Texas Voyageur News (TVN) Spring 2021

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND du TEXAS WINNER OF THE ARTHUR MCDOWELL AWARD 1991 – 1992 – 1993 – 1994 – 1995 – 1996 - 2019 BEST GRAND VOITURE PUBLICATION IN THE NATION WITHOUT ADVERTISING AND WINNER OF THE ROBERT KASEMAN AWARD 2018

Apr – Jun 2021

Volume 64 Issue 2

FROM THE GRAND CHEF DE GARE I regret that I have not been able to travel very much as Grand Chef de Gare. My 85-yearold mother lives with me and I take care of her much of the time.

We have had to be especially careful during the pandemic.

Although I have not been able to be there in person, I am always available to assist in any way I can so please contact me if there is something I can do to assist you or your locale.

COVID has made this past year difficult for everyone. Many have lost friends or family and our ability to meet as we have done for most of our lives has changed drastically. I am glad we are able to start to meet again and was pleased to see those who attended the Spring Cheminot in Austin.

I want to THANK Voiture 175 for the job they did this year as they have for many, many years. The Texas Merci Boxcar is a treasure we have gotten to enjoy all these years and can continue to enjoy with it safe in the Texas Military Forces Museum.

Those who attended the pilgrimage were privileged to be the first to see the new interactive video/photo display at the boxcar. This will help others understand more about the boxcar and its history.

I want to remind everyone that pin sales support the programs they represent. Please contact the Grand Directeur for each program for pins, Renny or me and we will help you get pins.

I would like to THANK those who have filled Grand Officer positions for me this past year. I have been proud to be your Grand Chef de Gare as well as your National Sous Directeur for Membership for Region 3.

I would like to especially THANK Dave Knutson for all the hard work he has done over the years. A lot you don’t know how much Dave really does. I also want to THANK our Grand Correspondant Renny Keagle who has done an outstanding job as our Grand Correspondant.

Remember Grande Promenade is in Kerrville the last weekend in June. I hope to see many of you there.

God Bless!

John Rodgers Grand Chef de Gare

DUE NLT JUNE 15TH Locale Rosters and Locale Delegate Forms due!

It’s that time again!!! Please submit the following forms to the Grand Correspondant NLT June 15, 2021. Forms are included in this edition of the TVN and are also available for download via the Grand du Texas website: www.texasboxcar.org 1. Locale Officer Roster (All Locales) 2. Locale Delegate List (Attending Grand Prom) Also, anyone interested in a Grand Officer position should submit a Resolution for Grand Position.

THE TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.TEXASBOXCAR.ORG VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE “GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS” AND AT HTTP://ISSUU.COM/GRANDEVOITUREDUTEXAS

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

2021 Membership Report As of 05/06/2021 Division / Locale

Location

Current

Goal

Percent

Amarillo Ft. Worth

12 13

16 11

75% 118%

25

27

93%

1st Division

689 1185 Total 2nd Division

163 266 312 980 1031

Houston Copperas Cove Beaumont Willis Killeen

Total

6 31 13 17 42

20 31 14 18 42

30% 100% 93% 94% 100%

109

125

88%

16 7 33 6 4

16 7 32 11 0

100% 100% 103% 55% 100%

66

66

100%

43 17

48 14

81% 121%

Total

60

62

97%

Grand Total

260

280

92.86%

3rd Division

175 231 542 1134 1639

Austin La Feria San Antonio Kingsville Georgetown

Total 4th Division

605 1055

El Paso Kerrville

DELINQUENT DUES NOTIFICATION! We are well into 2021 and Voyageurs Militaire who are not paid are delinquent!

2020 was a very difficult year and we all hope 2021 will be a better year than the last.

I am asking our Locale Chefs and Locale Correspondants to be aware of any of your members who may be having troubles through the pandemic and now this very cold weather. Please reach out to all your folks and provide them assistance as needed.

Thank you to those who are at or above goal! I will be contacting those who are still having trouble with membership and assist in any way I can.

