arizona society sons of the american revolution …myrna edgar, and ed karr (whom we are lucky to...

ARIZONA SOCIETY SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION ABRAHAM RUDDELL BYRD III M.D., PRESIDENT Web page URL: www.sar.org/azssar

SAR-IZONA NEWS July 2011 IF YOU CAN READ THIS, THANK A TEACHER! -- IF IT IS IN ENGLISH, THANK A VETERAN!! REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

FLY YOUR FLAG PROUDLY

Any day you wish. July 4 – Independence Day; July 11 – Disbanded US Navy and US Marines re-established to deal with Barbary pirates; July 19 – Adm. John Paul Jones died; July 27– Korean War Ended; Aug. 14– VJ Day – Aug. 19 – National Aviation Day; Sept. 5 – Labor Day; Sept. 11 – Terrorist Attacks on USA soil - as well as Patriot Day - and Grand Parents Day; Sept. 17 – U.S. Constitution Day; Sept. 19 – POW/MIA Day; Sept. 25 – Gold Star Mothers’ Day; Oct. 7 - War on Terror Began; Oct. 8 - Yom Kippur; Oct. 10 – Columbus Day; Oct. 27 – Navy Day

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dear Compatriots,

From July 7 – 14 my wife and I, along with a good- sized contingent from Arizona, were privileged to attend the 121st National Congress of the Sons of the American Revolution in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This year was particularly important for us to have representation as it is the “dress rehearsal” for our Congress next year in Phoenix. Attending with my wife Gayle Reay and me were Mike and Martha Jones, Warren and Nancy Alter, Dr. Daniel Heller (Rocky Mountain District Vice President General), immediate Past President Walt and Helen Seaton, Wesley and Myrna Edgar, and Ed Karr (whom we are lucky to share with Colorado). Bob and Shirley Young unfortunately were prevented from attending due to car

trouble. The Congress was well attended and we had good interest shown at our booth for 2012, thanks to the efforts of Mike Jones, Warren Alter and all the Arizona and New Mexico attendees. And on behalf of the Medical Committee, I once again demonstrated the use of the AED for members and guests. The business of the Congress included some topics that generated controversy, including representation on the Board of Trustees of past Presidents General and the Executive Committee, as this is not in our original charter. It was ultimately decided to allow each to be voting members of the Board of Trustees by voice vote of the Congress, which was done. Also, the resolution of the Arizona Board that the Gold Good Citizenship medal is awarded by the decision of the Medals and Awards

Committee and the Executive Committee was decided to be the correct interpretation and was passed. AND, speaking of awards, we cleaned up!! Thanks to the tireless work of Compatriot John Harrill, we have once again won the coveted Jennings Flathers award for the best state newsletter. We cannot say ‘thank you’ enough to Compatriot Harrill! And, due to the extra-ordinary efforts of Past President Albert Niemeyer in painstakingly documenting our activities for the Americanism committee, we won

Next year the Arizona and New Mexico Societies will be the hosts for the National Congress on July 7-12, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. We need your help to make us proud!

SAR-izona News July 2011 Edition “ OUR NATION WILL REMAIN THE LAND OF THE FREE ONLY SO LONG AS IT IS THE HOME OF THE BRAVE.”

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the President General Activities award nationwide! In addition, we won awards for State Officers attendance at leadership meetings (thanks to Walt Seaton, Warren Alter, Mike Jones and others), an award for activities with the CAR, and three of our members, Mike Jones, Warren Alter, and Ed Karr won the Liberty Medal with Oak Leaf clusters for the number of new members they sponsored. Finally, and not least, the Hohokam Chapter of the CAR won the Eleanor Smallwood Niebell Award “to the State C.A.R. Chapter judged to have the best newsletter.” Compatriot Ed Karr, whom we are lucky to share with Colorado, was elected Vice President General for the Rocky Mountain District, succeeding Dr. Dan Heller. And I was elected as the Surgeon General for 2011-2012 (this is scary). I am deeply appreciative of the all the work that our members have done and continue to do, and look forward to meeting all of you in the coming months.

