Minutes of the Meeting of the Dallas Chapter
TEXAS SOCIETY SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
March 11, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 8:05 a.m. in the Ballroom at the Embassy Suites, (13131 North Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas) by Chapter President, Tom Smith. Most members had previously processed through the breakfast line.
Chaplain Frank Pounders reported that Helen Templin’s (wife of Compatriot Jim Templin) health has improved and she has returned home from the hospital. Chaplain Pounders requested continued prayer from the membership for her recovery. He then shared that Compatriots Donald M. Parrish and Joe Bagley have passed away and requested prayers for their respective families. The Chaplain then proceeded to give the Invocation for the day.
Compatriots Allen Christian, Charles Baker and Charles Windham respectively led the Pledges of Allegiance to the United States Flag, the Texas Flag, and the Pledge to the SAR. Past President Tracey Pounders led the members in the singing of "America."
Compatriot Ralph McDowell introduced and thanked our Greeters, Rick Fawkes, Glenn Toal and Gerald Tyler. Guests and perspective members attending the meeting were then introduced.
Compatriot Art Ingalls shared two humorous Irish stories with the chapter.
John Morton, Poster Contest Coordinator, introduced Sara Ludlow who is a 5th grade student at William B. Travis Elementary School. Sara’s poster was judged best of many great posters by the chapter members and will represent the Dallas Chapter in the State Elementary School Poster Contest. The poster contest’s theme for this year is “Winter at Valley Forge.” Compatriot Morton presented Sara Ludlow with a certificate honoring her poster, a fifty dollar check, an order form for a U. S. savings bond, and a crisp new two-dollar bill.
President Smith announced that the annual meeting of the TXSSAR will be held at Sugarland, Texas, on the 17th, 18th, and 19th of March. He asked for a show of hands of those planning to attend. A number of members indicated that they would attend.
By motion from Chaplain Frank Pounders and a second from Rick Fawkes, the reading of the Minutes of the previous meeting (as posted by Chapter Secretary Allen Christian on the website) was waived and approved by voice vote.
Treasurer Byron Christian reported that 30 members and 13 guests were in attendance. He also reported that the chapter’s checking account balance was $3,230.69, the Minuteman Fund had a balance of $8,111.44, and the Richie Fund balance was $27, 097.29.
Second Vice-President Robert Clark reported that the Dallas Chapter would be offering awards to forty-four Dallas and Richardson schools and six Irving schools. He shared that the first presentation would occur on March 30th. Vice-President Clark invited members of the Dallas Chapter to participate in the presentations of ROTC and Good Citizenship Awards to local high schools and colleges.
District VI Vice-President Tom Whitelock announced that the Blain C. Wilhoit Chapter of the SAR had turned in their charter and had disbanded. A uniform of one of the disbanded chapter’s members was offered for sale.
President Tom Smith presented a Supplemental Ancestor Certificate to Compatriot William Bernard for the service of his ancestor Meredith Lambert.
President Tom Smith presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Compatriot John Morton for his service as the Poster Contest Coordinator.
First Vice-President Charles Baker made the following announcements:
ØOne hundred Color Guard members will be needed during the 2006 TXSSAR Congress, which will be held in Dallas in July. He then encouraged the members of the Dallas Chapter to participate. Uniforms can be purchased from Darlene Neuhaus of Fort Worth for a cost of approximately four hundred dollars.
Ø Future Color Guard events include
· The annual Polka-Fest Parade in Ennis, Texas, on May 27,
· The annual Memorial Day Ceremonies at Restland Memorial Park,
· Flag Day, week of June 14th, at Valley View Mall, and
· Two Fourth of July Parades.
ØThe speaker for the April Chapter Meeting was announced to be TXSSAR President Tom Green.
ØThe speaker for the May Chapter Meeting was announced to be Don Rainey who will speak on “Using Y-DNA to Identify You Ancestor”.
First Vice-President Charles Baker then introduced the speaker for the day, Major General Charles “Charlie” R. Bond. General Bond spoke about his experiences during World War II, while serving with the American Volunteer Group (Flying Tigers) under the command of General Claire Chennault. After the talk, Dr. Baker presented Major General Bond with a Certificate of Appreciation and Liberty Bell.
President Tom Smith presented Second Vice-President Robert Clark with a certificate honoring his thirty years of membership.
After Treasurer Byron Christian presided over the door prize drawings, the Benediction was given by Chaplain Pounders, which was followed by the SAR Closing led by President Smith, who adjourned the meeting at 9:42 a.m.
After the meeting, the members of the Dallas Chapter and guests were given the opportunity to purchase a copy of General Bond’s book, A FLYING TIGER’S DIARY.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Allen L. Christian
Secretary, Dallas Chapter-TXSSAR