HAWKS-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

HAWKS GUN CLUB OF EAST TEXAS

DECEMBER 2017

There was no business meeting in December, so there were no minutes; instead we had the yearly Christmas party. The party was a great success, with good food and door prizes. In lieu of the minutes, Ron has written a commentary discussing the Hawks Christmas party.

I wanted to thank you all very much for coming and those of you who helped make our Christmas Party a huge success.  This might have been the best Christmas Party ever and Denise and I could not have done it without all your help.  My best head count was 61 if Wayne and Carla, Ron and Cheryl and Kathy Bova could have made it, they would have, raising the count to 66. We can now put 2017 to bed and let our members enjoy Christmas and New Year's Eve with their families and friends, put on some extra pounds and make resolutions that we have no intention of keeping.

It was great to see old friends and members at our shin-dig, last night, Ken and Patsy Pregeant, Dennis and Diane Bowman and Zerita Tubbs and her speedy wheel chair.  There were a few very welcome guests, as well; Collette Bowling and Debbie Jared made it.  Thanks, also, to Dennis Morey for buying at auction, the beautiful hand painted plate that Kathy Bova made sporting the HAWKS insignia, then returning it to be re-auctioned and purchased by Rob Tubbs.

Wendall passed the hat or rather the Christmas Bowl and collected $300 to give our local law enforcement free lunch at Tino V's, as we did last year. Finally, don't forget this Wednesday at coffee to reach deep and pony up for Jennifer's Christmas this year.  Wendall will be taking that money as well.

Merry Christmas to us all and a very Happy and Safe New Year.

Big Sugar Killed a 1968 Study That Pointed to Heart Disease and Cancer Links by Bill Rogers

It’s no secret that big industries have long devoted tremendous resources to shaping scientific debates that may threaten profits. This corporate stratagem, manifesting itself as subsidized scientists or lobbyists masquerading as researchers, can also lead to unexpected results. So when it comes to sugar and whether the sweet stuff does a lot more than rot your teeth, a discarded 50-year-old research project may have come back to haunt Big Sugar.

An investigation published Tuesday in the journal PLOS Biology reveals internal emails obtained from public libraries that illustrate how, almost 50 years ago, the International Sugar Research Foundation (ISRF) terminated funding for its own study—one that, according to the PLOS Biology report, was on the verge of linking sugar with bladder cancer and coronary heart disease.

“The sugar industry has maintained a very sophisticated program of manipulating scientific discussion around their product to steer discussion away from adverse health effects and to make it as easy as possible for them to continue their position that all calories are equal and there’s nothing particularly bad about sugar,” said Stanton A. Glantz of the University of California at San Francisco, one of the PLOS Biology study’s authors.

In a copy of a statement obtained by Bloomberg News, the Sugar Association—the current lobbying arm for the industry—called the new report “a collection of speculations and assumptions about events that happened nearly five decades ago.” According to its own review, the industry group said in the statement, the study in question ended because it was delayed, over-budget and overlapped with organizational restructuring.

Rats fed sugar produced an enzyme associated with bladder cancer. In 1968, the Sugar Research Foundation, a predecessor to the ISRF, launched “Project 259” to answer questions raised by outside researchers about the role gut bacteria played in how humans digest sugar, compared with how they digest starch. Triglycerides that result from the process, in high enough amounts, are a recognized risk factor for heart disease. At the time, evidence was already suggesting the link.

W.F.R. Pover, at the U.K.’s University of Birmingham, was selected to lead the research with about $29,000—or $187,000, in 2016 dollars—in funding. In September 1969, an internal report at the ISRF noted that rats that were fed sugar had higher levels of a particular enzyme, beta-glucuronidase, in their urine. This discovery wasn’t central to the purpose of the research, but the study published Tuesday noted the red flag it should have represented at the time: By the late 1960s, other scientific publications had found a positive association between higher levels of urinary beta-glucuronidase and bladder cancer.

By August 1970, Pover told the SRF that he had almost answered the study’s original question. He told the group that his work so far suggested that gut bacteria were, in fact, impacted differently, depending on whether the rats consumed starch or sugar, and that this would likely explain the higher triglyceride levels in sugar-eaters. But he needed a further three months of funding to reach this conclusion more definitively.

The next month, as the Sugar Research Foundation was becoming the International Sugar Research Foundation, Vice President of Research John Hickson described Project 259’s value as “nil,” and funding for the study’s final 12 weeks was cut off. It was never finished, and no results were ever published. The study “would have added to the evidence that sugar was influencing heart disease risk”

Four years later, though, an ISRF report interpreted the near-finished project’s findings, according to the new study: Rats with conventional microbiomes fed a high-sugar diet had elevated serum triglyceride levels, “suggesting the triglycerides were formed from fatty acids produced in the small intestine by the fermentation of sucrose.”

In other words, the ISRF was saying, a high-sugar diet may have impacted the rats microbiomes and raised their triglycerides. “[The study] would have added to the evidence that sugar was influencing heart disease risk by increasing triglycerides,” said Glantz. “My sense is that this would have represented a substantial contribution at the time. Sugar was saying, ‘Don’t worry about the sugar-heart disease connections’; this paper would have said, ‘Yes, worry.’ “The sugar industry has resisted efforts to declare a link between sugar consumption and heart disease. On Tuesday, the Sugar Association said in a statement that to “allude to a potential connection between sugar and cancer is irresponsible and misleading.” But Cristin Kearns, a lead author of the new study, said the findings were “just one more piece of information that would have added to the picture that was forming.” The implications of what happened to Project 259 go beyond its particular findings, she said. “The sugar industry probably knows more about the health effects of their products than they’re letting on.”

Letters to the Editor

I want to thank all the Hawks who volunteered to help me get to the hospital when I needed eye surgery. When I announced that I needed help my email was flooded with responses from Hawks who volunteered to help. I want to give a special thanks to Rob Tubbs, who drove me over to Tyler, and waited for me to bring me back. The operation was a success, and I can see much better now.

George Brown

Shooting Guidelines for 2018 season

Shooting Committee: Ron Smith chrm. Ron Miranda vice chrm. Wendall Hildebrandt, Ken Pescod, Chuck Knox, Mike Briggs, Wayne Scott

Wednesday morning shoot will begin at 9:00 am., with practice time from 8:30 to 9:00 am.

The shoots will be conducted by a two man team for two weeks in a row.

Teams will consist of 3 pairs of Shooting Committee members selected at the September 28th meeting. Beginning with the October 3rd shoot, Mike Briggs and Chuck Knox ran the shoot, the October 18th & 25th will be run by Miranda and Hildebrandt, then Ken Pescod and Wayne Scott will follow and finally on November 1st and 8th Paul Fletcher and Larry Murphy will lead. The rotation starts over from there.

A donation of $3 per shooter will be collected by Ron Smith before the shoot.

The shooter’s name will be entered for record each week qualifying him for the final tournament.

The prize list for 2018 will be in three (3) tiers, to be determined by the committee at the end of the season, and may be adjusted as necessary. The prizes will be determined by the committee and distributed proportionately depending on what we are able to acquire.

THERE WILL BE NO BUY – IN! This would be for the rewards program at the end of the season, you must shoot a minimum of 10 breakfast shoots to qualify, however, all HAWKS are welcome to shoot in the competition for the certificates, in August.

The winner of the weekly breakfast shoot will receive up to a $10 breakfast, if you do not eat breakfast you can give the win to someone else or donate the $10 back to the fund.

Safety and improving are our primary concerns. Because of the number of shooters on the line it is imperative that all safety rules be observed.

All guns to remain in case, holster, or rug and behind the line until the command “Bring Guns to The Line” is given.

No loaded guns to be removed from vehicles unless concealed carry as per WGC rules.

When the Range is called COLD:

Guns should be unloaded with action open, muzzle aimed down range, magazines out or cylinders open.

Stay behind the yellow line unless you are going down range.

Do Not touch guns while the range is cold.

If you wish to load a magazine during a cold range, remove it prior to stepping behind the yellow line and load it on the back bench.

Actively watch those around you and follow all WGC safety rules.

Before going down range wait for the command “Clear to go Down Range”.

Our object is to have fun, improve our shooting and gun handling, enjoy each other’s company and maybe, just maybe win a free breakfast.

Encourage others to take part.

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HAWKS GUN CLUB OF EAST TEXAS

NOVEMBER 2017

MINUTES of NOVEMBER MEETING BY RON MIRANDA

Sergeant at Arms Tubbs rapped the gavel calling the meeting to order at 6 pm. and lead the room in the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. and Texas flag which was followed by our invocation and prayer requests for our ailing members and families by Wayne Scott.

President Bova turned the meeting over to our main speaker, Representative for District 5, Cole Hefner, who discussed how bills weave through the legislature and become law.  He, also, used the proposed bill to allow Constitutional Carry as an example.  The best news for gun owners and sportsmen was Hefner’s announcement that Joe Strauss, powerful Speaker of the House would NOT seek re-election.

President Bova introduced guests Cole Sandlin, and new member Bob Kanniard.

The Treasurer’s report was called for and James explained that a $400 entry was carried from October into November, however paid in October.  The report, as sent to the members was accepted.

