St. Augustine Chapter Sons of the American Revolution Newsletter for May The Bill of Rights

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1 Page1 St. Augustine Chapter Sons of the American Revolution Newsletter for May 2013 The Bill of Rights On September 25, 1789, Congress transmitted to the state legislatures twelve proposed amendments, two of which, having to do with Congressional representation and Congressional pay, were not adopted. The first ten Amendments (Bill of Rights) were ratified effective December 15, The concept that the Bill of Rights and other constitutional protections against arbitrary government are inoperative when they become inconvenient or when expediency dictates otherwise is a very dangerous doctrine and if allowed to flourish would destroy the benefit of a written Constitution and undermine the basis of our government. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugh Black, 2008 Preamble The conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.

2 Page2 Amendment I. Congress shall make no laws respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or of the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for the redress of grievances. Amendment II. A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. Amendment III. No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. Amendment IV. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. Amendment V. No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand July, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. Amendment VI. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and causer of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense. Amendment VII. In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of common law. 2

3 Page3 Amendment VIII. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Amendment IX. The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. Amendment X. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. CHAPTER NEWS New members inducted into SAR: Two Compatriots were inducted into the St. Augustine Chapter during the regular meeting on May18. They are Jerry Hanchett and Wilson McMullen. Compatriot Hanchett s patriot ancestor is Ebenezer Hanchett Jr. Compatriot McMullen s patriot ancestor is John McMullen. With the addition of these two compatriots, our chapter roll now carries the names of 47 compatriots. L to R: Oscar Patterson, Jerry Hanchett, Wilson McMullen Past Chapter Presidents recognized: Compatriots George E. McCabe, Jr., William A. Roberts, John Tinny and Sydney Spink were recently recognized for their service as President of the St. Augustine Chapter. L to R: Syd Spink, Oscar Patterson, John Tinny 3

4 Page4 FLSSAR President Philip Tarpley presented certificates to past Chapter presidents during the BOM meeting in May. Compatriot Roberts received his certificate at the BOM. Compatriot McCabe will receive his certificate in the fall. Flag Certificates: The St. Augustine Chapter presented a Flag Certificate to Mr. Larry Reider of Captain s Pointe in St. Augustine during the annual meeting of the Captain s Pointe Homeowners Association on May 14, The presentation was made at the Riverview Club in The Shores. Flag Certificates are presented to individuals, businesses, schools, L to R: Larry Reider, Oscar Patterson government agencies and others who display the U.S. flag in the proper manner and for patriotic purposes. The new Chairman of the Flag Certificate committee is compatriot David Simpson. It you would like to make a nomination for a Flag Certificate, please send it to him. JROTC Bronze Medals Presented: JROTC Bronze Medals were presented to Outstanding Cadets at St. Augustine High School on Friday, 3 May, 2013, at Nease High School on Thursday, 16 May, and at Crescent City High School on Friday, April 26, during those units annual awards ceremonies. The presentation at St. Augustine High was made by Compatriot John Tinny. The cadet honored was Tyler Joiner. Compatriot William Roberts made the presentation at Nease High School. The cadet honored at Nease was David Hernandez. The presentation at Crescent City High School was made by Dr. Oscar Patterson III St. Augustine High School s JROTC and Crescent City 4

5 Page5 High School s JROTC unit are affiliated with the U.S. Army. The unit at Nease High School is affiliated with the U.S. Navy. Recipients are selected by the military instructor at the respective high schools based on their high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, military bearing and general excellence. Cadet Tyler Joiner of St. Augustine High School JROTC was also presented with a copy of The Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence. He was reminded that, while he is a JROTC cadet and a possible future soldier, he is first and foremost a citizen of the United States. L to R: Tyler Joiner, John Tinny Cadet Hernandez also received a copy of the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. The JROTC Bronze Medal endeavors to recognize and foster the principles of the citizen soldier exemplified by the Minutemen. The medal depicts a Minuteman holding a rifle, with a plow and the Liberty Bell. L to R: William Roberts, David Hernandez, Mrs. Priscilla Hernandez 5

