Texas Voyageur News (TVN) Jul - Sept 2023

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

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

Grand Chef de Gare Keith Reiss Jr.

Page 1 – From the Grand Chef

Page 2 – Membership Report & Grand Officer list

Page 3 – Correspondants Corner

Page 4 - Americanism

Page 5 – Minutes of the Grand Promenade

Page 6 – Minutes of the Grand Promenade

Page 7 – Minutes of the Grand Promenade

Page 8 – Grand Prom photos

Page 9 – Grand Prom photos

Page 10 – Grand Prom photos

Page 11 – Grand Prom photos

Page 12 – Grand Prom photos

Page 13 – VAVS / Visit to Temple VA and Upcoming Events

Page 14 – V- 605 100th Anniversary

Page 15 – Boxcar 75th Anniversary

Page 16 – In the Spotlight

I am incredibly honored andhumbled tohave been elected as the current Grand Chef de Gare. I believe deeply in La Societe and its programs and I am excited to hear from all of you how you work to support those programs. I would also like to extend an invitation to the great Locales of Texas to reach out if you have processes that you have foundtobesuccessfuland/orifyouhaveideasthat may benefit the organization.

Some ideas that I would love to hear are ways to modernize with technology and social media accounts. We created a Grand Chef Gmail account which will be passed to each subsequent Chef so that critical correspondence is not lost. Along with every Gmail account comes 15GB of space on Google Drive which is free with your Gmail account. This can be used to store reports and other documents. This is just one small example of a way to modernize our processes.

As always, membership is a critical part of our success, but it doesn’t just stop at numbers. Once a Voyager is voted in, what steps are being taken to ensure their interest? Are new Voyagers getting a chance to bring ideas to the table and are we conducting activities that keep their interest? Is it being taken into consideration that Voyagers who served in the last 15 years may have school-aged kids at home? What kind of functions are we doing locally that arefamilyorientated andwouldthatbe a way tokeep interest? Icanonlyspeak from personal experience with VL-266 in saying that feeling as if I belonged to a family was a very big part of my continued interest and subsequent dedication food for thought. I would also like to gauge interest, through the Locale Correspondants up to the Grand Correspondant, regarding gatherings outside of the Grand Cheminot, Box Car 75th Anniversary,andtheGrandPromenade.Itcouldbeanythingfromhunting/fishingretreats, weekend getaways to resorts, or “glamping” locations to various locations in the State. No official business would be conducted but coming together to know each other more and share ideas. This would also be a great opportunity for newer members to learn the importance and wonderful stories embodied within La Société’s history. This year’s Central States Promenade is here in Texas and we are close tolocking ina resort just North of San Antonio. There will be more to follow on that.

The last thing that I will leave you with is, that I believe it is essential to recognize that most Veterans from 2003 to present have served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan. As with previous wars and conflicts, there are a lot of issues with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We will be looking to set up webinars with guest speakers from the medical field to educate us on all of the advances in knowledge oftheseailmentsandtipsforlivingwiththem.Iamalsoexploringthepossibilityofhaving a yoga instructor host classes online that interested Voyagers could attend.

(Continued on Page 3)

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture

du Texas

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS MEMBERSHIP

2024 GRAND OFFICERS

Election results from the 2023 Grande Promenade: Cheminot Nationale: Roger Folmar

Alt. Cheminot Nationale: J. Sean Habina

Grand Chef de Gare: Keith Reiss Jr.

Grand Chef de Train: Jim Sweeney

GRAND DU TEXAS FINISHISHES IN 10TH PLACE WITH MEMBERSHIP

A lot of hard work by many – Thank You to the Locale Chefs and Correpondants who made this happen. Only 19 Grand Voitures were able to make or exceed 100% so we are in an elite group. It is important that we continue to grow.

Thank you for all you have done to make this happen.

John Rodgers Grand Chef de Train Passe

2024 Membership Year Starts Now

I look forward to working with everyone on membership as westartanewyear!AslargeasTexasisweshouldhavemore thanwhereweareatinourstate. IwillworkwithGrandChef de Gare Reiss to help expand where possible.

The first task is getting your renewals done early. An early bird bonus for your locale is a good plan to get your renewals done quickly. Put those who renew by a specific deadline in a drawing for a prize or some other type of reward.

