Blog Archives - CULPEPER MINUTE MEN - MUSTER CALL

President's Message for November 2014

10/31/2014

      Fall brings lots of colorful leaves and lots of activity. There is a lot on our calendar with often overlapping events. Semi-Annual finishes summer, then we have Point Pleasant, Kings Mountain, our Community Awards Meeting, Yorktown, the FCHC/DAR Genealogy Workshop, Valley Forge, Veteran’s Day, our Chapter Awards Meeting, Great Bridge, the SAR/DAR Christmas Party, Wreaths Across America, and several grave markings and other wreath layings. Your attendance at these events, in mufti and in uniform, is much appreciated. We always have a good time and it reflects well on our chapter to be well represented.
     If you scroll down to Birthdays and Service Anniversaries you will see that November is the birth month of Major General Artemas Ward. Ward began public service as the township assessor for Worchester County, MA in 1751 and served in various capacities until 1795, his last service was as a US Congressman from Massachusetts. His military service began in 1755 as a major in the 3rd Massachusetts Militia Regiment. He fought in the French and Indian War and rose to the rank of colonel and commanded the 3rd Massachusetts. In 1774, with rebellion brewing, the 3rd Massachusetts resigned en masse, reformed as patriot militia, and elected Ward as its colonel. A short time later the Massachusetts Committee of Safety promoted Ward to General and gave him command of the entire Massachusetts Militia. After Lexington and Concord Ward moved his headquarters to Cambridge where he directed the overwatch of British forces in Boston. Then both New Hampshire and Connecticut placed their militias under his command. When the Continental Congress formed the Continental Army under Washington’s command they also promoted Ward to Major General and made him Washington’s second in command. Ward resigned from the army in 1777 due to his poor health, but continued to serve the revolution in various public offices, including delegate to the Continental Congress. We honor his birth this month and give thanks that our ancestors had men such as Artemas Ward to lead and organize them in the chaotic first days of the Revolution.
     I hope as our nomination committee makes its calls asking chapter members to serve in various offices that you remember the example of Artemas Ward and others who stepped up to give our revolution the advantage of their skill and experience.

Your Servant,
Bill Schwetke, President

November Birthdays and Service Anniversaries

10/31/2014

Major General Artemas Ward
born November 26th, 1727

November Birthdays
James Robert Baird
James Ernest Ball
James Donald Cope
Don Robert Hollar
Alonzo Leonard Lacey, Jr.
Ronald Elliot Hasbrouck Woodman

November Service Anniversaries
Junior Edens - 11yrs
James Simpson Cooper - 3yrs
Grant Alexander Cooper - 3 yrs

Yorktown Victory Celebration 2014

10/28/2014

The Color Guard forms for the Yorktown Victory Celebration. CMM Past President Lance Lyngar is fifth from the left.

October 18th & 19th Culpeper Minutemen Chapter members participated in the Yorktown Victory Celebrations. CMM members present were Past President Lance Lyngar, Past President Mike Lyman, and current NSSAR President General Lindsey Brock. Lance Lyngar was joined by his father, Andrew Lyngar, 1st VP of the NMSSAR.

CMM Past President Lance Lyngar with his father, Andrew Lyngar, 1st VP of the NMSSAR, and the CMM wreath that Lance presented at the Yorktown Victory Celebration.

CMM Inducts New Member in Texas

10/18/2014

Our newest member, Doug Schwetke, being inducted into the SAR and the Culpeper Minutemen by his brother, our president, Bill Schwetke. Looking on are Doug's daughter, Dalidea Stalcup, and her family, husband Justin, Kenzie, and Tanner.

Our newest member, Doug Schwetke, brother of president Bill Schwetke, was inducted by his brother at a meeting of the Maj. K.M. Van Zandt #6 Chapter in Fort Worth Texas on Saturday, October 18th. Doug's ancestor is James Williams who served as a private in the Delaware Regiment of the Flying Camp and later as a sergeant in the 2nd Delaware Regiment of the Continental Line. Doug works as a production supervisor at Expanco in Fort Worth. Expanco is a 501(c)(3) corporation that provides services and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to help them maximize their independence, earnings potential, and appropriate social skills. It is challenging and rewarding work that allows Doug to give back to the community. Doug intends to continue as a member of the Culpeper Minutemen, but become a dual member of the Van Zandt Chapter.

