Brethren,
Thank you for placing your confidence in me for the coming year as your Commander. It was, indeed, a humbling experience to be sworn in as the 2007-2008 National Commander of Heroes of '76 on the 14th of June. To have just a small part in celebrating Flag Day and the 232nd anniversary of the US Army was such an honor. There are so many people that I need to say thank you to. I am sure I would miss someone, but I do want to thank Brother Dan Taylor for appointing me to his line, and all those who have given me words of encouragement especially since the Minneapolis convention (which I had to miss due to being hospitalized). I want to thank my wife, Beth, for all her support.
My Father and Brother Sojourner was an Army Chaplain and I remember that after World War II, he preached a sermon entitled, "You can always take one more step". He, of course, was drawing on his experiences during the war. I have decided to use "One More Step" as my motto for this year, as I remember many times when I had to tell myself you can take one more step. Many soldiers did that one step and it was their final step. Remember that those Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen gave their all as do some of those who have followed in their steps. We are saddened, but, at the same time, thankful for their "One More Step" so that we may enjoy the freedoms that our Creator has given us. We now must be willing to take "One More Step". We should look to our Blue Lodges. That one more step may be as simple as mentoring a new Mason. Of course, we must see what we can do to advance National Sojourners and The Heroes of '76 by developing Patriotism in our community, especially in our schools. I am sure that if we take a look around we can find some worthy endeavor that we will be able to accomplish. You may be house bound, but you might be able to take reservations for one of the many meetings that we have as Freemasons. Get involved with the Hospital Visitation Program for veterans. We have veterans returning from the present war with horrendous wounds. They and their families need a lot of help. Help with your local Fisher House.
My plans are to visit as many Conference/Encampments as possible. In August, I hope to lay a wreath at the Statue of General John Stark at The State House in Concord, NH, on August 16th, the 230th anniversary of the Battle of Bennington. I will also be attending the Portsmouth Chapter #386 Annual Ben Hill Picnic at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on the 18th of August. Our agenda for September takes us to Camp Pendleton for a SOCAL Encampment on 14th, 15th & 16th. Then October will find us at the Pacific NW Encampment Oct 12th - 14th at the US Navy's Pacific Beach Resort & Conference Center. (On a personal note: on the 12th we will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary.) Please check the Commander's Itinerary on the National Web Page. We look forward to meeting with old and new friends throughout the year.
EIAR
David C. Warburton
"ONE MORE STEP"
The National Officers for 2007 - 2008
| NAME | FROM | OFFICE |
|---|---|---|
| CWO David C Warburton | (MO) | National Commander |
| SSG Richard D. Sutton | (IN) | National Chief of Staff |
| CDR Bernard S. K. Lau | (CA) | National Assistant Chief of Staff |
| CW5 Pedro A, Arroyo | (FL) | National Officer of the Day |
| MAJ Lawrence Lisle | (VA) | National Senior Lieutenant |
| COL Edward W. Nolte | NE | National Junior Lieutenant |
| 1SGT Andrew F. Hirst | NH | National Commander of the Guard |
| BG Richard L. Stinson | (PA) | 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 |
| 2007 | ||
| JUL | TBA | |
| 8-21AUG | 16thConcord NH Wreath Laying 18th Ben Hill Picnic |
New Hampshire |
| 14-16 SEP | SOCAL Camp Pendleton Encampment | San Onofre, CA |
| 23-25 SEP | Grand Lodge of Missouri | Columbia, MO |
| 12-14 OCT | PNW Area Encampment | Pacific Beach, WA |
| 16-18 NOV | Mid-Central Area Conference/Encampment | Joelton, TN |
| 09-19 DEC | Pacific Area Encampment | Honolulu, HI |
| 2008 | ||
| 14-19 JAN | National Mid-Winter Meeting | San Antonio, TX |
| 10-12 FEB | Camel Corps Encampment | Bullhead City, AZ |
| MAR | TBA | |
| APR | TBA | |
| 7-10 MAY | 9th World Conference of Masonic Lodges | Washington, DC (Tentative) |
| 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
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