****** 2012 CONGRESS AD

Compatriots: Are you ready for the 2012 Congress in Phoenix, Arizona? We are ready to make your visit to Phoenix a delightful experience. The Arizona and New Mexico Compatriots have been planning this for four years. We welcome you to come and experience our famous “It’s a Dry Heat” life style. Congress 2012 will be a “Casual Congress”. Leave your suits at home. Bermuda shorts and collared short sleeve shirts are the accepted attire except for the Tuesday and Wednesday night Banquets. Minutemen will need white coats on Recognition night. Events for the Congress will start at 8:00AM on July 6 with InfoSessions on the Tucson and Santa Fe Presidio’s so plan your flights or drive to arrive on July 5th. July 7th will be a tour of the Heard Museum (www.heard.org) followed by the Host Reception. Please visit our web site at www.sar2012congress.com or access it via the Arizona or New Mexico State web sites for more details. The Arizona Ladies Auxiliary needs your help prior to the 2012 Congress.

They plan to collect as many tele-phone calling cards, Patriotic/SAR/ or blank “Thank You” cards as they can and send them to our troops at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. In the Ladies Hospitality Room they will address “Thank You” cards with a calling card inserted. As an individual, chapter or society gather the calling cards (any denom-ination) and “Thank You” cards and mail them to our house. If you prefer to make a donation, send a check payable to AZSSAR and we’ll buy the calling cards for you. J. Michael Jones 2012 Congress Planning Chairman 212 W. Country Gables Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85023-5250 Email: [email protected]

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2011 NSSAR CONGRESS Pictures of Rocky Mountain District Gathering at Flannigan's Irish Pub during NSSAR Congress

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At the 2011 Congress, the WINNER of the 5 days/ 6 nights at the Arizona Biltmore for next years 2012 Congress in Phoenix, AZ is Jim Faulkinbury of California. The winning ticket was drawn last Tuesday night in NC. The below picture of Mike Jones and Jim Faulkinbury will

soon be on the 2012 Congress web site (www.sar2012Congress.com).

The WINNER of the butterfly pin sold by the AZSSAR Ladies Auxiliary was Anna Marie Lee of Texas. Thanks to all who participated. The raffle for the Sons of Liberty bronze art & the powder horn/hunting bag will continue until the 2012 Congress. The 2012 Congress Planning Team

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Compatriots: RE: 2012 Congress Looking into polo collared shirts for all 2012 Congress workers. No price, color or plans confirmed yet. Tell me your size and quantity needed for you (and lady if required). If you have not decided to be a worker please look at the congress web site www.2012sarcongress.com and see what all we'll be doing - you might change your mind. If so, contact myself or the committee chairman.

Mike Jones

New State/District Web Sites

(Update your links) AZSSAR Web Site: http://www.azssar.org/ Rocky Mt District Web Site:

http://www.rmdistrictsar.org/ ******

COLOR GUARD ACTIVITIES Last Saturday, June 11 Guardsmen from the Phoenix Chapter presented colors at the US Army birthday party.

We were treated to a very nice lunch and heard the president of the Civil War society discuss the Union Army uniform. We also had a very nice presentation by Maricopa County Attorney Wm. Montgomery on the progression or American Army war time correspondence to loved ones at home.

Dr. Perry shares some photos of the US ARMY BIRTHDAY party that were photographed by Jerry Davis.


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NATURALIZATION CEREMONIES

The Tucson Chapter, SAR, Color Guard assisted in honoring Flag Day at the Tucson Federal Courthouse Naturalization Ceremonies on June 10th. Approximately ninety individuals were awarded citizenship in two separate ceremonies on this particular day. The Color Guard is fortunate to have participated in these ceremonies and see the happy faces of the new citizens and their families. Shaking hands

and picture taking were, as might be expected, the order of the day. Attendees were surprised to learn that a young uniformed “lad” was really a young uniformed lady: Theresa Williamson. It was pointed out that women often served in the American Revolutionary War, many times in disguise, and sometimes with the knowledge of the men of the line. Color Guard attendees besides Theresa Williamson were: Jim Williamson, John Agner, Dr. Rudy Byrd, Jim Kimbrough, George Lipphardt, Albert Niemeyer, and honorary member Chris Francis.

