WOW! What an honor and privilege, to have been selected to serve as your National Commander.
I first want to thank all who have served in this position for your words of wisdom, and the support of the National Line officers during the past year. I am writing this a few days before we celebrate the birth of our nation and what an opportunity we have to live in the greatest country in the world, a place what many call, “Home of the free.” May God Bless America and may our flag forever wave for freedom.
In January 2002, I was very surprised when asked by incoming National Commander Richard Williamson to serve in the National Heroes Line. After my appointment, he has continued with overwhelming support, which I really appreciate. What a journey it’s been for Mary Jane and I, to reach this point in our Order. Our travels have been many and interesting. We have met many dedicated Sojourners and their Ladies at every stop, and will continue these travels to wherever we can be of service and support.
Last year, NC David Warburton laid down his working tools but he left us with a few words to remember, “One More Step.” During these past few months we have done just that. We had several appointed posit ion to fill in the National Line, which I feel those chosen can carry on with honor. The appointed officers for 2008 are; Sr. Lt- CW2 David Gardner, TX; Jr. Lt- LTC Richard Wyatt, FL; COG- Merlin Howe, TX and Sentinel- Robert Mason, CA. All will work hard to meet the challenges ahead.
I am asking that all Area Representatives, get the dates of your scheduled 2008-2009 Encampments to me, and will try to be available and if not, one of the National Line will endeavor to be. Let’s make this a year to remember.
The 88th Annual National Convention held in Wilmington, NC, was a great example of Heroes stepping up to the plate when called upon. Brother Eric Mease the Chapter Convention Chairman, took charge in putting together the cast for the Encampment Degree team. With the help of several PNC’s. Line officers, and others, the cast was filled. I want to especially thank PNC Bill Turner and all Heroes who participated in a superlative performance for Recruit Steven Janos, who after having several problems, managed to be accepted as a member of the Heroes of ‘76.
I’d like to recognize the members of Wilmington High School JROTC Color Guard, for a stellar performance at the Bennington Banquet. They were Cadets Han Foo, Khalil Murrain, Amanda Whitehurst and Amanda Hotz under the leadership of CMS Beatty, MSI.
Our first event will be to the west coast, for the Oregon Encampment, and short visit at the “Miller Ranch.” In conclusion, I look forward to meeting many of you while we travel and being involved.
E.I.A.R.
Richard D Sutton
National Commander, Heroes of '76
The National Officers for 2008 - 2009
| NAME | FROM | OFFICE |
|---|---|---|
| SSG Richard D. Sutton | (IN) | National Commander |
| CW5 Pedro A, Arroyo | (FL) | National Chief of Staff |
| COL Edward W. Nolte | (NE) | National Assistant Chief of Staff |
| 1SGT Andrew F. Hirst | (NH) | National Officer of the Day |
| CW2 David H. Gardner | (TX) | National Senior Lieutenant |
| LTC Richard Wyatt | (FL) | National Junior Lieutenant |
| CAPT Merlin Howe | (TX) | National Commander of the Guard |
| SSGT Robert Mason | (CA)) | National Sentinel |
| LT. Stuart M. Cowan | (HI) | National Judge Advocate |
| LTC Ira M. Flax | (AL) | National Chaplain |
| LTC Michael S. Jaffee | (TX) | National Surgeon |
| COL Richard M. Ripley | (NC) | National Historian |
| MAJ Nelson O. Newcombe | (VA) | National Adjutant |
| LCDR James E. Alsover | (CA) | National Musician |
| HON Robert S. Ferguson | (GA) | Web Master |
| 2008 | ||
| 11-13 JUL | Oregon Encampment | Turner,OR |
| 3 AUG | Indiana Masonic Home Parade | Franklin, IN |
| 24 AUG | Indiana Sojourners Picnic | Franklin, IN |
| 18-21 SEP | SOCAL Camp Pendleton Encampment | San Onofre, CA |
| 25-28 SEP | PNW Area Encampment | Pacific Beach, WA |
| 1-4 OCT | 39th AAA Reunion | Colorado Springs, CO |
| 1-12 OCT | North East Encampment | Quechee, VT |
| 31 OCT - 1 NOV | Mid-Central Area Conference/Encampment | Joelton, TN |
| 1-7 DEC | Pacific Area Encampment | Honolulu, HI |
| 2009 | ||
| 7-11 JAN | National Mid-Winter Meeting | Alexandria, LA |
| 1-4 MAR | Bullhead City, Camel Corps Encampment | Laughlin, AZ |
| TBA APR | Great Lakes Area Encampment | TBA |
| 2-6 JUN | 89th National Convention | Indianapolis, IN |
| 17-21JUN | 88th National Sojourners Convention | Wilmington, SC |
| Dates, Events & Locations Subject To Change | ||
The Van Deventer
Trophy
Highest award in the Heroes of '76®
The National
Commander's Patriot of '76 Award
This is the second highest award in
Heores of 76® and is presented to those
who have
performed exceptonal service ot the
National Heroes of '76® above and beyond
the call of duty.
The National
Commander's Award of Excellance
T his award shall be made to those,
including ladies, who have performed
excellent
service to the Heroes of '76® during the
year in which presented.
The Jonathan
Wainwright Award
Awarded to the Camp with the best
overall performance in carrying out the
purposes of the Heroes of '76
See the specifics about each of
these awards in The Official
Manual of Heroes of 76
Copyright © 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, National Sojourners, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Webmaster Email: webmaster
