The meeting was called to order at 8:02 AM at Luby's Cafeteria (6221 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Texas) by presiding Chapter President Jack Carney by confirming that all Chapter officers were present .
Chaplain Frank Pounders reported that we were saddened to hear that former Compatriot James Westley Clayton had recently died and that on a brighter note no members were on the sick-call. He then proceeded with the invocation for the day. The following Compatriots respectively led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag, Salute to the Texas Flag & Salute to the SAR Flag: Nick Gilliam, James Kerr Jr. and FCP Dick Arnold. Again, in the absence of our song leader Gary Sisson, Tracy Pounders volunteered to lead the group in singing "America." Newly appointed Sgt.-at-Arms William J. Richardson called out the order for the breakfast line march.
The regular meeting resumed at 8:39 A.M. with the President acknowledging the morning's greeters: Richard Fawkes and John Morton. Eighteen guests were introduced, including wives of members.
The minutes of the previous meeting as posted on the web site and distributed at today's meeting by Secretary, Tom Whitelock, were approved by voice vote upon a motion & second from Compatriots Slagle and Baker. Chapter Treasurer, Tom Smith, reported that 41 members were in attendance and that the checking account was at $4385.59. He mentioned that our there was no change in the Endowment Funds $35,235.58, (inclusive of $27,000 in the Richie Fund). The report was approved on motion.
2nd VP, Henry Voegtle, mentioned that ten schools have reported to him about candidates or dates for the SAR Good Citizen Awards and ROTC Medals. He asked for assistance by members in making the presentations. President Carney suggested that Hank contact DISD for a more detailed list of schools and Ralph McDowell called for a brief discussion on the subject after today's meeting is finished. Historian Ballard requested that members be sure to give him any photos or news articles for our 2003 "Yearbook." John Warterfield, DAR Liaison, reported that since we are going to move our monthly meetings to a new location soon, even though we normally have a joint meeting in the Spring, he felt it would be best to put off until Fall for inviting the ladies to join us.
Compatriots McDowell, Smith & Whitelock reported briefly about the various rebate programs from Tom Thumb, Krogers and Albertsons/Schoolpop and how much the Chapter stood to gain from the members shopping participation. Ralph handed out a 2002 report showing a profit of $588 of the combined three stores. Whitelock stated that he would be available after the meeting for anyone wishing to sign up for the Schoolpop Visa Card. Ralph also mentioned that he had an additional check to present to the Treasurer from added sales of the Original 13 Colonies Coin Albums.
Mel McCoy, Registrar, accounted for 294 Chapter members to date. He then proceeded to induct our newest member, Billy E. Wolfe (whose Patriot is Phillip Wolfe). In addition, Mel commented that Alan Christian Jr. (Patriot-James Hayes) was also accepted into the Society and would be inducted at a later date.
FCP Art Ingalls then came forth to present a humorous story about a good golfer getting to "Heaven in Two." Chaplain Frank Pounders led us in a Memorial service for former members of the Chapter who had left our ranks in the past year; Charles Anderson, Clovis Brakebill, Robert Ewing, Nicholas Gilliam Jr. and Albert Welsh.
President Carney next called forward Compatriot Whitelock to present Poster Contest winner Adam Warren with an Award Certificate. He also presented a special recognition certificate to Adam's 5th grade history teacher, Mrs Dana Mattox, and a George Washington "Penny Bank" to Mrs. Warren.
The Americanism program was presented by Tom Smith who spoke on New York City and the Revolution. He emphasized the importance of the waterways in and around the Hudson Valley to the Colonists and how the long time British occupation of NY played an historical role in Gen. Washington's victorious defense strategy.
1st VP Tracy Pounders introduced Lloyd Bockstruck (guest speaker for the day) as "The Great Guru God/Emperor of Genealogy." He caught everyones' attention when, having asked; was there ever a time when the number of Stars in our Flag was less than the original thirteen. Yes, when the British conquered Georgia during the American Revolution. He also noted that our history books sometimes forget to relate that the British actually had 26 colonies in America of which only 13 rebelled. Lloyd feels that the nation should celebrate "Patriots Day" (April 19) as much as it's honored in the New England states. He reminded those present that if they need to research hard to find ancestors of the revolutionary era, they should also consider that men of that day might have had to enlist in the British forces in order to survive not being killed as a prisoner of war.
Once again, Lloyd was presented with a "Liberty Bell" for his outstanding presentation, but this time VP Pounders threw in a special gift of a 13 Colonies Coin Album which proved to be the perfect "photo-op."
FCP Slagle noted that VA Affairs and Color Guard Participation recording forms were on the tables by the door for members to pick up on their way out and that next month's meeting is scheduled for May 10th at the Crown Plaza Suites located in Dallas at 7800 Alpha Road - 75240
(same time as usual; however the breakfast meal will cost $2.00 more).
Compatriot Smith had two door prizes to hand out. The first went to Art Ingalls (many boos ensued), and the second to Ralph McDowell. President Carney concluded the meeting by asking Bill Richardson to lead the group in the SAR Closing. The meeting adjourned at 9:51 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom M. Whitelock
Secretary, Dallas Chapter