CALOOSA PATRIOT Volume X Issue V February 2015 Revolutionary War patriot Charles Hutchins By Albert E. Myers & Robert W. McGuire, Jr. the former boundary to Penobscot, ME in 1768. 1 Charles Hutchins was born in 1742 in York County Maine and was part of the expedition to Louisburg, Nova Scotia when he was 16. He was shipwrecked on the Londonder off Cape Ann when returning to Boston. He served in the French and Indian War in 1759. After the 1763 Treaty of Paris opened downeast Maine to British settlers, he moved with his family east of In June 1779, while most of the Revolutionary War was focused in the southern United States, a small British fleet landed two regiments of 700 soldiers on the Castine Peninsula, in the upper reaches of Penobscot Bay, Maine. Intent on establishing a base from which they could operate more effectively against American privateers, ensure the extraction of valuable naval stores, and develop a refuge for displaced Loyalists, the British enlisted local support and began the construction of Fort George. Word reached Boston quickly (Maine was a district of Massachusetts until 1820), and over the ensuing month the largest American naval force of the Revolutionary War, known as the Penobscot Expedition, was assembled. An amphibious operation, the expedition consisted of 40 vessels, nearly 2,000 seamen and marines, 100 artillerymen, and 870 militia. Mounting 350 guns, the sizable fleet included 3 Continental Navy vessels, 3 Massachusetts State vessels, 1 New Hampshire State vessel, 11 Massachusetts privateers, and 22 transports. The expedition was not, however, easily brought to fruition. Several vessels and their requisite crews were pressed into service, and although 1,500 militiamen from three Maine counties were expected to carry out the assault, only 870 unorganized, inexperienced, and illequipped troops actually turned out.
Over the next two days, the Americans captured a British battery on a small island at the harbor's entrance and began a series of ineffective attempts to dislodge the three sloops of war from their anchorage across the approach to the harbor. Shortly thereafter, a difficult landing was effected under a formidable precipice on the southwestern shore of the peninsula known as Dyce's Head. Within hours, General Lovell and nearly 600 militiamen, doubtless stunned by their initial success, found themselves only a few hundred yards from the British fort. Unable to leverage the naval fleet to provide a decisive edge against the fort, General Lovell next chose a strategy of slow attrition, slowly nibbling at the perimeter of the British forces. Men dragged guns across the peninsula s neck and constructed a battery of three guns at the Wescott house across the muddy flats that separated the mainland from the peninsula. Built directly to the north of Mowat s ships, the battery enabled the Americans to put effective fires on the British ships. The new Wescott Battery, put in action on 4 August, complemented the existing battery on Nautilus Island firing from the west. Of the utter confusion that followed, General Lovell admitted that "...an attempt to give a description of this terrible Day is out of my Power." Coordinating an effective stand grew increasingly difficult over the ensuing days, as crews burned their vessels and took to the woods. A handful of vain attempts were made to gather troops and make a stand, but eventually, as Colonel Jonathan Mitchell of Maine revealed, all the participants made off for home "...without any leave from a superior officer." Ultimately, all American armed ships and transports, save for at least one captured by the British, were destroyed along various portions of the river and upper bay, resulting in the greatest American naval disaster prior to Pearl Harbor. Seeking to put the British ships in an even less tenantable position, General Wadsworth led a detachment across the Bagaduce River to establish another battery at Hainey s Point. From this vantage point, the Americans could place the British in a three-way cross-fire. Exposed to the British ships, work on the redoubt proceeded slowly. On 9 August, the HMS Nautilus discovered one of the American boats ferrying supplies across the river to the new battery. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he dispatched a force of fifty sailors and soldiers to attack. Too isolated from other American support, Wadsworth abandoned the construction of the battery. 1 Casualties British: 25 killed, 34 wounded Americans: 474 killed, wounded, captured, or missing During the Battle of the Penobscot (1779) Charles Hutchins lay in ambush at Hainey s (Haney s) Point (see map) and fired on a British guard boat. After the British victory in this battle, he fled with his family to Damariscotta, ME, returning to Penobscot in 1783. He died in 1834 at age 92. His son, William, was the last surviving pensioner of the War for Independence in New England, and next to last in the nation. Charles Hutchins was one of Compatriot Albert E. Myers Patriot Ancestors. 1 Additional information from http://penobscot1779.tripod.com/pe%20history.htm 2
