Tampa Chapter

Sons of the American Revolution

Meeting Notice and News, April 2011

 

Compatriots,

            Our next meeting will be held on April 16th in the private meeting room of the Piccadilly Cafeteria, located at 11810 Dale Mabry Highway North, Tampa, Florida (813-963-1660). Meetings begin at noon but members arrive as early as 11:30 for a time of camaraderie.

This month we will host the JROTC cadets chosen by their instructors to receive the SAR Bronze ROTC medal. This will be our 13th year to welcome the cadets and anticipate a good turnout. As you may recall we ask our members to chip in to pay for the lunches of the cadets and also to make an effort to sit with them and their guests. We really appreciate everyone’s willingness to help in these two matters. Each year we receive some great feedback telling us how welcome the cadets and their families feel.

The presentation each year is chosen primarily with the diverse audience in mind. We trust we have again found a topic that will be of interest to both the cadets and the members. The building in which I work at Tampa Catholic is named for Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley. Recently, I came across an historical book detailing his work at the Vatican in the run up to WWII. I’ll be relating some of the stories from this period with a view to encouraging all of us to stick with our convictions.

Below are a number of other items that may be of interest to you. Thanks for taking the time to look them over.

 

Regards,

 

Kevin Yarnell

Secretary, Tampa Chapter

 

 

2nd Annual Conference on the American Revolution

June 24-26, Baltimore

John Skillman sent the following:

Click here to view the flyer for the 2nd Annual Conference on the American Revolution, to be held in Baltimore 24-26 June. As you may recall, I attended the first one last June at West Point, NY, on the subject of George Washington and his protégés. This year’s topic is Black Patriots of the American Revolution. Candidly, I had never thought that blacks played much of a role in the Revolution until I read Ron Chernow’s new book, “Washington: A Life.” I was surprised to learn how many there were and how important they were to both sides.

 

I can say of last year’s conference that it has been years since I had such exposure to so many college professors in one weekend and all were thoroughly versed in their topics. The conference was extremely well organized from beginning to end, and I enjoyed it so much that I plan to attend this year. Let me know if any of you are interested in joining me.

 

Last Naval Battle Commemoration

On Saturday, 5 March, member John Skillman joined the FLSSAR Color Guard and participated in the commemoration of the 228th Anniversary of the Last Naval Battle of the Revolutionary War. The naval engagement place off Cape Canaveral, FL, on 10 March 1783 and was featured in previous Florida Patriot magazines. The commemoration event was well attended with representatives from many heritage societies and other organizations and includes a short parade including color guards from the SAR, SCV, SUV, VFW, K of C, Boy Scouts, Sea Cadets, and several others.

 

The event is typically held on the first Saturday of March each year. Perhaps other Tampa members can join John next year.

 

John Skillman is shown above beside the commemorative marker placed by the Brevard Chapter and FLSSAR

 

 

 

Wreaths were presented by many organizations to honor our Patriot Ancestors.

 

 

Jack Bolen Represents Color Guard at Event

On Saturday, April 9th. I represented our color guard at a Confederate Memorial Day service held at the Confederate monument in front of the Hillsborough County courthouse. My assignment was to present the U. S. flag at the event. The Confederate First national Flag, known as the Stars and Bars, was presented by the color guard from the General Early Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. They also presented the 1860's version of the Florida Sate flag. Each flag was honored in order by the signing of the National Anthem, Dixie and the Florida state song, Ol' Folks at Home.

The ceremony was sponsored by the Augusta Jane Evans Wilson chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The Confederate monument was given to the county in 1911 by the Tampa Chapter 113 of the UDC. The statue is located on Pierce Street. A number of our members are also members of the SCV and other Confederate heritage organizations.

 

Being in the Right Place?

The SAR sponsors an Eagle Scout Award which consists of a certificate awarded to boys who earn the rank of Eagle. An additional competition is available at both the state and national level to honor the best Eagle Scout each year.