Please contact me if I can be of any assistance.

Jim Sweeney Grand Chef de Train

Grand Commissaire Intendant: Roger Folmar

Grand Conducteur: Mike Hall

Grand Avocat: David Knutson

Grand Aumonier: J. Sean Habina

Grand Commis Voyageur: James Pospisil

Grand Drapeau – James Pospisil

Grand Garde de La Porte: Doug Pendleton

Grand Historien: Sandra Kousman

Grand Lampiste: Vacant

Grand Medicine: Alison Thompson-Hall

Appointed Officers:

Grand Correspondant: Renslar R. Keagle

Grand Publiciste: David Knutson

Grand Organizer: Marshall Edwards

Appointed Directeurs:

Americanism: Mike Hall

Sous Americanism: Alison Thompson-Hall

Boxcar: David Knutson

Carville Star: Roger Folmar

Child Welfare: Les Lobdell

Nurses Training: Doug Pendleton

POW/MIA: Renslar R. Keagle

Rituals: Raul Ballesteros Jr.

V.A.V.S.: Clarence Hill

Voiture Activities: Al Banzer

Youth Sports: Keith Reiss Jr.

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

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

(Grand Chef de Gare / Continued from Page 1)

These are just some ideas to make more available to Voyagers to keep us engaged with activities and with each other. Grand Chef de Train Jim Sweeney and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible as we plan our trips to the Locales. Locale support is essential to the success of Grand, but I am more interested in learning how Grand can support the Locales. Because we’re here first and foremost to help the Locales succeed and then Grand will naturally follow. I’m sure that everyone remembers the saying “Out of sight, out of mind”. Let’s do our best to remain IN SIGHT and IN MIND!

Honored to Serve You,

Keith Reiss Jr. Grand Chef de Gare

FROM THE GRAND CORRESPONDANT

Cards are now in the possession of Locale Correspondants and between Dave and me - we have provided tons of info and guidance on how to process renewals and new members. Still need help or information, please contact us.

ABCs of Success

Actively recruiting worthy Veterans

Begin their Voyage with a meaningful Wreck

Communication

Donations and Fundraising

Engage in supporting programs

Family-orientated additional activities

Just a thought concerning "PGs". If you sign up a new member, having voted on them and accepted but they have not yet been summoned to a wreck- they are considered a PG. However, still send in the membership transmittal and not wait until they are wrecked. A "PG" is still a Voyageur Militaire but as our information manual states "not yet a full-fledged Voyageur Militaire" havingnotyet taken the oath of obligation.So do not wait to send - hold their transmitted member card until the installation as a new member is complete.

Locales improved this year on submitting reports - but we still have a way to go on getting every locale to complete every report - even those with not much activity. Every hour and mile counts. Thanks to Dave Knutson for his help and Directeurs who pushed for reports and to those who got them in. To those of us going to Promenade Nationale - we look forward to Grand du Texas receiving recognition for our hard work.

As a general rule we do not tend to get excited about membership until December or so but it is important as we start processing new cards now to get all addresses updated as well as contact information such as phonenumbers andemails - so when December comes around and we start our process of pushing renewals we do not have trouble contacting members. Also important for buddy checks to have correct contact information. The new membership roster each locale received with their cards is a good place to begin verifying member information.

I want to announce that this year I will be reinstating the "Correspondant of the Year Award" - in the past a very prestigious awardpresentedalongwiththeGrandVoyageuroftheYearAward. Specific criteria will be forthcoming - but many Correspondants work hard behind the scenes helping and assisting in many roles within our locales and should be recognized. Your thoughts on a "Grand Directeur of the Year"?

So, a special thanks for all the hard work last year and hopes for a successful 2024 membership year.

Renslar "Renny" Keagle Correspondant, Grande du Texas

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

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS Americanism

As we start the new year I would like to take a moment and congratulate all the officers and directeurs for this upcoming year. May this year bring us closer together and more successful than the last. To start this year, I wanted to share with everyone the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance as explained by Red Skelton.

“I me, an individual, a committee of one. Pledge dedicate all my worldly goods to give without self-pity.

Allegiance my love and devotion.

To the flag our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Where she waves, there is respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job. Of the United that means we have all come together. States individual communities that have united into 50 great states. Fifty individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose, all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to common purpose, and that's for love of country.

