On-line Virginia Bulletin Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution 2012-13 Volume XXXVI No. 2 REPORT FROM NATIONAL CONGRESS L-R Back Row: Larry McKinley, Joe Dooley, Lindsey Brock, Richard Burke, Bob Bowen, Pete Davenport, Kent Webber, Phil Williams, Bob Carr, Bruce Wilcox, Lance Carter, Phil Tarpley, Mark Brennan, Bill Broadus, Derrin Schmidt, Michael Tomme Front Row: Mary Francis McKinley, Billie Brock, Helen Bowen, Sherry D., Julia Carr, Teresa Wilcox, Judy Carter, Mrs. Phil Tarpley, Cilla Tomme, Holly Lynn Schmidt Photo: Penny Rogo Bailes A Review of National Congress 2012, by Phil Williams Like the set from a Clint Eastwood movie, dry heat, cactus, saguaros, prickly pears and plenty of airconditioning combined to make for a unique setting for the 122nd NSSAR Congress. The Arizona and New Mexico Societies played host to 419 Compatriots, wives and guests. They are to be commended for a great Congress. Compatriots the Virginia Society more than held its own. We should all be proud about Past State Presidents who now hold National Office. On the penultimate wrung of the ladder is Joe Dooley, Secretary General. We all need to get in behind him as he serves in that capacity and prepares to run for the top spot of President General to be determined in Kansas City at the next Congress. Joining him as a National Officer is Semper Fi Bob Bowen, now Historian General. Larry McKinley is to be congratulated for having raised the bar as the VP General of the Mid-Atlantic States this past year. All three of these men are Minutemen the highest honor National can bestow on a member. - continued on Page 3 -
Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution 2012-2013 Officers Henry P. Phil Williams III, PhD President 841 West Leigh Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901 phil.williams.3rd@gmail.com (434) 977-1949 (office), (434) 981-0444 (cell phone) Kent S. Webber 1st Vice President 9405 Delancey Drive, Vienna, VA 22182-3410 kwebber10@gmail.com (703) 938-8141 William A. Broadus, Jr. 2nd Vice President 10133 Brandon Way, Manassas, VA 20109 wabroadusjr@aol.com (703) 361-2665 Reverdy E. Wright, PhD 705 Circle Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060-3207 3rd Vice President vas.sar.rev@gmail.com (540) 961-2452 Edward W. Truslow Secretary 110 Moray Firth, Williamsburg, VA 23188 ewtruslow@verizon.net (757) 565-2460 Frederick N. Elofson Treasurer 21 Paula Maria Drive, Newport News, VA 23606 fnecpa@msn.com (757) 596-6825 R. Wayne Rouse Assistant Secretary-Treasurer 71 Hope Springs Lane, Stafford, VA 22554 wrouse4sar@aol.com (540) 659-5258 Walter Jervis Sheffield, Esquire Chancellor 1314 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-3742 wjs@wshefflaw.com (540) 371-2370 Brent D. Morgan Registrar 9091 Pantego Lane, Mechanicsville, VA 23116-5837 brentster1@comcast.net (804) 550-3039 Rev. Canon Henry N. F. Minich Chaplain 3115 Dundee Road, Earlysville, VA 22936 nm2n@virginia.edu (434) 975-0569 Larry G. Aaron, D. Min. Historian 185 Martindale Drive, Danville, VA 24541-4515 Larry.aaron@gmail.com (343) 770-3258 White M. Wallenborn M.D. Surgeon General 700 Rugby Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903-1627 kenwallenborn@gmail.com (434) 293-6779 Mark S. Brennan, Sr. Trustee 2120 Christendom Drive, Midlothian, VA 23113 vassar2011@gmail.com (804) 237-8804 Henry P. Phil Williams III, PhD Alternate Trustee The on-line Virginia Bulletin is published quarterly by the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution. Editor: Andrew Andy Doss. Chapters wishing to report on their activities, should send their reports to the Editor. Any items to be published on the website should also be sent to the address above email is preferred. Editor/Webmaster reserves the right to decide what to publish. Many different people contribute photos, but it is hard to find space to credit everyone, please know from the bottom of my heart that your photos are TRULY appreciated! President Henry P. Phil Williams III, Ph.D. 2nd Quarter Message Early summer has brought some hot events, both temperature and quality. They began with a terrific gathering at Martin s Station at Cumberland Gap. I gave the keynote and spoke of the story of Joseph Martin, the wars with the British-supported Indian groups and the 200,000 who had travelled Boone s Wilderness Trail through the Gap by 1800. The Over Mountain Men and Martin Station Compatriots organized a wonderful ceremony. The GW men arranged a memorable participation in the National Parade for Memorial Day which received great television coverage. Next, I attended my Thomas Jefferson Chapter meeting where we heard a fascinating presentation by Jefferson scholar Billy Wayside on Jefferson s financial management. Then, onto Haymarket for a meeting with the William Grayson Chapter where I spoke on The Virginia Signers of the Declaration of Independence. - continued on page 11-2
