Mormon Battalion Association

Transcription

1 Mormon Battalion Association Minutes Executive Leadership Meeting 10:00 AM, Saturday, 27 May 2017 LTC Max Jamison Residence, 2854 N. Augusta Drive Lehi, UT The Mormon Battalion Association Executive Staff meets at least once per quarter on the third Saturday the month at 10:00 am, except when that day is a holiday or conflicts with another event. In that case, the meeting will be re-scheduled and the Executive Leadership will be notified of the change. Members of the public are invited to attend. Policy: As with U.S. Congressional minutes, anyone can read appropriate items into the minutes. In the interest of expediency, all participants should be familiar with our proposed minutes before each meeting. We will only address items requiring discussion and decisions. The Action Item Review may refer to more detailed discussion in Membership Reports, Member Advisory Committee Reports, and New Business. Executive Staff Attendance: The following was present: LTC Max W. Jamison (Battalion Commander). The following were excused: COL Carl V. Larson (Battalion Executive Officer) and Margaret Larson (Membership Officer) who are working at the Payson Temple, COL Jerome G. Gourley (Battalion Commander s Chief Advisor and Executive Secretary of Board of Directors), MAJ Todd Crappa (Chief Finance Officer and member of Board of Directors), MAJ Clark Olsen (Community Relations Liaison and Commander HHC), MAJ Laura Anderson (Senior Historian) who is on a round robin trip to the East and Midwest collecting data, MAJ Val John Halford (Quartermaster/Logistics Officer) who is attending an encampment at Camp Floyd, Utah, CSM David Munford (Command Sergeant Major)., Steven L. Rinehart (Judge Advocate General) who is hosting a radio program. Board of Directors Attendance: The following were excused: Edwin Kimball (Chair), James Waite (Vice Chair), Greg Christofferson, Guy Dickson (in Nevada on business).bg Ashley Hall (on family campout), Dennis Holland, Local Leadership Attendance: The following was present: SGT David Jamiel (Colorado Squad). Associated Organization Attendance: None. Welcome / Call to Order / Recognize Guests / Administrative Items LTC Jamison I had an unfortunate accidental fall and leg injury at my home on 19 March 2017, the day after our March Leadership Meeting. Due to my fall and two subsequent illnesses during the ensuing two months, I may not have captured all of your input from that meeting. The good news: I am steadily recovering, and returning to your service. Invocation None Minutes of 18 March 2017 Executive Leadership Meeting Approved as Amended Minutes were posted on Battalion website for review. Corrections will be included. General Business:! Recognition & Awards LTC Jamison is preparing Honorary Membership Certificates for a number of volunteer historians and reenactors who have represented the Mormon Battalion in recent years.! Service Opportunities See website. Project Request Forms and Annual Budget Requests We have received no Project Request Forms and Annual Budget Requests from local units. We can only allocate funds to you if we know your plans and needs. Page 1 of 14

2 ! Action Item Review: Leadership: All: Recruit civic and community leaders to serve on our new Board of Directors. We have two remaining unfilled positions. See Board of Directors report. All: Find viable candidates to run for offices of Battalion Commander (ex officio President of Board) and Battalion Executive Officer (ex officio Vice President of Board), who will stand for election for two years. Section 2.02 of the Articles of Incorporation states that they coordinate and direct all member activities. Their roles are that of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Operations Officer (COO). All: Find individuals willing to serve as 1 st Executive Director (S1 - Adjutant General) and 2 nd Executive Director (S7 - Public Relations Commandant) of the Battalion Continental Support Staff. Section 2.02 of the Articles of Incorporation states that they manage all administrative support business matters. Their roles are that of Chief Business Executive (CBE) and Chief of Business Operations (CBO), supervising the Battalion Continental Support Staff. Graves Memorialization: COL Larson and Kevin Henson: Work on preparations for graves memorialization for Dr. George Sanderson, Lewis Dent, Milton Smith, Thomas P. Dutcher and William Reynalds (Reynolds). Finances: CPT Crappa (Chief Finance Officer): Forward documentation to rest of Board of Directors for internal audit. CPT Crappa (Chief Finance Officer): Create new Payment/Reimbursement Request Forms. Mormon Battalion Historic Trails Award: Kevin Henson: As soon as possible, lead Mormon Battalion Historic Trails Member Advisory Committee in providing the data to LTC Jamison and CSM Munford for publication of Requirements booklet. See Member Advisory Committee Reports, 1. Mormon Battalion Historic Trails Award Committee. LTC Jamison: As soon as requirements booklet is finished, coordinate new patches, lapel pins/pendants, requirements list, booklet, and other documentation with LDS Primary-Young Men-Young Women and LDS-BSA coordinators to start publicity. COL Gourley and Greg Christofferson: Continue coordination with Elder D. Todd Christofferson regarding continued association between LDS Church and Mormon Battalion Association, including historical research and LDS participation in BSA Mormon Battalion Trail Award after Mormon Battalion Association takes over. Website Release 3.0: LTC Jamison: Create new recruiting materials (brief background of Association and donation page with receipt) for website to go with Membership Application. Forward copies to David Jamiel. Greg Christofferson: After receiving details, pursue funding for digitizing of Muster Rolls, etc. with donors, including the LDS Church when we know how much it will cost. LTC Jamison and SGT Jamiel: Complete four Historical Fact sheets and post on website: The Mormon Battalion Monument, Pueblo, Colorado. Peaceful Valley Sign Mormon Battalion Interpretive Panels adjacent to Kiowa County Courthouse, Kiowa, Colorado. Trapper Trails Monument in the Adams County Historical Site, Brighton, Colorado. California Trail Interpretive Center in Elko, Nevada. Honorary Memberships: LTC Jamison and Kevin Henson: Send honorary membership certificates to those who have so kindly assisted Mr. Henson in his historical research for and about the Mormon Battalion, particularly Tim Kimball and Terry Latey. LTC Jamison: Provide honorary membership certificates to current and past SNMP members. Page 2 of 14

