Officer Reports. 120th TXSSAR Annual Convention. March Houston, Texas. President Robert S. Cohen

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1 Officer Reports 120th TXSSAR Annual Convention March Houston, Texas Presidents Report President Robert S. Cohen Greetings Compatriots. We continue to visit Chapters and promote the campaign, Celebrate the Past, Strengthen the Present, Shape the Future. Chapter visits include the Hill Country,

2 East Fork Trinity, William Hightower, Texas Tech, Panhandle Plains, Freedom, Col. Turner Sharp, Paul Carrington, Edmund Terrell, Capt. William Barron, Red River Valley, Plano, Athens, Heart of Texas, Bluebonnet, Freedom, and Maj. K. M. Van Zandt Chapters. Additionally, visits include the San Antonio, Boerne, Independence, East Texas, and Brazos Valley Chapters with planned visits to the Laredo, Fredonia, Arlington and Bernardo de Galvez Chapters. We ve enjoyed meeting so many nice people, installing officers and frequently presenting the program on Spain and the American Revolution - An Intrinsic Gift. Jane has promoted the Ladies Auxiliary and the quilt designed by a new SAR member s wife, Phoebe Hartline. Thanks to the District VP s for their assistance. The Texas SAR lapel pins Emphasizing the Brand continue to be a popular item. We have given out the 500 pins originally ordered, and have received a second order so we can, during my term as President, continue to present one of the pins to each Texas SAR member who attends a SAR meeting where I am in attendance. Wear the lapel pin proudly and help recruit prospective SAR members. Publicize Texas SAR, and use the brand. Brochure and Elevator Speech Contests. The 2015 deadlines for the Elevator Speech Contest and for the Brochure Contest are both passed. There were entries in each of the contests. State Registrar Resigns. Gerald Irion has elected to resign as Texas State Registrar (Coastal). After consultation with David Temple, State Registrar (Inland), and others, I will leave the position vacant until the March State Convention when another State Registrar can be elected by the members. Until that time all member applications and supplements are to be sent to David Temple at the address detailed on the Texas SAR website. I extend my sincere thanks to Gerald for his numerous years of service as an Excellent Genealogist. GoTo Meeting Sessions. An additional GoTo Meeting session was conducted in 2015 primarily for the State Genealogy Committee. David Temple did an excellent job of leading this session with help from State Genealogy Committee members and additional help from John Sinks, Genealogist General. Discussion included the procedure for Committee members to assist in reviewing applications submitted for membership in the SAR. Also, a review of those items that are acceptable evidence of birth, death, marriage, and Patriot service was discussed. The sessions provide a way to share ideas and training to help SAR. Board of Managers Meeting. The Heart of Texas Chapter did an excellent job of hosting the Fall 2014 Board of Managers (BOM) Meeting in Temple at the Hilton Garden Inn. I want to thank them on behalf of the Texas SAR for an outstanding job of preparing and conducting the meeting. At the suggestion of the State Meetings Committee, the BOM began with a general session, a change from previous meetings. Committees continued to develop and execute their plans for the Texas Society SAR during the remainder of Saturday.

3 At the banquet on Saturday evening the Texas Society began the Vietnam 50-year Anniversary Celebration. All Vietnam era Veterans present were honored by the Texas SAR Veterans Committee, Chaired by Frank Rohrbough. All SAR Chapters should sign on the national website to participate in the multi-year event - refer to the article in the Winter 2015 issue of the Texas Compatriot. George Washington Birthday Parade - Laredo. I participated in the George Washington Birthday Parade in Laredo on February 21, along with the SAR President General and four other National officers. Additionally, some 40 SAR members from Florida, Georgia, New Hampshire, as well as Texas participated. There were thousands of spectators lining the parade route. Some Chapters may want to participate in this the World s Largest George Washington Parade in the future. 125-Year Anniversary. On April 30, 2014, the National SAR reached a milestone in the history of this organization. The Texas Society was formed on December 8, 1896, one hundred eighteen years ago. SAR New Member Information. The National SAR Brochure entitled, SAR New Member Information tells how the SAR is organized and how plans are developed and executed. This brochure will be especially useful for new members. Go to the National website (sar.org) and search for Form I recommend it to all Chapters to present to new members, especially, but other members as well. Lineage Research Committee. A few Chapters have appointed Lineage Research Committees. The purpose of this committee is to assist individuals identified as potential Chapter members to prove their ancestry to become a member of the SAR. This committee, also, provides some relief for an overworked Chapter Registrar by taking some of the workload off the Registrar to assist individuals in finding proofs of their lineage. Chapters will need more that one person working as Registrar (Assistant Registrar) in order to prepare member applications. President Elect Report Larry G. Stevens State President Elect Larry G. Stevens Report of President Elect After the 2014 Convention in San Antonio, I completed my duties as Staff Secretary by writing the minutes for the EXCOM and the Convention and forward these for review and to our new Staff Secretary Mike Radcliff.

