January 2023

their members’ dues to the State SAR Secretary, Fred Schuster, by January 15th. Secretary Schuster then sends a consolidated CA State SAR Society Reconciliation Report to the National SAR Society with a check for all the dues collected from our 24 chapters by January 31st. It is very important to complete this process on schedule to continue our membership in the SAR and assure our State SAR Society has delegates at the Annual SAR Congress.

Another important goal is adding new members. Does your chapter have a plan to contact potential members and offer assistance in completing their application? We have a State Society goal this year to increase our membership by a net 50 members (members added minus members dropped). As you meet men at work or in other volunteer organizations, consider how you can share your experiences in the SAR and invite them to a chapter meeting if they show interest.

Has your chapter set a goal this year to participate in our SAR youth programs? We have set a goal for each chapter to add one more youth program this year compared to last year. The due dates for our Elementary School, Middle School and High School programs are in February through April for entries from Chapters to CASSAR. Please check our CASSAR website for more information on these programs and how to submit the entries: https://www.californiasar.org/youth-programs.

The CASSAR also has programs to honor our veterans. As you saw in last month’s Compatriot, 14 of our 24 CASSAR Chapters participated in the Wreaths Across America program. If a member of your chapter has served in the US Military, he can be honored with a National SAR Certificate of Service: https://www.californiasar.org/veterans. In addition, we honor our SAR members who provide service to veterans with the USS Stark Memorial Award and the General William C. Westmoreland Award: https://www.sar.org/committees/veterans-committee.

I urge all of our CASSAR members to get involved in way that inspires you. Please attend your chapter meetings and look for an opportunity to serve your SAR chapter and your community.

Thank you for your service to SAR,

Jim Klingler, President

News from around the State

Harbor Chapter

Harbor Chapter's Annual Awards Ceremony

and 2023 Officer Installation

Harbor Chapter Officer Installation

Thursday, January 12, at Rafaello Ristorante, San Pedro

(Above L-R) Jamie Bellows, Kevin Bidenkap, James Gill, Jack Mulkey,

Jamie Bellows, Jim Olds, Brandon Villardi, Lucas Villardi,

John Richardson, James Bunker, and CASSAR President James Klingler

Above left: Brandon Villardi receives the SAR Chapter Distinguished Service Medal from Harbor President James Bunker.

Above right: James Gill is presented the SAR Chapter Meritorious Service Medal by Harbor President James Bunker.

Above left: Jack Mulkey receives the SAR Bronze Roger Sherman Medal.

Above right: Jim Olds is awarded the SAR Bronze Roger Sherman Medal.

Above Left: Diane Stephens gave a presentation in costume on singer/songwriter/actress Elsie Janis, who was called the Sweetheart of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe during World War I. James Bunker presented Diane with a SAR certificate of appreciation.

Above Right: Kelly Villardi received the SAR Medal of Appreciation

Bronze America 250 Awards

(L-R) Harry Bellows, James Gill, Jamie Bellows, Jack Mulkey,

James Bunker (presenting), Daniel Miller, Lucas Villardi

Orange County Chapter

Actor and Producer James Woods Inducted into SAR

Actor and producer James Woods was inducted as a member of the Sons of the American Revolution at the Orange County Chapter meeting on January 14, 2023, by SAR Secretary General John L. Dodd and Orange County Chapter President Philip Mitchell.

(L-R) Orange County Chapter President Philip Mitchell, actor/producer James Woods,

NSSAR Secretary General John L. Dodd (Orange County)

At their January 24, 2023 meeting, Vice President North Don Littlefield installed Steven Belden as President as well as Tommy Douglas, Secretary, and Keven Tierney Vice President / Chair of Youth Programs.

Redwood Empire Chapter

Redwood Empire Chapter President Bill Nay presents Fire Chief Marshall Turbeville with the Sons of the American Revolution Fire Safety Commendation Medal during the Board of Directors meeting, North Sonoma County Fire Protection District on January 19, 2023. Bill also presented the Chief a SAR America 250 Challenge Coin and gave each of the dozen Board of Director members a SAR America 250 pin.

Members of the SAR Redwood Empire Chapter volunteered to provide security at the Santa Rosa Chapter 48 Disabled American Veteran Crab Feed.

Thanks to members Dave Willat, Bill Bullard, Bill Van Valkenburg, Mike Nay and Jonathan and James Mann.

We also were a Co-Sponsors, thus, the SAR logo was in the program and on the event T-Shirt.

As one of the DAV Hosts I was able to share with the 300 community members in attendance information about the SAR America 250 Program and gave out several SAR Challenge Coins and Pins.

Riverside Chapter

Roger Cooper delivers an America 250 Minute

Roger Cooper showing tools used for America250 minute

The professional approach was accomplished with a phone, a small projector and two speakers. The entire investment (without the phone) was $200. A creative and entertaining way to inform chapter members of the countless stories of America 250.

