La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand Voiture du Texas OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND du TEXAS Winner of the Arthur McDowell Award 1991 – 1992 – 1993 – 1994 – 1995 – 1996 for the Best Grand Voiture Publication in the Nation without Advertising
April 2016
From the Grand Chef de Gare…. We have four locales who are 100% or more on their 2016 membership & several have a little more to do to get 100%. I would like to thank everyone who renewed their membership and continue to support this great organization. Many of our members continue to work hard in our programs with hundreds of children benefiting from those efforts. Nursing students also benefit from our members hard work in several areas of Texas. See more on these accomplishments inside this newsletter. Thank you Voiture 175 who hosted the Spring Cheminot and Annual Pilgrimage to the Texas Merci Boxcar. The hotel was great, the dinner was great and the memorial service was very nicely done thanks to our Grand Aumonier Lowell Mix and his Grand Cabane Aumonier Polly Mix. We look forward to our trip to Austin again next year!
Joseph T. McCullough Joseph T. McCullough Grand Chef de Gare
Grande Promenade 2016 The Grand Promenade is set for June 1012, 2016 in Beaumont, Texas. Voiture 312 is hosting and I hope we will get a good turnout. This is when we elect our new officers for 2016-2017 so each locale should have a delegate in attendance. More information on the event is on the following pages of this edition of the Texas Voyageur News.
Locale Officer Listings Please provide the Grand Correspondant with a copy of your new officer list as soon as possible after you hold your Locale elections. Send the list to Grand Correspondant Milton Chatham: ccsam@sbcglobal.net
Locale Delegates A Delegate Form in included in this edition of the TVN. Please submit your Delegate List to Grand Correspondant Chatham: ccsam@sbcglobal.net Delegate forms are due 10 days prior to the Grande Promenade. They should be submitted NLT June 2, 2016.
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand Voiture du Texas
VOITURE 1123 / LONGVIEW REPORTS TO BE CLOSED
Membership Update May 6, 2016 Division / Locale 1st Division
Sous Chef de Train
Current
Goal
Percentage 117%
939
Ron Mick Wichita Falls
7
6
1123
Longview
0
13
0%
1185
Ft Worth
18
24
75%
1601
Lake Dallas
Total 2nd Division
6
11
55%
31
54
57%
163
A.B. Marks Houston
38
35
109%
266
Copperas Cove
28
28
100%
312
Beaumont
15
16
94%
980
Willis
14
22
64%
1031
Killeen
71
77
92%
166
178
93%
Total 3rd Division 175
Jim “Jungle” Ryan Austin
17
20
85%
231
La Feria
16
18
89%
542
San Antonio
34
36
94%
1134
Kingsville
12
13
92%
79
100
79%
Total 4th Division 605
Dean Taylor El Paso
33
31
106%
1055
Kerrville
22
23
96%
Total
55
54
102%
Grand Total
331
373
88.74%
Showing in 41st Place by Voiture Nationale Placement is not good, but most are doing well and as you will read about next we had one locale close this year. Congratulations to Voiture 939 at 117%, Voiture 163 at 109%, Voiture 605 at 106% and Voiture 266 at 100%. Keep up the great work!
After many inquiries from Grand du Texas to the Correspondant Locale of Voiture 1123 with no response Grand Chef de Train George Murphy was advised they had disbanded. This action was done without any notification to Grand du Texas! This issue will be discussed at the upcoming Grande Promenade. We have had other Voiture Locales disband in the past, but their action was taken in a more appropriate manner. Some of our locales that are being held together by a small number of dedicated Voyagers Militaire and they should be commended for not giving up! I know of Voiture 939 in Wichita Falls and Voiture 1134 near Corpus Christi are two such locales. In the spring of 1998 American Legion Post #131, Longview was the newest post in Texas. Their roots came from Voiture 1123 who was chartered in March of 1934. There have been 5 Grand Chefs de Gare that came from Voiture 1123: 1946: 1957: 1962: 1965: 1991:
R. E. Hall John L. Walker L. W. Kariel Sr. Doyle Webb and Robert (Bob) Toon
Past National Commander of the American Legion, John Brieden III was a member of Voiture 1123. He has since transferred to Voiture 312 in Beaumont. I had the privilege to know Grand Chef Passe Doyle Webb and Grand Chef Passe Bob Toon. Voiture 1123 hosted a most wonderful Fall Cheminot in 1998. Many of the members of Voiture 1123 had been active and frequent participants in Grand events. We will truly miss our East Texas friends. David J. Knutson Cheminot Nationale
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand Voiture du Texas
