was gracious enough to allow us to use it, at no additional expense to us.

Transcription

1 SAR-IZONA NEWS ARIZONA SOCIETY SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION GEORGE LIPPHARDT, PRESIDENT The SAR-IZONA is a publication of the Arizona Society, Sons of the American Revolution and is published in January, April, July, and October. Articles, suggestions, and ideas are solicited please sent them to the editor, Bill Aurand, E Rainbow Meadow Dr, Tucson, AZ or wraurand@cox.net. Visit our AZSSAR Website at: Our Webmaster is Robert J. Vint. Summer 2015 PRESIDENT S REPORT Compatriots, All; Already, my reign is just about half over. Even though summer is supposedly our slow time, I ve been just as busy as ever. I m trying to make it to each Chapter s meeting, and as of now, I ve made it to five, with just three more to go. I know that many of our Chapters go dark for the summer (as far as their meetings), but still the activities and events go on. New Arizona Challenge Coin update; well, it s been about a year now, since we began working on our State Challenge Coin. I m happy to report, that it appears that our committee has finally concluded our design updates. I ve attached pictures of the coin with this submission to our newsletter editor, so hopefully it s here for all to see. Thanks go out to our committee of four: Past President Art Cantrall (who also did most of the graphic work), Warren Alter, Dr. Rudy Byrd and I. The front of the coin has the Grand Canyon in the background, our Arizona State Flag, a saguaro and most of all, a Minute Man. The reverse is an exact image of a Challenge Coin designed by Past President General, Joe Dooley. He was gracious enough to allow us to use it, at no additional expense to us. Application Status Registrar Report, as of 31 May. Thanks to all of the hard work done by our Chapter Registrars, and especially our new State Registrar, Ed Karr, we now have (since January 01): 37 New Applications approved. 18 Junior Applications approved. 08 Supplemental Applications approved. Keep up the great work.. I m sorry to report that we I don t have any good news to pass along as to our missing State Charters. They are all still missing. You might be reading about this FIRST event for the Saguaro Chapter and our State Society in another section of this newsletter? On 20 June, I had the privilege of Inducting seven members of the same family into our organization and the Saguaro Chapter. Five of the Inductees flew out here from New York, for this big event. Thanks to Saguaro Chapter President, Jan Huber and Compatriot Mike Fisch for organizing this. Welcome, the Mitchell family of seven. We still have an opening for the State Genealogist Officer position. Dr. Duffey would like to retire. He has held this position for many years. Please give it some thought, and contact me. Enjoy the balmy Arizona weather while it lasts, the cooler temperatures will be back by the end of October. My wife Karen joined me this year to Congress, in Louisville. Another fun trip for us. If you have not yet experienced a Congress yet, your first opportunity will be in Boston, next year. What a great place to go to see Revolutionary War period sites. In addition to myself and my wife, those attending from Arizona this year were; Inspector General Warren Alter & Nancy, Past State President Dr. Rudy Byrd & Gayle, Treasurer Ed Steinback, Dr. Gary Pettett, Past State President Walter Seaton & Helen and Vice President (and color guard commander) Steve Miller. We arrived back from Congress on 02 July, spent one night at home, then drove up to Prescott on the 3 rd, so that I could march in the annual Prescott 4 th of July Parade. For those of you that have not participated in this parade, you are missing out in probably the best patriotic parade around. This was my first time there and I was extremely impressed with the way that the people of Prescott turned out to watch the parade. Everyone watching was wearing patriotic clothing, waving American Flags, cheering and applauding us as we marched by. Prescott Chapter President Tom Chittenden, Steve Monez and Color Guard Captain Bill Smith had everything organized for us, as well as marching. They had one new chapter member marching this year, my brother Ed. He was fortunate enough to be able to borrow one of the chapter s naval uniforms. Barry Goldwater President, Bill Hearter even drove up from Phoenix to march with us. The temperature was in the 70 s, and no, we didn t get rained on. You

