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Compatriots,
The SAR recently concluded its 134th Annual Congress in Lancaster, PA. It is always a celebration of the SAR’s past year’s work, recognition of the state societies and individuals who made especially significant impacts, and to outline a vision for the year ahead. All the details will be included in the soon to be published Summer Edition of the SAR Magazine.
At the Youth Awards Luncheon, Sarith Narasimha, won 1st Place for the best essay in the George S. and Stella M Knight Essay Contest. Sarith was awarded a medal and a check for $6,000. Cadet 2nd. Lt. Veer Chopra, AFJROTC was the 3rd Place winner in the Outstanding JROTC Cadet Contest. Charles Hiatt won 3rd Place and a check for $4,000 in the Arthur M. and Berdena King Eagle Scout Contest. Daniel Hernandez received honorable mention in the Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest.
Derek J. Brown, Thomas Jefferson Chapter, was recognized with the Minuteman Award, Class of 2024. The Minuteman Award is the most prestigious award given by the National Society Sons of the American Revolution. It is given to those Compatriots who have made distinguished and exceptional contributions of service to the National Society. Joining Derek in the Class of 2024 were Robert S. Cohen (Texas), J. Howard Fisk (Missouri), Gregory J. Lucas (Washington), Larry G. Stevens (Texas), and Keith Weissinger (Washington). Congratulations Derek and the Minuteman Class of 2024!
As we roll into August now is the time to plan out your Fall meetings and other activities. It is a great time to lay the foundation for Youth Education Programs that kick off with the start of the school year. Get your program chairmen focused, and volunteers lined up. Don’t carry the burden alone!
Constitution Day is Tuesday, September 17, 2024, and recognizes the delegates to the Constitutional Convention who met for the last time to sign the document they had created. I encourage all Compatriots to observe this important day in our nation's history by attending local events in your area and by participating in workshops, parades and community gatherings.
The California Society Fall Board of Managers Meeting, is scheduled for October 24-26 at the Doubletree by Hilton, Bakersfield, CA. Please act now if you plan to attend. The CASSAR Events page on our web site has all of the information and links you will need to book your hotel room and register for the meeting. The Group Rate for rooms ends October 3rd and meal guarantees end soon after that, so please, do not delay!
The Board of Managers Meeting is where Chapter Presidents or their appointed delegate decide the course of the California Society. Every Chapter has an obligation to attend and be represented. Sadly, in recent years not all Chapters have been represented and a few have been unrepresented for multiple years. It is in our bylaws and implicit in your Chapter Charter to attend, be heard, and be counted. Encourage your Chapter Officers and other Chapter Compatriots to attend. Be active.
Contact me or any of our state officers if your chapter needs assistance or if you just have a question. We are here to serve you.
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Don Littlefield
President
California Society Sons of the American Revolution
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SAR Mission Statement
The Sons of the American Revolution honors our Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving our communities, and educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our country.
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America 250th
Anniversary Recognition Program
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Currently: 178 Bronze, 114 Silver and 52 Gold
Many of you are already on SAR California's Honor Roll. To see your name and the recognition you have earned, go to our website Honor Roll – California SAR If you have any questions about the Honor Roll or how to enroll in the program, contact John Ferris.
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PG Manning’s America 250 Daily Minute
Did you ever want to know what happened on this day back in the revolutionary war time when your patriot ancestors were alive? If so, subscribe to PG Manning's America 250 Daily Minute. Contact John Ferris, Executive Vice President at jrf1776@outlook.com for details.
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Decade of the American Revolution
Beginning with the Boston Tea Party and ending with the Paris Peace Treaty; 1773 to 1783 is known as the Decade of the American Revolution. Click the link and find out what you can look forward to and participate in in the coming years.
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The 134th Annual Congress in Lancaster, Pennsylvania was well attended by the California Society. If you were unable to attend, you might enjoy this short video of Congress LINK.