This is also an easy way to show Revolutionary Rarities (linked on our CASSAR America250 webpage) to your chapter.

Great job, Riverside Chapter and Roger!

(L-R) Larry Brasher, VP Programs; Jon Wroten, Executive VP; Adam Morrill, President;

Don Littlefield, Treasurer; Craig Anderson, VP Meetings; Larry Niekamp, Chaplain;

and Jim Faulkinbury, Secretary

On January 18, 2023, the Sacramento Chapter held their monthly meeting at the Old Spaghetti Factory and elected its slate of officers to lead the chapter in 2023. Adam Morrill, a member since 2020, was elected President.

New Members Inducted

(L-R) Russ Kaiser, Jackson Reid, Eric Lane, Dennis Lane, Don Sparks, and Daniel Johnson.

One last act of outgoing Sacramento Chapter President Russ Kaiser was to induct five new members into the Sacramento Chapter.

Russ Kaiser receives

Sacramento Chapter President's Award

Russ Kaiser being presented the Presidents Award, a crystal obelisk, by Don Littlefield.

The President's Award is presented upon nomination and approval by past Sacramento Chapter presidents to individuals who have served the chapter in multiple roles over the span of a decade or longer and provided clear and significant contributions to the chapter.

Russ joined the Sacramento Chapter 12/30/2010. He served our Color Guard as both a member since 2011 and Color Guard Commander 2015-2018. Russ served as Vice President Programs 2012; President in 2013, 2014, 2022; and currently is CASSAR Color Guard Adjutant North since 2020.

San Diego Chapter



Wreaths Across America

Ft. Rosecrans and Miramar

The annual “Laying of Wreaths” was held Saturday, December 17 at Ft. Rosecrans and Miramar National Cemeteries. The San Diego Chapter Color Guard led the procession to the stage at the Ft. Rosecrans event. There was a large crowd on hand on a picture-perfect day.

The San Diego Chapter’s Wreath count for 2022 increased again this year and now stands at 670!

Video of the Ft. Rosecrans Ceremony 

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery

Compatriot Rob Welch (l) place a wreath at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery and Kristine Reardon (r), San Diego Chapter wreath coordinator, places a wreath at

Miramar National Cemetery.

La Jolla Christmas Parade

Group photo after the parade. DAR member Marcie Lukasik

is holding the banner with Carolyn Campbell.

The San Diego Chapter joined with DAR members to march in the annual

La Jolla Christmas parade. There was a large turnout along the parade route.

Scott Whitman, Kevin Forrest and Nolan Forrest of the South Coast Chapter assisted John Ferris and Philip Mitchell of the Orange County chapter with presenting the colors and the presentation of an America 250 Flag at a DAR Chapter event on January 16. Below are photos of the event:

(L-R) Nolan Forrest, John Ferris, Philip Mitchell, Scott Whitman, Kevin Forrest

(L-R) VP North Don Littlefield, Bob Vernagallo, VP General Western District Derek Brown, Tom Silva, Glenn Martin, and Thomas Jefferson Chapter President Dan Shurtz

After an extensive career in the aerospace industry, PG Magerkurth applied his management expertise to the SAR as President of the Orange County Chapter SAR (1999-2000), President of the California Society SAR (2005-2006), Vice President General of the Western District SAR (2007-2008), and President General of the National Society SAR (2011-2012). PG Magerkurth was a member of the Minuteman Class of 2008.

We extend our sympathy to his family is this difficult time.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at the Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, Palm Desert.

Admiral William R. Furlong Award

If over 1/2 of the chapters in our Society, present at least one flag certificate each, the state will receive the Admiral William R. Furlong Award. While the award is not the goal, the outreach to the community is.

Last year many of the chapters presented Flag Certificates. Some chapters presented more than one! Putting a smile on someone’s face and making them proud to be an American is what the Flag Certificate is all about. The SAR is in a unique time in America history due to the America 250^th celebration and should do all it can to be a major part of that celebration.

The California Society still has a few months to reach its ½ chapter goal for the award. Lets challenge ourselves to not only meet the goal, but to begin an outreach/engagement campaign using Flag Certificates. This is something all of us can do. 

Our patriot ancestors fought and died so our flag can freely wave. Let us celebrate those who fly it!

CASSAR 148th Annual Meeting scheduled for April 14-15, 2023

The 148th Annual Meeting of the Members of the California Society of the Sons of the American Revolution will be held April 14 & 15, 2023 at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa, 3050 Bristol ST., Costa Mesa, CA. To make reservations CLICK HERE or, call (714) 540-7000. The Group code is CASSAR. The special room rate $155/night; parking is $18/night.

SAR 133rd Annual Congress Hotel Reservations

Registration is now open for the SAR 133^rd Annual Congress at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, FL, July 14-20, 2023. Request reservations for the "Sons of the American Revolution." Group code: NSSAR2023. 

