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Compatriots,
As summer ends and September begins with children returning to school, it reminds me of the outstanding programs the SAR offers to educate and inspire our youth about the history and founding of our country. As I noted in a previous letter, the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported that over 75% of the 8th Grade students in American History and Civics scored below the Proficient level. This report confirms the important work we are doing with our Youth Programs to help overcome this deficiency.
I urge you to identify one or more schools in your area and present our youth programs to them. If you need assistance for a specific program, please contact one of our youth committee chairman listed below. They can give you information on due dates and program requirements.
The CASSAR has established an excellent trend in identifying and developing outstanding youth to participate in our programs. This year, our state Brochure Contest winner won 1st place in the national contest. Last year, our state Poster Contest winner and our state Eagle Scout contest winner both won 1st place in the national contest. I hope we can build on this record of success.
Also, as noted in PG John Dodd’s message to the SAR, we need to publicize the great things we do. When you go to a school to make a presentation about one of our youth programs, take a picture of your presentation (pictures of youth require a CASSAR release form) and post it on your website, send it to California Compatriot editor, Don Littlefield, and to other public platforms. We need to let the public know what the SAR is doing with our youth programs.
Finally, please note registration is open for our 148th CASSAR Fall Board of Managers meeting on November 3-4 aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Please see the link on our CASSAR website to register for that event. I hope to see you there.
Thank you for your service to SAR,
Jim Klingler, President
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From the President General | |
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Greetings Compatriots!
We are entering a busy period for your SAR, with district and state meetings, ceremonies, and commemorations. I encourage you all to take to social media to spread the word concerning your activities. As we enter this decade of the 250th Anniversary of the Revolution, not only our members but also the public at large hopefully will look to the SAR’s social media platforms for important patriotic information.
Please ensure your chapter, state and district websites and any Facebook pages and other social media outlets are current. The Public Relations Committee developed a helpful “event press kit,” including a model press release, available on the SAR website:
| Marketing and Public Relations Manager Drew Hight also is available to assist with press releases for larger events. Please share your photos and short videos with him for editing and posting on NSSAR social media sites. Importantly, visit these sites yourself and “follow,” “join” and “subscribe.” This only takes a minute and assists with the algorithms to let others know our sites exist and convey important information. Links are on the NSSAR website and below: | |
I look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events. Thank you again for service to the SAR. | |
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John L. Dodd
President General 2023-2024
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Member Data Verification Project | | |
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The National Society SAR has undertaken a project to publish a Semiquincentennial Membership Directory, due out in 2024.
Please follow the instructions contained in the email to verify your membership data.
For more information about this project, please visit www.sar.org/250Directory.
This project is authorized by the SAR Executive Committee.
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National Society Dues Increase | |
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The Congress delegates voted to approve an annual dues increase. The annual dues for regular members, CAR transfer members and reinstatements each will be increased from $35 to $50 per year, effective September 1, 2023. The other dues categories remain the same. The national life member dues amounts will increase correspondingly, effective August 1, 2023.
The Dues Task Force presented the justification for the dues increase to the Delegates. The last dues increase was in 2014, 10 years ago, and since that time the Consumer Price Index has risen about 24%. In addition, our membership growth has been flat for the last 5 years. Our total membership at the end of 2022 was only 558 members, or 1.7%, higher than at the end of 2018. The increase in costs and the lack of growth in membership generated an operating loss in 2022 of $292,000, and continued deficits are forecast in the future years without a dues increase.
In addition, funds are needed in the future for implementing the projects in the 5-year Operational Plan. However, without a dues increase, these projects will not be continued, including the digitization of membership records, automation of the application process and other IT-related projects, as well as public relations and marketing efforts related to America 250 events.
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News from Around the CASSAR | |
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Harbor Chapter Draws Attention to
Philippines Internment Camps During WWII
The Harbor Chapter was fortunate to have DAR El Redondo Chapter’s Francine Bostrom share her story that detailed her imprisonment in the internment camps in the Philippines during WWII when she was a young child. Francine’s powerful and insightful testimony transitioned from detailing her capture and internment to her liberation by the United States Armed Forces. As one DAR member observed, we often think of POW’s and MIAs as serving in the military. Francine’s story highlights POWs were also non-military individuals living in the community and it is critical to hear their stories as well while we still can.
