newsletter national sojourners, inc.

NEWSLETTER
NATIONAL SOJOURNERS, INC.
FT SAM HOUSTON CHAPTER #17
ALAMO CAMP HEROES OF ‘76
SEE OUR WEBSITE AT
http://www.ftsamhoustonsojourners.txmasons.org
Editor: Thomas J. Griffy
Email: FtSamChapter17@kestler.org
President
1st Vice President
Secretary / Treasurer
Commander
Adjutant
Luther Lee Leopard, Jr.
226 Highview Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78228
(210)434-7429
Nick Ramos
241 Ralston
Converse, TX 78109
(210) 658-9343
nicksr@sbcglobal.net
J. R. “Bob” McConnell
134 Rhonda Dr
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 659-6813
JMcconn529@aol.com
Bob Perkins
3513 Foxbriar Ln
Cibolo, TX 78108
(830) 627-2173
rp3513@att.net
J. R. “Bob” McConnell
134 Rhonda Dr
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 659-6813
JMcconn529@aol.com
ISSUE 16-07
JULY 2016
Minutes of Business
Meeting 1 June 2016
The Monthly Business Meeting of the Chapter was held on 1 June 2016 at The Barn Door.
The meeting was preceded by lunch which was
ordered from the menu provided. President, H. Nelson Dunn opened the meeting at 1204 hours. The
Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was led by President Dunn, Toast to the Flag was given by Brother
PNP Elliott Samuels, and the prayer by Chaplain
Roger Hopkins.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the May
meeting were approved as published in the Newsletter.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Approved as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE: MIP Dividend has been
received and deposited.
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: Bro Dennis reported that we have
completed the ROTC Awards. We had 78 schools
of which 69 submitted students for awards. We will
need to order more medals for next year.
FREEDOM FOUNDATION: The student
has been selected and the documents are ready to be
sent to Valley Forge.
MOWW YLC. Student for the MOWW
YLC on the Lexington has all the information in
hand from the Chapter and awaits instructions from
MOWW.
ESSAY: The essay contest forms have been
received and will go out mid- September to the
schools.
FLAG PROGRAM: Bro Lafferty reported
the next one, “Historic Flags”, will be presented on
22 June 2016 at St Mary’s University to the
MOWW YLC Students. Also have one for July,
October and November at the present time. Sign up
sheets were available. Others are pending.
BY LAWS: Nothing new.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: No report.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: Bro Sid Shaenfield was not in attendance. Just keep looking for
new members.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE:
None presented this month.
PROGRAMS: The next dinner meeting is on 8
June at the Barn Door.
SICKNESS AND DISTRESS: Bro Bob Cox is
now back home and doing therapy, and attends
some functions. Bro Sid Shaenfield is at home doing rehab and doesn’t think he is progressing. Bro
Paul Adkins is now home. Bro Dan Mason is now
living with his daughter Barbara and gets out sometimes to attend a meeting. Bro Lee Leopard is recouping from his surgery. Brother Al Putnam is
now in rehab in New Braunfels. He suffered a head
injury and was hospitalized with a fractured skull
and internal bleeding. Bob Perkins wife Julia had
knee replacement surgery a second time. Tex Phillips had pneumonia and is recovering. Bro NP Jim
Higdon reported on himself with a bad case of ringing in his ears. Keep these Brothers and their families in your prayers.
(continued on page 2)
National Sojourners, Inc.
Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17
Alamo Camp Heroes of 76
(continued from page 1)
BRIDGE OF LIGHT: Still on for February 2017
and the Deputy Grand Master has acknowledged
that he and his wife would be in attendance. .
COMMANDER OF HEROES: The next Bivouac
will be on 29 June 2016.
OLD BUSINESS: ROTC presentations are finished. .
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
The Installation of officers
will be held at the next dinner meeting on 8 June
2016. Chapter and Camp officers to be installed
are:
Chapter Officers:
President L. Lee Leopard
st
1 Vice President - Nick Ramos
2nd Vice President - Roger Hopkins
Secretary/Treasurer - Bob McConnell
Marshall - Freddie Freeland
Camp Officers:
Commander - Bob Perkins
Chief of Staff - Joe Estlack
Asst. Chief of Staff - John Lorch
Officer of the Day - Nick Ramos
Musician - Freddie Freeland
Bro Joe Estlack was installed by Bro PNP Elliott
Samuels as he would not be present at the Dinner
Meeting on 8 June. Bro Dock Dixson served as Installation Marshal and Bro Bob McConnell served
as Installation Secretary.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: The dinner meeting will be
held on 8 June 2016. The Annual National Convention will be held in Greenville, SC from 14 to 19
June. Registration forms are on the web site or you
can obtain a copy from the Secretary. Brownwood
Commandery stated meeting will be meeting tonight. Bro T. K. Anthony will be holding a Forum
on Saturday 4 June at Blazing Star Lodge beginning
at 0900 hours.