Compatriots, From Your Newsletter Editor Please give me your ongoing comments on how to make additional improvements to your newsletter and submit your items of interest for inclusion in the future issues. My goal is to publish issues monthly between October and May each year. Generally, an issue will be published shortly after each monthly meeting so if you have an item that relates to a particular date or event, please get me the information in sufficient time for me to fit it in. My email address is: rmcguire@slvx.com. Email remains our primary method of distributing the newsletter, and each month I try to update and make corrections to my two mailing lists. If you know of a member who is not receiving the Caloosa Patriot please let me know. If necessary I will print and mail a copy to a member requesting it. I also have a separate email list for Friends of Caloosa. This list includes everyone who has begun a membership application process with us, those who have attended one of our meetings, along with others who have supported our activities or simply expressed an interest in us. If you know of anyone who would like to be included on this list, simply send me their email address. I am again continuing to ask that my Caloosa Chapter Compatriots take a little time to research and write a story of their own patriot ancestor s contributions to the founding of the United States of America. Whether they led troops in battle or served as a fifer, were a member of the Continental Congress or served as a local government official, took an oath to support the revolution or simply provided material support, they were a part of the foundation of this country. I believe that you will find it personally rewarding to undertake this effort, and that as your story is published in this newsletter, we will all benefit from a better understanding of the contributions made by these first-generation Americans. Please keep your stories to 1½ to 2 pages and include one or two graphics if possible. I would hope to include one such article in each issue of the Caloosa Patriot in this next year. Special thanks to Compatriot Albert Myers who followed the excellent example of Compatriot Russ Radcliffe by submitting the story in this issue about one of his 19 patriot ancestors Charles Hutchins. Thank you. Bob McGuire 3
From the President Greetings Compatriots and Friends, On Wednesday the 11th we held our February meeting. This meeting was to honor Public Service Employees. We hosted five firefighters from Bonita Springs. These five had received the District s Phoenix Award for lifesaving. They were a natural pick for receiving the Sons of the American Revolution awards for firefighters and EMS. Their names were Lt Ed Bradford, Firefighter; Paramedic Juvert Clero, Firefighter; Mark Simon, EMT; and Eric Vazquez, EMS. From the Lee County Sheriff s Department, the Law Enforcement medal was awarded to Capt. Keith Day of the South District Substation. Major Kathy Rairden and Commander Randy Crone were also present for the presentation. Three books were presented to the Lee County Library. Receiving the books was Carolyn Ford who also presented our program. The title of her presentation was One Soldiers Journey - a story about her patriot ancestor. It was well received and enjoyed by all present. This was probably the largest attended meeting with 38 compatriots and guests present. The program also featured the basket that was won at the BOM by Elizabeth Moore, one of our Ladies Auxiliary members. The basket was one of the 14 that were raffled at the Winter BOM meeting in Orlando. She and Anne McGuire presold tickets at our January meeting. Since Elizabeth was not at the BOM, Compatriot McGuire and Anne brought the basket back and presented it to Elizabeth at this meeting. The EXCOM is now meeting at the Southwest Florida Military Museum and Library in Cape Coral. They have an excellent collection of war materials. There is also a display of Revolutionary War items including manikins in period clothing. We presented a Flag Certificate for the proper way they fly the American Flag. We meet the first Monday of the month at noon (which includes lunch) and all compatriots are invited to attend. Our March 14th meeting is a Saturday one. It will feature Paul Dustin, the Lee County Eagle Scout Coordinator. He will speak about the local Eagle Scout program. I encourage all Junior members who are interested in or are in scouting to attend. Regular members who have been involved in scouting should also find this program of interest. Lee Matson President Caloosa Chapter FLSSAR Vice President Southwest Region FLSSAR 4