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Harbor Chapter President James Bunker presents Francine Bostrom
with the SAR Certificate of Appreciation
Harbor Chapter Inducts Three New Members
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(L-R) Harbor Chapter Registrar Brandon Villardi, Joel Harter, Stephen Magoffin, Harbor Chapter President James Bunker, and Derek Gould | |
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Sacramento Chapter
Compatriot Douglas Lee Poore Inducted
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At the August 19 Business Meeting of the Sacramento Chapter, Douglas Lee Poore, MSgt USAF retired, was inducted as a member of the SAR. Following the meeting Doug shared this message of thanks "I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who welcomed me to the S.A.R. meeting this morning! Your unrestrained outreach was deeply felt, and I truly appreciate the opportunity I was offered today!"
American Heritage Partners
The Salem Witch Trials:
A Story of Injustice in Early America
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Alan Fitch (seated) and Jonathan "Jay" Dickey (podium), American Heritage Partners
Don Littlefield represented the California Society at another of American Heritage Partners Distinguished Authors Lecture Series featuring Rachel Christ-Doane, Director of Education at the Salem Witch Museum, Salem, MA. The event was held in Reno, NV and was attended by many members of the Nevada Society SAR, and Battle Born Patriots Chapter including David Hess, Past President. The event was well attended by members from several notable lineage societies. These are great educational events with notable speakers.
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San Diego Chapter
America 250 Medals Presented
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Philip Hirman awarded the
Bronze America 250 medal.
(L to R) Michael Hirman, Philip Hirman,
Gary Newton and Peter Fagen.
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Alan Winters awarded the
Bronze America 250 medal.
(L to R) Michael Hirman, Alan Winters,
Gary Newton and Peter Fagen.
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Flag Certificate Presentations
Presentation of the SAR Flag Certificate to the Green Dragon Tavern
Following the San Diego Chapter August Meeting, Jim McAdory (center) presented an SAR Flag Certificate to the Green Dragon Tavern & Museum. In the photo are some of the Green Dragon staff along with Alan Winters (left) and Duncan Campbell (right).
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Rainbow Oaks Restaurant presented SAR Flag Certificate
San Diego Chapter members also presented a Flag Certificate to Jeanene Paulino, Rainbow Oaks Restaurant, Rainbow, CA. The Rainbow Oaks is known locally as the most patriotic establishment in the area (maybe the nation). The San Diego Chapter partnered with Fallbrook’s Eagle Chapter for this award.
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(L to R) Jim McAdory, Jeanene Paulino, Duncan and Carolyn Campbell.
Eagle Chapter members were unable to attend due to prior engagements.
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(L-R) South Coast Chapter President Scott Whitman,
Bunny Smith (Senior President and DAR member), VP South John Ferris.
On Sunday, August 13, Scott Whitman, President of the South Coast Chapter and John Ferris, Vice President South met with the Lt. George Nixon, Sr Society C.A.R. The two presented videos on America 250 and invited the audience to join the America 250th Anniversary Recognition Program.
At the end of the meeting, CASSAR America 250 Challenge Coins were handed out to the CAR members. As CASSAR members we all should be extending our support to the CAR by visiting local CAR chapters and extending invitations from our own various chapter events.
| On August 11, South Coast Chapter member, Jason Temple (above left), awarded a flag certificate to Sam Kazak (above right), owner of Orange Hill Liquor. Mr. Kuzak was very thankful and believes everyone should be “flying the flag and being thankful for all we have in America.” | |
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The Harbor Chapter recently voted to receive PG Manning’s America 250 Daily Minute in their email every day. They are the third CASSAR chapter (Redlands and Orange County were the first) to do so.
This is one of the best ways to celebrate America 250 SAR. The America 250 Daily Minute gives a brief lesson on what happened on this day back during our Revolutionary War period; 1764-1783. It allows one to be more aware of what our patriot ancestors went through. It brings the past alive so that you can feel more of what your patriot felt as he/she lived through that period. Knowing more of what they went through and increasing our respect for what they did is a great way to honor our patriots.