George Lipphardt with Robed Hamadi Suawini holding her naturalization certificate and flag.

Color Guard attendees minus Rudy Byrd. ******

Lost/Missing Service Awards/Medals

Veterans who have lost their service medals, ribbons and decorations may receive replace-ments free of charge from the Armed Services by filing out a simple form and forwarding it to the appropriate service center. The program is also available to families of deceased veterans. A Standard Form 180 can be obtained via mail by calling 314-538-4261. The form can also be downloaded from the following Web site: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

replacement-medals.html Once the Standard Form 180 is completed, it must be mailed to the appropriate Armed Forces Service Center.

ARMY: National Personnel Records Center, Medals Section (NRPMA-M), 9700 Page Avenue, St Louis, MO 63132-5100

AIR FORCE: (Including Army Air Corps) National Personnel Records Center, Air Force Reference Branch (NRPMF), 9700 Page Avenue, St Louis, MO 63132-5100

NAVY, COAST GUARD, MARINE CORPS: Bureau of Navy Personnel Liaison Office, Room 5409, 9700 Page Avenue, St Louis, MO 63132-5100

Once the request has been mailed, it may take several weeks for the Records Service Center to check service records and eligibility (including eligibility for some decorations that veterans were not aware of) George Lipphardt

Buy from Amazon.com and benefit the SAR The National Society Sons of the American Revolution is an Amazon Associate, a partnership that will produce revenue for the NSSAR general fund. Here’s how it works: Visit the National website at www.sar.org. Click on the login button, which will take you to a screen where you can request access to the member’s only parts of the website. Click on the Com-patriots tab, and scroll down to the Member Services tab and click on it. That’s where you will find Amazon.com. Follow the instructions found there to shop and place your online order. Anything you purchase from


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Amazon.com by following the links on the NSSAR website will result in a percentage of the sale being sent to NSSAR where it will be assigned to the general fund.

Bob Bowen, President Virginia Society SAR

DAR Liaison Report The contest rules for the SAR/DAR Award contest have changed and therefore dictate that you use a revised DAR Finder Form when a DAR member has been involved with the recruiting of a NEW SAR member. A copy of the new DAR Finder Form is attached. Please review the contest rules at: http://www.sar.org/Committees/DAR_Liaison DAR Liaison State Chairman J. Michael Jones [email protected]

ARIZONA C.A.R. MEMBERS ELECTED AND

APPOINTED TO NATIONAL OFFICES

The N.S.C.A.R. held their 116th National Convention at the Crystal City Gateway Marriott near Washington, DC on 15-17 April 2011. Two Arizona C.A.R. members were installed as national officers at the installation ceremonies at the sunny spring setting along the Potomac River at Mt. Vernon following the wreath laying ceremony at the tombs of George and Martha Washington. Katherine M. Wanegar was installed as Vice President for the Rocky Mountain Region. Kate is

an Honorary Arizona State President, N.S.C.A.R. She is a life member of the Hallie Orme Thomas Society, C.A.R. Kate will be a junior at the University of Arizona this fall. She was an ASDAR debutante in 2009. Brandon Karr was installed as National Organizing Secretary. He

is a life member of the Hohokam Society that meets in Tempe. In 2010-11 he held the position of National Treasurer. A graduate of Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale, he will be a freshman at Biola University in La Mirada, CA this Fall. Brandon is a Junior Member of SAR. His father and grandfather are also SAR members Jonathan Slusser was appointed National Chairman, American Heritage Committee. He is a life member of the Hohokam Society, past National Vice President of the Rocky Mountain Region and Honorary Arizona State President. Jonathan will be a senior at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Scottsdale this fall. His grandfather is a member of SAR. Rob Weis was installed at Mount Vernon as Arizona State President There were about 620 total attendees at the National Convention. There were 107 first-time attendees and 253 voting delegate C.A.R. members.