Secretary Miranda was called on for his report and began by asking if anyone wanted the previous month’s minutes read, no one did and they were accepted as written.  He then updated the information on the Christmas Party on December 7th at Carden Hall in lieu of the monthly meeting.

He, then reported on the Spaghetti Dinner planned at Angelo’s Italian Restaurant on November 25th, called the “I don’t want any more damn Turkey” dinner.  It’s $4.99 per plate including salad and drink, you may bring an adult beverage.

He then announced the Archery Competition involving a kid’s shoot with BB and Air Rifles, and a teen and adult archery tournament, on November 18th at the field across from the Civic Center, beginning at 9am.  Coaches will be needed, a flier is on our website.

Ron acknowledged the RSO class held Thursday, October, 26th and congratulated the 7 new RSOs who are HAWKS along with the three previous RSOs.  There was no report on the WGC Shoot and Bar BQ, held last Saturday.

Greg announced the Blood Drive on Saturday, which according to the doctor on staff was a success as 10 donors were projected and 10 gave.

Greg asked for a 501 (c) (3) report, and Roman said it was compete and all paper work has been submitted to the IRS.  It was noted that the by-laws were written to prohibit HAWKS Directors from being on the Friends of HAWKS board, to eliminate any conflict of interest and to show that the FOH are a separate entity, entirely from the HAWKS.  To be on the Board of the FOH, you must be a member of HAWKS but NOT a Director.  Johnny Wetzel is President, Roman Eble is Vice President and Treasurer and the organization is searching for a Secretary.  The Board of Directors meeting set for the November 16th has been cancelled.

Wayne moved that enough money be moved from the General Fund to the Scholarship Fund to cover the final outstanding Scholarship to be paid.  Seconded by Dennis Morey, vote was passed.

Dennis Morey addressed the group regarding the Veteran’s Day visit to the Autumn Winds retirement center to be held Friday November 10th at 3 pm. all vets are encouraged to attend and then a flag retirement ceremony will be held on Dennis Morey’s property beginning at 4pm. food will be furnished.

Greg asked for a volunteer to organize a fishing or hunting event...no takers

Ron reminded the members of the Town Hall Meeting with Sheriff Castloo, Representative Hefner, Judge Fletcher and State Senator Bryan Hughes who will be discussing the progress of the offices.  This will happen on Tuesday, November 14th at 6pm. at the Wood County Court House, 3rd floor.

Greg held a VIP’s report and announced a meeting following the general meeting to sign up any members who wished to volunteer for VIP’s service.  The VIPs, currently have 16 members led by Doug Grantham and Jimmy Chiles.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm.

Ron Miranda

Secretary for HAWKS   

OCTOBER NEWS BY RON MIRANDA

Bob Sehon of Mt. Vernon had the winning ticket drawn by one of Mt. Vernon’s finest on Saturday October 14th.  Bob selected the Remington 870, 12 gauge shot gun.

Scott Steward and Gilbert Lopez General Manager and operation manager and one of our sponsors attended our breakfast on October 18 as guests as well as Bob Kanniard from Mt. Vernon, a guest of Ken Watts.

We tried an new tactical approach at our Wednesday morning shoot and everyone seem to enjoy it.  We shot at two targets at Wendall’s command and save a few malfunctions all went pretty well.  It was a timed and accuracy event and instead of scoring the targets we drew for a winner, which Wendall won.

Seven HAWKS took Ken Pools instructions to become NRA Certified RSOs.  It was a marathon class at 11 hours.  Completing the class from HAWKS were Jimmy Chiles, Ken Watts, Paul Lovier, Wayne Scott, Ron Miranda, Greg Bova and Larry Murphy in addition were two additional WGC members.  This brings to 10 RSOs in HAWKS adding to Rob Tubbs, Ron Smith and Doug Grantham.

On the social side, about a dozen of us trekked to Grand Saline, to the new Richies by the Sea and had a great sea food dinner.  The evening was orchestrated by James Dugger.  Our next adventure will be an evening at Angelo’s Italian Restaurant on South Main in Winnsboro on November 25th for a spaghetti dinner, called “I’ve had enough damn Turkey”.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Once again the angel of death has snatched one of our treasured stewards from us.  John Bowling lost his valiant fight against cancer.  John passed in a Tyler hospice facility as the HAWKS were concluding our final meeting for 2017.  John, a true friend and former Vice President of HAWKS and proud American citizen was cremated shortly after death.  A Celebration of his life will be held for family and friends on Wednesday, November 8th and an American Flag will be given to John’s widow by former President of HAWKS, Paul Fletcher.  We anticipate John and Gary Garner are, already organizing a hog hunt or fishing tournament.  God Bless you, John.

Ron Miranda

Remembering when I first met John is difficult because it seemed that I had known him for much longer. John was easy to like and the personal bond with Hawks members grew quickly. So quickly that John was elected and served as Hawks Vice President and was selected as Hawk of the year because of his endearing attitude, and his commitment to worthy projects. John frequently addressed us as “mate” and we soon understood that the term was a sign of brotherhood. Each of us were impressed by his desire and commitment to gain his citizenship of the United States. I seems fitting that we present the family this flag that has been flown.

Wayne Scott

TEXAS HISTORY BY BILLL ROGERS

16 October 1991 Twenty-three diners were massacred at Texas restaurant

George Jo Hennard drives his truck through a window in Luby’s Cafeteria in Kileen, Texas, and then opened fire on a lunch crowd of over 100 people, killing 23 and injuring 20 more. Hennard then turned the gun on himself and committed suicide. The incident was one of the deadliest shootings in U.S. history.

The rampage at the Central Texas restaurant began at approximately 12:45 p.m. and lasted about 15 minutes. Witnesses reported that the 35-year-old gunman moved methodically through the large crowd, shooting people randomly and reloading his weapon several times. Hennard, of nearby Belton, Texas, was shot several times by police before he committed suicide. No clear motive for his actions was ever determined.

In the aftermath of the Luby’s massacre, Killeen residents urged officials at Luby’s corporate headquarters to let the restaurant re-open so people wouldn’t lose their jobs. Five months after the shootings, the cafeteria was back in business and stayed open for nine more years before permanently shutting its doors in September 2000. Another outcome of the Luby’s massacre was that in 1995 the Texas legislature passed a law allowing residents with gun permits to carry concealed weapons. Suzanna Gratia Hupp, who was at Luby’s with her parents on the day of the massacre and watched as they were murdered, was instrumental in getting the law passed. Hupp had a handgun with her that day, but left it in her car to comply with the law that forbid people from carrying concealed firearms.

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HAWKS GUN CLUB OF EAST TEXAS

OCTOBER 2017

MINUTES of OCTOBER MEETING BY RON MIRANDA

Greg Bova opened the meeting asking Rob Tubbs to lead us in the U.S. Pledge and Texas Pledge, this was followed by Mike Briggs offering the invocation and a report on all of our shut-ins.

Greg went on to introduce our visitor, Don Thomas, friend of Wayne Scotts’, whose daughter was a recipient of a HAWKS’ scholarship several years ago.  Ken Pool was introduced and gave a quick presentation on the upcoming RSO class he will conduct, David Rose and Sarah Notes spoke on “Yes We Can” a proposal to raise funding for a new high school in Winnsboro.  David and Sarah’s presentation was followed by member Roman Eble’s presentation on his work and play schedule with Raytheon over the past 23 years throughout the Middle East and other areas.

Ron Smith was called on to hand out prizes from our Wednesday morning breakfast shoot.  Ron introduced the four sponsors, V-V Ammo, who donated shells, a tripod with a few other things, Texas Country Ford donated 3 oil changes valued at $50.00 each, while Burns Gun and Pawn and Village Gun and Pawn supplied gift certificates in varying amounts at a discounted rate.  14 members took part in the shoot and all were awarded prizes NOT based on skill but on a drawing, which was to prevent one shooter from receiving all the prizes.  The group was divided into two groups, the first being the ones who shot from 1 to 24 times, the second being the group that shot 25 or more times, prizes were awarded accordingly, however, it must be noted that while contributing $3 each time we shot based on the prizes, everyone came out a head or recovered their investment.

Paul Fletcher won shells and a tri-pod, Ken Watts won shells and a $50 gift certificate, Al Andersen won shells and a $50 gift certificate, John Bordas won shells and a $50 gift certificate.  The second group started with a $200 certificate from Burns to Ron Smith, Mike Briggs received an oil change, shells and a $50 certificate, 3 $50 certificates went to James Dugger, Ken Pescod won a $200 certificate, Greg Bova got shells, a $50 certificate and an oil change, Wayne Scott won a $150 certificate from Village, Wendall Hildebrandt claimed the third $200 certificate from Burns, while Larry Murphy got a $50 certificate, oil change and shells, the final $150 certificate went to Chuck (Chuckles) Knox and finally the last $200 certificate went to Ron Miranda.

Ron Smith was commended for the tournament he ran from start to finish, everyone had fun, got gun experience, and came out a winner.  He said if you are not participating you are missing out on some great times.