6 Page6 Cadet Michael Hess received the JOTC Bronze Medal at Crescent City High School. The Bronze JROTC Medal, authorized in 1965, is presented only to students in secondary school JROTC units. A silver version of the medal is presented to students enrolled in a university ROTC unit. L to R: Oscar Patterson, Cadet Hess. Public Safety/Heroism: The Chapter s Public Safety and Heroism Committee had a most active month. Presentations were made in Palatka on 23 April then two presentations were made in St. Johns County and one in Putnam County on 24 April. On Tuesday, 23 April 2013, Compatriot William Roberts presented the Emergency Medical Services Medal to EMT/Paramedic Joseph G. Hannan of the Putnam County Fire & EMS Department. Hannan was recognized for his high degree of motivation and dedication. The letter from Fire Chief Michael Patterson noted that Hannan has strived to improve himself by taking numerous extra work related classes and courses... [and] has demonstrated respect and loyality when interacting with his superiors. He has demonstrated his determination to succeed and advance himself as a member of our department. At 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 24 April 2013, Compatriots William Roberts and Oscar Patterson presented the SAR Emergency Medical Services Medal to Firefighter/Paramedic Casey Lane and the Fire Safety Commendation Medal to Engineer Matthew Hooker of the St. Johns County Fire and Rescue Department. 6

7 Page7 In his letter nominating Lane, Joel Sneed, Deputy Chief for Operations, noted that Lane has continued to show excellence in the practice of medicine and above average decision making skills with regards to rescue and its crew... It is an honor to work with Casey. L to R: Oscar Patterson, Casey Lane, William Roberts, Matthew Hooker Sneed noted in his letter recommending Hooker that Engineer Hooker spent a great deal of time this year furthering his education earning six different certifications. He also volunteered to reorganize and lead the St. Johns County Fill the Boot campaign. Engineer Hooker, Sneed notes, is a man who truly takes initiative... working (volunteering) as the lead paramedic for the St. Johns County Sheriff s Office SWAT Team. At 11:00 a.m. on the same morning, Wednesday, 24 April, Compatriots Roberts and Patterson along with Compatriot Vernon Myers presented the SAR s Law Enforcement Commendation Medal to Ms. Kim Revers of the Putnam County Sheriff s Office. Revers was nominated to receive the award by Capt. Dominic Piscitello, Chief of Investigations for the PCSO. L to R: William Roberts, Vernon Myers, Kim Revers, Oscar Patterson Revers began her career with PCSO as a Sexual Offender and Predator clerk. She currently tracks 200 offenders. In addition, she is the Criminal Investigative clerk and case management coordinator. After 7

8 Page8 normal working hours, Revers assist with crime scene processing and the recovery of evidence. She is very reliable, notes Piscitello. No task is too big for her, and she is always looking for new ways to expand her knowledge. To complete a busy day, Compatriots Roberts and Patterson returned to St. Johns County where they presented six (6) Law Enforcement Commendation Medals to members of the St. Johns County Sheriff s Office during the Department s General Staff Meeting at the county s administrative building. Medals were presented to CPL Vinnie Russo, Ms. Melissa Farris, Dep. Nathan Datsko, Dep. Steven Lay, CPL Dominic Giordano and SGT David Tarbert. L to R: William Roberts, CPL Vinnie Russo, Ms. Melissa Farris, Dep. Nathan Datsko, Dep. Steven Lay, CPL Dominic Giordano, Oscar Patterson. Not pictured, SGT. David Tarbert. CPL Russo supervises the Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP) section and has diligently and conscientiously performed his duties in an outstand 8