****** AWARD AT 2011 NSSAR CONGRESS The Hohokam Chapter won the Eleanor Smallwood Niebell Award “to the State C.A.R. Chapter judged to have the best newsletter.”

We need your chapter bulletin for our Society’s state history. We also need any articles and pictures about your Chapter’s happenings and data you think may be of interest to our members in the SAR-izona News.

If possible, each chapter should designate a Public Relations person to provide the SAR-izona News with its current and upcoming events and programs.

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The next tentative deadline for articles will be:

October 15, 2011 Send to SAR-izona News Editor: John W. Harrill 10905 E. Flintlock Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 Preferred method is email at [email protected]

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NEWS FROM THE CHAPTERS

Barry M Goldwater Chapter

The Barry M. Goldwater Chapter of the Sons of the Revolution was chartered on November 16, 2002, and currently serves those Compatriots living in North Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Carefree, and Fountain Hills, AZ.

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On April 23rd the Goldwater SAR Chapter and the Paradise Valley DAR Chapter held a joint social and fund raising event at the Wine Styles Store at 32nd Street and Shea. Both chapters netted a profit of $206.50 from the cover charge and raffle ticket sale items. It was a lot of fun and we hope to do it


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again. Thanks to Carolyn Rearly, Chapter Regent, for organizing the event.

Enjoying the wine are Earl & Betty Atwood

Along with Jeanne & Dennis Weiland

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At our May 19th meeting the JROTC winner C/LTJG Richard Nouansavanh of Greenway High School and his family were present

for his award presentations and reading of his essay. Richard will be spending part of his summer vacation at Annapolis for some intense training. What an experience that will be for him. We all wish him well.

****** Colorado River Chapter

The Colorado River Chapter serves Compatriots in Kingman, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City, Parker and Yuma. The Chapter

holds its monthly meetings the second Saturday of each month (Sept to May) at 11:00 A.M. in the Mohave County Library, 1770 McCulloch Boulevard North (K-Mart Plaza), Lake Havasu City.

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Palo Verde Chapter The Palo Verde Chapter was chartered on January 11, 1969. Serving the East Valley Communities of Gilbert, Apache Junction, Ahwatukee, Chandler, Mesa, Sun Lakes, and Tempe.

****** The Palo Verde Chapter meets at 8:30 AM on the second Saturday of each month (Oct. through May) at the Dobson’s Restaurant, 2155 S. Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ... During June, July, and Aug. we meet once each month socially in the evenings at various restaurants. Each September we remember 9/11 and honor fire fighters at an evening dinner. Each October we honor outstanding law enforcement officers. Everyone is invited to our meetings. Contact Art Cantrall (480) 966-9837 for any questions and/or directions to our meetings.

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IN MEMORIAM

With sadness we report that Janice Candioto, the wife of Past President Jack Candioto died June 21, 2011. She was a long

time resident of Sun Lakes and loving mother of four children. She is survived by Jack, her husband of 59 years and her children: David (Cherryl); Mark (JoEllen); Michael; as well as eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren, and brothers Eugene and Gary Zimmerman.

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Phoenix Chapter The Phoenix Chapter meets every Tuesday at noon at the Crown China Super Buffet (back meeting room) at 5505 N 7th St., Phoenix, AZ (NE corner of 7th St and Missouri).

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Prescott Chapter The Prescott Chapter meets on the 3rd Saturday of the Month at 12 noon, except no meetings are held in July and August. All meetings are at Plaza Bonita (formerly Casa Bonita) Restaurant, 1317 E. Gurley St. at Hwy. 89, phone 928-778-3716, except the November meeting is held at St. Michael's ballroom on Whiskey Row in downtown Prescott.