4 On the State Level, I attended all sessions and the BOM of our Convention in San Antonio and chaired the States Meeting Committee for Tom Jackson. And, I attended the Long Range Planning meeting which met in conjunction with the Long Range Planning Committee chaired by Bob Cohen. I participated in the Color Guard activities. I was presented the Roger Sherman Silver Medal by President Stephen Rohrbough which was quite an honor. In June, I helped Past Texas President Dr. James Heath organize and mark the Grave site of a Revolutionary War Soldier buried in Matagorda Texas. Color guardsmen from the Bluebonnet Chapter, Victoria, Freedom, Alexander Hodge, and PineyWoods participating in the event as well as officials from the city and county. I was honored to read the history of this Patriot. Beginning December 6, 2014, I was invited and did install new chapter officers for the Bernardo de Galvez Chapter, Cradle of Texas, Blue Bonnet, Freedom, Paul Carrington, PineyWoods, and Paul Carrington for the year. On the Chapter Level, I am serving as the Registrar and Newsletter Editor which I have served these position for the past three years. I had 4 new member applications for PineyWoods approved and published 5 PineyWoods Chapter Newsletters; Pine Shavings which are posted on the PineyWoods Chapter Web-site. I was honored to receive the Chapter Distinguished Service Medal presented to me by Chapter President Ben Stallings and the other officers of the chapter. This was a surprise and a great honor. On the National Level, I have attended all Nation Congresses since Dallas 2006 and All SAR Leadership/Trustee meetings beginning in July 2013 through July 2014, I served as the Secretary and Registrar of the NSSAR International District under International VPG James T. Jones. I submitted 2 new International applications, one in Australia and one in Tel Aviv. These were approved. My Term ended at the 124 th SAR Congress in Greenville. I served as the NSSAR Chairman of the Education Committee and achieved all PG Initiatives charged to the committee by PG Dooley. Also, I was instrumental in the National Society endorsement of the Values Through History education program, Why American Is Free Curriculum during the general session at Greenville. I am the Vice Chair of the National Society Newsletter Committee, Secretary of the National Society History Committee, a member of the NSSAR National Congress Planning Committee, The Color Guard Committee, and Patriot Grave Committee, and History Committee. At the Color Guard Breakfast at Greenville, I was presented the highest service award that can be received, the Von Steuben Medal. President Joseph Dooley presented me the Meritorious Service Medal during the general session of the Congress for service during his presidency. Also, in June, I attended the National Society Conference on the Women of the Revolutionary War hosted by NSSAR PG Joseph Dooley. This was the 5 th Conference Joe has put together for the SAR and it was a memorable event and very educational. Also, in attendance from Texas were President Bob Cohen and Jim Jones as well as our spouses; all DAR members. Next year, the SAR Conference will be in Mt. Vernon and the information should be posted on the National site after the first of the year. LGS President Elect 22 March 2015

5 Immediate Past-President Stephen W. Rohrbough I attended the November 7-9, 2014 BOM meeting in Temple, TX and participated in the activities and programs including the Flag presentation to the hotel managers and staff, meet the Candidates for national office, Opening Ceremonies, the BOM Business sessions, and events. The most enjoyable part of the meeting was presenting the Awards received at the 124 th Annual Congress in Greenville, SC July 19-23, The Texas Society won 13 State Awards and 7 Chapters won awards. There were 12 members recognized with Lamplighter Awards and Medal for $19,000 in contributions to the Center for Advancing America s Heritage (CAAH). The Texas Society won the President General s Activities Award and the USS Stark Memorial Award for large State size category, Admiral Furlong Flag Award, and Presidnet Generals Initiatives Awards for CAAH ($3,500), USO ($750), and Mount Vernon George Washington Portriats ($500) and received Streamers. Announcement of these awardswere in the Fall Edition of the Compatriot Newsletter and an article was sent to all Chapter Presidents by DADA message on September 23, It was a very good meeting with a lot of committees meeting discussing the business of the state Society. Respective submitted, Stephen Rohrbough, Immediate Past President February 28, 2014 Secretary Henry J. Voegle Activities since my report for the Fall 2014 Board of Managers meeting: Received, added to database, sorted, placed in envelopes and mailed new members certificates and numerous supplemental certificate who were approved during October, November, December, January, and February. Update the TXSSAR database by making corrections and by entering new postal and addresses into the National and Texas Society database. Also, update membership data based 2015 on dues payments. Set up database for 2015 and clean up inconsistent data. Prepare and submit Annual membership report to National for reconciliation. The reconciliation report as submitted reflected a change in membership from 1,995 on January 1, 2014, to 2,118 on January 1, There were 191 new members, 22 new junior members, 1 new memorial member, and 16 members who transferred in calendar year Also in 2014, there were 56 members who died and 1 resignation.

6 Direct requests to join SAR to a chapter near requestor s residence. Obtain needed items from Merchandise Department and receive, inventory and process certificates and medals. Confer with Past State Secretaries, President and communicate with database specialist, Allan Henshaw, to coordinate updates to the TXSSAR database programs and maintain the database in the cloud. Participate in conference calls concerning the new National database which is expected to come on-line sometime in Sincerely, Henry J. Voegtle Secretary Staff Secretary Michael Radcliff the Committee Reports and Officer Reports received were posted on the Texas Web-site by Ray Cox in the timely manner Communications Secretary Communications Secretary Report Sam Massey March 23, 2015 Communications Secretary Activites: 1. Forwarded Blu requests to join SAR to the TXSSAR chapter nearest requestor s residence. a. for b. for 2015 year to date DADA message work Total DADA message sent in , year to date a. to Members in , ytd b. to Chapter Presidents in , ytd c. to District VP s in , ytd