3 LTC Jamison: Contact Mormon Battalion Historic Site, San Diego for list of current and past missionaries for honorary membership certificates. Gail Holmes Research Files and Metadata in Omaha, Nebraska: Terry Latey: Copy Gail Holmes extensive library of Mormon history in the Middle Missouri River Valley prior to its donation to the Church or BYU. Explore Battalion Participation in Annual BSA Big Event in Northeastern Utah: CSM Munford: Explore how the Mormon Battalion might participate each year, including contacting Jody Hanson, regarding similar event he has hosted in Southern California. Membership Reports Board of Directors: No report. Affiliate Organization Reports: 1. Battalion Trek/MapNTour.com (Michigan Contingent) Kevin Henson: No report. 2. Boy Scouts of America: On 11 May 2017, the LDS Church announced that it would be discontinuing its Varsity and Venturing Scouting programs. (See Closing Remarks and Inspirational Message for details.) 3. California LDS Living History Mission, Southern California Zone President Guy Dickson: No report. 4. California LDS Living History Mission, Northern California Zone (formerly referred to as Sierra Nevada Mormon Pioneers) Peter D. Guilbert: Old Business: 18 March, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Hands on History. Sutter s Fort. Theme: Hard Working Women on the Frontier. 19 March, SNMP Group Meeting. Citrus Heights Stake Center. 23 March, 9:00 am, Natomas Station Elementary School Presentation. Folsom, CA. We presented to two 4th grade classes comprising 65 students, one teacher, and 3 parent helpers. Displays set up in the outside amphitheater included pelts, pioneer items, things to load in a covered wagon, and pioneer toys. Audrey Gomm introduced our group as the "California Pioneer History Program." She then lead off with a 12 minute presentation, pioneer children's life on the trail. The children were well prepared. They knew the answers to most of the questions. Where does the trail start? Where are we headed? How far will we travel? How long will it take us to get there? What kind of animals will pull our wagon? What do we need to take with us? What will we use a campfire fuel while on the prairie? Buffalo chips! The children especially enjoyed the story of the bee box and collecting honey. Next Dick Williams had 20 minutes to present loading the covered wagon. Dick had a large rope laid out on the ground showing the size of a wagon box. He then had the children load items in "the wagon." The kids loved it! They were very attentive and enthusiastic to talk about the items and load them. Dick would toss sacks of flour, corn meal, salt, etc. into the group of kids. (The sacks are filled with styrofoam packing peanuts, etc.) The child who caught the sack would come up and load it in the wagon. In 20 minutes they were able to load most of the items. Next Keith Bond gave his 15 minute presentation on Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. Keith does such a great job telling about Charbonneau's life using various hats from various times in his life. Keith is the only presenter who briefly mentions leading the "Mormon Battalion, Army of the West, U.S. Army." All of our presentations are very generic describing pioneers headed to California. Following the presentations the children divided into 5 groups (previously assigned by the teacher) to start round robin hands on stations. The stations included Kacy Grommesh pioneer toys, Dean Haumschilt and Bill Taylor rope making, Sheryl Haumschilt laundry, Keith Bond pelts, Dick Williams and Audrey Gomm pioneer handkerchief dolls. Page 3 of 14

4 25 March, Return of the Swallows Parade. San Juan Capistrano, CA. The parade was a marvelous success. We had 110 participants over all, and marched portraying the Mormon Battalion before a crowd of many thousands of people. We were honored to have had the pleasure of marching with Brothers John Corless and Bob ( Bubba ) Blair in the parade. They are men of uncommon faith, who exhibit exemplary diligence. We thank them for having made the long trip from Sacramento, and thank the Lord for their safe return home. They have made the trip to join us many times over the years, as have numerous Living History Missionaries from the Northern California Zone. While the parade crowd is certainly very, very large, we do not know how many Southern California residents also watch the parade on television. Hence, it is very difficult to estimate a total number of exposures. This is clearly the largest Church Public Affairs event in Southern California, in which members of the Church have the opportunity to perform for the general public. We look forward to the day when many more Saints and Church leaders will recognize the importance of our Mission, and the great heritage of the early Saints whom we seek to honor for their sacrifices, their service, their great accomplishments and contributions to early California. 25 March, Small Encampment, John Adams Academy Fun Run and Historical Celebration. Roseville, CA I suppose we were the historical display for the event. Smokey, Kacy, Sheryl, Dean, Virginia, and Peter attended. Best estimate was about 1,500 people at this rev run event. We were asked to fire the cannon before and after the awards ceremony. It was a firing and not the full demo that we normally do. We had a lot of people come through the displays and we tried to talk up the May event in Coloma. There are a lot of LDS families that have their children in this school, so, quite a few LDS folks to talk to. 27 March, Family Home Evening Presentation. Lincoln, CA. Smokey Bassett (portraying William B. Ide); Virginia (portraying Angeline Lovett of the ship Brooklyn); and Peter Guilbert (portraying Moses Wade of the Mormon Battalion) presented early California Mormon history to about 13 Lincoln ward members and one non-member. Presentation was well received and appreciated. We talked about the service mission as well. 31 March, Rio Del Oro Elementary School Presentation. Plumas Lake, CA. We did a presentation to over 80 fourth graders and six adults. I was thrilled that people from our group were able to come for the first time: Dean and Sheryl Haumschilt, Roger and Helen Ekins, Dick Williams. In addition, there were six sisters and four primary Page 4 of 14

