Volume 34, Issue 1

January 2014

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: PACHYDERMS STOLE THE SHOW AT MRLC

Board President Remarks 2

D/T Honors Cruz 3

Club Briefs 4

MRLC Pictures 5

Top 10 Clubs 6

Pachyderm Prayer 6

Purpose of Pachyderm

To provide a practical means for broad citizen participation in politics.

To promote practical political education and the dissemina- Former Congressman Col. was the featured speaker at the Midwest Republican Leadership Confer- tion of information about our ence Pachyderm Dinner. political system. As leading event sponsors at the Pachyderm Federation President Bill Thanks to Missouri Republican To promote the development Midwest Republican Leadership McCoy addressed the audience. Party Chairman Ed Martin and Executive Director Shane of potential politicalleaders. Conference (MRLC) held Septem- Pachyderms also hosted one of two ber 13-15, 2013 in Kansas City, hospitality suites on Friday and the Schoeller (both longtime Pach- To assist in carrying out the MO, Pachyderms were all the one-and-only hospitality suite on yderm members) for allowing purposes of the Republican buzz. With 750 in attendance Saturday evening with an estimated us the opportunity to show Party, whose purpose we from all across the Midwest Re- 125 conference attendees stopping what Pachyderms are all believe includes: gion, not everyone was blessed by each night. about. to have come from a Pachyderm To provide Leadership in stronghold. So with all of the Our prominently placed Pachyderm Government. attention, we found ourselves booth allowed staff and members of Visit Our Store answering the question, “What is the National and Missouri Federa- Want to show your Pachy- To protect Individual a Pachyderm?” often. tion Board to interact with Confer- Rights and Freedom. ence attendees. derm Pride? Visit the online The National Pachyderm Federa- To promote Clean Gov- tion teamed up with the Missouri On Saturday afternoon members of Pachyderm Store at the National and Missouri Federa- ernment with local em- Pachyderm Federation to sponsor store.pachyderms.org phasis. the Saturday evening dinner with tion Boards were invited to a per- former Congressman Allen West sonal meeting with Reince Priebus, and check out our shirts, Chairman of the Republican National To keep the Public In- as the speaker. The dinner was hats, awards, name badges, formed on the status of attended by 190 people. Both Committee. Priebus expressed his literature and gifts. their government. National Federation President appreciation of Pachyderms’ efforts John Wiemann and Missouri and grassroots support. Page 2 Volume 34, Issue 1

NATIONAL OFFICERS THE BOARD PRESIDENT’ S R E M A R K S PRESIDENT John D. Wiemann This past year our organization ganization a relatively inexpen- O’Fallon, MO experienced some low and high sive way to promote Pachyderms points. After the Republican to groups and individuals who 1ST VICE PRESIDENT Party lost the opportunity to win have not been exposed to us. Bob Shults back the White House, many of Most recently, I was invited to be Houston, TX our members were devastated, a guest at the Republican Nation-

