800 NW 48th Avenue, Nor-man, OK 73072. Bro. Dan Burchett pres-ents the JROTC medal and Certificate to Carl Albert HS AFROTC Cadet Aubrey Ferguson

B r o . J a m e s Selders presents the 2015 JROTC medal to Air Force JROTC to Cadet Cpt. William Hickey during the Choctaw HS Annual Awards ceremony.

NEW LONDON #58, CWO4 James Chianese, Secretary, 30 Pond Drive, North Stonington, CT 06359. On April 20, 2015 we were pleased to host a contingent from New London High School’s NJROTC unit. CDR Ted Ward, accompanied by two of his cadets, Cadet LCDR Kathryn Ashbey and Cadet ENS Milagros Frontal presented a brief description of their pro-gram. The NJROTC Program is an elective course consisting of four sequential 1-year courses of instruction designed to develop informed and responsible citizens, respect

for authority, personal honor, self-discipline and leadership skills, a sense of pride in themselves, the Unit, the School, The Com-munity and the Country and to promote high school competition. These objectives are accomplished through a combination of academic study, military drill, orientation visits, community service and physical fit-ness. All cadets are required to be on time, look sharp and participate. All cadets are is-sued textbooks, a Cadet Reference Manual and all uniforms free of charge. Cadets are expected to maintain their books and uni-forms in good condition and return them to the Unit upon disenrollment or graduation. The cadet must continue in good academic standing and conform to a high standard of conduct, grooming and personal ap-pearance. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics; Leadership theory, Naval History, Customs, and Courtesies, Basic Seamanship, Military Justice, National Se-curity Military Drill and Ceremony to name a few. These topics are spread over a four year period of instruction. Obviously, the program concentrates on leadership and character development. It should be noted that the NJROTC program is not a boot camp or a recruiting office for any branch of the Armed Forces. There is no obligation to join any military service as a consequence of membership in the program. However, should a cadet choose to enlist in the Navy and have complete three years of NJROTC, they will be advanced to E-3 upon comple-tion of Boot Camp. We have been a strong supporter of the unit at New London High School. Sojourners have attended many pass –in –reviews, presented Sojourner ROTC awards to deserving cadets, and have sponsored cadets to attend leadership camp during the summer.

Bro. Jon Wilson, Area Rep., presenting Sojourner Challenge Coins to CDR Ward and Cadets Ashbey and Frontal. A check for tuition to summer leadership camp for one cadet this year was also presented.

FORT MCPHERSON #60, Col Phillip N. Walker, Secretary, 1782 Rockdale Circle, S.W., Snellville, GA 30078. The officers were installed by Wayne Barnes Area Rep.

on 24 June at Sweetwater Lodge 421, Lil Burn Ga.

FORT LEWIS #89, Lt Col Wendell A. Dutt, Secretary, 1668 South Geiger Street, Tacoma, WA 98465. We were proud to have as our guest at our May 26th meeting Miss Katy Davit, winner of the 1st place award for the National Sojourners Essay Contest. Our President Bro. Frank Smith congratulated her on this exceptional achievement. She read her essay on the Star Spangled Banner, the Song for our enjoyment. Bro. Smith presented her with the Plaque from National, recognizing this award along with a check for $2000 as a scholarship. Miss Davit is a senior student at Steilacoom High School. In addition, she will be attending Valley Forge as a winner of another contest.

PASADENA #265, LTC Joe Ryland, Secretary, 5215 Kauffman Ave, Temple City, CA 91780-3948. Our ROTC program was a huge success this year. One or more members of our chapter presented medals and certificates to every school in our area of responsibility. In addition to the Sojourner awards, we presented Scottish Rite med-als and certificates to other students in the same schools. Some of our presenters made their presentations in continental uniform. Students, parents, and school administrators were impressed with the con-tinental uniforms and asked the Sojourners to explain the significance of the uniforms. The members who volunteered to make the presentations were: Bros. Bob Reynolds, Bruce Ivie, Daniel Hood, Jovan Bilog, and Jeremy Chongco. These Sojourners were later singled out for their interest and de-pendability. They are, indeed, faithful to their commitments to serve our chapter. Several letters were received from school officials thanking us for making the presentations.


Doug Bridges presenting ROTC awards to Army and Air Force cadets.

PORTSMOUTH #386, Maj. C. William Willey, Secretary. PO Box 1264, Dover, NH 03820. Bro. Andrew F. Hirst, Area Rep. on April 18, 2015 attended the An-nual Army ROTC Awards Ceremony at the University of New Hampshire, Durham, and presented Cadet Joseph Sameski with the ROTC award. Other than the mentioned award we present ROTC awards to the following : (UNH), Durham, NH, Air Force ROTC, presented by Bro. Richard Dew-ing, Pinkerton Academy, Derry, NH, Air Force JROTC, presented by Bro. Ken Weyler, Manchester West, Manchester, NH, Navy JROTC, presented by the school, Spaulding High School, Rochester, NH, Air Force JROTC, presented by Bro. Walt Stacy, Whitefield Regional High School, Whitfield, NH, Army JROTC, presented by the school, Dover High School, Dover, NH, Navy JROTC, presented by Bro. Bill Willey, Winnacunnet High School, Hampton, NH, Marine JROTC, presented by Bro. Jeremy Sawyer.

On July 21, 2015, we had the distinct pleasure for the speaker of the evening a Mr. Mark Kilbane. He served as Artil-lery Officer on active duty with the United States Army as well as in the United States Army Reserves. Having just completed an assignment as a civilian with NATO in Tur-key he gave a very informative update talk on how NATO currently operates. This talk went for approximately thirty minutes with many questions being asked from the Breth-ren and guests present. Mr. Mark Kilbane is the son of Bro. LTC Joseph Kilbane, USA

Retired and a member. It was well received by all in attendance.

HUNTER #502, CSM Charles V. Deloe, Secretary, PO Box 60371, Savannah, GA 31420. Officers for the 2015 – 2016 Sojourner year were installed by Area Rep C. Wayne Barnes at the June meeting.