5 aged girls from the Yuba City stake, all of whom worked tirelessly for two hours. Michael and Donna Garbett, and their boys Benjamin and Samuel were all there. The presentation was a tremendous success. First, Michael and I talked about the journey getting to California (by land or by sea the Mormon Battalion and the Ship Brooklyn). The children were going to Coloma for an overnight fieldtrip in just a couple of days, so Michael focused on Coloma, Henry Bigler, etc. We then went outdoors where the children (and adults) participated in making rope, candles, butter, and cornhusk dolls. They also washed clothes on a washboard, played pioneer games, panned for gold, and touched furs at a fur display table. A first grade teacher saw us setting up and asked if we could come to her classroom, so Michael, Dean, Sheryl, and myself, along with my boys, made a 10 minute impromptu visit to first grade. The teacher was thrilled, and the students loved it. We are constantly evolving our program, and hope to include a wagon packing station next year. 3 April, Auburn Stake Young Single Adults Presentation. Auburn, CA. Bubba Blair (portraying Sydney Willis), Smokey Bassett (portraying William B. Ide), and Virginia (portraying Angeline Lovett) presented their characters to a Family Home Evening group of single adults of the Auburn Stake. I introduced the players and wrapped up with a description of our mission and an invitation to participate with our group. We had 14 people attend the presentation and several had questions for us one-on-one at the end. We hope to have instilled in their hearts an appreciation for early California history and the involvement of the early Mormon settlers. 7-9 April, Hands on History. Sutter s Fort, CA. Theme: Trader s Fair: California s First Shopping Mall. Friday was a rather nice day today considering the inclement weather. Steve Beck had room set aside for all the vendors and reenactors to stay out of the rain. We were put up in the gunsmith s shop. So Jesse Brown, Smokey Bassett, Bob Heyward, and Peter Guilbert portrayed the men who worked as gunsmiths in 1847/48, and Carol Tullis talked about women in early California. We had school groups and visitors from as far away as New Jersey, Minnesota, Washington, Ontario (CA), Redding, and San Jose. All told, there was about 275 people through the gate. Not a bad day with the wind and a few showers. On Saturday, with the hope of better weather, we set up some canvas and our small encampment. After a shower and downpour, we had to retreat back into the Gunsmith Shop and spend the rest of the day there. On Sunday, we had a nice bright sunny day and the Fort had one of the best attended days in the past year. I want to thank Smokey, Jesse, and Carol for attending and enduring the hardships all three days. It was good to see the young Storz family and the Posts at the event. All totaled we had 20 of our members come out and participate. The park estimated there were approximately 1,000 people come into the park for the event. Beyond what I reported on Friday, we had groups from Minnesota, San Jose, Redding, Ontario, Thousand Oaks, and many other places. 8 April, Historic Folsom Tour. Folsom, CA. Sandra Lunceford led a tour on Sutter Street in Historic Folsom and talked about Thomas Rhoads, the Mormon Battalion, Mormon Island, Sam Brannan (re: railroad magnate), and all the historic buildings and people in Folsom history. There were 26 retirees from the various state departments of transportation throughout the U.S. The tour went well, but they especially liked the fact that the Mormon Battalion were road builders. A resounding cheer went out at that time. 8 April, Trails West Convention. Reno, NV. 11 April, El Dorado Adventist School. Placerville, CA. We made a presentation to about 45 students and teachers. What a fun experience, and what well behaved, intelligent children! Those present were Keith Bond, Dick Williams, Edyie and Mike Duggan, Dean and Sheryl Haumschlit, and Kacy Grommesh. We began with Kacy presenting The Life of Pioneer Children, followed by Keith as the charismatic Charbonneau. It was the first time we've seen Keith speechless for about three seconds as he began his presentation with My name is Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. Does anyone know who I am? A very animated little girl just about jumped out of her skin yelling: Sacagawea s son. I ve been obsessed with your mother for years! Dick followed with a lively version of Packing the Wagon for the West. The presentations all went very quickly, and we realized it was because the students were so knowledgeable and attentive. We no sooner asked a question than, BAM! first hand up (and there were many) had the right answer. It was a fun experience! Our presentations were followed with activity tables where the students learned about and played with toys at Mike Duggan s table, made rope with Dean Haumschlit and Dick Williams, created dolls and pioneer action figures with Edyie Duggan and Kacy Grommesh. Sheryl Haumschlit was our official timer throughout the morning presentations and activities and kept everyone moving along at the perfect pace. Thanks to everyone who participated in today s program. We are so grateful for the positive attitudes and team Page 5 of 14

