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]
Minutes of Business
Meeting 4 March 2015
The Monthly Business Meeting of the Chapter
was held 4 March 2015 at The Barn Door. The
meeting was preceded by lunch which was ordered
from the menu provided. 1st Vice President, Broth-
er H. Nelson Dunn opened the meeting in the ab-
sence of the President at 1200 hours. The Pledge of
Allegiance to the flag was led by Vice President.
Dunn; Toast to the Flag was given by Brother PNP
Elliott Samuels, and the prayer by Chaplain Brother
Freddie Freeland. Bro Dunn introduced Bro
Charles Poole who is a member of Ft Bragg Chapter
and now residing in San Antonio.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes were ap-
proved as published in the Newsletter.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer’s report
was approved as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE: Bro Art Polsey submit-
ted for an MIP and his number has been received.
Email from Anson Jones secretary dealing with the
April Encampment in Austin was read to the mem-
bers present.
REFERRAL OF APPLICATIONS: None.
APPLICATIONS VOTED ON: None.
INITIATION OF NEW MEMBERS: None.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
AMERICANISM: Bro Elliott Samuels deferred to
the committee chairs.
ROTC: Everything is on track. Roster
available to sign up to present the awards. Some
ISSUE 15-04 April 2015
schools have not responded at this time. Help is
needed in presenting these awards.
FREEDOM FOUNDATION: The 2015
Trifold is now available and will be given out to the
Rainbow Girls and Demolay Boys on 9 March. .
Instructions on the MOWW YLC’s have been re-
ceived. Received three quotas for Freedom Founda-
tion of which the Chapter will cover the cost of two
and a member will cover the cost of the third one.
Two quotas for the MOWW YLC on the Lexington
second session have been received for June 2015.
ESSAY: Completed for 2015 and will
await the flyer for 2016.
FLAG PROGRAM: Next flag program
will be on 7 March with the Grand Masters march
to the Alamo. We will be the Color Guard. Bro
Lafferty stated the next one after that is on 27 April
2015, possibly one on 27 June 2015. .
BY LAWS: Nothing new.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: Nothing
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: Bro Sid Shaen-
field again encouraged members to replace them-
selves and contribute to the 3-6-5 program if they
have not done so. We need to talk to individuals
instead of waiting for them to talk to us.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE:
None presented this month.
PROGRAMS: The next dinner meeting is on 11
March at the Barn Door. Guest speaker, R:W:
Gower.
SICKNESS AND DISTRESS: Bro Samuels had
his surgery and is progressing quite well. His wife
Elizabeth is still having problems. Bro Donald Gar-
(continued on page 2)
President 1st Vice President Secretary / Treasurer Commander Adjutant
T.K. Anthony H. Nelson Dunn J. R. “Bob” McConnell George H. Cheney J. R. “Bob” McConnell 345 West Mally Blvd 4411 Talullaw 134 Rhonda Dr 13422 Blackstone 134 Rhonda Dr San Antonio, TX 78221 San Antonio, TX 78128 Universal City, TX 78148 Universal City, TX 78148 Universal City, TX 78148 (210)922-0863 (210)656-8466 (210) 659-6813 (210)566-9957 (210) 659-6813 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
National Sojourners, Inc. Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17 Alamo Camp Heroes of 76
Page 2 | APRIL 2015
rido fell and broke his femur and had surgery at
BAMC. He is still in rehab. Keep these Brothers
and their families in your prayers.
BRIDGE OF LIGHT: The BOL was completed
on 11 February at the Hilton Hotel. Service was
great but attendance was down from last year. Will
need to review how we handle it for next year.
COMMANDER OF HEROES: Bro Dunn an-
nounced that the next Bivouac will be on 29 April
2015.
CLMA: Bro Dunn read an email from National
Headquarters that the property that CLMA has in its
possession will be sold. Anyone having an item that
they would like returned must contact National
Headquarters outlining the item and how they want
it returned. National Headquarters will relocate
soon.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: The South Central Area
will hold a Conference and Encampment 10 and 11
April 2015 in Austin, Texas. Brownwood Com-
mandery will hold its meeting tonight at 1800.
