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On-line
Virginia Bulletin Virginia Society
Sons of the American Revolution
__________________________________________________________________ 2013-14 Volume XXXVII No. 2
DOOLEY BECOMES PRESIDENT GENERAL
The 123rd SAR Congress saw VASSAR’s very own Joseph W. Dooley elected as President General. Dooley
has worked hard for the society at National, State, and Chapter levels, and we salute him for this great honor
with which he has been bestowed with.
- Phil Williams has a full report on the next page >
Pictured above, VASSAR members and friends pose for a picture with newly installed President General Joe Dooley.
Standing L-R: Andy Johnson, Julie and Mike Elston, Judy Carter, Lance Carter, Bob Carr, Ed Butler, Phil Williams, Rick Elofson,
Joe Dooley, Mark Brennan, Bruce Wilcox, Ed Truslow, Lindsey Brock, Jack Sweeney, Bill Broadus, Kirk Sheap, Greg Bodge,
Christina Bodge, Allen Lewis, Pam McPherson, Peter and Sherry Davenport, Doug McPherson, Liz Wells, Mike Wells
Seated : Betty Elofson, Laura Truslow, Julia Carr, Marilyn Williams, Robin Heidenreich, Theresa Wilcox, Billie Brock, Norma
Sheap, Carol Sweeney, Colleen Lewis
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Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution 2013-2014 Officers
Kent S. Webber President 9405 Delancey Drive, Vienna, VA 22182-3410 [email protected] (703) 938-8141
William A. Broadus, Jr. 1st Vice President 10133 Brandon Way, Manassas, VA 20109 [email protected] (703) 361-2665
Reverdy E. Wright, PhD 2nd Vice President 705 Circle Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060-3207 [email protected]
(540) 961-2452
Edward W. Truslow 3rd Vice President 110 Moray Firth, Williamsburg, VA 23188 [email protected] (757) 565-2460
Frederick N. Elofson Treasurer 21 Paula Maria Drive, Newport News, VA 23606 [email protected]
(757) 596-6825
R. Wayne Rouse Secretary
71 Hope Springs Lane, Stafford, VA 22554 [email protected]
(540) 659-5258
Michael Elston Chancellor
1314 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-3742 [email protected]
(540) 371-2370
Brent D. Morgan Registrar
9091 Pantego Lane, Mechanicsville, VA 23116-5837 [email protected]
(804) 550-3039
Howell Sassar Chaplain
[email protected]
Larry G. Aaron, D. Min. Historian 185 Martindale Drive, Danville, VA 24541-4515 [email protected]
(343) 770-3258
White M. Wallenborn M.D. Surgeon General
700 Rugby Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903-1627 [email protected]
(434) 293-6779
Henry P. “Phil” Williams III, PhD Trustee
Kent Webber Alternate Trustee
2013 Congress Update
By NSSAR Trustee for VASSAR
Phil Williams
In case any one wonders, ―everything is up
to date in Kansas City‖. Tour highlights
included The Arabia, a ship sunk in the
1850s, laden with fine china, shoes, and
jewelry attesting to the boom that had be-
gun in 1822 with the establishment of KC
as the trail head for Westward Ho to Ore-
gon, California and New Mexico. The ship
was only dug out of the silt in the late 70s,
with treasures still being unearthed. The
WWI museum, built in the home of Gen-
eral ―Black Jack‖ Pershing in the late 20s
and thoroughly renovated in 2005, is abso-
lutely the greatest museum of the Great
War.
Some visited the downtown Art Museum
while others of us went to Independence 9
miles away to see President Truman’s
home and his Presidential Library which is
extremely well done, if not as flashy or
expensive as some of the newer Presiden-
tial Libraries. Then again, that is in keep-
ing with the Truman’s’ life style. When he
said that ―buck stops here‖, you could take
it to the bank. Did you know that when he
and Bess finished his term as President,
they drove themselves home, no Secret
Service, no Government Pension?
