March 20, 2004

Minutes of Regular Meeting of the Dallas Chapter, TXSSAR

SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

The meeting was called to order at 8:04 AM at Crown Plaza Suites-Dallas Park Central (7800 Alpha Road, Dallas, Texas) by Chapter President Jack Carney. Chaplain Frank Pounders reported that no active member is currently on the "sick-call" list; he then proceeded to give the Invocation for the day.

Pledges of Allegiance to the United States Flag, the Texas State Flag and salute to the SAR Flag were respectively led by Compatriots: National Alternate Trustee Robert Coker, Former TXSSAR Treasurer Cliff Slagle, and Former TXSSAR President Dick Arnold.

1st VP Tracy Pounders led the attendees in singing America. Sergeant-at-Arms, William Richardson, called for "some sort of order" to filing out to the breakfast line, while making sure that the "outgoing Officers" were to bring up the rear.

The regular business portion of the meeting resumed at 8:40 AM when President Carney asked Glen Toal to introduce his fellow greeter for the day, Gerald Tyler, and called for introductions of the ten guests. The following Compatriots were also acknowledged and welcomed: Dr. James Johnson, Chris Casey, and newly reactivated member Michael McKinney.

FCP Art Ingalls had "Words of Wisdom" for all assembled including, that... when the chips are down, it only means that the Buffalo is empty.

President Carney next called for the election of Chapter Officers 2004. Tom Smith made a motion that the slate be accepted, and was seconded by Cliff Slagle; the membership voted unanimous approval.

Chaplain Frank Pounders conducted the annual Memorial Service for former members of the Dallas Chapter who had passed away during 2003. Honored and fondly remembered were Compatriots: Thomas E. Tappan, Charles T. Bowling, Jr., William Edward Armentrout, Billy Edgar Wolfe, Clarence M. Cockrell, Jr., Barry Jean Mason, Herschel Lloyd Johnson, Jr., and William Byrd Rose II.

1st Vice President Tracy Pounders called forward Compatriot Wayne Wende for an official recognition of his "Life Membership." Being a perfect "photo-ops" occasion for presentation of certificate and the Gold Card, young Alex Pounders made sure father Tracy posed it right.

Registrar Mel McCoy reported that as of March 20, 2004, we have 284 active members (plus six re-ups), eleven pending applications and seven supplementals at National for approval. James Marion Fairbairn (Patriot, Alexander J. Fairbairn) was then inducted into the Chapter, and sponsor Ralph McDowell affixed his lapel rosette lapel pin during a welcoming applause by fellow Compatriots.

FCP Cliff Slagle alerted the membership that NSSAR now has available "Americanism CDs" for distribution to schools and that he would hand out copies after the meeting. He also mentioned that TXSSAR had voted to place a moratorium on the Perpetual Membership Program until they can devise a better funding process.

Minutes of the previous meeting, (having also been distributed and posted on the web site), were read by Secretary Whitelock. A motion for acceptance was made by Bill Richardson. They were approved by voice vote. Tom Smith, Treasurer, reported that 39 members were present and that $ 4,312.36 was in the checking account, Richie Fund contained $27,082.02 and $ 8211.01 was the current amount in the Minuteman Fund. He also reminded Tracy that his final Quarterly Report reflected that there were outstanding checks.

President Carney commended acting Historian Tom Whitelock for winning 2nd Place in the TXSSAR Yearbook competition. Compatriot Whitelock noted that he had also been elected State Historian and that in that capacity, he would be collecting memorabilia and documentation for archiving in the Univ. of N. Texas' new TXSSAR Collection. He introduced Dr. James Johnson who provided additional information about the Historian's role and how members can participate.

In his capacity as Asst. Color Guard Commander for North Texas Region, Col. Johnson called forward Charles Baker to award him the promotion to the rank of Lt. Col. in the N. Texas Militia. Col. Baker reminded all that April 21 is the date set aside by Providence Christian School for their Colonial Day Festivities. He also mentioned that on April 10 a special dedication is planned north of Plano at the grave site of Patriot John Abstend. Compatriot Baker concluded his remarks by describing the newly approved "rank" epaulet cloth designations for wearing on uniforms. (Green/Corp., Red/Sgt., Lt.Grey/Lieut., etc).

DAR Liaison John Warterfield reported that the next Constitution Brunch is scheduled for September 18, 2004 in Mesquite.

Dr. Johnson arose again to present the "high flying" Tom Whitelock with a special framed caricature drawing of the #1 Artifact - himself.

FCP Ralph McDowell presented Elizabeth and Alex Pounders with $2.00 bills on his way to the podium where he reported on the recent "Silent Auction" held at the State convention benefiting the Col. Joe Hill Patriot's Fund. He stated that they raised $ 2446.00 from Compatriots who donated various goods or cash. Ralph then asked Col. Charles Baker to come forward to be awarded the Sisson Golden Sledgehammer Award for being the Chapter's hardest Worker in 2003.

He not only received the three-foot weighty hammer & ornate stand holder but also a golden framed photo montage of his many accomplishments designed by Compatriot Whitelock.

President Carney then presented the yearly Certificates of Appreciation to Compatriots who participated in the following programs, activities and/or service to the Chapter: Americanism Presentations, Rebate Funds, Chapter Officers & Chairmen, and Perfect Attendance*.

FCP E. Graham Martin and FTXP Bob Coker served as installation officers for the swearing in of the 2004 Chapter Officers. President Pounders received the Gavel and neck Ribbon from Compatriot Carney, and in turn Tracy placed the official "FCP" neck ribbon and medal around Jack's neck. Thank you and job-well-done gifts were presented to Mr. & Mrs Carney. The new President kept his comments brief in keeping with his planned policy by primarily acknowledging his family and stating that he was honored to received the position and looking forward to the next nine months.

Today's "Door Prizes" were won by Sarah Carney (once more with feeling) and David Hill.

John Michael McKinney led the membership in the SAR Closing, and prior to the meeting's adjournment at 10:02 AM, the Benediction was delivered by Chaplain Pounders.

Respectfully submitted,

Tom M. Whitelock

Secretary, Dallas Chapter

*Ralph McDowell - 10 Years perfect attendance

Tom M. Whitelock - 4 Years