6 spirit. A special thanks to Michael Duggan for stepping in at the toy table. To say he fit right in with toys is an understatement. He was such an obvious natural that some of the children asked him if he was really Santa! We presented the teacher with a copy of the More Precious Than Gold DVD, maps for each of the children showing the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails (thanks to Carol Tullis), and a poster for our event in May. Our meeting concluded with an unexpected, but very welcomed treat: The children offered a prayer thanking Heavenly Father for their experience. We, of course, bowed our heads, folded our arms and prayed with them feeling grateful that our morning was well received. The school then invited us to stay for lunch, where we were able to eat with the children outside. The only thing that could make this better would be to hurry and book them again for next year! The next day, we received the following from Nancy Schoonover at the school: I wanted to thank your group for coming out to make the presentation yesterday. It was delightful and so educational. The students really enjoyed it. It was obvious the presenters like to work with children. They made the history come alive for the students. All the hands on activities will ensure the children don't forget what they learned. I'm glad the group could stay to have lunch with the students. It gave the children a chance to host our guests-a valuable learning experience. All in all I'd say it was a great day. Can you get us on the schedule for next year? We'd sure like that if possible. They later sent a booklet of drawings and letters from the students. One of the letters said: I love the way [you] teach history. I thingk its really really fun. My favorite part was the pioneer toys!! My favorite toy was the do nothing toy. Oh, and thanks. Another student drew a picture of an ox drawn wagon with father driving, and a woman and boy walking beside. In the sun were the words: God was with the pioneers the whole way through. He is with us, too. 19 April, Youth Trek Fireside. Woodland Stake, CA. 22 April, Daughters of Utah Pioneers Convention. Mormon Center. Flag ceremony and display. 23 April, Ukiah Trek Fireside. Ukiah Stake Center. Dean Haumschilt announced presentations by Dick Williams, Virginia, and Peter at a fireside for the youth and their parents preparing for a trek this summer. Sheryl Haumschlit was our color for the night. We set up displays before the event and had quite a few people visit the displays. There were about 90 people that attended our presentations. Dessert was served afterward and many people spent time talking to us and asking questions. We talked about the Pioneer Day event in May and also the mission. There were several couples who might be interested in the mission, once the Bay Area folks get rolling. We referred them to the website for now as they were not ready to participate right away. Long day and trip, but I feel it was successful, as the Stake President and his counselor were very pleased with the information presented and felt we inspired the youth to learn more about their ancestors and their family history. 27 April, Forest Hill Elementary Presentation. Forest Hill, CA. 28 April, Cedar Lane Elementary School. Linda, CA. Donna Garbett organized a highly successful school presentation at Cedar Lane Elementary, in Olivehurst. This included the Ekins, Sister Hawe, the Haumschilts, the Garbett children and several other local volunteers. 29 April, Gold Nugget Days Parade. Paradise, CA. Thirteen members of the Chico Stake (including the previous year's Gold Nugget Days Queen) and 15 SNMP members (Roger and Helen Ekins, Margaret Hawe, Keith Bond, Kacy Gromesh, Carol Tullis, Jesse Brown, John Corless, Bubba Blair, Peter and Virginia Guilbert, Michael Garbett, and Russell, Naomi and Hannah Harper) in our first entry in the Parade. They together contributed to the "Mormon California Pioneers" receiving a plaque \for first place honors in the "Parade Novelty group category. They were judged on their overall appearance, adherence to the theme ("Golden Heroes of the West") and creativity. Their skit at the reviewing stand included the raising of the Bear Flag by William B. Ide, and a black powder musket salute from members of the Mormon Battalion. Together, the group represented the Ide family, the Battalion, and members of the Ship Brooklyn. Not only was last year's queen a member of the Church, but so was Page 6 of 14

7 this year's queen, a daughter of a member of the Chico Stake presidency. Being involved in this parade has opened some very significant doors with the parade's sponsor, the Gold Nugget Museum. The Ekins and ister Hawe will soon be serving as docents there, assisting with the museum's ongoing school presentations and other activities. Following the parade, the good fellowship continued as the Ekins led the Guilberts, the Harpers, and Keith Bond on a four-mile hike along the Miocene canal, overlooking the West Branch of the North Fork of the Feather River. You can view a video of them at Saturday night's events were a "hoot" with a yummy $5.00 tri-tip dinner and both live and silent auctions. Carol and I were able to get a sense of their fun-loving ward(s), as we saw them remove their bishop's truck tire and then auction it back to him to raise money for Scout/Girls camp. Art, garden kits, services of various kinds, a 22 shot gun & even a "free pass" guaranteeing they would not be called upon for a Sacrament talk for 5 years or until their Bishop was released (which was to happen today) were sold at premium prices. Brother Elkin even offered money if the Emcee would stop telling corny jokes. 30 April, 5 th Sunday Presentation. Paradise 1 st Ward, Paradise, CA. Presentations by Brother and Sister Elkins were very good, and Sister Elkins looked divine in an outfit from 1880 which belonged to her great grandmother! They made a plea to their ward for individuals and families to consider joining our cause. Then Brother Elkins made two announcements: (1) Both last year's and this year s parade queens were LDS; (2) the Mormon Battalion, Ide Family and Ship Brooklyn parade presentation took first place in the "Novelty" category! Everybody loves firing muskets! The Elkin's, Carol Tullis, and Peter spent the remaining time mixing, mingling and generally "talking up" our mission. The Elkin's seemed rightfully proud of the results. Good going Northern California! 30 April, 5 th Sunday Presentation. Chico, CA. 5 May, Lakeridge Ward Aaronic Priesthood Outing. Negro Bar Campground, Folsom, CA. There were about 70 people in attendance (a few from one of the Fair Oaks wards). About were really interested, the rest were mostly young children. Dean Haumschilt did a short introduction. Smokey Bassett did really good job talking about the influence the Saints had on California History, while Bubba Blair talked mainly about Mormon Island, how it came to be talked about the gold found there. He went into some detail as Sister Bubba :>) relative was the person that really founded Mormon Island. 6 May, Clarksville Day. El Dorado Hills, Clarksville, CA May, Gold Nugget Museum. Paradise, CA. Tuesday s involvement was much lighter than yesterday's: only 29 students plus 12 parent volunteers along with their teacher. This group was from Richfield School, near Corning. Roger and Helen Ekins were able to circulate among the various stations, including gold/gem panning, rope making, corn husk dolls, laundry, pioneer games, cooking (at this station the kids churned the butter and peeled and sliced potatoes, onions, and carrots for our lunchtime stew), candle dipping, loom making and weaving. The teacher was very enthusiastic about receiving the More Precious than Gold DVD and resource book as she had grown very tired of focusing on missions and was eager to pursue another approach to California history. This time our camera was working, so attached are a couple of photos. On Wednesday, Margaret Hawe headed up the weaving station at the Museum, where some 15 students from the Bangor School came for five hours of pioneer fun. On Friday, Margaret and Roger and Helen Ekins hosted 72 children, three teachers, a teacher's aide, and some 29 parents from the Ophir/Nord schools in Oroville. Margaret again helped with the weaving, while Roger and Helen circulated among all of the stations, sharing stories related to pioneer children. They also greeted the children at the outset and then presented three of the More Precious than Gold DVDs and booklets to a teacher, a teacher's aide, and one parent (a Church member who paid for her copy). More fun than a barrel of molasses! The week of 14 May marked three more school presentations. On Tuesday, Roger and Helen worked with 37 kids, 11 parents and one teacher from Manzanita School, who was thrilled to be given a copy of our DVD and curriculum augmentation booklet. On Wednesday Margaret Hawe and Roger worked with 60 kids, 18 parents and two teachers from Neal Dow School who were also very happy to get the DVD and booklet. This is exactly what we need, gushed one. We need something to help us get through the rest of the school year! Finally, on Friday, Roger and Helen assisted 46 kids, 26 (!) parents, and two teachers from Sierra View School. The two teachers were so pleased with the resource booklets that they asked if they could have two more for the teachers who brought their classes on a field trip two week earlier, before we began our involvement with the museum. When not assisting at one of the activity stations, we told stories about the discovery of gold, showed kids what real gold flakes look like, sang our Page 7 of 14

