La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS 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 AND 2021
Jan – Mar 2022
Volume 65 Issue 1
From Roger Folmar Grand Chef de Gare
Grand Wreck Welcomes New Voyageurs
Well, the clocks have been moved forward and Spring has sprung. First, I like to thank Voiture 542 for hosting the Grand Cheminot. They did an outstanding job and those who attended will agree with me. A great highlight, in my opinion, was the wreck bringing us 10 new Voyageurs Militaire. So, you see there are veterans in our communities who will join us if we ask them. Back to Spring as we all know this is the time when everything starts a new. So, we should get back doing the programs of the 40&8. I know my Locale is back doing Flags for First Graders. Since the virus has slowed down the schools are willing to let us back in so we can give the class. I know most of you have reach out to your members who haven't renew, but I am asking you to contact them again and find out why they haven't renewed. Let them know they are a valuable asset to your Locale and are wanted and needed. I know the Grand Correspondent talked about reports and it is time to start working on them. As we all know the job isn't done until the paperwork is completed. I am also the Grand Directeur for Carville Star and I really appreciate receiving reports from the Locals. It makes my job easier when I have to make the Grand report. Even a negative report is better than no report. I guess I have rambled along long enough. Don’t forget! The Grand Promenade will be In El Paso June 24 thru 26. I hope you all can attend. I know Voiture 605 will make you feel welcome. Finally, I wish you a Happy Easter.
A Grand Wreck was held just before the Spring Cheminot to properly welcome 10 Voyageurs Militaire. A few had been members for a while, but due to limitations at their locale had not received a proper initiation into La Societe. Grand Chef de Gare Roger Folmar opened the event and Grand Chef de Gare Passe David Knutson was the Wrecking Chef. A large showing of support was given by the Voyageurs Militaire who also attended and provided an appropriate welcome to each of our new members. As a group our new Voyageurs Militaire raised hundreds for 40 & 8 programs with works of art being auctioned off at the dinner later that evening. With everyone’s involvement the key element of FUN was achieved. A big Thank You to those who helped make the event memorable and successful.
Roger Folmar 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
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS 2022 Membership Report
MEMBERSHIP report
As of 03/31/2022
Have you renewed your membership?
Division / Locale
Location
Current
Goal
Percent
st
1 Division 689 1185
Amarillo Ft. Worth
Total 2nd Division 163 266 312 980 1031 1639
Houston Copperas Cove Beaumont Willis Killeen Georgetown
Total 3rd Division 175 231 542 1134
Austin La Feria San Antonio Kingsville
Total
7 12
12 13
58% 92%
19
25
76%
11 31 11 19 43 0
18 31 13 17 42 4
61% 100% 85% 112% 102% 0%
115
125
92%
13 3 14 7
16 7 33 12
81% 43% 42% 58%
37
68
54%
th
4 Division 605 1055
El Paso Kerrville
40 10
45 20
89% 50%
Total
50
65
77%
Grand Total
221
283
78.09%
Congratulations to Coryell County Voiture 266 who is at 100% with Locale Chef de Gare Keith Reiss. Bell County Voiture 1031 moves over 100% under Locale Chef de Gare Sandy Kousman. Grand Chef de Gare Folmar was shown a great welcome during his visit to Montgomery County Voiture 980. They are the Grand du Texas leader with their membership now at 112%. Bexar County Voiture 542 should be bouncing up as they added new members under Locale Chef de Gare J. Sean Habina. We are well beyond our membership cutoff date of December 31st and all members who have not renewed their membership are delinquent! I understand some cannot easily travel to support Locale or Grand functions, but your membership is important. Grand du Texas will be hosting Central States Promenade in 2024 with representatives attending Central States Promenade in Oklahoma next month and Kansas in 2023! 2024 will also bring the 75th Anniversary of the Gratitude Train and the Spring Cheminot being slated for Austin, Texas! Communicate with your members! They have not renewed for a reason and you should work to solve those issues AND adding new members! Please contact me if I can be of any assistance! Al Banzer, Grand Chef de Train Phone: 512-636-9634 Email: a.banzer@sbcglobal.net
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