Ken Pool was called on for his RSO report on his upcoming class while Wayne passed around the internal raffle for a final time.  The Winnsboro Gun Club will pay half the fee ($50) for the first 10 members who sign up for this course.  Wayne Scott moved, seconded by Paul Fletcher that the HAWKS pay the other $50 for each of ten students making it a no cost for the first 10 students to sign up, vote was approved.  Wayne also interjected that there would be an additional “kid shoot” this coming Saturday.  Ken explained on how to register on line for his Thursday, October 26th class to be held at Bodacious Bar B Q in the East room, beginning at 7:30 am.  An amendment was made to increase the amount to cover additional HAWKS that would want to sign up by Roman, seconded by Wayne.  After much discussion, Wayne withdrew his second killing the amendment.  Original motion passed.

Wayne announced a Hunter’s education class for November 18th at the room above City Hall and a dove hunt at Wayne’s property Tuesday, October 10th at 7 AM., proper licenses and stamps will be necessary.  This will be followed by lunch provided by Wayne to all who participate.

James was called on for the treasurer report, which was approved.

Ron was called on for the Secretaries report beginning with a recap of the banquet, which will be the last one with a sit down dinner as the cost / waste ratio is just too high.  Suggestions were called for from the members, one was a lawn party at Peter’s winery or to combine the Christmas Party with the banquet for awards.

This year’s Christmas party will be at Carden Hall at 214 N. Franklin St. (behind Dr. Petty’s clinic) on December 7th starting at 5 pm to about 9:30 with plenty of tables and chairs.  Don Alexander is furnishing ham and brisket as the entree and the wives are asked to contribute a side dish, finger food or desert to round out the meal.

We have 2 year and 5 year pins available along with the list of who has earned them at the sign up table.

We have planned a spaghetti dinner with salad and drink for $4.99 for HAWKS and wives on Saturday, November 25th (two days after Thanksgiving celebrating No More Turkey) from 5:30 at Angelo’s Italian Restaurant, just south of First National Bank South Branch on Hwy 37.  Please R.S.V.P.  You may bring wine.

Winnsboro Gun Club has about 40 memberships still available on their pro rata program amounting to about $132 for the first year.  As a guest you may frequent the range twice per year, so this would be a good opportunity to join WGC insuring a place to shoot safely, with friends and family.  Contact Steve Herbert for a membership request form.

WGC is sponsoring a SHOOT & BAR B Q at the range on Saturday October 28th from 10 am to 3 pm.  Bar B Q, buns, drinks will be provided by WGC, you may bring chips, chairs, guns and family or friends as the range will be open to all members and non-members at no cost.  This will include clays on the shotgun range, please bring ear protection.

Member Michael Vega is sponsoring an Archery Competition including air rifles, bb guns and bow & arrows (no cross bows) on November 18th at the field across from the City Auditorium beginning at 9 am.  If you have questions call Michael at 903-312 5669 any HAWK volunteers (with shirts and caps) for that day will be appreciated to act as eyes and ears and for safety.  Youngsters from 4 to 12 will compete for prizes, teens and adults will compete in air rifle and traditional bows.  Some of his sponsors are Pizza Inn, Tractor Supply, R H McCrary, Tri County Feed, ABC Auto, Angelo’s and Wild Turkey with more signing up.

Ron re-introduced Rob Tubbs as Hawk of the Year.

Greg announced our blood drive on November 4th at Brookshire’s and will need 3 or 4 HAWKS to help with greeting anyone who turns out for this event.

Dennis Morey needs help painting at the Winnsboro Animal Shelter and Ron Smith asked for help this Tuesday night at the Church across from the miniature golf course to help with pistol and rifle instructions for the Boy Scouts and their pursuit of merit badges.

Meeting was closed

Ron Miranda

Secretary for HAWKS

10/8/2017

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Boycott all these sponsors!!!!

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s how to fight dirty. Whenever one group goes after another, they always go directly for their sponsors and lead boycotts of products and companies. Well now it’s time for WE THE PEOPLE to take the exact same approach towards our favorite sport being

hijacked by these nasty anti-American leftists, and put a stop to the NFL once and for all by protesting with our wallets. Below is a list of the NFL’s 25 corporate sponsors. Spread this like wildfire!

DO NOT BUY THESE PRODUCTS UNTIL THE NFL STOPS DISRESPECTING OUR FLAG!!!!!!!!

NFL Sponsors List 2017:

• •Anheuser-Busch

• •Barclaycard US

• •Bose

• •Bridgestone

• •Campbell’s Soup Company

• •Castrol

• •Courtyard Marriott

• •Dairy Management, Inc. (Fuel Up to Play

60)

• •Dannon

• •Extreme Networks

• •FedEx

• •Frito-Lay

• •Gatorade

• •Hyundai Motor America

• •Mars Snack food

• •Microsoft

• •Nationwide

• •News America

• •Papa John’s

• •Pepsi

• •Procter & Gamble

• •Quaker

• •Verizon

• •Visa

• •USAA

If this list gets out, it could spell disaster for the NFL. Breaking reports early Tuesday morning reveal that Congress is moving forward with a bill that would defund the NFL, as 46% of the funding for their stadiums and renovations comes straight from the wallets of the American taxpayers. 

 One thing people don’t realize is the NFL currently gets over a billion dollars in taxpayer-funded federal subsidies. The fancy stadiums that these entitled players continue to kneel and disrespect our country in were bought and funded by the American tax payer, where we’ve foot the bill for 20 NFL stadiums since 1997.

Over the past 20 years, the American people have spent a whopping $7 billion to renovate or build NFL stadiums, providing 46% of the total costs of these fancy stadiums. But all that could soon change after what Congress just announced. In the U.S. Senate, there is a bill currently being reviewed that would BAN the use of federal money for the construction and financing of professional sports arenas.

Boyd Proctor

Nobody more than I would like to shove a sharp stick in the eye of the NFL, however boycotting their sponsors may not be the answer.  I think many of these companies don't know who they are sponsoring, but pay their budget to a left wing Madison Ave. dick, who passes it on to the Left wing networks and somehow the ad appears.  USAA, for example, is a company who has insured military and veterans for years.  They just write a check for 6 gazillion dollars and the network does the rest.

I think the best way would be to stop buying anything with any sport's team logo on it, stop going to games and paying those stupid prices for parking and seats and watching a movie instead of your favorite team on Sunday or Monday --- ratings drop, advertisers panic revenues dwindle and your point is made.  I hope Carhart never pisses me off because that's all my shirt says, anyway.

Ron Miranda

The NFL never had any qualms about regulating every aspect of their player’s lives, including the way they dress, what they do off the field, and their freedom of speech. It is extremely disingenuous for them to claim that this is a free speech issue. What they are really doing is saying to their customers “Sit down and shut up, we don’t want any input from you inferior people.” No company that treats its customers with such contempt should stay in business long. Why should a bunch of arrogant millionaires who aren’t really qualified to do anything but manual labor get away with spitting in the collective faces of the people and the country that made them rich?

George Brown

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HAWKS GUN CLUB OF EAST TEXAS

SEPTEMBER 2017

MINUTES of SEPTEMBER MEETING BY RON MIRANDA

The meeting was opened at 6 pm. by Vice President Wendall Hildebrandt in President Greg Bova’s absence.

Wayne Scott acknowledged two members whose health issues had improved and a local Winnsboro Police officer whose son needs prayer.

Sgt. at Arms candidate Rob Tubbs led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag and the Texas flag.

Information Officer Wayne Scott offered the invocation. Outgoing Treasurer Dave Sanders was presented with a gift certificate to a local restaurant in appreciation of his five years of service to the club.

Secretary Ron Miranda asked that the members fill out a sheet to indicate whether or not they plan to attend the annual banquet.

Wendall called for election of officers for the 2017/ 18 year beginning with a call for nominations from the floor for the four open offices.  No response.

Dennis Morey moved that Robert Tubbs be affirmed as Sergeant at Arms, seconded by Chuck Knox, vote was unanimously in favor.

James Dugger moved that Wayne Scott be affirmed as Information Officer, seconded by Ken Pescod, vote was unanimously in favor.

Paul Fletcher moved that James Morris be affirmed as Treasurer, seconded by Jimmy Chiles, vote was unanimously in favor.

Steve Chiles moved that Ron Miranda be affirmed as Secretary, seconded by Jimmy Chiles, vote was unanimously in favor.

Wendall advised that all directors should groom a replacement in case of a situation forcing them to be absent from a meeting or function where their position would be needed.

Wendall, then introduced Wayne who introduced himself as speaker for the evening.  His address was on existing gun laws and new introductions since the last legislative session of the Texas congress.

James was called on for the Treasurer’s report, and said the reports would be shortened down more than was done in the past.

George said there was nothing new to report on the website.

Wayne encourage everyone to visit the HAWK’S Facebook page to see what was current and the results of the most recent Wednesday morning shoot.

Ron asked if there was a motion to accept the August minutes as published in the newsletter.  Doug Grantham moved they be accepted as written, seconded by Dennis Morey, motion carried.

Banquet commitments increased during the meeting and final explanations were presented with times and dates.

New Rosters were emailed this morning that were up to date, however, with four new members either renewing their memberships  or joining for the first time, new rosters will have to be sent.

Ron asked the members if they wanted to continue with the “years of service” pins which was affirmed and asked Dennis Morey to order the minimum number required.