2 need to put this event on next year s calendar to attend, you will not be disappointed. Note: plan well ahead to make a hotel reservation for that weekend, as the hotels fill up fast, and don t plan on driving up on the Friday before the weekend. If you choose to do so, be prepared to share the road with 10,000 other motorists heading north out of Phoenix, at a snail s pace. Following the parade (after lunch) be sure to attend the famous, Ice Cream Social, put on by the Prescott Chapter to help raise funds for the WW2 Honor Flight Program. What a wonderful event, sharing time with so many veterans. George Lipphardt AZSSAR President (AZSSAR Challenge Coin) (Color Guard Ed Steinback, AZSSAR Commander Steve Miller, Jim Jones (TX), President General Lindsey Brock, Rudy Byrd, & George Lipphardt) 2015 National SAR Congress Submitted by Compatriot Warren Alter The 125 th Annual Congress was held in Louisville, KY June 26-July 1, Arizona Society had a fair number of attendees including President George Lipphardt Sr. (Karen), Vice President Stephen Miller, Trustee A. Ruddell Byrd (Gayle Reay), Alternate Trustee Gary Pettett (also representing Idaho), (Secretary Warren M Alter (Nancy), Treasurer Edward Steinback, III, Walter Seaton (Helen), and dual member C. Bruce Pickett (AL) (Rita). Elections were held and Honorable Thomas E. Lawrence (TX) was elected President General for 2015/2016, J. Michael Tomme Sr. (GA) Secretary General, Larry T. Guzy (GA) Treasurer General, Davis L. Wright (DE) Chancellor General, John D. Sinks (DC) Genealogist General, Russell F. DeVenney Jr. (MO) Registrar General, John T. Manning (NH) Historian General, C. Bruce Pickett (AL) Librarian General, Dr. Larry M. Leslie (KY) Surgeon General, Rev. Dr. James C. Taylor (TX) Chaplain General. Vice President General for Rocky Mountain District is Michael E Barger (NM) Executive Committee Appointees: PG Lindsey C. Brock (FL), Douglas T. Collins (KY), James T. Jones Jr (TX), William O. Stone (AL), PG Nathan E. White (TX). Other appointments included Michael J. Elston, Esq Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Richard T. Bryant, Esq Ambassador to the Caribbean Region, and Warren M Alter Inspector General. Arizona was well represented in the Awards Categories this year. It should be noted that our thanks and congratulations go out to the various AZSSAR Committee Chairs and compatriots who helped our society receive these recognitions. Our State President was kept busy going up to receive several certificates and awards on behalf of our state including: Arizona Society The Partners in Patriotism Certificate for participating in the Partners in Patriotism Program by working hand in hand with a veterans group in pursuit of a common goal. Tucson Chapter The Partners in Patriotism Certificate Arizona Society C.A.R. Activities Award to the State Society which has Karr) documented their work with the Children of the American Revolution over the past year (Committee Chair Walter Seaton) Arizona Society Certificate of Participation for supporting and submitting a candidate in the ROTC/JROTC Contest (Committee Chairman John Lyons) Arizona Society Certificate of Participation for supporting and submitting a candidate in the Arthur M King Eagle Scout Scholarship Contest (Committee Chairman Ed Koeneman) Arizona Society Franklin Flyer Award to the State Society based upon membership, with the largest recruitment of Friends of the Library as a percentage increase compared to the State Society s membership as of December 31 st of each year. (This also included a $100 check award) (Committee Chairman Ed Arizona Society Allene Wilson Groves Award to the State Society, based upon size, which presents evidence of best implementing SAR resolutions and principles (2014/15 Committee Chairman James Kimbrough) Arizona Society President General s Activities Award to the State Society, based upon size, which shows evidence of the most complete practice of implementing SAR programs and resolutions (2014/15 Committee Chairman James Kimbrough) Saguaro Chapter Flag Streamer and Certificate for support of the SAR Center for Advancing America s Heritage ($500 donation) (Chapter President Jan Huber) 2