8 "To Be A Pioneer" song and shared trail and camp experiences of real pioneer children. The week of 21 May had four school presentations. On Monday, we had 36 students, 12 parents and two teachers from Hamilton City Elementary School 3rd and 4th grades. Virtually all of the students are bi-lingual and some of the parents spoke very limited English, so Roger got to use his Spanish frequently as we circulated from station to station telling stories about pioneer children, etc. The teachers were not only pleased to accept the More Precious than Gold DVDs and resource booklets, but because they are located near William B. Ide's grave site, they responded enthusiastically to the possibility of us coming out next year to tell the kids all about the Bear Flag Revolt, etc., though that will obviously need to be done with great sensitivity to Mexican sensibilities. On Tuesday, Roger, Helen, and Margaret worked/played with 50 children from grades three and four, ten parents and the two teachers from the OakDale Heights school in Oroville. Because one of the teachers is retiring in a few weeks we only distributed one More Precious than Gold DVD and resource booklet, but the teacher was thrilled to get it. We all chipped in wherever there was a shortage of parent volunteers: Helen helped make cornhusk dolls, Margaret assisted with the weaving, and Roger spent most of his time helping kids make rope or pan for gemstones. On Thursday, Roger and Helen greeted 50 children, nine parents and two teachers from McManus Elementary in Chico. They distributed two more DVDs and resource booklets to the teachers, who accepted them with deep appreciation. On Friday, Roger and Helen were joined by Gene and Donna Hughes, who have been thinking about joining us ever since our presentation in their ward. They wore period costume (they served a mission in Nauvoo several years ago). We worked with 75 fourth graders, three teachers, and about 24 parent volunteers from Parkview Elementary in Chico. We knew this would be a special group as we noticed some of the name tags as the kids gathered: Oceana, Mecca, Midnight, Trinity, Janeva, and even Nigel. Turns out one of the classes is a Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) class, so there was a lot of bright creativity all around us. Best of all, they each received a letter from "back in the states" during their lunch. "Our heart has been broken ever since you left for the gold fields," began one. And "we had to sell your favorite pig" sadly noted another. All three teachers gratefully accepted the DVD and resource manual. 11 May, Georgetown School Presentation. Georgetown, CA May, Columbia Diggins. Columbia, CA. 20 May, California Pioneer History. Coloma, CA. A local Sacramento CBS television station broadcast this preview: We counted 38 from our Sacramento area group that helped make this the best Coloma event ever. We were pleased to have representatives from the Truckee Meadows group as well as folks from the Gridley group. I couldn t identify those who might have attended from the Bay Area and Fresno groups. Preliminary report from Sis. Amaral was that 5,500 people attended. I think they underestimated the number of people per car. It seemed there were more people in upper tent town than last year. The lower tent town did not get as many visitors as the upper area did. We had our first (I think) all sister cannon crew to finish out the day firing the cannon. 21 May, Living History Northern California Zone Conference. Citrus Heights Stake Center. The spirit was extraordinary in our Zone Conference. We were blessed with the insights of two general authorities, and the presence of Elder Cook who attended the Coloma portion. Elder Watkins Endowed with Power (D&C 38) Elder Watkins spoke about the power of becoming internally engaged with our messages through the endowment of a spiritual gift from Our Heavenly Father. This endowment from Heavenly Father helps us overcome all things. Nauvoo Temple ordinances helped the saints make the journey west. President Watkins shared the story of the sacrifices and insight obtained by his great-great grandmother, Sarah Rich, during the completion of the Nauvoo temple. Her endowments helped her prepare for the journey west with pure heart and all faithfulness. Elder Pimental On behalf of Elder Cook who joined us yesterday, Elder Pimental expressed gratitude to those who served on behalf of Pioneer History Day. He spoke about Faith and Sacrifice that feed on each other and create a growing cycle. His great grandfather was an early Portuguese immigrant barber who found through gold mining that it pays to dig a little deeper. Elder Pimental explained that faith is like a seed that grows into knowledge, but when we dig a little deeper it causes us to act. He encouraged us to dig deeper, act upon promptings and make our faith Page 8 of 14