L-r: Bros. Carl L. Hendricks, II, 2nd VP; Ronald B. Wolbert, 1st VP; J. Walter Tuten, President. Shown in back Joseph R. Oliver, Jr., Commander. Wayne Barnes Area Rep. Mid-Atl-Area Presenting Bro. Thomas (Rick)Conn Regional Rep. for Ga 8, 60 and Al and Member of all 5 Georgia Chapters, with Certificates from both the National President and National Commander. Bro. Conn is also the Veterans Representative for the Grand Lodge of Georgia

BEAUGARD-ANDERSON #530, MSgt Richard J. Shaw, Secretary, 5502 Richard Avenue, Alexandria, LA 71302. The U.S. Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet Squadron LA-061 at West Monroe High School, Louisiana under the direction of Senior Aerospace Science Instructor Lieutenant Colonel Brian G. Buck USAF (Ret) held their Awards Banquet, Dining Out, and Military Ball on 14 March 2015. LtCol Buck is a new member having recently joined us as an MIP.

L-r: Bros. Allan K. Bean; Cadet Staff Ser-geant Benjamin A. Armstrong; and, Albert E.

Pilson. Submitted by Allan K. Bean. Bros. Allan K. Bean and Albert E. Pilson, both MIP members, attended the gala event and presented, on behalf of Barksdale #275, the National Sojourners ROTC Award to Cadet Staff Sergeant Benjamin A. Armstrong, a Sophomore at West Monroe High School.

A FRIENDLY REMINDEREditors and Secretaries the Deadline

for Submission for the Dallas L. Knoll Bulletin and Communique Awards for the Year are due NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 2015. The Headquarters WILL NOT be providing any copy from files so please submit the required 6 copies of each issue. Please DO NOT send any digital copies.

WE ARE WATCHING OUR MAIL FOR YOUR SUBMISSIONS!

BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES!


NATIONAL COMMANDERS MESSAGE

Brother Sojourners and HeroesThe past three months, June, July and

August have become history and I cer-tainly have great memories. A three day visitation to Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge on July 17, 18 and 19. Brothers Paul Pennybacker, Americanism Committee Chairman, Jim Baker, NPE and Kay, Wil-liam G L Turner, PNP/PNC and Patti were in attendance. Bro. Bill thank you for your involvement and more importantly your presentation of the Flags. Sojourners from Ben Franklin #16, including Win Hewitt, Bill Doty, Len Bezar, Gary Portnoy and J. R. Dotsey, presented “Building the Flag”. Attending the Youth Leadership conference afforded me the opportunity to meet and greet some of “our” students in attendance. These young people are outstanding and represent the fact that “Character Counts”. Students were from Texas to New Jersey

with a great representation from North Carolina. I am bursting with pride that I was able to meet these students including several candidates for West Point, Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy. A “Retreat Ceremony” conducted by attendees in ROTC and Scout Uniform was most impressive. I will be going back again next year and hope for an increase in the number of students attending. Chapters and individual Sojourners consider sponsoring a student. Spirit of America Foundation of the National Sojourners is a most worthwhile investment in the youth of our future. The following week found me in North Carolina and on July 25 I attended the Mid-Atlantic Encampment at Moores Creek National Battlefield, Currie, NC. My thanks to Brothers Denny Norris and Paul Pennybacker and countless Sojourners in attendance for making this a great day. Pulled Pork barbecue was outstanding. On Friday, August 14 accompanied by my wife, Pat, travelled to Hampton, New Hampshire at the invitation of PNC Andrew Hirst and Dorothy. On Saturday attended Portsmouth #386 meeting at St. James Lodge, Hampton, NH. The meeting was followed by the annual Ben Hill picnic. We, Pat and I were accorded a gracious welcome. After an overnight stay, we headed back to New Jersey on Sunday. It certainly was good to get Pat out for a change. Thank you Bro. Andrew and Dorothy for you kindness and friendship. As I am writing this, plans for this weekend, August 25, include a visitation to the Federal Area Encampment (FACE) in Fairfax, Virginia. Additional visitations are scheduled for Memphis, TN on September 26, (Volunteer #414 and Col. Isaac Shelby Camp) and EX Comm on October 1 and 2 in San Antonio, TX. I’m sure there will be other visitations in the future. Now I think it is time for a few words of wisdom?

“HOPE”My Brothers, you’re never defeated, never beaten down as long as you have hope.

Keep this thought in mind always as difficulties, sorrow, sickness and trouble come upon you. Have you heard that old saying that where there is life, there is hope? I suggest you turn it around: Where there is hope, there is life. Form a picture in your mind, not of lack or denial, or frustration, or illness but of prosperity, abundance, attainment, health. Think positive thoughts and you will receive what you think, not what you say. Practice believing. When you live with hope in your heart, in your mind and in your spirit, you have discovered one of life’s most powerful secrets.

HOPE DEFINED: “the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out well.” “to look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence.” “to believe, desire, or trust.” “to feel that something desired may happen.” My hope is that you will set aside some time for you National Sojourner Chapter and Camp. I hope it will happen?

Sincerely and fraternally in friendship, fellowship and brotherly love, I am Respectfully yours Raymond J. Vanden Berghe, Sr.

National Commander Heroes of ‘76

CAMP NEWS

ANTHONY WAYNE CAMP (Detroit #1). We sponsored the GLACE on May 2, 2015. In attendance besides Sojourners from Detroit were Bros. James Baker, National 1st VP; Raymond J. Vanden Berghe, Sr., National Chief of Staff. The newest Hero is Stephen Striggow. The camp meeting was interrupted by a commotion and after learn-ing that the recruit wished to join the camp, he was ordered to take several trips to the “D”. When his sincerity was established he was inducted into the Heroes. A Camp Fol-lower degree was held after the Bennington Banquet. Mae Striggow was the candidate and inducted as a Camp Follower.

KING KALAHAUA CAMP (Honolulu #11).

Bros Roy T. Ota and Bill Hollingsworth taking a break before leading the “Hawaii Family of Masonry” group in the Annual Kailua 4th of July Parade.

