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Mount Vernon Education/Youth Programs in 2023
Scout Awards - Summary Page
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Call to Order
- The monthly meeting was held at Vintage Pizzeria, 5510 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA.
- Vice President David Wellons began the meeting at 7 pm.
- The Invocation: John Galt (see photo right)
- Presentation of Colors: Color Guard presented Flags.
- The Pledge of Allegiance and Pledge to the SAR: Sergeant-at-Arms Hamilton (Ham) McDonald
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Opening/Attendance
There were 32 attendees at the meeting - 20 chapter members with 7 wives and 5 guest at the meeting.
Color Guard members Shep Hammack and Bill Floyd were both in uniform for the evening.
Chapter Members: Richard Anderson, Kevin Baker, John Bivins (w/Connie), Tom Chrisman, Bill Floyd (w/Carey), Ted Fricke (w/Beth), John Galt, Dual member Larry Guzy (w/Karen), Shep Hammack (w/Montez), Tom Hewett (w/Brenda), Tom Hughes, Michael Long, Ham McDonald, Warren McPhillips, Tom Owens, Tom Pye, Chuck Rann, Gene Ray, Dave Tharp, and David Wellons (w/Jane).
"Returning guests included Bob Sapp and Mac Trotter. Tom Hewett’s guest Sheila Richards brought William Wheeler and his son Bryan Wheeler (both of whom are currently members of the Marshes of Glen Chapter)." (from minutes)
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Secretary John Galt will become Vice President on February 18th.
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Shep Hammack |
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Betsy Ross Flag
Grand Union Flag
Fifteen Stars & Stripes
Bennington
Moultrie
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Guest Speaker - Shep Hammack
Topic: "Flags of the American Revolution"
Chapter Recording Secretary John Galt introduced our speaker for the evening, Compatriot Shep Hammack.
Shep presented an interesting discussion on the flags used by various groups during the Revolutionary War.
Shep was the organizing President of the Mount Vernon SAR chapter, and served from Sept. 2016 to Feb. 2018.
He has received several State and National awards including; Patriot Medal, Gold & Silver Roger Sherman Medals, Liberty Medal with eight Oak Leaf Clusters, Silver Good Citizenship Medal & Silver Color Guard Medal. He has been the First Line Signer for over 80 new members in the Sons of the American Revolution, and is our current Mount Vernon Chapter Historian.
Shep is currently the National Chairman of the SAR DAR Liaison Committee as well as the State of Georgia Chairman of the SAR DAR Liaison Committee. He will be inducted as the Metro Regional VP of the Georgia SAR Society at the Annual GASSAR Conference on January 28th.
Shep is a graduate of Georgia Tech and a member of several other genealogical organizations including Society of the War of 1812 (current Georgia State President), Society of Colonial Wars, First Families of Georgia, Washington’s Army of Valley Forge and others. His wife, Montez is also a member of several genealogical organizations including the DAR and the Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims. They have two daughters who are both members of the DAR. He and Montez are both native Georgians and devoted Georgia Tech fans.
Flag image sources: https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/flag/h_doc_100-247/sec1.htm
Flag Laws: https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/flag/h_doc_100-247/sec4.htm
Speaker Appreciation Certificate
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Chapter Vice President David Wellons presented
Shep Hammack with a Certificate of Appreciation.
David will become our 7th Chapter President on February 18th.
More on Revolutionary War Flags: https://revolutionarywar.us/flags
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Chapter Business & Announcements (See Minutes for complete details.)
- Treasurer’s Report – Ted Fricke
- Registrar’s Report - Tom Chrisman
- Eagle Scout Award Report
- Dues Renewal Reminder –
Please renew your dues for 2023 if you have not done so.
Reinstatement fees apply if not renewed soon.
(The link above takes you to the dues page.)
- Annual Banquet and Officer Installation - Our Annual Banquet and 2023 Officer Installation is being rescheduled. The Invitation, Cost and RSVP information will be sent via eMail from our Chapter Corresponding Secretary. (Updated 1/12/23 at 11 am.)
- Next Board of Managers (BOM) Meeting - is noon, Friday March 10, 2023 at Vintage Pizzaria. Any member is welcome to attend and observe.
- Birthdays in January: Larry White, Jimmie Butler, John Galt, Randy Pollard, John Wade.
- Birthdays in February: Richard McCrary, Joe Rude, David Smith, Tony Crowe, Gabriel Warchol, Michael Warchol, Owen Robbins, Charles Hillard, Cason Hillard.