Below is the link for the online registration.

The Rosen Plaza toll free number is 1-800-627-8258. 

Note: The hotel is SOLD-OUT for Wednesday, July 19, 2023. To be placed on a waiting list contact Paul Callanan at 704-756-0363 or LTCMRSC@aol.com.

If you book online, the default date is set to 12 July. To change your arrival date click on the calendar icon next to the date. You can also adjust the departure date by clicking on the calendar icon in the departure section.  

Guarantee Policy

All reservations are required to be guaranteed with a valid credit card . Please be advised that five days prior to your arrival, an authorization equivalent to a one night’s room and tax charge will be processed on your card. Authorizations on a debit card will place a hold on funds within your bank account at the time of authorization. 

Cancel Policy

Cancellation required at least 5 days prior to arrival to avoid a charge of one night's room and tax. As a reminder, the reservations cut-off date is Monday, June 12, 2023, or until the contracted room block is sold out, whichever comes first. At 5:00PM on the cut-off date, any rooms remaining in your block will be released back to the hotel for general sale. At that point, any new bookings will be accepted based on hotel availability. 

If you have any questions, please contact Paul Callanan at 704-756-0363 or LTCMRSC@aol.com.

America 250 SAR Committee

250th Anniversary SAR Programs

Patriot Sons and Daughters

The Sons of the American Revolution have made a diligent effort to locate and mark the graves of those Patriots who served in the American Revolution. However, this work is only the beginning of the American Patriot story. The America 250 SAR Committee has expanded the program to place grave markers on the graves of the children and grandchildren of our Patriot Ancestors to recognize their contributions to our great nation and to link them to their Patriot Ancestors.

• Special Grave Marking Medallion

• Special Patriot Sons and Daughters Grave Marking Pin

SAR PATRIOT SONS & DAUGHTERS

3" bronze finish medallion

Pins: America 250, Patriot Grave Marking, Patriot Sons & Daughters

For more information on the America 250 Patriot Sons and Daughters program, contact:

Brandon Villardi

Bvillardi.SAR@outlook.com

310-938-8916

www.America250SAR.org

250^th Anniversary Recognition Program

This program is in full swing in the California Society. Our Revolutionary War history is a fascinating collection of people, places, and events. All of us know somethings and a few know many things, but there is no one who knows everything. It is for that reason that the 250^th Anniversary Recognition Program exists: To have us all more fully aware of what was happening and why as our patriot ancestors fought to be free. This, I believe, would be living out one of “our obligations to our forefathers”.

If you are not actively participating in the program and would like to, please contact John Ferris jrf1776@outlook.com.

Revolutionary War Master Event List

On our 250 web page you will notice a Revolutionary War Master Event List. This year there are two events we should all be familiar with: March 12, 1773 Virginia Establishes a Committee of Correspondence and December 16, 1773 is the Boston Tea Party. Be sure to mark your calendars to remember, honor and celebrate these events.

and to

Revolutionary War Rarities

Revolutionary War Rarities | Facebook

Revolutionary War Rarities | YouTube

Congratulations!  Welcome to the California Society, Sons of the American Revolution. We are honored that you have elected to join our society of descendants of those patriots and heroes who gave us our freedoms. The California Society conducts many patriotic, historical, and educational programs in our communities, and we rely heavily on our member volunteers to keep them strong and vibrant.

If you haven’t yet been, you will shortly be contacted by a representative of your chapter; We urge you to meet your fellow compatriots, join them in their chapter programs, and become an active member of your chapter and state society. We are looking forward to meeting and working with you in the future.

• February 19 Massing of the Colors, Forrest Lawn Cemetery
• February 20 President's Day
• April 14-15 148th CASSAR Annual Meeting, Costa Mesa
• July 4 Independence Day
• July 15-20 SAR 133rd National Congress, Orlando

The National Society, requires any member who participates in SAR programs and interacts with youth under the age of 18, to successfully complete SAR Youth Protection Training. Training is online, takes about 20 minutes, and is valid for three years.

Send your certificate of completion to Dan McKelvie: mckelvie@sbcglobal.net.

CALL FOR ARTICLES — February 20, 2023 Deadline

Please send news of events and high resolution digital photos to

Don Littlefield at dblittlefield@comcast.net

— RELEASE FORMS —

All photos or or other materials that show or name any minor under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a signed Release Form.

Cyber Scams

If you receive an email, text, or voice mail from a purported Officer or Compatriot seeking any type of financial assistance, consider it a hoax. Phishing messages are becomming more sophisticated and may include the unauthorized use of the SAR logo, a compatriot's name, or a pseudo SAR email address. Stop -- Think -- Verify 

The California Compatriot is the official newsletter of the California Society, Sons of the American Revolution. Unless explicitly stated, the opinions expressed herein are the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the California Society SAR.

Editor: Donald B Littlefield

craigandersonsar@gmail.com