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
Oct - Dec 2020
Volume 63 Issue 4
FROM THE GRAND CHEF DE GARE Hello to All. Let me first introduce myself: My name is John Rodgers and I am the newly elected Grand Chef de Gare for Grand du Texas. Being installed as your new Grand Chef de Gare was a very special and emotional time for me as I wished my father and my mentor Ronnie Wheeler could have been there as well. Some of you might know me as the guy who pestered you about membership last year. We did very well last year with membership and I’m hoping for the same if not better this year. I have looked over the Grand roster. I know many got 100% goal. That was 8 out of the 13 locales. What I also saw was locales with Voyageurs with 20+ years only. This shows me that that locales are not recruiting. We need to look to the future or we will fade away and die. What I expect from all is to do their very best. I have had some said I don't think I can do as last year. If you got 100% or better last year you should be able to do it this year. As the saying goes I don't want excuses I want results. We all need to show Voiture Nationale that this past year was not just another ordinary year. In recent years we have had to close locales like lake Dallas. If you have a locale with less than 10 Voyageurs you need to start recruiting. I know recruiting is hard but it’s vital to the existence of your locale. If you need help don’t be afraid to ask. The reason for me saying this is a few WW II Veterans have told me Texas Voitures will not be around for very long. I have lost many friends and fellow veterans like my father, James P Rodgers Sr. He was a WW ll Veteran and like some of his comrades was a 43-
year member of the American Legion. I will tell you this as long as I’m on God’s green earth TEXAS WILL SURVIVE AND THRIVE. My plan this year is to visit each and every locale and not only show my face but to help each and every locale in any way I can. Not long ago I couldn't get in touch with a WWll veteran so I called to have a welfare check on him thankfully he was ok and had a problem with his phone. These are the things we need to do. Last year I sent out a resolution to James Fowler’s widow and she sent me a beautiful note of thanks. Remember we have these such things on the emblem sales webpage at www.fortyandeight.org
WISHING EVERYONE A GREAT NEW YEAR TO COME AND HOPE TO SEE YOU AT MERCI BOXCAR 2021! Well in closing all I can say is LET’S GET R DONE!
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John Rodgers Grand Chef de Gare
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas MEMBERSHIP DUE 12/31/2020
2021 Membership Report
Yes, it is that time again! Those not paid by 12/31/2020 are considered delinquent in their dues.
As of 12/30/2020 Division / Locale
Location
Current
Goal
Percent
1st Division
689 1185
Amarillo Ft. Worth
Total
10 1
16 11
63% 9%
11
27
%
2nd Division
163 266 312 980 1031
Houston Copperas Cove Beaumont Willis Killeen
6 31 13 17 42
20 31 14 18 42
Total
30% 100% 93% 94% 100%
It has been a very tough year for many. Locale Chefs and Locale Correspondants should know if any of your members are having troubles through the pandemic and holidays. Please reach out to all your folks and provide assistance as needed. Locale Chefs and Locale Correspondants please make an effort to get everyone paid up as soon as possible! Thank you for your continued support. Reminder if you plan to attend Merci Boxcar! Your dues MUST be paid to attend.
%
3rd Division
175 231 542 1134
Austin La Feria San Antonio Kingsville
Total
16 4 12 2
16 7 32 11
100% 57% 38% 18%
66
55
120%
32 13
48 14
67% 93%
4th Division
605 1055
El Paso Kerrville
Total Grand Total
% 203
280
72.50%
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas GRAND CORRESPONDANT’S CORNER Hope everyone is well despite many of us facing restrictions in this COVID-19 environment. This is my first message to you as Correspondant in the TVN – although I have sent out an email or so and a Correspondants letter to Locale Chef’s and Correspondants. As we come to the end of the calendar year and close to a halfway point in membership - it is imperative that we keep up communication within our Locales – and that begins with the Correspondant keeping accurate records of contact info on members – and then sharing that info as deemed necessary to keep up communication. So, if you are reading this and have changed your email or address or phone number it is important to let your Correspondant know. We ran into one of our locale members who had not paid, and he was asked if he would like to. This is a past officer and an important member of our Locale. His answer was that due to COVID-19, staying at home over long periods of time, isolation and of course not attending promenades due to the virus – he was losing interest and just plain did not want to – his interest in the Locale had waned. It feels this may be something all Locales are dealing with – that is why we must stay in contact with our members and keep up communication. Email works, a newsletter works better – nothing fancy – but we have to stay in contact with each other. I congratulate those Locales that have reached 100%, I have received from Nationale, 100% pins for Chefs and Correspondants – Grand Chef John will give out at the Merci Boxcar. A quick chat about reports – this Nationale requirement for Grands is not going away – it’s important. So, who does them? Locale Program Directeurs should collect the information and do them – but I suspect that most Locales have few actual Directeurs – so it falls to the Locale Correspondant and Chef de Gare. Waiting to the end of the year will make doing reports frustrating and not done – allowing Locales that do them to reap the reward of recognition. This is especially