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Rim Country Chapter The Rim Country Chapter was chartered on

September 12, 2009. We serve the Rim Country of Arizona with members from the towns of Payson, Pine, Strawberry and Showlow.

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Saguaro Chapter The Saguaro Chapter meets at 8:30 am on the 2nd Saturday of each month except June, July, August, and September. It is a breakfast meeting at the Five & Diner Delux, 11340 W. Bell Road, # 125, Bel Mar Plaza, Surprise, AZ 85374.

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IN MEMORIAM Saguaro Chapter Compatriot Jim Harmonson passed away early this morning on June 23rd. He was our newest member. I am sure you will recall that when his application was being prepared, Jim was critically ill and under home hospice care. His application was submitted on February 21, 2011. Everyone involved in the application review graciously responded to a request for expedition. His application was approved on March 29 and the induction ceremony was conducted at his home on April 16th. Although his illness and death is sad, this entire experience brings with it a definite sense of gratitude and pride in our organization. God Bless his soul. Jan D. Huber, Chapter President

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IN MEMORIAM Saguaro Chapter compatriot Peter Barkhaus died in June. He was only 21 years old. His first line signer was J. Michael Jones. He was approved for membership 3/16/10. Peter is survived by his mother Doina Barkhaus, and his father, Raymond Barkhaus, who is also a member of the Saguaro Chapter, both having joined at the same time. Their Patriot is John Evans, a member of the Virginia Militia 1776 & 1777, and County Clerk 1782.

****** Don Jolley, of Mesa, Arizona, provided the program at the April 9, 2011, meeting of the Saguaro


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Chapter. He is an artist who concentrates on historical sketches including many of the Civil War. He is very busy with Civil War reenactment activities. He volunteers a significant amount of his time in teaching Civil War history at local schools which includes directing field reen-actments of the Battle of Gettysburg by 7th graders. For this significant community service, Don was honored with the SAR Bronze Good Citizenship Award.

SAG Chapter President Jan Huber presenting the SAR Bronze Good Citizenship Award to Mr. Jolly who is in Civil War uniform.

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A combined SAR/CAR display was set up today at the Sun City West Library on R. H. Johnson. It will be in place until August 5. If

any of you stop and take a look, please let me know if the CD's and/or brochures are all gone and need to be replenished. Jan D. Huber 19140 N. Moondance Ln. Surprise, AZ 85387 (623)975-4805

Tucson Chapter The Tucson Chapter of the SAR was chartered on 12 December, 1964. We are the oldest continuously functioning Chapter in the State. We currently serve all of Southern Arizona

****** IN MEMORIAM

Tucson Chapter Compatriot Robert V. Davis, passed away May 22, 2011. He joined Tucson Chapter 6/4/2009 Warren Alter was his first line signer. Robert was born 11/28/24, membership numbers 174129 (AZ 2410). There were apparently no public services and no obituary could be found.

IN MEMORIAM

Past State and Tucson Chapter President of (Tucson Chapter 1993, AZSSAR 76th President 1999-2000),

LCDR Lawrence DeLoss Nelson, USNR (Ret)(Larry), 88, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2011. In May, 1942, Larry joined

the United States Navy as a cadet aviator where he earned his naval wings and served in the Pacific for the remainder of World War II. He was recalled to service during the Korean War, and then pursued a 30 year military career flying both fixed wing and rotary aircraft in various duty stations. After serving in the Navy, LCDR Nelson taught in community college and high school for ten years. He was always active in many organizations. Nelson has been a past president of the Arizona Reserve Officers Association, Toastmasters Club. He was a member of the Scottsdale Historical Society, Arizona Genealogical Society, Scottsdale Old Timers, Sons and Daughters of the '89-ers, the '89-er Pioneers (Hennessey, Oklahoma), Elks Lodge (San Manuel, Arizona) and Phi Delta Kappa (University of Arizona). Larry is survived by his wife of five years, Mary Sorenson Nelson; son, John; daughters, Patricia McWilliams (Tom) and Susan Matthews (George); eight grandchildren and four great- grandchildren.

