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St. Augustine Chapter

Sons of the American Revolution

News Letter for December 2012

A Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love, I would sleep,

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,

Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

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My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,

"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack; brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts,

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light.

Then he sighed and he said "It’s really all right,

I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore,

I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before.

My Gramps died at Pearl on a day in December."

Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas Gram always remembers."

"My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures; he's sure got her smile."

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

"I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

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I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life for my sister or brother,

Who stand at the front against any and all

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "Harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least?

Give you money," I asked, "Or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

for being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

"Just tell us you love us, and never forget

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

that we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

CHAPTER NEWS

Officers for 2013 Installed: St. Augustine Chapter officers for 2013

were installed on Saturday, December 15, 2012, by NSSAR Treasurer

General Lindsey Brock.

Officers for 2013 are Dr. Oscar Patterson III, President; Dr. Dean

Smith, Vice President; Sydney A. Spink, Secretary; James Smith,

Treasurer; William A. Roberts, Registrar/Genealogist; Rev. David J.

Baker, Chaplain; Dr. Stephen Luckau, parliamentarian/ Sgt. At Arms;

and John Tinny, Historian.

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L to R: Lindsey Brock, John Tinny, Rev. David Baker, William Roberts, James Smith, Sydney Spink, Dr. Dean

Smith, Dr. Oscar Patterson III and Dr. Stephen Luckau.

Chapter Member Recognized for Contribution to Center for

Advancing America’s Heritage: NSSAR Treasurer General Lindsey

Brock presented Dr. Oscar Patterson III with a certificate in recognition

of his donation to the NSSAR’s Center for Advancing America’s

Heritage. Compatriot Patterson has contributed more than $500 to the

program.

Chapter Veteran recognized:

Compatriot Arthur Herrington

was presented a certificate

recognizing his membership in the

Florida Society’s Veterans

Battalion.

The FLSSAR Veterans Battalion

recognizes those who performed

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military service and who either stood ready to defend the United States

against all enemies, foreign or domestic during non-conflict periods or

served in the armed forces during a period of armed conflict.

Veterans Battalion members are authorized to purchase and wear the

Military Service Medal if they served during a non-conflict period or the

War Service Medal if they served during a period of declared war or

hold one of several campaign or service medals for actions in Korea,

Vietnam, Iraq or the Global War on Terrorism.

Korean War veteran to be recognized by NSSAR: The NSSAR is

now moving to recognize all members who served in the Korean War.

To be recognized by the NSSAR for Korean War service, you must hold

one or more of the following: (1) Korean Service Medal; (2) Korean

Defense Service Medal; (3) Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; (4)

United Nations Service Medal for Korea; and (5) Republic of Korea War

Service Medal. One or more of these medals must be listed on your

DD214 or in orders. A copy of your DD214 and/or the orders

authorizing the wearing of the medal must accompany the survey form.

If you served in Korea, please complete the form located at the end of

this newsletter and return it along with a copy of your DD214 and/or

orders to the Chapter president.

Good Citizenship

Medals Presented: Five

members of the Putnam

County Sheriff’s Office

Police Athletic League

were recently recognized

as Good Citizens by the

St. Augustine Chapter of

the Sons of the American

Revolution.

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Alice Bueiten, Melvin Smith, Jesus Vasquez, Randy Hayes Jr., and

Samantha Hayes were presented with the National Society of the Sons of

the American Revolution’s Good Citizenship Bronze Medal during a

ceremony on November 29, 2012.

Alice Bueiten was recognized as a driving force in PAL since its

inception in 2009. Melvin Smith, a PAL parent, it was noted, has done

everything from wash cars to cook food to support the organization.

Jesus Vasquez maintains a 3.0 GPA and has been a dedication member

of PAL for two years. Randy Hayes served as a camp counselor for the

third year and also maintains a 3.0 GPA. Samantha Hayes is recognized

as focused, disciplined young lady who has been a member of PAL for

three years.

The SAR’s Bronze Good Citizenship Medal is presented by a local

chapter, a state society or the national society to persons who make

noteworthy achievements in their school, community or state. Students

who receive the award have demonstrated both good citizenship and

scholarship.

The awards were presented by William Roberts, past Chapter president

during the ceremony at Beasley Middle School in Palatka, FL.

The individuals pictured are (L to R) Barry Stewart, PAL Executive

Director; Randy Hayes, Jesus Vasquez, Samantha Hayes, Melvin Smith,

PAL parent, and William Roberts. Not pictured: Alice Bueiten.