2ND VICE PRESIDENT depressed, and quite frankly al Committee Winter Meeting in Tom McElwain mad about the 2012 election Washington, D.C. In the past, the Columbia Falls, MT results. As a result, our member- National Pachyderm President, ship along with many other civic along with many other auxiliary 3RD VICE PRESIDENT political organizations experi- allied organizations were invited Bev Randles enced a significant decline. So to attend the RNC meetings. Kansas City, MO far this year, it appears that our However, for the past ten years, membership renewals are going we were not allowed to attend TREASURER strong and that there is a re- because of the McCain/Feingold Wayne Wallingford newed momentum in our Party. John D. Wiemann law. Most recently, the RNC Cape Girardeau, MO After seeking congressional in- board members, Luanne Dewitt Chairman, Reince Preibus, has SECRETARY quiry and joining a class action and Penny Henke for their service reached out to the grassroots SuZanne Feather lawsuit against the IRS, we to the National Board. organizations to become more Houston, TX involved with the party. At my learned this past year that the While at the National Convention, first RNC meeting, I had unprece- IMMEDIATE IRS denied our group tax exemp- the Board of Directors met and tion application (National Pachy- dented access to many State PAST PRESIDENT discussed the need to revise our Party Chairman, National Com- Joe Briggs derms has been a tax exempt, strategies for accomplishing our 501 (c)(4) since 1974, but our mittee members and other Re- Great Falls, MT mission. In order to become more publican organizations from Clubs need to individually be relevant with the political environ- NATIONAL DIRECTORS recognized or we need to be around the country. Moving for- ment and to grow our member- ward, our leaders and Club must Ruth Ahlemeier recognized as a group) on the ship and organization, we decided continue to reach out to Republi- St. Louis, MO grounds that many of our local to address the three most im- can Party leaders to ask for their clubs had not filed 990 forms portant requirements for a suc- Turner Askew support and assistance with ex- and that all local clubs must cessful organization: MONEY, Whitefish, MT become compliant before the panding the Pachyderm move- MESSAGE and MANPOWER. The ment in their state. Thelma Baker IRS would reconsider our group Board agreed to move forward Missoula, MT tax exemption application. At with supporting the first annual This year I am excited about the this point in time, the issue re- National Pachyderm Golf Tourna- opportunity for Pachyderms to J.D. Joyce mains unresolved; however, the ment to be held in St. Louis. Work- make another leap forward as an Houston, TX National Board is currently seek- organization. We are gaining ing in conjunction with three local Bill McCoy ing additional outside advice Pachyderm Clubs in the St. Louis momentum and our new Board Springfield, MO and counsel regarding our op- metro area, our goal is to promote of Directors are energized and tions to bring all clubs into com- the Club, add new members, and ready to drive Pachyderms to Larry Minniear pliance with the IRS. We are raise money for both the local another level. Hixson, TN optimistic that a plan of action clubs and National Federation. On a personal note, I have decid- Edgar Morales to resolve this situation will be ed to seek public office this year. I finalized this year. Another objective we had last year San Antonio, TX was to promote the Pachyderm formed a campaign committee One of the highlights from 2013 last year and will be filing for George Parker, Jr. Club to state and national Republi- Centennial, CO was our National Convention in can organizations along with con- office in late February to run for San Antonio, . The Alamo servative groups across the coun- Missouri State Representative. At John Proud Club was the host club and did try in order to encourage mem- this point, I expect to have a pri- Omaha, NE an outstanding job. During the bership and club growth. In 2013 mary opponent and therefore will Convention we had many out- take a leave of absence as Nation- Helen Van Etten we participated in several key Topeka, KS standing speakers, including Republican and Conservative al President until after the prima- Texas Governor, Rick Perry. Also, events around the country. In ry election. I am excited about EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR during the convention we added particular, we had the opportunity the opportunity to serve my com- several new board members; munity, state and country in a Holly M. Lintner to be a sponsor for the Midwest Ruth Ahlemeier, Bill McCoy, new capacity and look forward to [email protected] Republican Leadership Conference Larry Minniear, John Proud, and that was held in Kansas City, MO. solving the challenges we face as Bev Randles to help rejuvenate We also exhibited at the CPAC citizens. the national leadership. We also Regional Conference in St. Louis, recognized those departing MO. Both events offered our or- The National Pachyderm Page 3

DOWNTOWN HOUSTON HON O R S C RU Z By Sophia Mafrige, Downtown Houston Club President

Downtown Houston Pachyderm Republicans who volunteered to concerns for the future. The Club hosted its Awards Lunch- make the event a success. Colonel Senator was given several eon & Fundraiser featuring U.S. Sean Seibert presented the Club standing ovations throughout Senator Ted Cruz on January with a flag he flew in its honor the day. 24th. Club President Sophia over Kabul, Afghanistan on Sep- The event concluded with Hope Mafrige welcomed everyone tember 11, 2013. Johnson leading the crowd in and Senator Cruz was given a Meritorious Service Awards were “God Bless America” followed standing ovation as he entered presented to Judge Analia Wilker- by a prayer by Bishop Williams the room. son (a founding member of the to close the event. More than The opening prayer was lead by Club) and Club Secretary Tom 100 sponsors of various levels Bishop Anthony Williams of Zakes. The Tough Tusk Award was supported the event. Bob Price New Harvest Christian Out- presented to Senator Ted Cruz. of TexasGOPVote.com was the photographer. reach, followed by the U.S. Several past award recipients in Pledge by Jared Woodfill and attendance were acknowledged, Despite a terrible ice storm the Texas Pledge by Paul Simp- including the Honorable Bill which resulted in road closures son. Hope Johnson sang the Phelps, former Missouri Lt. Gov- all over the city, hundreds came National Anthem beautifully. ernor and State Representative. to hear from Senator Ted Cruz, Club Vice President Jack Lee Following the Awards presenta- truly a testament to the Senator introduced elected officials. tions, Ed Johnson formally intro- and the support of his constitu- Club Secretary Tom Zakes intro- duced Senator Cruz as the key- ents. It was a wonderful day for duced Candidates. Board mem- note speaker. the Downtown Houston Pachy- ber and past president Ed John- derm Club and we are grateful Senator Cruz exhibited a great son, acknowledged sponsors. to all who made it possible. Sophia Mafrige thanked the sense of humor as he spoke about committee members, Board and his time in Washington D.C., the To view more photos go to: challenges we are facing, and https://www.dropbox.com/sh/btcjznivt1nnqsi/ members of Houston Young lrU42Hk9e5

Club President Sophia Mafrige presenting Sen. Ted Sen. Ted Cruz and Bill Phelps, Past National Pachyderm Cruz, member of D/T Houston Pachyderm Club President the Tough Tusk Award