- continued from Page 1 - VASSAR 2nd VP Bill Broadus was awarded a Meritorious Service Award by then PG Magerkurth for his excellent work as Chair of both the NSSAR Audit and Rumbaugh Oration Committees. In the Youth Awards Department, VASSAR s Knight Essay Contest candidate took the top honors and a NSSAR check for $2,000.00. VASSAR s Eagle Scout placed Second, receiving a check for $4,000.00. The Virginia Society received the following Five awards: Stella M. Knight Essay Contest; The Admiral William R. Furlong Memorial Award (Gold Star for the streamer 11th consecutive); The Officers Attendance Award (Streamer) and, the C.A.R. Activities Award (Streamer). The following Compatriots received the Liberty Medal for being First Line signers of 10 or more new Compatriots in a year. They are: Larry Aaron (Oak Leaf Cluster OLC ); Craig Ashbrook; Jack Bess; Stephen Bush (OLC); Col. Robert Carr (OLC); Joseph Dooley (OLC); Andrew Doss (OLC); Michael Elston; William Mark; Brent Morgan (OLC); John Shelton MD; Col. John Sweeney; Trice Taylor DDS (OLC), and Robert Whitehead. For working with Veterans Organizations, the following Chapters received Partners in Patriotism awards: Col. William Grayson; Culpeper Minute Men; Dan River; George Mason; Norfolk, Richmond; Thomas Jefferson and, Thomas Nelson Jr. Public Service and Heroism awards went: for Heroism to Dan River (4), Fincastle Resolutions (1), Thomas Jefferson (1); for Law Enforcement to Dan River (1), Fairfax Resolves (5), Fincastle Resolutions (1); for Fire Safety Commendation to Fincastle Resolutions, Richmond and, for Emergency Medical Services Commendation to Colonel Fielding Lewis and Fincastle Resolutions. A special shout out goes to the Norfolk Chapter and VASSAR which endorsed the Honor and Remember organization at National, and to Arizona - New Mexico Societies who agreed to a moving Flag Presentation, in which I took part, to an Arizona Compatriot whose honored ancestor died at the Battle of Brandywine. Thank you to Delegates from the Virginia Society, Joe Dooley, Bob Bowen, Larry McKinley, Bruce Wilcox, Mark Brennan, Kent Webber, Bill Broadus, Bob Carr, Pete Davenport, Darrin Schmidt and Richard Burke who joined me for the Congress. An impressive showing Now gentlemen that s a haul! Big congratulations go to last year s President, Mark Brennan, his team, VASSAR Committee Chairs/members, Chapter Presidents/Officers and Compatriots all. The depth and breadth of these recognitions is testimony to the fact that Yours is a Society on a roll. As I say, you are doing noble work, with dignity and humility. You make me proud to serve you. Fraternally, Phil Williams Mobley as Assistant Registrar, and Lyngar as Assistant Webmaster The state is pleased to announce that compatriot James Mobley of the George Washington Chapter has taken on the role of Assistant Registrar, under the direction of Brent Morgan. We anticipate this will help Compatriot Morgan stay current on submitted applications and aid in resolving sticky genealogical issues. Please refer any questions or comments to Compatriot Morgan at: brentster1@comcast.net Mr. Mobley s mailing address is: James M. Mobley 3409 15th Street North Arlington, VA 22201 Also, please note that Lance Lyngar is fulfilling the role of Assistant Webmaster. Due to an increasing number of communications and emails, Lance volunteered to help Andy with the website to help keep things under control. 3