3 Individual Awards and Recognition of Donations were also recognized during Congress. From AZ these included: Liberty Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster) for sponsoring 10 new members o Warren Alter (TUC) (2 oak leaf clusters) o Stephen Miller (PHX) (oak leaf cluster) o Wesley Edgar (PV) (oak leaf cluster) Silver, Bronze, and Gold Palm Club Eagle Scout Donation Awards to Warren Alter Certificate of Distinguished Service Warren M. Alter in recognition of outstanding personal service as Inspector General Our Society also received five flag streamers for our Society Flag Pole. These were all given to our Vice President/Color Guard Commander, Steve Miller to attach to our Flag. Those streamers were for: 1. The CAR Activities Award 2. ROTC/JROTC Contest 3. Arthur M. King Eagle Scout & Scholarship Contest 4. Franklin Flyer Award 5. President General s Activity Award. It is possible there were some other awards presented, but these are the ones I am aware of. In addition to these, many of our members are serving or continue to serve on National Committees. While the list is not complete, the President General in his opening remarks did specifically mention a new committee to coordinate the eight youth and community outreach events. While I am not certain of the name of this new committee I believe it is the Youth Education Community Outreach Committee, the chair of it is our own Dr. Rudy Byrd. It will coordinate the activities and events of the Oration s Contest, Knight Essay Contest, Eagle Scout Scholarship, JROTC/ROTC Enhanced Award, American History Teacher s Award, Middle School Brochure Contest, Elementary School Poster Contest, and American Heritage Educational Teaching Program. States that participate in a minimum of 4 of these will receive a streamer and certificate. States that participate in 6 or more of the programs will received a streamer, certificate and cash award from the President General. More details will follow from our NSSAR Chairman, Dr. Byrd. Additionally, I understand the Ed Steinback has not only been appointed to that committee, but has also been tasked by the President General to Chair a new Human Resource Committee. There are other committee appointments, but as of press time, they have not yet been published. Congratulations to Dr. Byrd and Ed Steinback and other committee appointees. AZSSAR Compatriot Warren Alter is Running for Treasurer General Compatriot, I am honored to announce my candidacy for Treasurer General in Many of you know me because we have worked together on a committee, as a fellow Trustee, State President, or VPG, through my role as an elected member of George Washington Endowment Fund, from my work as Inspector General, or simply having met at Leadership or Congress meetings. While I have been very active and involved in all levels of SAR (National, State, and Local), I have decided it is time to expand my commitment to SAR and run for Treasurer General at next year s Congress in Boston. My experience in financial and fiscal matters is extensive, from managing a $110 million budget many years for the Sheriff s Department, to multimillion dollar grants and awards in various federal, state and local narcotic task forces. As an officer or board member of multiple non-profits, I have had the fiscal responsibility of monitoring and approving their expenditures. I was the Secretary- Treasurer of the Arizona Society for the past 8 years, and still serve as its State Secretary. Elected twice to four year terms of the George Washington Endowment Fund Board has provided me insight and fiscal responsibility for this critically important endowment fund, and exposure to fiscal reports and accounts of the SAR and SAR Foundation. It has also provided me insight into the many activities of our States and local chapters. Attendance at many Executive Committee Meetings and my close interaction as Inspector General with General Officers and members alike have given me a much needed perspective of all aspects of SAR. Since the Treasurer General is a member of the Executive Committee, and an exofficio member of the SAR Foundation, we need someone with broad experience and exposure for this critical job. I have that experience. I have attached a flier that summarizes my experience and accomplishments. I hope you will take time to read it, look at my qualifications, and consider what you know about me either from personal experience or reputation. It is a reputation of hard work, honesty, and integrity. All qualities critical to become the Chief Financial Officer of the SAR. Over the coming months I hope to see many of you in person at National, District, and State Meetings; but in the meantime, if you have questions or wish to contact me further to discuss any of these issues, feel free to (warrenalter@cox.net) or phone me (520) cell. Individual Compatriots, State Societies, Chapters and Districts may endorse candidates for General Office. Endorsements may be mailed by postal or electronic means to the Chairman of the Nominating Committee PG Lindsey Brock; provided that such endorsements are postmarked (or ed) no later than 3