9 Page9 manner. He drew upon his many innovative and creative talents to build the ILP section and has led the SJSO into using a more pro-active approaching to impacting crime. In addition to his intellectual background, Russo has an infectious personality and the uncanny ability to generate positive working relationships with various groups of people. He is also active in the ACE program, the Haunted House and to preparing composite drawings. Mrs. Melissa Farris is a civilian employee of the SJSO who is a diligent and conscientious worker and, above all, is consistent in her performance and is motivated to strive for exceptionally higher standards. She is resourceful, creative and a solution-oriented person who frequently brings new and innovative approaches to her assigned duties. She also attends Flagler College during her off hours and is raising three small children while her husband is deployed. SGT David Tarbert, CPL Domenic Giordano, Dep. Nate Datsko and Dep. Steven Lay were recognized for their efforts in rescuing a family of five (5) trapped in an apartment fire in Ponte Vedra Beach. The mother, father and three small children were trapped on the second floor of the unit. Fire blocked all exits from the unit and was breaking through the roof when the deputies arrived. After an unsuccessful attempt to locate a ladder, the deputies, under the supervision of SGT Tarbert, made the decision to remove the family by encouraging them to jump from the second floor. The parents then lowered the three children to the deputies on the ground who moved them to safety. The father then assisted the mother out the same 2 nd floor window dropping her to the deputies waiting below. Finally, the father lowered himself out of the window and dropped to the ground. His fall was broken by Dep. Lay who received a minor injury to his leg. The fire quickly spread to the whole building and the roof collapsed. The building was declared a total loss. The deputies worked with Sawgrass 9

10 Page10 Security and the St. Johns County Fire and Rescue department to remove the family to safety and protect surrounding buildings. Good Citizenship presentation: Compatriots William Roberts and Jerry Hanchett presented Bronze Good Citizenship Medals and Certificates to Mr. Lester Chatley and Mrs. Shirley Chatley, volunteers for the Betty Griffin House in St. Augustine, during ceremonies on 22 May Mr. and Mrs. Chatley have volunteered over the past several years and have made a significant effort and contribution to providing for the wellbeing and recovery of the families that are in the care of the Betty Griffin House. Bronze Good Citizenship Medals and Certificates are presented to persons who have made a noteworthy achievement in their school, community or state. It is presented by the chapter, state society or National Society. L to R: Front Row, Shirley Chatley, Lester Chatley Back Row, William Roberts, Jerry Hanchett 10 The Betty Griffin House offers protection and quality services for victims of Domestic Violence and their minor children and/or victims of Sexual Assault and their families of St. Johns County, FL, through operation of a shelter offering assistance, counseling, and transitional support.

11 Page11 Its mission is to educate the community about services provided and raise awareness of the problems of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in order to break cycles of abuse. MAY 2013 CHAPTER MEETING The Chapter assembled at 11:00 A. M. for the business meeting at Le Pavillon Restaurant. President Patterson called the meeting to order at11:10 A. M. Members present: William Griffith; Jerry Hanchett; Stephen Luckau; Edward Neely Sr.; Wilson McMullan; Oscar Patterson; William Roberts; David Simpson; Dean Smith; James Smith; Syd Spink; Bob Tarrant; John Tinny. Guests: John Brown; Noah Budkoski. Speaker: Chuck Meide The Lamp Director at the lighthouse. Total: 16 Invocation: Given by President Patterson. Pledge of Allegiance: Led by President Patterson. SAR Pledge: Led by Compatriot John Tinny President Patterson presented to Compatriots John Tinny and Sydney Spink FLSSAR Certificates for having served as the President of the St. Augustine Chapter SAR. Photos were taken (page 3 above). President Patterson performed the Chapter induction ceremony for the two new members. These were Jerry Hanchett and Wilson McMullan. William Roberts pinned the rosette on the lapel of each new member the two new members were welcomed into the Chapter. Pictures were 11

