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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE FOR FEBRUARY 2015

1/31/2015

Compatriots and Friends,
     This month the Virginia Society will hold its annual meeting in Richmond, beginning on Friday, Feb 20. If you have not attended an Annual Meeting I encourage you to attend. It is a great opportunity to meet compatriots from other chapters, to learn various aspects of our service through both the classes offered on Friday and hearing the reports of State Officers, Committee Chairmen, and other chapters. You will meet people you will find useful in working your next SAR project, or carrying out your responsibilities in offices you might hold. You learn from others how to do what we do more effectively and you will enjoy good company in a great atmosphere. Every compatriot is welcome and will benefit from attending.
     I would also like to thank you for the response to my request to bring a prospective member to the January Chapter Meeting. If we keep this up the future of our chapter is bright. And thank you for making the prospective members feel welcome.
     Along with the normal busy schedule we are on track to install a very nice marker in Yowell Park in honor of Major Gabriel Long. We have set a tentative date of Saturday, June 27th, for the dedication ceremony. Lon Lacey has been working this project for a long time and now with some really great help from others it is all coming together. Look for updates on this project and opportunities to pitch in to make it happen.
     I hope to see you at Annual, and if not there, or one of the many events between now and our next Chapter Meeting on March 21. I'll see you, and the friend you bring, at the March Chapter Meeting.
Your Servant,
Bill Schwetke, President

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FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS & SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES

1/31/2015

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Colonel William Prescott
February 20, 1726 – October 13, 1795
"Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes"

February Birthdays
Larry R. Alexander
Grant Alexander Cooper
Loyd Lincoln Epperly
Michael Reed Helmick
Christopher Lee Hubbard
Lance M. Lyngar
Douglas L. Schwetke
Andrew Karl Zimmer

February Service Anniversaries
John Southard Hogg - 17 yrs
James M. Bayne - 16 yrs
Robert E. Flournoy - 16 yrs
Andrew Karl Zimmer - 3yrs

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January 2015 Chapter Meeting

1/24/2015

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24 January 2015 Prince Michel WInery, Leon, VA

The rain and ice abated and thirty-one of us, seventeen SAR members, seven wives, and seven prospective members, made the trip to Prince Michel Winery for our January Meeting. The Virginia Society's 3rd Vice President, Mike Elston, his wife Julie, and their son Will Elston of the George Washington Chapter, were our honored guests. The first event was the induction of three new members into the SAR and the CMM.

CMM Vice President and former VASSAR President Jim Bayne, on left, inducts new members, continuing left to right: Travis Martin, Price Martin, and Austin Martin.

      Price Edward Martin, Jr. was born in Manchester, Tennessee, where he attended Coffee County Central High School. Upon his graduation from high school, Price went to work for Koch Industries as a Quality Assurance Technician. At the same time, he attended Motlow State Community College. While with Koch, he advanced to the position of department supervisor and completed his Associate of Arts degree in 1985. He left Koch for a position in Quality Assurance with Cumberland Manufacturing in Lebanon Tennessee, where he worked for the next two years.
     In 1987, Price joined the United States Marine Corps and attended recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina. While at Parris Island, he was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class. During the 1990 to 1991 time frame, he participated in Operation Desert Storm in Iraq as a member of the 3rd Marine Regiment (Rein). In 2009, Price retired from the Marines at Quantico, Virginia at the rank of Master Sergeant, after 22 years of service. He also completed his Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Excelsior College at this time.
     In his post Marine Corps life, Price worked for the Federal Government at Quantico from 2009 to 2014, in support of Marine Corps Cyber Security efforts. It was during this time that he completed his Master’s degree in Management Information Systems at the University of Mary Washington. In October of 2014, he accepted a position as Vice- President and Senior Risk Analysis Manager for PNC Bank in Pittsburgh. His primary responsibility with PNC is the security of the company’s computer and information systems assets.
     In 1994, he met his wife, Erin. They were married in 1995 and have now been together for 19 years. They have 3 children; Travis (17), Austin (16), and Sara (13). They recently relocated to Venetia, Pennsylvania where the children attend the Peters Township school district.
     Several years ago, Price began to research his family’s genealogy. Originally, he began this research on behalf of his grandmother, in the hopes of documenting family history and to assist her longtime desire to become a member of DAR. This research has slowly expanded to include all branches of both his and Erin’s families. Genealogy has now become a favorite hobby and he hopes to conduct further research and documentation of his family’s lineage. His Patriot is Cary Jernigan, originally of Johnston County, North Carolina, who served as a Militiaman of the Newbern Militia in North Carolina.