MORE COVERAGE FROM NATIONAL CONGRESS Congratulations to Joe Dooley and Bob Bowen for being selected to take on very important roles in our national society! Joe has been named Secretary General and Bob has been named the Historian General. When you see these compatriots again, be sure to tell them how much their service is appreciated! L to R: Then National President General Magerkurth presents Bill Broadus with a meritorious service honor. VASSAR President Williams and past VASSAR president Brennan take oath as Alternate Trustee and National Trustee, respectively. Mid-Atlantic States VP General McKinley speaks at the AMS breakfast. General William Campbell Chapter Unique Flag Certificate Presentation The General William Campbell Chapter recently presented two flag certificates, and decided to turn each event into a newsworthy ceremony. For each one, they presented the Flag Certificate, printed up a nice Proclamation regarding the significance of honoring the flag, and gave each one a specially antiqued Betsy Ross style flag. To make it even more interesting, a musket volley followed each presentation. Show below left, the first recipient was the Town of Abingdon. The second, was Bill Gatton Honda. 4
What s been going on? T h e C o n v e n t i o n A r m y A l b e m a r l e B a r r a c k s The Convention Army received a well deserved recognition, as did the memory of the existence of the Albemarle Barracks on Saturday, May 5. A historical marker was placed to recognize the 4,000 prisoners from the Battle of Saratoga that ended up as guests here from 1779-1781. The overcast day was highlighted by good speakers and three volleys presented by the exceptional VASSAR Color Guard. The event was hosted by the Thomas Jefferson Chapter, and was attended by various other chapter representatives. Speakers included VASSAR President Williams, Albemarle Historical Society president Steven Meeks, Albemarle County Supervisor Ann Mallek, Albemarle County Supervisor Duane Snow, and representatives from the Department of Historic Services and the Department of Transportation. Photo by Eduardo Montes-Gravely B I N G O! A veteran (left) celebrates his Bingo win. For 53 years the Thomas Nelson Jr. Chapter has sponsored Bingo games four times a year at the Hampton VA Hospital. They donate $50 in cash prizes ($1 or $2) per winner. A game lasts about one hour or until all the cash has been awarded. Usually 35-50 patients attend. The game is followed by kool aid aid and cookies provided by compatriot's wives. The activity is very informal and very low key. 5
More happenings... Raid on Martin s Station Phil Williams L-R: William Cheek, Charles Damann, Tom Coker, Barney Penley, James Stallard, Phil Williams, Bob McConnell, Jimmy Guinn Williams Speaks for the William Grayson Chapter On June 9th, President Williams brought VASSAR Greetings to the William Grayson Chapter and gave a talk on "The Virginia Signers of the Declaration of Independence". Chapter president Bill Collier presented Williams with a book on William Grayson (shown in photo), and presented him with a check earmarked for Richmond The National Congress in lieu of their customary speakers gift. August EVENTS 11-12 - AMS Conference - Wilmington, DE 6
More event coverage. S A R / 1 8 1 2 C e r e m o n y a t F i n c a s t l e A joint ceremony for the SAR and Virginia Society of the War of 1812 was held on June 30, 2012 at the Fincastle Presbyterian Church. The Fincastle Resolutions Chapter hosted this event and it featured several guest speakers from historical societies, the Church Historian and Fincastle dignitaries. Two Bronze plaques that honor 36 Revolutionary War soldiers and 20 War of 1812 participants were dedicated, and wreaths were presented by representatives from numerous Virginia chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution and Society of the War of 1812. Ceremonial presentations included the posting of the colors, a musket rifle salute, and a performance of Taps. The Botetourt County Courthouse and the Fincastle Museum were opened especially for this occasion until 4PM for viewing of historical artifacts and important documents signed by such notables as Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and Robert E. Lee. This event was one of President Williams 2012 initiatives. September EVENTS 8 - Wreath Laying Tomb of Unknowns, Arlington, VA at 4:15pm 15-16 - Semi-Annual Meeting, Charlottesville 15 - NSSAR Commemoration of the Signing of the Constitution October EVENTS 19 - Battle of Yorktown, Yorktown, VA 7