important for Grand Voyageur of the Year, a special award requiring a bit of effort but not a difficult task. Honestly, in most Locales it is a small group doing most of the work – a fact of life – but not an excuse for take a bit of time to look at a few reports. Finally, if you are a Correspondant or Locale Chef and have a specific written out agenda for each Promenade I congratulate you – an agenda keeps things organized, timely and reduces distractions by drifting off into frivolous discussions, arguments, and non-essential business. Also, each Correspondant should have a copy of Robert’s Rules of Order (12th Edition) easily found on-line and locale bookstores. Do not hesitate to contact me regarding any of the above issues – I encourage each Correspondant to become a member of the Press Association of La Societe – receiving a 12-page monthly newsletter filled with information, help and assistance. Contact me for details – only $10.00 a year to join. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year – Gods Blessings to all. Renslar “Renny” Keagle Correspondant, Grand du Texas
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
2021 SPRING CHEMINOT FEBRUARY 19-20-21, 2021 REGISTRATION FORM Please fill in the following information to register for Spring Cheminot. Name: Title or Highest Office held: Voiture or Cabane #: Name: Title or Highest Office held: Voiture or Cabane #: Number Registration
X $25.00 = $
Advance registration is $25 per person Advance registration must be received by February 1, 2020. Late Registration fee is $30 per person
Program Book Ads Full page Ad - $30 Half page Ad - $20 Business Card - $10 In addition to a hard copy, please send ads via Email to: davidknutson@sbcglobal.net All program ads must be received by February 1, 2021 SEND REGISTRATION AND PROGRAM ADS TO: David Knutson 1904 Rutherford Dr Leander, TX 78641-3138 (Make Checks Payable to Voiture 175) 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
SPRING CHEMINOT FEBRUARY 19-21, 2021 IN AUSTIN, TEXAS A GREAT RATE THIS YEAR FOR OUR SPRING CHEMINOT
$89.99 PER NIGHT + TAX HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 1, 2021 MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY!
HOTEL RESERVATIONS BEST WESTERN Plus Austin Airport Inn & Suites 1805 Airport Commerce Drive, Austin, Texas, 78741-4538 Phone: (512) 386-5455 GROUP RATE: $89.99 per night + tax (Advise you are with the Texas 40 & 8 Group)
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HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 1, 2021 MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY!
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas 2021 TO BE LAST ANNUAL MERCI BOXCAR PILGRIMAGE As announced at the Grand Promenade this past summer the 2021 Spring Cheminot will be the last Annual Pilgrimage to the Texas Merci Boxcar. This has been an annual event since the 1st pilgrimage in 1950 (photo below). However, Travis County Voiture Locale 175 cannot continue to host this event on an annual basis any longer. Those who have hosted Grande events in the past can attest to the amount of work needed to do the event correctly. The opportunity is there for anyone who would like to take on the challenge and I expect there will be a Pilgrimage for the 75th Anniversary of the Merci Boxcar in 2024. If you have never been to Merci Boxcar it is a great event to attend. The Texas Merci Boxcar is very nicely displayed at the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry and a very popular attraction! A very special Thank You to the dedicated members of Voiture 175 who have helped with many of these events over the past years! The OLD GUARD of Voiture 175 who still work behind the scenes: Larry Bartes, Jim Liles, Jack Brassil, Richard Peters, Ramon Gonzales and of course Charles E. Hawkins! Thank you, all gentlemen, for your many years of support! The NEW GUARD of Voiture 175: Al Banzer, Alan Denman, Les Lobdell, Joe Trochta, Robert Reed, Frank Flores and Deborah Knutson. Thank you all for your support! Finally, a tribute to our past members who have moved onto Post Everlasting: Jim Worley who passed just last month; Horace Johnson, James Baker, Loman Wheeler, William Bates, Charles and Ella Rae Jackowski, IP “Sarge” and June Bell, Charles and Dolores Cooper, Doyle Web and far back to Adolph & Clara Hohertz.