- Cont on page 3
The on-line Virginia Bulletin is published quarterly by the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution. Editor: Andrew “Andy” Doss. Chapters wishing to report on their
activities, should send their reports to the Editor. Any items to be published on the website
should also be sent to the address above—email is preferred. Editor/Webmaster reserves
the right to decide what to publish.
Many different people contribute photos, but it is hard to find space to credit everyone,
please know from the bottom of my heart that your photos are TRULY appreciated!
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The Ladies had a wonderful tour of the Hallmark Museum, about which they raved. One of the more interesting aspects
of KC is the ―Subtropolis‖ – miles and miles of natural limestone caves which house Government stamp inventories and
corporate merchandise sitting on pallets with 18-wheelers going in and out. We also visited The Frontier Museum which
vividly told the story of the hundreds of thousands who moved by wagon train across the Lewis & Clark and subsequent
wagon trails to the Willamette Valley, Sacramento and Santa Fe.
While yours truly missed the KC Jazz scene at ―18th and Vine‖, he did have a chance, with fellow Compatriots to sample
KC Cuisine. We’re talking serious and nationally renowned BBQ (Fiorello’s Jack Stack and Oklahoma Joe’s) and fine
steak houses (Pierpont’s). While some Texas, Carolina and Chicago Compatriots might take issue with the subject of
whose ribs and steak are better, all I can say is that the dining was ―flat out‖ memorable.
The Congress attracted 268 Delegates. The Color Guard carried 50 state flags, one for France, and ―Old Glory‖ and oth-
ers with muskets, swords, sabers, tomahawks. It was a grand sight! Meetings were well orchestrated, very little conten-
tion, and most instructive. Compatriots donated to various Funds more than $28,000. A video was shown showing Lou-
isville HQ construction making good progress to date and an inspirational ―Vision‖ and virtual recreation of what the
new, state-of-the-art, Education and Exhibition Center is expected to look like. Set to open in July of 2015 at Congress,
this facility is going to be so dramatic, so exciting. The role it will play in educating future generations is incalculable.
Those who have given, given for years - keep giving. Those who have not - get started. This is ―our‖ Mount Vernon,
―our‖ Monticello, ―our‖ Independence Hall. All Compatriots are going to want to see this for themselves. You will be
proud you belong to the Sons of the American Revolution and that your organization, during your time, will have given
this Country such a magnificent ―teaching legacy‖ in memory of our Patriot Ancestors. Attendees were also treated to a
fascinating presentation by the founder of Family Tree DNA. It was clear, concise, and at times humorous presentation
of DNA-based genealogy, complete with power point that one could wish for. He forthrightly advised what science can
do, what it can’t and how it is evolving in sophistication all the time. I can tell you that the speaker spent the rest of the
day pulling swabs out of peoples’ cheeks and signing them up for his tests and report for 5 or 6 hours after.
When the Business Meeting finished, South Carolina gave a strong appeal for all the opportunities that the next Congress
will offer in Greenville, surrounded by 11 battle and skirmish sites in the Southern Campaign, including side trips to
Kings Mountain, Cowpens and Charleston. The ―Swamp Fox‖ and his Carolina Compatriots will no doubt put on a
memorable Congress.
NEWS FLASH! One of our very own, Joe Dooley is President General. Coming as no surprise to many, Joe hit the
ground running with guns blazing. He fired up the troops and charged them with Presidential Initiatives and cash, Na-
tional Streamers and other Incentives. As promised, these all appeared the next day on the National Website. He even
offered to shave his head, among other things, if the States and Chapters meet certain Fund Raising goals for the Center
for Advancing America’s Heritage. If was hilarious to see Guardsmen jump up with their hats in hand seeking immedi-
ate donations.
At the end of the day, all Congresses seem too long in many ways, but each piece of them plays a part in the furtherance
of the Mission.
- Cont on page 4
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So now, let’s see how VASSAR Members, Chapters and contestants did in the way of NSSAR Recognition and Awards
for the 2012 year.
1st VP Bill Broadus, for his work as National Chair for Orations and Compliance, received the Roger Sherman Gold
Medal.
Trustee Phil Williams received recognition for Leadership through his VASSAR Presidential Orations Endowment
Fund Raising of nearly $10,000.