Reminder if you plan to attend the Grand Promenade!

Your dues MUST be paid to attend.

Al Banzer, Grand Chef de Train Phone: 512-636-9634 Email: a.banzer@sbcglobal.net

WAY TO GO V-1055 KERRVILLE WITH 121% THE TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.TEXASBOXCAR.ORG VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE “GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS” AND AT HTTP://ISSUU.COM/GRANDEVOITUREDUTEXAS

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

GRAND CORRESPONDANT’S CORNER As we approach the end of this membership year, it is time to get important information out to all locales, officers and Directeurs.

Each Locale should be reviewing their Constitutions to be aware of the requirements for conducting their elections and eligibility to hold office. Ensure members are aware of the requirements and duties of any position in which they have interest to include Directeurs which are appointed. Be sure all aware of where and when elections will be conducted.

To those considering a Grand Officer position, it is wise to submit a Grand Resolution form to inform Grande du Texas of your desire to serve in an elected position. It is not mandatory but does identify yourself as interested and a desire to serve.

Attached is a list of all Directeurs to which reports should be submitted. ALL are important especially Nurses Training, Americanism, POW/MIA and Ritual. I would ask that in addition to submitting your Locale report to the appropriate Directeur – you submit a copy additionally to me. Directeurs have a responsibility to collect Locale reports for your area and combine into your Grand Report and get timely submitted to Nationale. Copies of Grand Reports should also be submitted to me.

We have a cut-off of August 1st to provide Nationale a list of our Grand Officers and delegates to Nationale AS WELL as a list of those Voyageurs with Grande du Texas expressing a desire for a Nationale position or committee appointment.

Grand elections will be held at the Grand Promenade in Kerrville, TX, a centrally located area, elections to select officers to take us into the 2022 membership year. If you are interested in a new or to retain a position – be aware of your responsibilities.

Remember, for most programs, pin sales are a basic source of revenue and each Directeur should be pro-active in obtaining pins. Caution in starting with too many – after the Grand Promenade we only meet one more time.

I’ve been harping about Special Awards which are tied into reports. Now is the time to consider a Voyageur of the Year – submission forms and requirements are outlines at fortyandeight.org, resources, forms & Petite Communique – submitted to David Knutson.

Those attending Nationale, the national website has all information and an application form for registration and hotel information.

Do not hesitate to contact me for help and assistance in any area.

Renslar "Renny" Keagle

Cheminot Nationale, Grand du Texas Correspondant, Grand du Texas Sous Nationale Directeur, Public Relations L'Editeur/Secretary, Press Association of La Societe Correspondant, V-605, El Paso, Grand du Texas Grand Chef de Gare Passe, Grand du Texas 2018 - 2020 Phone: 915-346-6099 Email: rennykeagle@gmail.com

THE TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.TEXASBOXCAR.ORG VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE “GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS” AND AT HTTP://ISSUU.COM/GRANDEVOITUREDUTEXAS

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

PROGRAM REPORTS AND UPDATES WE HAVE HAD AN AVERAGE OF LESS THAN 25% OF LOCALES REPORTING. MOST REPORT NOTHING!!!!!!!!!

A FEW HOURS CAN MEAN QUITE A LOT FOR ANY LOCALE! PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR REPORTS AND DON’T HESITATE TO ASK FOR ASSISTANCE IF NEEDED! All reports can be accessed and printed from the Voiture Nationale website: www.fortyandeight.org VOITURE ACTIVITIES – This should be the first report you do and will help with all other reports! Simply put - you can estimate (key word is estimate – don’t get caught up in exact numbers) the time, distance travelled and cost for each event.

Any activity the Voiture sponsors and any that have a quorum of the Voiture in attendance. Also include events where members participate in other veteran related activities.

Example #1: One or more members of the locale travel to a Grand or National sponsored event. You can total up the time, milage and expenses of the Voyageurs involved.