4 February 1, Endorsements may be sent to him at: or U.S. Postal Service: 6532 Heckscher Dr. Jacksonville, FL Assist me in serving SAR in this new role, by providing your support, endorsement, and if a delegate at the 2016 Boston Congress your subsequent vote for Treasurer General. I look forward to seeing many of you in the coming year as we all continue our work for this amazing organization. Fraternally, Warren M. Alter (Editor s note: Please refer to the flyer notice at the end of this newsletter) Registrar Ramblings Ed Karr, AZSSAR Registrar This year through 25 June, NSSAR approved 65 AZ applications and we have 6 awaiting NSSAR review. SAR does not require proof data for nonbloodline spouses even though all such known data is to be included in the lineage. This focus helps the applicant avoid extra costs to obtain non-bloodline birth or death certificates for more recent generations and saves time looking for census, cemetery, and other records for older generations. However, it is good to ask the applicant if a non-bloodline birth or death certificate is easily available in their family records. If they are available, then ask for and cite all those proofs that can be obtained. We can have more robustly documented applications with no extra cost and a little extra effort. In March 2015, Genealogy Policy regarding applications from other lineage organizations was updated. Now, official record or chapter copies of applications for membership in the DAR or C.A.R. approved after January 1, 1985, shall be accepted as evidence of corresponding lineage and related facts on SAR applications. Official copies of DAR or C.A.R. applications approved before that date shall be accepted as evidence with respect to corresponding facts that have been marked as individually-verified on the DAR or C.A.R. applications. This policy shall not apply with respect to portions of approved DAR or C.A.R. applications determined to be incorrect by DAR, C.A.R, or by the SAR Genealogist General. The most recent 30 years of approved DAR and C.A.R. applications can now be easily used as corresponding lineage proof for SAR. Genealogy Quiz Nancy was in the local mall when she met her mother s only husband s only sister s only daughter s husband. What relation is he to Nancy? (The answer is found later in this issue) Arizona State Color Guard So far this year the Arizona Society color guard has continued to actively represent the Sons of the American Revolution at many events. These included parades, flag postings, naturalization ceremonies, ROTC medal presentations, DAR events, the Phoenix Mercury flag unfurling, Memorial Day services, the Army Birthday Dinner, the Military Officer Association award dinner, and State and Chapter meetings. All done professionally and were well received. I say Hoorah! a job well done. I was able to attend the NSSAR Spring Leadership conference and the NSSAR Congress, both in Louisville. It was an honor to carry the Arizona flag during several activities there. I think I have learned a lot about how a color guard event should be handled and hopefully this will help us all in the events we participate in for our state society. I encourage you all to try to attend one of these national events. Speaking of National Events, both George Lipphardt, our state President, and I are discussing two possibilities for a certified National Event here in Arizona. One would be at the Presidio in Tucson and the other is the Prescott 4 July Parade. It is very difficult for those seeking the Color Guard Silver Medal to attend three national events in three calendar years. If we can get one or both approved not only would our Compatriots have a better chance to qualify, but Compatriots from other states could join us. The year is not over yet. I encourage all in the color guard to volunteer in your area and join with others from other areas to support them. Stephen Miller Commander NSSAR Committee Appointments by Arizona Society Members The following compatriots have been appointed to serve as NSSAR Committee Members. Please support their important work. Anniversary of the 250th American Revolutionary War Warren M. Alter Abraham Ruddell Byrd III Edward Oscar Steinback III C.A.R. Liaison Committee LtC Edmund Powell Karr Jr. Walter Guy Seaton Color Guard Committee Abraham Ruddell Byrd III Council of Youth Awards Chairman Abraham Ruddell Byrd III DAR Liaison Committee J. Michael Jones Education Committee Abraham Ruddell Byrd III Ethics Committee Dr. Philip Gary Pettett Flag Committee LtC Edmund Powell Karr Jr. 4