Saving Your Locale Many American Legion or VFW Posts are successful with a small percentage (well under 25%) of their membership actually being “active” members. For this explanation I would describe an “active” member as one who holds a position on the post executive committee attends meetings, is frequently at the post home for events or readily available. Other members are “active supporters” who come out to help with events and give a fair share. You also have “active supporters” who are still involved, but are unable to frequent the post or events due to health or other reasons. Now take a 40 & 8 Voiture Locale. Most Voitures can frequently have 50% or better participation in the success of the locale. The most successful locales are in this category, but many are on the border of having 5%-10% of their members keeping things going. If you are like El Paso Voiture 605 and near a military installation then you are thriving in your success and they keep getting top honors every year. It takes time and working with your post home. Great Job Voiture 606 and keep it up! I will use Austin as another example. We, like others, have key members who make it work. We would not be here had it not been for Charlie Hawkins for one. There are other members who are not so visible who help our group continue on and several who had done their time in years past who are still supporting by maintaining their membership and coming out when they can. Still - to help our locale survive we have chosen to move our “monthly” promenades to “bi-monthly”. We are working to plan out our year better and not meeting just because we should meet every month! I believe we will better serve our community through our members providing 1) support to our post home and 2) more productive promenades when we do meet. As a recommendation for other locales who are trying to keep things going I think the following things important to consider: 1) Support your local post a. They provide you a place to meet and play
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
b. They are your primary source for new members c. They can always use your help too d. The better your relationship – the better off everyone served in your area will be Plan your year a. Plan promenades b. Plan at least one special event for the year or more! Keep records a. File your 990 b. Keep minutes c. Keep good financial records d. Membership roster Work at least one program a. Everyone already participates in events that qualify under the Americanism Program. b. Voiture Activities is your main report. It can be used to complete several others Officers needed a. Chef de Gare b. Chef de Train c. Correspondant d. Commissaire Intendant e. Conducteur f. Garde de la Porte g. Lampiste h. Commis Voyageur Communicate a. Communicate with each other b. Communicate with Grand
Hidalgo County Voiture 1077 and Cameron County Voiture 231 have “winter Texans” who affect their ability to conduct productive business and they adjusted to accommodate these issues. When Hidalgo County disbanded it was done right. They went out with a bang awarding over $10,000 in Nursing Training Scholarships and their legacy still lives on with remaining funds transferred to Grand per protocol. Those funds were earmarked for their area! We may not be around forever, but I suggest you do what you can – while you can! David J. Knutson Cheminot Nationale
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand 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
95th GRANDE PROMENADE OF THE GRAND VOITURE DU TEXAS May 7, 2016 In accordance with the Constitution of the Grand Voiture du Texas, the 95th Grand Promenade of La Societe des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux, Grand du Texas, will be held in Beaumont, TX, beginning Friday, June 10, 2016 through Sunday, June 12, 2016. 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. Voiture Locales indebted to this Grand Voiture will not be included in the roll call and will not be eligible to vote unless indebtedness is paid. CREDENTIALS Voiture Delegates' lists and list of New Officers, duly certified, must be sent to the Grand Correspondant, Milton R. Chatham, 5035 Tupelo ST, Beaumont, TX 77708, 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.
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand 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
95th GRANDE PROMENADE OF THE GRAND VOITURE DU TEXAS (CONTINUED) 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 2015 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 11, 2016, no later than 10:00 a.m.
GRAND PROMENADE The Grand Promenade is called to begin at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 11, 2016, at the Dorie E. Miller American Legion Post 817, 3430 W. Cardinal Drive, Beaumont, TX. The headquarters hotel will be The Red Roof Inn, 2310 IH 10 South, Beaumont, 409-842-8200. Take the Washington Blvd. exit either way. The election of Grand Officers for 2016-17 will be held immediately following the transaction of business with a joint installation being held at 6:00 p.m. By order of Grand Chef de Gare Joseph T. McCullough.
