Page 24 - Sojourner Newsletter-Winter 2024 FINALv2

24 THE SOJOURNER

CLARENCE H. COHEN CHAPTER #162
(Brian C. Coffey, Secretary) 2023 Georgia Area
Conference and Encampment. The Fifth Annual
Georgia Area Conference and Encampment
(GACE) is in the books! It was a great event due
to the hard work of Area Representative Roger
Coursey and brethren and ladies of Clarence H.
Cohen Chapter #162.

GACE was held at Martinez Lodge in Augusta,
Georgia. We were honored to have National
President Chuck Warren and Grand Dame Merrill Heroes of ’76 at the Georgia Area Encampment
-Lee and National Commander Brian Coffey and
Grand Dame Wendy in attendance as well as N2VP Pennybacker and
Lady Nancy, N3VP Frank Ortiz and Lady Hideko, National Chaplain
Thom Davies and Lady Diane, National Commander of the Guard
Michael Johnstone and Lady Ruby Haynes, National Sentinel Charlie
Odorizzi, National Photographer/National Musician Jarrod Coffey.
We were also proud to have representation from all 10 chapters in the
Georgia Area and fellow travelers from Utah, Nebraska, Virginia,
North Carolina, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida join
us at our event.

On Friday night we enjoyed a no-host dinner at World-Famous
Sconyers BBQ. We had a great turnout and enjoyed some wonderful
fellowship.
Saturday morning came early as we enjoyed pastries and shared
stories over coffee while some of the Chapter members slaved over
the registration table and handed out great ditty bags. Area
Representative Roger Coursey opened the Conference with
introductions and the Chapter President’s, or their representatives
provided a brief report on their Chapters’ and Camps’ activities. AR
Coursey then asked National Commander Coffey and the other
National Officers and National Committeemen to discuss the business National Commander, Brian Coffey
of the Order and their committee activities. They then answered gives the Toast ‘to the Flag
questions from the assembled Brethren culminating with words of wisdom from National President Warren.
Many of the ladies traveled to downtown Augusta to make candles and enjoy lunch while the men held the
conference and enjoyed a nice lunch at the Lodge. After lunch, Commander Durland opened a Heroes of ’76
Encampment in the name of General Oglethorpe Camp and the assembled Camps of the Georgia Area.
The Camp was soon disturbed by interlopers attempting to gain entrance into our camp. When sent to
investigate, the Officer of the Day reported that two scallywags, claiming to be recruits, had tried to gain
entrance to our Camp. The Commander immediately ordered that the infiltrators be brought before the
Brethren of the Camp to determine if they were worthy of entrance into our Order. The character of both
Recruits was brought into question, but after a few trips to the “D”, refutation of charges and a LOT of
“assistance” from the National Heroes officers and National Sojourners officers in attendance, the
investigations were completed satisfactorily, and the recruits were found worthy. Brother A.C. Wiley, General