- The next regular meeting is March 14th at Vintage Pizzeria.
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Georgia Society SAR (GASSAR) Activities
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The Georgia SAR Annual Conference will be held January 27 & 28th at the Sonesta Gwinnett Place Hotel in Duluth, GA. All members are welcome to attend. Pre-registration and fees are required. See the Home page for the Registration Form link and schedule of events.
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Closing
- Recessional: Sergeant-at-Arms Ham McDonald
- Benediction: John Galt
- The November Meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m. by Vice President David Wellons.
- Minutes submitted by Recording Secretary John Galt
- Program by Vice President David Wellons
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Date: January 19, 2023 | Event Link
Chapter VP David Wellons is Guest Speaker at Atlanta Meeting
SAR Atlanta Chapter January Meeting
Photos
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David Wellons Gives Presentation
Chapter Vice President David Wellons was the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the Atlanta Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution,
held at the Petite Violette Restaurant in Atlanta on Thursday January 19th, 2023.
The topic was "God's Hand on America" and discussed the question:
"Did God have His hand on America during our early days,
or were the many victories due to chance and luck?"
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The presentation provided information on several key battles, some against great odds, where the Patriot forces were victorious,
assisted by fog, winds, storms, and other factors. The presentation was well received by the Atlanta membership.
David was presented with a Speaker Appreciation Certificate by Atlanta Chapter President Barrett Hanson.
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VP David Wellons
"God's Hand on America"
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(Spotlight is a free clipart image. https://www.clker.com/clipart-spotlight-1.html)
Member and Chapter Spotlight on:
- Compatriot's Shep Hammack, Bill Floyd, Tom Chrisman and Chuck Olson
- Mount Vernon's Scout Entry Wins State Competition | See Scout Summary Page for Review
- President General Streamer - Distinguished Chapter Streamer
- 2022 James Westlake Award for Best SAR Website in Georgia
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The Annual GASSAR Conference was held Friday and Saturday on the last weekend of January, 2023 and two of Mount Vernon's past Presidents assumed new
State Officers positions in the Georgia Society. Founding President Shep Hammack became the GASSAR Regional VP over four chapters in the Metro Atlanta area.
Past President Bill Floyd became the GASSAR Secretary. Both held State officer positions in the past, Shep Hammack was the GASSAR Treasurer and Bill Floyd was the GASSAR Chaplain.
Tom Chrisman was sworn in as GASSAR Genealogist at this Conference.
He served as Genealogist and Registrar for the Mount Vernon Chapter from 2016 - 2022 and continues as State Genealogist for his second year.
Tom received the prestigious chapter Liberty Medal in July 2018 for bringing so many people into the Chapter and the SAR.
Chuck Olson was sworn in as the GASSAR Chancellor for a second term. He recently reviewed and proposed revisions in his 4th Quarter of 2022 State Chancellors report on the 'Proposed Model Rules of Conduct and Discipline for State Societies'.
He served as the Mount Vernon Chapter Sergeant at Arms from 2018 - 2021.
Chuck is the Mount Vernon Chairman of the Scouts and the JROTC Committees, and has served as a leader of young men.
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Shep Hammack and Bill Floyd
Tom Chrisman and Chuck Olson
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We congratulate all four of these Mount Vernon compatriots for their past and present service in the SAR.
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Date: January 28, 2023
Our Mount Vernon Chapter and GA Society SAR Winner!
The Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Award and Scholarship Competition
Eagle Scout Donald Eberly
Troop 463 in Sandy Springs, Georgia
See our Scout Summary page - Event Link
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Mount Vernon Chapter Awards
We are proud to announce that the Mount Vernon Chapter website was awarded the James Westlake Award for 2022, voted the Best Website.
This award is a State communications award given each year to chapters with Newsletters or websites that emphasize History, Education and Patriotism.
The award consists of a certificate and flag streamer and is issued to encourage the use of web sites and newsletters that publicize the numerous deeds of our members.
The selection of chapter recipients is determined by the Information Technology Committee and awarded at the annual awards luncheon.
The award consists of a certificate and flag streamer and is used to encourage the use of web sites and newsletters that publicize the numerous deeds of our members.
The selection of chapter recipients is determined by the Information Technology Committee and awarded at the annual awards luncheon.
Web Admin Chuck Rann Receives Award
The award is named after President General James R. Westlake (1993-94) – the great communicator from the Georgia Society.
