Page 16 - Sojourner Newsletter-Summer 2023 Final

16 THE SOJOURNER

ANNUAL NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT PROCEEDINGS

NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT HEROES OF '76
HARRISBURG, PA
June 14, 2023

The National Commander, Brother Randall F. Geck called the National Encampment to order at 1300 hours
on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. The National Chaplain, Brother R. Thomas Davies III, attended the Bible and
gave the opening prayer. All present were verified to be bona fide members of the Heroic Order of the Heroes
of ’76. The National Lieutenants presented the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited in
unison. Brother Geck then declared the National Encampment duly opened.

Brother Geck introduced all Distinguish Heroes of ’76 present to include Commanders, Past Commanders,
Past National Commanders, Van Deventer Award recipients, and the National Officers.

Brother Geck stated that his report was published in the Annual Reports Document and moved that his
annual report and that of the National Adjutant be accepted as printed. The motion was seconded and
approved.

There was neither new nor old business to discuss or act upon.

Moving to the election of Officers for 2023-2024, Bro. Geck called upon the Nominating Committee
Chairman for his report. Bro. Marty Schwebel, PNC, announced the nomination of Bro. Brian Coffey,
National Chief of Staff, for the office of National Commander, Brother Paul DeMerath for National Chief of
Staff, Bro. Peter Cauchon for National Assistant Chief of Staff and Bro. John Hillyer to be National Officer of
the Day.

The following National Officers of the Order of Heroes of ’76 were elected or appointed and will serve for
the ensuing year:

National Commander: Brian Coffey Elected
National Chief of Staff: Paul DeMerath Elected
National Assistant Chief of Staff: Peter Cauchon Elected
National Officer of the Day: John Hillyer III Elected
National Senior Lieutenant : Louis Numkin Appointed
National Junior Lieutenant: Francisco Ortiz Appointed
National Commander of the Guard: Michael Wertz Appointed
National Sentinel: Charles J. Odorizzi III Appointed
National Adjutant: Mark Underwood Appointed
National Judge Advocate: Benjamin Yudesis Appointed
National Historian: Edward Nolte Appointed
National Chaplain: R. Thomas Davies III Appointed
National Surgeon: Bernard Harris Appointed
National Musician: Paul McCullough Appointed

Brother Charles J. Odorizzi was nominated and elected for a 3-year term to the Heroes Manual Committee
and Brother Paul DeMerath was elected to a 2-year term to the same. After the election of officers, Brother
Coffee made his appointments.

The National Commander announced that the Wainwright Award was won by Old Hickory Camp (Fort
Campbell #177). The Van Deventer Trophy was presented to Brother Harry E. Sanders, Light Horse Harry
Lee Camp (Old Dominion Chapter No. 364).