Ron asked for the members to come up with another cause or charity to concentrate on, as the Winnsboro Animal Shelter has little need for our financial help.  There remains a donation point in Valley Feed & Supply which takes monetary donations and turns it into a larger donation to the shelter.  In addition the Friends of the Animal Shelter will have promotions involving Tractor Supply and Brookshire’s Grocery Stores, along with several events on their own to raise money for the shelter. Toys for Tots is a continuing project for the HAWKS and we will continue to support that endeavor.

Mel Mellenberger was given the floor to introduce and explain the “CERTS” program, and emergency response that was patterned after the old Civil Defense Program.  Mel and Michael Jaynes will begin an instructional program to become certified to aid in local disasters, when they happen.  The VIPs will be pressed into service for security, crowd and traffic control while the CERTS group will aid in search and rescue of individual houses.  Certification involves three eight hour Saturdays of classroom work.

Wendall asked Doug to set up a meeting for the VIPs to lay out the program to continue on with.

Wendall then asked for new business.

Richie’s restaurant is donating food and clothes and now needs monetary donation,  Wayne started the bidding at $100 amended to $300 by Paul Fletcher, seconded by James Morris, motion passed.

Paul Fletcher moved that $500 be appropriated for the Winnsboro Fire Department to be used for the “Toys for Tots” annual drive; motion was seconded by Doug Grantham and passed by the members.

Johnny Wetzel brought up the situation of our server at Richie’s with two children with health issues and having to sell personal belongings to make ends meet.  Wendall suggested we take up a special collection next Wednesday to help this family.  A tip of $10 to $20 was suggested.

Wendall, then asked if anyone would like to organize a fishing event for the club or play golf at the miniature golf range here in Winnsboro.  He offered to contact the range for rates.

Wendall and several members did some “brain storming” for social ideas to bring the club together on a daily basis.

Wayne announced that we are trying to re-establish a “Kid Shoot” beginning on October 7th at the WGC range and continuing each Saturday morning through the end of the year. The shoot will begin at 11am.

Wendall invited all members to participate in the Wednesday morning shoot for breakfast and that $1100 was raised for prizes for the shooters.  Wendall explained that an additional $600 was asked for from the membership’s general fund.  Mel moved that the $600 be given to the shooters for additional prizes, motion passed without a second.

Wayne announced the WGC was planning a Bar B Q and having it catered as a meet and greet between the WGC and HAWKS.  The date will be announced by email.  This would carry on a tradition that Gary Garner started by cooking for the combined group.

Wayne then announced a Dove hunt on his property probably in October to be announced.  A license and stamp would be needed.

Doug announced a meeting of the VIPs at the WGC range at 9:30 am Wednesday September 13th to evaluate equipment and possible upcoming requests.

Wendall, asked that no business be conducted via emails that a subjects to be acted on should be done at a business meeting or at the Board of Directors meeting.

After a question regarding the NRA from Al Andersen, the meeting was closed.  Since the question was not introduced by a member to the membership, the question was not addressed and no change was made.

Meeting was closed after 1 hour and 25 minutes.

WHEN CAN I SHOOT? Should Be, WHEN MUST I SHOOT?

By Ron Miranda

Deadly force is legally justified, if you reasonably believe it is immediately necessary in the defense of your life, the lives of your family and any other law abiding citizen.

This is in accordance with the Texas Penal Code 9.32 and 9.33

I love statistics, personal defense stories against criminals, crime stats in major cities, crap like that.  I love to read about stuff like that, mainly because that’s all I can do, in this stage of my life, is read about it.

A recent article in “Conceal and Carry” magazine, was a story on educator, former military and retired law enforcement officer, Tom Givins on winning gun fights.  And after all, ain’t that what it’s all about?  Winning?  Staying alive?  Many of us may get through this life without having to defend ours with a gun, hell, maybe all of us can.  Someone once said, “If we knew exactly when we would be attacked, we could arm ourselves for just that occasion”.  That’s not the real world.  Not even close.

The first consideration is uniformed police officers and military personnel are trained to run towards a crisis, confront, contain and arrest if necessary, while the armed citizen should move away from the situation.  The best way to keep from getting shot is avoidance, deterrence, de-escalation and evasion.  However, as hard as we try the situation may come down to shoot or be shot, knifed or clubbed.  To save your life or the life of a loved one or even an innocent stranger, it’s not when can I shoot, but when must I shoot?

According to Mr. Givens and The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) the closest thing to an armed citizen is the FBI, who wears civilian clothes and must keep their firearm concealed and a DEA agent, who performs his or her duty in casual civilian clothes.  The BJS says between 1989 and 1994 the FBI averaged 20 to 30 shooting incidents per year.  During that period 92% were at an average distance of 6 to 10 feet and the average number of rounds fired was 3.2 rounds.  In 2007 a DEA agent was involved in 44 shooting incidents with the average engagement being at a distance of 14.6 feet and the average number of rounds fired was five.

Mr. Givens owned a training facility in Memphis, Tennessee from 1996 to 2014, who trained civilians for a Conceal and Carry Permit.  Out of 45,000 students over that period he knew of 65 students involved in “gunplay”.  Of those he said 62 were victories, 0 losses and 3 forfeits.  Of the 62 victories all were armed on the “Big Day”, however, three of the students were unarmed at the moment of truth, and all died.  Of the 62 that won, 90% were at a distance of 3 to 7 yards and of these incidents 90% occurred away from home and in public places.  The average number of shots fired was 3.8. (These numbers still do not eliminate the need for extra ammo being carried.)

Keep in mind the reason for the difference in distances between the FBI, DEA and civilians is the citizen has NO duty to arrest, while the agents were moving in on suspects in a lot of the shootings, while the civilian is trying to put or keep distance between themselves and the incident.  Most all these incidents occurred in public places.

The differences to make note of is that LEOs have full-sized service pistols, lots of spare ammo, body armor and trained partners.  In addition they have access to radio contact with armed friends, while the armed citizen has none of these advantages. However, a cell phone is a valuable tool.

Many shootings involving uniformed police officers occur during traffic stops, bar fights, and domestic violence calls, while a private citizen should not be involved in any of these situations.  (At our ages a bar fight should be out of the question)

Perhaps we should question the type of training we have been getting or taking.  Many of the articles written in the various gun magazines are by retired LEOs or Military and offer words of wisdom along these lines.  We should not train to be cops, snipers, or seals but to handle daily situations confronting us in real life, situations that a citizen without body armor, or a cash of loaded magazines, a stun gun and baton will have access to.  We need trainers and training geared for the realities of criminal predators against private citizens and understands the criminal and civil legal framework under which we must function.  Unfortunately much of what passes for defensive training is edutainment, a word coined by famous trainer Pat Rogers, which is a combination of entertainment and education, with entertainment getting the bulk of the attention.  If you want to go to a “man camp” and spend five days crawling on the ground shooting thousands of rounds through your AR, that’s fine.  Chalk it up to your vacation budget not your training budget.  Remember when you’re at the mall, Walmart or your business place you won’t have chest protectors, a rifle and an instructor standing vigil.  Instead, you’ll have a concealed hand gun and maybe a spare magazine and whatever else is on your person when the incident occurs.

First, and most important is develop an alert, aware state of mind, what’s happening around you.  Violence can occur anytime, anywhere – don’t be caught off guard.  Second, acquire a reliable, functional handgun that you can handle along with a good carry system, belt, holster, ammo carrier and wear it regularly.  (You do not get to pick which day you will need your gun)  Pick a system that works well with the clothes you wear daily.  Third, work on a safe, efficient, fast presentation of the handgun from its concealed mode of carry.  Practice in the clothes you wear daily.  Learn to keep your gun running.  If it runs empty, reload it quickly, if it malfunctions, fix it.  Finally, practice on getting solid hits in the 3 to 7 yard range, quickly and reliably.  Do some practices at the 15 to 20 yard range, but not much; concentrate on the skills you are most likely to need. 

We HAWKS, who belong to the Winnsboro Gun Club or can practice in our own back yards should consider these needs and parameters when going to the range or out our back doors to punch holes in targets.

5 September 1836 Sam Houston elected as president of Texas by Bill Rogers

Born in Virginia in 1793, Houston moved with his family to rural Tennessee after his father’s death; as a teenager, he ran away and lived for several years with the Cherokee tribe. Houston served in the War of 1812 and was later appointed by the U.S. government to manage the removal of the Cherokee from Tennessee to a reservation in Arkansas Territory. He practiced law in Nashville and from 1823 to1827 served as a U.S. congressman before being elected governor of Tennessee in 1827.

A brief, failed marriage led Houston to resign from office and live again with the Cherokee. Officially adopted by the tribe, he traveled to Washington to protest governmental treatment of Native Americans. In 1832, President Andrew Jackson sent him to Texas (then a Mexican province) to negotiate treaties with local Native Americans for protection of border traders. Houston arrived in Texas during a time of rising tensions between U.S. settlers and Mexican authorities, and soon emerged as a leader among the settlers. In 1835, Texans formed a provisional government, which issued a declaration of independence from Mexico the following year. At that time, Houston was appointed military commander of the Texas army.