     William Travis Martin was born in Albany, Georgia, in 1997. Travis is the son of MSgt Price Martin (USMC Retired) and his wife Erin. As part of a military family he has moved extensively over his young life. In addition to Albany he has resided in Beaufort, South Carolina, Manchester, Tennessee; Ladysmith, VA and now Peters Township, Pennsylvania.
      His hobbies include soccer, video gaming, and playing the bass guitar. Career wise, his interests are in international business as well as Chinese culture and language.
      Travis is currently a senior at Peters Township High School in Pennsylvania. His primary focus at this time is completing the requirements for his graduation in June as well as touring various colleges in the area for possible attendance.
      His Patriot is Cary Jernigan, originally of Johnston County, North Carolina who served as a Militiaman of the Newbern Militia in North Carolina.

     Austin Trevor Martin was born in Albany, Georgia, in 1998. Austin is the son of MSgt Price Martin (USMC Retired) and his wife Erin. As part of a military family he has moved extensively over his young life. In addition to Albany he has resided in Beaufort, South Carolina, Manchester, Tennessee; Ladysmith, VA and now Peters Township, Pennsylvania.
      His current hobbies include skate boarding, video gaming, and playing drums. Career wise, his interests are in small business development as well as building his own business around his love of skateboarding.
   Austin is currently a junior at Peters Township High School in Pennsylvania. His primary focus at this time is completing the requirements for his graduation next year as well as beginning his exploration of area colleges.
   His Patriot is Cary Jernigan, originally of Johnston County, North Carolina who served as a Militiaman of the Newbern Militia in North Carolina.

Next, Awards Committee Chairman Lance Lyngar presented newly inducted member Price Martin the SAR War Service Medal for his service in Desert Storm.

This was followed by President Schwetke presenting the SAR Color Guard Bronze Medal to Lance Lyngar for his participation in local chapter, state, and national color guard events. Lance then presented streamers to the CMM Color Guard Commander, Lon Lacey, for CMM participation in the National Color Guards at Great Bridge and Cowpens.

President Schwtke, left, presents the SAR Color Guard Bronze Medal to Lance Lyngar

Past President Lance Lyngar, left, presents streamers for Great Bridge and Cowpens to CMM Color Guard Commander Lon Lacey.

The wives who have regularly attended our meetings and events were presented with patriotic eagle broaches by the CMM compatriots because they are "the wind beneath our wings".

Len Cowherd pins the patriotic eagle broach on his wife Mary Ann.

Installation of Officers for 2015

From left to right: Chaplain Len Cowherd, Treasurer Don Jennings, Secretary Jake Lay, Vice President Jim Bayne, President Bill Schwetke, and VASSAR 3rd Vice President Mike Elston.

The Virginia Society's 3rd Vice President Mike Elston, filling in for the ailing VASSAR President Bill Broadus, swore in the elected Culpeper Minutemen Chapter Officers for 2015:
President - Bill Schwetke
Vice President - Jim Bayne
Secretary - Jake Lay
Treasurer - Don Jennings
Chaplin - Len Cowherd
Registrar - Bill Schwetke

VASSAR 3rd Vice President Mike Elston then gave a talk on the opportunities of SAR membership and told the tale of the Bermuda Gunpowder Plot. The Chapter presented Vice President Elston with "Soldiers of the American Revolution" by Troiani and Kochan.

VASSAR 3rd Vice President Mike Elston, left, receiving "Soldiers of the American Revolution" from the CMM, presented by CMM President Bill Schwetke.

After a fabulous buffet lunch featuring pepper beef and fried chicken the CMM recognized Prince Michel Winery, Marketing Director Brad Nicholson, and our caterer, Maegan Partlow, for their support to our meetings over the past year and a half. Prince Michel has proven to be a truly wonderful meeting place and the meals by Maegan could not be matched.

Susan Spencer, left, of Prince Michel Winery accepts a Certificate of Appreciation for Prince Michel, and also accepted the Certificate for Brad Nicholson who was not present.

Chef Maegan Partlow, left, accepts a Certificate of Appreciation from the CMM, presented by President Bill Schwetke

During our business meeting the CMM approved moving forward with placing a granite memorial to Gabriel Long, who served in the Culpeper Minutemen of 1775, fought at Great Bridge, served honorably through the Revolution rising in rank, and was a key figure in the later visit of Lafayette. The CMM approved spending as much of $2,000 of Chapter funds. The process of gaining proper approval from the City of Culpeper, selecting a contractor, and gaining funding from VASSR's Knight/Patty Trust Fund are well along. The marker will be placed in Yowell Meadow Park, on North Blue Ridge Ave, near where Gabriel Long and the other Culpeper Minutemen mustered and drilled before departing for Williamsburg and eventually the crucial Battle of Great Bridge. Lon Lacey, Jerry Hubbard, Don Jennings, and Gar Schulin have done a fine job of preparing our proposal.