Caloosa Chapter Leadership 2014-2015 Left to right: Chapter President/FLSSAR SW Region VP Lee Matson FLSSAR Sr. VP Lawrence Fehrenbaker Chapter Vice President Russ Radcliffe Registrar/Newsletter Editor/Webmaster Bob McGuire Secretary/Treasurer/Trustee John Jones Chaplain General/Color Guard Cmdr Randy Moody Not Shown: Sgt-at-Arms Richard Geib Member-at-Large Allen Brown Genealogist/Recording Secretary/Trustee Albert Myers Historian Hal Theiss 5
The SAR Foundation, Inc. The SAR Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Kentucky Corporation headquartered in Louisville, KY. Its mission is to support the SAR. Additional information can be found on the website www.sarfoundation.org. On September 25, 2010 the new state-of-the-art Genealogical Research Library was dedicated. Now that the library is complete, the Society is setting on expanding the National Headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky to include a world-class museum experience centered on the American Revolution and its influence on freedom and independence everywhere. As of January 1, 2015, a new campaign will create The 1776 Society to move forward with two primary purposes: the creation of the world class SAR museum, and the creation of the new NSSAR endowment fund. Within the 1776 Society will be the Founders Circle recognizing benefactors who have provided a NSSAR legacy bequest in their estate plan. Please consider making a gift or bequest to the SAR Foundation. Your gift of $25 will earn you the SAR Patriot Car Magnet. Your gift of $10,000 will gain you recognition on the Patriot s Memorial Wall. In between are numerous levels of tax-deductible contributions that will be recognized with pins and medals. The Center for Advancing America's Heritage Target Opening Date - JULY 2015 6
https://www.facebook.com/caloosachapterofthesar Chapter Facebook Page Compatriot Albert Myers keeps our Facebook page up-to-date with current activities. The following link to the page can be entered into your web browser s navigation bar (some recipients of the newsletter may be able to click on the link). The Facebook page provides the most current and timely information and images covering Chapter programs and local happenings. Often there are updates posted by Compatriot Albert before the end of the day of an event. If members have items of interest, he also welcomes email submission of photos and information. Send it to albert1705@gmail.com. New Web Page Compatriot Webmaster Robert McGuire has recently developed a new web page for the Chapter and it is now available directly from your browser at www.caloosasar.org or www.caloosasar.com. It is also available through a link on the Florida Society web page. (www.flssar.org) and click on the Chapters button, then Caloosa. You may also be interested in visiting the National Society Sons of the American Revolution webpage: www.sar.org which includes a members only section and access to the SAR Merchandise Store. The webpage has been recently updated and has added features including a 2015 Event Planner showing important dates and holidays. If you haven t visited the webpage recently, please check it out and while you are at it, send me your ideas for additions and improvements. Our webpage provides contact information for each of the Chapter officers and trustees. Visitors will find information about our schedules and programs, and community activities. The webpage also includes links to previous issues of the Caloosa Patriot. 7
Highlights of February EXCOM Meeting The Executive Committee (ExCom) of the Caloosa Chapter FLSSAR met on February 2, 2015 at the Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library in Cape Coral. This was the first time the ExCom met at this location. All in attendance agreed that this was a good location for these meetings and it is planned to continue with this arrangement. Compatriot Matson reported that the FLSSAR Board of Management (BOM) meeting in January was very successful, and he summarized some of the actions taken. One of the highlights was the Rumbaugh Oration Contest conducted by committee chairman Compatriot Russ Radcliffe with one of the judges being Compatriot Bob McGuire. The winner will go on to a national competition at the NSSAR 125 th Congress in June at Lexington KY. An annual calendar of events has been posted on the Chapter s website. Compatriot Don Cahill of the Naples Chapter will be the speaker at the March meeting. His topic is the FLSSAR Eagle Scout