7 d. to TXSSAR officers in , ytd e. to Executive Committee in , ytd f. to Board of Managers in , ytd g. to Chapter Registrars and Geneologist in , ytd h. Nov 2014 created new mailing list (laux) for communications to Ladies Auxillary i. to Ladies Auxillary in , ytd Current total DADA addresses Members Ladies Auxillary DADA Bulk Mailer Information TXSSAR is using a bulk er to send information and announcements to the membership. By using a bulk er, you are allowed to subscribe or unsubscribe from the list at any time, you can update your own address in the mailer, and by using this consolidated list, TXSSAR can reduce the amount of s you will receive concerning the society. The mailer will also allow us to keep you better informed of society news and activities. Every time you receive an from the bulk er, TXSSAR will be readily identified as the sender and there will be a link that you can use to "Opt Out" (unsubscribe) off of the list if you so desire. Note: Sometimes an innocent process like unsubscribing and then resubscribing with the same address will result in your address being placed on our system "black list." If this happens, you may be prevented from re-subscribing or receiving s. If you suspect a problem of this type or have other problems with our system, please contact the webmaster for a solution. Information on Subscribing/Unsubscribing To Subscribe to the TXSSAR Members mailing list via the link below, proceed as follows: 1. Enter all of the fields seen on the form ( address, last name, first name, national number, and chapter number). If this information is not included, your subscription may be rejected because it cannot be verified. 2. Make sure the "Subscribe" choice is selected (click the radio button to select). 3. Click the green "Submit Your Information" button. You will then see a screen that will inform you that a "Subscribe" verification will be sent to the address you specified. When you receive this verification , you must click the Subscribe

8 verification link in the to verify your subscription action. When you click the verification link, you will see another mailer screen in your browser informing you that your subscription was successfully processed and you will also get a final verification . This process ensures that no one can subscribe for you, as you have to "Double Opt-In" before you are actually added to the list. To Unsubscribe to the TXSSAR Members mailing list via the link below, proceed as follows: 1. Enter your address on the form. The extra fields are not required to unsubscribe. 2. Make sure the "Unsubscribe" choice is selected (click the radio button to select). 3. Click the green "Submit Your Information" button. You will then see a screen that will inform you that an "Unsubscribe" verification will be sent to the address you specified. When you receive this verification , you must click the "Unsubscribe" verification link in the to verify your Unsubscribe action. When you click the verification link, you will see another mailer screen in your browser informing you that your Unsubscribe action was successfully processed and you will also get a verification . This process ensures that no one can Unsubscribe you, as you have to "Double Opt-Out" before you are actually removed from the list. To Subscribe/Unsubscribe for Members mailing list go to Changing Your Address Even if you belong to more than one TXSSAR Mailer list (other lists are for officers and committee members) you can easily update/change your address in any/all lists in one easy step. If you have not previously registered your TXSSAR Pro DADA Profile you will need to do so...otherwise log in to make the desired change Color Guard participation NSSAR in Greenville memorial service and national meetings, July 18-23, 2014 TXSSAR in LaPorte at Battleship Texas, Bastille Day Ceremony, July 14th 2014NSSAR in Laredo at George Washington Parade, Feb 21st 2015 Respectfully submitted, Sam Massey Communications Secretary, Texas SA

9 Treasurer John Beard Checking Account Monthly Reconciliation Larry Stevens Piney Woods Chapter is assisting in this process. Independent 2013 Audit Results Frank Melvin, CPA completed 2013 audit report. There were no material adjustments to the financial statements. Frank Melvin has been engaged to perform the 2013 audit and return preparation. The 2013 Form 990 was filed on November 15, 2014 considered timely. Frank Melvin, CPA is working on the 2014 audit and 990 filing IRS Form 990-N (e-postcard) The 2014 Form 990-Ns are due by May 15, 2015 for most chapters. Note from IRS: If you do not file your e-postcard on time, the IRS will send you a reminder notice but you will not be assessed a penalty for late filing the e-postcard. However, an organization that fails to file required e-postcards (or information returns Forms 990 or 990-EZ) for three consecutive years will automatically lose its tax-exempt status. The revocation of the organization s tax-exempt status will not take place until the filing due date of the third year. As of December 31, 2014, 41 out of 41 active chapters (100%) have properly filed their respective 2013 IRS Form 990-N (e-postcard) Dues Notices The 2015 TXSSAR Dues Notices were mailed in November FINANCIAL INFORMATION Financial Highlights Balance Sheet Total Assets exceeded $1 million at year end as a result cash from unremitted dues and the increases in the carrying value of investments. Revenue Total revenue favorable variance of $27,500. Realized Earnings from Investments were favorable by $17,700 Unrealized Gains on investments was $17,000 year to date. Patriot Fund donations were short of estimates by almost $5,000 as a result of reduced donation activity. Expenses

10 Expenses had a total unfavorable variance of $5,000. This primarily relates to Patriot Fund approved projects were roughly $4,500 over budget because of heavy award redemption from prior years. Balance Sheet by Class as of December 31, 2014 Profit & Loss by Class as of December 31, 2014 TXSSAR Investment Status as of December 31, 2014 Patriot, Perpetual & Richie YTD Performance TXSSAR 2014 YTD Budget Variance Report 2014 TXSSAR 2015 Proposed Budget Patriot Funds Projects Committee A Roll Forward Report based upon the By-Laws, Awards Budget, and Investment Earnings Realized and Donations. The report provides guidance to the Patriot Fund trustees for making awards. Chapter Banking Information I have received banking information for 32 of the 40 Chapters. By transferring the chapter dues via ACH it will eliminate the large group of outstanding checks as shown above. The 8 remaining chapters were solicited to participate in January 2015, no response from them or the District VP who were copied on the request. This is my final report as Treasurer of Texas SAR. It has been my honor to be a part of the leadership of the Society for the past few years. I will be retiring this summer and moving to Knoxville, TN and plan to be active at the state level there as well as at National. Respectfully Submitted John C. Beard TXSSAR Treasurer