CMM Marks Compatriot Francis Lay's Grave

10/11/2014

Participants in the ceremony to place an SAR Marker on the grave of Lt. Col. Charles Francis Lay. Left to right: CMM President Bill Schwetke, VASSAR Secretary Wayne Rouse, VASSAR Color Guard Commander Darrin Schmidt, Fairfax Resolves Chapter President Bill Price, Past VASSAR President Larry McKinley, Past VASSAR President Dr. Phil Williams, Providence Chapter DAR representative Marsha Price, Compatriot Andy Johnson, Past CMM President Lance Lyngar, Past CMM President Gar Schulin, Gerry Schuck of Bugles Across America, Doug Graves of the Order of Founders and Patriots, CMM Treasurer Don Jennings, and CMM Color Guard Commander Lon Lacey. Participating, but not in the picture: CMM Chaplain Len Cowherd and CMM Secretary Jake Lay.

We gathered on the Lay Family Farm to honor and place an SAR marker on the grave of Lt. Col. Charles Francis Lay. Francis was a long and faithful member of the Culpeper Minutemen. The CMM Color Guard, under the command of VASSAR Color Guard Commander Darrin Schmidt, and augmented by members of other chapters, posted the colors. Francis was memorialized in remarks by his brother, CMM Secretary Jake Lay, representing the Lay Family, and President Bill Schwetke, representing the CMM. Many organizations placed wreaths at Francis' grave in his honor, the color guard fired a musket salute, and Gerry Schuck of Bugles Across America sounded Taps.

James Dominic Lay, Jr. Francis' nephew, unveils the SAR marker on Francis Lay's grave.

Wreath Presentations, left to right: Wayne Rouse, Col Fielding Lewis Chapter; Bill Price, Fairfax Resolves Chapter; Phil WIlliams, Thomas Jefferson Chapter, Marsha Price, Providence Chapter DAR; Gar Schulin, Culpeper Minutemen Chapter; Doug Graves, Order of Founders and Patriots.

The Color Guard fires their muskets in honor of Francis Lay. From left to right: Lance Lyngar, Don Jennings, Lon Lacey, Larry McKinley, Andy Johnson, Darrin Schmidt.

Gerry Schuck of Bugles Across America sounds Taps for Compatriot Francis Lay.

Lt. Col. Charles Francis Lay 1933-2012

     Charles Francis Lay and his twin, James Dominic Lay (in the picture above over Francis' right shoulder), were born December 12th, 1933 in Las Vegas, NV to Wolcott Edward and Harriet Harmon Deeds Lay, and was raised in Dunn Loring, VA. In High School, Francis was active in 4-H and inducted into the Virginia Chapter of 4-H All Stars. He graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1956 with a degree in Agronomy and a commission in the US Army. Francis began work with 4-H Clubs and completed training as an infantry officer in the Army Reserve.
    For two years, 1959-1961 Francis served as an Agricultural Technician in Vietnam. Returning from Vietnam he toured the world, then attended the University of Maryland, graduating in 1965 with a Masters in Agricultural Extension Education. Shortly after graduation he married Carlyn Anne Rollings, who survives him. In 1967 Francis became the first County Agricultural Agent in Arlington, VA.
    In 1984 Francis began a career in financial services, then in 1988 he and Carlyn moved to a 65-acre farm in Madison County where he worked part time in landscaping and continued his career in financial services.
    Francis held many prestigious professional organization offices, such as President of the Virginia Agricultural Extension Agents Association and National President of the Professional Grounds Management Society.
    Francis was an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution as an officer in the local chapter and in various positions at the state level. He was president of the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter from 2009-10.

Community Awards Meeting - October 11th, 2014

10/11/2014

Gerry Schuck of Bugles Across America with his Flag Certificate. Gerry Schuck, his wife, and President Bill Schwetke (Lance Lyngar in background)

The October Monthly Meeting, our Community Awards Meeting, was held today at Prince Michel Winery in Leon, VA. There were 32 attendees including our honored guests, and special guests: Anthony Lyngar, 1st Vice President of the New Mexico Society, and Virginia Society Secretary Wayne Rouse and his wife Wink.

Gerry Schuck had previously received a Flag Certificate and was invited to join us for the Awards Ceremony.

Mr.Shaun Summerscales, second from left, receives our award as History Teacher of the year. Also pictured are his wife, President Bill Schwetke, and the Culpeper Middle School Assistant Principal Ms. Dillon.

