Newsletter of the Cincinnati Chapter, OHSSAR

Transcription

1 Newsletter of the Cincinnati Chapter, OHSSAR Volume Number 27 Issue Number 6 December 2013 President: Donald C. McGraw Editor: Ian M. Cunningham 8380 Shawnee Run Rd P.O. Box 427 Cincinnati, OH Sardinia, OH Tel: (513) Tel: (937) donald.c.mcgraw@gmail.com ian_cunningham@frontier.com *********************************************************** Greetings Fellow Compatriots, MESSAGE FROM THE CINCINNATI CHAPTER PRESIDENT It s time to close the books on By all measures it was a successful year. We awarded over $800 in scholarships to deserving high school students, presented 15 ROTC/JROTC medals to cadets and midshipmen throughout the Cincinnati area and participated in approximately 26 color guard ceremonies, 6 Miller Flag Collection displays, 5 Honor Flight ceremonies and 12 other SAR-related events. All of these events and awards go a long way in furthering our objectives of perpetuating the patriotic, historical and educational activities that honor and remember the Patriots that won our freedom. As always, if anyone has any suggestions, questions or just general comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. You may me at Donald.c.mcgraw@gmail.com or call me at (513) Fraternally and Patriotically, 2013 CHAPTER OFFICERS AND BOARD OF MANAGEMENT The Cincinnati Chapter Officers and Board of Management for 2014 are: President - Donald C. McGraw Jr. First Vice-President - Ian M. Cunningham Second Vice-President - Michael B. Gunn Secretary - Jack Bredenfoerder Treasurer - Michael J. Blum Registrar - Franz B. Ott II Historian - Ervin Dalton Chaplain - Kenneth G. Carpenter Board of Management Member - Christon J. Hurst Board of Management Member - Larry W. Collins Board of Management Member - Gerald P. Knight Board of Management Member - George H. Stewart Jr. Board of Management Member - Kenneth R. Burck And All Living Past Presidents STAYING CONNECTED on the WEB 1. Cincinnati Chapter website: 2. Cincinnati Chapter Facebook: 3. OHSSAR Activities from around the state: COMING CHAPTER EVENTS Jan 8 Feb 7 Feb 12 Feb 28 Mar 5 CCSAR Board of Management meeting, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blue Ash OHSSAR Winter meeting, Newark, OH CCSAR Board of Management meeting, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blue Ash NSSAR Spring Leadership meeting, Louisville, KY CCSAR Board of Management meeting, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blue Ash Page 1 of 10

2 RECENT CINCINNATI CHAPTER SAR ACTIVITIES * The Chapter was asked by Xavier University to have the Nolan Carson Memorial Color Guard present the Colors at an upcoming men s basketball game. So on November 2 nd the Chapter s Color Guard presented the Colors at the Xavier University Men's basketball game against Quincy. * The November 6 th Chapter Board of Management meeting began after the 6 o'clock dinner. Business consisted of Officer and Committee reports, discussion and early adjournment. A General Membership meeting was convened afterwards to elect Officers and fill BOM positions for the year * On December 4 th the Chapter Dinner began at the usual hour of 6:00pm, followed by the BOM and Annual Meeting where officer activity reports and year-end reports were given. The previously elected Officers and Board of Management Members were duly sworn in, and are pictured below. Cincinnati Chapter SAR officers and BOM members for 2014 * On November 8 th a Naturalization Citizenship Ceremony was held at the U.S. District Court in Cincinnati and attended by Compatriots Jerry Knight, Ken Carpenter and Ian Cunningham. New U.S. citizens from more than 30 different countries were sworn in by U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Litkovitz. Patriotic literature was handed to each new citizen, who added it to their packet of certificate, small US Flag, and other documents and mementos of the occasion. Page 2 of 10

3 RECENT CINCINNATI CHAPTER SAR ACTIVITIES * On Tuesday, November 12th, 2013, the Nolan Carson Memorial Color Guard of the Cincinnati Chapter Sons of the American Revolution was honored to present the National Colors at the West Chester - Liberty Chamber Alliance Veterans Day Luncheon at the Wetherington Golf & Country Club, 7337 Country Club Lane, West Chester, Ohio Members of the Guard were: Commander Paul M. Wilke, Compatriot Ken Carpenter, Compatriot Jerry Knight, Compatriot Mike Gunn, and Compatriot Ross Amos of the Cincinnati Chapter SAR, and CAR Fort Hamilton Society President Anna Insprucker. Cincinnati Chapter Compatriot Jim Schaffer was also in attendance, but is not a member of the Color Guard. The speaker for the program was Lt. Colonel Patrick Baker of the USAF, talking about some of his experiences in the Iraq War. During the program, military veterans in the audience of approximately 250 were asked to stand and be recognized. Proudly, of the seven standing, three were members of the SAR Color Guard. All seven veterans are pictured below. * On November 16th, the Cincinnati Chapter SAR Thanksgiving Luncheon was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, in Blue Ash. The program began with presentation of a Wounded Warrior award to Petty Officer 3rd Class William A. Hargis. During World War II, Petty Officer Hargis served aboard the U.S.S. Callaghan when it was hit by a Kamikaze attack near Okinawa. Officer Hargis spent nearly seven hours in the water clinging to a crate until he and his fellow crewmen were rescued. Bill is now in his 90's, and still works regularly. Page 3 of 10