11 Registrar (Coastal Group) David Temple Chapter JAN 1, 2015 THRU FEB 24, 2015 Chapter # New Applications Supplementals Bernardo de Galvez 1 5 San Antonio 4 1 Paul Carrington 5 4 Patrick Henry 11 4 Corpus Christi 14 Major White 17 Permian Basin 18 Paul Revere 19 1 Daniel Wood 22 Heart of Texas Capt. John McAdams 27 1 Hill Country 31 1 Cradle of Texas 33 William Hightower 35 2 Freedom 38 5 Independence 40 4 Liberty 42 Alexander Hodge 49 3 Victoria 50 1 Piney Woods 51 2 Athens 54 Live Oak 55 1 Aaron Burleson 59 Laredo 61 Robert Rankin 62 Boerne 64 2 Alexander Hamilton 66 Maj. K. M. Van Zandt 6 Arlington 7 Texas Tech 15 Denton 23 Plano

12 Registrar (Inland Group) David Temple Chapter JAN 1, 2014 THRU DEC 31, 2014 Chapter # New Applications Supplementals DALLAS MAJ K M VAN ZANDT ARLINGTON COL TURNER SHARP 9 PANHANDLE PLAINS 10 1 TEXAS TECH 15 3 BIG COUNTRY 16 PERMIAN BASIN 18 3 DANIEL WOOD 22 DENTON 23 CAPT WM BARRON LT. NATHAN GANN 28 HILL COUNTRY 31 WACO 32 EDMUND TERRILL 34 7 NORTH CENTRAL TX 36 PLANO INDEPENDENCE 39 BLUEBONNET 41 6 AMB. FLETCHER WARREN 43 LEON RIVER VALLEY 44

13 BRAZOS VALLEY EAST FORK TRINITY ALEXANDER HODGE 49 1 EAST TEXAS 57 3 FREDONIA 58 2 MCKINNEY 63 4 BOERNE 64 PARIS 65 4 TOTAL Chancellor Terry Pounder Nothing to report Chaplain Rev. Doctor James C. Taylor, TH.D. TXSSAR CHAPLAIN REPORT HELP THE CHAPLAIN SUBMIT CONDOLENCE LETTER: Please send to the chaplain the following information so he can write condolence letters to the family of deceased compatriots: NAME of the deceased NATIONAL and STATE Numbers TXSSAR CHAPTER DATE of death NAME and ADDRESS of the family members to whom condolence letter is to be sent 2. As the TXSSAR Chaplain and in the Name of our State President, Robert Cohen I have sent Condolence letters to deceased Compatriots' Family members and attended 5 of these Funerals. I attended dedication and re dedication of patriot grave markings. During the BOM meetings I have given the Invocation and Benediction at the General meetings and the Banquet Meal on Saturday evenings. I have been the Worship Leader for services on Sunday Morning's. I attended the National Spring and Fall Leadership Training in Louisville Kentucky and the National Congress in Greenville, South Carolina. I have completed my Eighth year as the Texas Sons of the American Revolution State Chaplain. I will be turning over the Spiritual Leadership of this great organization to Pastor Kenneth Morrill, following our State Convention in Houston compatriots from 2014 will be honored at our Memorial Service in Houston. As the name of each deceased member is read their fellow chapter members, friends and family will stand to honor them when their names are read. 4. I have been nominated to be the Chaplain General for NSSAR for the year If Elected I will be attending the 125th National Congress in Louisville, Kentucky and the 126th National Congress in Boston, Massachusetts Respectfully submitted, Chaplain James C. Taylor TXSSAR Chaplain

14 Historian Harmon Adair TXSSAR History and Archives Committee Meeting Report 8 November Call Meeting to Order: Chairman Harmon L. Adair, Jr. called he meeting to order at 10:00 am. Attendance included 15 TXSSAR members as noted below. 2. Attendance: Name Chapter Harmon L. Adair, Jr. East Fork Trinity Chaplain James C Taylor San Antonio John T Merritt Capt. William Barron Jeff Gammon Sam Massey Russell DeVenney Paul Carrington MOSSAR John Green Mike Connelley Pat Hollis Bill Whatley Larry D Tidwell Pete Lenes Major K M Van Zandt William Hightower Bernardo De Galvez Bernardo De Galvez Bernardo De Galves Mike Smith Jim Heath Bluebonnet Tom Whitelock Dallas 3. Report on status of UNT Archives, (Meeting 22 Mar 2014 UNT Library) 4. Link to UNT Archives: 5. The Archives needs a complete set of the following publications: SAR Magazine TXSSAR Compatriot