Though the rebellion suffered a blow at the Alamo in early 1836, Houston was soon able to turn his army’s fortunes around. On April 21, he led some 800 Texans in a surprise defeat of 1,500 Mexican soldiers under General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at the San Jacinto River. Santa Anna was captured and brought to Houston, where he was forced to sign an armistice that would grant Texas its freedom. After receiving medical treatment for his war wounds in New Orleans, Houston returned to win election as president of the Republic of Texas on September 5. In victory, Houston declared that “Texas will lift its head and stand among the nations….It ought to do so, for no country upon the globe can compare with it in natural advantages.”

Houston served as the republic’s president until 1838, then again from 1841 to 1844. Despite plans for retirement, Houston helped Texas win admission to the United States in 1845 and was elected as one of the state’s first two senators. He served three terms in the Senate and ran successfully for Texas’ governorship in 1859. As the Civil War loomed, Houston argued unsuccessfully against secession, and was deposed from office in March 1861 after refusing to swear allegiance to the Confederacy. He died of pneumonia in 1863.

19 August 1895 John Wesley Hardin Killed in Texas

by Bill Rogers

John Wesley Hardin, one of the bloodiest killers of the Old West, is murdered by an off-duty policeman in a saloon in El Paso, Texas.

Born in central Texas on May 26, 1853, Hardin killed his first man when he was only 15 during the violent period of post-Civil War reconstruction. During the next 10 years, he killed at least 20 more men, and some have suggested the total might have been as high as 40.

In 1878, Hardin was convicted of killing a Texas sheriff and sent to the Texas state prison in Huntsville. Prison life seems to have calmed Hardin–during his 14 years behind bars, he studied law. Released in 1892, he settled down in Gonzales where he worked as an attorney and tried, unsuccessfully, to win political office. Eventually, Hardin relocated to the violent town of El Paso, where, since the demands for his legal services were limited, he spent more time arguing in saloons than in court.

In 1895, the sheriff of El Paso tried to make the town a bit less deadly by outlawing the carrying of guns within city limits. In August of that year, Hardin’s girlfriend was caught with a gun in the city and arrested by El Paso officer, John Selman. Hardin, who had never learned completely to control his vicious temper, became angry. Bystanders overhead him threaten Selman for bothering his girl. Not long after, on this day in 1895, Selman went looking for Hardin. He found the famous gunman throwing dice at the bar of the Acme saloon. Without a word, Selman walked up behind Hardin and killed him with a shot in the head.

Whether Selman was acting out of anger, self-protection, or perhaps to burnish his own reputation as a gunslinger remains unclear. Regardless, an El Paso jury apparently felt that Selman had done the town a favor. The jurors acquitted him of any wrongdoing.

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HAWK’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

AUGUST 2017

MINUTES FROM AUGUST MEETING BY Ron Miranda

President Greg opened the meeting at 6:00 pm. by acknowledging guests, John Bordas, Steve Chiles, Mack Jordan, Kyle Waggoner, Darren Swanner and Randy Habman.  John and Steve turned in the membership applications, while Darren and Kyle are our guest speakers and Mack is representing the Winnsboro Chamber of Commerce.

Sgt. at Arms Rob led us in the U.S. and Texas Pledge followed by Mike Briggs with the invocation, Wayne addressed the knee surgery for Efton Edwards and welcomed Ed Hoying, James Clark and Bert Edmondson, long time members but absent due to health issues.

Wayne introduced our speakers who addressed and explained wills, in Texas, and financial planning for seniors.

Wayne, then, introduced Mack Jordan, who spoke on the upcoming gun show and outdoor expo and covered the expenses incurred by the Chamber.  He didn’t say that he could promise a share for the HAWKS but if they had extra they would share and asked for our help to put the show on.  Wayne asked if the Chamber could furnish a list of what the HAWKS are expected to do and Mack said he would try to come up with that list.  Mack asked for help on the Cruise-In and said the Chamber was considering a motorcycle rally.

Wayne addressed the internal raffle which is not doing well and offered options to fund the program which means it will fall short on the pay-out.  James Morris moved that it be offered to the public, however, the discussion went away from that idea.  Original motion died.  Wendall moved that we keep it internal, Ken Pescod seconded the motion, and Wayne moved that the motion be tabled, original motion passed with two nays.  No additional discussion was accepted on the motion.

Wayne, then, offered a $100 gift certificate, donated by Burns Gun & Pawn of Pittsburg, Texas, which was auctioned to the room.  Johnny Wetzel got the certificate for $100 and the $100 went into our scholarship fund.

Wayne continued with the further information on the “Invite a Kid to Shoot” for the event scheduled at the WGC range on August 14th at 8:00 AM and asked that if we have .22LR ammo or a pistol and/or a rifle to loan, that we bring them for the kids to shoot.

Ron Smith, then addressed the annual shoot, and went over the rules, dates and times.  He then explained the prizes and cost requirements if the shooter had not participated during the yearly Wednesday morning shoots.  Awards will be handed out at a monthly meeting and the certificates for proficiency would be awarded at the Banquet.

James Morris took the floor to announce that the paper work has come back from the State of Texas and the corporate status has been enacted for the Friends of the HAWKS to form a 501 (c) (3) to accept scholarship donations to enhance our program.

Treasurer report from Dave was accepted after Wendall moved and Bob Williams seconded that the report, as submitted be approved.  Ron expressed the clubs appreciation for the five years Dave has put in for the club as Treasurer.

Secretary Ron asked for a motion to read the July minutes which was rejected, instead Bob Williams moved, Roman Eble seconded that the written minutes, which are posted on the webpage, be accepted as presented, vote was unanimous in favor.  Ron explained the banquet was on tract and all we are doing is waiting for conformation from the restaurant.

He then addressed the upcoming election and told the members that to date no one has volunteered to take any of the available positions other than Sergeant at Arms and Treasurer which has already been determined without opposition.

Ron then, explained the upcoming blood drive sponsored by Tractor Supply Co, and the Winnsboro Animal Shelter.  Since the meeting it was learned that if 15 people showed up to donate blood the shelter would be given a $50 gift certificate from Tractor Supply.

Greg announced that the HAWKS blood drive has been moved to November 4th to be held at Brookshire’s parking lot, times to be announced later.

Greg closed the meeting after 1hour and 45 minutes

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A few weeks ago, Paul Fletcher asked me for a comparison between Texas Law Shield or what is now U.S. Law Shield and the new program, the NRA’s Carry Guard.  I never got around to it and now a publication called Concealed Carry 2017, a division of Gun Digest has done just that only including The United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) and Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network (ALCDN), with the NRA’s being the latest to join the hunt for your protection dollar.

The article is entitled “Protecting Your Own Six” and starts off with one major flaw.  It states that they are four major self-defense insurance programs.  If you attended our last business meeting you heard Charles McCord say, emphatically, that their program is NOT an insurance package but they refer to themselves as a “Firearms Legal Defense Program”.  The emphasis is on the word legal!  If you are a TLS member and you go out and stick up your local “Stop-N-Rob, save yourself. Don’t call TLS for help.  However, if you are using your favorite gun legally, by all means you want these folks in your corner.

Let’s compare…

The startup date of each vary; ACLDN was probably first, beginning in the early 90’s, then came U.S. Law Shield in 2009, followed by USCCA in 2011 and finally NRACG in 2017.  Statistics were not furnished in the article, but I know from experience and the literature TLS furnishes they have handled over 80,000 cases and boasts of over 235,000 clients.

Two of the four plans have levels depending on how much you want to spend, up front.  USCCA and NRACG have three cost levels and offer three protection levels, while ACLDN and TLS have a one price and protection level.  If I am reading correctly, USCCA, ACLDN and NRACG have maximum protection levels.  For $347 a year USCCA provides $1,150,000 total protection, ACLDN does not specify a maximum for their $135 first year and $95 renewal fees, but instead say they will pony up $25,000 for bonding out and $25,000 to the attorney for fees and state that legal fees for a legitimate claim will be covered.  NRACG offers $1,000,000 for $359.95 annually for their top tier coverage.  For $131.40 a year TLS offers no limit coverage for criminal and civil charges with a couple of options available at an additional $31.40 per year.  The article was in error in one respect as it stated TLS operates in 15 states, while in reality they have program attorneys and coverage in all 50 states including D.C. and several foreign countries.

One thing that was clear to me, the other three placed a lot of emphasis on tactical training while TLS seems to concentrate on education, offering some 4,500 seminars last year alone, published a book on Texas Gun Laws and offers a 24/7 hot line that is answered by an attorney.

I have attended about six seminars including several on “the Active Shooter” and Texas Law Shield continues to stress education.  What to do, what steps to take, who to call and most important what to say to the police before your attorney arrives.  They try to take into account you may be scared, injured, your adrenaline is certainly pumping and you certainly don’t want to say anything that can be used against you at a trial or hearing.

If your daily routine includes carrying concealed you certainly must consider one of these four plans to pay for an attorney, should you find yourself on the wrong side of the law with your firearm.  Many of us do not have pockets deep enough to go it alone.  Why should you?

Ron Miranda

Secretary for HAWKS

WEB REPORT by George Brown

The work on the web page is still in progress. We would appreciate any suggestions from members about problems or changes that need to be made.

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HAWK’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

JULY 2017

MINUTES FROM JULY BUSINESS MEETING

by RON MIRANDA

                                                                                                                                                              President Greg opened the meeting at 6:00 pm.