Williams was also listed as entitled to have the Liberty Medal for being a ―First Line‖ signer for 10 or more new
members.
VASSAR Third Vice President Ed Truslow, VASSAR Color Guard Commander Pete Davenport and VASSAR As-
sistant Registrar Jim Mobley also earned their first Liberty Medals
VASSAR Chancellor Mike Elston received recognition for Leadership in the Knight Essay Endowment Fund Rais-
ing effort. Several Virginia compatriots (and one wife!) received Thomas Jefferson Medals for Support of the Essay
Contest at the final banquet Wednesday night.
Knight Essay National Winner Bryan Habashi received a $2000 check and read his essay; he was sponsored by the
George Mason Chapter. This is now 3 years in a row that the Virginia winner has won the national contest.
VASSAR was recognized for the largest one-year growth in new members total AND growth in new Members under
40: a first in recent memory.
VASSAR came in a very close second to Texas for the largest number of new and approved supplemental applica-
tions.
C.A.R. Relations National Streamer.
Admiral Furlong Flag Program National Streamer (and an untouchable 3-yr. record of 100% Chapter participation).
Officers Streamer for Trustee representation at Leadership meetings (2) and Congress.
George Washington Chapter was recognized for its support of veterans with the USS Stark Award for extra large
chapters: a first.
In the area of Public Service and Heroism, the following Chapters were recognized:
Heroism – Thomas Jefferson Chapter.
Law Enforcement – Dan River, Fincastle resolutions, George Washington and Thomas Nelson, Jr. Chapters.
Fire Safety – Colonel William Grayson, Colonel George Waller and Fincastle Resolutions Chapters.
Emergency Medical Services – Colonel William Grayson, Colonel George Waller, Fincastle Resolutions and Tho-
mas Nelson, Jr. Chapters.
It might interest you to know that the Florida Society presented a total of 91 such awards, Texas 55, Georgia 36, Tennes-
see 55 and Virginia 12 on down with a total of 305.
Fair to say that the Virginia Society, Officers, Committee Chairs, Chapter Presidents, Registrars, Officers and Commit-
tee Chairs and individual Members provided a distinguished and generous service to the National Society and our fellow
citizens of the Commonwealth.
HUZZAH!
Phil Williams
NSSAR Trustee for VASSAR
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Operation Ancestor Search
3. Help match the facilities with the leadership of
the SAR local chapters in their closest geographic
proximity in order to ensure adequate volunteer sup-
port.
4. Ensure that the state and local OAS committees
are ―visionary,‖ meaning that they will not only serve
the needs of the Wounded Warriors while they are
inpatients, but that they will collaborate with local ge-
nealogical societies, lineage societies, libraries and
other organizations as appropriate for support with
training, reintegration and mentoring after they transi-
tion back to their local communities.
5. Ensure that the SAR’s greatest resources – our
MEMBERS in local chapters across the country, in
concert with our State and National Societies – con-
tinue to develop Operation Ancestor Search as the pre-
eminent SAR program, not only for us, but for our
OAS partners who provide the resources that support
our nation’s Wounded Warriors and their families.
* * * * *
If you are interested in helping with Operation An-
cestor Search at the state or local level, please contact
your State OAS Chairman. If your state does not yet
have an OAS Chairman, please contact your State
President if you are interested in serving in that posi-
tion.
For additional information on the OAS program,
please contact Rick Kincaid, the National Program
Director, at [email protected] or (502) 588-6147.
Operation Ancestor Search Seeks State, Local
Committee Members
by Rick Kincaid, Program Director
Operation Ancestor Search
Operation Ancestor Search (OAS) is a free
NSSAR genealogy training program for Wounded
Warriors and their families. It provides participants
with the knowledge and tools that allow them to con-
duct their own genealogy research as they recover
from their injuries at military hospitals and VA medi-
cal centers across the country.
The OAS program is conducted through SAR
state societies and local affiliate chapters and their
volunteer members. The national committee evolved
from a local program developed at the former Walter
Reed Army Medical Center (now the Walter Reed
National Military Medical Center) by the DCSSAR.
