Former Member Becomes an National Officer.
At the 122nd National Congress in Phoenix, Arizona, Rev. Dr. Randy
Moody of the Florida Society was elected to serve the position of
Chaplain General for the 2012-2013 term of office. Some of us know
him for his friendly and caring character at Board of Management
Meetings, and some of us know him personally as a former Chapter
member.
Randy Moody joined the SAR in 2005 through membership in the
Withlacoochee Chapter. Noticing his devotion to his faith, then
President John Camillo appointed Randy as Chapter Chaplain. In
2006, he was selected by Society President Lindsey Brock to serve as
Assistant Chaplain. Randy was later elected as Society Chaplain at the 2007 Spring B. O. M. meeting
and served in that capacity for five years.
He along with his son Phillip, who also joined our Chapter in 2006, were very active in the Chapter.
They participated in many events with the color guard marching in their South Carolina continental
line uniforms.
The Moody family relocated to Fort Myers after a troubled church contacted him for his helpful
assistance. He and Phillip transferred to the Caloosa Chapter FLSSAR in 2007 (Continued on page 07).
The Withlacoochee Patriot Paul Pardee, Editor: ( [email protected]) Withlacoochee Chapter FLSSAR
September 2012
Officers of 2012-2013 term.
President: Charles L. Day
1st Vice President: Edward Gingrich
2nd Vice President: James Echlin
Secretary: Frederick Learned
Treasurer: Jack Townsend
Registrar: John Pardee
Chaplain: Norman Freyer
Genealogist: John Pardee
Historian: Paul Pardee
Recent Past President: William G. Teater
September Birthdays!
Birthstone: Sapphire
Jean Nelson: September 12th
Les Hanlon: September 13th
Jud Lincoln: September 15th
Sondra Shinn: September 22nd
Dan Pushee: September 22nd
Anniversaries!
Frank and Edna Nadolny: Sept 01st.
Meeting Information
September Monthly Meeting
Our next general membership meeting is scheduled
for 11:00 am on September 15th, 2012 at Moose lodge
#2013. The lodge is located at 1855 Suncoast Blvd,
Homosassa, Florida. Wives and guests are always
welcome.
Agenda:
For this meeting, we will have Compatriot Bob Folk
give a biography about his ancestor, Frederick
Leaser. Afterwards, Chapter Historian Paul Pardee
will give a 10-15 minute presentation about the
United States Constitution in honor of its 225th
anniversary.
The lodge will be providing a buffet style luncheon
with chicken tenders, baked fish, scallop potatoes,
vegetables, cole slaw, & bread rolls. The meal is
$12.00 per person.
Board Meeting
There is an Executive Board Meeting scheduled for
1:00 pm on October 04th, 2012 at the Lakes Region
Library. The library’s address is 1511 Druid Drive,
Inverness, Florida. We will be discussing the agenda of the upcoming October regular
meeting. Members are welcome to attend.
The Withlacoochee Patriot Page 02
The Withlacoochee Patriot Page 03
Membership Certificate Presentations
New Members Last Name First Name Middle
Cook Robert William
Laughlin Duane Chauncey
Sheperd William Louis
Sturgeon Larry Dean
New Junior Members Last Name First Name Middle
Costa Anthony J.
Costa Samuel J.
Creech Andrew R.
New Associate Members Last Name First Name Middle
Haines Robert J.
New Supplemental Ancestors Last Name First Name Middle Ancestor Name/State
Folk Robert James Bernhardt Follweiler - PA
Learned Frederick Douglas Uriah Higgins - MA
Years of Service Awards . This particular presentation will be made at the October meeting.
Join Date Years Last Name First Name Middle
07/13/2007 5 Davis John J.
08/08/2007 5 Finney, Jr. Roy Pelham
09/24/2007 5 Marvin Harold Arthur
The Withlacoochee Patriot Page 04
2012/2013 Poster Contest Theme
At the summer B.O.M, the Elementary Poster Contest Committee reported that the theme
for this year’s competition will be the Declaration of Independence.
You may be asking, “What is this contest?” It is a part of the Americanism Committee,
whose goal is to support the values of liberty and freedom. This contest allows 3rd, 4th, and
5th graders to make an artistic and accurate poster depicting the event chosen by the
national committee. This competition also makes learning history fun for kids.
This program has been growing since its activation in 2010.