Example #2: Voyageurs and/or Dames participate in an event such as a brunch, dance, holiday, VA activity and any veteran organization meetings (Legion, VFW, DAV, etc.). The number of members participating in each event, time, mileage and any costs should be reported.

How is this done. Voiture X had 6 locale promenades with 20 members attending. Estimate the mileage for your locale – 5 miles each way or 10 miles each member; then calculate total miles.

20 members with an average of 10 miles round trip per member = 200 miles. Time is estimated the same way: 20 members attended a 1-hour promenade and add 1 hour each for travel so you get 40 hours. If you spent money on an event, then add that also otherwise it is zero.

This should be done chronologically on a worksheet with the type of event. The more members who participate the better. Number of guests is also added up so estimate that for any events you sponsor.

Voiture XX hosts a breakfast each month with 5 members and 6 hours per person. Their event list will show the event and related details.

Event/Members/Guests/Time/ Mileage/Expenses

Breakfast / 5 / 20 / 30 / 50 / $100 (5 members, 20 guests, total 30 hours, total 50 miles & $100 in expenses)

Promenade / 8 / 0 / 24 / 80 / $0 Merci Boxcar / 3 / 0 / 12 / 200 / $300 Legion Meeting / 2/ 0 / 3 / 40 / $0 Once you see the report form this should all make sense! I hope…. If not, then please feel free to contact me for help.

WHAT IS ROLLING STOCK??????

Rolling Stock is any event in which you use your locale locomotive. The only locale in Texas with a locomotive at this time is Kerrville Voiture 1055!

Everyone else will put NO for Rolling Stock!

THE TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.TEXASBOXCAR.ORG VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE “GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS” AND AT HTTP://ISSUU.COM/GRANDEVOITUREDUTEXAS

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas AMERICANISM – Many of the events your

NURSES TRAINING – There is a new Nurses

members participate in will count on this report. The Voiture Activities worksheet will help give you the events that fit in each category. Flags for 1st Graders is also counted here along with any flag related events and holiday events.

Training Application form that is very easy for students to complete and send to you for review.

CHILD WELFARE – Donations made to benefit children can be counted here. Pin sales also count so if your locale bought any Child Welfare pins you get credit there. If there is a disaster and you want to assist via the Audrey Trust fund you can also include it in this report.

CARVILLE STAR – Another pretty easy report with options to adopt a county or area. Just buying pins helps you get credit for this report.

RITUALS – A simple repot for events involving 40 & 8 rituals, wrecks, color guards and funerals.

VAVS (Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service) The Forty & Eight, as are most Veterans Organizations, is an active member and participant in the VAVS program. As part of this program, Voyageurs (called Representatives or Deputy Representatives) represent the Forty and Eight by regularly attending the VAVS Committee meetings at their Local Veteran Administration Medical Centers (VAMC’s).

They as well as other Voyageur Volunteers visit the VAMC’s on a regular basis, where they give comfort and assistance to, or just visit with, the hospitalized veterans. VAVS Volunteers are a priceless asset to the Nation’s Veterans and to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

YOUTH SPORTS – Check out the information on the national website on how to get reimbursement for donations for Youth Sports. This report is relatively simple to complete. Those who assist in time alone can still be counted. You do not have to donate money to help in this area!

SPECIAL AWARDS – Packages are submitted from

Go to the Voiture Nationale website / Programs / Nurses Training! Lots of great information there. I will work on putting the link on the Grand du Texas website as well.

Nurses Training also has funds available from Voiture Nationale for locales who do not have any funds available for nurses training scholarships. Even if you only sponsor one nursing student – it is a start.

Participation can be from sponsoring a nurse to buying pins!

POW/MIA - Now is the time to start working on all reports. Specially those like ritual, Americanism and POW/MIA because a lot of activity in man-hours and miles and money must be captured. Each year there is confusion on what to count for POW/MIA. Any Promenade attended from Nationale, Grand or Locale, all travel, miles and money spent can be counted because of the POW/MIA ceremony and flag present.