The program proved so successful that Ancestry.com
became a major national sponsor, contributing a
$180,000 grant over three years, renewable for an-
other three years after the initial period.
National Chairman Carl Bedell presides over the
OAS Committee. Each State Society has its own
OAS Chairman to spearhead these efforts and organ-
ize each state’s program. State chairmen serve as ex
officio members of the national committee.
State OAS Committee Members are volunteers
who desire to share the genealogy expertise within
the SAR in order to give back to the Wounded Warri-
ors who were injured in their service to our nation.
They provide injured service members with the
knowledge and tools they need to conduct their own
genealogy research in training classes, work sessions,
individual hands-on assistance, and most notably, ac-
cess to Ancestry.com databases.
OAS volunteers perform the following:
1. Help target the military medical facilities
within their respective states that are most open and
receptive to offering the OAS program to their
Wounded Warriors.
2. Help identify the key personnel at those facili-
ties and ensure that the facilities have adequate meet-
ing space and computer facilities.
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More happenings...
FAIRFAX RESOLVES - ARMED FORCES DAY
World War II Veterans (L to R): Earl Anderson, Jim McCullough, Paul Peak, Dante Macario, Bob Ballantyne,
Don Fenton, Percy Floyd, and Bill Schneider
The Fairfax Resolves Chapter celebrated Armed Forces Day on 18 May with a chapter meeting featuring
guest speaker, World War II veteran, Dante ―Dan‖ Macario. Recipient of four Air Medals, Macario flew
30 missions over Europe as a B-24 Liberator nose gunner while assigned to the 8th Air Force, 448th Bomb
Group.
One of his first assignments was to fly into France on D-day as the allies stormed the beach at Nor-
mandy. Macario, the last remaining member of his ten man crew, reflected on how he entered the ser-
vice, his training to become a nose gunner, and his experiences flying over Europe.
A video of Macario’s presentation is available on the chapter website at -
http://www.fairfaxresolvessar.org/ffx_chapter_presentations.html
so that others can also see and hear his story. Following the meeting, all World War II veteran chapter
members that were present were honored in a group photo with Macario.
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More happenings...
NORFOLK CHAPTER FINDS A GOOD SAMARITAN - SUBMITTED BY TOM WHETSTONE
Selection of this year’s heroism medal is a slam dunk for Norfolk Chapter. Our hero is our own Registrar,
Christian Sean Kendall, son of his rightly proud parents, Vice President Robert Bruce Kendall and Regent
Vicki Kendall of Lynnhaven Chapter N.S.D.A.R.
On June 3, 2013, Christian was driving on I-264 near the Witchduck exit in Virginia Beach. Suddenly, a mid-
sized SUV in front of Kendall was hit by a third vehicle. When hit, the SUV went out of control and flew in a
football-like spiral, hit the jersey wall after turning over 14 times, then fell 25-30 feet below, landing on its
wheels at the railroad
tracks at Greenwich
Road. Christian stopped
his car and slid down the
embankment to help. He
saw that Jamal Strayhorn
Sr. & 15-year-old Jamal
Jr. were choking on their
seat belts due to the nu-
merous spirals, so he cut
the seatbelts from around
their necks. Jamal Sr.
had numerous broken
bones. Jamal Jr. had pro-
truding brain matter from
being hit in the head by
flying bowling balls
loose in the car. Chris-
tian cut a piece of styro-
foam out of the bag in the
car, and applied a com-
press to Jamal Jr.'s head,
as he was bleeding pro-
fusely. In about 10 min-
utes the EMT arrived, and told Christian but for his action, Jamal Jr. would have bled out and died.
After the two victims (surviving only due to his quick and decisive actions) had been airlifted to a hospital by
Nightingale, Christian rather calmly explained to WTKR-TV news, ―The driver was cognoscente enough to
scream—because he was screaming. I cut his seat belt off of him because his neck was wrapped around. They
spun so much that his neck was under the seat belt the other way.‖ The online videos at both WTKR.com and
WVEC.com (put ―Christian Kendall‖ in the 'search' box on those websites) confirm that he, like any true hero,
remained calm and unassuming after his lifesaving acts.