4 RECENT CINCINNATI CHAPTER SAR ACTIVITIES Following the typically excellent buffet luncheon, guest speaker David Savage told us about "Cincinnati's First Founders", using PowerPoint illustrations. Mr. Savage is a docent for the Cincinnati Museum Center, participating in their Heritage Programs. Attending the luncheon was Diana Schwartz, Regent of the Taliaferro Chapter, NSDAR. Her ancestors were in Southwestern Ohio in the late 1700's, before the city of Cincinnati got its name. * On November 22nd, a Naturalization Citizenship Ceremony was attended by Compatriots Gerald Knight and Ken Carpenter at the US District Court in Cincinnati. More than seventy new U.S. citizens from 30 different countries were sworn in. Patriotic themed bookmarks were handed to the new citizens as they left the Court Chambers (No picture available). * The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution participated in the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery in Hamilton, Ohio on 14 December The Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Campbell Guard Post # 1069 sponsored the event. Although the inclement weather precluded a full color guard ceremony, the Cincinnati SAR Chapter s Nolan Carson Memorial Color Guard was on hand and Chapter President Donald McGraw read the Wreaths Across America Proclamation from the National SAR President General during the formal ceremonies. Cincinnati Chapter participants included Compatriots Paul Wilke, Ian Cunningham, Michael Gunn and Donald McGraw (pictured in the background). The Daughters of the American Revolution (John Reily Chapter) laid a wreath at the grave of Patriot John Reily. Page 4 of 10

5 First Annual Cincinnati Chapter Awards Banquet * On the evening of December 14th, the First Annual Cincinnati Chapter Awards Banquet was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, in Blue Ash. Over 40 awards were presented to Chapter members and Chapter supporters. The awards were in four general categories Certificate Awards for service to the SAR, Medal Awards for service to the SAR, Medal Awards for service to the Community and the Chapter Medal of Distinguished Service. Certificate Awards for Service to the SAR Certificates of Appreciation for their work as Chapter Officers, members of the Board of Management and Committee Chairmen were presented to: Kenny Burck, Erv Dalton, Ken Carpenter, Paul M. Wilke, and Michael B. Gunn. (Christon Hurst, Michael Blum, Larry Collins, Larry Denny, Tom Luce, George Stewart, Zac Haines, George Vincent & Jesse Andrews were not present). Certificates for Perfect Attendance at Chapter Meetings in 2013 were presented to: Ian M. Cunningham, Kenneth G. Carpenter & Paul M. Wilke. (Michael J. Blum was not present). Medal Awards for Service to the SAR The Lamplighter Award Medal is presented to a Compatriot that donates more than $1,000 to the NSSAR Center for Advancing American Heritage. Compatriot George F. Welsh received two Lamplighter Award Medals this year. Page 5 of 10

6 First Annual Cincinnati Chapter Awards Banquet The Liberty Medal Award was presented to William C. West III for recruitment of 10 new members during his tenure as the Chapter s Registrar (2012). The Martha Washington Medal Award is given to a woman over 18 years of age in recognition of outstanding service to the SAR. For her unwavering support to the Nolan Carson memorial Color Guard, the Ft Hamilton Chapter of the Children of the American Revolution and to the Cincinnati SAR Chapter, this year s recipient of the Martha Washington Medal was Miss Anna Insprucker. The SAR Medal of Appreciation is given to a member of the DAR in good standing in recognition of and in appreciation for outstanding services rendered to the SAR. For her years of service to the Cincinnati Chapter by relentlessly recruiting new SAR members and supporting the Chapter, this year s recipient of the SAR Medal of Appreciation was Mrs. Nancy Waltz. Nancy could not attend so her husband, Compatriot Ed Waltz accepted the award on her behalf. The Daughters of Liberty Medal is presented to a lady recommended by any officer of the Chapter in appreciation for her unselfish devotion, tireless efforts and assistance to the SAR, and who has dedicated her time, energy, ability and/or finances to the organization in support and furtherance of the stated objectives of the National Society. This year s recipient of the Daughters of Liberty Medal was Mrs Valerie Wilke. Valerie received a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster to accompany her previously awarded Daughters of Liberty Medal. Page 6 of 10