15 6. The $ payment approved at the Nov 2014 BOM will include the digitization of the first five reels of TXSSAR applications, which cover the years 1898 through The Archives request we authorize them to be posted on The Portal to Texas History- UNT. 7. Scrap books are not being sent to the Archives (The binders are not necessary to be sent to Archives) 8. Chapters should send Monthly Newsletters only once a year by or digital media if possible include copy of accession form. 9. Copies of TXSSAR History Vol. II & I are available for sale. 10. Request A $ check made out to UNT Foundation from Treasurer to fund the digitizing of the applications. 11. We have a question: Do we need TXSSAR approval to post society information on The Portal to Texas History, if we need approval who can approve the items to post. UNT Archives requested our digital copies of TXSSAR Compatriot with a letter from TXSSAR President to put the files on line. We already have digital copies of the TXSSAR web site do we want to put the TXSSAR Compatriot on The Portal to Texas History UNT. Vice President Americanism, Contests, Medals, & Awards Peter Baron No Report at time of Publication District 1 Vice President Dr. James Heath (ACTG) Both chapters, Col. Turner Sharp and Permian Basin, are meeting according to their schedule, participating in ROTC and other youth programs and have elected new young officers. Both appear to be in good shape. Jim Heath VP district 1 District 2 Vice President William G. Harper The two chapters in District 2 are the Panhandle-Plains Chapter in Amarillo and the Texas Tech Chapter in Lubbock. Both are small chapters in number but remain active. The president of the Tech Chapter is Reeves R.D. Winn. Ben Pollard was elected President of the Panhandle-Plains Chapter in Members of neither chapter have met together since last Fall. The Texas Tech Chapter members will meet on Wednesday, March 25th. No meeting has been scheduled for the Panhandle-Plains Chapter District 3 Vice President

16 Thomas Carswell District 3 Vice President Report To Officers and Members TXSSAR: 14 March 2015 District 3 VP nomination I Met with the President of the William Hightower chapter to see if they wanted to nominate someone for the District VP position for 2015 since it was their turn in the round robin. They did not have a candidate for the position. I then called the President of the San Antonio chapter Robert Hancock to see if they could fill the positon. They will nominate Jamie D Massingill for the position. The district is in agreement with this nomination. San Antonio #4, San Antonio: I was not able to attend a meeting of the San Antonio chapter this year. Hill Country #31, Kerrville: This Chapter meets the second Tuesday of each month with the exception of June-August and December at the Rails Café. Attendance is usually around 45 with several guests. The chapter is trying to develop a Color Guard unit and has a small core unit. They have been coordinating parade activities with the Bourne chapter. Parades have been attended in Kerrville, Bourne and Comfort. The President of the chapter attended the Washington parade in Laredo. The chapter was unable to recruit 10% new members this year William Hightower Chapter #35 I attended a meeting of the chapter this year. They reported that they had exceeded the 10% new member goal for the year. Boerne #64: This Chapter has been coordinating Color Guard parade activities with the Hill Country chapter. I attended a meeting with the chapter in February. They had Robert Cohen there to install their new officers for They reported that they had exceeded the 10% new member goal for the year. I think that the Annual Report has grown in complexity and volume until some chapters choose not to submit a report. The SAR should work to streamline the report to just a couple of pages. Respectfully Submitted Tom Carswell District 3 Vice President District 4 Chapters: District 4 Vice President Ronald J. Walcik

17 Chapter 11 Patrick Henry Austin Chapter 26 Heart of Texas Salado Chapter 41 Bluebonnet Marble Falls Chapter 66 Alexander Hamilton Georgetown Report on District Activities: Patrick Henry # 11: Held regular meetings each month from November 2014 thru March Participated in a joint George Washington Birthday luncheon and program with Alexander Hamilton Chapter and Austin DAR Chapters in February Heart of Texas # 26: Held regular meetings in January and March Participated in two Flag Retirement Ceremonies (Temple and Waco) in November. Participated in a joint George Washington Birthday Luncheon with Bell County DAR and CAR chapters in February Bluebonnet # 41: Held regular meetings in November, 2103 and January, February, and March Alexander Hamilton # 66: Held regular monthly Chapter Meetings each month from November 2014 thru March Participated in a joint George Washington Birthday luncheon and program with Patrick Henry Chapter and Austin DAR Chapters in February Joint Color Guard Activities: Compatriots from the Patrick Henry, Heart of Texas and Alexander Hamilton Color Guards participated as a Combined Color Guard in the following events: o Austin Veteran s Day Parade in November. o Rosebud Christmas Parade in December. o Austin Naturalization Ceremony in February. Other Activities: Participated with Heart of Texas Color Guard in a Flag Retirement Ceremonies in Temple and Waco in November. Attended November, December and January Patrick Henry Chapter meetings. Installed their new Officers in December. Attended December Alexander Hamilton Chapter meeting and installed their new Officers. Attended January and March 2015 Heart of Texas Chapter meetings. Attended Bell County joint SAR/DAR/CAR George Washington Birthday Luncheon.

18 Attended Austin s joint SAR/DAR George Washington Birthday Luncheon. District # 5 District 5 Vice President James Alderman Submitted by: James E. Alderman - District #5, Vice President The following chapters are in District 5: Chapter # Chapter Name City 6 Maj. K. M. Van Zandt Fort Worth 7 Arlington Arlington 16 Big Country Abilene 36 North Central Texas Wichita Falls Inactive 22 Daniel Wood San Angelo - Inactive 45 Brazos Valley Granbury Report on District Activities: October, 2014 through March, 2015 Arlington Chapter # 7- Arlington Brazos Valley Chapter # 45 Granbury Maj K. M. Van Zandt # 6 - Fort Worth Chapter is doing very well. Visited with the chapter on 14 February They have moved their meeting place to the Dixie Café in Arlington. Notification of meeting location change has been sent to the state secretary. Chapter is active and recruiting. I will attend their February 28, 2015 meeting to install officers. Chapter is doing well. Attended all regular chapter meetings. Big Country Chapter # 16 Abilene Attended regular chapter meeting on November 1, Chapter only meets 2 times a year but has exhibited increased attendance over the past two meetings.