Yowell Meadow Park

Our proposed location for the Major Gabriel Long Memorial.

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234th Anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens

1/17/2015

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17 January 2015 Gaffney, SC

Combined Color Guard salutes the Washington Light Infantry Monument at Cowpens. CMM members: seventh from right, President General Lindsey Brock, fifth from right, CMM President Bill Schwetke.

The 234 Anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens was celebrated today in a ceremony conducted jointly by the National Park Service and the Sons of the American Revolution. Participants included the Sons of the American Revolution, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Children of the American Revolution, the Sons of the Revolution, the Order of Founders and Patriots of American, sailors of CG-63, USS Cowpens, and various other smaller organizations. The ceremony opened with the combined color guard of about thirty members marching to the monument with the colors. SAR President General and CMM member Lindsey Brock made the opening remarks and then introduced the master of ceremonies, John Slaughter, Superintendent of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution Parks Group of the National Parks Service (also a member of the SAR). Wreaths were presented by over seventy-three organizations including the CMM.

CMM President Bill Schwetke renders a salute in honor of the heroes of Cowpens during the wreath laying ceremony.

After musket volleys the color guard marched to the Washington Light Infantry Monument and once again rendered honors to the heroes of Cowpens.

Color Guard begins march to the Washington Light Infantry Monument. CMM President Bill Schwetke in the foreground.

Procession to the Washington Light Infantry Monument.

General Sir Banastre Tarleton, portrayed by Mark Snyder, relives his defeat at Cowpens.

The highlight of the previous evening was an hour-long discourse by General Sir Banastre Tarleton (played by Mark Snyder of Williamsburg) who was defeated by General Daniel Morgan at Cowpens.

CMM participants at Cowpens included President General Lindsey Brock and his wife Billie, and CMM President Bill Schwetke and his wife Cat.

The CMM at Cowpens, left to right: CMM President Bill Schwetke, Cat Schwetke, Billie Brock, President General Lindsey Brock.

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January 2015 Board of Managers Meeting

1/10/2015

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Lively discussion at BOM Meeting, from left: Lon Lacey, Don Jennings, and Jerry Hubbard.

     The CMM Board of Managers met today at Pepper's Grille in Culpeper to plan for 2015. Attending were 2015 officers 1st Vice President Jim Bayne, Past President Jerry Hubbard, Treasurer Don Jennings, Color Guard Commander Lon Lacey, Secretary Jake Lay, Past President Lance Lyngar, and President Bill Schwetke.
     Significant decisions included: postponing the first Independence Day Eve Dinner to 2016; recruiting an actor to portray Thomas Jefferson to read the Declaration of Independence on Independence Day and advertising that event; and moving forward with a stone marker with bronze plaque for Gabriel Long to be placed in Yowell Meadow Park.
     The Board of Managers wishes everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

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President's Message for January 2015

1/1/2015

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Compatriots and Friends,
     After the Revolution and through the years, in municipalities large and small, Independence Day parades featured Revolutionary Veterans marching together. Over the years their number dwindled until there were none. But in 1875, with the approach of the Centennial of the Revolution, and the strong desire to heal the wounds of the recent conflict, groups of sons and grandsons of Revolutionary Veterans began to march in their place. In San Francisco California there was an especially strong sentiment for the descendants to march in the 1875 parade and so a platoon of uniformed descendants marched to great acclaim. Then the approaching centennial of the Declaration of Independence created even stronger interest in participation by the descendants of patriots. Organizers met in October and planned not only significant participation in the San Francisco parade by descendants, but formation of a lasting organization of such to preserve the unity of purpose of our patriot ancestors. Eventually that new organization became the Sons of the American Revolution.
     In San Francisco, and across our great nation, age had taken our Revolutionary patriots, but their younger descendants marching in their place preserved their spirit. This month the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter will install officers for 2015 with an average age of seventy-seven. The men who I will serve with are full of the spirit of their patriot ancestors and have marched faithfully in their place, but this will not continue forever. Let’s keep the parade going and the spirit alive. I ask each member to bring to our next meeting, January 24th, at least one friend, neighbor, or relative. They will be our guests, they need not pay for the meal, but they should see who we are, what we do, and be inspired to join our efforts.
     Writing the Annual Chapter Report and preparing a scrapbook for 2014 (as acting Historian), I am reminded of how much some of you have contributed this past year. Thank you for all you have done. I look forward to the New Year and continuing to work with such outstanding patriots as you. Wishing you all the best for your New Year.

Your Servant,
Bill Schwetke, President

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE FOR FEBRUARY 2015

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS & SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES

January 2015 Chapter Meeting

24 January 2015 Prince Michel WInery, Leon, VA

234th Anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens

17 January 2015 Gaffney, SC

January 2015 Board of Managers Meeting

President's Message for January 2015

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