The following are some California pictures from Congress.
| PG Dodd presides at the opening session of Congress. | |
PG Dodd reminding us the need for civility in our discourse. | |
At the Youth Luncheon, National Knight Essay winner from California, Sarith Narasimha with CASSAR President, Don Littlefield and CASSAR Youth Programs Chairman, Dan McKelvie. | Derek and Janet Brown approach the head table. | Last in line, but certainly not least. PG Dodd and his wife, Karen approach the head table where he will preside over the evening's events. | The ladies dressed to the nines! | |
The California Delegation. PG Dodd is flanked by his wife and daughter. He and Derek Brown are wearing their white Minuteman jackets. | |
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Next Years Congress
July 12–July 18, 2025
Mohegan Sun Resort, Uncasville, CT
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NSSAR YOUTH VIDEO CONTEST
National Program Approved!!
In last month's issue of the Compatriot we learned on 7 May 2024, the Executive Committee approved the NSSAR Youth Video Contest as a full National level program.
For those of you wanting to see the rules, it is here for your review.
Please consider getting involved with the new youth contest. More details can be learned by contacting with Dan McKelvie, CASSAR Youth Programs Chair or John Ferris, Executive Vice President.
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NSSAR Handbook
Have ever had a question on what it takes to earn a certain medal, how the national nominating committee works, what is the purpose of the organization, or how do the youth programs work? Then the SAR Handbook is the reference book you are looking for. Whether you are new to this organization or have been involved for years, the Handbook is the official reference source for the Sons of the American Revolution. There are 8 volumes, so the information contained is quite extensive. Make sure you are at least familiar with where to find it so when that question arises you will know where to get the answer.
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Revolutionary War Rarities
The Sons of the American Revolution harks back to a wonderfully rich history that many of us are not aware of. Revolutionary War Rarities brings those odd and rarely told stories of the American Revolution to life in a short and interesting format. Click the link and for the next 15 minutes prepare to learn and enjoy.
And don't forget to subscribe and click the like button. Doing so will help the entire SAR become more accessible to the American public.
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Why So Many Medals?
Remember that special day when you raised your right hand and became a member of the SAR? You promise to give your time, treasure and talent to support to the organization.
As you give service to the Society, the Society recognizes such service by awarding you a token of its appreciation in the form of a medal. The medals are distinct in their design and represent various parts of the organization through Bronze, Silver and Gold Levels.
To see a picture of all the medals and in their proper order of precedence, please click on this link.
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Join Curator Zac Distel for a behind the scenes look at the artifacts featured in the latest edition of Selections from the Collection. Tune in for a closer look at artifacts related to Revolutionary Tradesmen. This free virtual event is open to all SAR Members and the public!
Event Time: August 21, 2024, 12:30PM Eastern/11:30 AM Central
Registration Link
Questions? Contact us at education@sar.org
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Remembering Charles Roderick ‘Chuck’ Lampman Jr.
Anyone remotely involved in the California State Society SAR over the past 25 years is familiar with the legendary person known as Chuck Lampman. He was born on 5 October 1936 in Catskill, NY, and developed a distinguished career in the US Navy, rising to the rank of Commander. During his career, he married Sally Woodside in 1960 and they had a son and daughter. That marriage ended in divorce. His last duty assignment was serving as the commander of the Naval Weapons Station in Norco, CA, in the vicinity of Riverside CA.
Chuck had joined the Empire State SAR in 1993, but transferred to the Riverside Chapter SAR in 1997, where he hit the road running. Chuck became a Life Member. He was a charter member of the Riverside Chapter Color Guard. He was elected President of the Chapter in 1998. Riverside won a Best Chapter award that year. The State took notice of this rising star and awarded him the Patriot Medal. He picked up a Liberty Medal the following year. He was drawn to the ranks of the California Society and was elected as Executive Vice President in 2000. This placed him in line to become State President in 2001.