19 Daniel Wood Chapter # 22 San Angelo North Central Texas # 36 Wichita Falls Chapter is inactive. Chapter is inactive. Other Activities: Participated in the Massing of the Colors in Ft Worth on November 9, Participated with home chapter in the Fort Worth Veterans Parade. Attended a DAR Veterans Recognition Luncheon in Grapevine, TX on Nov. 15, Participated at the burial service of Compatriot Bob Harris at the DFW Cemetery on Jan. 7, Participated with Color Guard at induction of two new compatriots at Retirement home in Fort Worth on February 14, Chapter #6 is scheduled to participate in the May 9 th joint SAR/DAR veterans recognition event at the Naval Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth. Issues: Unable to retrieve the Daniel Wood Chapter records. We have interest in possible new members but there is no one able to take the leadership roll and staff the chapter. District 6 Vice President Drake M. Peddie Report for March 2015, Texas SAR District 6 for the period between the Texas SAR State BOM Meeting (November 2014) in Temple and the Texas SAR State Convention (March 2015) in Houston and - covering the following three (3) District 6 Chapters. Chapter # Name Location Current President Chapter # 2 Dallas Dallas George Ramphrey Chapter # 37 Plano Plano Larry Melton Chapter # 47 East Fork Trinity (EFT) Garland/Rockwall Gary Lovell District 6 - Summary: All three (3) District 6 Chapter (Dallas, Plano and East Fork Trinity) continue to prosper with regular well-organized and planned monthly meetings with respectable attendance, consisting of educational and interesting programs - all are very active at this time. I have managed to attend all of the monthly meetings of each of the chapters with the exception of one for each chapter when I was on business travel or had a conflicting event. The leadership team of each chapter is fairly stable and consistent to what each has experienced in the past. There is a decent inflow of new prospects to each chapter with an exceptionally longer queue for the Plano

20 Chapter at this time. In each chapter, these prospects are well-received and best efforts are made to assist and process their applications when they are ready. All three chapters continue to do very well with follow-up with new prospects during the registration process. All three (3) District 6 chapters continue to participate and support a good mix of community, veterans and school-related activities. The ongoing cooperation and synergy between these geographically close chapters and others in neighboring districts helps all those involved and presents a more significant SAR presence in District 6. There was a good joint effort of all three (3) chapters for the Dallas Veterans Day Parade as the SAR was very well represented. A District 6 meeting to better coordinate group activities is being considered for later this Spring. District 6 - Individual Chapter Reports: Dallas #2: Plano #37: The Dallas Chapter, while not showing any significant signs of growth, has managed to maintain their support of all their recent past activities - although with fewer members participating, it is starting to be difficult to maintain their busy agenda. They have passed off a select few of their youth awards to the Plano chapter who are geographically better equipped to handle some of those schools. With so many schools, it is an ongoing challenge for Dallas each year to cover the large number of schools and awards that they have to support. Regardless, they still continue to be the state's largest chapter and appear to have fresh leadership in place again this year and more coming over the next few years to maintain that position. Meetings continue on Saturday mornings in a more organized and less formal atmosphere and attendance appears to be somewhat lower than experienced in the past, averaging about 30 members per meeting with a handful of guests. The current membership count is about 280. Their future is still dependent on lining up active chapter leaders and workers which appears to still be a growing concern as many of their newer members are not that active in most of the Dallas activities. The pace of the Plano Chapter has slowed somewhat over the past year due to slightly fewer participants, even though their membership is still strong. They have a new president for 2015 who appears to want to keep them on the same track as Their support for the veterans, community, scouts, JROTC and schools with SAR awards programs continues at previous levels, if not higher. Despite being stretched thin, they continue to support some of the smaller chapters (Denton, East Fork Trinity and Ambassador Fletcher Warren) with their color guard when possible. Their support for the VA Hospital in Bonham has been outstanding and continues to grow as noted by their clean sweep of the Liberty Bell Americanism Award, Presidents Cup and Stark Award at the National Congress last summer their most recent annual report matches that effort. Request for their color guard continue to come in at increasing rates as their visibility in the community has reached significant proportions in the Plano and Collin County areas. Meeting attendance continues to be very good (15-20% or better) and business casual is typical at most meetings. They have relocated

21 their meetings to a location that appears to be too small to handle their growth and will be looking for other facilities soon. With a waiting list of over 30 applications in process, several overworked registrars have resigned making the situation worse. Process changes will be made to push more of the burden back to the applicant, in an effort to weed out the serious candidates. They have added several new active contributors over the past year which will be a huge help to their ongoing growth. As always, solid participation across the entire spectrum of SAR activities continues to be supported by the current leadership team and chapter for EFT #47: The East Fork Trinity Chapter continues to thrive in their location on the edge of Garland and Rockwall by Lake Ray Hubbard in far NE Dallas County. Their key officers for 2015 are the same as they were for Enthusiasm still remains high. They seem to be able to draw good numbers from the Rockwall community and surrounding areas and have a full meeting room every month at Texas Land and Cattle. Their chapter meetings are typically exceptionally well-attended - about 30%. They have paired up with the Plano Chapter on several activities over the past year and the synergy has been good for both chapters. There are several dual members now from both. Meeting organization has improved and members meet in an informal atmosphere with good speakers each month. The current membership is approaching 50. Their list of activities is growing and they continue to prosper. District 7 Vice President Lawrence K. Casey South Eastern District 7 Vice President Report To Officers and Members TXSSAR: 9 March 2015 I completed multiple visits to 5 of the 6 Chapters in District 7. The District is very active. I have been well received and brought greetings from the Texas Society and President Robert Cohen. Each Chapter has a unique plan which works for them. Also the variety of programs and events is very positive. Bernardo de Galvez #1, Galveston: This Chapter meets on a Regular Basis at Galveston Nicks at Noon on the 3 rd Saturday of each Month for an excellent $20 lunch. This certainly makes it easy for Members to plan meeting attendance. The DAR hosted the September Constitution day Meeting at an excellent venue. The Chapter has an active JROTC, Eagle Scout, and Flag Certificate Program. This Chapter has initiated an ambitious project to install a mounted bronze statue of Bernardo Galvez on the Seawall and is accepting donations. Go to their website at and purchase one or more bricks with your name for $100 each. Also you can get a small replica statue for $10,000. Paul Carrington #5, Houston: This Chapter meets at a variety of locations, times, and days. This allows members with a variety of schedules to attend meetings which fit into their schedules. The George Washington Black Tie Dinner at the Junior League has a very large attendance. This year, at the 72 nd

