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: [email protected]

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 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

ISSUE 17-02 FEBRUARY 2017 REFERRAL OF APPLICATIONS: Have a potential one for next meeting. Minutes of Business APPLICATIONS VOTED ON: None. Meeting 4 January 2016 INITIATION OF NEW MEMBERS: None. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: The Monthly Business Meeting of the Chapter AMERICANISM: Brother Elliott Samuels deferred to was held on 4 January 2017 at The Barn Door. The the committee chairs. meeting was preceded by lunch which was ordered ROTC: Brother Dennis reported that he has the from the menu provided. President, Luther Lee Leopard latest list from the Army and awaiting lists from the Na- opened the meeting at 1202 hours. The Pledge of Alle- vy and Air Force. He has sufficient medals on hand and giance to the flag was led by President Leopard, Toast to will be referring the letters shortly. the Flag was given by Brother PNP Elliott Samuels, and FREEDOM FOUNDATION: Have the new the prayer by Chaplain Jerry Hopkins. pamphlet and it will be held a week earlier this year, 6 – APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the Decem- 9 July 2017. Distribution to the local Rainbow Girls and ber 2016 meeting were approved as published in the the Demolay boy will be accomplished shortly. Antici- Newsletter. pate sending two students to Valley Forge. TREASURER’S REPORT: Approved as presented. MOWW YLC: We have two quotas for the SICKNESS AND DISTRESS: Brother Bob Cox is Lexington II session in Corpus Christi. It will be held in home and back on email. Bro Sid Shaenfield is at home the latter part of June 2017. and likes calls. Brother Paul Adkins passed away on 25 ESSAY: Brother Roger Hopkins reported that November 2016. His Memorial Service will be held on seventy-six letters with essay contest forms have been 14 January 2017 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Brother distributed and he has received nine submissions. The Sam Green has a balance problem and gets out occasion- committee will meet and select three to send to National. ally. Brother Wolfe has eye problems. Brother Al Put- FLAG PROGRAM: Brother Samuels is nam is getting along just fine and was in attendance. scheduled to give the Toast to the Flag on 4 January at Brother T. K. Anthony is progressing after heart surgery Ratama Part at the request of the Alzafar Shrine. On 28 and Brother Boyd Kramer was in attendance after his February 2017 a presentation will be given to the Wilson health issues. Brother Merle Krueger is progressing nice- County Republican Women’s organization. So far this ly after his surgery. Brother Bob Tench passed away on year we have compiled 21 flag program presentations. 24 December 2016. Brother Max Harvey needs your BY LAWS: Nothing. prayers. He could also use a few phone calls. Keep FINANCE COMMITTEE: Nothing new at this time. these Brothers and their families in your prayers. EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE: CORRESPONDENCE: Received the paperwork on None this month. Brother Michael Lafferty from National. He will be pre- PROGRAMS: The next dinner meeting is on 11 Janu- sented his certificate and membership card as soon as we ary at the Barn Door Restaurant. The program will be can get it scheduled. presented by Teresa Lynn a former newspaper reporter REPORT OF MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: and writer. Since Brother Sid Shaenfield cannot attend the BRIDGE OF LIGHT: Still on for February 2017 and meetings, Brother President Leopard has appointed (continued on page 2) Bother Aruthur Polsey as the new committee chairman. National Sojourners, Inc. Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17 Alamo Camp Heroes of 76

(continued from page 1) the Deputy Grand Master has acknowledged that he and MONTHLY BIRTHDAYS !!! his wife would be in attendance. By the way, he will be the Grand Master when he comes to the Bridge of Light. Philip Neil 2/3 Letters have been send to all the sitting Worshipful Mas- ters and some, but not all, District Deputy Grand Mas- Floyd Gilber 2/5 ters. Hope to have a count by mid to late January of total attendees. Roger Hopkins 2/6 COMMANDER OF HEROES: Camp Commander Brother Bob Perkins stated that the next Bivouac will be James Hubbart 2/7 on 29 March 2017. There will be a South-Central Area Conference and Encampment on 24-26 March 2017 in Steve Stanek 2/7 College Station, Texas put on by Brazos Valley Chapter. They have asked for our assistance. Rodney Ruth 2/7 OLD BUSINESS: None UNFINISHED BUSINESS: The meal selection for the John Vidas 2/7 Bridge of Light in February will be sliced roast beef or chicken cordon blue as the choices. Sean Thomas 2/10 NEW BUSINESS: The business at hand was the presentation of the 50 Year Award as a National So- Edward Nolte 2/12 journer to Brother R:.W:. Reese L. Harrison by President Leopard. He was also presented his 50 Year Award as a Daniel Taylor 2/14 Hero of ’76 which was presented by Bother Bob Perkins the Camp Commander. Brother Harrison then gave a James Avant 2/17 rundown his career as a Sojourner and Hero and cited James Childress 2/17 some of the history of the establishment of Ft Sam Hou- ston Chapter # 17 with the other Chapters in the area. Walter Counts 2/18 ANNOUNCEMENTS: The dinner meeting will be held on 11 January 2017 at the Barn Door. Brownwood Com- Henry Kuhn 2/23 mandery will meet tonight at 1800 hours with the pro- gram at 1900 hours. Brother Paul Adkins memorial Michael Lafferty 2/25 service will be held Saturday 14 January at the Alzafar Shrine. On Saturday 7 January services will be held for Roberto Armendariz 2/27 Past Potentate James Strayer. Brother Elliot Samuels will be funeral master. Grand Lodge Communication Alfonso Aranda 2/28 will be held 19 – 21 January. Brother Dennis has tickets for the 8 Americanism items being raffled. Jimmy Shew 2/28 CLOSING: There being no more business, Brother President Leopard closed the meeting at 1300.