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IN MEMORIAM

Tucson Chapter Member Edward Boyles, Sr., passed away quietly on Friday evening June 17th surrounded by loving family and friends. He was 92 years old. Ed was a Life Member of NSSAR and we will miss his presence at our meetings and events. He will be interred at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Fort Huachuca, AZ.

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Tucson Chapter Color Guard members George Lipphardt and Al Niemeyer attended the June 14th Flag Day Ceremony at Saddle-brooke. Seven American Flags from different eras were presented to the front of the assembled group with George Lipphardt presenting the 1815 Flag and Al Niemeyer presenting the 48 Star Flag. Featured Speakers were Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu and Oro Valley Police Officer Zach Pierce.

Sheriff Paul Babeu and Al Niemeyer

****** The Tucson Chapter Color Guard attended a solemn Evergreen Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 30th, 2011. Featured speaker was Pima County Supervisor Ray Carroll. Albert & John Niemeyer pre-sented the Chapter Mem-orial Wreath at the Dais. Later,the Tuc- son Chapter Color Guard gave a ceremonial Musket Salute.


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The below picture is of the Tucson Chapter Color Guard: Left to Right: Al Niemeyer, Mike Pavlich, Theresa Williamson, Dr. Rudy Byrd, John Niemeyer, George Lipphardt & Jim Williamson. (Picture by Bill Morrow)

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New U.S. Army Rifles No hiding place from new U.S. Army rifles that use radio-controlled smart bullets.

The XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement System has a range of roughly 2,300 feet - and is to be deployed in Afghanistan this month. The rifle's gun sight uses a laser rangefinder to determine the exact distance to the obstruction, after which the soldier can add or subtract up to 3 meters from that distance to enable the bullets to clear the barrier and explode above or beside the target. Soldiers will be able to use them to target snipers hidden in trenches rather than calling in air strikes. 'You could shoot a Javelin missile, and it would cost $43,000. These rounds will end up costing $15.50 apiece. They're relatively cheap.

CREDIT FOR QUOTE USED

Elmer Davis is credited with the quote in the newsletter header.

****** Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free. -Ronald Reagan

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"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery."

Winston Churchill

ROAD TRIP While on a road trip, an elderly couple stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch. After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant, and resumed their trip. When leaving, the elderly woman unknowingly left her glasses on the table, and she didn't miss them until they had been driving for about forty minutes. By then, to add to the aggravation, they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around, in order to return to the restaurant to retrieve her glasses. All the way back, the elderly husband became the classic grouchy man. He fussed and complained, and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire return drive. The more he chided her, the more agitated he became. He just wouldn't let up for a single minute. To her relief, they finally arrived at

the restaurant. As the woman got out of the car, and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, the old geezer yelled to her, "While you're in there, you might as well get my hat and the credit card."

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HIGH URINALS A group of 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, accompanied by two female teachers, went on a field trip to the local racetrack, (Churchill Downs) to learn about thoroughbred horses and the supporting industry (Bourbon), but mostly to see the horses. When it was time to take the children to the bathroom, it was decided that the girls would go with one teacher and the boys would go with the other. The teacher assigned to the boys was waiting outside the men’s room when one of the boys came out and told her that none of them could reach the urinal. Having no choice, she went inside, helped the boys with their pants, and began hoisting the little boys up one by one, holding on to their 'wee-wees' to direct the flow away from their clothes. As she lifted one, she couldn't help but notice that he was unusually well endowed. Trying not to show that she was staring the teacher said, ‘You must be in the 5th grade.' 'No, ma'am', he replied. 'I'm riding Silver Arrow in the seventh race, but I appreciate your help

DOOLITTLE RAID ON TOKYO First time a B-25 took off from a carrier.