CLOSING: There being no further business, President Dunn closed the meeting, at 1240 hours with
peace and harmony prevailing.
Page 2 | JULY 2016
MONTHLY BIRTHDAYS !!!
Ronald Thompson
7/3
Richard Williamson
7/3
Richard Wyatt
7/3
Harry Watkins
7/5
Michael Parkhurst
7/5
Robert Messerli
7/6
Alvin Davis
7/7
Robert Zarn
7/10
John Clarkson
7/12
James Bruner
7/14
Lawrence Smith
7/14
Bruce Topletz
7/16
Richard Anthis
7/17
Robert Clemons
7/20
Robert Easterling
7/20
Jorge Santana
7/20
Howard Hutsell
7/21
David Chernik
7/21
Charles Luther
7/21
Charles Baltos
7/24
George Hext
7/24
T.K. Anthony
7/25
Harry Sanders
7/25
George Cheney
7/26
Alan Bridgewater
7/27
Robert Epps
7/27
Robert Roth
7/27
Jack Friend
7/31
Stephen Mohacey
7/31
National Sojourners, Inc.
Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17
Minutes of the Dinner Meeting
June 2016
The monthly Dinner Meeting was held on 8 June
2016 at the Barn Door Restaurant. An enjoyable
social hour beginning at 1800 hours was held. President Bro Dunn welcomed those present at 1845
hours, and had Chaplain Brother Roger Hopkins
give the blessing on our endeavors and meal.
INTRODUCTIONS: Bro McConnell introduced attending dignitaries and guests: District
Instructors, Bro Merlin Krueger, District 39C and
lady Brenda, Bro David Wolfe, District 40A and
lady Ruth Mary, National Sojourner Officers, Bro
Elliott B. Samuels, PNP and Recipient of the LOH,
Bro James R. McConnell, PNP and Recipient of the
Houghton Award and lady Pat, and National President, James N. Higdon. Other Bodies: Bro James
N. Higdon, R:.E:. Past Grand Commander, The
Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Texas, Bro
Dock F. Dixon, R:.E:. Past Grand Commander, The
Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Texas and
Bro Nick Ramos, Most Illustrious Past, Most Illustrious Grand Master, Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Tennessee.
Sweethearts in attendance: Helen Kelly, Betty
Sanders, Ellamae Hoggatt and Jackie Purvis. All
Chapter officers were in attendance with the exception of Bro Bob Cox who needs our prayers. We
had one guest and that was Ellamae Hoggatts
daughter Christin.
SICKNESS AND DISTRESS: Bro Sid Shaenfield
is home and receiving assistance and gets around in
a wheel chair. Bro Bob Cox is back home still doing rehab. Bro Dan Mason passed away this morning and his services will be: Visitation on 20 June
from 4 to 8 PM at Alamo Funeral Home. A Religious service will be held at 10:30 on the 21st of
June at John Calvin Presbyterian Church in Windcrest with a reception/meal to follow. Internment
will be on 21 June at 1:30 PM at Ft Sam Houston
National Cemetery with full Military honors and
Masonic burial service with Bro Charles Shaw the
funeral Master. Bro Al Putnam is at home but is
beginning therapy as of today. Keep all of them
and their families in your prayers.
OPENING: President Dunn opened the
meeting at 1950 hours with the pledge and prayer.
Brother Elliott Samuels gave the Toast to the Flag.
There was no one awaiting initiation.
PROGRAM: The program for the evening
was our Annual Installation of Officers. Bro Samuels gave some opening remarks about the Chapter
and how it was and is. A small trip down memory
lane. He then began the Installation of Officers assisted by Bro Doc Dixon as Installing Marshal and
Alamo Camp Heroes of 76
Bro Bob McConnell Installing Secretary. All the
elected and appointed officers of the Chapter and
the Camp were assembled in front of Bro Samuels
who performed the installation. He released all but
the Chapter President, Bro Lee Leopard and Camp
Commander Bro Bob Perkins and the outgoing
President, Nelson Dunn, assisted in presenting the
Charters to the two leaders. Upon completion of the
ceremony, he turned the meeting over to the newly
elected President for his comments. Bro Leopard
gave a few remarks of his trip through Masonry and
how he felt it was an honor to be elected to be the
Chapter President. He called upon the newly installed Camp Commander, Bob Perkins for his comments. Bro Bob had few words but thanked everyone for their support. Bro McConnell then presented a Past Presidents certificate to Bro Dunn assisted
by the National President, Bro Jim Higdon, who
presented the Past Presidents bar to Bro Dunn.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Next Business
Meeting will be on 6 July 2016. The Dinner Meeting will be on 13 July 2016. The Annual National
Convention is from 15 to 19 June 2016 in Greenville, SC. The next Heroes Bivouac will be on 29
June 2016. Bro Lafferty reported that sign-up
sheets were in the back of the room for our flag programs. The next Flag program will be on 7 June
2016 at the MOWW YLC Conference at St Mary’s
University. A few more programs are in the works.
