West Michigan Sons of the American Revolution March 2018 Issue 12 Grant Spring WMC President Kenneth Goodson and seven guys from Grant, Michigan. From left to right: Ken, Lane Thomas Frey, Tom Frey, Jack Frey, Loren Willis Frey, Luke Marvin Frey, Ethan James Frey and Jason Gideon. Page 1
WEST MICHIGAN CHAPTER NEWSLETTER REPORT APRIL 2018 COMPATRIOTS: -Our financials stand at just over $2000.00, this while we donated $250 to the Vets, covering the dues of the local CAR group by donating $100 and our Chapter donated $300 to purchase wreaths from the Grand Rapids DAR for the Wreaths Across America Dedication. Both CAR and DAR donations were covered by one of our members. We have been able to meet in locations that have not charged us but going forward we may have to pay for our meeting rooms. -Membership is 80, are getting closer to a new CHAPTER IN KALAMAZOO - the group has voted to name it the Colonel Joseph B. Westnedge Chapter. Some of our members will transfer and the State Board of Managers are scheduled to vote on the new group in September. -We have had a couple of great speakers attend our meetings. Please keep in mind that we would love to get your Patriot s stories in front of the group or in the newsletter; please give Jason Gideon or Craig Rich a shout if you would like to participate. -Craig Rich is leading our participation in the National Genealogical Conference in the first week in May. Volunteers to be present in the booth would be helpful; please contact Craig Rich if you can help out, even for a couple of hours. This is the first time the group has held their conference in Grand Rapids and we are taking full advantage of the opportunity. In September, Doug Rasmussen will for the third time lead the Genealogical Forum at the Holland Library. The event was well-attended last year and the Holland support groups have been great to work with. It would be great to have our members at both events; please let us know if you could spend some time at the events. We had a special event where Jason Gideon and I swore in members of the Frey family. Loren Frey was sworn in as our oldest member - 100 years young. His great-grandsons Luke, Lane and Ethan were sworn in as Junior members at the Grant High School which Loren attended when a boy. It was a great ceremony with several hundred Grant High School students watching the ceremony. Compatriot Jim Richards joined us and took many pictures of the event which will be put on our web site. Compatriot Rinker (working with his committee) awarded several students patriotic books that participated in our Poster Contest. It was a start to what we hope will grow to greater participation in the future. Compatriot Ackerman is back on his feet and we awarded our last flag award at Grant High School. Please keep that in mind and contact Mark if you have a candidate to consider. Our Annual Meeting is May 10; we look forward to seeing you there as we swear in a new group of officers. OUR INITIATIVES WILL CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON THE YOUTH, VETS AND WORKING WITH OUR DAR AND CAR PARTNERS... LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR COMMENTS OR THOUGHTS. KEN GOODSON PRESIDENT WMCMISSAR/STATE 2 ND VP/VICE CG COMMANDER Page 2
On Friday March 16 th leaders of the West Michigan Chapter, who are members of MISSAR s Color Guard, swore in its newest member Loren Willis Frey. What made this a particularly special event was that Compatriot Frey, as its newest member, but also now its oldest member at 100 years of age. The family was hosted at Grant High School, located in Grant Michigan, where Compatriot Frey attended school 85 years ago. Compatriot Jack Frey began by introducing the family to the auditorium and describing their lineage going back to their Patriot Gottfried Frey, a private in the York County, Pennsylvania Militia. He was attached to a unit that worked to capture escaped and deserting British soldiers. Compatriot Loren Frey was sworn in by 2 nd MISSAR VP Ken Goodson and witnessed by Guardsman Jason Gideon. His Rosette was pinned on by his son Compatriot Jack Frey, also a member of the West Michigan Chapter. Once the patriarch was pinned, three of his great-grandsons were sworn in and pinned by their father Compatriot Tom Frey. New junior members Lane Thomas, Luke Marvin and Ethan James Frey then took the oath and their Rosettes were affixed by their father. Four generations stood on stage together: great-grandfather Loren, his son Jack, grandson Tom and great-grandsons Lane, Luke, and Ethan. Principal Dan Simon also was presented a Flag Certificate by Guardsman Jason Gideon. The 2 minute standing ovation by the students was witnessed