Any Legion, VFW meeting that has a POW Flag or table you can count all three, miles, hours and money. If your meeting place has a POW/MIA flag flying, you can add hours for any event of any kind attended at that facility – get the picture.

Take the post office, mine has a POW/MIA flag, so when I go, I count all three. Go to the VA, if it has a flag or table like mine does, anytime I go I count all three. All my time spent selling POW/MIA pins I add as well as miles spent. I had a little flag on my gavel and walked the parade with it, counting all that – still got the picture? But now is the time to start accumulating those hours and getting your members to start recording and turning them in. Only 3 Locales turned-in last year but such a good job was done, Grand got a National Award on reporting. Start Now!!! Renslar “Renny” Keagle POW/MIA Directeur Grande du Texas.

your locale to Grand for review. If a suitable candidate is nominated it may be forwarded to Voiture Nationale.

THE TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.TEXASBOXCAR.ORG VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE “GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS” AND AT HTTP://ISSUU.COM/GRANDEVOITUREDUTEXAS

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

PROGRAM REPORTS CURRENT GRAND DIRECTEURS AND DEADLINES Program report forms can be found on the Voiture Nationale website: www.fortyandeight.org Link to Program Report Forms and Petite Communique: http://www.fortyandeight.org/forms-petite/

SUBMIT REPORTS TO GRAND DIRECTEUR BY PRIOR TO THE GRAND PROMENADE OR “DUE TO GRAND” DATE. Program Special Awards

Directeur Name Phone E-MAIL Due to Grand David Knutson 512-736-2377 davidknutson@sbcglobal.net 6/15/2021 Special Awards: Voyageur of the Year, Law Officer of the Year, Hero of the Year, Etc. Americanism John Rodgers 512-713-9178 rodgersjohn393@yahoo.com 6/15/2021 Carville Star Roger Folmar 915-269-7775 rfolmar@elp.rr.com 6/15/2021 Child Welfare Les Lobdell 512-945-2805 les.lobdell@gmail.com 6/15/2021 POW/MIA Renslar Keagle 917-269-6209 renslarkeagle@gmail.com 6/15/2021 Ritual Lowell Mix 210-314-1776 lmix543@yahoo.com 6/15/2021 Voiture Activities Sandy Kousman 254-366-1303 zeromyshadow@yahoo.com 6/15/2021 Nurses Training Doug Pendleton 254-336-0790 patrice.doug52@gmail.com 6/15/2021 VAVS Clarence Hill 254-223-1115 chill652@yahoo.com 6/15/2021 Youth Sports Brian Smock 254-542-2759 bsmock@hot.rr.com 6/15/2021 Public Relations David Knutson 512-736-2377 davidknutson@sbcglobal.net 8/1/2021 Although Nurses Training, VAVS and Youth Sports reports are due later – it is requested they be submitted along with your other reports to ensure they are not forgotten and get done! Public Relations Report is due later. All others MUST be done by the date indicated above! Directeurs are asked for a report on their program at Grand Promenade.

Help them out please. These reports are very important!!!

VOITURE ACTIVITIES: This is a program that is intended to be a measure of a Voiture Locale's activities and member involvement. It is a measure of the Voiture as a unit. It is intended to measure the percentage of participation on the part of individual Voitures. In the simplest of terms, the higher the percentage the better the program.

Some of the activities that can be measured by the program, include the following, but not limited to these. * A Brunch, Dinner, Bar-B-Q. * Dance, Kids Party, Flag Respect Demonstration * VA Activity, Party for Patients * Veterans Day/Memorial Day Activity * Any Veterans Organization meeting the Voiture was in attendance. * All Locale Promenades/Cheminots * Grand Events Any activity the Voiture sponsors and any that a quorum of the Voiture is in attendance.

Over the course of the year you should keep track of each of these activities and the number of Voyageurs that attended. The Dames that are present at these events can also be counted in Voyageur number .

At the end of the year, you will be asked to complete a Voiture Activities report that will be sent to the Grande Directeur and then ultimately on to the National Directeur. The report will show you how to complete the form and you will be able to calculate your percentage of participation.

