I would like to thank the SAR Compatriots from California who made the trip to Renton, Washington to attend the 2021 National Congress. The California Society was represented by twenty voting delegates, many of whom traveled with wives and family members.
In addition to general sessions and committee meetings, awards night, tours of the Museum of Flight, LeMay Automobile Museum, local dining, and seeing California Compatriot Jim Falkenbury recognized for two years of service as National Genealogist General were all highlights of this year’s Congress.
The Keynote Speaker was retired U.S.M.C. General James Mattis who was also presented with his membership certificate. Other highlights include the induction of two new Minutemen from California – Lou Carlson, Class of 2020 and Kent Gregory, Class of 2021, the installation of State Chancellor John Dodd as Treasurer General of the NSSAR, and Davis Wright as President General of the National Society.
Thanks to hard work of many members at the Chapter level California received award certificates and streamers for participation in the following programs:
- Sgt. Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest
- Americanism Poster Contest
- Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest
- Outstanding JROTC Cadet Contest
- George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest
Congratulations to the twelve CA Compatriots who received the Liberty Medal or Oak Leaf Cluster:
- Anthony Chakurian - Gold Country
- David Cofer Jr. - Sacramento
- Kerry Adams - Kern Chapter
- Terry Briggs - Silicon Valley
- Derek Brown - Thomas Jefferson
- James Fosdyck - Orange County
- Kent Gregory (3) - Orange County
- David Grinnell - Coachella Valley
- Russell Haynes - Central Coast
- Eddie Smith - Delta Chapter
- Leon Smith - South Coast
- Owen Stills (2) - Gen. George Washington
Chapter Secretary training via Zoom will begin on Wednesday September 8 and continue the 2nd Wednesday of each month thru the end of this year. Please contact Fred Schuster our State Secretary for the meeting link and more information.
Thank you to past State President Don Littlefield for his volunteer service hours which led to a $4,900.00 check to the CASSAR from his former employer Benevity, and to our current Executive Vice-President Craig Anderson for reporting his volunteer service hours and an expected $500.00 check from his former employer Chevron. Many companies provide matching funds for employee service hours and the CASSAR is grateful for our members volunteer service time as well as the matching funds.
I am excited to learn that most of our Chapters are planning to return to in person meetings this Fall and I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the Mission Inn in November. I hope you all have a great summer.
In Patria,
Brian Stephens