9 grow. Sacrifice is a deeper and nobler understanding. Elder Pimental cited 3 Nephi dealing with the principle of faith and developing a deeper understanding of sacrifice. It essentially shifts the principle of old testament blood sacrifices into a new and deeper understanding of offering a broken heart and contrite spirit. The Savior added only a few words to the Sermon on the Mount: But in me, it hath all been fulfilled. These words help explain that a broken heart and contrite spirit is another meaning for sacrifice. Part of being missionaries is being broken in and responsive to our Mission President s admonitions. Faith and sacrifice helps us be more responsive to mission leaders in all we do. Stay broken in, like a baseball glove. It will increase our knowledge, and we will have confidence in things we know that are true. Elder Pimental testified we will be blessed by faith and depth of sacrifices. Upcoming Events: 28 May, Chico 4 th Ward Third Hour Presentations. Chico, CA. 31 May, Cobblestone Elementary School. Plumas Lake, CA. 3-4 June, California Trail Days. Elko, NV June, Fairfield Youth Trek. 17 June, Hands on History. Sutter s Fort, CA. Theme: War in California. 18 June, SNMP Group Meeting. Citrus Heights Stake Center. 4 July, Fourth of July Parade. Carmichael, CA. 6-8 July, Ukiah Stake Youth Trek. Ukiah, CA July, Roseville Stake Youth Trek. Roseville, CA. 5. California Pioneer Heritage Foundation Dennis Holland: No report. 6. Daughters of Utah Pioneers: No report. 6. Early Saints Research Group Dr. Brandon Plewe: No report. 8. FamilySearch : No report. 9. Friends of the Battalion & Ship Brooklyn President Donald L. Eastman: No report. 10. Heritage Trails Association Marilyn Mills: No report. 11. Mormon Battalion Arizona (Mesa Company) CPT Owen Garner: No report. 12. Mormon Battalion Historic Site, San Diego, California: No report. 13. Mormon Battalion Volunteers, Historic Reenactment Group, Utah Living History Association. CPT Jared Cornell: No report. 14. Mormon History Association President Brian Cannon: No report. 15. Old Spanish Trail Association (OSTA) President Ashley Hall: Invited all members of our Board and whomever we wish to attend their Partners and Associates Social Gathering from 4:30 to 7:00 PM on 16 June at the Rio Grande Western Depot, in Salt Lake City, UT. 16. Sons of Utah Pioneers: Received monthly reports from Lehi Chapter. 17. Oregon-California Trail Association (OCTA), Southern Trails Chapter Doug Hocking, Chair: No report. Local Unit Reports: Headquarters (HHC) Company MAJ Clark Olsen: No report. Utah North Platoon CPT Robert Olson: No report. Eastern Idaho Squad CPT Thomas Griggs: No report. Logan Squad (aka Company D) James Waite: No report. Ogden Section (aka Company C) MAJ Clark Olsen: No report. Salt Lake Squad (aka Companies A and B) LTC Jamison: Presented six Eagle Scout slides at one Court of Honor in West Jordan, Utah. Utah South Platoon LTC Jerry Harris: No report. Albuquerque Squad CPT Blaine Bachman: No report. Cedar City Squad SGT Larry Bilyeu: No report. Page 9 of 14

10 Colorado Squad SGT David Jamiel: 21 April 2017 My wife Shirley and I took part in a history conference at Front Range Community College in Westminster, Colorado. The college sponsored the daylong event for students and the community. Shirley and I presented information on the Battalion and its connection to the temporary colony the Mormons established in Pueblo, Colorado We both were in costume; representing a Battalion member and his wife. I put together a poster display about the Battalion and Colony and spoke to about 100 people during the day. My presentation was also part of a display on military history in Colorado co-sponsored by the Broomfield (Colorado) Veterans Memorial Museum, where I also volunteer. 29 May I will take part in the annual Broomfield Veterans Memorial Museum s Memorial Day Celebration. It is a multi-community event that draws several hundred people. I will be dressed in my Mormon Battalion clothing and talk to visitors about the Battalion and the Mormon Colony at Pueblo. 2-3 June I will be going to Elko, Nevada to portray a Mormon Battalion member at the California Trail Interpretive Center as part of their annual California Trail Days celebration. While I am there I will take some time to try and get a fix on the Kearny and Holmes/Thompson Party camp sites near the Trail Center. 8-9 July My wife and I along with some other church members will be traveling to the National Trail Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyoming. The Trail Center has asked me to have an 1847 Mormon Trail Camp set up and talk about the Battalion, the Pueblo Colony and the Mormon Trail. We will be the only interpreters on site during the weekend and be the main topic of discussion. Also, as part of the event I will give a formal presentation on the history of the handcart effort between 1856 and January I have also been asked to present a program to a local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. The topic will be the Pueblo Colony and the Battalion s role and its interaction with Bent s Fort. Cedar City Squad SGT Larry Bilyeu: No report. St. George Squad (aka Dixie Company) CPT Robert Wood: COL Gourley and CPT Wood made several Eagle Scout slide presentations. White Mountain Squad CPT David Crockett: No report. Field Company CPT Lynn Tegland: No report. California Detached Section LTC Frank Szeles: No report. California South Squad (aka B Company): No report. Arizona Detached Section LTC Lloyd Smith: No report. Yuma Squad CPT Gary L. Smith: Our contingent continues to participate in two Arizona parades each year: Friday, 21 July We will drive six hours to Snowflake, Arizona [transiting diagonally across most of the state from the extreme southwestern corner past Phoenix to near the eastern Arizona-New Mexico border], spend the night, and then participate in the local parade to celebrate our pioneer Mormon Battalion heritage. This will be our 5th entry in the parade. Our reenactors comprise approximately 22 young men (ages 14 to 18) dressed in full periodic garb, military accouterments and muskets. In addition, there will be two young women ages 14 to 18 to carry our banner, and eight to ten adults marching alongside. They represent the Battalion's trail guide(s), a first sergeant, five women and 4-5 children (the women and children hand out candy along the parade route), plus two "mule skinners" driving our team of mules pulling our periodic military covered wagon. (Doubles as a candy resupply hub during the parade route), all dressed in periodic clothing. It is great to witness the cheers of the those viewing our group as we travel the parade route. 10 November Our second parade entry will be the Yuma, Arizona Veterans Day Parade. This is a special event for us, as the 1847 crossing of the Colorado River took place just west of our community, making it first U.S. Army unit Page 10 of 14