12 Page12 taken (pages 3 & 4 above). President Patterson introduced the speaker Chuck Meide the Lamp Director at the lighthouse. St. Augustine has had the most dangerous sandbars in the days around the late 17 hundreds. It also has had the most shipwrecks and at the end of the Revolution there were 16 refugee ships wrecked on these sandbars. This makes the area a great area for marine archeologists to study the wrecks. They have in the past year found a ship which dates to the evacuation of the Loyalists from Charleston S. C. In order to locate these wrecks they use metal detectors and sonar. These ships are covered in sand. This latest ship they are working with has been dated to the time of the evacuation after the revolution. The population of St. Augustine after these evacuations reached nearly 30,000 when the normal population was around 1,000. There are four archeologists at the lighthouse. President Patterson presented Chuck Meide a Certificate for Outstanding Citizenship and the pin for the Outstanding Citizen. Minutes: A motion was made and seconded to approve the April 2013 minutes as corrected. The motion was approved. Treasurer: The balance was $ and was accepted for record. Vice President: It would be to the Chapters benefit if we could get some radio recognition. President: At the BOM there was discussion about the revisions to the by-laws. We received a red ribbon for the Chapter Challenge and also an honorable mention for the Earl Marlin Contest and a check for $50. 12

13 Page13 Registrar/Genealogist: All the membership applications at National have been approved and finalized. Currently working on two potential new membership applications. There are two new prospects to interview this month. Public Safety/Heroism: A presentation to EMS at Putnam Co. was made April 23,2013. On April 24th presented two awards to Firefighter/EMS at St. Johns Fire Rescue Headquarters. A Law Enforcement Commendation Award was presented at the Putnam Co. Sheriff's Office Awards Ceremony. Six Law Enforcement Commendation Awards were presented at the St. Johns Co. Sheriff's Office quarterly management meeting held at the St. Johns County, County Commissioners Building, St. Augustine. Chaplain: No report Historian: See JROTC Boy Scouts: No report. JROTC: May 6th the Bronze medal was presented at Nease High School. Compatriot Tinny presented the Bronze JROTC Medal to Cadet Tyler Joyner at the St. Augustine High School. Good Citizenship Certificate: Six Good Citizenship Certificates were presented at Hickory Creek School. Two Good Citizenship Medals are to be presented at Betty Griffin House in the near future. Old Business: None. New Business: Memorial Day there will be Massing of the Colors at the St. Augustine National Cemetery. Members should be there at 9:30 AM. Cadets from St. Augustine JROTC will hold the flags during the ceremony. 13

14 Page14 The Past Presidents may present a Distinguished Service Medal to one member for each term they served. A motion was made and seconded that the Past President will pay for the Medal they present to a Chapter Member. The motion was passed. Benediction: Given by President Patterson Recessional: Led by Compatriot Tinny The next meeting is 11:00 A.M.at the Le Pavillon Restaurant on Sept.21, The meeting adjourned at 1:30 P.M. The speaker for the next meeting is Cheryl Strickland Clerk of Court for St. Johns County. Speakers for 2013: September 21, 2013 Cheryl Strickland, Clerk of Court, St. Johns County October 19, 2013 Rev. David Baker, Religion and the Revolution November 16, 2013 Election of Officers for 2014, speaker TBA December 21, 2013 Installation of Officers, speaker TBA President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Dr. Oscar Patterson III Dean Smith Sydney Spink Robert Tarrant opatters@comcast.net deano54@bellsouth.net linsyd@bellsouth.net kaynbobtar@bellsouth.net Registrar/Genealogist: Historian: Chaplain: Sergeant-At-Arms: William R. Roberts John Tinny David Hoffman Drew Upchurch Roberts237@be;llsouth.net overlook3@comcast.net rdavidhoffman@bellsouth.net dsupchurch@gmail.com Past Presidents Michael H. Charles 1988 George L. Houghtalling 1998 George I. Knowles Syd Spink 1983 John L. Mikel Charles A. Tingley 1999 John D. Tinny William A. Roberts Alan R. Edwards 1991 Harry A. Stowell III 2000 Richard E. Welty 1986 Charles A. Tingley Donald R. Fisher* George E. McCabe Jr James A. Keamey John D. Tinny Norman L. Antle 14

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