N A T I O N A L M E M O R I A L D A Y S E I G E A T T H E B L O C K H O U S E JOINT SAR/1812 CEREMONY AT FINCASTLE MONTICELLO JEFFERSON CEMETERY 8
Special Induction of Jack Walker story and photo by the Fairfax Resolves Chapter The Fairfax Resolves Chapter conducted a special induction ceremony over Memorial Day weekend. A small group of Chapter Compatriots assembled with the Walker family and the Compatriots conducted the meeting ritual and induction ceremony. John Henry (Jack) Walker was sworn in with all of his adult children, his wife (Joan), multiple grandchildren, and close friends and neighbors present. Compatriot Walker received his SAR Membership certificate, proven Record Copy application, SAR Membership Card, and his SAR Rosette. He recounted his Patriot's service (Private James Prichard, MD) and life for his family, explaining that his first foray into family history was coloring in the family history book at a very young age. This was a very emotional event and all attendees understood the importance of this ceremony. Up until this point, this account sounds like a typical new member induction. However, due to the SAR Genealogy Department's policy for expedited applications, this application went from signature to rosette in less than one month. Due to critical medical issues, Compatriot Walker was installed in his home instead of at a regular Chapter Meeting. The success of this ceremony is an enormous credit to National Headquarters' Genealogy Department, and the thorough work of the Chapter Registrar, Jack Sweeney. Compatriot Walker and his family now have a proven line through which his son, daughters and grandchildren can apply for membership. The Fairfax Resolves Chapter is honored to help him recognize his Patriot Ancestor's service. Attendees for this event were Mid-Atlantic VPG Larry McKinley and Fairfax Resolves Past President Darrin Schmidt in uniform, Fairfax Resolves Registrar and Past President Jack Sweeney, Fairfax Resolves Chaplain Rev. Howell Sasser, Fairfax Resolves Board of Managers Member CAPT Paul Peak, Jr., Fairfax Resolves Past President CAPT Dennis Hickey, and Thomas Nelson Chapter DAR Vice Regent Holly Lynne M. Schmidt. Hayes awarded with Bronze Citizenship Medal story by the Dan River Chapter On June 14, the Dan River Chapter honored Douglas Hayes with the Bronze Citizenship Medal Mr. Hayes is one of the last D-Day survivors in Danville. He received the Purple Heart operating a troop landing craft. He lost his eye when one of the soldiers he let out tripped a land mine and a fragment hit him. Mr. Hayes has been active in veteran's activities for more than 50 years. He is a former state VFW commander and is the second oldest member of the Virginia VFW Honor Guard. Mr. Hayes serves on state committees with the VFW and the American Legion. When attendance dwindled at Danville Veteran's Day parade, Doug was one of the people who fought to keep it going. The parade is doing much better now with more community support. 9
P A R T Y L I K E I T S 1 7 7 6 YORKTOWN CELEBRATION OCTOBER 19th VASSAR SEMI-ANNUAL September 15-16 Charlottesville 10 The VASSAR Color Guard and some friends were on hand to help the Virginia Museum of Transportation commemorate the new paint job that has been applied to the N&W 1776 Engine. In 1974, the Norfolk & Western Railway the number 1776 engine red, white, and blue to celebrate the USA s Bicentennial of national independence. For years, she led trains across the N&W system, securing her place as a national icon. She was donated to the Museum by Norfolk Southern after her retirement in 1988. After several decades, funds were raised to help bring the engine s paint scheme back to its former beauty. VASSAR was honored to have been asked to participate in this celebration. Show here from Left to Right: Dennis Fritts, Andy Doss, Bob Vogler, Gail Vogler (Gen Joseph Martin DAR), Jordyn Patrick, Gary Hollandsworth (not shown, Vic Diehl) Note from the Editor: You will notice that a lot of times there are names missing from pictures. The only time names are listed, are when they are sent along with the picture. Please remember to send detailed information on each picture. If you don t know all the names, PLEASE don t send a partial list, hunt the detail down before you send me anything. That will help cut down on the amount of emails and duplicate pictures I receive.
