Page 15 - Sojourner Newsletter FALL 2022

Volume 99, Issue 4 15

CAMP NEWS

Alamo Camp (Ft Sam Houston Chapter #17). A raw recruit by the name of Armando Soto, was officially
made a Hero on August 31, 2022. The members of the camp had reported that there was a shadowy, shabby,
unshaven, and bloody figure lurking around the camp area with a rifle for support, but they could not
determine what it was. They could not decide if it was big foot or a shaggy bear looking for some food. It
was finally determined that the subject was trying to enter the camp. Whoever it was, it made many attempts
at gaining admission to the Camp, and the camp became concerned. They finally cornered it and as it turned
out it was the named individual above. He was placed in the guardhouse awaiting interrogation. He was
shabbily dressed and had been wounded with blood on his arms and head. He barely made it into the camp to
be interrogated. He was placed before the Commander, who proceeded to examine him to see what his
intensions were. He could not initially answer the Commander’s questions. However, after many attempts, he
finally seemed to satisfy the attending Heroes, and he was admitted as a new Hero of ’76. Brother Soto is a
dedicated Mason who served his country with distinction and will be an outstanding member of Alamo Camp.
[No picture submitted]

General Oglethorpe Camp (Clarence H. Cohen Chapter #162) For many years, General Oglethorpe Camp,
Heroes of '76, has assisted Brother James Hanby to conduct a Celebration of the Signers of the Declaration of
Independence from Georgia. Last year Brother Hanby asked us to take over coordinating and hosting the
event. We presented the Twelfth Annual Independence Day celebration at the Signers Monument in Augusta,
GA on Monday, 4 July 2022 to a crowd of over 100 attendees, which was the largest turnout yet. The Signers
Monument is dedicated to the three signers of the Declaration of Independence from Georgia: Brother George
Walton, Dr. Lyman Hall and Button Gwinnet. Our committee planned the event, engaged two speakers and a
musician, and coordinated with Masonic and other patriotic and Veteran’s groups to lay wreaths to honor the
Signers. Our Camp Followers took an active role with Lady Heather Vaught designing the Flyers and
Programs, Lady Kelli Pierson took photographs and video, and many members of the Chapter/Camp and their
Ladies assisted in the planning and presentation of the event. Brother Brian Coffey was Master of Ceremonies;
Bro. Goldenberg, President, Bro. Pierson, Commander and Bro. Vaught, Chief of Staff presented the Colors
and Bro. Goldenberg gave the Toast to the Flag. Bro. Davies, National Chaplain, gave an invocation. After
two interesting speakers, the names of all Signers of the Declaration of Independence were read as the children
present rang a bell to honor the Signers. Members of the Chapter and Camp laid a Wreath at the Monument
followed by other patriotic and veteran’s groups then Masonic Lodges and Appendant Bodies. This was
carried out with assistance from several Lodges (Webb 166, Martinez 710, George Walton 699 and others) for
funding, chairs, fans, water, etc. We have already begun planning to ensure that next year’s event will be even

Assembled Sojourners and Heroes Preparing to Post the Colors Posting the Colors