by another dozen members of the family making it a special day for NSSAR and Michigan s West Michigan Chapter. West Michigan is the oldest chapter in the state and now boasts its oldest member ~WMC President Kenneth Goodson. It s good to hear from Ken as well on this page today since he also is a product of the Pennsylvania Militia Depicted at right is a portrayal of a Pennsylvania Militiaman that I found on Ancestry.com somewhere. Also gleaned from the internet is the following pages extracted from the epic Ancestry and Posterity (in part) of Gottfried Frey 1605-1913 by Samuel Clarence Frey. This book is a treasure trove in the familial, historical and genealogical perspectives and I include the cover page plus these excerpts from pages 16, 17, 19 and 20 Enjoy! Page 3
The two most common crests of the Frey family that I observed on Ancestry.com. Compatriot Jack Frey, detailing the service of the Frey Family Patriot Gottfried (Godfrey) Frey and other details of their patrilineage to a packed Grant High School auditorium. Amen! Over a century past the penning of this work by Samuel Clarence Frey, the reasons that inspire us at SAR and elsewhere to search devotedly for clues to our families unique and shared histories persist. Page 4
I moved to the forests of Grant so that I could enjoy a peaceful and private place to continue my studies. I ve spent much time considering the meaning of the word liberty and its various derivatives but not nearly as much as the genius Thomas Jefferson. Nearly 50 years after the inking of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson was still contemplating and refining the notions of Liberty and Natural Law. His words of 199 years ago ring as true as ever today: "of Liberty then I would say that, in the whole plenitude of its extent, it is unobstructed action according to our will: but rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will, within the limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add within the limits of the law ; because law is often but the tyrant s will, and always so when it violates the right of an individual." *Excerpt from Thomas Jefferson s April 4 th, 1819 letter to Isaac H. Tiffany THAT is liberty, literally and liberally applied, as is this next piece of Jeffersonian Wisdom: That to compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical *Thomas Jefferson, Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (The U.S. Constitution: A Reader, p. 135) Thomas Jefferson is not the beginning or the end of the philosophical discussion surrounding the concepts that underlie our freedom but I consider his work to be the nexus of the most relevant and lasting consequence in these matters of liberty. On March 16 th 2018 it was my privilege and honor to present Principal Simon of Grant High School with a Certificate of Recognition for the school s proper display of the U.S. Flag on their grounds. It was a pleasure to stand in for Compatriot Ackerman on this occasion and I was proud of the students of Grant High School for their attentive and respectful appreciation of this event. Thank you to to the students, Principal Simon, the Grant School District and the Frey family for inviting us to this special day. GO TIGERS! Page 5
Michigan Society Sons of the American Revolution ANNUAL MEETING SATURDAY APRIL 14TH MICHIGAN STATES KELLOGG CENTER 219 S HARRISON RD EAST LANSING, MI. 48824 517-432-4000 8:30 a.m. Chapter Presidents Meeting 10:00 am Meeting Color Guard ANNUAL BUSINESS 12:15 p.m. Luncheon 1:00 p.m. Resume Meeting 2:30 p.m. Adjournment R.S.V.P. By MONDAY APRIL 10 BY CONTACTING KEN GOODSON Kgoodson1952@gmail.com 616-836-8298 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN FOR LUNCH THE COST IS $27/PERSON-INCLUDES PARKING Page 6
MINUTES of the January 11, 2018, MEETING of the West Michigan Chapter, MISSAR Uccello s, 2630 East Beltline, Grand Rapids, MI 1. President Goodson called for Order at 6:00pm 2. Report received - further development of the pending pending Kalamazoo Chapter SAR. 3. John Carlson UN Service Medal may head search for awardees. 4. Reminder and report concerning Gala April 13, 2018, Kellogg Center, East Lansing, MI., expecting incoming and 2 PGs plus current DAR Regent to attend. 5. Reminder MISSAR Board of Managers Meeting February 13, 2018, Hillsdale College, MI. 5. Guests Pat Denton with son, Greg, anticipated guests next WMSSAR meeting. 6. Report received status and results of the WMSSAR Americanism Poster Contest, need to obtain permission to post and publish. 7. Report received from Chip Stevens and Craig Rich 2018 National Genealogy Society May 2018 in Grand Rapids, MI., which shall include training seminars, MISSAR exhibit hosted and manned by WMSSAR members, outline of Action Plan by Chip Stevens, need to fund acquisition of fliers, banners, brochures, etc. hoping for MISSAR funding thereof. 8. Report received from WMSSAR Treasurer on Chapter Finances. 9. Report received from Pres. Goodson updating development and acquisition of award streamers to give to Boy Scout and ROTC and other groups to aggrandize their flag and banner masts. Meeting Adjourned approximately 6:10 PM Respectfully Submitted: James Richards, WMSSAR Secretary Page 7