5 George Washington Endowment Fund Board Vice Chairman Warren M. Alter GWEFB Fund Raising Committee Warren M. Alter History Committee Warren M Alter Abraham Ruddell Byrd III Hospitality and Music Committee Abraham Ruddell Byrd III Human Relations Committee Chairman Edward Oscar Steinback III Internal Audit Committee Edward Oscar Steinback III Library and Archives Committee Warren M Alter J. Michael Jones Magazine Committee Vice Chairman Warren M Alter Medical Committee Vice Chairman Abraham Ruddell Byrd III Public Service and Heroism Committee Vice Chairman Warren M Alter Reenactor and Living History Liaison George Abbott Lipphardt, Sr Spanish Patriots LtC Edmund Powell Karr Jr 8/8/2007 and his Patriot Ancestor was Henry Holcombe. Help Needed As some of you might be aware, our Americanism Committee Chairman, Allen Nash is having some health issues. His medical situation is beginning to interfere with his ability to handle all of the Committee chores by himself. This committee is one of our most important, as it gathers event information from all of our Chapters, to be submitted annually to National, for recognition at Congress. I m asking for volunteers that will be willing to assist Allen, or the possibility of taking over the Chairman position if necessary. Since it involves the efforts of each of our Chapters, it would be great if we had a volunteer from each Chapter. Please send me an if you are able to help. Thank you, President George Lipphardt Gabbott46@comcast.net Since last writing, State President Jason Knorr was officially installed at the National C.A.R. Convention in April. His term will be April 2015 to April Hallie Orme Thomas Society members were invited to provide their annual program to Saguaro SAR in April this year in time for their 50 th Anniversary celebration! It was a great way for all to connect with more AZSSAR friends and now-family Saguaro SAR members. Hallie Orme Thomas Society members were at Pioneer & Military Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix for Memorial Day with Saguaro SAR friends, placing a wreath to honor our fallen, hosting a PR/family activity table, and preparing the site for the event. In Memoriam Ray Holcombe - PV With regrets I inform you of the passing of Palo Verde member Ray Holcombe on July 7th. Ray joined Arizona State Society, C.A.R. By Lezlee Alexander, Sr. State President, A.S.C.A.R. The summer fun began in earnest with a joint SAR/DAR/C.A.R. event led by SAR compatriot Matt Scott for all to unfurl a large U.S. flag at a Phoenix 5

6 Mercury game. Thanks to a very generous anonymous SAR compatriot, a number of C.A.R. members were able to be a part of this that otherwise would have been unable for ticket prices. To continue the Festive Fourth activities, our C.A.R. State President joined Prescott SAR friends for their breakfast meeting and marching in the Prescott parade. A uniform was found for Jason to really get a feel for participating with the SAR Color Guard! Prescott SAR kept our young President busy serving ice cream in the afternoon as part of their annual Ice Cream Social (he s really much happier working!). A few Hallie Orme Thomas Society members participated in the parade as well. A number of Hallie Orme Thomas Society members heard all you can eat ice cream and joined the fun at that point. Many thanks to Prescott Chapter SAR for inviting us! (and yes, discussions are underway about creating a new C.A.R. Society in Prescott, but it will take a LOT of SAR and DAR support to make it happen!) Kachina Society C.A.R. participated with Tucson Chapter SAR and Tucson Chapter DAR in a dedication ceremony to install a collection point for used flags to be properly retired. C.A.R. members are gearing up for back to school and back to a new C.A.R. year where we ll learn more about our National Project, Road To Independence, supporting the installation of George Washington s marquee tent, the