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS BTW – do not ignore the Voyageur of the Year and Law Correspondants Corner Officer of the Year Special Awards Programs. All special awards are covered in the Petite Communique. Congratulations and much appreciation to all who attended the Grand Cheminot in San Antonio. Kudos to V-542 for such a great job. The Locale obviously has a great partnership with the Elks Lodge. It was great to see old and new faces. I look at the time of the year and number of months left in our membership year and it is time for me to bring a few things to mind. Depending on how often your Locale meets, it is time to start consideration for officers and Directeurs for the 2023 membership year. Be sure to review your constitution and conduct your elections accordingly. I get the impression that most Locales do not have many program Directeurs – inform your membership that they are a great place to start. Grand Directeurs are there to help, advise and also assist with getting program pins. Be sure to do a certification of your officers adding those appointed positions and Directeurs. Send them to me as soon as possible. Let’s harp a little bit on reports again. As Grand Correspondant, I get emails and correspondence from National Directeurs almost daily. The main topic of these contacts is reports. Your Locale may not be heavily involved in all or even the majority of our programs, but if you go to the National website and go to “Resources” and look for the “Petite Communique” you will see the list of required reports – as well as a lot of other easily downloadable and printable useful forms. Now is the time to make copies of the reports and review them and start asking members for input. Consider myself or Dave Knutson as resources for help and assistance on reports. Handwritten are fine. You may start hearing from some Grand Directeurs soon asking for input for their Grand reports. When it comes to awards at the Nationale and Grand level – those awards are generated by reports.
Finally, since membership is everyone’s responsibility – we all know that those last few weeks and months are the hardest to get renewals – so consider new membership. At the Grand Cheminot we wrecked ten new members – it was inspiring! We must push all the way to July 31st. Renslar “Renny” Keagle Correspondant Grand du Texas Regards and God Bless
Renslar "Renny" Keagle Correspondant, Grand du Texas Phone: 915-346-6099 Email: rennykeagle@gmail.com
NURSES TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS A Nurses Training Scholarship Application Form is available at Voiture Nationale website under the program Nurses Training: The Forty and Eight - Nurses Training, It is an easy fillable form that applicants can use and send to you via email. Once funds from your Locale are spent you can submit the application to Grand for review. Make sure you have a complete package when sending to Grand. Additional information is also provided under the Boland Trust Fund tab under programs. The Forty and Eight - Boland Trust Fund. Check out this information and contact Grand Nurses Training Directeur Doug Pendleton for more information.
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
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS WE HAVE HAD AN AVERAGE OF LESS THAN 25% OF LOCALES REPORTING.
MANY 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!
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.
All reports can be accessed and printed from the Voiture Nationale website: www.fortyandeight.org
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 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.
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.
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. Sandy Kousman is the Grand Voiture Activities Directeur, and you should be sending your reports directly to her. She is also available for questions if you cannot find the answer via the information here or at Voiture Nationale under Programs tab / Voiture Activities.
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! AMERICANISM – Many of the events your 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.
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
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS 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.
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!
CARVILLE STAR – Another pretty easy report with
POW/MIA - No one doubts the importance of the
options to adopt a county or area. Just buying pins helps you get credit for this report.
POW/MIA program, it's important scholarship fund and fund-raising efforts through pin and other sales. But this time of year, all you are going to hear about is reports - and do not doubt their significance.
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
Here is a tip, if you are making an effort to do reports, start with the Americanism report, from there hours easily transfer over to many others including POW/MIA. Any function or event that has a POW/MIA chair, table or flag can be counted. Including travel, miles and hours. When I traveled from El Paso to San Antonio for our Cheminot, every hour, mile and money spent counts. When I attend my American Legion post for an event/meeting that has a POW/MIA Flag - it counts. Get a copy of the report now and take a look from the national website - go to resources and look for the Petite Communique. It’s not too late to ask for one of those new POW/MIA bolos, I'll have some at Grand here in El Paso. Renslar “Renny” Keagle POW/MIA Directeur Grande du Texas.
WHO ARE OUR GRAND PROGRAM DIRECTEURS?
your locale to Grand for review. If a suitable candidate is nominated it may be forwarded to Voiture Nationale.
The next page lists all the Grand Program Directeurs along with their contact information. REPORTS ARE DUE VERY SOON! MAKE SURE YOU TURN THEM IN!