LA SOCIETE DES 40 HOMMES ET 8 CHEVAUX

While this percentage of participation will enter youGRAND in competition for a NationalDU Award, what's more important it will give your Voiture and your VOITURE TEXAS membership an indication of just how active you are, and at the Grande level, will give you some indication as to how you compare in your O F F I C I A L C A L L Activities with other Voitures across your Grande.

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

THE TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.TEXASBOXCAR.ORG VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE “GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS” AND AT HTTP://ISSUU.COM/GRANDEVOITUREDUTEXAS

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

LA SOCIETE DES 40 HOMMES ET 8 CHEVAUX GRAND VOITURE DU TEXAS

O F F I C I A L

C A L L

100th GRANDE PROMENADE OF THE GRAND VOITURE DU TEXAS In accordance with the Constitution of the Grand Voiture du Texas, the 100th Grand Promenade of La Societe des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux, Grand du Texas, will be held in Kerrville, TX, Saturday, June 26, 2021.

PURPOSE The Grand Promenade is called for the purpose of electing Grand Officers for the ensuing year, and for the transaction of such other business as may come before the Grand Promenade.

BASIS OF REPRESENTATION Each Voiture Locale shall be entitled to three (3) delegates and three (3) alternates for the first ten (10) members, and one (1) additional delegate and one (1) alternate for each additional fifteen (15) members or major fraction thereof and such membership shall be calculated as of the date which is thirty (30) prior to the convening of the Grand Promenade. Each Grand Chef de Gare Passe and the sitting Grand Chef de Gare, who are members of a local Voiture, shall be entitled to one (1) vote to be exercised only when personally present on the floor at the time the vote is taken.

CREDENTIALS Voiture Delegates' lists and Voiture list of New Officers, duly certified, must be sent to the Grand Correspondant, Renslar Keagle, 8714 Marble Dr, El Paso, TX 79904, immediately upon the Election of Officers.

VOTING STRENGTH OF VOITURES LOCALE Voitures Locale shall have the number of votes in the Grand Promenade equal to the number of delegates to which they are severally entitled, provided that at least one (1) of the certified delegates must be duly registered and such registered delegate or delegates may vote the entire certified delegates strength.

ADMITTANCE TO THE GRAND PROMENADE Only delegates and alternates holding credentials will be entitled to a vote on the floor of the Grand Promenade duly assembled. Any member of La Societe in good standing will be admitted to the Grand Promenade Hall on presentation of their 2021 membership card to the Grand Garde La Porte.

RESOLUTIONS All resolutions must be submitted in writing to the Chairperson of the Resolutions Committee on Saturday morning, June 26, 2021, no later than 9:00 a.m.

GRANDE PROMENADE The headquarters hotel is the BEST WESTERN, SUNDAY HOUSE INN, 2124 SIDNEY BAKER, KERRVILLE, TEXAS 78028. PHONE: (830) 896-1313 OR 800-677-9477. The Grand Promenade will be called to begin at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 26, 2021, at the BEST WESTERN, SUNDAY HOUSE INN. The election of Grand Officers for 2022 will be held immediately following the transaction of business with installation being held at the discretion of the Grand Chef de Gare.

ATTESTED BY:

John Rodgers RENSLAR KEAGLE GRAND CORRESPONDANT

JOHN RODGERS GRAND CHEF DE GARE

THE TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.TEXASBOXCAR.ORG VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE “GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS” AND AT HTTP://ISSUU.COM/GRANDEVOITUREDUTEXAS

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

LA SOCIETE DES 40 HOMMES ET 8 CHEVAUX GRAND VOITURE DU TEXAS This certifies that __________________ County, Voiture No. _____________ has elected the following delegates to the 2021 Grand Promenade to be held in Kerrville, Texas, on June 26, 2021.