11 ever to cross the river there. Today, Yuma is home to one of the largest Army test stations, Yuma Proving Grounds and a Marine Corps Air Station. At Large Members No report. Membership Advisory Committee Reports: 1. Mormon Battalion Historic Trails Award Committee Kevin Henson, Chair: Still working on text for the Requirements Booklet. Here s what s left to do: Section 1. History of the Battalion Finalizing rewrite of articles by BYU History Professor Larry Porter. Section 2. Trail Segment Resources and Maps A short two-page introduction, mini-map, and selected readings for each of the seven Mormon Battalion Trail Segments: a) Iowa Mormon Trail Segment b) Main Command Segment c) Higgins Family Detachment Segment d) Brown Sick Detachment Segment e) Willis Sick Detachment Segment f) General Kearny Escort Segment g) Pueblo to Salt Lake Segment 2. All Things Mormon Battalion Project LTC Jamison, MAJ Anderson, and Dan Roper: Phase 1: Kevin Henson requested a common format among the various databases to permit combined searches. Dan Roper is working on a beyond spreadsheets and relational databases solution. 3. Website Historians Editorial Review Board (HERB) Mike Anderson, Chair: I believe no one person knows everything pertaining to the Mormon Battalion. However, I believe that the members of this Board can collectively create a website that includes everything that is known about the Battalion to date. By doing so, we save the future generation from duplicating much of our work, where they can add additional information as it becomes available. Assignments are as follows: Mike Anderson Board Chair until someone else volunteers. Clothing, textiles, equipment, & supplies are my forte. I will present a list of what I am working on and some examples of my work in the next . I am not a writer, I tend to write as I talk. I will be using a close friend who has done editing before, along with Val in helping with my writing. CPT Jared Cornell Our military expert. He is working on a couple of the myths right now. Anything military related I run pass Jared first. I recommend all to do the same. MAJ Halford Val has been one of few willing to contribute to the web site in the past and will be instrumental in the future vision of this site. With his vast overall knowledge, Val will be working with me on updating much of the information on Battalion equipment as well as other writings. Kevin Henson Trails expert. Kevin is buried in many projects pertaining to the Battalion. One project should be ready soon to present to the Board for approval to be put on the web site. Kevin's "Mormon Battalion Foods List" booklet found on the website is absolutely wonderful and one of the few writings that will not have to be altered or removed. Steve Sorensen Steve will oversee a subcommittee that will put together materials pertaining to "The Military Laundress, Women in the Battalion." That subcommittee is made up of Bre Cornell, Wendy Sorensen, and Kayla Willey. Steve is also compiling a list of Mormon Battalion Myths. Many of those have been identified and assignments made. When Steve has that list prepared, including names assigned to head up the writing of each myth, I will pass it on to the rest of the Board to see if other items need to be added. MAJ Anderson Historical record research, providing new information from All Things Mormon Battalion Project. LTC Jamison Webmaster. Will help with editing and keeping politicos off our backs. Continental Support Staff Reports: 1. Chief Finance Officer Report LTC Jamison: We currently have a bank balance of $19,587,43, down from last Page 11 of 14

12 month s $20, Since our last meeting in March, we have had the following activity: a. Main Share Savings: Deposits: $0.05 interest Current Balance: $1.05, up from $1.00 Pending Expenditures: None b. General Fund: Deposits: $ from PayPal, cash donations of $360.00, and $0.13 interest Expenditures: $19.75 for check printing $ for copies of all incorporation documents since founding $ for neckerchief slides and mold change $78.46 for our April and May GoToMeeting.com fees $88.17 for our March and April UPS Store shipping and handling fees $ unbudgeted reimbursement to Headquarters Company ( C Company) for computer, printer, and paper Current Balance: $1,034.31, down from $1, Pending Expenditures: normal $39.23 monthly fee from GoToMeeting.com, and normal UPS Store shipping and handling fees c. Arts Fund: Deposits: $2.22 interest Expenditures: None Current Balance: $10,002.22, up from $10, Pending Expenditures: None d. Historical Research Fund: Deposits: $1.28 interest Expenditures: None Current Balance: $8,640.28, up from $8, Pending Expenditures: Reimbursement to Dan Roper for creating our new Master Database "hidden" website and domain name. We may need to pay for high quality digital copies of documents held by the Church, the State of Iowa, and the National Archives. New Business None. ( Open to Floor) Projected Action Items: Leadership: All: Recruit civic and community leaders to serve on our new Board of Directors. We have two remaining unfilled positions. See Board of Directors report. All: Find viable candidates to run for offices of Battalion Commander (ex officio President of Board) and Battalion Executive Officer (ex officio Vice President of Board), who will stand for election for two years. Section 2.02 of the Articles of Incorporation states that they coordinate and direct all member activities. Their roles are that of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Operations Officer (COO). All: Find individuals willing to serve as 1 st Executive Director (S1 - Adjutant General) and 2 nd Executive Director (S7 - Public Relations Commandant) of the Battalion Continental Support Staff. Section 2.02 of the Articles of Incorporation states that they manage all administrative support business matters. Their roles are that of Chief Business Executive (CBE) and Chief of Business Operations (CBO), supervising the Battalion Continental Support Staff. Graves Memorialization: COL Larson and Kevin Henson: Work on preparations for graves memorialization for Dr. George Sanderson, Lewis Dent, Milton Smith, Thomas P. Dutcher and William Reynalds (Reynolds). Page 12 of 14