ATTESTED BY:
Milton R. Chatham
Joseph T. McCullough
MILTON R. CHATHAM GRAND CORRESPONDANT
JOSEPH T. MCCULLOUGH GRAND CHEF DE GARE
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand 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 2016 Grand Promenade to be held in Beaumont, Texas, on June 11, 2016. 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
To be completed and returned to the Grand Correspondant not later than ten (10) days prior to the Grand Promenade 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
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand Voiture du Texas
GRAND PROMENADE La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand Voiture du Texas 2016 Grand Promenade/June 10-12, 2016 HOTEL INFORMATION HEADQUARTERS HOTEL RED ROOF INN 409-842-8200 (EXIT WASHINGTON BLVD. BOTH DIRECTIONS)
ROOM RATE $79.95 PER NIGHT (CUT OFF FOR ROOMS DISCOUNT IS MAY 27, 2016) SMOKING ROOMS ARE AVAILABLE-ASK FOR ONE WHEN MAKING RESERVATION
TELL THEM THAT YOU ARE WITH THE 40et8 PLEASE CONTACT ME AT 409-899-3013 OR ccsam@sbcglobal.net IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
PLEASE BRING ITEMS TO BE AUCTIONED
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand Voiture du Texas
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand Voiture du Texas 2016 Grand Promenade/June 10-12, 2016 REGISTRATION FORM Please fill in the following information to register for the Grand Promenade. Name: _____________________________________________________________________________ Title or Highest Office held: ___________________________________________ Voiture or Cabane # _____________________ Name: _____________________________________________________________________________ Title or Highest Office Held: ___________________________________________ Voiture or Cabane # ______________________ Number registering ___________________ X $25.00 = _____________
Advance registration is $25.00 per person Advance registration must be received by May 22, 2016 Late Registration is $30.00
Program Book Ads Full page Ad - $30.00
Half page Ad - $20.00
Business card - $10.00
All program ads must be received by May 22, 2016 SEND REGISTRATION AND PROGRAM ADS TO: Milton R. Chatham 5035 Tupelo St. Beaumont, TX 77708 MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO V-312
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand 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 Grand Voiture du Texas
REPORTS Program Report Americanism Award
(This is for the 40 & 8 Americanism Award – not Americanism Program Report)
Special Awards Award (Hero, Law Officer, Voyageur, Correspondant, City of the Year)
Reporting Period Dates June 1 - May 31 July 1 - June 30
Americanism
Aug 1 - Jul 31
Carville Star
Aug 1 - Jul 31
Date due to Grand Directeur May-15 / Must be to Nationale NLT June 1st! Due at Grand Promenade Due July 1st Due July 1st
Grand Directeur Name Milton Chatham E-Mail: ccsam@sbcglobal.net Ronnie Wheeler E-Mail: rlwsgt7@hotmail.com Milton Chatham E-Mail: ccsam@sbcglobal.net David Knutson E-Mail: davidknutson@sbcglobal.net
Information on other reports due later will be sent out in a separate email. These reports are due between now and July 1st to the Grand Directeur. The earlier you send it in the better for Americanism and Special Awards.
ALL REPORT FORMS ARE ON THE 40 & 8 NATIONALE WEBSITE UNDER THE RESOURCES TAB: http://www.fortyandeight.org/forms-petite/ We had a special guest at the 2016 Spring Cheminot. Cheminot Nationale Passe Ed Jones of the Grande Voiture du Missouri travelled down to check out our Spring Cheminot and Annual Pilgrimage to the Texas Merci Boxcar. We hope he enjoyed his visit and will likely see him again at Central States Promenade or Promenade Nationale!
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand Voiture du Texas
Lowell making an early donation! First Grand event for Locale Chef de Gare Tim Wilhite from Voiture 980/Willis, TX! Don Taylor from Voiture 266 / Copperas Cove and Grand Chef Joe McCullough.
A ROUGH CROWD!
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand Voiture du Texas
Grand du Texas Americanism winner John Miterko addresses the audience.
A very good turnout for the Spring Cheminot dinner AMERICANISM AWARD John Miterko was nominated by Voiture 175 for his service to veterans and the community through his tireless volunteer work to keep track of local, state and federal legislation that affect military service members and their families. He then gets the information out to thousands to help protect our precious benefits. 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
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand Voiture du Texas
Hey – I’m going to let Jack talk!
OK – Who’s Got My Pot!!!!!
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand Voiture du Texas
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand Voiture du Texas
THE TEXAS MERCI BOXCAR
ARTIFACTS FROM TEXAS MERCI BOXCAR TO BE DISPLAYED IN 2017 Display case at the Texas Merci Boxcar above show some ornamental knives that came on the boxcar and a copy of the Life Magazine from 1949. Next Page: In preparation for the 100th anniversary of the US becoming involved in WWI the Grande Voiture du Texas will host the 2017 Central States Promenade in Austin. Part of the preparation has been working with the Briscoe Museum, Capital Visitor Center and Texas Military Forces Museum to 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
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand Voiture du Texas get items from the Texas boxcar on display for the event. The Capital Visitor Center has agreed to display a selection of items throughout the entire year of 2017! Shown below is a sketch of President Roosevelt and a Vase from the Merci Boxcar Collection.
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 Chef de Gare – Joe McCullough
Correspondant – Milton Chatham L’Editeur – Dave Knutson
Commissire Intendant – James Baca
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