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THE LAST US SPACE SHUTTLE LANDS SAFELY

I watched with deep sadness and concern as Atlantis and four astronauts returned from the International Space Station in triumph Thursday, bringing an end to NASA's 30-year shuttle journey with one last, rousing touchdown that drew cheers and tears. Our space program has now been outsourced to the Russians (remember the “Cold War”) and China. >>> A Chinese General has said—He who controls space controls the land and the sea. I ask where does that leave us, when our intelligence agencies suspect that the largest current electronic hacking attempts on our satellites, defense contract bidders, US military and government agencies are mostly originating in China. They also have intercontinental missiles, as large or larger fleet of submarines, and are almost ready to launch a refurbished air craft carrier. We, in turn, are gutting our defense budget.

In addition, here’s another story coming over the wire: While coalition forces in Afghanistan wage a battle against improvised explosive devices, a Military.com investigation has revealed Pakistani officials are turning a blind eye toward smugglers who deal in the main ingredient used to make the deadly weapons. Much of the supply has been carried across the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in trucks contracted by NATO.

AZSSAR known members of our state’s WW II Corps

1. Robert C Bohannon, Jr 79143 267 PHX Chapter 2. James M Bugbee 141023 1702 PV, PHX and BMG Chapters 3. Donald G Connelley 157097 2044 TUC and SAG Chapters 4. Richard C Hudnall 142981 1731 SAG Chapter 5. John S Huff 170151 2295 PRS Chapter 6. Ralph Jackson 117111 979 PV Chapter 7. James E “Pete” Peterson, Jr.177936 2481 BMG Chapter 8. Carlton V Phillips, Sr 165422 2205 BMG Chapter 9. Clifford K Platt, II 142504 1728 TUC Chapter 10. Robert Miller 132693 140 PV Chapter


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MERIWETHER LEWIS CARRIED AN AIR RIFLE

ON THE LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION The air rifle Lewis carried was not a “BB gun” but a little known, .44 caliber, Austrian made, 22 shot weapon that had a very fast loading, repeating, and almost silent shooting action. It was a military model repeating air rifle invented in 1780, by Bartholomäus Girandoni, of Vienna. The gun made little sound and no powder smoke when fired. The gun’s stock was actually an air tank that was pumped with an external hand pump for 1,500 times to obtain maximum 800 psi air pressure for 300 shots. However, it had deadly fire power at much lower pressures. Meriwether Lewis’s rapidly repeating air rifle has been described by scholars as “The Most Important Individual Gun in American History.” It certainly didn’t “win” the West – that was done a half century later by great intimidation and violence from Colt and Winchester firearms. (It is interesting to note however, that the significance of those firearms also came from being repeaters. Furthermore, it did not “open” the West – by the early 1800’s, much of the West had already been opened for trade with the natives by British and French traders. White men, who carried single shot muzzle-loading firearms, were not uncommon on both sides of the Rockies. Indians, intent on overpowering white travelers at that time, used the tactic of attacking in force while the whites were reloading after their first shot. They had never seen a repeating rifle and thought it had magical powers. However, that truly was minor compared to what was accomplished by the Lewis’ air rifle in that it apparently developed its "firepower diplomacy" without having killed a single person. Captains Lewis and Clark realized early in the expedition what a great impression could be made by dramatic demonstrations of their "magic" air rifle. Appearing in formal formation, with flags and banners flying and dressed in their colorful full dress military uniforms, the Corps built a tone of high theatre around the previously loaded and charged repeating air rifle. This painting illustrates one of these shows, in which Captain Lewis demonstrated his air rifle to a large group of high ranking Yankton Sioux. Some of the honor guard braves have run to the distant target tree and are incredulously reporting that numerous lead balls are buried in the wood even though the gun had not presented any smoke or fire and relatively little sound. Captain Clark, in later journal entries, made it clear that they implied that the Corps had a large number of these guns. Captain Lewis’ air rifle was lost and misidentified for many years, it was found. After many months of intense confidential study, experts Cowan and Keller concluded that the gun was definitely an authentic military version made in the Girandoni shop. Other experts, Baker and Currie, studying Girandoni design and function in England, concurred with this conclusion. Compelling facts became evident that this air rifle had belonged to Meriwether Lewis while referencing his journal entries and dismantling the rifle and examining its parts. Cowan made a startling, most unexpected discovery: the flat mainspring was a replacement! And, the mainspring was not just a replacement, but a very old replacement that apparently had been made using a farrier’s file (a horse hoof trimming file) as spring material. A small area under the mainspring revealed the almost completely removed diamond shaped groove pattern of such a double cut file. Other astonishing discoveries about this gun like its twenty-two shot capacity, replaced wood parts, dents and gouges described in on-the-spot journal notations of Captain Lewis and other expedition members made an almost absolute identification of the weapon. Pictured below is the opened scarph (under the barrel) joint in the forearm of the Beeman Girandoni. The wood at the left is original European walnut. The replacement wood at the right is American walnut. (Beeman collection and photo)