West Michigan Chapter, MISSAR Chapter Meeting, 8 March 2018 Minutes of Meeting The Meeting was held in the private dining room of Uccello s Restaurant, 2630 East Beltline, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by President Ken Goodson, who declared there was a quorum present. The invocation was given by Chaplain Doug Rasmussen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Second Vice President Craig Rich. The SAR Pledge was led by Registrar Roger Harris. President Goodson introduced the guests attending the meeting: Craig Denton (Prospective applicant and son of Compatriot Patrick Denton); Alyssa Hartley, wife of Christopher Hartley (newly admitted as Compatriot see below); Compatriot Lance Lyngar (Compatriot from the Virginia Society and prospective transfer); and Clay West (pending applicant for membership, newly appointed to US District Attorney s Office in Grand Rapids). Following Grace offered by Chaplain Doug Rasmussen, dinner was served. Christopher Hartley, whose membership application was approved by the National Order, MISSAR and the Chapter, was sworn in as a Compatriot of the Chapter by President Goodson. Accompanied by his wife, Alyssa, Compatriot Hartley was presented his membership certificate and SAR rosette and welcomed into membership with a round of applause. Compatriot Hartley gave a brief overview of his service in the Navy both in Iraq and Afghanistan and paid tribute to his Patriot ancestor who had served in both Virginia and Maryland during the Revolutionary War.. President Goodson updated the Chapter on his recent excellent compilation of the various flags of the Revolutionary War and he distributed the edition for individual review. He added interesting remarks on the protocols applicable to the various flags and banners. President Goodson then presented a slate of proposed officers approved by the Chapter Board of Governors to be elected at the Chapter Annual Meeting to be held May 10, 2018 noting that the positions of President and Treasurer were not finalized in time for inclusion in the slate for this meeting. The candidates announced were: First Vice-president and Trustee, Nathan Triplett; Second Vice-president and Trustee, Craig Rich; Secretary, Jim Richards; Registrar & Genealogist, Roger Harris; Chaplain, Doug Rasmussen; and Historian, Ron Strauss. The slate was approved for submission to the Chapter membership at the Chapter Annual Meeting by a unanimous vote of the Compatriots present. Also reported were proposed nominations of chairmen of the Chapter standing committees and liaisons, etc.: Membership Committee, Nathan Triplett; Program Committee, Craig Rich; Public Relations Committee, Newsletter Editor, Jason Gideon; Media and Awards Committee, [open]; Education Committee, James Hartman; Flag Chair, Mark Ackerman; CAR Liaison, [open]. Compatriots were urged to contact Ken Goodson if they were interested in serving in positions which are open at this time. Page 8
Compatriot Craig Rich reported on the upcoming National Genealogy Society convention in Grand Rapids, May 2-5 at the DeVos Center. He emphasized that our Chapter would play a prominent role representing the SAR National society at this important venue, including the provision of a prominent convention display with optics and members to provide face-to-face information to attendees of the convention. It was a great opportunity to attract new members since everyone attending is interested in genealogy. He urged Compatriots to sign up on the sheet he circulated to volunteer to help man the display area in 3 hour or 2 ½ hour shifts. Free parking at the DeVos Center would be provided to volunteers. Contact Craig for further details: oldpirate@comcast.net Brief reports/announcements were given by Historian Ron Strauss, Flag Chair Mark Ackerman and Chaplain Doug Rasmussen (3 rd annual Genealogy Workshop now scheduled for September 6 at Holland District Library). A final reminder was given to mark your calendar for our Chapter Annual Meeting May 10, 2018. Details will be included in future emails to Compatriots. