The Benton Dispatch

Election and Installation

The David Benton Chapter held their annual election of officers during the December meeting. The following compatriots were re-elected to the following posts.

President: James Harvey

Vice President: Vincent Shelton

Treasurer: Billy Day

Secretary: John Sheets

Registrar: James Jackson Jr

Installation and induction of officers also took place at the meeting.

Trivia Question

An American officer and portrait painter Charles Wilson Peale watched as the American Army scrambled up the bank of the Delaware River in December of 1776having made their famous crossing. He wrote “it was the most hellish scene I ever beheld” and described one soldier as “a poor wretch who had lost all of his clothes. He was in an old, dirty blanket jacket, his beard was long, and his face was so full of sores he could not clean it.” Who was this soldier??

Christmas Drive for Veterans

The David Benton Chapter had their Annual Christmas Drive for the Veterans that are in the VA Hospitals. John Sheets was a guest speaker at the Brownstown Exchange Club meeting in December about their annual SAR Veterans Christmas Drive. He said it has been a big project for the last few years collecting items for veterans that are in the Veterans Administration Medical Facilities. Mr. Sheets said all type of items are needed from men’s and women’s clothing to include sweat pants and shirts, house slippers non-skid and almost any type of toiletries. Snacks such as candy, nuts, peanuts, peanut butter crackers diet drinks and other sugar free snacks are greatly appreciated.

Other item’s that are greatly appreciated are stationary, stamps and all types of books.

The Christmas Drive for 2006 has been completed. At this time we plan on performing a drive for Christmas of 2007.The southern part Indiana stepped forward and really helped on this. I would try to list all of the names but sure as the world I would I would miss someone and I do not want to do that.

So here is a big THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to our drive for the veterans.

State Flag Certificate

My name is James Jackson and I am a member of the David Benton Chapter of the SAR and on behalf of the Indiana Society SAR we are gathered here today to present The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Certificate of Commendation to Columbus Engine Plant Cummins Inc. It is for Recognition of Exemplary Patriotism in the display of the flag of the United States of America.

All of the Cummins plants have done an outstanding job. CEP was selected since it has always been like the flagship for Cummins back over the years past.

The Flag Certificate was authorized in 1987 and is presented to individuals, companies and organizations that fly the United States flag for patriotic purposes only. The Indiana Society of the Sons of the American Revolution awards approximately 7 certificates per year.

Teresa Herr received this Certificate of Commendation and I want to say THANK YOU and a JOB WELL DONE to you and all of the employees of Cummins Inc.

Left to right: Charles Manzione, Teresa Herr representing Cummins and James Jackson

of the David Benton Chapter

Next meeting

The next meeting is February 8^th 2007. If anyone has any suggestions for a guest speaker or a program for the meeting please feel free to step forward.

Upcoming Events

Indiana Society of the American Revolution

January 2007

20 January 2007
Indiana Society S.A.R. Winter Meeting
Greencastle, Indiana
Hosted by William Knight Chapter

Program: The Battle of Saratoga, presented by Compatriot Ronald L. Darrah

21 April 2007
Indiana Society S.A.R. Spring Meeting
Spring Mill State Park
near Mitchell, Indiana

Details forthcoming

May 2007

12 May 2007

Thomas Cook Memorial Presentation

David Benton Chapter Sons of the American Revolution

INSSAR Color Guard

Sand creek Friends Cemetery

Azalia, Indiana

Date: 12 May 2007

Time: 11:00 AM

Details forthcoming

Trivia answer: Charles Peale’s brother

Point of contact David Benton Chapter, SAR

James Harvey, j4im@yahoo.com

We will gladly answer any questions you have or assist you in becoming a member of the SAR.

Point of contact for Benton Dispatch

Jim Jackson

proudveteran1941@comcast.net