Rob Tubbs followed with the Pledge to the flag and the Texas pledge, Wayne, then, addressed our shut-ins and offered the Invocation.

Greg followed by introducing Dennis Morey, who explained he would be acting for Beth Garner on the sale of some of the items that Gary had before he passed, and that all sales and inquiries should go through him.

Greg inquired to the health of John Bowling and James Morris, and Efton said John was doing well, but he had a chemo treatment today, therefore would probably miss this meeting.

Wayne, then introduced Charles McCord who spoke on the products and services offered by Texas Law Shield.

Dave was asked to give his Treasurer’s report and asked if anyone had questions on the sent out report, there were none, report was accepted.

George was asked for a report on the website and the progress on the update. George reported that we met with Neal Duncan, the creator of the site and he offered suggestions and began updating the current site, adding sliding banners and new graphics. This reconstruction will take several months to complete. Ron was asked for the Secretary’s report, and started by asking for a vote to hear the previous month’s minutes. There was a motion to accept the minutes as written by Ron Smith, second by Paul Fletcher, passed unanimously.

The Nominating Committee has contacted five candidates to run for office and to date, none have responded.

The Banquet is complete with the exception of firming up the menu which will be done this coming week. Ron contacted Jan, owner of the Tea Room with service beginning at 5:30pm., with two entertainers.

The Friends of the Animal Shelter asked for a count of HAWKS who will attend the dinner held to show appreciation for the work done by HAWKS volunteers over the years to assist the animal shelter. The dinner will be held at Carden Hall on July 14th.

Jimmy Chiles asked for any members that would like to get involved with the VIPs to let him know, and went on to explain what the duties of the VIPs are and upcoming events that will likely require their assistance. Jimmy, then introduced his brother Steve as a guest and, hopefully, soon to be a member.

The 501 c/3 is coming along by submitting paperwork to the state of Texas and should be done in the next month or so. The Friends of HAWKS will consist of a President (Johnny Wetzel), Vice President (Roman Eble) and Treasurer (James Morris), Ron Miranda will be a non-voting Secretary with Greg Bova and Wendall Hildebrandt as board members.

The 14th of October has been recommended for the HAWKS’ Blood Drive, however, it was suggested that due to Autumn Trails, it might be better to schedule it in November.

Ron, also, added that since the WGC has not brought up the combined cookout and shoot, it would be best to let it lay until the WGC brought it up.

Wayne added that he has developed a face book page for the HAWKS, and if you like it please share it with others.

Greg closed the meeting.

We signed up one new member, Paul Lovell, and resigned up a previous member, Carl Sutherland, welcome to both of you.

28 members attended and two guests, Steve Chiles and Charles McCord.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The July business meeting saw 28 members attend, twice as many as the previous month. That’s a great start but still a long way from 100% or 63 members. If you run into a member that we haven’t seen in a while, please encourage them to attend, again. Remind them why they joined in the first place and if we’re doing something they don’t like all they have to do is say something or even run for an office and sell the idea or program to the members.

Some of you may be unaware that Wayne Scott started an internal pool to raise $1,000 for the scholarship fund and a $500 gift certificate for two lucky winners. He has 100 squares much like a typical football pool, for twenty bucks a square. To date he has 37 squares sold, I think. Give him a hollar and by a square or two.

The Wednesday morning shoot is great fun, especially if you are a shooter. I know the more I shoot the more I want to shoot and I have never won a free breakfast. I feel like I am constantly improving, especially with the better shooters giving me and any of the other shooters, pointers. I really hope those of you who are not shooting on Wednesdays, will still plan to shoot in the event in September. We are usually done by 9:30 or 10, and there are still 6 more Wednesday (including the 12th) to get your shooting in.

Finally, The VIPs; who are they and what do they do? The who is 18 of our elite traffic and crowd control dudes that money can’t buy. This is a group that was formed with the help and cooperation of the WPD and many of our retired LEOs. The what is to aid the stretched thin WPD in non-emergency matters. The guys are pressed into service to help with crowd control, traffic control, search for missing kids and seniors, and finally, eyes and ears at gun shows, art markets and cruise-ins. I was on it at one time but it became too difficult for me to move around and besides who gonna take directions from a traffic cop on a wheelie chair? It, like the shooting, is great fun and it’s always great to be involved and a part of something. If interested give Jimmy Chiles a call or email.

We are coming into the fall season which will be busy, busy, busy. Autumn Trails, Labor Day Cruise-In, Awards Banquet, and the crumb snatchers go back to school, can’t wait…

Ron Miranda

RULES FOR 2017 BREAKFAST CLUB SHOOTING EVENT

From The Shooting Committee

DATES: Monday, August 21st with a make-up date of August 28th for rifles, any caliber and shooting 50 and 100 yds.

Wednesday, August 23rd with a make-up date of Saturday, August 26th would be for pistol shooters. Both, rimfire and center fire will be on these days and pistol distances will be 10 yds.

TARGETS: For all events will be HAWKS’ standard 10 ring.

SCORER: For all categories will be a designated scorer.

SEQUENCE: 1 target for rimfire, 10 rounds per target.

1 target for center fire, 10 rounds per target.

2 targets for 100yd. rifles, 5 rounds each.

2 targets for 50 yd. rifles, 5 rounds each

(You will turn in 6 targets if you compete in all events)

CATEGORIES: 100yd. Rifle, any caliber, any sights event will allow a front rest, not to exceed 6 inches in size and be placed forward of the receiver, using the shoulder as the back rest. By-Pods are acceptable and shooting from any position.

50yd. Rifle event, any sights, free standing position with no rests, include scopes, red dot and open sights.

Pistol events will be standing with no rests, open sights only.

DONATION: A donation of $30 for Hawks members is expected, WGC members who are not also Hawk members will be asked for a $5 donation. If Hawk members have participated in the Wednesday morning shoots, your donation will be discounted $3 for each time you have participated up to a total of 10 times. If you have participated 10 or more times, you will be considered to have made your $30 donation.

PRIZES: Awards will be presented to first, second and third places in all categories including all around. All around will be determined using total scores of all four events. To place in all around you will likely have to shoot in all four events. Prizes will be awarded to other participants of the event as determined by the committee.

Starting July, 19th there will be 5 Wednesdays before the event begins, please don’t waste the time, come and participate and HAVE FUN.

Gunfighter John Ringo found dead.  by Bill Rogers

Romanticized in both life and death, John Ringo was supposedly a Shakespeare-quoting gentleman whose wit was as quick as his gun. In truth, Ringo was not a formally educated man, and he came from a struggling working-class Indiana family that traveled west to Ca. Yet, he does appear to have been better read than most of his associates, and he clearly cultivated an image as a refined gentleman.

By the time he was 12, Ringo was already a crack shot with either a pistol or rifle. He left home when he was 19, eventually ending up in Texas, where in 1875 he became involved in a local feud known as the “Hoodoo War.” He killed at least two men, but seems to have either escaped prosecution, or when arrested, escaped his jail cell. By 1878, he was described as “one of the most desperate men in the frontier counties” of Texas, and he decided it was time to leave the state.

In 1879, Ringo resurfaced in southeastern Arizona, where he joined the motley ranks of outlaws and gunslingers hanging around the booming mining town of Tombstone. Nicknamed “Dutch,” Ringo had a reputation for being a reserved loner who was dangerous with a gun. He haunted the saloons of Tombstone and was probably an alcoholic. Not long after he arrived, Ringo shot a man dead for refusing to join him in a drink. Somehow, he again managed to avoid imprisonment by temporarily leaving town. He was not involved in the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881, but he did later challenge Doc Holliday (one of the survivors of the O.K. Corral fight) to a shootout. Holliday declined and citizens disarmed both men.

The manner of Ringo’s demise remains something of a mystery. He seems to have become despondent in 1882, perhaps because his hard working and religious family had treated him coldly when he had earlier visited them in San Jose. Witnesses reported that he began drinking even more heavily than usual.

In 1882, he was found dead in Turkey Creek Canyon, at the Sanders Ranch near the barefoot trail. Ringo was living out of doors, down by the creek, at the Sanders Ranch, and would come up to the Sanders’ cabin, where he would pay Mrs. Sanders a nickel for breakfast. Pa Sanders and his son had taken the trunks of two Oak trees to Tombstone to sell. The trunks of Oak trees were used as timbers in the mines and that provided a source of additional income to the Sanders. Going toward Tombstone, on the barefoot trail, Pa Sanders met Buckskin Frank Leslie who was going in the other direction. They exchanged greetings, but had no further conversation.

Ma Sanders heard a single shot, and when Ringo did not come up to the cabin for breakfast at the usual time, she went to investigate, and found Ringo with a single shot to the temple. Ringo was lying at the base of a tree whose three pronged trunk formed a comfortable sitting chair. Ma Sanders noted that there were no powder burns. Ma Sanders saw no one else around. Later, when Pa Sanders arrived home, she and Pa Sanders compared notes, and concluded that Ringo had been shot from some little distance.

To the “authorities” it conveniently looked as if Ringo had shot himself in the head, and the official ruling was that he had committed suicide. The Sanders family believed, however, that he had been murdered by his drinking “friend" Frank Leslie. The Sanders ranch is still there, today, and is still owned by the Sanders family. Mr. Jerry Sanders, whom I interviewed, is the grandson of Ma Sanders and got the facts directly from her, when he was a little boy. Ringo’s grave and monument is still at the Sanders ranch and can be seen there, still. 