ALAMO CAMP (Fort Sam Houston #17). A raw recruit by the name of William J. Viner, was officially made a Hero on 29 July 2015. The members of the camp re-ported that there was a shadowy unshaven figure lurking around the area with a cane for support, but they could not determine if it was big foot or a shaggy bear looking for some food. It was finally determined that the subject was trying to enter the camp. Whoever it was, made many attempts at gaining admission, and we became con-cerned. We finally cornered it and it was the above named individual. He was placed in the guardhouse awaiting interrogation. He was provided a plate of beans, a slice of bread and a cup of water. Shabbily dressed and wounded, he barely made it into camp


to be interrogated. He was placed before the Commander, who proceeded to exam-ine him to see what his intentions were. He initially could not answer the Commanders questions but after many attempts seemed to compose himself to come up with the answers. This resulted from him crossing the Big “D” numerous times and finally, was able to answer his interrogator’s questions. After giving his heroic deed it required sev-eral votes to confirm his heroic deed. Bro. Bill is a strong Mason involved in various Masonic Organizations in the San Antonio area and is deeply involved with his local Masonic lodge.

JOSEPH WARREN CAMP (OMAHA #19). On 8 August 2015 our members presented the Colors for the opening cer-emonies of the 100th Anniversary of the Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children in Fremont, NE. With more than 350 in attendance PNC and National 2nd VP Ed Nolte gave the Toast to the Flag and led all in the Pledge of Allegiance.

L-r: Bros. Ron Stites, Ed Nolte, and John Parsons. PH CR: Ann Hauder, lady of MWB Tom Hauder

ERWIN R. BLECKLEY CAMP (Wichita #24). We continue to present the program of “Building the Flag” to various organizations in the area. The program was presented on 14 June 2015, Flag Day at a retirement facility with several veterans in attendance. The officers for the 2015 – 2016 year are as follows: Commander – David F. Snyder; Chief of Staff – Wayne L. White; Adjutant – Larry G. White; Chaplain – Paul L. Miller; Sentinel – John W. McCarty.

JAMES MONROE CAMP (Fort Lee-Richmond #72).

L-r: Bros. Bobby D. Hines; J. Jeffrey Mc-Clelland; Harless Dobbins; John Howerton; and Joe Westfall. On 7 July 2015 we trav-

eled to Gloucester, Virginia to “Build the Flag” for the Brethren of Botetourt Lodge No. 7. We had five members present and there was a large turnout from the Lodge. The Worshipful Master, John Howerton, the Master of the Lodge, is a member and served the evening in Colonial uniform.

JOHN J. PERSHING CAMP (Pasadena #265). Our Commander, Simon McIlroy, insists that we conduct the degrees in strict compliance with established rules. At a recent meeting Simon reminded us that our Heroes degree will be conferred only upon a Sojourner in good standing and who has been selected to receive this honor in recognition of exemplary service to the camp and chapter, and has demonstrated his loyal support of National Sojourners. Normally such service and support should cover a period of at least one year. Simon warned all of us that only he could grant an exception to the time-in-service rule. Some camps impose fines for various infractions but we have never done this because it is a policy of our sponsoring chapter, to never fine anyone. Our commander also has a resolute rule that any money incurred by the adjutant during the course of the degree must be turned over to the chapter treasurer as soon as he can find him.

L-r: Richard Schoengert, Joe Ryland, Na-than Marsak, Simon McIlroy, Bruce Ewald, and Steve Harris

LIGHT HORSE HARRY LEE CAMP (Old Dominion #364). On 14 June 2015 three members of our Historical Flag Ceremony Team assisted by two Revolutionary War re-enactors and an elementary school student gathered at Ashby Ponds Senior Living, Ashburn, VA to deliver the program to 100 residents. Bro Joe Spruill, PP, dressed in Continental Navy dress uniform, introduced the participants and superbly provided the narration for the ceremony. The flags were presented to the audience by Bro. Les Albers, Adj., dressed in Continental Army uniform, assisted by Bro. Michael Wolfe and his son William (DeMolay). They are Revolutionary War re-enactors with the 1st Virginia Regiment. Bro. Michael portrayed a rifleman while son William was dressed as

a Continental sailor. Bro. Scotty Cameron (Emeritus) energetically and flawlessly recited the Toast to the Flag at the end of the ceremony. Spencer Jones, Bro. Albers’ grandson, presented the National Colors for the Pledge of Allegiance. The presen-tation was well received by the attendees and generated a number of conversations about the flags.

L-r: Bros. Scotty Cameron, Joe Spruill, PP; Michael Wolfe, William Wolfe, Les Albers, Adj; Spencer Jones

On 29 July 2015 twelve members of the Light Horse Harry Lee Camp (ten Heroes, two Camp Followers) gathered at the new National Headquarters, Springfield, Virginia to discuss the upcoming Federal Area Con-ference and Encampment and to review plan upcoming programs. The calendar of upcoming activities includes: Color Guard support for the Scottish Rite, Building the Flag Ceremony request as part of our Bridge of Light Program, mid-winter confer-ence, application for the National Sojourn-ers Youth Leadership Conference, and the Sojourner essay contest. The annual sched-ule calls for: November’s ROTC recognition dinner; Historical Flag program at January’s Masters and Wardens meeting; observance of Brother George Washington’s Birthday at the February chapter meeting; and Wreath laying at the Tomb of Brother Washington at Mount Vernon, VA, and April’s Masonic Youth Night. Rations were arranged by Camp Follower Connie Perry. The meeting photo featured the Bunker Hill Flag that is described in the Historical Flag Ceremony. It was a good night of fellowship and profes-sional development.

Commander Keye Perry, Jr.; Area Rep. Randy Geck; Camp Follower Connie Perry; Drummer Jack Whisler; Camp Follower Carol Geck; President William Sanner; Camp Treasurer John Mayers; Hero David


Buffaloe; Chief of Staff Kent Webber; Adju-tant Les Albers; Regional Rep. Leo Powell; Hero Joe Spruill

GENERAL WILLIAM WHIPPLE CAMP (Portsmouth #386). On 23 April 2015 some of our members with the assistance of Gen William While Lodge of New Hampshire exemplified the second section of the Mas-ter Mason Degree at St James Lodge No. 102 Hampton, NH raising to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, Bros Brad Bick of St James Lodge # 102 Hampton, Rodriguez of Gideon Lodge # 84 Kingston and Gibney of Star in the East Lodge # 59 Exeter. All Lodges are located in New Hampshire

L-r: Bros. Andrew F. Hirst, PP,PC, Area Rep; Brad Bick, newly raised Master Masons; Glenn Randall member General William Whipple Lodge, Nathan G. Page, PM; Rodriguez, Howard Moulton, PM; Gib-ney, and Michael Steward, PM, Jeremy J. Sawyer, PGM, PM, PP, PC; Roderick Mac-Donald, WM, Richard Dewing, PM, PP, PC.