Chuck was a scholar on subjects associated with the American Revolution. He had a speakers list that included the Causes of the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Federalist Papers, and Spain’s Role during the American Revolution. He performed substantial amount of original work to document the role of Californians under Spanish Rule at that time. His repertoire included twelve different battles, seven sea battles, thirteen Patriot biographies, and the History of the American Flag. Those who heard a talk from Chuck knew it would be very detailed and one should be seated in a comfortable chair.
Chuck performed extensive service as a color guardsman. He performed services at numerous chapter and state events. He served as the National Society Color Guard Commander in 2006-2007. He was a co-author of the National Society Color Guard Manual. He received the National Society Gold Color Guard Medal in 2004.
Other awards Chuck earned were the Viet Nam Service Medal (1996), DAR Founders Medal (1999), California Society Distinguished Service Medal (2003), and the National Minutemen Award (2006).
Chuck married Ann Delano and they split time between his new home in Tehachapi and her home on Corona del Mar. After Ann died, Chuck eventually relocated to North Carolina to live with his daughter Tara and her family. They moved to Richmond, TX where he died.
It is fitting that Chuck died on July 4, 2024. He is survived by his daughter, Tara Lampman Boulden, and her family and son Bret Lampman. Memorial donations are requested, in lieu of flowers, to NSSAR 809 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202.
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149th Board of Managers Meeting
October 25-26, 2024
Our upcoming Board of Mangers meeting will be in Bakersfield. This is a great chance to see many compatriots from the Kern Chapter. You can now make hotel reservations to stay by clicking the following link CASSAR BOM Fall Meeting.
Registration is now open at 149th BOM Registration.
Group Rate for Rooms expires October 3, 2024.
Reservation for Meal Deadline is noon October 15, 2024.
Please check the CASSAR website -- https://www.californiasar.org/event/149-bom-meeting/ -- for the latest meeting registration information.
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Patriot Grave Marking!
On Saturday, August 31, 2024, the San Diego Chapter in conjunction with the California Society of the Sons of American Revolution will be conducting a patriot grave marking event. The San Diego Chapter, led by President Jim McAdory, has conducted research and discovered that 18 Spanish soldiers that gave a donation to the American Revolutionary War were buried in San Diego County. Many were buried near the Presidio and the former location of the San Diego Mission, but those graves have been disturbed to make a local dam.
While the exact location of the graves is unknown the Patriot Grave Marking can still take place. In addition to the Spanish soldiers many of the Kumeyaay Nation also made the donation but the names of the Kumeyaay are presently unknown.
The Ceremonies will be led by California President Don Littlefield. All members of the California Society are encouraged to participate. By participating in all three ceremonies, you will qualify for the SAR Patriot Grave Marking medal.
One way to participate is to contribute $270.00 towards the bricks at the San Diego Mission honoring the Spanish soldiers that helped the American forces. The donation can be made on the San Diego Chapter’s website by utilizing the link SD Grave Marking Ceremonies.
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National Trustee’s Report
Jim Klingler, Trustee
The 134th Annual Congress of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution was held July 10-16, 2024 at the Marriott Hotel at Penn Square in Lancaster, PA. Our California Society SAR sent 16 delegates this year, and there were a total of 312 delegates from all state societies. The warm hospitality of the host Pennsylvania Society SAR was matched only by the unseasonably warm weather. President General John Dodd from our California SAR Society presided over the Congress.
SAR Officers for 2024-2025
The Congress Delegates elected the following SAR Officers and Foundation Board members for 2024-2025:
President General – Darryl Addington (NC)
Secretary General – Michael Elston (VA)
Treasurer General – William Alan Greenly (GA)
Chancellor General – Edmon McKinley (AL)
Genealogist General – Gary Green (NC)
Registrar General – Brooks Lyles (NC)
Historian General – Jeff Thompson (VA)
Librarian General – Keith Weissinger (WA)
Surgeon General – Dr. John Turley (WV)
Chaplain General – Vernon Welkner (KS)
SAR Foundation Board At-Large – James Klingler (CA)
SAR Foundation Board At-Large – Samuel Powell (NC)
The Delegates also elected the Vice Presidents General (VPG) for all 15 Districts, including Brian Stephens (CA) as VPG of our Western District.