Leslie was an ill-tempered and violent man, especially when he drank. He told conflicting stories about his early life. He said he was from Texas. He sometimes claimed he had been trained in medicine and pharmacy, and he even boasted that he had studied in Europe. Supposedly, he earned the nickname “Buckskin” while working as an Army Scout in the Plains Indian Wars. None of his assertions can be confirmed in the historical record.

The record does tell us that in 1880, Leslie opened the Cosmopolitan Hotel in the mining town of Tombstone, Arizona. Shortly thereafter, he committed his first known murder, shooting Mike Killeen in a dispute over the man’s wife. The killing was officially ruled to have been in self-defense, but suspicion of foul play arose when Leslie married Killeen’s widow two months later.

Two years later, after Leslie badly pistol-whipped a man outside the Oriental Saloon, many Tombstone citizens began to suspect Leslie was a dangerous man. The famous Tombstone gunslinger John Ringo was found murdered at the Sanders ranch at the end of the barefoot trail leading to and from Tombstone, and Leslie was seen in the area, and had no business there. Suspicions again focused on Leslie, but officers were unable to prove his guilt. Billy Claiborne, a friend of Ringo’s, was so certain Leslie was the murderer that he called him out. Leslie shot the inexperienced young man dead.

Even among the notorious rabble of gunslingers and killers in Tombstone, Leslie was unusually violent. The people of Tombstone finally had their chance to get rid of him in 1889. Two years earlier, Leslie had divorced his wife and taken up with a Tombstone prostitute named Blonde Mollie Williams. The relationship eventually soured, and in a drunken fit of rage, Leslie shot the defenseless woman dead. With testimony from a ranch hand that had witnessed the killing, a Tombstone jury convicted Leslie of murder and sentenced him to 25 years.

Seven years later, Leslie won parole with the aid of a young divorcee named Belle Stowell. He soon married Stowell and seems to have made an effort to live a more peaceful life. He even reportedly made a small fortune in the Klondike Gold Rush. He moved to San Francisco in 1904. His fortunes thereafter quickly declined, and he disappeared from the historical record.

WEB REPORT By George Brown

Greg, Wayne, Ron & I met with Neal Duncan and began work on the banner for the web page. This project will take a few month to complete, and when it is finished we may be able to sell advertisements on the page to augment the monies in the scholarship fund.

For those of you who wish to participate in the shooting events, I would like to reming you that there is a printable version of the official HAWKS target in the about us menu. It is the last item in that menu.

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HAWK’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

JUNE 2017

Minutes from business meeting HAWKS Gun Club of East Texas

June 1, 2017

This meeting saw the poorest attendance since the HAWKS’ inception in 2007.  Fourteen members were present.

David Rose, pastor of First Baptist Church was our featured speaker, with instructions on how to cope with aging.  He, also, had some wonderful suggestions on how to spread the word on how the HAWKS function and our purpose in addition to our accomplishments regarding the community, of which we all are a part of.

Greg opened the meeting at 6 pm. by commenting on the Memorial Day celebration and remarking how moving and inspiring it was.  He, then, asked for questions and comments on the Treasurers report with out Dave.  James filled in with the numbers, which showed a substantial amount in the bank.  He, also, announced we would take part in the Car Show on June 10th in Paris Texas, with a couple of hundred tickets to sell.

Wayne mentioned that he still had squares to fill on our internal pool to help the scholarship fund with $1,000 going into the fund and two $500 gift certificates going to two winners, if ---the entire card is filled.

Ron was asked for the Secretary report and as usual asked for a motion to forgo the reading of last month’s minutes.  Wayne made the motion, seconded by Greg and passed unanimously.  Ron then reported that $140 was realized from the sausage sales during the Animal Shelter garage sale and the sale netted about $4,400, and was to be the FINAL garage sale for the shelter.  Charles McAfee reported that the “traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall will be in the Margerittaville Casino, next door to the Bass Pro Shop in Bossier City, La. on June 8th - 14th with a free buffet for vets.

Again, volunteers were asked for each of the four positions which will be available in September – Secretary, Information Officer, Sergeant at Arms and Treasurer slots will be voted on.

A commitment was requested from the members planning to attend the Awards Banquet at the Texas Tea Room in Quitman on Saturday September 23rd.  James Morris suggested that two entertainers would be asked to “piggy back” and start the dinner earlier, keeping the awards presentation to a minimum.

Indoor shooting at NTCC was suggested for the summer, after classes are out and Wayne offered to contact Mr. Newman to set it up.

Ron Smith, our RSO, is absent due to a tooth extraction, so Ron went over the rules for the upcoming shooting event.  (Rules will be sent to all members by separate email)  Certificates will be awarded for proficiency for anyone participating; the purchased gifts or donated prizes will be awarded through a drawing, with only participating HAWKS included, at the banquet.  Ladale objected to starting the program well into the year and said since the prizes would be done through a drawing, all certificates should be equal value.  Ron said he would put together a flyer for the website.

The meeting was turned back over to Greg, who explained the dues/voting/ announcement system, which will be dues will be paid by August 31st., voting at September business meeting and announcement of officers at the Banquet.

Advertising on our website was discussed opened to HAWKS’ businesses as well as non-members.

Wendall suggested we consider creating a Face Book page could be created to market the HAWKS to those who are not acquainted with us as well a using it to create advertising for the  website.  Wayne suggested that an email be sent to all members requesting how to take best advantage of this media entity.

Meeting was adjourned.

19 May1836 Cynthia Ann Parker is Kidnapped submitted by Bill Rogers

During a raid, Comanche, Kiowa, and Caddo Indians in Texas kidnap nine-year-old Cynthia Ann Parker and killed her family.

Silas and Lucy Parker moved their young family from Illinois to Texas in 1832. To protect themselves against the hostile Indians in the region, they erected a solidly constructed civilian stockade about 40 miles east of present-day Waco that came to be called Parker’s Fort. The tall wooden stockade was reportedly capable of holding off “a large enemy force” if properly defended. However, when no Indian attacks materialized for many months, the Parker family and the relatives who joined them in the fort became careless. Frequently they left the bulletproof gates to the fort wide open for long periods.

On this day in 1836, several hundred Comanche, Kiowa, and Caddo Indians staged a surprise attack. During the ensuing battle, the Indians killed five of the Parkers. In the chaos, the Indians abducted nine-year-old Cynthia Ann Parker and four other white women and children. The Comanche and Caddo bands later divided women and children between them. The Comanche took Parker, and she lived with them for the next 25 years.

Like many Plains Indian tribes, the Comanche had long engaged in the practice of kidnapping their enemy’s women and children. Sometimes these captives were treated like slaves who provided useful work and could be traded for valuable goods. Often, though, captives eventually became full-fledged members of the tribe, particularly if they were kidnapped as young children. Such was the case with Parker.

Anglo-Texans first learned that the young girl might still be alive four years later. A trader named Williams reported seeing Parker with a band of Comanche near the Canadian River in northern Texas. He tried to purchase her release but failed. The Comanche Chief Pachuca allowed Williams to speak to the girl, but she stared at the ground and refused to answer his questions. In 1845, two other white men saw Parker, who was by then 17 years old. A Comanche warrior told them he was now her husband, and the men reported “she is unwilling to leave” and “she would run off and hide herself to avoid those who went to ransom her.” By all accounts, her husband, a rising young warrior named Peta Nocona, treated her well. She gave birth to three children, two boys and a girl.

Unfortunately, Nocona was also a warrior engaged in brutal war with the Anglo-American invaders, and he soon attracted the wrath of the Texas Rangers for leading several successful attacks on whites. In December 1860, a Ranger force attacked Nocona’s village. The Rangers mortally wounded Nocona and captured Parker and her daughter, Prairie Flower. Returned to Anglo society, Parker was taken to her uncle’s farm in Bergville, Texas. She died of influenza in 1870.

WEB REPORT by George Brown

I spoke with Mark at Village Gun and Pawn in Sulphur Springs to see if he would be interested in advertising on the Hawks web page. His answer was that he would like to look at it when we have the finished product competed and we will be able to give him details, such as what the cost and benefits to him might be. I think that this will be the standard answer we receive when posing this question.

I am now in the process of researching a Facebook page, and I should have some information about that soon. Facebook can also be used as an instrument for advertising, as well as the web page, so we might want to pursue that possibility.

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HAWK’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

MAY 2017

Minutes for May 4, 2017 Business Meeting by Ron Miranda

Greg Bova opened the meeting at 6:01 pm. welcoming guests and members and acknowledging the passing of our brother and Sergeant at Arms, Gary E. Garner.  Gary’s patch and medal vest was draped over the chair he always occupied.  Robb Tubbs filled in for Gary in the now vacant position of Sgt. at Arms and led the members in the U.S. Pledge and the Texas Pledge.  Greg then asked Wayne Scott to give the Invocation.

Greg then introduced Amber Chandler, Tony Vo and Noah Reeves, the recipients of this year’s Scholarships.  Photographs were made by The Winnsboro News of the presentations and each recipient gave a brief bio of themselves and their aspirations.  Amber, who was late arriving, lit up the audience by announcing she was late due to shooting practice.