22 Annual Observance, the George Washington Picture was presented to Kelly J Shackelford, Esq of Dallas, for his Organizations service (the largest in the Country) for protection of religious rights. This variety of meeting locations, times, and programs creates variation to stimulate interest. The Chapter participates in several of the TXSSAR programs. Paul Revere #19, Beaumont: This Chapter meets Spring, and Fall, primarily on the first Tuesdays of odd Months at the Lamar University Cafeteria at 6:00 pm. Members go through the University Buffet Line for lunch with the meeting following. They are having interesting programs and recently contributed $500 to the Galvez Statue Project of Bernardo de Galvez Chapter. They have presented Flag Certificates and JROTC Awards. This chapter and its members have been a leader in Contributions to the SAR Center for Advancing America s Heritage (One of the top Chapters in the US) via participation in the ExxonMobil Volunteer Involvement, and Matching Gifts Programs. Their Annual report was submitted. Cradle of Texas #33, Lake Jackson: This Chapter covers a large geographic area of three counties, and alternates the meeting location, Typically they meet on the 2 nd Saturday in the Spring and Fall, with outstanding programs. For example: recent meetings in West Columbia with Flem Rogers on Early Firearms in America ; Lake Jackson Midge King portraying Carrie Nation; Angleton, Dr Michael Rees as Father Michael Muldoon; Wharton, Dr Paul N Spellman, Old 300 gone to Texas. They are active in ROTC, parades, reenactments and civic service. President/Editor Michael puts out an outstanding multi page newsletter and they submitted their Annual Report Alexander Hodge #49, Sugarland: This Chapter meets the 4 th Tuesday every month alternating with a Social Meeting in odd months at Sweetwater Country Club, which is very well attended with many wives present). The programs are outstanding and varied and very interesting. They have a Business meeting in even months at a member s home. They have inducted new members, and have several prospective members at the meetings, who are working on their applications. They are also active in, and supporting a number of SAR Programs including ROTC, Veterans, etc. This Chapter submitted their Annual report and has been involved with the George Washington Picture presentation to schools Major White #17, Baytown: This chapter is not currently meeting on a regular basis, and I have volunteered to go over and help recruit some new members. We need to follow up on there 501 c 3. Respectfully Submitted Lawrence K. Casey, Jr District 7 Vice President District 8 Vice President John K. Thompson Report for TXSSAR District 8 for the period between the TXSSAR Annual State Meeting of March 2015 and the past TXSSAR BOM meeting in October District 8 Chapters: Chapter 27 Capt John McAdams Huntsille Chapter 38 Freedom Conroe/The Woodlands Chapter 40 Independence Bryan/College Station Chapter 51 Piney Woods N Houston/Kingwood

23 Chapter 62 Robert Rankin Katy / west Houston Summary of District Activities. The summary as submitted earlier continues with TXSSAR District 8 s Chapter strong leadership and attendance continues to be improving with new members being added at a number of Chapter meetings, and the addition of a new genealogists, under the guidance of Genealogist Emeritus Compatriot John Meredith, for the Freedom Chapter and his relationship to the Texas SRT Society, this has continued to the benefit of the Freedom Chapter s growth with new members added almost every meeting during this reporting period. As stated earlier the strength of District 8 and its contribution to the Texas State Society is further evidenced by this year s TXSSAR President Robert Cohen and TXSSAR President-Elect Larry Stevens, both from District 8. The support of the Robert Rankin Chapter s Enhanced JROTC and other SAR Contest Programs evidence strong points with outstanding support by Compatriot s H Allen Greene and Tom Jackson of the Robert Rankin Chapter. The enhanced relationship with the French Consulate of Houston continues to be a strong point and potential asset for the Texas Society where NSSAR have indications we will be asked to participate in their events well into One of my more memorable participations in early 2015 was the George Washington Parade in Laredo with Compatriot Tom Green and National President Lindsey Brock. My travel to and from Chapter meetings and other TXSSAR, NSSAR and District 8 activities totaled approximately 4,840 miles during 2014 and into Service for these TXSSAR events is in the order of 200 hours. As example of just one of these examples for service, here is the picture of the SAR Color Guard for the Veterans Day Celebration at the Holy Cross Cemetery in the Houston area on November 11, Participation here included Compatriots H. Allen Green, Ray Cox, Tom Jackson, and Tom Green.

24 With retirement from full-time employment, we were able to attend almost every District 8 Chapter meeting with the exception of one (1) meeting during this 6-month period and a number of the JROTC award presentation pending. My wife, Mary Elizabeth, was able to join me for a number of these TXSSAR District 8 events.

