A meeting of the Lt. Nathan Gann Chapter, S. A. R., was held at 7 PM Thursday, September 18, 2008 at the Golden Corral Restaurant in Lufkin, Texas. Members and guests arrived after 6 PM to eat prior to the meeting.

President Fred Preston called the meeting to order.  Lester Sparks gave the invocation and then Naranjo led the assemblage in the pledges to the American Flag and the SAR Flag.

Preston then recognized the guests.  Members present were:  Fred Preston, Neal Naranjo, Woody Gann, Harold Newsom, Lester Sparks, Jeff Corbett, Fred Hutson, Bob Inselmann, Vance Roberts, Tom Gann, Martin Netherland and District 10 VP Mike Everheart. Guests were introduced which included  Betty Preston, June Everheart, Geneva Newsom,  Mildred Sparks, Mary Ann Naranjo, Agnes Hutson, Sue Roberts, Charlene Gann, Vicki Gann, David 'Buddy' Cross and Lucy Burris.    In all there were 12 members and 11 guests.

There were no corrections to the minutes.   Minutes stand approved.

Jeff Corbett gave the treasurers report.  The CD balance is $5218.60.  Not sure how much in the money market account.

OLD BUSINESS: Preston recounted activities since the last meeting in May. A Flag Retirement ceremony at Pineywoods Academy, presentation of Certificates of Appreciation at Pineywoods Academy, Preston carrying the flag in uniform in a church procession on June 29th.

Mike Everheart has been working diligently to get new members approved. Bob Inselmann was approved on September 3rd but no certificate yet. Aubrey Gann, Joe Allport, Burl Ivy and Harry Taylor III applications have gone to National. Neal Naranjo II application still held up. Joe Allport of Garrison will be a dual member of the Fredonia Chapter and the Lt. Nathan Gann Chapter. As of Sept. 3rd we have 36 members.

Questionnaires were mailed out requesting biographical info to some of the newer members. Should be filled out and mailed or returned to Preston.

Naranjo discussed the framed Declaration of Independence which is to be placed in local schools. It was agreed to purchase the larger copy so that it would be legible.

Preston reported that his request for a grant from Wal-Mart has apparently been lost and will have to be resubmitted.

Naranjo then discussed selling flags as a fund raiser.  He volunteered to purchase two flags in each of the common sizes, some cotton some nylon, and we would offer them for sale to raise money for the chapter.  Motion was made by Neal, seconded by Bob Inselmann and approved.

New Business: Preston has presented a Chapter Constitution and By Laws for approval. It had been sent out via email attachment and also to some members by mail. It was pointed out that most of it is very generic, however, one point needed to be voted on. Should the presidents term be 3 years or 2 years ? After some discussion a secret ballot was taken and it was 9 to 1 in favor of the 3 year term. This means Preston will remain president in 2009.

There was also discussion on what the award should be for the Eagle Scout scholarship. After some discussion it was agreed to offer $300 for the winner and $150 for runner up.

Preston reported that the Poster Contest awards would be $35, $25 and $15 respectfully. There was no discussion. We did not decide how much the award should be for the History Teacher competition. Preston told members they need to be trying to get schools to participate in the Poster Contest and also look for Eagle Scouts.

There was some talk about getting a grant for the Temple Foundation but no conclusion. Also mentioned that in April we could apply to Target for a grant.

At this time Preston called David Cross to come to the front. After telling David what the Sons of the American Revolution was he presented David a certificate and medal for his outstanding service in the field of Law Enforcement. David is a plain-clothes detective who deals with child abuse and family violence and works out of the Lufkin Police Department.

 Preston then called Vance Roberts to the front and presented him a medal for 15 years of continuous membership. Vance became a member on 4/9/91.

Preston then called Lester Sparks forward and presented him with a 15-year service medal and a Life Member medal. Lester became a member on 5/14/91.

There are 12 perpetual members in the Lt. Nathan Gann Chapter but Lester is the only Life Member. Perpetual members are those who paid a lump sum to have their chapter, state and national dues paid for life. Life members paid a lump sum to have their national dues paid for life. Perpetual only applies to Texas members of the SAR.

At this point Preston called Tom Gann, Woody Gann and Fred Hutson to come forward. All three are charter members with uninterrupted membership so they were awarded 35-year pins. Membership started April 1974.

Mike Everheart, District 10 VP, then came forward and presented a Meritorious Service Award to Fred Preston, president.

Mike then presented a Meritorious Service Award to Neal Naranjo, vice president.

At this time Neal introduced the speaker for the evening, Lucy Burris, of the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #113. Lucy is Troop Support Chairperson and Sgt. At Arms for the Unit. Lucy showed items which are being sent to troops in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. She also read many letters which had been received which made it all worthwhile. Naranjo presented Lucy with a Certificate of Appreciation.

Speaker for November 20 will either be Duane Hedberg or the history teacher from Angelina College. Will be announced later. Preston pointed out that we broke a record for members attending with 12

Preston led the assemblage in the SAR closing admonition.

The meeting was adjourned about 8:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted:  Fred Preston