Page 21 - Sojourner Newsletter-Summer 2025 _V2

Volume 102, Issue 3 21

Brother Edward W. Nolte, PNP, PNC, VDT, was nominated and elected for a 2-year term to the Heroes
Manual Committee.

Following the election of officers for 2025-2026, the National Commander called upon the degree cast from
®
the Joseph Warren Camp, Heroes of ’76 , to confer the Heroes of ’76 degree upon Brother Percy Newton from
Omaha Chapter #19.

National Commander DeMerath presented National Commander's Patriot of '76 Awards and National
Commander's Awards of Excellence to select Brethren and ladies. (See awardees list in this Summer issue of
The Sojourner).

The National Encampment recessed at 1600 hours.

The National Encampment reconvened for the Bennington Banquet at 1800 hours following the invocation
by Brother Thom Davies, National Chaplain.

Following dinner, National Den Mother Carolyn Diamond and her team conferred the Camp Follower degree
on five new Camp Followers.

National Commander DeMerath awarded the General Jonathan Wainwright Award to Valley Forge Camp
(Benjamin Franklin #16) and the Van Deventer Trophy was awarded to Brother Randy Geck, PNC, GEN
Jonathan M. Wainwright Camp.

The National Officers elected and appointed were then installed by Brother William G. L. Turner, PNC,
PNP, LOH, VDT, Installing Officer. Brother Peter Cauchon, National Commander 2025-2026, then presented
a Past National Commander’s Medal to Brother DeMerath for his service to the Order along with a beautiful
plaque from the National Officers for 2024-2025.

Brother DeMerath, PNC, and Brother Peter Cauchon, NC, addressed the banquet guests, and both thanked
®
everyone for their attendance and support of the Heroes of ’76 .

With the completion of business and festivities, the National Encampment was closed following the
Chaplain’s benediction.

###