ARTICLE VI – Section 2 “In the Grande Promenade each Voiture Locale shall be entitled to three (3) delegates and three (3) alternates for the first ten (10) members, and one (1) additional delegate and one (1) additional alternate for each fifteen (15) members or major fraction thereof and such membership shall be calculated as of the date which is thirty (30) days prior to the convening of the Grande Promenade.”

DELEGATES

ALTERNATES

1.___________________________________________

1. _______________________________________________

2.___________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________

3.___________________________________________

3. _______________________________________________

Name of Voyageurs deceased during the past twelve (12) months.

Name

Address

_____________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________________

Attest:

___________________ Correspondant

______________________________ Chef de Gare CREDENTIALS CERTIFICATION

THE TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.TEXASBOXCAR.ORG VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE “GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS” AND AT HTTP://ISSUU.COM/GRANDEVOITUREDUTEXAS

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

2021 GRAND PROMENADE JUNE 25 - 27, 2021 HOTEL RESERVATIONS

BEST WESTERN SUNDAY HOUSE INN 2124 SIDNEY BAKER KERRVILLE, TEXAS 78028 (830) 896-1313 800-677-9477 ROME RATES: $99.95 PLUS TAX TWO FREE BREAKFAST PER ROOM BUSINESS MEETING / HOSPITALITY ROOMS WILL BE AT BEST WESTERN WHEN MAKING YOUR RESERVATION MAKE SURE YOU TELL THE DESK CLERK YOU ARE WITH THE 40 & 8 GROUP

FISH FRY FRIDAY NIGHT 6:00 PM AT VFW POST 1480 220 THOMPSON DRIVE, KERRVILLE $9.00 PER PLATE

THE TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.TEXASBOXCAR.ORG VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE “GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS” AND AT HTTP://ISSUU.COM/GRANDEVOITUREDUTEXAS

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

REGISTRATION FORM Grand Promenade 2021 Please fill in the following information to register for Grand Promenade.

Name: Title or Highest Office held: Voiture or Cabane #: Name: Title or Highest Office held: Voiture or Cabane #: Number Registration ___________________ X $25.00 = $ Number for Friday Fish Fry

X $9.00 = $

Advance registration is $25. After June 21st, registration will be $30.

Program Book Ads Full page Ad - $30

Half page Ad - $20

Business Card - $10

All program ads must be received by June 21st, 2021 All registrations and Program Ads should be mailed to: Jerry Brady 1859 Avispero Kerrville, Texas 78028 817-994-3223 THE TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.TEXASBOXCAR.ORG VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE “GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS” AND AT HTTP://ISSUU.COM/GRANDEVOITUREDUTEXAS

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

MINUTES OF THE WINTER/SPRING CHEMINOT Grand du Texas Austin, Texas March 20 – 21, 2021 1.

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The Cheminot was called to order by the Grand Chef de Gare John Rodgers according to ritual and the Manual of Ceremonies at 13:08 pm, March 20, 2021, Renslar R. Keagle, Correspondant.

Grand Call (Correspondant): By order of the Grand Chef de Gare du Texas, the Spring Grand Cheminot will be held, Saturday, March 20 in Austin, Texas hosted by Travis County V-175. Committee meeting at Best Western Plus hotel with Cheminot and banquet held at American Legion Knebel Post 83, Austin, Texas. Pilgrimage to be made on Sunday, March 21, 9 am, Camp Mabry.

Roll Call of Officers: Ten elected officers present, 11 Directeurs present, 16 Voyageurs Militaire present.

Roll Call of Locales: Present – V-175, V-266, V-542, V-605, V-980, V-1031, V-1185. Seven locales present.

Grand Chefs de Gare Passe, National Officers recognized.

Reading of the Minutes of the Grand Promenade – Approved as posted in the TVN – Texas Voyageur News.

Reading of Bulletins and Correspondence – None Reports of Officers: a. Grand Chef de Train: Overall membership at 90% or better. b. Grand Commissaire Intendant Roger Folmar: Wells Fargo Account - $11,308.13; Money Market Accounts $27,808.70; checking account total - $39,116.83. Current investments totaling $27,387.49.