continued from page 2 And, in support of the State C.A.R., I travelled to The Pohick Episcopal Church in Lorton for a wreath ceremony organized by the Light Horse Harry Lee Society. The third week of June, I hosted the VASSAR EC for a meeting at our home followed by a dinner party in honor of visiting PG Larry and Barbara Magerkurth. The following morning, I presided over a private wreath laying ceremony by the PG at Jefferson s grave at Monticello. The event was attended by EC members, their spouses, senior DAR figures, the C.A.R., and Chapter reps from around the State. The Color Guard was in great form for this occasion, as it has been at so many events these past few months. We were also honored to have the Monticello President Leslie Bowman as a speaker. These events were a prelude to the SAR Conference on the American Revolution masterfully orchestrated by then NSSAR Treasurer [now NSSAR Secretary Go Joe!] Dooley held at Monticello. Among other attributes, the Conference enjoyed papers presented by three Pulitzer Prize winning historians. The reviews have been nothing short of spectacular. Hard upon the recent storm damage, a magnificent joint Rev War-War of 1812 grave marking of a total of 56 Patriots took place at the Presbyterian Church in Fincastle. The Fincastle Resolutions men and Mike Lyman did an outstanding job pulling this my third and final Initiative together. The Parishioners performed a miracle in the clearing of downed trees and debris that morning - insuring that the show would go on. The Color Guard gave us a thrilling musket salute. On the 4 th of July, I shared the honor, with GW s WWII Veteran Jack Shawn, of presenting a wreath at Gen. Washington s tomb. Organized by the GW Chapter, complete with VASSAR Color Guard, fife and drums, 2 mounted Continental Line Dragoons (the younger our VAS- SAR Oration Contest winner Josh Underwood) and cheering crowds in front of the Mt. Vernon House - a sight never to forget Some hats are hard to take off. In my capacity as Chapter Awards Chair, I organized the presentation of 21 ROTC and Good Citizenship awards. I also submitted an article regarding the Convention Army Road Side Marker story for the SAR Magazine. My great thanks and appreciation go to VPs Webber and Broadus who covered for me at the Williamsburg Memorial Day Parade and the Siege at the Block House events, respectively. The National Congress in Phoenix was a great opportunity to see and meet new Compatriots from around the country. The Virginia Society made a strong showing reflective of the strong leadership of Past President Brennan, his team and all of you. [See the Phoenix Congress Achievements]. Dan River has presented 11 Flags already this year proving size does not matter. VASSAR and 13 Chapters have presented. Those who have not, let s get crackin, please. 14 Chapters to go Let s achieve 100% participation 3 yrs. in a row! Mark your calendar for the Semi-Annual, Sept. 14,15, in Charlottesville Info out on the website presently. Ladies programs will be fabulous! See you all there. Fraternally, Dr. Henry P. (Phil) Williams III ONE MORE PRESIDENTIAL INITIATIVE LEFT! Submit an Americanism Award Report Form Above, Michael Elson addresses the audience during the ceremony at Washington s Tomb. Above, VASSAR President Williams and George Washington Chapter member and WWII Veteran Jack Shawn, Jr. served as wreath bearers at Washington's tomb on the 4th of July. 11 Y O U C A N C O N T A C T P H I L A T p h i l. w i l l i a m s. 3 r d @ g m a i l. c o m
V i r g i n i a C. A. R. 2 0 1 2 F I R S T S T A T E W O R K S H O P VASSAR was on hand at the Virginia C.A.R. 2102 First State Workshop in Lorton, VA at Pohick Episcopal Church. Various societies participated in a wreath ceremony to honor several Revolutionary War Patriots. The church was built between 1766 and 1774 and the Washington family had a pew there, and George himself was on the Vestry. Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution CHAPTER DIRECTORY Clinch Mountain Militia Colonel Fielding Lewis Colonel George Waller Colonel James Wood, Jr. Colonel William Grayson Culpeper Minute Men Dan River Fairfax Resolves Fincastle Resolutions Fort Harrison General Daniel Morgan General William Campbell George Mason George Washington James Monroe Lieutenant David Cox Martin s Station New River Valley Norfolk Overmountain Men Richmond Rockbridge Volunteers Richard Henry Lee Thomas Jefferson Thomas Nelson, Jr. Williamsburg Tazewell area Virginia s Eastern Piedmont Region Martinsville area Northwest Virginia Prince William County area Virginia s Central Piedmont area Danville area Fairfax County Roanoke Valley area Harrisonburg area Staunton area Abingdon area Arlington County Alexandria Upper Northern Neck Galax/Independence Cumberland Gap New River Valley area Norfolk/Virginia Beach area Gate City Richmond/Petersburg Lexington Lower Northern Neck Charlottesville Newport News/Hampton/Yorktown Williamsburg F R A N K L I N C O U N T Y M E M O R I A L D A Y Dave King, Gary Hollandsworth, Andy Doss, Bob Vogler - all from the Col. George Waller Chapter; Dennis Fritts and Phillip Sheridan of the Fincastle Resolutions. On May 26, the Virginia SAR and the Society of the War of 1812 in Virginia participated in a Memorial Day celebration in Rocky Mount, VA. Surrounded by Civil War reenactors, the small contingent of VASSAR color guard members and several VASSAR members brought attention to the Revolutionary and 1812 era. The attendees, accustomed to seeing Civil War uniforms, were impressed with the new additions to their ceremony. Dennis Fritts wore his Richmond Blues impression, and that was the first time the 1812 colorguard uniform had been in Southern Virginia. Mr. Fritts was one of the keynote speakers for the event, and took that opportunity to educate the viewers on the history of the War of 1812. 12