ANDREW JACKSON CAMP (Northeast Florida #435). A “Building of the Flag” Program was presented at the Valley of Jacksonville Scottish Rite Americanism and Flag Day celebration on June 20, 2015. The entertainment also included a skit from the Virginia Convention in 1775 in Richmond, VA between John Smyth and Patrick Henry, where Henry delivered his famous line, “Give me liberty, or give me death!”

L-r: Bros. Thomas Sorensen, P.C., Chap-lain; Robert Shellenberger, P.P., P.C.; and Corbin Elliott, P.P., P.C.

GEORGIA HUSSARS CAMP (Hunter #502). Our Build the flag team was privi-leged to present the flag program to a Hinesville, United Methodist Church group on 11 May 2015.

L-r: Bros: Charles V. Deloe, Adj., Chief Engineer; James Hood, PC, Narrator; Er-nest McCorkle, PC, Asst Chief Engineer; and Wally Crews, PC who gave the Toast to the Flag. Three days later the program was presented to the Guyton United Meth-odist Church by Ernest McCorkel, Narra-tor; Charles Deloe, Chief Engineer; Wally Crews, Toast to the Flag; with incoming Chief of Staff J. Walter Tuten and Camp Fol-lower Dot Murphy as Asst. Engineers. Tuten and Murphy are members of the church.

PONCE DE LEON CAMP (Melvin W. Byers #503). We were honored to conduct a program for The Scottish Rite Valley of Fort Myers, Orient of Florida on July 15. The program was conducted in an open meeting of the Valley’s Consistory with members, friends and families of both organizations in attendance. The purpose of the program was to honor our Country, our Flag and Vet-erans of all Military Services. The Master of KADOSH convened the meeting and turned it over to the Heroes Unit Commander who acted as Master of Ceremonies for the first section of the meeting; (the second section of the meeting was quite a surprise and will be described in order.) The Heroes of 76 Ceremonial Unit entered in processional and took seats.

The Building of the Flag was then con-ducted by Bros. Richard Nelson, McKinley Mayes (shown in the next picture,) Richard Bayly, Edgar Lanham (2015 Pres of Melvin W Byers and Commander Elect of the Ponce Deleon Encampment) and Derek Vaneske.

In a departure from normal protocol, the Ceremonial Unit lead by Bro. Bayly then proceeded to Raise the Colors.

Once the Colors were in place, Bro. Edgar Lanham gave the Toast to the Flag, followed by a showing of the Johnny Cash video “Ragged Old Flag” – if you are not familiar with it, please look for it on You Tube or his “Highwaymen” CD. We believe you will be as deeply moved as were those in attendance.

At the conclusion of the video presenta-tion members of each Military Service were asked to stand and be recognized with their respective service songs. These were proud moments for all. After singing the Na-tional Anthem, the gavel was returned to the Master of KADOSH and then came a brief ceremony none of us expected. We were deeply honored to witness the presentation of two Scottish Rite awards to two of our own. The Personal Representative of the SGIG of the Orient of Florida for the Val-ley of Fort Myers together with the Valley Secretary (a new Sojourner) presented Bro. John T Bittner Jr. (actually in his 63rd year of membership) with his 60 year certificate of service to the Scottish Rite.

And then, to round out a truly remarkable event for us, another of our most distin-guished members, Bro. Richard Plager, was presented with his certificate of recognition from the Supreme Council of the Scottish


Rite SJ for his admission as an Intendant of the Building of the House of the Temple.

We were recognized this year with a Presidential Citation for being First Run-ner Up for the Past Presidents’ Award (GROWTH) 2014-2015. We are DARK for the summer months. However, when we reconvene in September will have at least 3 new Sojourners awaiting The Heroes De-gree and we have a number of applications pending for membership in the chapter. It is truly a privilege to have a new generation of Master Masons and Veterans join with us in furthering the Purpose of the National Sojourners.

CARL L. SITTER CAMP (Shenandoah Valley #543). The sky outside may have been gray and cloudy and spitting rain, but the colorful flower prints of the ladies outfits and the bright summer shirts on the men certainly brightened up the hall of the First Baptist Church in Front Royal, Virginia. Gathered today was a group of approximately 80 senior citizens from vari-ous assisted living and nursing homes in the area for their monthly “Birthday party” organized by their activities director, May Bea Walton. Today they were also going to be entertained by our presentation of the “Building of the Flag” program. Mrs. Donna Jordan introduced our Narrator Bro. Charlie Davis, who began the introduction of the program by dedicating it to the Memory of Bro. Robert Mertens who was always willing to participate in this program. Bro. Davis introduced those assisting him, Bro. Richard Radi, Camp Followers Wanda Lawson and Irene Mertens and Bros. Wes Hammon, Master of Unity Lodge in Front Royal. The program continued with the narrator giving the history of the development and the flag being built stripe by stripe and star by star. After the full flag was displayed Bro. Davis gave a talk on further history of the flag and then gave the “Toast to the Flag” followed by Bro. Radi playing “Taps”. The audience gave a very enthusiastic round of applause and thanks. Rev. Mark Jordan gave thanks and a blessing for the lunch that followed the presentation that was enjoyed by all. It may have been raining outside but inside it was all sunshine.

L-r: Bros. Charlie David, Richard Radi; Camp Followers, Wanda Lawson, Irene Mertens.

On 2 July 2015 we presented the “Build the Flag” program to a group of senior citi-zens at the Hidden Springs Assisted Living Home in Bentonville, Virginia. Approximate-ly 20 residents assembled in the main foyer for a presentation narrated by Bro. Charlie Davis and assisted by Bro. Richard Radi and Camp Follower Irene Mertens. A copy of the “Toast to the Flag” was given to each of the residents. Bro. Davis did his usual

wonderful job of narrating the history of our beloved Old Glory and the Toast to the Flag while Bro Radi played “Taps”. The residents gave us an enthusiastic round of applause and many kind words of appreciation for our efforts. We were then invited to sit and have dinner with Mrs. Davison who owns the home. We left with a wonderful feeling of having given the residents an interesting and informative historical program to tie in with the 4th of July.

L-r: Bro Richard Radi, Camp Follower Irene Mertens.