Scottish Rite meeting 5 March 2015 at the Scottish
Rite. March to the Alamo on 7 March. A Demolay
Brunch at the Shrine 1100 hours 7 March, followed
by the Grand Masters Conference. All Masons can
attend. A MM forum will be held following the
conference. Sign up for flag programs and ROTC
presentations.
CLOSING: There being no further business, Vice
President Dunn closed the meeting, at 1245 hours.
Peace and harmony prevailing.
(continued from page 1) MONTHLY BIRTHDAYS !!!
Max Harvey 4/4
Rowland Tessier 4/6
William White 4/6
James Potter 4/7
James Carnes 4/7
Lester Notbohm 4/13
George Kawanami 4/19
Robert Tench 4/19
Roger Hopkins 4/22
Hilario Carreon 4/23
James Vardeman 4/26
Harold Gellert 4/27
Robert Van de Riet 4/30
FT. SAM HOUSTON CHAPTER 17
DEATHS
Bro. George S. Woodard Jr., BG USA
(ret)
29 Sep 2014
Anita Woodard
November 2013
National Sojourners, Inc. Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17 Alamo Camp Heroes of 76
APRIL 2015 | Page 3
tary announced that there was none.
PROGRAM: The program for the evening was a
presentation by R:W: Brother Mike Gower, Past
Grand Master of Masons in Texas and a member of
this chapter. He spoke on the Scottish Rite Hospital
for Children of which he is a Board Member. He
gave a comprehensive power point presentation
which covered the hospital and its history. He then
presented a video of what actually takes place at the
hospital and comments that some of the past pa-
tients, doctors and nurses told about their experienc-
es with patients. It also depicted what some of the
patients go through. His presentation was very well
received and he encouraged all to take the time and
visit the hospital. You can take a tour and even eat
at the hospital. A standing ovation followed his
presentation
PRESENTATIONS: President Brother T.
K. Anthony then presented R:W: Gower with a Cer-
tificate of Appreciation for presenting the program
for the evening.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Brother Anthony
announced that the next Heroes degree will be on 29
April at Grady’s. Next Business Meeting will be on
1 April and the next Dinner Meeting will be on 8
April. Brother Secretary then read the message
from National Headquarters concerning the upcom-
ing move to a new location due to the situation at
Collingwood. Sign up sheets for presentation to
ROTC cadets was on the back table along with the
sign up sheet for Flag programs. Next Flag program
is on 25 April at the Ft Sam Houston Golf Course.
One is also on tap for 27 June 2015. A Color Guard
was conducted on 7 March 2015 for the Grand Mas-
ter’s walk to the Alamo.
DRAWING: Bro Nick Ramos conducted
the drawing for the evening. The winners were: Zo-
la Dunn, Elizabeth Samuels and Barbara Gower.
Congratulation to all the winners. A special draw-
ing will be held at the April Dinner Meeting.
CLOSING: Without further ado the meet-
ing was officially closed at 2115 hours by President
Anthony. Peace and harmony prevailing.
MINUTES OF THE DINNER
MEETING 11 MARCH 2015
The monthly Dinner Meeting was held on 11 March
2015 at the Barn Door Restaurant. An enjoyable
social hour beginning at 1800 hours was held. Presi-
dent T. K. Anthony welcomed those present at 1845
hours, and had Chaplain Freddie Freeland give the
blessing on our endeavors and meal.
INTRODUCTIONS: Bro McConnell in-
troduced attending dignitaries and guests: R:W: W.
M. “Mike” Gower, Past Grand Master, Grand
Lodge of Texas and his lady Barbara, R:W: T. K.