13 Finances: CPT Crappa (Chief Finance Officer): Forward documentation to rest of Board of Directors for internal audit. CPT Crappa (Chief Finance Officer): Create new Payment/Reimbursement Request Forms. Mormon Battalion Historic Trails Award: Kevin Henson: As soon as possible, lead Mormon Battalion Historic Trails Member Advisory Committee in providing the data to LTC Jamison and CSM Munford for publication of Requirements booklet. See Member Advisory Committee Reports, 1. Mormon Battalion Historic Trails Award Committee. LTC Jamison: As soon as requirements booklet is finished, coordinate new patches, lapel pins/pendants, requirements list, booklet, and other documentation with LDS Primary-Young Men-Young Women and LDS-BSA coordinators to start publicity. COL Gourley and Greg Christofferson: Continue coordination with Elder D. Todd Christofferson regarding continued association between LDS Church and Mormon Battalion Association, including historical research and LDS participation in BSA Mormon Battalion Trail Award after Mormon Battalion Association takes over. Website Release 3.0: LTC Jamison: Create new recruiting materials (brief background of Association and donation page with receipt) for website to go with Membership Application. Forward copies to David Jamiel. Greg Christofferson: After receiving details, pursue funding for digitizing of Muster Rolls, etc. with donors, including the LDS Church when we know how much it will cost. LTC Jamison and SGT Jamiel: Complete four Historical Fact sheets and post on website: The Mormon Battalion Monument, Pueblo, Colorado. Peaceful Valley Sign Mormon Battalion Interpretive Panels adjacent to Kiowa County Courthouse, Kiowa, Colorado. Trapper Trails Monument in the Adams County Historical Site, Brighton, Colorado. California Trail Interpretive Center in Elko, Nevada. Honorary Memberships: LTC Jamison and Kevin Henson: Send honorary membership certificates to those who have so kindly assisted Mr. Henson in his historical research for and about the Mormon Battalion, particularly Tim Kimball and Terry Latey. LTC Jamison: Provide honorary membership certificates to current and past SNMP members. LTC Jamison: Contact Mormon Battalion Historic Site, San Diego for list of current and past missionaries for honorary membership certificates. Gail Holmes Research Files and Metadata in Omaha, Nebraska: Terry Latey: Copy Gail Holmes extensive library of Mormon history in the Middle Missouri River Valley prior to its donation to the Church or BYU. Explore Battalion Participation in Annual BSA Big Event in Northeastern Utah: CSM Munford: Explore how the Mormon Battalion might participate each year, including contacting Jody Hanson, regarding similar event he has hosted in Southern California. Closing Remarks & Inspirational Thought LTC Jamison LDS Church Announcement Replacing BSA Varsity and Venturing Programs. LTC Max Jamison: On 11 May 2017, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a letter stating that, effective 1 January 2018, the Church would discontinue its Varsity and Venturing Scouting programs for young men ages in the United States and Canada, replacing them with a new activities program. This announcement simply recognizes that there is a decided dropoff in interest in Scouting after the age of 14, when young men enter junior high school and broaden their interests significantly. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said on 25 May 2017 at an LDS reception at the Boy Scout National Annual Meeting: There is less there than everybody is worried about. It just means we have never been Page 13 of 14

14 terrifically successful across the church with those programs for this age group, The following qualifying statement in the 11 May announcement went almost unnoticed: Young men over the age of 14 who desire to continue to work toward the rank of Eagle Scout or Queen Scout should be encouraged and supported in their efforts and should be properly registered as Scouts. Adult leaders who are assisting with merit badges or rank advancement with older boys should also be registered and complete required training. The Boy Scouts of America responded with a press release which stated, in part: The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) deeply appreciates our relationship with the LDS Church, one that began in the earliest years of the Scouting movement when the LDS Church became the first partner to sponsor Scouting in the United States... We anticipate that many youth from the LDS Church will continue to participate in Scouting beyond the age of 14 as young men work to earn the Eagle Scout rank. The BSA values our ongoing partnership with the LDS Church in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts programming and look forward to our continued efforts to extend the benefits of Scouting to as many youth and families as possible. What is the impact of this decision on the Mormon Battalion Association Eagle Scout Slide program? Negligible. The great majority of Eagles are earned before the age of 14; the rest are earned by determined older boys. This is not an either-or choice for young men aged years and their adult leaders. They are free to continue as members of their local Scout troop while ALSO participating in the new activities program. And we will continue to make our slides available to all Eagle Scouts, whatever their age. But wait! There s more! The new 11 May 2017 Teacher and Priest Activity Program, which may be instituted as early as 1 June 2017, includes the following activity guideline: One youth conference or multiday high adventure activity should be held each year (see Handbook 2, 13.4). In addition, 2-3 overnight activities are also encouraged (see Handbook 2, ). Our Mormon Battalion Historic Trails Award Program Group Award is specifically designed to fulfill this requirement! Benediction None Next Executive Staff Meeting: 10:00 AM - Noon, Saturday, 17 June 2017 Residence of LTC Max W. Jamison 2854 N. Augusta Drive Lehi, UT Page 14 of 14