WTKR’s story describes Kendall as a ―Good Samaritan,‖ giving him its People Taking Action Award. Vicki
and Bob Kendall also must be congratulated for raising their heroic son. His virtue speaks highly of his genet-
ics and their parenting efforts. Christian Kendall makes Norfolk Chapter, the Virginia Society, and NSSAR
rightly proud.
WTKR News
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In 2010, the Colonel George Waller Chapter located in the Martinsville area, formed a Historical Interpreters
Group. The organization first began by researching the history of the Henry County and Pittsylvania County
Militias during the American War for Independence.
The group found that both of the militia units were involved in guarding the lead mines along the New River,
garrisoning Ft Chiswell (Wytheville, VA) and Ft. Patrick Henry (Kingsport, TN), were engaged in multiple
missions against the Indians in east Tennessee and southwest Virginia, they garrisoned Flowers Gap in Carroll
County, VA against Tory activity, and were involved in multiple missions and mounted patrols against Tories
throughout southwest Virginia and western North Carolina. They also were called up to reinforce the Conti-
nental Army operating in the South many times during the war and members of the two militia organizations
were present at Stono Ferry, South Carolina, Camden, SC, Guilford Courthouse, NC, the Siege of Ninety-Six,
SC, Eutaw Springs, SC, and at Yorktown, VA among other battlefields.
Among other assignments, they escorted prisoners of war captured in the south along the "Great Road" toward
prisoner of war camps in Charlottesville and Winchester, as well as providing armed escorts for supply trains
heading south to Greene's Army.
The Historical Interpreters Group, which represents the two militias, is beginning to plan its activities for 2013
and has bookings already in place for the Spencer-Penn Centre in Spencer, VA, the Fieldale (VA) Heritage
Festival, and the Callands (VA) Fair. The group provides demonstrations of military and civilian camp life
during the Revolution as well as delivering historical information about the era.
Children are introduced to colonial era games with hands on experience provided by Gail Vogler a member of
the General Joseph Martin Chapter -Daughters of the American Revolution.
Other members include Chapter Compatriots Andy Doss, Mike Bass, Gary Hollandsworth, & Bob Vogler.
Friends of the Chapter who participate are:
Jeff Briggs, an active reenactor and an applicant to join the SAR, Lori Doss, Dave Clark of the Virginia Muz-
zle Loading Rife Association, Henry Bryant of the Fort Vause Outfitters, Jordyn Patrick, and Callie Doss.
THE COLONEL GEORGE WALLER CHAPTER HISTORICAL INTERPRETERS
It’s LIVE
A brand new website for VASSAR!
Features include:
Document library...
Facebook interactivity...
Google Events Calender…
Latest News Section…
And More!!!
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MARTIN’S STATION - REPORT BY BOB VOGLER
On May 11, 2013, the Martin’s Station
and Overmountain Men Chapters spon-
sored the thirteenth Anniversary of the
―Raid at Martin’s Station‖ held at the
Virginia Wilderness Road State Park
near Ewing, Virginia.
The event saw participation by SAR,
DAR, and CAR chapters from Virginia,
Tennessee, and Kentucky. The program
included officials from the Wilderness
Road State Park, the Cumberland Gap
National Historical Park, and the dep-
uty director of the Virginia Department
of Conservation and Recreation. The
main speaker for the anniversary event
was Dr. Reverdy Wright, VASSAR Sec-
ond Vice President.
After the formal program, participants
marched to the SAR
monument dedicated to
memory of the pioneers
of Martin’s Station and
the 200,000 settlers who
passed by its palisades.
Wreaths were presented
at the monument.
Joseph Martin first estab-
lished the fort in 1769
and it was the last safe
refuge for explorers and
settlers pushing westward
toward the Cumberland
Gap and Kentucky.