Anthony, Committee on Work, Grand Lodge of
Texas, R:W: Paul Adkins, District Grand Master at
Large, R:W: Nick R. Ramos, District Deputy Grand
Master District 35-B, District Instructors, Brother
Dan Mason, Instructor at Large, Brother Paul Ad-
kins, District 35B, Brother David Wolfe, District 40
and his lady Ruth Mary. Bro Elliott Samuels, Past
National President and Recipient of the Legion of
Honor, 2011 and his lady Elizabeth, Bro Bob
McConnell, Past National President, Member of
Board of Trustees and recipient of the Houghton
Award in 2008, and his lady Pat, Brother Sid
Shaenfield, Member of Board of Trustees and his
lady Marion, Brother Nick Ramos, Most Illustrious
Past Most Illustrious Grand Master, Most Illustrious
Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Ten-
nessee. Sweethearts attending were: Helen Kelly,
Betty Sanders and Jackie Purvis. Chapter officers
in attendance were Bro Dennis Lafferty, Past Presi-
dent and Flag Bearer and his lady Tina, Bro Freddie
Freeland, Chaplain and his lady Sally, Bro Bob
McConnell, Secretary/Treasurer and his lady Pat,
Bro Luther Lee Leopard, 2nd Vice President, Bro H.
Nelson Dunn, 1st Vice President, and his lady Zola,
and Bro T. K. Anthony, President.
SICKNESS AND DISTRESS: R:W: Bro
Donald Garrido is still in rehab, and Brother Leo
McRee’s wife Gwen has some medical issues.
Keep all of them in your prayers.
OPENING: President T. K. Anthony
opened the meeting at 1940 hours. Bro Freddie
Freeland, Chaplain, gave the prayer and President
Anthony then led the Pledge of Allegiance and Bro
Elliott Samuels gave the Toast to the Flag. Prior to
the program being conducted, Bro Anthony asked if
there were any candidates for initiation. Bro Secre-
National Sojourners, Inc. Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17 Alamo Camp Heroes of 76
Page 4 | APRIL 2015
BUSINESS MEETING: We will again be at the Barn
Door, 8400 North New Braunfels,
(Inside Loop 410), 1 April 2015. Come early get your lunch with the
meeting to begin at 1200 hours. It will
be order from the menu. Come prepared to
take a part in the meeting. Come and enjoy the
fellowship.
THE MONTHLY DINNER MEETING is
scheduled for 8 April 2015 at the Barn Door,
8400 North New Braunfels, (Inside Loop
410). Social at 1800 hours with dinner at 1845 hours.
Come and enjoy the fellowship. Dinner will consist of
Salad, 6 oz. Filet, or Salmon, Baked Potatoes, Vegetable,
Dinner Rolls/Butter, Iced Tea and Water, Coffee by the
cup and Complimentary dessert. Price of the meal –
Steak $25.00 Salmon $30.00... Make check payable to Ft
Sam Houston Chapter # 17. Reservations to Bob
McConnell, 210-659-6813 or [email protected] or
Lee Leopard 210-434-7429 not later than 6 April 2015.
Sign up early and come and enjoy the fellowship.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Bob McConnell
Marion Shaenfield
Sid Shaenfield
Paul Adkins
Jim Higdon
Dennis Lafferty
2014 2014 ROTC UROTC UNCLESNCLES
Ron Clemons
Al Putnam
John Lorch
Bob Perkins
Paul Bosenbury
T.K. Anthony
National Sojourners, Inc. Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17 Alamo Camp Heroes of 76
APRIL 2015 | Page 5
This Month in History
(Chronological by day of the month)
April 1, 1948 – Cold War: Berlin Airlift — Military
forces, under direction of the Soviet-controlled gov-
ernment in East Germany, set-up a land blockade of
West Berlin.
April 2, 1865 – American Civil War: The Siege of
Petersburg is broken – Union troops capture the
trenches around Petersburg, Virginia, forcing Con-
federate General Robert E. Lee to retreat.
April 4, 1818 – The United States Congress adopts
the flag of the United States with 13 red and white
stripes and one star for each state (then 20).