Award Recipients- Tom Zakes, Sen. Ted Cruz and Judge Col. Sean Seibert presenting Club President Sophia Analia Wilkerson Mafrige with a flag he flew in the Club’s honor Page 4 Volume 34, Issue 1

CLUB BRIEFS

Nightside (TN) Installation of Officers Hamilton County (TN) Installation of Officers

L to R: Standing-Larry Minniear, National Director L to R: Henry Hoss, President; Scott McColpin, Vice (installing officer); Chester Bankston, Director; Carnell President; Ruth Ann Quiroga, Secretary; Joe DeGaeta- Storie, Sec./Treas.; John Shackelford, President; Frank no, Director; Liz Norris, Treasurer; Luanne DeWitt, Cowan, Director; Dan Appleget, 1st Vice President. Director; Chris Helton, Director; Larry Minniear, Na- Seated-Esther Taj, 2nd Vice President; Barry Bar- tional Director (installing officer) soumian, Director; Larry Grohn, Director; Larry Hen- ry, Director Welcome to our Newest Club— St. Charles (MO) Club Presents Annual Pachyderm Club of Northern Alabama Scholarship

L to R: Mo Brooks, Alabama 5th District Congressman; L to R: Penny Henke, Club Vice President; Stephen Jim Samuelson, President; Tom Scovill, Vice President; Johnson, Club President; Sarah Hinds, Scholarship Bobby Smith, Director; Priscilla Adams Dumont, Di- Recipient; Rep. Chuck Gatschenberger; Mike Hazel- rector; George Williams, Secretary/Treasurer; James baker, Scholarship Fund Coordinator Brown, Director; Larry Minniear, National Director Downtown Houston (TX) Pachyderm Club San Angelo (TX) Pachyderm Club Award Officers Recipient

L to R: Jack Lee, Vice President; Nick Carter, Treasurer; L to R: Cheryl DeCordova, Dist. Man. for State Rep. Sophia Mafrige, President; Senator Ted Cruz; Tom Drew Darby; Tony Massaro, 2013 Club Pres.; Araceli Zakes, Secretary and Meritorious Service Award recipi- Gutierrez, wife; Gregorio Gutierrez who received an ent; Ann Lee, Director; Peggy Lindow, Director; Ed award (per the Club’s request) from Gov. Rick Perry & Johnson, Director; Travis Bryan, Director the TX House of Representatives Speaker’s Gavel from Representative Darby The National Pachyderm Page 5 MIDWEST REPUBLICAN L E A D E R S H I P

John Wiemann, National Pachyderm Presi- Col. Allen West; Helen Van Etten, NFPC Board Member; Holly dent addressing the MRLC crowd Lintner, NFPC Exec. Director & John Wiemann, NFPC Pres.

Former Gov. Haley Barbour Bill McCoy, MO Fed. Pres. & NFPC Board Member addressing the crowd as speaking on Friday night Ed Martin, MO Republican Party Chair watches on

Ed Martin, Longtime Pachyderm Member & Missouri Republican Party Chairman; Col. Allen West; Shane Schoeller, Longtime Pachyderm Member & Missouri Republican Party Executive Director National Federation of the Grand Order of Pachyderm TOP 10 CLUBS AS OF 12/31/13 Clubs, Inc. # Club City State Members PO BOX 1295 Cape Girardeau, MO 63702-1295 1 Alamo San Antonio TX 228 Toll Free: 1-888-467-2249 E-mail: [email protected] 2 Hamilton County Chattanooga TN 207 Website: www.pachyderms.org 3 Greater Houston Houston TX 185 4 Glacier Country Kalispell MT 176 We are on Facebook at 5 St. Charles County St. Charles MO 155 www.facebook.com/ 6 Galveston Island Galveston TX 151 nationalpachyderms 7 Wichita Wichita KS 142 8 Five Valleys Missoula MT 102 Free Government Requires Active 9 Southeast Missouri Cape Girardeau MO 96 Citizens 10 Greater Ozarks Springfield MO 78

THE PACHYDERM PRAYER While the National Pachyderm Federation does not require local clubs to say a prayer during their meetings. For those clubs that elect to do so, enclosed is a basic prayer that may be used to give praise to God.

God of all goodness, through the breaking of bread together, you strengthen the bonds that unite us.

May our lips praise you, and our lives proclaim your goodness. Our work give you honor and our voice celebrates you forever.

Amen.

PACHYDERM PREAMBLE It is our belief that most of the corrupting influences in American politics could be erased and the government generally made more responsive by one basic im- provement. That is, simply for more good citizens to participate in politics. “We get the government we deserve, not the one we wish for,” remains a guide star for a free people. We offer a meaningful movement of political Clubs as the most practical means by which broad citizen participation may be achieved.