Program. Compatriot Hal Theiss will give his presentation on NASA at the May meeting. Compatriot Radcliffe spoke of his committee responsibility and the need to work with DAR chapters, the Knight Essay Contest, and other youth program. There was extended discussing of ideas on how to get teachers to assist in essay participation by students. Compatriot Moody explained the Chapter s participation in the Americanism Contest, along with the process on how points are assembled for presentation. Compatriot Matson announced that Compatriot Moody is nominated to be Member-at-Large of the FLSSAR Executive Committee and Compatriot Jones to be FLSSAR Historian. Reports were made by the Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, Newsletter Editor & Webmaster. Reports were made by the Color Guard Commander, Awards Committee Chair, Genealogist, and Historian. Five Compatriots will staff the table at the Reading Festival in Ft. Myers on March 21 st - McGuire, Jones, Matson, Radcliffe, & Moody. A Flag Certificate was awarded to the Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library, accepted by Founder and President Ralph A. Santillo. ExCom Meeting at the Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library 8
What is the Southwest Florida Reading Festival? The Southwest Florida Reading Festival is a fun, informative and entertaining one-day event that celebrates books and the written word. The Festival began in 1999 with the following goals Celebrate the importance of reading Bring the finest literary talent to the community of Southwest Florida Encourage in adults, teens and children an interest in and love of literature by providing quality events featuring popular authors in multiple venues Build continuing regional partnerships among libraries and between libraries and other community organizations by cooperatively presenting a large, quality literary event Promote public libraries as centers for recreational reading, information, technology, and the arts The Festival has enjoyed great success and now attracts more than 20,000 book lovers each year. Coming soon - SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, March 21, 2015 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Harborside Event Center & Centennial Park Fort Myers River District The Caloosa Chapter, FLSSAR will join with several local chapters of the Florida Society, Daughters of the American Revolution to participate in the upcoming Southwest Florida Reading Festival at the Harborside Event Center in the River District, in downtown Fort Myers. This event which is expected to attract tens of thousands of attendees will give an opportunity for broad public exposure while supporting the patriotic, historical, and educational purposes of the Sons of the American Revolution. The Festival, which is presented by the Lee County Library System, provides a fantastic vehicle for promoting reading, literacy, and our libraries. It will also present an opportunity to reach out to prospective members living in or visiting our community. We need volunteers to staff our booth during the program. Please contact Compatriot Russ Radcliffe [russradcliffe@gmail.com or (239) 949-6620] if you can help out. 9
Our Calendar of Events Helm Club at the Landings Yacht Golf and Tennis Club 4420 Flagship Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919 (off McGregor Blvd first light South of College Pkwy) Meetings are held Monthly on the 2 nd Wednesday October through May The gathering will begin at 11:30 a.m. with lunch served at noon. Cost for the lunch is $20.00 per person paid at the door. Since we started meeting at the Helm Club in the Fall of 2013, the kitchen and wait staff have consistently presented delicious meals at our meetings in an attractive and comfortable setting. Meetings are also an opportunity to spend time with an interesting group of men who share a common bond as descendents of patriots of the American Revolution. While a majority of our members reside in Lee County, other parts of Florida and at least 15 other States are represented as well. Our meetings are open to all interested persons, and we particularly welcome Compatriots from other parts of the country who are visiting our area. Please RSVP for meetings to: Compatriot VP Russell Radcliffe at russradcliffe@gmail.com, call (239) 949-6620 or mail 20455 Wildcat Run Drive, Estero FL 33928 Please info-copy Compatriot John Jones john.jones.2009@comcast.net 2015 Program Schedule March 14 th March 21 st April 8 th May 13 th Saturday meeting - the Eagle Scout Program with Paul Dustin, Lee County Eagle Scout Coordinator and Compatriot Don Cahill of the Naples Chapter: FLSSAR Eagle Scout Committee Chairman. Southwest Florida Reading Festival at Harborside Event Center Hermione-Lafayette 2015 Project presentation by Brigitte van den Hove-Smith Presentation about NASA by Compatriot Hal Theiss Summer Break June through September 10