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2022 GASSAR Westlake Award
(Click on image for larger version)
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Additional Streamers
The Mount Vernon Chapter also received two other GA SAR Society flag streamers at the conference, for the 'President General Color Guard Award' and the
'Distinguished Chapter Award'. Shep Hammack (far right in photos) received the streamers. See criteria for the
Distinguished Chapter Award Streamer Criteria
(Photos above taken by Compatriot Rick Reese III - Huzzah Rick!)
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The Evenings Festivities
- The Annual Banquet was held at the Indian Hills Golf and Country Club
in Marietta, Georgia
- The evenings timetable: 6 pm Social Hour; 7 pm Buffet Dinner;
8 pm Annual Meeting & Awards
- The colors were posted at the podium.
- The Annual Meeting of the Mount Vernon Chapter was called to order
by President Richard McCrary at 7 pm.
- The Invocation was given by Reverend William (Bill) Floyd Jr.
- Sergeant-at-Arms Hamilton (Ham) McDonald led w/the Pledge of Allegiance & Pledge to the SAR.
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George Washington
2/22/1732 – 12/14/1799
(Image from whitehouse.gov)
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Opening/Attendance
The men wore Tuxedos, business suits, military uniforms or kilts. The ladies were dressed exquisitely.
Forty-Two (42) Mount Vernon Chapter members, wives and guest responded to the
Annual Banquet Invitation.
Attending were: Kevin & Chandler Baker, John & Connie Bivins, Bill and Maribeth Brannen, Tom Chrisman, Jack Dyer, Guest - Dan, Mary and Donald Eberly
(*See Scout Award), Bill & Carey Floyd, John & Peggy Galt, Ross & Marie Glover, Larry Guzy, Shep & Montez Hammack, Tom & Brenda Hewett, Sunny Lee,
Richard McCrary, Ham & Judy McDonald, Warren & Susan McPhillips, Chuck & Anne Olson, Tom Owens, Tom & Leslie Pye, Chuck & Patsy Rann, Gene Ray,
Bob Sapp, Ed Upchurch, John & Beth Wassell, and David & Jane Wellons.
The Social Hour from 7 - 8 pm gave attendees time to relax, enjoy conversations and the Hor’s d’Oeuvres & beverages.
At 8 pm sharp, President Richard McCrary announced for everyone to find their seating, and Rev. Bill Floyd gave the Invocation prayer.
Sergeant at Arms Ham McDonald led the group with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the SAR.
The buffet dinner was delicious and featured Beef Tips with Gravy, Herb Crusted Chicken Breast. Cake was served as the dessert.
Larry Guzy was introduced as the guest speaker and gave us his humorous timeline of how he got interested in the SAR, and his progression
of being a regular member all the way to being the President General of the Society. His serious conclusion was that we have a purpose and commitment
to being a member of the SAR. The mission is more than eating dinner together each month. We should all not be afraid to say 'yes' to
'can you help with this' or 'can you do this'. We are here to support our Veterans, defend our Constitution, and Educate our youth. Huzzah!
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Guest Speaker: 2017 SAR President General Larry Guzy
Compatriot Guzy spoke about his personal SAR journey from local chapter introduction through his National Office positions.
He focused on two questions we all should ask…”Why Do We Do This?” and “What Is In It For Me?”
Larry Guzy was born and raised in the Saint Louis area, graduating from a local Jesuit High School in 1966. From there, he went on to Marquette University, graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. He is a US veteran, serving 3 years in the US Navy aboard the USS Independence aircraft carrier. In 1973, he and his wife, Karin, moved to Marietta, Georgia, where he had his own business handling insurance claims for 40 years, retiring in 2013.
Larry joined the Sons of the American Revolution in 1995. He was the 1998-1999 President of Roswell's Piedmont Chapter, and took his first steps into involvement at the National level in 1999. By 2017, Compatriot Guzy was the 127th President General of the National Society - SAR. He is a dual member of the Mount Vernon Chapter, with his primary membership at the John Collins Chapter in Marietta, GA.
He continues to participate in local, State and National events for the SAR.
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Larry Guzy - John Collins Chapter
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Chapter Business & Announcements
(See Minutes for details)
Banquet Photos
- Treasurer’s Report – Bill Floyd reported a positive balance.
- Registrar’s Report - Tom Chrisman
gave a membership report advising the potential for three new members (one a possible chapter transfer) that would increase our membership to 70.