Florida Area Conference & Encampment in Jacksonville. At the Florida Area Confer-ence & Encampment in Jacksonville on March 13, 2015, we initiated and received Bro. Richard E. Lynn, P.G.M., Grand Secre-tary Florida, as a new Hero.

Bro. Richard Lynn, is welcomed by the National and local of-ficers and Bros. Bro. Lynn is seen sixth from the left in the first row. Also seen

were: fourth from left, in the first row, National President Elect, James Higdon, fifth from left Pedro Arroyo, PNC; sixth from left, Richard Lynn; seventh from left, John J. Brown, National Commander; eighth from left, Ronald Sortino, 2nd VP; and ninth from left, Ray Vanden Berghe, National Chief of Staff.

Seen in the second picture at the Presen-tation of the Colors, from the left in the top row, were: Ronald Sortino; third from left, Robert “Boog” Powell, II; fourth from left, James Higdon; fifth from left, John J. Brown; sixth from left Ray Vanden Berghe; and Pedro Arroyo. Present also, but not seen behind the Colors, was Raymond M. Davis Jr., N. E. Florida Regional Rep. Many other Bros. from the various chapters and camps in Florida joined in initiating and greeting Bro. Richard Lynn, to the honor and fellowship of the organization.


NEW MEMBER

LCDR David P. Bowers, #364, MIPSponsor: William Sanner

SCPO Jonathan T. Brand, #522, MIPSponsor: David K. Miller

Mr. Frank B. Carson, #23, MIPSponsor: Eric R. Schau

TSgt Cecil L. Collins, #514Sponsor: Winston J. Hill

SSG Thomas A. Cooper, #252Sponsor: Charles D. Walter

CAPT Theodore L. Daywalt, #60, MIPSponsor: Robert Soderstrom

CPO Robert W. Dennard, #460Sponsor: Ronald L. Parks

Mr. Richard A. Dickerschied, #23, MIPSponsor: Eric R. Schau

Mr. Michael E. Field, #550Sponsor: James Kelley

CPO Wesley E. Golon, Sr., #252, MIPSponsor: Charles Walter

Mr. Robert J. Graziosi, #7, MIPSponsor: Edward D. Ford

CW3 Eddie M. Guevara, #996, MIPSponsor: James Barrett

SMSgt Jerry W. Hall, #5Sponsor: Lewie Fletcher

MCPO Charles R. Hill, #45, MIPSponsor: Christopher C. Gunn

CMSgt Robert O. Konsesky, #133, MIPSponsor: Byron Drew

SMSgt Bruce G. Lewis, #97, MIPSponsor: Robert A. Davis

SFC Michael A. McMillan, #373, MIPSponsor: Martin D. Schwebel

MAJ John H. McTyre, #530, MIPSponsor: Michael Watts

SCPO Todd S. Mears, #80Sponsor: Joseph W. MacIntyre

RM2 Chester R. Miller, #56Sponsor: David A. Gessert

PO2 Robert I. Palmer, Sr., #5Sponsor: Ronald Triggs

MSGT Earl B. Phillips, #17Sponsor: Unknown

CSM Jerry A. Reick, #27, MIPSponsor: Irv Dietscher

1st Lt. Bernard Shaenfield, #17, IMMIPSponsor: Sid Shaenfield

ICC Jack H. Stevens, #56Sponsor: William L. Greene

1SG Joe M. Taitano, #530, MIPSponsor: Michael Watts

Mr. Richard H. Trout, II, #252, MIPSponsor: Dale Goodson

SGT Randall L. Vaughn, Sr., #550, MIPSponsor: C. Frank Alexander

Po2 John Wackman, #27, MIPSponsor: Irv Dietscher

1SG Charles D. Walter, #252, MIPSponsor: Dale Goodson

Mr. Timothy S. Wheeland, #23, MIPSponsor: Eric R. Schau

Mr. Christopher Wheeler, #539, MIPSponsor: Edwin C. Marion

1st Lt Frederick F. Whitford, #92, MIPSponsor: Phillip Brady

FSO-2 Paul G. Wickberg, #101Sponsor: John Miller

MSgt Douglas M. Williams, #252Sponsor: Charles D. Walters

NEW MIP

19307 LTC Michael A. Ferrill, #55219308 CAPT William Atwood, #55219309 Col Edward W. Nolte, #32919310 Mr. Simon A. McIlroy, #30319311 Mr. Michael D. Johnstone, #99719312 Brig Gen Earl T. Kuhn, Jr., #30319313 Lt Col James R. Avant, Jr., #1719314 Mr. David J. Kussman, #24319315 Lt Col William H. Haynes, #1119316 CAPT Roy T. Ota, #7619317 LtCol Ronald D. R. Sortino, #1719318 LtCol Ronald D. R. Dortino, #25219319 CAPT James N. Higdon, #1919320 CAPT James N. Higdon, #32919321 Mr. Frank B. Carson, #2319322 Mr. Richard A. Dickerschied, #2319323 Mr. Timothy S. Wheeland, #2319324 CAPT Theodore L. Daywalt, #6019325 PO2 Jack Wackman, #2719326 MCPO Charles R. Hill, #4519327 CMSgt Robert O. Konsesky, #13319328 Mr. Robert J. Graziosi, #719329 Mr. Joseph C. Harrison, #52519330 CSM Jerry A. Reick, #2719331 CPO Russell A. Brown, #1719332 PO1 Billy D. Poteat, #55319333 SGT John D. Edmisten, #553 19334 PO2 Wally J. Crews, #50219335 Sgt Richard M. Schafer, #13319336 Sgt Richard M. Schafer, #26619337 Lt Col Keye E. Perry, Sr., #7619338 LTC Albert E. Piatt, #41419339 SGT Randall L. Vaughn, Sr., #55019340 LCDR David P. Bowers, #36419341 CW3 Eddie M. Guevara, #99619342 1SG Charles D. Walter, #25219343 Mr. Richard H. Trout, II, #25219344 SFC Michael A. McMillan, #37319345 SCPO Jonathan T. Brand, #52219346 1st Lt Bernard Shaenfield, #1719347 CAPT Tommy C. Wimberly, #1919348 1st Lt Frederick F. Whitford, #9219349 LCDR Gerald R. Ford, #36519350 Mr. Robert L. Carr, #12919351 CW4 Daniel A. Burchett, #12919352 Mr. Joseph C. Harrison, #51419353 CPO David Z. Cates, #51419354 SMSgt Bruce G. Lewis, #9719355 CPO Wesley E. Golon, Sr., #25219356 1SG Joe M. Taitano, #53019357 MAJ John H. McTyre, #53019358 Mr. Christopher Wheeler