If you want to find out how your chapter can be apart of this celebration, contact John Ferris, Chair, America 250 SAR, at jrf1776@outlook.com .
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The Harbor Chapter is looking forward to hosting the 148th BOM meeting November 3-4 aboard the iconic RMS Queen Mary. Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. On her maiden voyage in 1936 she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built.
Meeting Registration Now Open
Harbor Chapter will be accepting registration fees by check AND credit card for this meeting. To pay by check, use the Meeting Registration form soon to be available on the CASSAR website or register and pay online now using the link below: https://cassar148bom.cheddarup.com
Hotel Reservations are available for 148th BOM Meeting Onboard the Queen Mary using the group link below or by calling: 888-217-1153. The Group code is: 1123CASSAR
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To date, the California Society has given over 1200 challenge coins.
Many of these coins are circulating all over the United States as they have been given out to SAR and non-SAR members alike. To those who have never received a coin it is quite an experience. Many have share a sense of pride and honor to have been chosen to receive such a coin. I am gathering orders to make another purchase before our state meeting in Long Beach.
If you would like to order some CASSAR Challenge Coins contact John Ferris, Chair CASSAR America 250 at jrf1776@outlook.com .
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September 4 — Labor Day
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September 11 — Patriot Day — 9.11
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September 17 — Constitution Day
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November 3-4 — 148th CASSAR BOM Meeting, Long Beach
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April 26-27, 2024 — CASSAR Annual Meeting, Burlingame
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Every member who participates in SAR programs and interacts with youth under the age of 18, is required to successfully complete SAR Youth Protection Training. Training is online, takes about 20 minutes, and is valid for three years.
Send your certificate of completion to Dan McKelvie: mckelvie@sbcglobal.net.
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CALL FOR ARTICLES — September 20, 2023 Deadline
Please send news of events and high resolution digital photos to
Don Littlefield at dblittlefield@comcast.net
— RELEASE FORMS —
All photos or or other materials that show or name any
minor under the age of 18
must be accompanied by a signed Release Form.
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"We will remember our compatriot brothers with thanksgiving." | |
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Philip Lee Hinshaw
1934-2023
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Philip Hinshaw passed on February 10, 2023 and was buried at sea on April 1, 2023 in a private ceremony.
A memorial service was held August 26 to remember Compatriot Hinshaw. Mary Hinshaw, Phil's wife, organized the service and the San Diego Color Guard presented the colors.
Phil was well known and respected in SAR. He became a member in 1996 and has served the San Diego Chapter as Historian, Treasurer, Secretary, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President and in 2004 he was elected as the Chapter’s President. He and his wife Mary attended at least six National Congresses, 15 NSSAR Trustee/Leadership meetings at the National Society’s Headquarters and in 2010 he and Mary travelled with a SAR group to Spain where they attended an audience with His Royal Highness Don Felipe, the Prince of Asturias at the Royal Palace of Zarzue-la.
His work with the House of Spain and bringing the history of Spain’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War served as the inspiration for the San Diego’s Chapter assembling educational content for teachers on the subject and regular collaboration with the House of Spain.
Read more on Phil's memorial service.
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The San Diego Color Guard presents the Colors for Phil's Memorial Service | |
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Surrounded by the San Diego Color Guard is Phil Hinshaw's wife Mary.
Mary Hinshaw organized the Memorial Service.
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Representing the California Society were CASSAR President James Klingler,
Vice President South John Ferris, and Past CASSAR President M. Kent Gregory.
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Cyber Scams
If you receive an email, text, or voice mail from a purported Officer or Compatriot seeking any kind of financial transaction, consider it a hoax. Phishing messages are very sophisticated and may include the unauthorized use of the SAR logo, a compatriot's name, or a pseudo SAR email address. Stop — Think — Verify !!!
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The California Compatriot is the official newsletter of the California Society, Sons of the American Revolution. Unless explicitly stated, the opinions expressed herein are the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the California Society SAR.
Editor: Donald B Littlefield
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