Mr. Summerscales is a sixth-grade US History and Social Studies teacher at Culpeper Middle School and coaches the Culpeper County High School Varsity Soccer Team. In addition to being an outstanding History teacher, Mr. Summerscales devotes extra hours to collaborating with other teachers on lesson plans, conducting data analysis, and working with special education specialists to ensure the needs of at-risk students are met. Mr. Summerscales has imparted to his students an enhanced understanding of the noble country bequeathed to us by our patriotic ancestors, and for that we gratefully recognize him as out History Teacher for the year 2014.

Officer Richard McKnight of the Town of Culpeper Police Department receives the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal for Culpeper County. He is pictured with his wife and daughter, President Schwetke, and Chief Jenkins of the Town of Culpeper Police Department.

Officer Richard McKnight has given exemplary service to the citizens of the Town of Culpeper by his exceptional efforts as a member of the Joint Street Crimes Unit. Relying on his years of experience and success in combating gang and drug crimes Officer McKnight worked jointly with the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office to aggressively pursue, apprehend, and assist in the conviction of key individuals involved in gang and drug crimes in Culpeper and surrounding communities. Officer McKnight’s tireless efforts in behalf of our citizens continue to this day. We are proud to recognize the patriotic service of Officer McKnight with the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal.

1st Sergeant Robert E. Wines of the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office receives the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal for Fauquier County. Pictured are 1st Sergeant Wines, President Schwetke, and Captain Jenkins of the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office.

1st Sergeant Robert E. Wines’ 40 years of service with the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office are marked by distinguished service. Today he is a leader in the Patrol Division, being both an outstanding example and an effective mentor to members of the Patrol Division. His current projects are on the leading edge of technology as he has continued to daily increase his own considerable knowledge in law enforcement. After 40 years of service he has famously said the he is “not done yet.” We are proud to honor 1st Sergeant Wines for both his years of service and his commitment to the future peace of Fauquier County and present him with the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal.

Deputy Patty Zavaleta of the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office receives a Medal of Heroism from the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter. Pictured with her are President Schwetke and Captain Jenkins of the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office.

In August of this year Deputy Patty Zavaleta displayed exceptional resourcefulness and courage in her response to a life-threatening situation and successfully saved a life. She responded to reports of a person in danger, quickly gathered information, recognized the need for prompt action and acted without regard for her own safety. A woman was barricaded in a bathroom and threatening suicide. Deputy Zavaleta gained access to the bathroom by taking off her duty belt to allow her to fit through the small window. This left Deputy Zavaleta exposed to unknown threats inside the bathroom. Once inside she found the woman hanging in a noose. Deputy Zavaleta quickly cut the woman down and rendered life-saving aid. We are proud of Deputy Zaveleta and recognize her heroism and skill in saving another person’s life, and award her the SAR Medal of Heroism.

Roger Depue's wife, Joanne, pins the SAR Silver Good Citizenship Medal on his coat.

Roger Depue receives the SAR Silver Good Citizenship Medal. Pictured with his wife, Joanne, and President Schwetke

Roger L. Depue, Ph.D., of Boston, VA, was awarded the SAR Silver Good Citizenship Medal. Dr. Depue has a distinguished career in law enforcement, criminal science, and service to his country. He is a veteran of the US Marine Corps and former Chief of Police in Claire, Michigan. He entered on duty with the FBI as a Special Agent in 1968 and after training was assigned investigation of fugitives, kidnapping, extortion and other major crimes in the Washington Field Office. He transferred to the FBI Academy in the early 1970’s and was assigned to The Behavioral Science Unit where he was the Unit Chief from 1980 to 1989. Under his direction this Unit entered into many new and varied fields, including the FBI’s National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime, a service to law enforcement nation-wide. Dr. Depue managed all FBI behavioral science functions and personnel, training, research projects on the aberrant behavior of individuals and groups, and conducted operational support during ongoing cases, both state and federal.

Dr. Depue has spoken at White House conferences, belongs to numerous professional organizations and has appeared as a speaker at major universities. He has managed the behavioral aspects of numerous nationally known major crimes and has testified as an expert witness many times.

After retirement, he created the Academy Group, a corporation composed of retired FBI Supervisory Special Agents and other law enforcement experts creating a cadre of clinical and investigative expertise in the fields of: criminal profiling, threat assessment, forensic linguistics, violence in the workplace and schools, crisis planning, hostage negotiation, street survival, violent crime analysis, crime scene reconstruction and cybercrime, to list only a few. The Academy Group currently serves 40% of the top 50 Fortune 500 companies.