3-6-5 CLUB

Daniel A. Burchett, #129Robert L. Carr, #129Michael D. Johnstone, #997Earl B. Phillips, #17Albert E. Piatt, #414Bernard Shaenfield, #17Ronald D. Stites, #11, #535Charles D. Walter, #252Christopher Wheeler, #539

SEM DONATION

In Memory of Bob ClementzEd & Jean Arndt

In Memory of Gene HammondsEd & Jean Arndt

In Memory of Louis HolcmanCharles A. Lindbergh Chapter #247

In Memory of Ralph HoggattSid & Marion Shaenfield

In Memory of Steven HypseSid & Marion Shaenfield

In Memory of Marion S. JonesIrv & Ila DietscherJames & Barbara HigdonJames & Patricia McConnellWilliam & Patti Turner

In Memory of Dottie LowmillerFrank & Terri HarrisMerlen & Judy HoweJames & Patricia McConnellClarence & Vera NelsonNelson NewcombeRoy & Carol OtaElliott & Elizabeth SamuelsWilliam & Patti Turner

In Memory of John G. MorganSid & Marion Shaenfield

In Memory of John NorrisIrv & Ila DietscherClarence & Vera NelsonElliott & Elizabeth Samuels

In Memory of Carole NewcombeClarence & Vera Nelson

In Memory of Floyd PiperWichita Chapter #24

In Memory of Monty QuickEd & Jean Arndt

In Memory of Edward StilesClarence & Vera Nelson

In Memory of Charles F. SharpChris ChristoffJames & Barbara HigdonRobert L. MasonJames & Patricia McConnellClarence & Vera NelsonWilliam & Patti Turner

In Memory of Lee SimmonsWilliam & Patti Turner


In Memory of Natalie ThomasWilliam & Patti TurnerGrand Masters Chapter #996

In Memory of Justin R. Van KleeckJames & Barbara HigdonMerlen & Judy HoweRobert L. MasonJames & Patricia McConnellElliott & Elizabeth SamuelsSid & Marion ShaenfieldWilliam & Patti Turner

In Memory of Bill WilliamsonNelson NewcombeWilliam & Patti Turner

In Memory of John M. WrightChris Christoff

Thank you San Diego #45 for your donation to the SEM Fund.

TAPS

Mr. Ronald O. Biggerstaff, #460DOD: 7/3/2015

M/SGT Carl H. Carlson, #78, MIPDOD: 3/15/2015

MSG John T. Cheeley, #66, MIPDOD: 11/16/2014

SGT Dan C. Critcher, #504, MIPDOD: 7/22/2015

Mr. Mark J. DeMatteis, #16DOD: 6/29/2015

Col William R. C. Edgar, #364, MIPDOD: 4/5/2015

MSG Marvin B. Fitzpatrick, #355, MIPDOD: 3/9/2013

COL Enoch D. Frankhouser, #999, MIPDOD: 6/24/2014

Col William B. Freely, #250, MIPDOD: 12/2/2014

Mr. John H. Grainger, #355, MIPDOD: 7/7/2015

MSG Charles R. Gunther, Jr., #72, MIPDOD: 4/30/2015

MSG Bernard J. Heavey, Jr., #28, MIPDOD: 5/23/2015

Col Ralph S. Hoggatt, #17DOD: 7/20/2015

LTC Luis Holcman, #247, MIPDOD: 6/17/2015

COL Victor Howard, #277, MIPDOD: 6/25/2015

LTC Steven H. Hypse, #17, MIPDOD: 7/16/2015

CWO4 Ernest H. Knox, #6, MIPDOD: 7/1/2015

SMSgt Kurt Kurosawa, #999, MIPDOD: 12/28/2014

Mr. Warren W. Leary, Jr., #386, MIPDOD: 6/19/2015

CMSGT William Lewis, #447, MIPDOD: 8/6/2015

CPO Charles D. McCoy, #538, MIPDOD: 4/14/2015

LTC William J. Moore, #76, MIPDOD: 8/11/2015

COL John G. Morgan, #17, MIPDOD: 6/27/2015

Mr. Glen D. Moser, #78, MIPDOD: 8/22/2004

1stSgt Morris E. Moug, #539, MIPDOD: 7/2/2015

MAJ Gail S. Moyer, #76, MIPDOD: 11/9/2014

LCDR Samuel Boddie Moyle, III, #522DOD: 3/17/2010

LT William J. Parana, #27, MIPDOD: 1/5/2014

LTC Jeffrey D. Parmer, #338, MIPDOD: 7/13/2015

1LT Floyd W. Piper, #24DOD: 6/27/2015

CAPT Eugene H. Plaztek, #355, MIPDOD: 8/19/2012

Capt Claude T. Rudd, #97, MIPDOD: 8/22/2015

WO1 Russell W. Sanders, #355, MIPDOD: 3/9/2013

1LT Henry M. Sorrels, #513, MIPDOD: 5/25/2015

WO1 Louis E. Spitzfaden, #78, MIPDOD: 12/4/2013

SSG Robert C. Stewart, #27, MIPDOD: 6/12/2015

Mr. Louis L. Vander Eyk, #56DOD: 7/27/2015

Lt Col Paul L. Wertz, #414, MIPDOD: 6/25/2015

LTC William E. Williamson, #364, MIPDOD: 7/27/2015

1st Lt Edwin G. Young, #517, MIPDOD: 4/4/2015

A YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE (YLC) UPDATE

A concentrated effort is being made by Anson Jones #507 to implement strategies to increase attendance at YLCs utilizing the guidelines offered by SAEF. Coordi-nating the selection of qualified youth to attend; arranging for the necessary funds for tuition and transportation; engaging as many as possible of chapter members; and ensuring those involved receive appropriate recognition for their efforts are the essential components of a highly successful program.

Each chapter in South Central South is being asked to focus on the effort with the guidance provided by a team of National Sojourners of Anson Jones Chapter #507. Our National President, Bro. Jim Higdon, has assigned me the responsibility to over-see this effort.

