Page 30 - Sojourner Newsletter-Summer 2023 Final

30 THE SOJOURNER
HEROES OF ’76 WEST COAST AREA CONFERENCE AND ENCAMPMENT
Whoever said,” It never rains in California!” never attempted to attend the Heroes’
West Coast Area Conference and Encampment held in Monterey, California,
commencing on March 10, 2023. A terrible storm hit Monterey that day and caused
major damage in the area over the weekend, including the closure of some major
highways. Brother Max Schell, President of Monterey Bay Chapter #136 had to
cancel the Monterey Encampment, but through his diligent efforts to find another
location, was able at the last moment to move the encampment to Sacramento and
compact the weekend’s activities into one day. Fortunately, the members of
Sacramento Chapter No. 133 and Fort Sutter Camp, Heroes of ‘76 were able to
arrange the encampment to be held at the Masonic Center in downtown Sacramento.
Those who took part in the Hero’s degree performed their parts very well, and I’m
sure all would agree that the most impressive participant was none other than our
National Commander, Bro. Randy Geck, who had driven all the way from
Albuquerque, NM with his Lady Carol. All were very honored that he and Carol
were able to attend the Encampment and take part in the degree. In all probability,
the person most impressed with the degree was the initiate, Ill. Jonathan H.
Prestage, a member of General Robert F. Travis Chapter No. 490 and (L-r) Max Schell, Randy Geck, NC
Oakland Valley Scottish Rite’s Personal
Representative, MW Frank Loui, Past Grand Master,
and Sovereign Grand Inspector General for the Orient
of California. Prior to the Degree, Bro. Geck presented
Bro. Max Schell, President of Monterey Bay Chapter,
with the new Charter for John C. Fremont Camp,
Heroes of ’76. Many thanks go out to Bro. Martin
Aurelio, who serves as President of Gen. Travis
Chapter # 490 and who is a gourmet chef in his spare
time. He almost single-handedly prepared lunch for
everyone who attended along with a delicious dinner
for the Bennington Banquet which followed that
evening. Following the banquet, Bro. Randy and Lady
Carol initiated four new Camp Followers. Despite
the weather, it turned out to be a great day for all!
.

Attendees at the West Coast ACE

GENERAL MORDECAI GIST
CAMP, HEROES OF '76, FORT
JACKSON CHAPTER #184, Richard
R. Barton, Adjutant. At an
encampment of General Mordecai Gist
and Moultrie Camps, Heroes of '76, a
commotion was heard outside the
guard lines which uncovered a member
of National Sojourners trying to gain
admission into our encampment. The
Commander consulted the Heroes
present and decided to examine him as
a Rekruit. After due examination and
some extraordinarily heated debate, he

(L-r) Clifton Simmons, PC; John Marcucci, PC; Ed Smith, President, 184; Andrew Hermann, Commander,
Mordecai Gist; Scotty Austin, William G. L. Turner, PNP, PNC, LOH; Michael Baxley, PP; John Bowker,
Secretary; Richard Barton, Adjutant. Not pictured: Keith Stika, RR.