NURSES TRAINING – There is a new Nurses Training
DON’T FORGET VOYAGEUR OF THE YEAR, LAW OFFICER OF THE YEAR AND ANY OTHER SPECIAL AWARDS.
Application form that is very easy for students to complete and send to you for review.
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.
Information on Special Awards is on Voiture Nationale website under the Resources Tab / Forms!
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
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
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 6/15/2022 Special Awards: Voyageur of the Year, Law Officer of the Year, Hero of the Year, Etc. Americanism Michael Hall 915-244-1801 hallmd1973@outlook.com 6/15/2022 Carville Star Roger Folmar 915-269-7775 rfolmar@elp.rr.com 6/15/2022 Child Welfare Les Lobdell 512-945-2805 les.lobdell@gmail.com 6/15/2022 POW/MIA Renslar Keagle 917-269-6209 renslarkeagle@gmail.com 6/15/2022 Ritual Lowell Mix 210-314-1776 lmix543@yahoo.com 6/15/2022 Voiture Activities Sandy Kousman 254-366-1303 zeromyshadow@yahoo.com 6/15/2022 Nurses Training Doug Pendleton 254-336-0790 patrice.doug52@gmail.com 6/15/2022 VAVS Clarence Hill 254-223-1115 chill652@yahoo.com 6/15/2022 Youth Sports Brian Smock 254-542-2759 bsmock@hot.rr.com 6/15/2022 Public Relations David Knutson 512-736-2377 davidknutson@sbcglobal.net 8/1/2022 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. 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
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS LOCALE VOITURE ACTIVITIES WORKSHEET (optional) Description of Event
# Voyageurs or Dames Participating
# Guests
Total $ Spent
(Example) Locale Promenade
10
0
0
Total Miles of All Voyageurs or Dames Participating (Round trip miles each totaled)
Total Hours of All Voyageurs or Dames Participating (Hours each totaled) (10 x 2)
50
20
Rolling Stock (Y/N)
Report Category (See Below)
N
1
Select one report category for your event to correspond with the Locale Voiture Activities Report: 1 = Meetings, Promenades, Wrecks, Picnics, etc.; 2 = Activities with the Flag (presentation, raising, retirement, Flags for 1 st Graders); 3 = Memorial Services; 4 = Activities with schools or other community organizations; 5 = Parades; 6 = Youth Sports activities; 7 = Other
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
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
BLUE CHEVALIERS Project Mgr. Robert Cearlock. Project advisors Mike Wood Greg Hall & Frank Campo The National Public Relations Committee is proud to announce the launch of the “Blue Chevaliers” project as of November 1 st 2021. The project was unanimously and enthusiastically approved by the Committee at the 2021 National Promenade in Springfield, Missouri. This is the culmination of over eighteen months of research and discussion, and we are grateful for all of the input from Grands and Locales that have encouraged the launch. This Project offers a great opportunity to gain exposure for the Forty and Eight and help fight the demoralizing attempt and in some cases, successful attempt by some to defund and demoralize law enforcement. As we Voyageurs Militaire have shown great allegiance to the founding principles of America and taken an unexpired oath to defend her from all enemies, foreign or domestic, it is our hope that Locales and Grands will enthusiastically support this Project. Perhaps we will be the pioneers of something great. This is nonpolitical, so that is not an issue, this is just the right thing to do. MISSION STATEMENT
• Support the goals of the Generals Club with additional funds when required to support the ‘Law Officer of the Year’ expense. The Forty and Eight General's Club was formed in 1973. Its original purpose was to honor and dignify the profession of law enforcement. Funds generated by the annual dues in this elite club, underwrite the expenses of the Outstanding Law Officer of the Year program. In so doing, the General's Club affords each annual Outstanding Law Officer of the Year award recipient, the opportunity to attend Promenade Nationale, as a guest of the Forty and Eight. In recent years, the Club has taken on additional fiscal responsibilities associated with the Americanism Award program. For nearly 40 years, the General's Club has been a very important and select element within the Forty and Eight. • Honor Locale, State & Federal Law Enforcement [including Military Police] Organizations and individuals for exceptional Community Relations activities and/or Projects •
Raise La Société’s profile in Local Communities to promote interest in our organization.