Commander Perkins and Bro. R.: W.: Harrison Presentation of his 50 Year Heroes of ‘76 Award

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Minutes of the Dinner Meeting Leopard, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to 11 January 2016 Teresa Lynn for her presentation this evening. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Next Business The monthly Dinner Meeting was held on 11 Janu- Meeting will be on 1 February 2017. The Dinner ary 2017 at the Barn Door Restaurant. An enjoya- Meeting will be on 8 February which is our Annual ble social period beginning at 1800 hours was held. Bridge of Light dinner meeting. It will be held at President Brother Leopard welcomed those present the Ft Sam Houston Golf Course Banquet Room. at 1830 hours, and had Chaplain Brother Jerry Hop- Bro Bob Perkins, the Camp Commander announced kins give the blessing on our endeavors and meal. that the next Heroes Bivouac will be on 29 March The meeting was held during the same time that the 2017. Brother Leopard discussed the Americanism Mid-Winter Meeting was being conducted in Orlan- drawing and the number of items for the drawing. do, Florida. He advised that Brother Lafferty had the tickets and SICKNESS AND DISTRESS: Brother available if anyone wished to buy a ticket. Bob Cox is at home and getting along okay. Broth- DRAWING: Bro Freeland performed the er Sid Shaenfield is still basically home bound and drawing which resulted with three individuals going need our calls. Brother Al Putnam is getting along home with a prize. fine these days. Brother David Wolfe is still having CLOSING: Without further ado the meet- eye problems. Brother Merlen Krueger is doing ing was officially closed at 2020 hours by Brother quite well. Brother Paul Adkins Memorial Service President Lee Leopard. Peace and harmony prevail- is at 1500, Saturday, 14 January at the Shrine. ing. Brother Max Harvey still needs your calls. Keep SEE YOU NEXT MONTH all of them and their families in your prayers. INTRODUCTIONS: Brother Leopard in- troduced the following individuals, Brother Dennis Lafferty, recipient of the Houghton Award in 2016 and his Lady Tina. Sweethearts in attendance were Betty Sanders, Helen Kelly and Jackie Purvis. Guests in attendance were Teresa Lynn, our guest From the Business Meeting Minutes speaker, and her husband David. Dinner was then served. OPENING: President Leopard opened the meeting at 1935 hours with the pledge followed by the Toast to the Flag, and Chaplain Bro Jerry Hop- kins who gave the prayer. INITIATION OF CANDIDATES: No candidates were available to be initiated. PROGRAM: Brother Roger Hopkins intro- duced the guest speaker for the evening. The pro- gram for the evening was presented by Teresa Lynn a former newspaper reporter, researcher, writer, and presenter. She is a member of Kerrville #24, Order of the Eastern Star and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association, as well as other organizations devoted to improving society today by learning from the past. Her books are “Little Lodges on the Prairie: Freemasonry & Laura Ingalls Wilder”, which she discussed. She also authored President Leopard and Bro. R.: W.: Harrison “Thanksgiving Joy” and both are published by Presentation of his 50 Year National Sojourners Tranquility Press. She lives in Georgetown with Award her husband David, who is a Mason, Shriner and Past President of High 12. Her discussion on the book was very interesting and kept the audience anticipating the next comment. She received a grand applause after her presentation. PRESENTATIONS: President, Brother

FEBRUARY 2017 | Page 3 National Sojourners, Inc. Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17 Alamo Camp Heroes of 76