Business Meetings
Business items discussed and voted on by the Delegates were:
Approved Application Fee increases effective with applications received at SAR HQ by September 1, 2024, as shown in the SAR Fees and Annual Dues Chart attached at the end of this newsletter.
See SAR Membership Cost Manual for details: Membership Cost Manual
The Delegates also approved a one-time promotional application fee discount of 50% off the approved application fees in the month of April 2025 only for new member applications and for Junior Member applications with a new lineage, in commemoration of the battles of Lexington and Concord.
Approved amendment to Bylaw 10 to update the Job Description and Responsibilities of the Registrar General.
Approved amendment to Bylaw 11 to update the Job Description and Responsibilities of the Historian General.
Did not approve a proposed amendment to Bylaw 32 to list, by office held, those required to acknowledge and comply with the Code of Organizational Conduct and Conflict of Interest policy.
Minuteman Awards
The Minuteman Awards were presented for year 2024. The Minuteman Award is the most prestigious award of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. The award was established in 1951 and only six awards may be presented annually.
The winners for 2024 were:
Derek Brown (CA)
Robert Cohen (TX)
J. Howard Fisk (MO)
Gregory Lucas (WA)
Larry Stevens (TX)
Keith Weissinger (WA)
Congratulations to all the Minuteman Award winners and especially to Derek Brown of the California State Society SAR!
Youth Programs
Our California SAR Society submitted entries in all 7 of the youth programs this year. Our State Knight Essay Contest winner, Sarith Narasimha, won the National SAR Essay Contest and he read his essay at the Youth Awards Luncheon. Our State Eagle Scout Award winner, Charles Hiatt, received third place in the National SAR Contest, and our State JROTC Cadet Award winner, Cadet 2nd Lt. Veer Chopra, received third place in the National SAR Contest. Our State Rumbaugh Orations Contest winner, Daniel Hernandez, was one of the 6 finalists in the National SAR Contest, and he presented his speech at Oration Contest finals. Congratulations to all our California State SAR Youth Contest winners!
Memorial Service
The annual SAR Memorial Service honoring compatriots who have passed in the last year was held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lancaster, PA. Originally organized in 1730, the current church opened in 1766. Among the compatriots honored at the service were 34 members of the California SAR Society.
Social Activities
The Delegates and other attendees enjoyed a number of social activities including banquets and tours during the Congress. The tours included trips to Valley Forge and York PA, visits to Amish country and rides on the Strasburg Railroad, as well as trips to Independence Hall and the Museum of the American Revolution in the city of Philadelphia, and visits to the Philadelphia campaign battlefields.
The 134th SAR Congress was enjoyable and educational, and the Pennsylvania SAR Society is to be commended for hosting a great Congress. We now look forward to next year’s Congress in Connecticut.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jim Klingler, Trustee
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Eagle Chapter Color Guard and Guests prepare for the Fourth of July Temecula Parade.
L-R: Matthew Rogers, Wayne Rogers, Liz Ferris (Orange County), Benny White, John Ferris (Orange County)
| President Benny White presents the 10-year membership award to Fred Schuster | |
Guardsmen from Orange County, South Coast, and Harbor Chapter commemorated Independence Day by taking part in the 120th Annual Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade. A tradition spanning 120 years, this event attracts over 500,000 attendees and is broadcast live on ABC7, making it the largest Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi.
The event began in 1904, celebrating the arrival of the first electric passenger train linking the area with Long Beach. In 1976, the California Senate designated the Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade as the official state Bicentennial Parade. We anticipate perpetuating this tradition as we approach the nation's 250th anniversary celebration.