Law Enforcement Commendation Medals Presented: Two members

of the Palatka Police Department were presented the Sons of the

American Revolution’s Law Enforcement Commendation Medal during

ceremonies on Friday, December 7, 2012.

Sgt. Matt Newcomb and civilian recipient David Parsons were

recognized for their outstanding contributions to law enforcement in

Palatka. The SAR’s Law Enforcement Commendation Medal is

presented to those who have served with distinction and devotion in the

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field of law enforcement. Eligibility is not limited to peace officers

civilian law enforcement employees, but includes attorneys, judges,

prosecutors and legislatures.

Sgt. Newcomb has been with the department for 17 years. He earned his

Master’s degree from the University of Louisville and is currently the

Administrative Sergeant for the department. Newcomb, notes Police

Chief Gary Getchell, is a strong and responsible leader. He is one of

Palatka’s finest.

David Parsons holds

the position of Crime

Analysts. His main

function is to

compile, analyze and

organize criminal

intelligence and other

data. He is, notes

Getchell, a team

player who always

displays a positive

attitude and a willingness to assist others.

The awards were presented by Dr. Oscar Patterson III, Chapter

president, and William Roberts, past Chapter president. Also taking part

in the presentation were Vernon Myers JR., Mayor of Palatka and a

member of the SAR, City Commissioners Allegra Kitchens and Phil

Leary, City Manager Michael Czymbor and Police Chief Gary Getchell.

Individuals shown in the photograph (L to R) are Allegra Kitchens, Phil

Leary, Michael Czymbor, Sgt. Newcomb, David Parsons, William

Roberts, Gary Getchell and Vernon Myers. Not pictured: Dr. Oscar

Patterson III.

Chapter Name Recognition: During the December 2012 Chapter

meeting, Vice President Dean Smith reported that 34 articles about the

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St. Augustine Chapter appeared in different publications during 2012.

Add that to the number published during 2011, and more than 70 items

about the St. Augustine chapter have been published over the past two

years, many with photographs. That is more than one article every two

weeks.

We extend our thanks to VP Smith for his diligent work obtaining such

marked name recognition for our Chapter and its activities.

Flag Certificates: If you are aware of a private citizen, a business, a

school, a government agency or any other organization that displays the

U.S. flag in the proper manner (lighted at night, for example) and for

patriotic purposes, please nominate them to receive the certificate.

Nominations should be sent to the Chapter president.

Genealogy Conference: The 3rd

Annual North Florida Genealogy

Conference will be held March 8-9, 2013 at The Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter-Day Saints, 461 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, Florida. The

March 8 session begins at 6:30 p.m. at is free. The March 9 session

begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. The fee for the March 9

session is $20 and that includes lunch.

If you would like to attend, please contact North Florida Genealogy at

nfgenealogyconference@gmail.com no later than January 15, 2013.

You may go to www.nfgenealogyconference.com to view information

about the conference and for a mail-in version of the registration form.

For Your Winter Reading or Christmas Wish List: A Great

Improvisation: Franklin, France and The Birth of America by

Pulitzer Prize winning author Stacy Schiff and Thomas Jefferson: The

Art of Power by Jon Meacham.

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DECEMBER 2012 CHAPTER MEETING

The Chapter’s regular meeting was held on Saturday, December 15,

2012 at the Le Pavillon Restaurant in St. Augustine. The meeting was

called to order at 11:05 a.m. The invocation was given Chapter

Chaplain David Hoffman followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by

President Patterson and the SAR Pledge led by Compatriot John Tinny.

Members present: Rev. David Baker, Ralph Crews, Don Erdmann,

William Griffith, Arthur Herrington, David Hoffman Stephen Luckau,

George McCabe Jr., Oscar Patterson, William Roberts, Dean Smith,

James Smith, Syd Spink, Bob Tarrant and John Tinny.

Guests: Johanna Baker

Prospective Members: Rev. Fredric Freese

Speaker: Lindsey Brock, NSSAR Treasurer General

Total: 19

Guest Speaker: Compatriot Lindsey Brock, NSSAR Treasurer General,

noted that the approval time for applications has been made considerably

shorter with the average processing time being four to six weeks. He

also noted that there had been a similar reduction in the time required to

processes supplemental applications.

Compatriot Brock told the Chapter of the many changes being made at

National Headquarters in Louisville, KY and recommended that all

NSSAR members go to the national website at www.sar.org to stay

informed about national activities.

As Treasurer General, Compatriot Brock informed the membership that

the NSSAR is in a sound financial position.