And to the republic republic is a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands, one nation under God

The nation, meaning "so blessed by God" Indivisible incapable of being divided. With liberty which is freedom and the right of power to live one's own life without threats or fears of some sort of retaliation.

And Justice the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others. For all which means, ladies and gentlemen, it's as much your country as it is mine.”

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 Alison Thompson-Hall at alisonthompsonhall@outlook.com for assistance.

Michael Hall

Directeur of Americanism, Grande du Texas

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

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

MINUTES OF THE GRAND PROMENADE 2023

Grande Voiture du Texas

Copperas Cove, Texas

June 24, 2023

1. The Grand Promenade was called to order by the Grand Chef de Gare Roger Folmar according to ritual and the Manual of Ceremonies at 1:08 pm, June 24, 2023, Renslar R. Keagle, Grand Correspondant.

2. Grand Call (Correspondant): By order of the Grand Chef de Gare du Texas, the 2023 Grand Promenade will be held, Saturday, June 24th, Copperas Cove, Texas hosted by Coryell County V-266. Committee meetings at VFW Post 8577, 1506 Veterans Ave., Copperas Cove, with Grand Promenade and banquet being held at same location. (Copy of full Grand Call, attached).

3. Roll Call of Officers: Thirteen elected officers present, three appointed officers present, ten Directeurs present.

4. Roll Call of Locales: Present – V-175, V-266, V-542, V-605, V-1031, and V-1055. Six locales present. Correspondant reported that a quorum was 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 – None

8. Reports of Officers:

a. Grand Chef de Train John Rodgers: Grand du Texas is at 106.6% exceeding goal. 9th place at Nationale. Comments by Grand Chef de Gare on great job by Grand as a whole. Thanks for all the hard work!

b. Grand Commissaire IntendantRenslar Keagle: This report will also meet the requirementofthe Finance Committee report. Wells Fargo Account $9,240.47. Money Market accounts stand at $3,517.25. Checking account total is $12,757.80. Investments were detailed with an investment total of $45,862.85. Grand total all funds $58,614.65. Review of checking transactions. Grande du Texas overall 2023 budget reviewed - $875.51 under budget. Finance report approved as read and submitted subject to audit. Budget comments made by Grand Chef de Gare. Complete report attached to minutes.

c. Grand Avocat Dave Knutson: Constitution for V-605 approved by Nationale. Others pending. IRS – V-605 good as well as V-1031. Submitted for V-175 waiting on answer from IRS. V-266 in good shape. Restated Certificate of Formation for Grand in process.

d. Grand Aumonier J. Sean Habina: Information needs to be passed on to the Aumonier on sick or TAPS so cards may be sent to Voyageur or family.

e. Cheminot Nationale Renslar Keagle: Will be attending 104th Promenade Nationale. Report on meeting of 2023 Cheminot Nationale’s and election of new 2024 Cheminots as last order of business at National Promenade. Will give detailed report on National Promenade at Spring Cheminot and in TVN.

9. Program Reports (Reported by Directeur or a representative)

a. Americanism – Five of ten Locales have submitted reports. One additional report was handed in. Gave breakdown to date of miles, hours and per capita totals for Americanism. Gave report of Flags for First Graders with V-605 doing 16 schools and 1,560 flags.

b. Boxcar – David Knutson - Working on the Gratitude Train 75th Anniversary Celebration and promotions. Encouraged members to visit websites for additional information such as mercitrain.org and the Grand website. Additional information will be in the TVN. Working on funds for updating a few plaques that need correcting and updating. Looking at March, 3rd weekend, 2024 for Merci Boxcar – but tentative. Additional comments on 75th Anniversary with display items and blocking out dates for visits.