We started with 116 poster entries in 2010/2011 year. In last
year’s contest, we had a total of three schools (Two in Citrus,
and one in Hernando Counties) participating in the contest;
144 students submitted their posters for judging.
Chairman Norm Freyer will announce what plans the Poster
Contest Committee will be aiming for at the September
Meeting.
Declaration of Independence
“Declaration of Independence” by John Trumbull.
Commander: Richard L. Sumner II (352) 754-8928
Vice Commander: John A. Pardee
Adjutant: Paul A. Pardee
TAKE NOTICE!
We are in need of more Guardsmen
to further serve our Chapter, the
public, and most importantly, our
patriot ancestors. We dress in
American Revolutionary War
Uniforms marching in holiday
parades’ and observances’, and
posting the colors at our general
membership meetings.
If you are interested in joining our
ranks please contact the Camp
Commander to get started. We
would be honored to have you as a
fellow Guardsman.
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Upcoming Color Guard Events!
Fall Board of Management Meeting
October 19th – 20th 2012.
Address: Ramada Plaza Hotel-Inn Gateway 7470 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, Florida.
Citrus County Veterans Week
November 04th- 11th, 2012.
More information about this event will be published soon.
General Membership Meeting
November 10th, 2012.
See page 03 for the address.
The National Color Guard Committee has published a
new edition of the SAR COLORGUARDSMAN online.
Click here to read this quarter’s magazine. If you have
trouble viewing the PDF document, contact me to fix the
issue.
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Timeline of the American Revolution in the month of September
Provided by www.ushistory.org
1764
September 1 The Currency Act
1774
Sept. 5-Oct. 26 The First Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia and issues Declaration and Resolves
1776
Sept.15 The British occupy New York City
Sept.16 Generals George Washington, Nathanael Greene, and Israel Putnam triumphantly hold their ground at the Battle of Harlem Heights
Sept.19 Col. Williamson's patriots attacked by Cherokees at Coweecho River, NC
1777
Sept.11 The British win the Battle of Brandywine, Pennsylvania
Sept.16 Rain-out at the Battle of the Clouds, Pennsylvania
Sept.19 Burgoyne checked by Americans under Gates at Freeman's Farm, NY. This is part of the "Battles of Saratoga."
Sept.21 Paoli Massacre, PA
Sept.26 British under Howe occupy Philadelphia
1779
Sept. 23 John Paul Jones, aboard the Bonhomme Richard, captures British man-of-war Serapis near English coast
Sept. 28 The Tappan Massacre ("No Flint" Grey kills 30 Americans by bayonet)
1780
Sept. 23 John André arrested, leading to the exposure of Benedict Arnold's plans to cede West Point to the British
1781
Sept. 8 Greene defeated at Eutaw Springs, SC
Sept. 15 French fleet drives British naval force from Chesapeake Bay
1787 Sept. 17 U.S. Constitution signed
1764
September 1 The Currency Act
1774
Sept. 5-Oct.26
The First Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia and issues Declaration and Resolves
1776
Sept.15 The British occupy New York City
Sept.16 Generals George Washington, Nathanael Greene, and Israel Putnam triumphantly hold their ground at the Battle of Harlem Heights
Sept.19 Col. Williamson's patriots attacked by Cherokees at Coweecho River, NC
1777
Sept.11 The British win the Battle of Brandywine, Pennsylvania
Sept.16 Rain-out at the Battle of the Clouds, Pennsylvania
Sept.19 Burgoyne checked by Americans under Gates at Freeman's Farm, NY. This is part of the "Battles of Saratoga."
Sept.21 Paoli Massacre, PA
Sept.26 British under Howe occupy Philadelphia
1779
Sept.23 John Paul Jones, aboard the Bonhomme Richard, captures British man-of-war Serapis
near English coast
Sept.28 The Tappan Massacre ("No Flint" Grey kills 30 Americans by bayonet)
1780
Sept.23 John André arrested, leading to the exposure of Benedict Arnold's plans to cede West Point to the British
1781
Sept. 8 Greene defeated at Eutaw Springs, SC
Sept. 15 French fleet drives British naval force from Chesapeake Bay
1787 Sept. 17 U.S. Constitution signed
The Capture of Major John Andre
“Nation Makers” by Howard Pyle
depicting the Battle of Brandywine.
“Action Between the Serapis and
Bonhomme Richard” by Richard Paton
“Washington at Constitutional Convention of
1787, signing of U.S. Constitution” by
Junius Stearns.