New Members Inducted Inductions President Matson and Registrar McGuire conducted an impromptu induction of US Air Force TSgt Andrew Thorpe at the Philly Junction restaurant on January 29, 2015. Compatriot Thorpe, who is assigned to US TRANSCOM at Scott AFB, IL, was briefly in the area for a TDY assignment with the local Air Force Recruiting Office. Compatriot Thorpe s patriot ancestor is PVT Nehemiah Adams who served in the Massachusetts Militia. The Philly Junction restaurant provided an historical Philadelphia ambiance along with a great cheese-steak sandwich. Induction of New Members at the Meeting First order of business the induction of Edward Michael Buff (and his son Eric Michael Buff in absentia) into membership. 11
Chapter Luncheon Happenings February 11 th Meeting Opening President Matson convened the meeting with the usual opening ceremonies which included the Pledge of Allegiance, The American s Creed and the SAR Pledge. He welcomed Compatriot (Past Caloosa Chapter member) Robert Easterly (presently V.P of his Chapter in Colorado) to our meeting. Program Presentation After lunch Carolyn Ford, a Volunteer at the Lee County Genealogical Library, presented her program "One Soldier's Journey" about her patriot ancestor who had to prove his service to a judge in order to qualify for a pension. Program Presentation Carolyn Ford, head volunteer in the genealogy section of the Lee County Library, presented a talk about her 4thgreat--grandfather, John Carmichael, who served throughout the War for Independence in the Pennsylvania Line. 12
Before Lunch Compatriot Mellor shares a war story with Compatriots Traxler and McGuire. Public Safety Recognition Firefighters from Bonita Springs who had received the District s Phoenix Award for lifesaving were honored with the SAR Public Safety Medal along with Capt. Keith Day of the Lee County Sherriff s Department of the South Station Subdivision who received the Law Enforcement Medal. Bonita Fire Department Deputy Chief Richard Scott explained how each of us is a critical part of the emergency response system. We initiate the response with a 911 call and then ideally begin treatment with CPR and the new automatic defibrillator equipment increasingly available in public places while awaiting arrival on emergency responders. 13
Awards and Recognition Carolyn Ford received a certificate of appreciation for her first person talk on her Patriot Ancestor. Capt. Keith Day received the Law Enforcement Medal - he is a member of the Lee County Sheriff's Department South District Substation. Compatriot Robert Huber was presented a Military Service Medal. 14
Compatriot and Mrs. Wes Morris presented a book for the genealogy collection of the Lee County Library System. The Chapter also presented books to the genealogy collection of the Lee County Library System. Compatriot Allen Brown received the Roger Sherman Medal for outstanding contributions to the Chapter. The award criteria is explained on page 17 of this newsletter. The Chapter's Ladies Auxiliary with the basket won by a Ansel and Elizabeth Moore in the raffle at the Florida Society Board of Management meeting in January in Orlando. Chances were sold at the January Caloosa Chapter meeting and members attending the BOM checked tickets drawn at the banquet for winners. 15
Lighthorse Harry Lee Camp There are plenty of opportunities to put on a uniform and support the Chapter in community events. I hope that members will consider joining the color guard, and I will be happy to assist if I can. I am sure that other current members of the Lighthorse Harry Lee Camp will answer questions and provide advice as well. If you are interested in joining the Color Guard or have questions about it, contact the Florida Sons of Liberty Brigade Commander who is also Caloosa Chapter s Lighthorse Harry Lee Camp Commander Randy Moody at sarrevdoc@comcast.net. A call to arms! No, the British aren t coming, but we still need to march to the alarm. The public appearances of the Color Guard are an excellent recruiting opportunity while educating the public. In addition, the Color Guard adds pageantry to Chapter and Society meetings while respecting the sacrifices of our patriot ancestors. A basic militia uniform consists of the following: A hat either tricorn or round A hunting shirt A white or checkered shirt Long britches or fall-front trousers Shoes (not necessarily buckle, since long pants will cover the buckle area All of these items are readily available from various vendors approximate costs: hunting shirt@$55; white shirt@$45; trousers@$85. Total without hat or shoes, less than $200. Hats are a wide range of prices from about $75 to more than $200. The Chapter has a loaner tricorn to get you started. Don t put it off, act NOW! 16