Merlen Howe, PNP

USMC HONORS NATIONAL PRESIDENT, AGAIN

Our National President, Bro. Merlen Howe, has enjoyed a stellar year with many honors coming his way – deservedly so. His “swan song” at the 2015 Annual National Convention in Omaha was no exception.

We were honored to have General Walter E. Boomer, Assistant Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps (1992 – 1994), as the guest speaker at Bro. Merlen’s Banquet. All were delighted to engage him at the reception, where he was very forthcoming with his fellow Brothers and their Ladies. Later in the evening, his remarks to us all were very well received, as they addressed the importance of educating our youth to be leaders of the future. He observed that today’s youth are not prepared to take the helm, which poses a serious problem for our country, if the trend isn’t changed. We identified with his comments, which resulted in a hearty round of applause by all. The National President presented the General with gifts of appreciation that included a briefcase American Flag and a special American Flag. The special flag was flown at several prominent locations on special days in our history with their accompany-ing Certificates of Testimony – the U.S. Capitol on George Washington’s Birthday; Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4, where George Washington was made a Mason – 04 Nov; Surrender Field/Yorktown Natl Historical Park on the day Gen. Cornwallis surren-dered to Gen. George Washington – 19 Oct; and Minuteman Natl Historical Park on the day the “shot was fired heard ‘round the world” – 19 Apr. The General was genuinely moved by the gifts.


TO: AREA REPRESENTATIVES, REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES, AND CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

SUBJECT: INCENTIVES AND AWARDS

Area Representatives, Regional Representatives, and Chapter Presidents have the complete authority to award, and should personally issue and award, the Certificate of Appreciation (CA) at the Chapter level, in accordance with the criteria contained in National Regulation 9.1, paragraph 4, instead of waiting to the “end of the year” to send a CA nomination to National Headquarters (HQ) for processing and approval, and then signing and presentation by the National President at the Awards Luncheon to those recipients who are in attendance. The CA can be awarded at any time during the year, not just once a year at the Annual National Convention (ANC). By addressing CA awards locally, the deserving Sojourner or other recipient is almost immediately thanked for his or her performance, the overall effect of which is to make the award more timely, relevant and meaningful to the recipient.

In general, you making these presentations locally will also result in a definite benefit to National HQ in the processing time and effort expended by our HQ staff in preparing for each ANC, thus reducing the operating costs for the Order.

Bottom Line: The Area and Regional Representatives, as well as the Chapter Presidents, have the express authority to present CA awards and do not need permission from anyone at the National Level. These awards thus become your personal recognition—that is, the personal recognition of the person initiating and presenting the award—YOU—of the service of the recipient of the award.

Since each Area Representative, Regional Representative and Chapter President is empowered to make these awards, the lengthy waiting time to receive a Certificate of Appreciation award is thus greatly reduced.

Some of you have voiced the opinion that it is important for some of Chapter members and/or spouses, etc., due to their exemplary service, to receive an award from and signed by the National President. Your comments are certainly important and valid. Your presentation of the CA locally does not prohibit a Chapter President, Regional Representative or Area Representative from nominating someone for a “National CA” award, or even a higher award, signed by the National President, but those so nominated should be the “best of the best” of the recipients who have already received “local CA awards” from you: their Chapter President, Regional Representative or Area Representative. So, if you don’t consider your local members/spouses worthy of being presented a CA from you, then why should that same potential awardee be entitled to such an award from/signed by the National President?

Therefore, effective immediately nominations for the award of a Certificate of Appreciation for approval by this Committee and National Headquarters and subsequent signature by the National President must be accompanied by a cover letter that delineates the when and where the nominee was locally pre-sented a CA award by either the AR, RR or Chapter President, as well as the usual written description of the justification the nominee is entitled to the recommended award. Absent such a “justification,” a CA nomination will be returned to the sender. Our goal is not to reduce the number of awards, especially CAs, being issued; no, on the contrary, it is to increase them, but with a focus on the recipients of this letter being the foundational force in this process.

In general, other than the ladies who are nominated as being deserving of a “National CA,” HQ and the Incentives and Awards Committee will only process nominations for receipt of either an Exceptional Meritorious Citation (EMC) or a Presidential Citation (PC) for presentation at the ANC in Greenville, S.C.

Sincerely and Fraternally, Brother Denny NorrisChairman, Incentives and Awards Committee


FREEDOMS FOUNDATION VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL SOJOURNERS “SPIRIT OF AMERICA”

YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM JULY 16-19 2015

This year’s session was another outstanding experience for the 49 students and 11 chaperones who were in attendance. The adults attending were Bros James Baker our NPE and his Lady Kay, MW Ray Vanden Berge, Ntl Cdr, William Turner, PNP/PNC, and his Lady Patti.

It was really toasty … the entire time … from July 16th through July 19th. The 90-degrees came with an equal measure of humidity. It was Valley Forge, but nothing like the winter of 1777 and 1778, where it was bitter cold. Friday morning started with a discussion with Mrs. Abigail Adams and Mr. Thomas Jefferson this was very interesting as they were not the best of friends. Following this, the students were lead in a “Freedom Summit” by Dr. Bruch Murphy a professor of constitutional law and Dr. Sara Mehltretter Drury a professor of rhetoric and communications.

They became Teams working together, they were individuals “selling” their positions and opinions, and gained a new perspective of their responsibility in our society. After all, how often is it that you – at age 16 – become a Congressman and formulate law … why even addressing the loss of the Patriot Act and establishing the replacement American Security Act.

The U.S. Constitution summit continued the rest of the day. It was interesting to note that Dr. Drury had once been a student of Dr. Murphy and had attended a conference at FFVF.

On Saturday morning the students were presented with a Building of the Flag program by the Ben Franklin #16 National Sojourners, followed by the “traditional” Patriotic Ques-tion and Answer Program conducted by Bro. William Turner and Lady Patti. This year General Washington was not available to address the troops. However, they were treated to a teller of historic facts and tales during their Tour of Valley Forge. Prior to our evening banquet, the student conducted the “retiring of the Flag” ceremony directed by Brother Derek “Bo” Webb. After the banquet, Mr. Dan LeClerc was the guest speaker and his topic was “Leading Significant Lives”. Following the speaker program, all attended vespers and a Ceremonial “Signing” of the Declaration of Independence.