He also thanked members for their support during his Chapter Registrar tenure as this role is now assumed by Tom Hewett.
Tom will remain Chapter Genealogist.
- Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Award Presentation -
Scouting Chairman Chuck Olson announced the 2022 Mt Vernon Chapter King Eagle Scout Award winner, Donald J. Eberly. Donald is from Troop 463 in Sandy Springs and a second time winner of our chapter competition. Both President Richard McCrary and Chuck Olson presented Donald with his certificate of achievement and a Chapter check for $100. Because Donald received the King Eagle Scout Medal for 2021, Chuck Olson presented him with Oak Leaf Cluster to be added to the medal.
Donald was also proclaimed the State of Georgia King Eagle Scout Medal competition winner at the Annual Conference meeting on Saturday January 28, 2023, where he was awarded a scholarship check for $550 and a trophy. Donald’s 500 word essay entry was entitled "The Tactics of George Washington". His application is now at SAR National in Louisville, KY where it will be in competition against entries from most of the other state SAR societies, as well as overseas societies. The National SAR First Place winner is awarded a $10,000 scholarship; the first runner-up receives $6,000; 2nd Runner-up - $4,000, with smaller awards to other entries down to 15th place.
2022 GASSAR State Winner
(L to R) Dan Eberly, Chuck Olson, Donald and Mary Eberly
Donald was accompanied by his parents Daniel and Mary Eberly.
He plans on attending Kennesaw State college next fall and we wish Donald well. Congratulations to Donald Eberly!
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- Chapter Awards - presented by Shep Hammack
- A certificate from State for sponsoring 5 Grave Markings at Midway, GA.
- Three Streamers were presented to Sergeant-at-Arms Ham McDonald.
- Distinguished Chapter Award Streamer
- President General Award - Distinction Streamer
- 2022 Best Chapter Website Streamer
- Member Awards
- Richard McCrary - Received his own President pin and ribbon for his year in office. Huzzah Richard!
- David Wellons - The Distinguished Service Medal for his excellent efforts as Chapter Vice President.
(Acquiring guest speakers in 2022 and for the Americanism Report)
- Chuck Olson - Received the Bronze Roger Sherman Award for his efforts as Scouting Chairman.
- Bill Floyd - Received the Bronze Roger Sherman Award for his participation as Chaplain and with Color Guard duties at Chapter and State events.
- Chuck Rann - For his job as Web Admin - Received a 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster for his Bronze Roger Sherman Medal.
- Special Award
- Catherine McCrary - President McCrary awarded the Lydia Darragh Award to his wife Catherine for her support during his year.
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- Installation of Chapter Officers & Chapter President
by Shep Hammack, Metro Regional VP, GA Society SAR
- President - David Wellons
- Vice President - John Galt
- Recording Secretary - Warren McPhillips
- Treasurer - Bill Floyd
- Genealogist - Tom Chrisman
- Registrar - Tom Hewett
- Chaplain - Gene Ray
- Chancellor - Tom Pye
- Sergeant-at-Arms - Ham McDonald
- (2023 Corresponding Secretary Tom Hughes was not present and will be inducted at a later meeting.)
- Chapter Historian/Librarian - Shep Hammack (Installed by President Wellons)
- President Wellons - Gave us his expectations for the coming year. He hopes to increase membership, get more members involved in Chapter functions,
issue more
Flag Certificates,
strengthen our involvement in SAR Youth & Veterans Programs, and encourage more ideas from our membership. We all
look forward to David's leadership in 2023. Huzzah David!
- Our next regular meeting is March 14th at Vintage Pizzeria, in Dunwoody.
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Closing
- Recessional: Sergeant-at-Arms Ham McDonald
- Benediction: Chapter Chaplain Gene Ray
- The evening was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. by President David Wellons.
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Opening
- Location: Vintage Pizzeria, 5510 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA.
- President David Wellons began the meeting at 7 pm.
- The Invocation: Chaplain Gene Ray
- Presentation of Colors: The Mount Vernon Color Guard
- The Pledge of Allegiance and Pledge to the SAR: Sergeant-at-Arms Hamilton McDonald
Attendance
A total of 36 individuals were present at the meeting, including 22 members and a
combination of 14 guests/spouses, including Dr. David Noble (speaker), Wheeler (*) and Anne Bryan, Mac Trotter (*),
Henry Wyche (*), Catherine Jimenez, David Jimenez (C.A.R.), and Bob Pile (*).