The Withlacoochee Patriot Page 07
Being a member there for five years now, Randy has served in many positions including Color Guard
Commander and currently Chapter President.
Randy has received many awards for his robust activity. He is a recipient of the Bronze Color Guard
Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, the Silver Good Citizenship
medal, and the liberty medal. For his outstanding service to the Florida Society, he was awarded the
Patriot Medal by outgoing Society President, David Ramseur, at this year’s spring B.O.M. meeting. We
are looking forward to hear in the near future of him being nominated for the Minuteman Award.
Members of the Withlacoochee Chapter are not surprised that Randy is now Chaplain General; we
knew that he had the potential the first time we met him. He has been an invaluable compatriot from
the start of his membership in the SAR. We will always support him whenever he needs it.
Joe Hardiman, former editor of the Withlacoochee Patriot, published autobiographies of a few Chapter
members who were interested to share their own life‘s story. Randy submitted his memoir and was
published in the June 2006 newsletter.
Chapter Member Biography
Dr. Randy D. Moody
Randy D. Moody was born in the Stockholm
Restaurant in Heber Springs, Arkansas (the
building was Heber Springs Hospital at the time) in
1956. As a youth, I was active in my church, music,
and sports. I was president of my local church youth
group, presbytery youth organization, and the synod
youth organization. I was the baritone in a state
championship barbershop quartet and made all-state
choir two years. I was on two allstar baseball teams
and set a school record in track.
Upon graduation from high school, I enrolled in
Arkansas Tech University as a sophomore, having
earned my freshman credits by examination. I began
working for Wal-Mart and was offered a position in
store management three months before my nineteenth
birthday, which began my five-year sabbatical from
college. Upon returning to ATU, I completed my
Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in one and a
half year for a total of two and a half years in college,
not counting my five-year break.
Upon graduation from college, I entered Memphis
Theological Seminary where I earned my Master of
Divinity degree. I discovered that I had a talent for
redeveloping struggling congregations. In the next few
years, I averaged moving once every three years as I
would turn around a struggling congregation and
another struggling congregation would ask me to do
for them what I had done for others. I redeveloped
congregations in Tennessee (2), Louisiana, Texas, and
Florida; between the congregations in Texas and
Florida a started a new church, without benefit of a
core group, in Kansas. While redeveloping my
previous congregation in Florida, I commuted from
Tampa to Chicago earning my Doctor of Ministry
degree in Worship and Spirituality. I accepted the call
to serve as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of
Crystal River beginning in February 2005 with a
commitment to a long-term ministry.
In my last semester at ATU, I married Leshea Lewis.
She placed her education on hold
The Withlacoochee Patriot Page 08
while I completed my Master’s degree. In my last semester at MTS, our daughter Rachel was born. The second
time we lived in Memphis, our son Philip was born—we now avoid extended stays in Memphis. Leshea
completed her college degree after our son was born and is a science teacher; while I earned my doctorate,
Leshea earned a Master of Education degree. Rachel just completed her junior year at Florida Gulf Coast
University and Philip is completing his junior year in the Academy of Health Sciences at Crystal River High
School.
I have served as Moderator of three different presbyteries, as a Trustee of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Children’s Home in Denton, TX, and as commissioner to General Assembly, the highest church court in my
denomination. I am currently a Natural Church Development coach for the Presbytery of Tampa Bay, consulting
with pastors and their congregations seeking to grow. I am a member of the Rotary Club of Crystal River,
recently honored as a Paul Harris Fellow by the local club. My hobbies are golf and music.
My revolutionary ancestor of record is John Verner. John Verner was a Civil Servant in the revolutionary
government in South Carolina. Fewer records exist about John Verner's service in the revolution than his sons,
John, Jr., David, and James. I am currently working on my supplemental application for David Verner who
joined the South Carolina militia in 1776 in Ninety Six District. David Verner served under Capt. Robert
Anderson and Col. Andrew Pickens initially and later under Capt. James Pettigrew, Jr. (his uncle) and Maj.
Michael Dickson. In 1778, David was on the Florida Expedition, serving under Captain James McCall and
Colonel Andrew Pickens. He was in the battle of Kettle Creek. In 1781, David fought in the siege of Ninety Six.