On Sunday after a taste of the Independence Hall experience and touching the Lib-erty Bell, they left for home with hugs and hope … that they can assume the reigns of responsibility, when it is their turn. A transformation from their arrival – giddy youth – to their departure – a bit more serious young adults – gave them and the chaperone staff cause to reflect and appreciate the experience.

Again, the facility, the staff and the programs they presented were outstanding. We refer to our Freedom Foundation Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference as the Crown Jewel of our National Sojourners organization.

We only had 49 students in attendance, down from 57 students last year. We need to reverse this trend. One of the reasons, we are not getting the student numbers we desire is we are looking for them too late in the year. The time to start getting commitments from students to attend the 2016 FFVF-YLC (14-17 July 2016) is now!

When you read this article the 2016 Student Package and the FFVF Trifold will be posted on our website under Americanism Programs. PLEASE start your efforts now.

Paul Pennybacker, Chairman Americanism Committee

ENCAMPMENTS

On 25- 26 September 2015 Volunteer #414 will host an Encampment at St Colum-bia conference grounds in Bartlett, Tennes-see. More information is forth coming. Point of contact is H. Thurl Ray 901-413-6914 or [email protected] if you choose email as a contact preference use Heroes of 76 Re-gional Camp on the subject line otherwise it probably will be deleted as coming from an unknown source.

PNWCAE – October 2-4, Pacific Beach, Washington

ROTC

Florida A&M University’s Army and Navy Reserve Officer’s Training Corp would like to thank you for your participation in sup-port of our Annual Joint Awards Ceremony. Please enjoy the photo(s) of your presenta-tions and we hope to see you again next year!

Very Respectfully,Midshipman 2/C Natalie K. Washington,

USNR, Florida A&M University

Thank you for sponsoring and providing the JROTC National Sojourners Award. We presented the award to Cadet Technical Sergeant Keandre Ambles, our selection for the award for AFJROTC GA-945 Bulldog Group at Morgan County High School in Madison, Georgia. Keandre is a 3rd-year Cadet (4-year program) and a Junior. He is an outstanding student and cadet who truly encourages and demonstrates ideals of Americanism. As Flight Sergeant for his Flight, he has shown outstanding leadership and potential. He is very active in the pro-


gram and deserves this award. Please find a picture of Keandre receiving the award from our Assistant Principal, Coach Davis Bell. We appreciate all you do for JROTC.

Sincerely,Major Rob Atkins

The National Sojourners recipient was Cadet Alexander Jur. Thank you for the support!

V/R, NICHOLAS A. VALLERA, Capt, USAFAssistant Professor / Operations Flight

CommanderAFROTC Det 750, St. Joseph’s University

Thank you for your organization’s sup-port.

Respectfully,James Michael Moyer, CW2, US Army

(Ret), Senior Army InstructorDiamond Oaks JROTCCincinnati, Ohio

John English of National Sojourners

John, we are most appreciative that we were able to partner with the National Sojourners as you presented your medal.

Have a wonderful summer, everyone. Regards,Joy Hare

Dear Sirs:All of us at Massachusetts Maritime

Academy appreciate your continuing inter-est and support to the Academy and our students. We Thank You once again for your generous sponsorship of our June 2015 Commencement Award Program. We look forward to your continued support.

Sincerely,Bradley K. LimaDean & Vice Pres. of Academic Affairs

Mr. Mike Maklary,The Kahuku Corps of Cadets Thank

You for supporting the Kahuku JROTC program and for presenting your award. It is always and Honor to have you at our awards ceremony and we look forward to see you next year.

Sincerely,1SG Dave BrandtKahuku JROTC

National Sojourners:My Name is Cadet Major Joshua Piatt. I

would like to thank you for presenting me with your Americanism Award. It means so much to be recognized for my efforts in JROTC.

Sincerely,Joshua PiattJoplin High School

National Sojourners, Wayne W. Gate-wood, Jesse B. Thomas Chapters;

Thank you for your extreme generosity in awarding me your chapter’s award at our Tri-service ceremony. I am so humbled that organizations such as yours are supportive of our future military leaders. I hope to con-tinue my service upholding the spirit of your organization and following in the standard of excellence in all I do set by those who walked before me. Thank You again for this recognition and for everything you do for this great Nation!

Cadet Frank Jozefczak accepting for Cadet Nicholas Freele, National Sojourners ROTC Award from LtCol Grupe, Associate Professor of Aerospace Science.

Dear Sirs:My name is Richard L. Twiggs and I am a

recent recipient of the prestigious National Sojourners award honor, I would like to take a minute to thank you and share a little bit about myself.

Firstly, thank you so much for this award; it truly is humbling to be recognized by such an organization as the National Sojourners.

I am a MS II (sophomore) Cadet in Grizzly Battalion Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at University of Montana. I am currently ranked in the top twenty-five percent of my military science class. I am a Business Administration Management major with an emphasis in Human Resource Management. My cumulative college grade point average is 3.71.

My interests after ROTC are to com-mission active duty as an Armor (Calvary) Officer. I acknowledge that life is constantly changing around us and so I am not able to predict what will influence my decision when the time comes, but as it stands now, I plan to serve a full twenty years in the Army and possibly longer.

Outside of a full active duty career I have interests in corporate America, specific to management. At some point, at the ap-propriate time, I plan to obtain a master’s degree in business. I also have a desire to run and serve as an elected official.

I hope this letter sheds a little light on who I am and what I am interested in doing with my life. So again, I thank you for this award, it is truly an honor.

Sincerely,Richard L. Twiggs


TO: Editor, THE SOJOURNER7942 R Cluny CourtSpringfield, VA 22153-2810

NOTICE OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2015

Please change my address TO:

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National Sojourners, Inc.7942R Cluny CourtSpringfield, VA 22153Address Service Requested

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EMBROIDERED SOJOURNER EMBLEMS

Shirts, jackets, bags and more emblazoned with the National Sojourner logo are now available in a wide range of prices through a link on the Sojourners Only page by clicking the RESALE CATALOG and then clicking on the QB Stores link. You can even have you items personalized with your name or Chapter or office held for an additional fee. Soon you will be able to get items with the Heroes of ’76 emblem or the Camp Followers emblem.

Proudly serving the cause of Patriotism....SePteMBer-oCtoBer 2015 the Sojourner 3 NATIONAL...

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