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

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

c. Carville Star – Supported by donations to the Star and fines, etc. Sold 50 pins, two countries, two clinics, donated $2000 plus. No 2024 pins yet available – will get at Nationale.

d. Child Welfare – Four locales reporting,50 pins purchased –working on final Grandreport with possibly more input from locales.

e. Nurses Training – Directeur Doug Pendleton – Gave the Nurses Training Committee Report at this time – Only four reports received from locales. Nurses training funds are available, but requests must be made with a letter request from the locale, copy of original application, grades and current status. Locales should have exhausted their current budget. Request any locale reports not yet in to me by Friday (June 29) so I can prepare the final Grand report.

f. POW/MIA – 2024 pins are not yet available – will pick up at Nationale – locales need to let Directeur know ASAP on number of pins they may want. Always a great pin used to raise funds for the scholarship fund. Other items are available like koozies, earrings, necklaces, pins from previous years – all good for reselling and raising funds. Only four locales submitted reports out of ten Still time to get in – handwritten is ok. Important for each locale to have a POW/MIA Directeur. No experience is necessary, just a desire and willingness to learn. Grand does have a POW/MIA award – but reports must be submitted. One of the goals for Nationale is to raise awareness of the national scholarship fund – applications, details, etc. at the Nationale website.

g. Public Relations – Mike Hall has been added to access the website. This will help with updates and changes. Facebook page for Grand du Texas underutilized. Locales should take advantage of this opportunity to promote their activities through Grand social media. Anyone can post on the Grand Facebook page and are encouraged to do so.

h. Ritual –Locale need to look at properly doing all aspects of our ritual to include properly doing the Preamble – to do together. Comments on submitting a new password for 2024 to Nationale. Have until July 15th. Submit to Grand Correspondant. Need to get Ritual reports in if not done so far.

i. Voiture Activities – Five reports received.

j. VAVS – No report. Comments by Dave Knutson on V-175 being awarded $730 via VAVS Keep those Wheelchairs Rolling contest. Clothing and other needed items needed items were purchased and will be presented to the VA Representative, Reginald Hardy, who will be attending the dinner. Over $500 of unbudgeted items were also purchased with V-175 covering $283 of the additional purchases leaving $300 outstanding. V605 and V-1031 donated $100 each and the membership approved Grand covering the last $100. Total donation came to $1313.48. Grand Aumonier commented on Operation Gratitude donations.

k. Youth Sports – Gave miles, cash and hours based on those reports received. Need additional reports.

10. Grand Non-Program Reports:

a. Time and Place – V-175 will sponsor the Spring Cheminot, dates to be determined. V-1031 came forward for the 2024 Grand Promenade. Central States Promenade is late April 2024. Location TBD.

b. Special Awards – VOY will be announced at banquet.

11. Old Business:

a. Central States: Working on final location – looking at Kerrville and working on final confirmation. No committee yet,but willdevelopabudget,expect75plusinattendance.$500.00inbudgetandmayneedadditionalfundraising. May be expecting funds from Grande du Kansas from last year’s Central States.

b. Ads approved at Cheminot have been paid and submitted.

c. Any other old business: None

12. New Business:

a. Delegates for Promenade Nationale: Renslar Keagle, Roger Folmar, Mike Hall, Alison Thompson-Hall, John Rodgers, J. Sean Habina, Keith Reiss. Correspondant will submit the delegate list to Nationale.

b. Nationale Appointments: Mike Hall – Sous Directeur Americanism; Roger Folmar – Sous Directeur Carville Star; Alison Thompson-Hall – Sous Directeur Membership; J. Sean Habina – Sous Directeur Voiture Activities; John Rodgers – Sous Chef de Chemin de Fer; Renslar Keagle, National Directeur Public Relations. Will submit Grand recommendations, endorsements, and resolutions.

c. Any other new business: None

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

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

13. Elections and Appointments: Election conducted IAW Grand Constitution starting with Grand Medicin and ending with Grand Chef de Gare. Delegate strength read by Grand Correspondant. Results of elected Officers (in order of precedence):