A LOOK BACK IN TIME
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
2019
70th Annual Pilgrimage V605 / ONE OF THEIR MANY FLAGS FOR FIRST GRADERS EVENTS Link to FFFG's flickr photostream: https://www.flickr.c om/photos/1257527 13@N04/albums/wit h/721577118205605 01
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
2018 HURRICANE HARVEY RELIEF CHILD WELFARE and YOUTH SPORTS DONATIONS TO ARANSAS COUNTY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Below V-266 Hosted the Fall Cheminot John Coffee National Law Officer of the Year
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
2017
The Color Guard, Travis High School Jr. Navy ROTC Cadets: Emily Hernandez, Shawna Lankford, Benny Ancira and Jasmine Garduna-Sosar
The Speakers
Above From Left: Grand Chef de Gare Joe McCullough and Cheminot Nationale David Knutson (photo-bomber); Ms. Sally Velasquez, Chief of Staff to Texas State Representative Diana Arevalo; Ms. Liz Wiley, Honorary Consul of France for Austin; Mr. Jim Hodgson, Texas WW1 Centennial Commemoration Commission; VFW Immediate Past State Commander Dan West; American Legion Department of Texas Commander Walter Ivie and 40 & 8 National Commander Chef de Chemin de Fer Mark Moots. 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 Below from Left: Voyageur of the Year Renslar Keagle recited the poem “In Flanders Field”; Legion Rider Sam Carpenter from Alamo Post 2, opening/closing prayers given by Grand Aumonier Lowell Mix and Boxcar Escort: Alamo Post 2 Legion Riders from San Antonio, TX
Photos by Photographer Scott Raymond / www.ScottRaymondPhotography.com
2016 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2016 Fall Cheminot Hosted By Voiture 1601, Lake Dallas, Texas
Ron Wheeler
Renny Keagle
Boxcar Award from Voiture Nationale
Voyageur of the Year Award
George Murphy Grand Correspondant Award Donnie Ray Crume
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
Don Barfield V939 100% Membership Award
Don Taylor V266
Roger Folmar V605
Grand Award Voiture Activities
Award to Voiture 605
2015
Nursing Scholarship recipients in Edinburg, Texas receive $10,000 in grants from Voiture 1077. Presentation made by V-1077 Correspondant Walter Greene and V-1077 Chef de Gare Gene Diaz.
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
2014 Texas Merci boxcar finds a new home
Texas Merci boxcar finds a new home 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
2014 Continued
The Grand Opening of the Texas Merci Boxcar Exhibit had many VIP speakers and attendees. Pictured from top left: Master of Ceremonies: Chef de Chemin de Fer 2010 Gerald Brady; Austin City Mayor Lee Leffingwell; Garrison Commander Lt. Col Les Davis, Sous Chef de Chemin de Fer 2014 Ronnie Wheeler; American Legion Department Commander Jim Fleming, VFW Department Representative Tish McCullough
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas American Legion Past National Commander and Department of Texas Past Department Commander John Brieden III; Medal of Honor Recipient Michael Thornton, Museum Director Jeff Hunt and Consul General of France from the French Embassy in Houston, Texas Sujiro Seam. And a great turn out for the Annual Pilgrimage Boxcar Photo!
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
2013
2010
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
2009
2007
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
2001
2000
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
1965
Grande Voiture du Texas Locale V163 V175 V231 Chef de Gare Greg Treacy David Knutson Eddie Counelis Correspondant Jimmy Mitchell Al Banzer Jim Ryan Locale V266 V312 V542 Chef de Gare Brian Smock Jerry Tatman J. Sean Habina Correspondant Doug Pendleton Milton Chatham Lowell Mix Locale V605 V689 V980 Chef de Gare Dale Thompson Justin Ford Tim Wilhite Correspondant Renny Keagle Don Sherman Leon Fritsche Locale V1031 V1055 V1134 Chef de Gare Mike Tiberia Jerry Brady Milton Sherwood Correspondant John Rodgers Kristen Faver Dave Rabius Locale 1185 1639 Chef de Gare Mark Willoughby Phil Mowry Correspondant Jack Winslow Please update your information with a new Certification of Officers listing. Send to Grand Correspondant Renslar Keagle E-Mail: renslarkeagle@yahoo.com
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
AFGHAN RAFFLE BENEFIT NURSING SCHOLARSHIP FUND
RED WHITE AND BLUE
RED WHITE AND BLUE
FIRST PRIZE – 5 X 5
SECOND PRIZE – 4 X 4
THIRD PRIZE – 5 X 5
FOURTH PRIZE – 5 X All high quality Afghans handmade and5 are new Perfect as comforters, throws, sofa backs, etc.
Drawing April 4th – Easter Sunday TICKETS $2.00 EACH OR 3 FOR $5.00 Tickets available rennykeagle@gmail.com, info 915-346-6099
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La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas V- 266, Chef de Gare Brian Smock, Commissaire Intendant Don Taylor and Volunteer Holly Trevathan draw the winning tickets for the 40 & 8 Raffle . Over $3500 dollars was raised for Voiture programs. Voyageurs Militaire Sandy Smock and Guy Niles in the background. Chef de Gare Brian Smock and Commissaire Intendant Don Taylor present a check to VFW Commander Ron Abrahamson for supporting V-266 activities.
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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