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At the conclusion of his presentation, Compatriot Brock presented

Chapter president, Oscar Patterson III, with a certificate recognizing his

contribution to the CAAH. In turn, Chapter president Patterson

presented Compatriot Brock with a Certificate of Appreciation and a

NSSAR Challenge Coin.

Minutes: Compatriot Tinny questioned what was meant by an SAR

Lapel Pin. The pin consists of the SAR flag and the US flag in a lapel

pin format. A motion was made, seconded and approved to accept the

minutes of the November 2012 Chapter meeting.

Treasurer: The balance was $ 2861.35. This was accepted for record. A

total of $300 was donated to go to the CAAH the check has been sent.

At present there are two officers who can sign the checks. It was decided

that we would have three officers who will be able to sign checks. These

will be the Treasurer, President and one other Officer. The Secretary will

send a signed copy of the minutes to the treasurer so that the bank will

have an official list of the Officers.

Vice President: VP Smith submitted to FLSSAR a report which shows

that we have a total of 735 points for publication in the local papers. For

the second year we have had more than 30 articles in various media

outlets during a calendar year.

Registrar/Genealogist: A Junior Membership application for Clayton

Adam Murell Tinny has been completed and John Tinny (Grandfather)

will check for further action.

Membership application for Mr. David Lance Freeman, is completed

and sent to State and has been sent to National. The membership

application for Mr. Jerry Miles Hanchett should be sent to State by the

first of the year.

Public Safety: On Dec. 7, 2012 SAR Law Enforcement Commendation

awards were presented to Sgt. Matt Newcomb and Crime Analyst David

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Parson of the Palatka City Police Department. President Patterson made

the presentations at the annual Palatka Police awards ceremony held at

the Price Martin Center in Palatka (see pp. 6-7 above).

Bronze Good Citizenship Award: November 30, 2012 five SAR

Bronze Good Citizenship Medals were presented to the Putnam Co.

Police Athletic League: Alice Bueiten, Melvin Smith, Jesus Vasquez,

Randy Hayes Jr., and Samantha Hayes. The presentation took place at

the Beasley Middle School in Palatka (see pp. 5-6 above).

Historian: John Tinny talked about his grandson who is in the process

of joining as a Junior member of the SAR. A junior member may attend

meetings and take part in the meeting, but cannot hold an office.

Boy Scouts: Two applications for the Eagle Scout Scholarship award.

Chaplain: no report

Flag Committee: A Flag Certificate will be presented in January. The

nomination was made by Ed Neely.

Old Business: Plans are finalized for the presentation of the plaque for

Francisco Sanchez at the Tolomato Cemetery. This is with the

Gainesville Chapter. The date which has been set is Sat. April 13, 2013

at 2:30 at the Tolomato Cemetery.

New Business: At the recommendation of Compatriot John Tinny, the

Outstanding Citizenship Certificate and lapel pin will be presented to

future speakers and others as recommended by the chapter.

A motion was made for the Chapter to support Treasurer General

Lindsey Brock for the position of Secretary General. The motion was

seconded and passed unanimously.

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Compatriot Brock proceeded to install officers for 2013 (see pp. 3-4

above).

The Benediction was given by Chaplain Baker and the SAR Recessional

was led by Compatriot Roberts.

The meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.

Next meeting: The next Chapter meeting will be on Saturday, January

19, 2013.

SPEAKERS FOR SPRING 2013:

January 19, 2013 Ms. Donna LeLorenzo, Flagler College

February 16, 2013 Stephen Gard, Attorney

March 16, 2013 R. J. Larizza, State Attorney

April 20, 2013 Dr. Joseph Joyner, St. Johns County Schools

May 18, 2013 Archeologist, St. Augustine Lighthouse

President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer:

Dr. Oscar Patterson III Dean Smith Sydney Spink Robert Tarrant

904-280-1067 904-797-4459 904-940-1077 904-797-3865

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

904-825-1594 904-285-8145 904-797-5673 904-540-1866

Roberts237@be;llsouth.net overlook3@comcast.net rdavidhoffman@bellsouth.net dsupchurch@gmail.com

Past Presidents 1981-82 Michael H. Charles 1988 George L. Houghtalling 1998 George I. Knowles 2006-07 Syd Spink 1983 John L. Mikel 1989-90 Charles A. Tingley 1999 John D. Tinny 2008-10 William A. Roberts 1984-85 Alan R. Edwards 1991 Harry A. Stowell III 2000 Richard E. Welty 1986 Charles A. Tigley 1992-93 Donald R. Fisher* 2001-2003 George E. McCabe III 1987 James A. Keamey 1994-97 John D. Tinny 2004-05 Norman L. Antle

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