Sons of the American Revolution Medals Your chapter presents medals and awards to both members and non-members for achievements in various areas. There are requirements established for awarding the various medals. I thought that it would be interesting for you to understand the requirements for the various medals. Since we presented a Bronze Roger Sherman Medal at our last meeting and several of our members have previously received them, I am following with this one. The requirements are from the National Society SAR website. I ve also included a picture of the medal. Roger Sherman Medal The Roger Sherman Medal may be awarded to SAR members who have rendered faithful service to their chapter, state society, or to the National Society over multiple years. This medal is awarded for significant service which lacks the requirements for the Meritorious Service Medal. Suggested minimum Eligibility Guidelines: Served as an active Officer for a minimum of two (2) years, or Served as an active Committee Chairman for a minimum of three (3) years, or Served as an active Committee Member for a period of four (4) years. Officers, Committee Chairmen, and Committee Members must have actively served. Only active service should be taken into account for awarding this medal. Unlike the Meritorious Service Medal, an SAR member may receive the Roger Sherman Medal more than once via the Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster for an additional two (2) years or more of outstanding active service to the National Society, State Society or Chapter after the presentation of the compatriot s first Roger Sherman Medal. The service is counted cumulatively rather than consecutively, and may not be added concurrently for multiple offices, committee chairmanships, or committee membership. This Medal is named after Roger Sherman (April 19, 1721 July 23, 1793) was 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 was also a representative and senator in the new republic. He was the only person to sign all four great state papers of the U.S.: the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. Roger Sherman had a large part in what is known as the Great Compromise. In 1787 this combined the New Jersey Plan which proposed a one house national legislature where each state could cast one vote, and the Virginia Plan where representation would be based upon a state s population. The Great Compromise created a bicameral legislature, meaning there will be two houses, one house will have equal representation, while the other is based on population of the state. The medal for Chapter use is bronze in color and bears on the obverse a portrait of Roger Sherman within the inscription "Roger Sherman Medal. The medal for State Society use is antique silver in color. The medal for the National Society use is gold in color. The reverse of the medal is inscribed In Appreciation for Service to the SAR. It is suspended from a chest ribbon and is accompanied by a certificate, which should be engrossed and presented with the medal. The medal is available in miniature. Lee Matson 17
FLSSAR BOM 2015 Winter Meeting All members of the FLSSAR (which includes all members of the Caloosa Chapter) are welcome to attend the BOM meetings, as are their ladies. The Ladies Auxiliary is a separate organization within the FLSSAR which is open to membership to ladies who are related to FLSSAR members by blood or marriage. In addition to the gift basket auctions, these Auxiliary members assist the Chapters in their local activities and programs. The Board of Management Business Meeting The FLSSAR bylaws establish a Board of Management (BOM) which exercises management and control over the affairs of the Society. It generally meets three times a year commencing with an Annual Meeting which is also known as the Spring Meeting followed by a Fall Meeting and a Winter Meeting. At present, these meetings are held in Orlando at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center, with the Spring and Fall meetings spanning three days and two nights while the Winter meeting spans two days and one night. Each meeting consists of a program including business meetings of the BOM along with workshops, committee meetings and other events. There is a banquet held on one night which includes ceremonies and awards presentations along with remarks from the Society President. The banquet and a hospitality room provide an opportunity for compatriots from across the State to meet socially and discuss matters of mutual interest. There is also a raffle