a. Cheminot Nationale: Roger Folmar V-605

b. Alt. Cheminot Nationale: J. Sean Habina V-542

c. Grand Chef de Gare: Keith Reiss V-266

d. Grand Chef de Train: James Sweeney V-1031

e. Grand Commissaire Intendant: Roger Folmar V-605

f. Grand Conducteur: Mike Hall V-605

g. Grand Commis Voyageur: James Pospisil V-1055

h. Grand Garde de la Port: Douglas Pendleton V-266

i. Grand Historien: Sandra Kousman V-1031

j. Grand Aumonier: J. Sean Habina V-542

k. Grand Avocat: David Knutson V-175

l. Grand Drapeau: James Pospisil V-1055

m. Grand Medicin: Alison Thompson-Hall V-605

n. Appointed Grand Officers

i. Grand Correspondant: Renslar R. Keagle V-605

ii. Grand Publiste: David Knutson V-175

iii. Sous Grand Aumonier: Raul Ballesteros, Jr. V-605

o. Appointed Directeurs

i. POW.MIA: Renslar R. Keagle

ii. Carville Star: Roger Folmar

iii. Youth Sports: Brian Smock

iv. Child Welfare: Les Lobdell

v. Americanism: Mike Hall

vi. Sous Americanism – Alison Thompson-Hall

vii. Boxcar: David Knutson

viii. Voiture Activities: Al Banzer

ix. VAVS: Brian Smock

x. Ritual: Raul Ballesteros, Jr.

p. Note: Other appointments or changes will be at the direction of the Grand Chef de Gare

14. Good of the Grand Voiture: Grand Chef de Gare final comments and details on banquet

15. There being no further business to come before the Grand Promenade, the Promenade was closed according to ritual and the Manual of ceremonies.

ATTEST:

Renslar R. Keagle

Correspondant, Grand du Texas

Grand Promenade Dinner

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

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

VA Temple Rep Reginald Hardy and Grand Chef de Gare Passe John Rodgers.

Mike Tiberia and Jim Sweeney enjoying the show!

V605 Mike Hall (Grand Conducteur)and newly elected Grand ChefKeith Reiss Jr. Mike is being given the trophy belt for being winner of the games at the Grand Promenade. He will need to defend it at the Spring Cheminot so get ready to challenge him for the Title Belt!

Grand du Texas,V175,V605& V1031togetheraddedanadditional$500+ to theirKeeptheWheelchairs Rolling award for requested clothing items. Temple VA Representative Reginald Hardy is shown above receiving items that were given to veterans at the Olen E. Teague Medical Center in Temple, Texas. The next page shows some of these gifts being given out personally. Many of the other veterans quietly received their donation and were appreciative for the items and the visit.

Top left: V1031

Left:

Above Right:

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

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

Veteran Affairs Voluntary Services (VAVS)

On July 10, 2023, a small group from Grand du Texas met with the VA Representative Reginald Hardy and presented clothing gifts to some of the residents. Good quality fleece tops andbottoms weregivento veterans at theOlen E.Teague Medical Center. Most were residents of the VA Community Living Center. It was extremely heartwarming to do this and see the appreciation on their faces.

Pictured above: Voiture 1031 Chef de Gare Jim Sweeney and Voiture 175 Chef de Gare Al Banzer present clothing items to veteran Thomas J McLafferty.

One of the more active residents is Herbert Alexander pictured left with members of Grand du Texas during their visit. From Left: V175 Chef de Gare Al Banzer, V1031 Chef de Gare Jim Sweeney, Herbert Alexander, newly elected GrandChef de GareKeithReiss Jr. and Grand Chef de Gare Passe David Knutson.

UPCOMMING EVENTS

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

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

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

75th Anniversary of the Gratitude Train

In 2024 we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Gratitude Train. There are 43 of the 49 Merci Box Cars remaining and almost every state has gifts from their respective boxcar on display in a variety of locations.

The boxcars arrived on February 2, 1949, and received a grand welcome in New York Harbor. We expect to make a national press release about this historic occasion and plan to coordinate with the incoming Chef de Chemin de Fer for a possible ceremony on or around that date.

Since February weather is unpredictable for most everyone we are not planning any major events at that time. Some states may be able to celebrate as early as February 2024 but we encourage everyone to coordinate your 75th anniversary at a time that is convenient for your area.

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

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

Gerald“Jerry”BradywasrecognizedbyKerrvilleVoiture1055for his 35+ years of dedicated service to La Societe. Both Jerry and Karen have been leaders at the Locale, Grande and Nationale levels. Jerry is one of only three from Texas who rose to the high office of Chef de Chemin de Fer.

La Grande Voiture du Texas

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux

8714 Marble Dr, El Paso, TX 79904

ADDRESSEE: Please notify sender of name/address correction

Grand Chef de Gare – Keith Reiss Jr.

Grand Commissaire Intendant – Roger Folmar

Grand Correspondant – Renny Keagle

L’Editeur / Publiciste – Dave Knutson

Gerald Brady Chef de Chemin de Fer 2010

Jerry and Karen – 2023 Spring Cheminot