L-R: Jim Hernandez (SC), Kevin Forrest (SC), Jim Klingler (OC), Brandon Villardi (H), Lucas Villardi (H), Ken Winiecki (H), Kyle Puro (H), Kevin Bidenkap (H), Nolan Forrest (SC), Christopher Keene (OC)
Ladies: Kelly Villardi (H), Pat Winiecki (H)
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Kern Chapter Color Guard marches in Westchester’s 35th Fourth of July Parade.
L-R: Brian Claxton (drum), Steve Corbin, Rick Meredith, Bruce Wearda, Gunner Meredith (CAR)
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Orange County Guardsmen, together with members from the South Coast and Harbor, united once again for the 52nd annual Fourth of July Let Freedom Ring celebration in Cerritos. The official Let Freedom Ring Proclamation was read by CASSAR Executive Vice President John R. Ferris, who had the honor of ringing the 13th bell. The event was designated as a SAR National Color Guard event in 2013 following a proposal by long-standing OC Chapter member and Guardsman Larry Wood.
L-R: Brandon Villardi (H), Dan McKelvie (OC), Jim Klingler (OC), John Blake (OC), Liz Ferris (OC), John Ferris (OC), Kent Gregory (OC), Mike Miller (OC), Dyke Dooley (OC), Nolan Forrest (SC), Kevin Forrest (SC)
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The Sacramento and Mother Lode Chapters joined forces to participate in the Folsom Hometown Parade, an annual precursor to the Fourth of July. | |
Pictured above are Doug Drake (Mother Lode) David Beach (Sacramento) and Steve Belden (Mother Lode President). Missing from the photo is Don Littlefield, out of range to the left of the flag. | |
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July 4th started off with a bang for the San Diego Chapter as their lead Color Guard marched in the popular Coronado Parade and our second Color Guard participated in the Spirit of Liberty Foundation’s ceremony in Balboa Park.
Members also were at the House of Spain for our 15th year to inform and educate on Spain’s role in the Revolutionary War.
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Coronado Parade L-R: Duncan Campbell, Peter Fagen and Andrew Fagen followed by Carolyn Campbell and unidentified DAR participants. | |
Spirit of Liberty ceremony in Balboa Park. L-R: Jim McAdory, Bryan Bagnas, Alan Winters and Michael Hirman. | Balboa Park Booth at the House of USA. | Bennington Memorial at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery | |
Each year a memorial takes place at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery at the Bennington Memorial. The graves of the 35 Bennington sailors buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery will be decorated with U.S. Flags and red, white and blue carnations.
This year members of our Color Guard gathered on July 21st for this ceremony. We awarded the Fort Rosecrans Cemetery groundskeeper, Stephen McGuire, with the SAR Good Citizenship Certificate and Medal for his dedication to making this a successful event each year.
DAR also presented Certificates of Appreciation and our Color Guard Commander presented him with the America250 Challenge Coin.
Our musket team fired a three-round volley.
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Jim McAdory (left) and Duncan Campbell look on as DAR members Kathleen Winchester and Judith Reale (on right) present Steven with DAR Certificates. | |
Michael Hirman spoke to the El Cajon Historical Society about SAR and the activities of the San Diego Chapter. There was a nice turnout, and they gave him quite a welcome. He reported that they were a great group and very patriotic. We have noticed an increase for speakers since we added a “Speakers Resources” page to our website. As of the end of July we have requests for two more presentations later this year. | |
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The remains of fallen World War II soldier and prisoner of war Marcus A. Engesser were recently returned to Solano County. U.S. Army Pvt. 1st Class Engesser, 19, who was captured and died as a prisoner of war during World War II, was accounted for Sept. 27, 2023. Engesser was among those reported captured when U.S. forces in Bataan surrendered to the Japanese. They were subjected to the 65-mile Bataan Death March and then held at the Cabanatuan POW camp. More than 2,500 POWs perished in this camp.