UPCOMING MEETINGS This Months ROTC Uncles BUSINESS MEETING: We will again be at the Barn Door, 8400 North New Braunfels, (Inside Loop 410), 1 February 2017. Come early get your lunch with the meeting to begin at 1200 hours. It Sid Shaenefield will be order from the menu. Come and enjoy the fellowship. THE MONTHLY DINNER MEETING is scheduled for 8 February 2017 at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Course Banquet Dennis Lafferty Room, 1050 Harry Wurzbach Road, (inside Loop 410). Social time at 1800 hours with dinner at 1900 hours. Come and enjoy the fellowship. Dinner will con- sist of Sliced Roast Beef with Mushroom Gravy or Chicken Cordon Bleu with Supreme Sauce. Fresh Garden Salad, Twice Baked Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Dinner Rolls/Butter, Iced Tea and Water, Dessert and Coffee. Price of the meal – $30.00 per person. Make check payable to Ft Sam Houston Chapter # 17. Reservations to Bob McConnell, at 210-659-6813 or JMc- [email protected], or Lee Leopard at 210-434- 7429 not later than 1 February 2017. Sign up early and come and enjoy the fellowship.

FT. SAM HOUSTON CHAPTER 17 DEATHS

Bro. Robert L. Tench

24 December 2016

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This Month in History This Month in History(Continued) (Chronologically ordered by day)

February 1, 1865 – President Abraham Lincoln February 15, 1954 – Canada and the United signs the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States agree to construct the Distant Early States Constitution. Warning Line, a system of radar stations in the far northern Arctic regions of Canada and February 2, 1848 – Mexican–American War: Alaska. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed. February 16, 1960 – The U.S. Navy subma- February 3, 1870 – The Fifteenth Amendment rine USS Triton begins Operation Sandblast, to the United States Constitution is ratified, setting sail from New London, Connecticut, guaranteeing voting rights to citizens regardless to begin the first submerged circumnaviga- of race. tion of the globe.

February 4, 1789 – George Washington is February 18, 1885 – Adventures of Huckle- unanimously elected as the first President of the berry Finn by Mark Twain is published in the United States by the U.S. Electoral College. United States.

February 6, 1862 – American Civil War: Forc- February 19, 1945 – World War II: Battle of es under the command of Ulysses S. Grant and Iwo Jima: About 30,000 United States Ma- Andrew H. Foote give the Union its first victory rines land on the island of Iwo Jima. of the war, capturing Fort Henry, Tennessee in the Battle of Fort Henry. February 21, 1975 – Watergate scandal: For- mer United States Attorney General John N. February 7, 1943 – World War II: Imperial Mitchell and former White House aides H. R. Japanese Navy forces complete the evacuation Haldeman and John Ehrlichman are sen- of Imperial Japanese Army troops from Guadal- tenced to prison. canal during Operation Ke, ending Japanese attempts to retake the island from Allied forces February 23, 1861 – President-elect Abra- in the Guadalcanal Campaign. ham Lincoln arrives secretly in Washington, D.C., after the thwarting of an alleged assas- February 9, 1889 – US president Grover sination plot in Baltimore, Maryland. Cleveland signs a bill elevating the United States Department of Agriculture to a Cabinet- February 25, 1933 – The USS Ranger is level agency. launched. It is the first US Navy ship to be designed from the start of construction as an February 13, 2004 – The Harvard–Smithsonian . Center for Astrophysics announces the discov- ery of the universe's largest known diamond, February 27, 1991 – Gulf War: U.S. Presi- white dwarf star BPM 37093. Astronomers dent George H. W. Bush announces that named this star "Lucy" after The Beatles' song "Kuwait is liberated". "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds".

FEBRUARY 2017 | Page 5 NATIONAL SOJOURNERS, INC. Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17 Alamo Camp Heroes Of 76 Bob McConnell 134 Rhonda Dr Universal City, TX 78148

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If you are receiving this newsletter by US mail and have email, please send your email address to [email protected]. 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.

SUPPORT OUR SUPPORT YOUR BLUE LODGE. THEY TROOPS: Please keep NEED US AND WE NEED THEM! CONTACT our Military Forces and A BROTHER WHO HASN’T BEEN TO their families in your LODGE AND ASK HIM TO GO WITH YOU. prayers. Take the time to stop them and thank SECRETARY NOTES: If you have a them for their service to change in your address or phone num- our country. We can’t ber, please send a note to Bob thank them enough for their dedication and McConnell, 134 Rhonda Dr., Universal sacrifice to maintain our freedom and liberty. City, TX 78148, or call 210.659.6813. If They are the finest and best this country has to you have a change in your email ad- offer, and we, as citizens, need to express our dress, please send an email to gratitude to them at every opportunity. [email protected] or call 830.368.4071 with the new information.