7 First Annual Cincinnati Chapter Awards Banquet The Bronze Roger Sherman Medal is presented for rendering faithful and significant service to the Chapter. The Medal is named after Roger Sherman, an early American lawyer and politician, as well as a Founding Father. He served on the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence and he was the only person to sign all four great state papers of the new United States The Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. This year s recipients of the Bronze Roger Sherman Award were Franz B. Ott, II, Ian M. Cunningham and Jack H. Bredenfoerder. The SAR Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to SAR members who have rendered long and faithful service to their Chapter, the state society or to the National Society. This year s recipient of the SAR Meritorious Service Medal was Gerald P. Knight for his faithful and devoted service to the Chapter as Treasurer for several years, Chairman of the Book- Marks Committee and as a member of the Nolan Carson Memorial Color Guard. Jerry also received the Bronze Color Guard Award for his dedicated service as a member of the Nolan Carson Memorial Color Guard. Page 7 of 10

8 Medal Awards for Service to the Community The Service to Veterans Medal is awarded SAR members who have given long and exemplary service to Veterans. This year s recipient of the Service to Veterans Medal was Ian M. Cunningham. The Fire Safety Commendation Medal is awarded to an individual for accomplishments and/or outstanding contributions in the area of fire safety and service. This year s award was presented to Michael B. Gunn for his lifetime service to the community as a fire fighter and fire Chief. Each year the President General of the National Society undertakes initiatives to recognize certain veteran groups. Most recently, the National Society has begun to recognize our Vietnam Veterans. Compatriot Lee Wilkerson was presented with a Certificate of Patriotism for his service in the Vietnam War. The War Service Medal was authorized for those who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and fought against a common enemy in a war or action for which a campaign medal and ribbon are authorized. This year s recipient of the War Service Medal was Ervin Dalton for his service during the Vietnam War. Page 8 of 10

9 First Annual Cincinnati Chapter Awards Banquet The Chapter Medal of Distinguished Service is the highest medal that can be awarded by a Chapter President. This is a new award created by the NSSAR in The Chapter Medal of Distinguished Service is presented by the incumbent Chapter President to a Compatriot in recognition of that Compatriot s conspicuous service to the Chapter during the President s term. This year only, past Chapter Presidents (from 2008 forward) may also make a presentation. Past President Jim Schaffer presented a Chapter Medal of Distinguished Service to Paul M. Wilke for his long and distinguished service to the Cincinnati Chapter as well as his service at the State, District and National levels. Current President Don McGraw presented a Chapter Medal of Distinguished Service to James D. Schaffer for his long and distinguished service to the Cincinnati Chapter. ***** REMINDERS ***** Dues are due for the year NSSAR $ OHSSAR $ Chapter $12.00 = Total $ New members, please check with Chapter Treasurer Gerald Knight for correct amount for next year. MEMBER APPLICATION STATISTICS 2013 thru December New Members Approved 17 New Members Pending Approval 4 Supplemental Approved 7 Supplemental Pending Approval 3 Application in processing 4 Page 9 of 10

10 CINCINNATI CHAPTER SAR ITEMS OF INTEREST MEMBERSHIP PIN The SAR membership pin consists of a lapel pin, gold in color, about 1/2 inch in diameter, that recognizes five years (and five-year multiples) of paid membership in the SAR, regardless of any change in chapters or societies. The pin can be purchased by individual members and presented by either the chapter or state society. These pins were authorized in TH ANNIVERSARY MEDAL The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution was founded on April 30, 1889, on the anniversary of President George Washington taking his oath of office. Authorized in 2013, this medal celebrates the 125th anniversary of the NSSAR, and only a member who was a duespaying member between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 may wear it. In addition, new members whose applications had been submitted during that time may also wear it. The medal is bronze in color and features the likeness of President George Washington. The medal is suspended from a chest ribbon of blue, buff and white and comes in a set with full size and miniature medals. WOSAR PIN While thinking of SAR member medals, don't forget the wife. This pin would make a beautiful gift to any Wife Of SAR. Give this for Christmas, so she will be able to proudly announce her support of our organization with this eye catching pin displayed on her lapel. PARTNERS IN PATRIOTISM The NSSAR Partners in Patriotism program was created for the SAR to partner with any Veteran's organization i.e. American Legion, VFW, AMVETS or one of the numerous other veterans groups in grave rededications, grave markings, parades, flag retirements or any program that the SAR conducts with the help from the Veterans or any Veterans organization that asks the SAR for help in conducting an event. It is important to report the event to the Patriotic Outreach Committee Chairman or the Partners in Patriotism Vice Chairman. This program runs from 1st of June to 31st of May each year. Page 10 of 10