After the positive identification, air rifle went from the Cowan shop into high security storage at the U.S. Army War College in March 2005. (In March 2006 it was loaned to a Lewis and Clark display at NRA's National Firearms Museum. In May 2007 it went to its final home at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.


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DAR STATE SOCIETY MAKING REFERRAL

DAR FINDER REPORT FORM Every year at the NSSAR National Congress the National Society presents a $500 award to the DAR State Society that wins the DAR/SAR Award based on the guidelines of the contest. It is essential that the information of this form be recorded at the chapter and state levels but the form must be forwarded to NSSAR HQ with the application. The Staff Registrar at HQ will use these forms to determine the winner. See http://www.sar.org/Committees/DAR_Liaison for details. Only one DAR Finder Form to be submitted with each SAR application.

THIS APPLICANT IS FROM THE _______________________________ CHAPTER, AZSSAR.

NAME OF SAR APPLICANT _____________________________________________________

NAME OF DAR MEMBER MAKING REFERRAL:_______________________NSDAR#__________

NAME OF HER DAR CHAPTER: ___________________________DAR Chap. # ______________

FIRST LINE SPONSOR (SAR) ________________________________ NSSAR# ___________

It is imperative that we maintain an accurate record of the DAR members who assist us in obtaining new members into our society. We encourage them to do so because we reward their efforts by presenting them with SAR medals based on their level of participation. Individual SAR State Society guidelines may be different. An accurate record must be kept by Sponsors (first line signers), all chapters and at the state society level because a DAR Finder may assist with new members at multiple chapters or even in other state societies.

Medal of Appreciation Martha Washington Medal


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SOME ACTIVITIES OF THE COLOR GUARD - CAN YOU SEE YOU?


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Dear Compatriot & Spouse, Arizona and New Mexico State Societies are the Hosts Societies for the National Congress on July 7-12, 2012 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix. All planning must be completed by November 1, 2011! We have some work to do. Various committees still need workers - members and wives. Committee’s that still need volunteers to work are as follows: Ladies Hospitality Room, Host reception, Registration, Credentials, Banquet Decorations, Fund Raising, Attendee Bag Items & Assembly, Memorial Service, Music, Publicity, Protocol-Ambassadors Help us make this Congress memorable and fun!!! Respond to one of the three Compatriots listed below, please! Submit one sheet for the member and another sheet for his lady. (PLEASE PRINT) I, ___________________________, am excited about the 2012 congress coming to Phoenix and would like to serve on the ___________________________ committee and will volunteer to work prior to or during the Congress at the Biltmore Resort. My cell phone number is __________________________________ My telephone number is __________________________________ My email address is _____________________________________ My mailing address is _______________________________________________ Comments: _____________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ Warren Alter Jim Thornton Mike Jones 6743 E. Rosewood Pl. 4 Ensenada Dr. 212 W. Country Gables Dr. Tucson, AZ 85747-5503 Santa Fe, NM 87508 Phoenix, AZ 85023-5250 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (520) 886-1980 (505) 466-7146 (602) 863-2520

arizona society sons of the american revolution …myrna edgar, and ed karr (whom we are lucky to...

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