Grand total all funds - $66,504.32. Expenses covered in detail in Finance Committee meeting, but Grand is presently $3,878.91 under budget for 2021. Item by item transaction in checking account covered in finance committee meeting. Finance report approved as read and submitted subject to audit. c. Grand Avocat: Phil Mowry resigned due to transfer out of state. Report by Sous Avocat David Knutson.

See David for a template for a locale constitution which includes by-laws if desired, normally not done.

Grand Articles of Incorporation need to be updated with an updated version ready by the Grand Promenade. For most locales, no changes may be necessary if just meeting physically. d. Grand Aumonier J. Sean Habina reported Polly Mix, wife of Grand Chef de Gare Passe Lowell Mix, very recently passed and funeral expenses are high these days and can cause financial hardships. Grand Aumonier discussed funeral insurance through Funeral Consumer Alliance – a national organization to help, assist and support in navigating through the funeral process. To join is $35.00 – information will be in the TVN providing options for funeral services. e. Cheminot Nationale Renslar Keagle reported no action has been taken because they have not met due to no Promenade Nationale. No report.

Program Reports (Reported by Directeur or a representative) a. Americanism – No Directeur presently. Americanism pins are available for 2021 – a nice Flags for First Graders pin. All program pins need to be paid to Nationale or Grande du Texas will lose voting privileges at Promenade Nationale. b. Boxcar – No report however 2021 boxcar pins are available. c. Carville Star – Directeur Roger Folmar reported he has 8 Carville Star pins are left. In addition to pins support, a locale may also sponsor a clinic, country or The Star Magazine. Many ways to support this program. d. Child Welfare – Directeur Les Lobdell is new Directeur. Nothing going on as far as known. No pins.

VM David Knutson commented that V-266 was good at supporting back-packs. Discussion on Ardery Trust and the importance of this program and available money – discussion on how to access. e. Nurses Training – Directeur Doug Pendleton not present. David Knutson temporarily appointed as Chair for Nurses Training Committee. VM Knutson reported that there is a new on-line application form online and easy to access and complete. V-605 approved for one $500.00 scholarship; V-1055 has an approved $500.00 scholarship pending information within 30 days.

THE TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT WWW.TEXASBOXCAR.ORG VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE “GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS” AND AT HTTP://ISSUU.COM/GRANDEVOITUREDUTEXAS

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

MINUTES OF THE WINTER/SPRING CHEMINOT (continued) POW/MIA – Directeur Renny Keagle reported he has the POW/MIA base pin and bars available. Pin sales are important for sustaining the scholarship fund. POW/MIA reports very important but few submitted last year. Discussion on importance of POW/MIA table. g. Public Relations – Directeur David Knutson request people send pictures, locale information, events, etc. to Publiste David Knutson for the TVN. h. Ritual – Directeur Lowell Mix not present. No report. i. Voiture Activities – Directeur Sandy Kousman reports COVID pandemic had a definite impact on activities. j. VAVS – Directeur Clarence Hill not present. No report. k. Youth Sports – Directeur Brian Smock not present. No report, however, question was addressed about getting donations. Funds are needed for V-266 Copperas Cove for Parks and Recreation youth sports programs. Information provided about program information on Voiture Nationale website to get reimbursement for up to $1,000/year with receipts for each Grand for Youth Sports related expenses.

Grand Non-Program Reports: a. Membership – Comments by Grand Chef de Gare. Texas is in 2nd place in Region 3 and all locales need to keep working membership. b. Special Awards – Directeur Knutson reported information will be in the TVN along with deadlines for special awards.

Committees not yet reported – Time and Place – Grand may be at Kerrville pending a decision by them, possibly sometime in late June. If Kerrville defers, then it will be in El Paso. Location for Boxcar Cheminot next year will be discussed at the Grand Promenade.

Old Business: None New Business: Fines presented to Conducteur by Grand Chef in advance of his errors and omissions – all in change.

Elections and Appointment: None. Vacancies will be address at the Grand Promenade.