 

Several years ago a former member, Barry Rich, took on the task of promoting the award and contest to the local troops. While he had some success with the awards, Barry was unable to generate any interest in the contest and so, after several years of trying, the chapter opted to withdraw from the program.

 

Since then, we receive the occasional request for Eagle Scout Awards which the secretary sends via post. Further, we indicated to the state Eagle Scout Chairman that we’d “process” any contest entries that were in this area. Last year, we received one such entry, forwarded it to the state committee and that young man won the state contest!

 

This year, again, we had one entry – this one from Harrison Hatcher in Riverview. We’re pleased to announce that no only did Harrison win the State contest but he placed 3rd in the National contest!

 

So, despite our lack of effort with this program, the Tampa Chapter just bagged back-to-back State winners and that begs the question of whether it is time for the chapter to take another shot at this program. If you have an interest in the Eagle Scouts please talk to the Secretary or the President. We’ll fill you in on the details and help you better decide the level of your involvement.

 

 

 

Minutes of the March 19, 2011 meeting of the Tampa Chapter SAR

 

President Luke Lloyd called the meeting to order at 12:05pm. John Skillman offered the invocation, Chuck Hawley led the pledge to the flag and Pres. Lloyd led the SAR pledge.  Guests were introduced.  In the absence of Color Guard captain Alan Bell, Pres. Lloyd mentioned the CAR convention/banquet and the Honor Guard presentation at the event.

 

In the absence of the secretary, V. President Bob Yarnell gave a brief report on the ROTC program planned for the April Meeting.   The chapter will pick up the tab for the cadets lunch.  Any member wishing to help defray this expense may give money to treasurer Chick Copeland before or after the meeting in April.

 

Due the departure of Sec. Kevin Yarnell after the May meeting, Pres. Lloyd offered the following for how we will cover Kevin’s various functions until elections are held in November.

Robert        will take over the secretary’s job o na temporary basis.  He was not present today so Bob Yarnell took minutes from the meeting.

Bob Yarnell will take over the newsletter.

John Skillman will handle the paper work for and take over the chapter challenge.

Jack Bolen will take over the coordination of the ROTC events.

 

Treasurer Chuck Copeland reported a balance of 2532.56 in the bank and 144.05 in petty cash on hand.

 

Pres. Lloyd reported on the audit of the books done by Jack Bolen and Chuck Hawley.  The books checked out fine.  After discussions with treasurer Chick Copeland, the following recommendations were made and accepted:

someone will double check the 50/50 and petty cash after each meeting

the account will be moved to a different bank.

 

Pres. Lloyd read the report of the registrar.  He gave an update on new applicants and reported that the continued problems at the national office have still not been solved.

Pres. Lloyd also reported that a student from our area won the state eagle state competition.

John Skillman then reported on his attendance at the Last Naval Battle commemoration. He reported on the parade, the attendance and the keynote speaker, on all of which he gave a glowing report.

 

Luke then brought to the attention of the membership the SAR French exchange program in case anyone was interested in pursuing it.

 

Before adjourning for lunch, Pres. Lloyd presented VP Bob Yarnell the SAR meritorious service medal in recognition of all he has done for the chapter and in the community on behalf of the SAR.

 

Adjourned for lunch at 12:47

 

After lunch VP Yarnell introduced pour Fire/EM medal recipient for the year, Mario Pitts.  Mario has been with the HCFR for many years as well as having served on active duty in the army and reserves.  While doing duty at his reserve location Mario Pitts –in his words—was at the right place at the right time to perform the Heimlich maneuver and save the life of one of his comrades.  He then discussed his work as a paramedic with HCFR.  Following his wonderful presentation the audience asked several very good questions and a brief discussion ensued.

Due to the secretary being absent, Mario did not get his medal; it will be taken to his station and presented to him there.

 

The 50/50 was won by-----and the money donated to the chapter.

 

John Skillman read the recessional.  Meeting was adjourned at 1:50pm.

 

Submitted in the absence of the secretary by VP Bob Yarnell