DRAWING: Drawing resulted in the following individuals going home with a prize: June
Hopkins, Elliott Samuels, Shannon Brown and Bonnie Hopkins. Sorry Helen.
CLOSING: Without further ado the meeting was officially closed at 2040 hours by President
Lee Leopard. Peace and harmony prevailing.
SEE YOU NEXT MONTH
JULY 2016 | Page 3
National Sojourners, Inc.
Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17
This Months ROTC Uncles
Sid Shaenefield
Dennis Lafferty
T. K. Anthony
FT. SAM HOUSTON CHAPTER 17
DEATHS
Bro. Daniel Boone Mason
8 June 2016
Page 4 | JULY 2016
Alamo Camp Heroes of 76
UPCOMING MEETINGS
BUSINESS MEETING: We will again be at the
Barn Door, 8400 North New Braunfels, (Inside
Loop 410), 6 July 2016. Come early get your lunch with the meeting
to begin at 1200 hours. It will be
order from the menu. Come and enjoy the fellowship.
THE MONTHLY DINNER MEETING
is scheduled for 13 July 2016 at the Barn
Door, 8400 North New Braunfels, (Inside
Loop 410). Social time at 1800 hours with
dinner at 1830 hours (NOTE CHANGE).
Come and enjoy the fellowship. Dinner
will consist of Salad, 6 oz. Filet, or Salmon,
Baked Potatoes, Vegetable, Dinner Rolls/
Butter, Iced Tea and Water, Coffee by the cup and
Complimentary dessert. Price of the meal – Steak
$25.00 Salmon $30.00. Make check payable to Ft
Sam Houston Chapter # 17. Reservations to Bob
McConnell, at 210-659-6813 or JMcconn529@aol.com, or Lee Leopard at 210-4347429 not later than 11 July 2016. Sign up early
and come enjoy the fellowship.
National Sojourners, Inc.
Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17
Alamo Camp Heroes of 76
OFFICERS FOR 2016-2017
FT SAM HOUSTON CHAPTER # 17
ELECTED OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
SECRETARY/TREASURER
MARSHAL
Luther L. “Lee” Leopard, Jr.
Nick R. Ramos
Roger Hopkins
James R. McConnell
Freddie Freeland
APPOINTED OFFICERS
CHAPLAIN
FLAG BEARER
JUDGE ADVOCATE
SURGEON
Jerold Hopkins
Dennis Lafferty
Benjamin Yudesis
Dock Dixon
ALAMO CAMP HEROES OF ’76
ELECTED OFFICERS
COMMANDER
CHIEF OF STAFF
ASST CHIEF OF STAFF
OFFICER OF THE DAY
ADJUTANT
MUSICIAN
Robert D. Perkins
Joe O. Estlack
John H. V. Lorch
Nick R. Ramos
James R. McConnell
Freddie Freeland
APPOINTED OFFICERS
SENIOR LIEUTENANT
JUNIOR LIEUTENANT
COMMANDER OF THE GUARD
SENTINAL
CHAPLAIN
JUDGE ADVOCATE
SURGEON
Nelson Dunn
James Griffith
Daniel Orzwarzack
Art Polsey
Ray Benton
Benjamin Yudesis
Dock Dixon
JULY 2016 | Page 5
NATIONAL SOJOURNERS, INC.
Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17
Alamo Camp Heroes Of 76
Bob McConnell
134 Rhonda Dr
Universal City, TX 78148
Return Service Requested
If you are receiving this newsletter by US mail and have email,
please send your email address to FtSamChapter17@kestler.org.
Each printed copy costs your chapter more than $1.50 to produce
and mail; the only cost for email is my time.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
BIVOUAC OF ALAMO CAMP
HEROES OF 76
Attention all Heroes: A bivouac is scheduled for Wednesday, 29 June 2016 at Grady’s
BBQ, 6510 San Pedro. Put it on your calendar. Dine at 1700 hours.
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.
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 number, 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 address, please send an email to
FtSamChapter17@kestler.org or call 830.368.4071
with the new information.