Good of the Grand Voiture: Presentation of 100% pins to locales for Chef de Gares and Correspondants. Grand Chef de Gare wanted all present to show a membership nomination for and boxcar car or pay a fine of $1.00.

Jack’s pot was missing and a fine paid.

There being no further business to come before the Cheminot, the Cheminot was closed according to ritual and the Manual of ceremonies. f.

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15.

16.

Announcements – Grand Chef made announcement of details for the banquet.

ATTEST:

Correspondant, Grand du Texas

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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

LA SOCIETE DES 40 HOMMES ET 8 CHEVAUX GRAND VOITURE DU TEXAS RESOLUTION FOR GRAND POSITION I ______________________ would like to be considered for the following elected or appointed position within Grand du Texas.

Position applying for: ___________________________.

I have been a Voyageur for ______ years.

I have served my Locale in the following positions: (list top three) ___________________

___________________

___________________

I have served my Grand in the following positions: (list top three) ___________________

___________________

___________________

If elected or appointed to this position I promise to faithfully perform the duties that is required of me to the best of my ability.

If I fail to do my duties as required. I know that it will not only reflect badly upon Grand du Texas but La Societe as a whole.

If elected or appointed to this position, I will accept the responsibility of said position for the duration of my term. And promise to learn all the duties as outlined in all Constitution and manuals of my Grand, and La Societe.

__________________________ Voyageur’s Signature

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that this resolution be placed before the Committee on Committees of Grand du Texas for its consideration.

Approved at Grand Promenade duly assembled at ____________________ this ____ day of ______.

ATTESTED BY: _________________________ Correspondant Grand du Texas

_________________________ Grand Chef de Gare du Texas

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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

Photos: Top Left: Grand Chef de Gare John Rodgers presents Grand Conducteur Jack Winslow with an advance on fines he will incur during the Cheminot $20 in pennies! Jack had to also add to the fines as Jacks Pot is missing during the event!

Below Clockwise: Grand Chef Rodgers passes out 100% membership pins: Locale Chef V-1031 Michael Tiberia, Locale Chef V-266 Keith Reiss Jr, Locale Chef V-542 J. Sean Habina and Locale Correspondant V-1185 Jack Winslow.

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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

Above: Voyageurs in attendance of the Spring Cheminot / From left: Sandy Kousman, Bell Condra, Jack Winslow, Lanny Givens, Mike Tiberia, Raul Ballesteros and Les Lobdell. Photos below: At the dinner Chef de Cuisine Roger Folmar does the honors for the 40 & 8 Birthday Ceremony. Oldest Voyageur Militaire present: Charlie Hawkins of V-175 and Youngest Voyageur Militare present: Keith Reiss Jr of V-266.

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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

Above and left: Local artist Paige Shelton was invited back to the final Merci Boxcar hosted by Austin Voiture 175. She spoke about being a young art student at the University of Texas when she was asked by the Grande Voiture du Texas to paint a batch of the shields for the Texas Merci Boxcar. Many had been lost or were too worn so they were replaced in the mid-1970s.

Paige is given one of the shields she painted then by Voiture 175 Chef de Gare Dave Knutson and Grand Chef de Gare John Rodgers.

Right: Honorary Consul of France for Austin Liz Wiley was our keynote speaker. She highlighted the connections between France and the US and speaks about the boxcars to foreign dignitaries she meets in her travels to France.

V-175 Chef de Gare Dave Knutson and Grand Chef de Gare John Rodgers present Liz with one of the 1970s Coat of Arms shields which was actually painted by local artist Paige Shelton.

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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

2021 Merci Boxcar Pilgrimage

La Grande Voiture du Texas La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux P.O. Box 170074 Austin, Texas 78717

Affix 1st Class Postage Here Addressee

ADDRESSEE: Please notify sender of name/address correction Grand Chef de Gare – John Rodgers Grand Commissaire Intendant – Roger Folmar

Grand Correspondant – Renny Keagle Grand Publiciste – Dave Knutson

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