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 P.M. after the Chaplain s benediction and a recitation in unison of the SAR Recessional. Respectively Submitted: Compatriot Doug Rasmussen, Acting Secretary Patriots In Their Own Words: A Moment of Meditation After early stinging defeats of General Washington fighting the British, when the fight for freedom was seemingly slipping away and troops were disbanding after fulfilling their summer commitments, Washington read the words of Thomas Paine penned in the pamphlet Common Sense to his downhearted troops: These are the times that try men s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. May we always be mindful of the awesome commitment our Revolutionary patriots made to never give up the fight for the freedom we so treasure today. May our patriots spirit be with us always especially when we meet together within the bonds of remembrance, togetherness and friendship. Chaplain Doug Rasmussen, West MI Chapter, MISSAR Page 9
April 11 th : Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Vegas Day, 1-4pm April 13-14 th : MISSAR State Meeting and Gala, Kellogg Center, East Lansing April 20 th : (Color Guard) Rotarian Function in Grand Haven, Evening May 10 th : Martha s Vineyard in Grand Rapids, 6pm-8:30pm. May 2-5 th : National Genealogical Seminar, DeVos Place in Grand Rapids May 28 th : Memorial Day Parade, Holland, Morning April 21 - English Hills CC - (Committee Fair - all committee chairmen display their activities and focus) May 19 - Paddock Place 1033 Lake Dr. SE (formerly Mangiamo) (Installation of the new board) All meetings begin at 12:00 - but we ask members to arrive around 11:15-11:30 to check in The West Michigan Chapter of the Michigan Society, Sons of the American Revolution continues to grow at a steady pace. Most recently we have added Gabriel Joshua Brower, Abel Titus Brower, Paul James Phelps, Paul James Phelps II, Loren Willis Frey, Lane Thomas Frey, Luke Marvin Frey, Ethan James Frey and Christopher Hartley, pictured below with wife Alyssa. Bravo gentlemen and WELCOME ABOARD! Page 10
Compatriots, here are the latest updates from Compatriot Lannon, who has been expertly handling our Eagle Scout Initiatives for the last three years Thank you Brother Lannon! January 8, 2018, I had the honor of presenting a Certificate of Recognition to Eagle Scout Nikolai Murphy at his Court of Honor at the West Michigan Aviation Academy. Nikolai was one of the scouts that joined with us at the Gerald Ford Grave Dedication. He was a Russian orphan and adopted here at age four. He graduated from High School last June, became an Eagle scout in August of 2017, has just recently become a naturalized citizen, joined the Army with the rank of Pfc. because he was an Eagle and was home on leave for his Court of Honor. Welcome Nikolai and thank you sir for coming to stand for freedom with us in the USA! On Thursday January 25th, an Eagle Scout Certificate of Recognition was sent to Scott Hadley of Troop 233. He is now working on a submission for the 2018 scholarship contest. Good luck Scott and thank you for your solid work! Checking Account Balance 12/31/17 $869.78 Income State dues reimbursement $1291.50 State Veterans Christmas Donation $250.00 Total Income $1541.50 Expense Poster Contest Books $127.20 Checking Account Balance 2/28/18 $2284.08 Page 11
WEST MICHIGAN CHAPTER - MICHIGAN SOCIETY OF THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION HEAR YE, HEAR YE ALL SAR COMPATRIOTS AND GUESTS! WHAT: Fifth Meeting of the 2017-2018 Year DATE: Thursday May 10th, 2018 TIME: 6:00PM Mingle, 6:30PM Dinner & 7:15PM Meeting DRESS: Stylish WHERE: Martha s Vineyard 200 Union Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI. 49503 Phone: (616) 459-0911 http://mvwines.com/ RSVP: Craig Rich oldpirate@comcast.net ***NEXT MEETING TO BE DETERMINED*** NEWS & NOTES Resources at a glance: SAR http://www.sar.org/ Michigan http://missar.org/ MISSAR Facebook: American-Revolution- Michigan-Society/227008364142960 WMC Facebook Page A VERY BIG WMC THANK YOU to Kameel Chamelly and the staff at his restaurant Martha s Vineyard Winery in Downtown Grand Rapids. Mr. Chamelly has hosted our fraternity s Year-End Event for three years straight now and they have been very generous to WMC at Martha s Vineyard. Thank you again and good luck with your next endeavor Mr. Chamelly!! WMCMISSAR President Ken Goodson 1 st VP/Web/Trustee Nathan Triplett 2 nd VP/Media/Social/Trustee Craig Rich Secretary/CAR Mark Johnston Co-Treasurer/Scouts Tom Lannon Co-Treasurer Jim Biener Chaplain Doug Rasmussen Historian Ron Strauss ROTC Open Genealogist/Registrar Roger Harris Flag Chair Mark Ackerman Newsletter Editor Jason Gideon Bring on Spring please West Michigan is ready. Page 12