Dr. Depue has a BS in Psychology, an MA in Administration, and a PHD in Counselling and Development. In addition to numerous articles and training material, Dr. Depue co-authored “Between Good and Evil: A Master Profiler’s Hunt for Societies Most Violent Predators” in 2005..

For his dedicated service to our country the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter is proud to present the SAR Silver Good Citizenship Medal to Dr. Richard L. Depue.

CMM's copy of General George Washington's Headquarters Flag

Color Guard Commander Lon Lacey described the newest addition to our Historic Flags collection, General George Washington's Headquarters Flag. This flag was flown at General Washington's Headquarters at least as early as Valley Forge and was carried by his Life Guard. This flag may prove to be useful if our invitation to General Washington (actually a very gifted reenactor) is accepted to attend our Independence Day Banquet next year.

CMM to mark Compatriot Francis Lay's grave

10/10/2014

Grave Marking
to honor Charles Francis Lay
Culpeper Minutemen Chapter
3:00pm, Saturday, 11 October, 2014

The Lay Family Farm
10168 Fields of Plenty Lane
Rapidan, VA

If you wish to make remarks or present a wreath please contact Bill Schwetke, president of the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter not later than Wednesday, Oct. 8th, at [email protected]

Send your email address to [email protected] and request to be put on the update list for this event to receive information about the weather and changes to the planned program.

UPDATE: As of Friday - the rain is forecast to stop by noon on Saturday. The road and grounds are in very good shape and even with the expected rain the roads and grounds should support our ceremony. Please wear shoes that can stand getting wet, but I don't expect much mud; the ground is pretty firm and well covered in grass. We did not set up awnings and do not think they will be necessary (as of Friday evening the chance of rain during the ceremony is back up to 30%, so umbrellas and rain coats would be good insurance). Note the added map showing route from the road to the cemetery. See you there.

Link to Google Map

Map to Lay Family Farm

Aerial Photo of Lay Family Farm with Cemetery

Map of route from road to cemetery. The road across the pasture to the cemetery has a gravel base, but is overgrown with grass.

234th Anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain

10/7/2014

NSSAR Combined Color Guard, CMM President Bill Schwetke is one third of way from left of picture with musket.

Today the 234th Anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain was marked at the U.S. Monument in Kings Mountain National Military Park. The SAR was represented by our President General Lindsey Brock, who was the key-note speaker, 7 state societies, and 30 Chapters. The Culpeper Minutemen were represented by by President Bill Schwetke.
On this day in 1780 about 900 Patriot Militia defeated about 1100 Tory Militia in a battle that began turning the tide of war in favor of our ancestors. It was a hard fought and bloody battle, especially for the Tories, over a quarter of whom were killed.

VASSAR members at King's Mountain, from left: Color Guard Commander, Darrin Schmidt, CMM President Bill Schwetke, Past VASSAR President Larry McKinley, Past VASSAR Color Guard Commander Peter Davenport, Vernon Eubanks, VASSAR 1st Vice-President Reverdy Wright, Unknown.

FCHC DAR Meeting

10/4/2014

President Bill Schwetke attended the October 4th meeting of the Fauquier Couert House Chapter of the DAR. Items they discussed of interest to us included:
The Fauquier Court House Chapter, DAR will host a Genealogy Workshop 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday, November 1st, 2014, at Warrenton Presbyterian Church, 91 Main Street, Warrenton. The workshop is free, but you should contact Kathy Truskey to reserve your seat: [email protected]
The FCHC has a great start on their "March to Great Bridge" and have already recorded twice the 161 miles from Warrenton to Great Bridge marched in 1775 by the Culpeper Minutemen companies from Fauquier County.

Poster that shows the route and progress of the FCHC members in recording miles equal to that marched in 1775 by the Culpeper Minutemen from Fauquier County

First Friday in Warrenton, VA for October

10/3/2014

Bill Schwetke and Paul Chase (Col William Grayson Chapter) working the crowd with Liberty Sprigs for donations and passing out contact literature for the SAR

The Culpeper Minutemen, with help from the Col William Grayson Chapter, participated in First Friday on Main Street in Warrenton from 6-9pm on Friday, October 3rd. We collected $69 in donations and passed out about 75 CMM Contact Cards. The Liberty Sprigs were a big draw - thanks again to Paul Chase.