The story as it appeared in the Daily Republic July 20, 2024
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California Society President Don Littlefield (center) and Thomas Jefferson Chapter President Dan Shurtz (right) pay their respects to the family of
U.S. Army Pvt. 1st Class Marcus A. Engesser.
| A video of the ceremony is located here. | |
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The Yosemite Chapter Color Guard presented the Colors on the 4th of July at Chukchansi Stadium in Fresno at a Fresno Grizzlies baseball game in front of approx. 8,000 fans. The game was also on local TV news and MLBTV.
L-R: Jim Riley, Scott Nichols, Randy Dhindsa, Jackson Dhindsa, Harlie Smith and Jon Russell.
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Fellow Guardsmen,
I wish to extend my gratitude to all the guardsmen who have honored our Patriot Ancestors and represented the SAR at various Independence Day parades and events across California. As a reminder, both State and National Society medals are available after 1, 3, and 8 years of service. Should you have any inquiries about these medals, please do not hesitate to contact one of the Adjutants or myself for information on qualifications.
To acknowledge the contributions of Junior Guardsmen and C.A.R members who march alongside our Color Guards, in 2023 the National Color Guard Committee sanctioned the Youth Color Guard Medal. This accolade can be awarded to any individual under 18 who participates in at least three events annually over a span of three years, which need not be consecutive. Participation in any SAR event featuring a Color Guard at the National, District, State, or Chapter level qualifies for this honor. The youth must don a uniform or colonial attire and serve as an active member of the color guard. Please email me if you would like a copy of the application.
To all guardsmen, please remember that in an effort to maintain historical accuracy, medals and neck ribbons should not be worn on our uniforms in public.
Lastly, I would like to ask Chapter Color Guard commanders, please make sure to submit your reports to either the Adjutant North Russ Kaiser, or Adjutant South Kevin Forrest. These totals are essential for selecting the outstanding Chapter Color Guards and Color Guardsman of the year.
Brandon Villardi
Commander, Color Guard
California Society Sons of the American Revolution
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Upcoming Color Guard Events
Open to all Guardsmen
8/31/2024 Patriot Grave Marking *Musket Firing Event*
10/25/2024 CASSAR Board of Managers Meeting - Opening Session / Post Colors
10/26/2024 CASSAR Board of Managers Meeting - Banquet / Retire Colors
11/9/2024 Riverside A Salute to Veterans Parade *Musket Firing Event*
11/11/2024 Veterans Day
12/14/2024 Wreaths Across America
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Color Guard Magazine
The July issue of the Color Guard Magazine may be found at SAR Color Guard Magazine. The next issue will come out in September.
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For questions concerning upcoming events or inquiries into joining the Color Guard please contact:
Brandon Villardi, SAR California Color Guard Commander
Russ Kaiser, SAR California Color Guard Adjutant North
Kevin Forrest, SAR California Color Guard Adjutant South
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September 5, '24 -- 250th Anniv of the First Continental Congress
- October 3, '24 -- Fall Leadership
- October 25-26, '24 -- 149th Fall BOM Meeting, Bakersfield, CA
- November 11, '24 -- Veterans Day
- December 21, '24 -- Wreaths Across America
- February 27, '25 -- Spring Leadership
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April 19, '25 -- 250th Anniv of Lexington and Concord
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Every member who participates in SAR programs and interacts with youth under 18 years of age
is required to successfully complete SAR Youth Protection Training. Training is online, takes about 20 minutes, and is valid for 3 years.
Send your certificate of completion to Dan McKelvie: mckelvie@sbcglobal.net.
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"We will remember our compatriot brothers with thanksgiving."
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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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CALL FOR ARTICLES — August 22, 2024 Deadline
Please send news of events and high-resolution digital photos to:
John R Ferris at jrf1776@outlook.com
— RELEASE FORMS —
All photos 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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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: John R Ferris
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