25 Even with poor weather of the day, we were afforded the opportunity to attend and present the colors for Compatriot John Gulley s funeral at the First Methodist Church of Houston. We very much enjoyed Rev Charles Thompson s stories of John and were pleased to partake of the hot dogs following in Compatriot Gulley s memory on February 28, Finally, to assist my potential Vice President incoming, Compatriot Larry Blackburn, I took the opportunity to extract and pen an addendum in the responsibilities of a District Vice President of the Sons of the American Revolution. And I wish to thank the Texas Society for their encouragement over these past 3 years in my role as a District Vice President. It will be a period in my life that I will remember well and hold dear. May God bless. Respectfully submitted, John Kenton Thompson TXSSAR VP District 8 The Woodlands, Texas 9.1 District Vice Presidents Duties and Responsibilities as provided within Texas Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (TXSSAR) See TXSSAR Chapter President s Manual, Edition 8.00, July 1, 2013 Texas is divided into eleven (11) geographic areas or districts. Each area has a District Vice-President who is elected by the chapters within his district. 1). His duties are to monitor the chapters in his District, and 2). His duties are to provide support for the District s chapters where needed. 3). He should be extended full cooperation at all times and copied on all important Chapter communications back to the State society. 3). He has a vital interest in establishing new chapters. The Chapter s officers and general membership should help him whenever and wherever possible. Each District Vice President is a member of the Texas Society Board of Managers, with full voting rights. He should be invited: 4). to attend one or more of the District s chapter meetings a year, 5). to be invited to speak and/or provide a program. 6). The District Vice President should do the best he can to accept open invitations or any other time where he can spend time with the Chapter leadership and members.

26 A current listing of District Vice Presidents and their contact information can be obtained from the TXSSAR web site at 7). The District Vice President is to receive copies of the Chapter President s Annual Report (CPAR) as submitted to the TXSSAR Americanism Contest Medals & Awards Chairman and the National Contest Chairman before January 10 (due date). Finally, the duties of State officers, including District Vice Presidents, are usually similar to those of their national counterparts, whose duties and responsibilities are described in the national bylaws, except that the District Vice President s work is generally limited to their District within the State society and that they are elected or appointed in accordance with State society bylaws. ************************************************ Supplemental thoughts by John Kenton Thompson, March 2015 To be successful in the long term, I believe there truly is a broader scope of responsibility for each of the District Vice Presidents than those stated within the Chapter guidelines. These are inherent within the organization of the Sons of the American Revolution. These District VPs must accept the responsibility to be the front-line warriors or champions within their respective Districts. More specifically: 1) First and foremost, he must be an encourager and helper whenever and wherever he is afforded the opportunity to assist the District Chapter President and each of his officers. 2) It is most important that the District VP be a man of good character and knows how to and continually is steady on. 3) He must know and be prepared to convey the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the background and tenants of the history of these United States of America. 4) He must be a delegator and most importantly, be one who knows how to let go, and let God for the Chapter officers with responsibilities outlined in and for the benefit of the Sons of the American Revolution. 5) He must be heart long in his vision seeking to look down the road two, three and four years to carefully and to courteously know how to encourage his respective Chapter Presidents and officers within his District so as to encourage consistent growth and sincere participation by all SAR Members. 6) He should know the past, present and potential future officers within each of his District s Chapters by name, by their strengths, by personal goals, and by residence location. 7) He must be vigilant in seeking a continued and enhanced relationship with other SAR Districts and all other historical societies within his District influence including but not limited to the Sons and Daughters of the Republic, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and 1812 organizations. 8) He must be one who knows how to pick up the ball to help, guide and support all of his Chapter officers to gain and challenge new membership in the Sons of the American Revolution.

27 9) Finally, he is commissioned to be a gentle and peaceful encourager so that successors in leadership be identified for the long-term best health of the Sons of the American Revolution organization. District 9 Vice President Arthur G. Munford District 9 is composed of 5 Chapters, Live, Oak, Liberty, Corpus Christi, Laredo and Victoria. Each chapter has been active in 2014 and all meet on a regular basis. Several are quite small, but are active in community affairs and have presented numerous ROTC Medals and Flag Certificates. Laredo hosted National and State Officers at the annual Washington Day Parade and the Corpus Christi participated in the city s annual 4 th of July Parade. Several Color Guard members in Victoria participated in the Veterans Day and Korean Veterans Day parades. The Victoria Chapter held its annual SAR/DAR meeting in August with Compatriot Tom Green presenting a very entertaining program. Respectively Submitted Arthur Munford TXSSAR District 9 Vice President District 10 Vice President Stephen Lee District 10 consists of five chapters: Athens Chapter #54,Captain William Barron Chapter in Tyler #25, East Texas Chapter in Longview #57,Fredonia Chapter in Nacogdoches #58,Lt. Nathan Gann Chapter in Lufkin #28 1. Athens Chapter #54 For many years the Athens Chapter has been a focal part of the community. Chapter members award and recognize students and public officials throughout the Athens community. The Athens chapter onsistently submit hundreds of poster entries competing for the right to advance to the TXSSAR state convention poster contest. Sam Whitten has chaired the poster contest for many years and has had several national entries. Past state president Harry Fife, Charles Luna and chapter President Gene Pilgrim have worked to bring new members into the chapter with several other prospective members working on their papers. The Chapter meets at 6:30 pm on the second Thursday in January, March, May, September and November. 2. Captain William Barron Chapter #25 The Captain William Barron Chapter is flourishing and inducts new members at almost every meeting. Mike Everheart is the Registrar and works tirelessly to bring in new prospects. The chapter has a very