first oval office, in the upcoming Museum of the American Revolution being constructed in Philadelphia, PA. We re also excited to learn more about C.A.R. State President Jason Knorr s Project, Helping Our Heroes, where we ll support Arizona s own Military Assistance Mission. We will kick off our activities at our Fall Meeting Saturday, August 22, in Casa Grande, AZ. Details to follow and all of our SAR friends are certainly welcome to join the fun! For more information about C.A.R, contact Lezlee Alexander garthandlee@cox.net, Would You Like to Highlight a Historically Significant Location in Your Area? Please submit your suggestion, with photo to the editor and we ll get it in queue for the SAR-izona. Genealogy Quiz Answer Her cousin-in-law. (Nancy s mother s only husband is Nancy s father, his sister is Nancy s aunt, and her daughter s husband is Nancy s cousin-in-law). NEWS FROM THECHAPTERS Barry M Goldwater Chapter The Barry M. Goldwater Chapter of the Sons of the Revolution was chartered on November 16, 2002, and currently serves those Compatriots living in North Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Carefree, and Fountain Hills, AZ. BMG Compatriot Christopher Stuller receives commission as United States Navy Ensign Compatriot Chuck Stuller and wife Carol with Ensign Christopher Stuller On May 12, 2015, Compatriot Chris Stuller graduated from ASU with a BS in Supply Chain Management, Barrett Honors College, and WP Carey School of Business Summa Cum Laude. Ensign Stuller will be leaving for Pensacola, Florida to become a U. S. Navy aviator. World War II veteran Charles Morse (Ensign Stuller s grandfather) placed one 6

7 shoulder board during the commissioning ceremony. ***** Phoenix Chapter The Phoenix Chapter, meets every Tuesday at noon at the Miracle Mile Delicatessen (Camelback Colonnade) 1949 East Camelback Road #160 Phoenix, Arizona (Turn south on 20th St from Camelback, take the second right). Contact Chuck Howey, Secretary-Treasurer, at (602) (cell) or for additional information. (Ensign Stuller and Grandfather Charles Morse) Congratulations Ensign Christopher Stuller from your Compatriots of the Barry M. Goldwater Chapter! Colorado River Chapter Colorado River Chapter monthly meetings are held the second Saturday of each month except June through August at 11:00 a.m. Our meeting location rotates between Kingman and Lake Havasu City. The meeting location in Kingman is the Mohave Community College; 1971 Jagerson Ave. and the location in Lake Havasu City is the Mohave County Library, 1770 McCulloch Boulevard North (K-Mart Plaza). All Compatriots (local or visiting), their spouses, prospective members and guests are invited to attend our monthly meetings. Plan now to attend a meeting close to you! Palo Verde Chapter The Palo Verde Chapter was chartered on January 11, Serving the East Valley Communities of Gilbert, Apache Junction, Ahwatukee, Chandler, Mesa, Sun Lakes, and Tempe. The Palo Verde Chapter meets at 8:30 AM on the second Saturday of each month (Oct. through May) at the Dobson s Restaurant, 2155 S. Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ... During June, July, and Aug. we meet once each month socially in the evenings at various restaurants. Each September we remember 9/11 and honor fire fighters at an evening dinner. Each October we honor outstanding law enforcement officers. Everyone is invited to our meetings. Contact Ed Koeneman, or ed@koeneman.org, Secretary /Treasurer, for any questions and/or directions to our meetings. Prescott Chapter The Prescott Chapter meets on the 3 rd Saturday of the Month at 12 Noon, except no meetings are held in July and August and the December meeting is held on the 2nd Saturday of the month. All meetings are at Plaza Bonita (formerly Casa Bonita) Restaurant, 1317 E. Gurley St. at Hwy. 89, phone , except the November meeting is held at Stone Ridge Country Club, Prescott Valley. Lunch reservations are not necessary, except for the November meeting. For meeting information call John Thorne, at Sons of the American Revolution State President, George Lipphardt, Joined the Prescott Chapter Color Guard to march in the annual Frontiers Days Parade in Prescott on July 4 th. Before the parade a breakfast was held to honor President George and his First Lady Karen. They had just returned from the National Congress in Louisville Kentucky and traveled all the way from Tucson. The weather was excellent and the crowds were very enthusiastic