John Verner's son, James, died of smallpox in Charleston, SC while a prisoner of the British; he had
been taken prisoner in a battle near Long Cane Creek, in Ninety Six District, in Dec. 1780. John, Jr. fought under
Gen. Morgan in the Battle of Cowpens as well as the siege of Ninety Six. John Verner's father-in-law, James
Pettigrew, served in the colonial troops and, being skilled in medicine, was called on to treat wounded
soldiers.
Photo From the Past.
Members of Thomas Jefferson Camp #11 Color
Guard pose for a picture before marching in the 2007
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Brooksville. From left to
right are Miranda Pardee, Banner Girl; Richard
Sumner, Commander; Jack Townsend, Adjutant;
John Pardee, Vice Commander; Randy Moody,
Private; Paul Pardee, Drummer; Jerome Rawson,
Private; Phillip Moody, Private; and Julia Pardee,
Banner girl.
This photo was taken by Charlie Day.
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Committee Organization 2012-2013
Ass’t Chaplin: Charlie Day Veterans Nursing Home:
Chairman: Larry Sturgeon
Color Guard Commander: Richard Sumner Bill Teater
Vice Commander: John Pardee Jack Townsend
Adjutant: Paul Pardee Jimmie Barnes
DAR Liaison: Harley Nelson Publicity:
Chairman: Jimmie Barnes
Keyhole to History: Vacant Vice Chairman: Charlie Day
Student Poster Competition: Medals and Awards: Jack Townsend
Norman Freyer, Chairman
Larry Sturgeon Newsletter: Paul Pardee
Flag Certificates: Jack Townsend Eagle Scout Program:
Chairman, Charlie Day
Friends of the Library: Harley Nelson Vice Chairman, Richard Sumner
Good Citizenship: Jack Townsend Scout Triplet Program Liaison: Vacant
Chapter Challenge: Charlie Day
JROTC Program:
Membership: John Pardee Chairman: Jim Echlin
John Davis
Ass’t Genealogist: Bob Folk Jack Townsend
Harley Nelson
Veterans Programs Committee: Jimmie Barnes
Chairman: Vacant
Vice Chairman: Vacant Budget & Finance:
Bill Teater
Veterans Fair: Jack Townsend
Harley Nelson Charlie Day
Jack Townsend
Bill Teater
Webmaster & Electronic Technology
Veterans Parade: Dan Pushee.
Bill Teater
Richard Sumner
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If you would like better copies of the pictures shown in this month’s newsletter, go to our
chapter website at www.flssarwith.org or email me at [email protected]. The website is
maintained by Compatriot Dan Pushee.
If you want the Withlacoochee Patriot to honor your ancestors who fought in the cause for
American Independence, please send me your ancestor’s biography for publication.
This site is very interesting for those members who want to find out more about their patriots
service. It’s called Fold 3 formerly footnote. They have all sorts of records, including:
pensions, obituaries and newspaper clippings, US census, ect. I find this site to be a valuable
tool to any genealogist who wants to explore more military information about his/her
ancestor who participated in the American Revolution and beyond.
Would you like to see your ancestors gravesite? You may be able to see it at
www.findagrave.com . This website is excellent for anybody who wishes to see their
ancestor’s tombstone for info they didn’t know about.
US Gen Web is a website which has a lot of county information you would like to know
about. If you would like to know the town cemeteries, or see if they have a local record you
are searching for, this is the site to go to.
Jas Townsend & Son is the place to get your militia and continental uniform gear.
The Sutler at Mt. Misery is like Jas Townsend but with more inventories that will certainly
add style to your uniform.
Darlene Neuhaus doesn’t have a website but you can email her to make an order for your
customized uniform. A few of our guardsmen wear these uniforms and they are very proud
marching in them. If you would like to place an order by phone, her number is 817- 496-
4160. Email me to get the form.
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The Pledge of Allegiance
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the republic
for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The Americans Creed
I believe in the United States of America, as a government of the people, by the
people, for the people; whose just power are derived from the consent of the governed;
a democracy in a republic; sovereign nation of many sovereign states; a perfect union,
one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice,
and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its constitution, to
obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.
The SAR Pledge
We, descendents of the heroes of the American Revolution, who by their sacrifices
established the United States of America, reaffirm our faith in the principles of liberty
and our constitutional republic, and solemnly pledge ourselves to defend them
against every foe.
The SAR Recessional
Until we meet again, let us remember our obligations to our forefathers who gave us
our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, an independent Supreme Court, and a Nation of
Free Men.