(* Application in progress)
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President Wellons
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Members present were
Richard Anderson, Kevin Baker, Tom Chrisman, Jack Dyer, Bill Floyd (Carrie), John Galt (Peggy), Ross Glover
(Marie), Larry Guzy, Shep Hammack (Montez), Tom Hewett, Sunny Lee, Michael Long, Richard McCrary, Ham
McDonald, Warren McPhillips, Chuck Olson, Tom Owens, Chuck Rann, Gene Ray,
Dave Tharp, John Wassell
(Beth), David Wellons (Jane).
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Guest Speaker and SAR Compatriot - Dr. Dave Noble
(See Bio on Speaker Page)
Vice President John Galt introduced our speaker whose topic was “Atlanta in the Revolutionary War”.
Presentation Text:
Dr. Noble - Standing Peach Tree (.PDF)
Dr. Noble spoke about the three Patriot expeditions to “Standing Peach Tree” (Now Atlanta) during the
Revolutionary War. All were for the purpose of chasing invading Creek and Cherokee Indians from the
Pendleton District of South Carolina and north-eastern Georgia. The expeditions were in 1776, 1778,
and 1781. These were all volunteer heroes that drove the Indians away who had terrorized farmers and
land owners in support of the British. The story is truly remarkable and not widely known by many.
Dr. Noble is currently identifying/un-earthing remains of the Battle of Kettle Creek that will change and expand the scope of the Georgia Revolutionary War Battle.
Speaker Appreciation: VP John Galt presented Dr. Noble with a certificate of appreciation for his presentation.
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Dr. Dave Noble |
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Special Award to Chapter Member & Veteran Sergeant Erik Callison Olson
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The SAR War Service Medal was awarded to Mount Vernon member Erik Callison Olson by VP John Galt, Col. US Army Retired. Chapter member Chuck Olson received the SAR's 4th highest ranking medal for his son, who was unable to attend. Visit our
Veteran Awards page
for all awards.
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The War Service Medal
(SAR Precedence #4)
Medal Description (PDF)
SAR Medal Presentation Text (PDF)
Presentation Audio 
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Photo: VP John Galt (L) and Chuck Olson (R) |
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VP Galt invited attending SAR Veterans to join and stand while he made the medal presentation to Erik's father and fellow compatriot, Chuck Olson.
Veterans in photo (L to R): Tom Owens, Gene Ray, Larry Guzy (Dual member), Sunny Lee, Dave Noble (ATL chapter), John Wassell (Dual member), Ross Glover, Hamilton McDonald, Tom Hewett, and Speaker John Galt.
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Meeting Guest - David Jimenez - Past President, GA. C.A.R.
Chapter C.A.R. Liaison Kevin Baker
Past National C.A.R. President and Mount Vernon Chapter member Kevin Baker and Chapter Member President David Wellons
introduced special guest David Jimenez, National Historian for the C.A.R. (Children of the American Revolution). He was in attendance
as a guest of Kevin Baker. He was accompanied by his mother, Catherine Jimenez.
- David Jimenez gave a brief update on the CAR activities.
- Kevin Baker (our Chapter Liaison for the CAR) gave an update on his goals and objectives for the Mt Vernon Chapter, as mentor and support role for the local chapter of CAR.
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David Jimenez
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President Wellons, David Jimenez
and Kevin Baker |
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Kevin Baker
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Chapter Business & Announcements
(See Minutes for details)
- Presidents Comments – David Wellons
- Treasurer’s Report – Bill Floyd
- Registrar’s Report - Tom Hewett
- Genealogist’s Report - Tom Chrisman
- BOM Report – David Wellons
- March Birthdays: Cooper Hillard, Daniel Morgan, Scott Olson. Cecil Palmer, Gene Ray, Scott Olson.
- April Birthdays: Rick Anderson, Warren McPhillips, William Scurry Jr., Ben Tingle.
- Next Mt. Vernon Regular Meeting is Tuesday April 11, 2023, 7:00 p.m., at Vintage Pizza. Compatriot Bill Goodman of the Atlanta Chapter - SAR will speak on “That ______ Presbyterian War”.
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Closing
- Recessional: Sergeant-at-Arms Hamilton McDonald
- Benediction: Chapter Chaplain Gene Ray
- The evening was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. by President David Wellons.
- Minutes submitted by Recording Secretary Warren McPhillips
- Program by Vice President John Galt
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