April 5, 1933 – U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt
signs two executive orders: 6101 to establish the Ci-
vilian Conservation Corps, and 6102 "forbidding the
Hoarding of Gold Coin, Gold Bullion, and Gold Cer-
tificates" by U.S. citizens.
April 7, 1983 – During STS-6, astronauts Story
Musgrave and Don Peterson perform the first space
shuttle spacewalk.
April 8, 1918 – World War I: Actors Douglas Fair-
banks and Charlie Chaplin sell war bonds on the
streets of New York City's financial district.
April 10, 1971 – Ping-pong diplomacy: In an attempt
to thaw relations with the United States, the People's
Republic of China hosts the U.S. table tennis team
for a week-long visit.
April 11, 1968 – President Lyndon B. Johnson signs
the Civil Rights Act of 1968, prohibiting discrimina-
tion in the sale, rental, and financing of housing.
April 13, 1742 – George Frideric Handel's oratorio
Messiah makes its world-premiere in Dublin, Ireland.
April 14, 1986 – In retaliation for the April 5 bomb-
ing in West Berlin that killed two U.S. servicemen,
U.S. president Ronald Reagan orders major bombing
raids against Libya, killing 60 people.
This Month in History(cont.)
April 16, 1863 – American Civil War: Siege of
Vicksburg – ships led by Union Admiral David
Dixon Porter move through heavy Confederate ar-
tillery fire on approach to Vicksburg, Mississippi.
April 17, 2014 – NASA's Kepler confirms the dis-
covery of the first Earth-size planet in the habitable
zone of another star.
April 19, 1951 – General Douglas MacArthur re-
tires from the military.
April 20, 1775 – American Revolutionary War: the
Siege of Boston begins, following the battles at
Lexington and Concord.
April 22, 1836 – Texas Revolution: A day after the
Battle of San Jacinto, forces under Texas General
Sam Houston identify Mexican General Antonio
López de Santa Anna among the captives of the bat-
tle when one of his fellow captives mistakenly
gives away his identity.
April 24, 1916 – Ernest Shackleton and five men of
the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition launch a
lifeboat from uninhabited Elephant Island in the
Southern Ocean to organise a rescue for the ice-
trapped ship Endurance.
April 26, 1986 – A nuclear reactor accident occurs
at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Soviet
Union (now Ukraine), creating the world's worst
nuclear disaster.
April 28, 1986 – The United States Navy aircraft
carrier USS Enterprise becomes the first nuclear-
powered aircraft carrier to transit the Suez Canal,
navigating from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean
Sea to relieve the USS Coral Sea.
April 30, 1939 – NBC inaugurates its regularly
scheduled television service in New York City,
broadcasting President Franklin D. Roosevelt's
N.Y. World's Fair opening day ceremonial address.
SUPPORT YOUR BLUE LODGE. THEY NEED US AND WE NEED THEM! CONTACT A BROTHER WHO HASN’T BEEN TO LODGE AND ASK HIM TO GO WITH YOU.
SECRETARY NOTES: If you have a change in your address or phone num-ber, please send a note to Bob McConnell, 134 Rhonda Dr., Universal City, TX 78148, or call 210.659.6813. If you have a change in your email ad-dress, please send an email to
[email protected] or call 830.368.4071 with the new information.
Return Service Requested
NATIONAL SOJOURNERS, INC. Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17
Alamo Camp Heroes Of 76 Bob McConnell
134 Rhonda Dr
Universal City, TX 78148
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS: Please keep our Military Forces and their families in your prayers. Take the time to stop them and thank them for their service to our country. We can’t
thank them enough for their dedication and sacrifice to maintain our freedom and liberty.
They are the finest and best this country has to offer, and we, as citizens, need to express our gratitude to them at every opportunity.
If you are receiving this newsletter by US mail and have email,
please send your email address to [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 April 2015 at Grady’s BBQ, 6510 San Pedro. Put it on your calendar. Dine at 1700 hours.