Page 17 - Sojourner Newsletter-Summer 2023 Final

Volume 100, Issue 3 17

Following the election of officers for 2023-2024, the National Commander called upon the degree cast from
York Camp, Heroes of ’76, to confer the Heroes of ’76 degree upon Brother William E. Bohman, PGM of CT
(2021).

The National Encampment recessed at 1535 hours. and then reconvened for the Bennington Banquet at 1800
hours. following the invocation by Bro. Thom Davies, National Chaplain. After dinner, a degree team lead by
National Den Mother Lady Carol Geck, conferred the Camp Follower degree on 12 new Camp Followers.

The National Officers elected and appointed were then installed by Bro. William G. L. Turner, PNP, PNC,
LOH, Installing Officer. Following the installation, Bro. Turner presented Bro. Geck with a special
Bennington Flag that had been flown over the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary Soldier in Alexandria,
Virginia. Bro. Coffee then presented a Past National Commander’s Medal to Bro. Geck for his service to the
Order along with a beautiful plaque from the National Officers for 2022-2023. Lady Carol Geck was presented
with a personalized mantel clock as a gift. Brother Geck was presented certificates of donations, made in his
name, by the Heroes of ’76 officers to Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary and The Southwest Indian Foundation.
Brother Geck then addressed the banquet guests, first by recognizing his wife Lady Carol and thanking her for
all her support during the past year. He recognized a longtime friend Penny Nye. He thanked the Centennial
Committee and Centennial Wreath Laying Committee for all their hard work. He then spoke about the Heroes
Centennial Celebration and events of the past year. The National Commander then presented Hero of the Year
to Paul DeMerath and Camp Follower of the year to Wendy Coffee.

Mr. Robert Gleason, dressed in colonial attire, presented a program about the Declaration of Independence
which was well received by the attendees. At the conclusion of the program everyone was asked to sign a
replica copy of the Declaration of Independence to be included in the Centennial Time Capsule.

Brother Geck addressed the guests and thanked everyone from the bottom of his heart for their support.
Before closing the ANE, everyone sang God Bless America, and a centennial cake was cut to signify the
ending of the Centennial Year.

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

Brother Brian Coffee, NC, presents Brother Randy Geck, PNC, his Past National Commander plaque