of gift baskets conducted by the FLSSAR Ladies Auxiliary to raise funds in support of FLSSAR programs. The recently completed Winter BOM held January 30-31, 2015 included, in addition to the business meetings, committee meetings for the Regional Vice Presidents, the Executive Committee, the Eagle Scout Committee, the Color Guard Commanders, and the Ladies Auxiliary. President General (and Jacksonville Chapter member) Lindsey Brock and his wife Billie were in attendance as well. A major event of the program was the Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest. The contest is open to all students of the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes (Grades 9-12) in the public, parochial, private and home schools in the state. After an initial competition at the Chapter level, there were a total of four contestants competing at the BOM: Lisa DeWitte, Zachary Jones, Esther Jaffe, and Talia Fradkin (in order of presentation). The Chairman of the Rumbaugh Oration Committee is our own Compatriot Russ Radcliffe and Chief Judge (of 3 judges) was Compatriot Bob McGuire. Each year we marvel at how accomplished the contestants are. This year was no exception, making the judging more difficult. The winner of the Posting Colors at Banquet 18 First Place Winner introduced at Banquet
competition was Ms. Talia Fradkin with an oration titled Remember the Ladies which highlighted the contributions of women in our Nation s history but in particular the story of Nancy Morgan who stood up to Redcoats who had invaded her Northern Georgia home. Ms. Fradkin was awarded $500 by the FLSSAR and will go on to competition at the NSSAR Congress in June where scholarships will be awarded: $4,000 for 1 st place, $2,000 for 2 nd place, and $1,000 for 3 rd place. The business meeting of the BOM proceeded smoothly for the most part, as committees and officers submitted their reports which are included in the Procedings. The draft report which was reviewed at the meeting may be downloaded at http://www.flssar.org/docs/bom1014.pdf and the final version will later be available through a link on the FLSSAR website. The process is very informative, but not completely without controversy. One issue in particular has plagued the Society for more than a year now. This has to do with veterans recognition specifically, who is eligible to be awarded the War Service Medal vs. the Military Service Medal. I will not go into the positions of advocates of one side or the other, but will note that both are passionate in their views and both point to the same Some Compatriots march to the beat of a Different Drummer The banquet included recognition of the Rumbaugh Oration winner, Talia Fradkin, who presented her speech to the banquet audience, award presentations by President General Lindsay Brock including the Certificate of Patriotism, the Lafayette Medal, and the Gold Good Citizenship Medal. The Gold Good Citizenship Medal is awarded for outstanding and unusual patriotic achievement and service of a national importance to persons of prominence in the areas of government (including military service), religion, education, business and other professions, and other fields of endeavor. The award is approved at the National level, and was awarded to Compatriot Alexander Dreyfoos of the Palm Beach Chapter, FLSSAR. Compatriot Dreyfoos was also awarded the Military Service Medal. The Ladies Auxiliary conducts a raffle of gift baskets during the banquet. This time, a total of 14 baskets were donated which raised $515.00. The Caloosa Chapter had conducted a pre-sale of tickets for members that wanted to participate but were unable to attend the BOM. This in itself raised $65.00 and a winning basket for Compatriot and Mrs. Moore. The basket had been donated by NSSAR First Lady Billie Brock. language in the NSSAR Handbook to support their arguments. The other twist to this dispute is a states rights issue in that the NSSAR Handbook delegates to State Societies and Chapters the authority to award these medals, but the National Society may be in a position to apply different criteria for applications that come before the NSSAR Veterans Recognition Committee (VRC) for review. Happy winners of the Caloosa Chapter basket 19
The Official Pledge to the S.A.R. We, the descendants of the heroes of the American Revolution who, by their sacrifice, established the United States of America, reaffirm our faith in the principles of liberty and our Constitutional Republic, and solemnly pledge ourselves to defend them against every foe. Recessional Until we meet again, let us remember our obligations to our forefathers, who gave us our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, an independent Supreme Court and a nation of free men. 20