IF YOU WISH TO JOIN THE BLUE CHEVALIERS, the initial membership includes the Blue Chevaliers lapel pin and your 2022 membership card. Subsequent years after initial year will be $2.00 for the current year and will issue the new card only. SIMPLY FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW AND SEND YOUR CHECK OF $15.00 TO THE ADDRESS ON THE FORM. CHECKS MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO THE “40/8 BLUE CHEVALIERS” APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP TO THE BLUE CHEVALIERS
INITIAL MEMBERSHIP 40ET8 MEMBER
NAME:
ADDRESS: PHONE:
STREET:
CITY:
LA FEMMES MEMBER
ST:
NON MEMBER SUPPORTER
ZIP:
EMAIL: MAIL WITH CHECK MADE PAYABLE TO THE “40/8 BLUE CHEVALIERS” FOR $15.00 TO: 40/8 Blue Chevaliers c/o Robert Cearlock, 7 Lawnwood Dr. Jackson, TN, 38305
PLEASE JOIN US “IN SUPPORT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT” 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
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS Americanism Happy New Year my fellow Voyageur’s. First things first, thank you Voiture 542 for all your arduous work to make the Spring Cheminot a tremendous success. I would also like to thank all that attended; we all had a fun time, took care of the business that needed to be done, do not forget to count all your hours. As we enter the home stretch for the 2022 year. We have Easter, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Father’s Day; all of which gives us many opportunities for Americanism hours so we all can finish the year strong. Below are some of the events that have been done. Voiture 605 / Grand Correspondent Renny Keagle left at a Flags for First Graders event with assistance from La Presidente Annette Chavez and La Correspondent Alison Thompson-Hall of the newly reformed Cabane 605.
V- 605 Commissaire Intendant / Grand Chef de Gare Roger Folmar right and Chef de Train One / Grand Americanism Directeur left Michael Hall cleaning and replacing ceiling tiles at American Legion Post 58 the chateau of V-605
Lastly please send me your Americanism reports by June 15th, if possible, but no later than Grande Promenade. I look forward to seeing everyone at the end of June in El Paso. If you have any questions or need any help. please contact me at hallmd1973@outlook.com. You may also contact Grande Sous Director of Americanism at alisonthompsonhall@outlook.com for assistance.
Michael Hall Americanism Directeur Grand 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
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS MINUTES OF THE WINTER/SPRING CHEMINOT Grande du Texas San Antonio, Texas March 5, 2021 1. The Cheminot was called to order by the Grand Chef de Gare Roger Folmar according to ritual and the Manual of Ceremonies at 1:00 pm, March 05, 2022, Renslar R. Keagle, Correspondant. 2. Grand Call (Correspondant): By order of the Grand Chef de Gare du Texas, the 2022 Grand Cheminot will be held, Saturday, March 5th in San Antonio, Texas hosted by Bexar County V-542. Committee meetings at the San Antonio Elks Lodge, 15650 Market Hill, San Antonio, Texas with Cheminot and banquet held at the same location. 3. Roll Call of Officers: Fourteen elected officers present, nine Directeurs present, 27 Voyageurs Militaire present. Correspondant reported a quorum. 4. Roll Call of Locales: Present – V-175, V-266, V-542, V-605, V-1031, V-1055. Six locales present. 5. Grand Chefs de Gare Passe, National Officers recognized. 6. Reading of the Minutes of the Grand Promenade – Approved as posted in the TVN – Texas Voyageur News. 7. Reading of Bulletins and Correspondence – Will be discussed in new business. 8. Reports of Officers: a. Grand Chef de Train Al Banzer: Grande du Texas stands at 77%. Congratulations to locales V-980, V-1021, V-266 for achieving 100% or better in membership. b. Grand Commissaire Intendant Renslar Keagle: Wells Fargo Account - $10,795.23; Money Market Accounts $27,810.03; checking account total - $38,605.46. Currents investments totaling $28,166.65. Grand total all funds - $66,772.11. Expenses covered in detail in Finance Committee meeting, but Grand is presently $2,863.60 under budget for 2022. Item by item transaction in checking account covered in finance committee meeting and finance report attached to minutes. Finance report approved as read and submitted subject to audit. Budget comments made by Grand Chef de Gare. c. Grand Avocat Dave Knutson: Discussion and comments on IRS tax exempt status for locales. Many tax exempts have been revoked or in jeopardy of being revoked, however several locales are in the pending approval or application process. Grand du Texas is current. Reinstatements difficult. d. Grand Aumonier J. Sean Habina: Taps reported, comments on services for Grand Chef de Gare Passe Gabe Cina. Names of deceased provided to Aumonier. e. Cheminot Nationale Renslar Keagle: Detailed report of 2021 Promenade Nationale in the TVN. Surrendered locale charters to be discussed in new business. 