as we marched. From left to right in the picture are, Prescott Color Guard Captain Bill Smith, Ed Lipphardt, Catherine Chittenden, Steve Monez, State President George Lipphardt, Goldwater President Dr. William Hearter, Phoenix Chapter Jerry Davis, Ed Steinback II, Prescott Chapter President Tom Chittenden, CAR State President Jason Knorr, Wayne Hood, Dar Yavapai Chapter member Lee Nelson. Prescott Chapter raised funds for the World War II Veterans to be able to see their World War II memorial in Washington D C again this year and President Tom Chittenden presented a check for $11,000 to Tony Martinez the Honor Flight Board member. This is the third year the chapter has taken this on and now has raised over $27,000 to help fly these deserving vets to Washington DC. Rim Country Meetings are held monthly on the third Saturday of the month at 8:00 AM at Tiny's Restaurant, located on the north side of Highway 260 in Payson, Arizona, about a quarter mile East of the intersection of Highway 87 and Highway 260. The Rim Country Chapter, AZSSAR is now an official participant in programs presented by the Payson Patriotic Events Committee. The Payson Patriotic Events Committee organizes activities on every Patriotic holiday for the Town of Payson. This year for Independence Day the program included a Flag Raising, Pledge of Allegiance and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Payson is one of only twenty communities in the country that host a complete reading of this beloved document, and Payson is the only one west of the Mississippi. The reading, 7

8 Rim Country SAR President Stan Garner was introduced as one of the featured speakers. His remarks recognized the start of the War of Independence and provided information about SAR, its programs and an invitation to those who may have direct blood lines to a Patriot to consider membership in the chapter. Kathy Farrell, Regent, Mogollon Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Provided information about DAR and the American Creed and its origins. Following Kathy Farrell s remarks, Payson resident Mr. Bret DeCosta was identified as a descendent of Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Stan Garner introduced himself to Mr. DeCosta and suggested he would be a likely candidate for membership in SAR and gave him a card so he could follow up on membership." It's was deja Vu all over again as the Tucson Chapter Color Guard took first place and finished in a driving downpour at the Summerhaven 4th of July parade. Supported by the Chapter Ladies Auxiliary and several outside individuals, the Color Guard gave a snappy "eyes right" as they passed the Summerhaven reviewing stand. Of note, in the reviewing stand, was Color Guard Commander Rick Collins' wife, Barbara, who was drafted into the judging position when a vacancy suddenly appeared. Left unsaid here is her final vote for first place. Color Guard members that participated: Bill Aurand, Rudy Byrd, Rick Collins, Lance Dickinson, Dale Drew, Al Niemeyer, John Niemeyer and Jim Williamson. Supporting the Guard were Ladies Auxiliary members Marcia Aurand, Bette Dickinson and Theresa Williamson. A special thanks to non members: John Patla, who kept the marchers in step with the chapters new period correct drum; Jeff Coleman, who is working on becoming our newest member; and Skip Harrington and Brett Kooistra. The parade was well attended and could be considered a success by both the participants and spectators. It was a great, and wet, fourth of July 2015! (President Stan Garner addressing Payson citizens at the annual Independence Day celebration) Saguaro Chapter The Saguaro Chapter meets at 8:30 am on the 2nd Saturday of each month except June, July, August, and September. It is a breakfast meeting at the Five & Diner Delux, W. Bell Road, # 125, Bel Mar Plaza, Surprise, AZ Tucson Chapter The Tucson Chapter of the SAR was chartered on 12 December We are the oldest continuously functioning Chapter in the State. We currently serve all of Southern Arizona (John Patla and Rudy Byrd with the color guard s new drum) Summerhaven July 4 th Parade 8

9 Arizona Society 2015 National Congress in Louisville, Kentucky Delegates and Attendees (Back Row: Warren Alter, Ed Steinback, Rudell Byrd, Gary Pettett, George Lipphardt, Walt Seaton, Bruce Pickett, Steve Miller Front row: Nancy Alter, Gayle Byrd, Karen Lipphardt, Helen Seaton, Rita Pickett) 9

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