19-20 Feb 2016 Omni Hotel, RIchmond, VA
The first event for the CMM was the treasurer, administrative and awards workshop. Conducted by Virginia SAR Treasurer Rick Elofson and Virginia SAR Secretary Wayne Rouse the workshop updated secretaries and treasurers and other interested individuals on the latest information. Another workshop, conducted by former President General Joe Dooley, was held on Saturday morning to update registrars on the new online application process.
The CMM also received many awards at the annual meeting. Our Outstanding JROTC cadet, William Grimsley, won the Virginia SAR Outstanding JROTC Cadet Award, which includes a check for $1,000. Cadet Grimsley will represent the Virginia SAR at the national competition in Boston in July. The CMM also received nine streamers for our flag: The Carroll Wright Award streamer for the largest percentage increase in membership; The Chapter Excellence Award; Best Chapter Scrapbook; Sponsor of the Best JROTC Cadet; History Day Support; Participation in the Flag Certificate Program; and three streamers, one for each of the Presidential Initiatives we attended.
During the business meeting the Virginia SAR officers for 2016, except for the president, were sworn in by President General Tom Lawrence (picture at the top). Virginia SAR officers for 2016 are:
President: Edward W. Truslow
President-Elect: Michael J. Elston, Esq.
2nd Vice President: Patrick M. Kelly
3rd Vice President: J. Thomas Whetstone, PhD
Secretary/Assistant Treasurer: R. Wayne Rouse
Treasurer: Frederick N. "Rick" Elofson
Chancellor: Eric H. Monday, Esq.
Registrar: J. Michael Taimi
Historian: Larry G. Aaron, D.Min.
Surgeon: Dr. Christopher N. "Kirk" Sheap MD
Chaplain: The Rev. Dr. Roy A. Martin, Jr.
Assistant Secretary: Lance M. Lyngar
Assistant Registrar: David A. Cook
Assistant Registrar: David R. Thomas
Assistant Chaplain: Eugene F. Thomas
Commissions in the 1st Virginia Regiment are purchased by donating to Virginia Society SAR through the regiment.
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1. Strong Virginia Society support for the Blanford Cemetery Monument Dedication on April 16th in Peteresburg. (The CMM will be represented by President Bill Schwetke, who command the Color Guard for the event, and hopefully many other CMM compatriots)
2. Recognition of our veterans with War and Military Service Medals. (All eligible CMM Compatriots have received the appropriate medal and we will continue to make appropriate awards to new members).
3. Financial support for the new Museum of the American Revolution in Yorktown. (this will be on the agenda for the March chapter meeting).
5. Increased participation in Youth Recognition Programs. (This will need our attention and volunteers are needed to improve our participation in orations, essays, and recognition of scouts and teachers. An immediate need can be met by volunteering as a History Day judge; ten more are needed; transportation is available: register here ASAP, or contact Bill Schwetke and he will contact the judges coordinator, then contact Bill Schwetke about a ride).
President Truslow also noted that the Virginia DAR has about 9,00 members to our about 2,000, and each of these ladies has a father, brother, or son, who would be eligible for SAR membership which we should encourage. President Truslow also announced plans for our 28th chapter in the Halifax area, which should stand up this year.
The Culpeper Minutemen are proud of our accomplishments this past year and are inspired by President Truslow to increase our membership and our impact on our community in 2016.