The VASSAR Color Guard Contingent with other Participants
Martin’s Station Memorial Marker
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Jack Sweeney wanted to alert all chapter registrars and their assistants that the Application
Preparation manual has significantly changed. Due to the many changes, the only way to accu-
rately utilize it will be to discard the old manual and adopt the new one immediately. Compa-
triot Sweeney hopes to raise some flags with National about the importance of printing a
―changes‖ document to help guide users on new or replaced procedures in the future.
BRUTON PARISH CHURCH PATRIOT COMMEMORATION—WILLIAMSBURG CHAPTER
On Saturday May 4th, the Williamsburg Chapter hosted the dedication of a Sons of the American
Revolution plaque placed
inside historic Bruton Par-
ish Church in Williams-
burg, Virginia.
The plaque was dedicated
to those patriots buried at
Bruton Parish Church
namely Captain David
Mead Randolph, Edmund
Pendleton and John
Blair. David Meade
Randolph was a captain in
the 1st Virginia Regiment.
Edmund Pendleton,
among many other things,
was a member of the Con-
tinental Congress and
President of the 1788 Vir-
ginia Ratification Convention.
John Blair was a Virginia delegate to
the Constitutional Convention and is
one of three Virginia Signers of the
U.S. Constitution.
The dedication participants included
NSSAR Secretary General Joseph Doo-
ley, NSSAR Trustees Mark Brennan
and Henry P. "Phil" Williams, VAS-
SAR President Kent Webber, VASSAR
officers as well as various VASSAR,
DAR and C.A.R. chapter representa-
tives.
CHAPTER REGISTRARS
Attendees of the Commemoration
Photo of the Plaque that was Placed
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ABRAHAM SAVILLE MONUMENT DEDICATED
On April 28, Dennis Fritts
attended a dedication of a
monument in memory of
Abraham Saville, in Rock-
bridge County. Saville was
a soldier from Pennsylvania,
and was even excommuni-
cated from the Quakers as a
result.
He relocated to Rockbridge
County in 1796. Many de-
scendants attended the
event, ranging from Mar-
tinsville to Seattle, WA. Attendees of the Commemoration of the Abraham Saville Monument
A historical interpreters group organized by the Col. George Waller Chapter attended the Fieldale Festival in May.
From L-R were Jeff Briggs, Dave McKissack, Andy Doss, Gary Hollandsworth, Mike Bass, Bob Vogler,
Gail Vogler, and Jordyn Patrick.
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Virginia Society
Sons of the American Revolution
CHAPTER DIRECTORY
Clinch Mountain Militia Tazewell area
Colonel Fielding Lewis Virginia’s Eastern Piedmont Region
Colonel George Waller Martinsville area
Colonel James Wood, Jr. Northwest Virginia
Colonel William Grayson Prince William County area
Culpeper Minute Men Virginia’s Central Piedmont area
Dan River Danville area
Fairfax Resolves Fairfax County
Fincastle Resolutions Roanoke Valley area Fort Harrison Harrisonburg area
General Daniel Morgan Staunton area
General William Campbell Abingdon area
George Mason Arlington County George Washington Alexandria
James Monroe Upper Northern Neck
Lieutenant David Cox Galax/Independence
Martin’s Station Cumberland Gap New River Valley New River Valley area
Norfolk Norfolk/Virginia Beach area
Overmountain Men Gate City
Richmond Richmond/Petersburg Rockbridge Volunteers Lexington
Richard Henry Lee Lower Northern Neck
Thomas Jefferson Charlottesville
Thomas Nelson, Jr. Newport News/Hampton/Yorktown Williamsburg Williamsburg
(L-R) Ken Wood, Thomas Nelson, Jr. President, Ed Truslow,
VASSAR 3rd VP, and Walt Neville, Chairman of the VASSAR
Yorktown Day Observance Committee with the Cornerstone to be
placed on the American Revolution Museum in Yorktown
On Friday May 10th, three VASSAR members
attended the cornerstone laying of the new
$50,000,000 American Revolution Museum in
Yorktown. When completed in 2016, it will re-
place the current Yorktown Victory Center.
VASSAR MEMBERS AT CORNERSTONE LAYING
YORKTOWN CORNERSTONE