9. Program Reports (Reported by Directeur or a representative) a. Americanism – Lack of report input from locales. Reports due in July. b. Boxcar – No report – will discuss some issues in new business. c. Carville Star – Directeur Roger Folmar reported he still has a few pins left. Grand is active in Carville Star – 100 pins sold across the state. One clinic supported and monies raised by passing the Texas Star. Star will be passed at the banquet this evening. Directeur comments on the Carville Star Program. Comments on need for reports. d. Child Welfare – Pins available – making some contacts. e. Nurses Training – Directeur Doug Pendleton: Comments from Committee Meeting – no applications submitted. V-1031 working on a possible applicant. Grand Chef comments on plenty of funds available at the Grand level for nursing. f. POW/MIA – Directeur Renslar Keagle: Discussed main goals of POW/MIA program 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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TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS including scholarships. Website has applications and details. Pin sales are important raising funds for the scholarship program. Reports are very important – willing to help on this and all reports. Must follow the POW/MIA ritual as stated in our manual. Table is very important and table items may be purchased at Legion Emblem Sales. See Directeur on the new bolo. g. Public Relations – Directeur David Knutson: TVN published in about 30 days. Correct emails are necessary – we no longer mail out. Grand website and Grand Facebook page are valuable resource for material and locales may add pictures, etc. Grand Wreck done after committee meetings. David Knutson was the Wrecking Chef. A photo of the 10 subjects who were wrecked will be submitted to Voiture Nationale for publicity. h. Ritual – Comments by Correspondant – Some locales omitting the Preamble during the opening ceremony. Our ritual makes us unique so it must be closely followed. i. Voiture Activities – Directeur Sandy Kousman: No report j. VAVS –. No report. k. Youth Sports – No report. l. Boxcar Maintenance – Dave Knutson: Money still available for boxcar maintenance 10. Grand Non-Program Reports: a. Special Awards – Directeur Knutson and Grand Chef de Gare presented several awards received by Grand du Texas at Promenade Nationale – special recognition to John Rodgers for achieving 100% membership as Grand Chef de Gare. TVN received award for best Grand newsletter/publication in Nationale. b. Time and Place – Grand Promenade 2022 – El Paso Texas. June 24 – 26. Details NLT May. V-1031 Spring Cheminot 2023, no dates yet. Spring 2024 will be 75th Boxcar celebration in Austin. 11. Old Business: None 12. New Business: Two locale charters turned in – V-312, V-1185. Notion made and approved to notify the Cheminot Nationale for voting at Promenade National 2022. V-1689 Georgetown still on the rolls for Grand du Texas but not active- charter mailed to Grand Correspondant. John Rodgers desires to get the locale active and resurrected. Charter will be returned to him. He will give a status report at the Grand Promenade. Dave Knutson discussed the 75th Boxcar celebration – John Rodgers appointed as Grand Boxcar Directeur. This has the possibility of a big event – there is hope that Nationale will step up and support. Resolution will be sent to them regarding the 75th celebration. Central States: Keith Reiss V-266 nominated as Texas representative Vice-President then processed through as eventual President when Central States comes to Texas in 2024. 2022 in Oklahoma, 2023 in Kansas, 2024 in Texas. Full page ad approved for Central States. Financial aid to Texas representative not to exceed $500.00. 13. Elections and Appointment: None. Vacancies and elections will be address at the Grand Promenade. 14. Good of the Grand Voiture: Happy birthday to Lowell Mix, 82 years old. Blue Chevaliers recognized and the program discussed supporting Law Enforcement. See Correspondant for details, applications, etc. V-266 has a gun raffle going to be drawn the 4th of July. 15. Grand Aumonier conducted a memorial service to all departed Voyageurs Militaire, names read. 16. There being no further business to come before the Cheminot, the Cheminot was closed according to ritual and the Manual of ceremonies. Announcements – Grand Chef made announcement of details for the banquet. ATTEST:
Correspondant, Grand 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
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TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS REMEMBER WHEN (SPRINGTIME) 5-Years Ago / Spring 2017: Grand du Texas held a WW1 Centennial program on the South steps of the Texas State Capitol. Chef de Chemin de Fer Mark Moots was the keynote speaker. The Texas Merci Boxcar was on display at the capitol building and items from the boxcar were on display at the Capitol Visitor Center. Grand Chef de Gare Joe McCullough (V542) and CSP President David Knutson (V175) hosted 2017 Central States Promenade. Linda Monk, who with her Brownie troop was pictured with the Texas Merci Boxcar in 1949, was also a guest to Grand du Texas. Texas House of Representatives read and adopted HR 433, commemorating the visit of the Grande Voiture du Texas and the “40 & 8” boxcar to the State Capitol on February 18, 2017. Representative Diana Arévalo of San Antonio introduced Cheminot Nationale David Knutson and Sous Chef de Chemin de Fer Passe Ronnie Wheeler as guests to the Texas House. Texas Representatives in attendance then all came up and shook hands with our 40 & 8 representatives. 20-Years Ago / Spring 2002: Grand Chef de Gare Chuck Donaldson V939. The Bowie High School R.O.T.C. posted the colors. A very memorable Guest Speaker was introduced. Waggoner Carr was Past American Legion Department Commander (1983). He was also a Texas State Representative (1951-1961) and Texas Speaker of the House (1957-1961). He was the Texas Attorney General (19631967) and was among those who had breakfast with President and Mrs. John F Kennedy on Nov 22, 1963. He later participated in the investigation into the Kennedy assignation. Waggoner Carr was a private attorney working with the Jesse James family investigating a claim James had not been shot by the Ford brothers 140 years ago in 1882. Waggoner did a skit speaking as if her were Jesse James and told his story to those present. It was quite entertaining. 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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TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
A very good turnout for the Grand Wreck! Grand Chef Folmar giving some advice and tips. Wrecking Chef David Knutson swearing in our new members.
Grande Voiture du Texas welcomes new members during Spring Cheminot wreck on March 5, 2022.
Pictured from left: Richard Bless, Hank Newkirk, Larry Brown, Cyndi Miller, Kay Grosonske, Arroyo, Karen Ward, Toby Zielinski, James Pospisil and Frank Arechiga.
Acting Grand Conducteur Les Lobdell, Len
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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TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
Good turnout for the Grand Cheminot. V-266 Chef de Gare Keith Reiss receives an award accepted by Grand Chef de Gare Roger Folmar at Promenade Nationale for Youth Sports. Very nice decorations done by V542 Chef de Gare J. Sean Habina. Grand Chef de Gare Passe John Rodgers is presented with an award accepted by Grand Chef de Gare Folmar at Promenade Nationale for Membership as Grand du Texas was over 100% last year!
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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TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
Everyone enjoyed the dinner prepared by V-542 and the San Antonio Elks Lodge were gracious hosts to the event.
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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TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS Texas Voyageur News (TVN) Official Publication of La Grande Voiture du Texas. The TVN is published every quarter of events from throughout the Grand du Texas. Submissions to the TVN should be directed to: David Knutson, L’Editeur E-mail: davidknutson@sbcglobal.net
Join us on Facebook Search “Grande Voiture du Texas” Or on our website www.texasboxcar.org
Grand Promenade 2022 June 22-24, 2022 in El Paso, TX Candlewood Suites 4631 Cohen Ave 79904 MAKE HOTEL RESERVATIONS THROUGH “D EVON ” AT 915-755-9000 ( CALL BEFORE 3 PM ) TO GET THE GROUP RATE ! L ET HIM KNOW YOU ARE WITH 40 & 8 DO NOT USE THE WEBSITE FOR RESERVATION !
La Grande Voiture du Texas La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux 8714 Marble Dr, El Paso, TX 79904
Affix 1st Class Postage Here Addressee
ADDRESSEE: Please notify sender of name/address correction Grand Chef de Gare – Roger Folmar Grand Commissaire Intendant – Renny Keagle
Grand Correspondant – Renny Keagle Grand Publiciste – Dave Knutson
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