Page 19 - Sojourner Newsletter-Winter 2024 FINALv2

Volume 101, Issue 1 19

CAMP LEJEUNE CHAPTER #329 (Denny Norris, Secretary) On November
13, 2023, Brothers Harry Sanders (Past National President, Legion of Honor,
and 2023 Van Deventer Trophy recipient), Bobby Meadows (Past Chapter #329
President), Russ Bauer, and Bob Mull presented an outstanding Veterans Day
program honoring our Veterans and explaining the origins and meaning of the
observance to the Valley of New Bern Scottish Rite. The evening included
honoring our missing service members with a POW/Missing Man Table and
ceremony, as well as, honoring the memory of one of our own distinguished
National Sojourners, Brother Jacklyn “Jack” Lucas, a KCCH member of the
Valley of New Bern and the youngest person to ever receive the Medal of
Honor at 17 years of age for his service and deeds in the Pacific Theater in
World War II. The Chapter was well represented with members Brothers Glen
Carpenter, President, Chapter 329, with Warren Taylor, Russ Rainer, Johnny
Surles, Marty Spears, Russ Jones and Jerry Dutton participating. Brother Arthur
Romans, who has tendered his National Sojourners application, was also a key
member of the presentation team.

(L-r) Brothers Harry Sanders, Bob Mull, Glen Carpenter, Warren Taylor, Bobby Meadows,
Russ Rainer, Johnny Surles, Marty Spears, Russ Jones and Jerry Dutton

SHENANDOAH VALLEY CHAPTER #543 (Thomas D. Anderson, Secretary)
The regular meeting of Shenandoah Valley Chapter #543was held in the Masonic Lodge Hall in Front Royal,
VA on November 25, 2023. Chapter President, Bro. Charlie Davis spoke to the group about his visit to the
Martinsburg, VA Veterans Hospital and what he had done to help with their shelter for homeless veterans
there in Martinsburg. This shelter during the summer months sometimes houses up to 200 veterans in need.
Now that winter is on its way, that amount doubles to sometimes more than 400 looking for shelter and help.
Last year our Chapter held a special drive to obtain items that would help these needy veterans. This year
President Davis went to many businesses and organizations again, on his own, and collected many, many
articles that will then be distributed at the shelter for the use of these veterans. From toothbrushes and
toothpaste, deodorant, razors and soap, etc., to sweaters, shirts, pajama sets, underwear, T-shirts, sweatpants,
and coats with hoods, along with many other articles needed by men who come to the shelter, sometimes with
only the clothes on their backs, these offerings have now been delivered to those in need. Our Chapter is
indeed thankful for Bro. Davis’s efforts to once more help the veterans of our country who risked their lives
to keep ours safe and free.