Greg then introduced our speaker for the evening, Mrs. Melissa Laurent the Wood County Veterans Service Officer – Veterans & Survivor Benefits.  Mrs. Laurent gave a very informative and entertaining presentation, answering many questions from the floor and leaving brochures and cards for future contact and reference.

Wayne explained a new internal raffle, similar to a football pool, to generate additional funds for our scholarship program.  (Contact Wayne if you wish to participate, squares are $20 each)

Dave was asked if there were any questions regarding the financial report that went out to the members, there were none, therefore the report was accepted as submitted.

George was next for a website report but left the room previously.

Ron was asked for the Secretary’s report, who asked if the previous month’s minutes should be read, Greg moved and Ron Smith seconded that the minutes be approved as in the newsletter, motion carried.

Ron asked that trucks and trailers be available for moving garage sale items from storage areas to Civic Center on May 15th, and the sale would begin on May 18th, 19th and 20th.  Ron asked the members if they wanted to sell sausage sandwiches at the garage sale and enough volunteers were recognized to agree to take on the project.  Wayne is keeping the list of volunteers.

Ron introduced Texas Law Shield’s new Texas Hunter Shield and gave as many details as were available.

Ron reminded that Mr. Cash’s Birthday party would be held at Central Christian Church on Pine St. from 3 to 5 pm.

Greg announced that Robb Tubbs will serve Gary’s vacant term as Sgt. at Arms.

Ron Smith announced the new Shooting Committee was finalized and the kitty was now at $700 for gifts.

Greg asked the members to approve or deny the formation of a fishing tournament named in honor of Gary Garner.  Robbie Robertson suggested it be called the Gary Garner Invitational, and Ron Miranda moved that it be held in the spring of 2018 to take advantage of the spring spawn.  It was generally agreed the tournament would be held in April with detail to be worked out.  John Bowling suggested we make T-Shirts to commemorate the event.

Meeting was adjourned.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Our Sergeant at Arms and brother, Gary E. Garner was laid to rest Tuesday April 25th, 2017 at Clover Hill Cemetery after a beautiful service celebrating his life at Cartwright Baptist Church.  The body viewing and consoling the family was held at Beatty funeral home in Mineola.  Both events were attended by many of the HAWKS whom all loved and respected Gary.

Gary would volunteer for anything before he knew what was being asked of him.  He was the first to raise his hand on numerous occasions.  Gary lost his battle with cancer on Friday April 21st, 2017 at 9:06 pm. in the company of his wife and daughter.  He will be forever missed.

Ron Miranda

Mr. James Cash, the unofficial patriarch of the HAWKS and Master Mason celebrated his 90th birthday, Saturday May 6th, 2017 at Central Christian Church.  This event was, also, attended by many of the HAWKS members.  We wish to thank the many members who took time from their busy schedules to attend and show support at these two happenings.  It shows the love and brotherhood each HAWKS member shows for each other.

Thank you,

HAWKS Board of Directors

JOHN B. JONES BECOMES MAJOR IN TEXAS RANGERS by BILL ROGERS

John B. Jones begins his adventurous career as a lawman with an appointment as a major in the Texas Rangers. Born in Fairfield District, South Carolina, in 1834, Jones moved to Texas with his father when he was a small boy. After graduating from Mt. Zion College in South Carolina, he returned to his home in Texas to enlist in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Talented and ambitious, he eventually rose to the rank of adjutant general. Jones took the defeat of the Confederacy hard, and after the war, he spent some time traveling in Mexico and Brazil trying to establish a colony for other disgruntled former Confederates. After determining that the colonial schemes held little promise for success, he returned to Texas where his military experience won him a major’s commission with the Texas Rangers on this day in 1874.

Jones commanded the Frontier Battalion, a force of about 500 men stationed along the Texas frontier from the Red River to the Rio Grande. His mission was two-fold: to keep hostile-border Indians out of Texas and control the outlaws within Texas. His first Indian fight came less than six weeks later. While patrolling near Jacksboro, Texas, with 28 men, Jones spotted a band of more than 100 Indians that he thought were hostile Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache. Displaying more courage than wisdom, Jones directed his small band to attack the larger force of Indians. In the ensuing battle, two of the Rangers were killed and two wounded, but they were lucky to escape without more serious losses. Chastened, Jones acted with greater care in his subsequent battles with Indians, and his force eventually became highly effective in repulsing invasions.

Four years later, Jones took on one of the most notorious outlaws on the Texas frontier, Sam Bass. For some months, Bass and his gang had been staging train robberies in Texas. Although most of the robberies failed to net much money because Bass and his partners were incompetent amateurs, the people of Texas demanded that Bass be stopped. The Texas government turned to Jones, ordering him to use his Rangers to run Bass down. Seizing on the drama of the chase, the press dubbed the affair the “Bass War.”

For four months, Bass led Jones and his Rangers on a wild chase through Texas. In July 1878, Jones learned that Bass was planning to rob the bank in Round Rock, Texas. When Bass did hit the bank, Jones and his Rangers were waiting. Bass was badly wounded in the ensuing gun battle, and he died several days later. Strangely enough, Bass later became a legend, portrayed as good-natured Robin Hood, while Jones has largely been forgotten. Jones continued to command the Frontier Battalion until he died of natural causes in 1881 at the age of 46.

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HAWK’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

            APRIL 2017

Minutes for HAWKS April Business Meeting April 6, 2017 by Ron Miranda Secretary for HAWKS

President Bova opened the meeting by welcoming all who chose to attend and moving directly to the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag and the Texas Flag led by Gary Garner. Wayne Scott offered the invocation and recognizing all the disabled HAWKS now recovering in various facilities around our area. We pray for speedy recoveries for Ed Hoying and Robby Robertson, Gary Garner’s son James and for member Al Andersen who is about to face a serious ordeal.

Our outside speaker, Laura Morrison with Christos Trinity Mother Francis Hospital presented the group with a refresher course on CPR. The Winnsboro Daily News stopped by to photograph the presentation and many questions were fielded from the group, which Ms. Morrison answered.

Dave was called on for a Treasurer’s Report which is in the members hands, questions were called for and there were none. Greg asked if the financial report should be included in the monthly minutes. Greg asked for a motion to be entered into the record, motion was made by Jimmy Chiles, seconded by Roman Eble and passed by the membership.

George was called on for a report on the website and he announced that all the changes that the scholarship committee requested be made to the Scholarship Application were accomplished and the application was now ready. Neal is still working to enable us to put paid ads on our website but has nothing to report at this time. George announced that he is receiving all Scholarship Applications and then relaying them to the scholarship committee.

Ron Miranda was called on for the Secretaries Report and asked if the minutes as they were written on the website were approved as written. Dave moved and Ron Smith seconded that the March minutes be accepted as written vote approved the minutes. Ron moved on to how shirts, caps and patches were ordered and showed a few examples including Roman’s red shirt with lettering.

It was announced that the Texas Tea room would be the spot for the awards banquet again this year in spite of the announcement that they would be closing this past February, which has, obviously, been postponed. No one objected so it was announced that Saturday, September 23rd, 2017 would be the date selected with Dale Cummings, the “C” to return as our entertainment. The event is planned to commence at 5:30 pm. to about 9:30 pm., no menu has been selected at this point.

Preparations to replace four current Directors are underway, that being the office of Secretary, Information Director, Sergeant at Arms and Treasurer. One application, that to replace Dave Sanders at Treasurer by James Morris has been confirmed. The other three Directors agreed to run again if no one challenged for the positions but also stated that they would all step down if someone else would like to run. If you would like to serve in any of these capacities please contact anyone on the Nominating Committee consisting of Jimmy Chiles, Gary Garner, Ron Miranda, James Morris and Ken Schwab. Keep in mind none of us own the positions we are in and would love to see some of the other members get involved and guide this club. As former President Paul Fletcher reminds us, “The HAWKS belong to all of us, it’s our club not any one individuals.

Ron mentioned that if Constitutional Carry passes it may cause us to rethink our membership application requirements and to be thinking, “what if”. Additional comments and opinions were voiced by several members regarding Constitutional Carry passes and how it would affect the club and our quest to establish a 501 c/3 status for Friends of HAWKS.

Greg announced the City was planning a day long clean-up campaign for Winnsboro on April 22nd and if anyone wishes to help out contact him and he would contact the City Secretary of instructions.

Ron Smith announced a meeting would follow this meeting for the Shooting Committee to plan for the upcoming tournament.

Ron Miranda announced that Steve Herbert with the WGC asked for the HAWKS to replace target backs and repair stands. Ron Smith added to be sure to pick up all our trash, especially anything that could tie the HAWKS in to use of the range.

Greg announced that the annual WGC meeting is scheduled for May 3rd.

Greg announced that next Wednesday and Saturday would interview candidates for the Scholarship awards, at the depot.

Gary announced the Fishing Tournament is set for April 27th at Lake Winnsboro’s Waddleton Landing with lunch being served. In addition several members plan to trek to Bass Pro Shop on April 25th for any supplies and lunch you might wish.

In addition, Gary will be planning on another WGC/HAWKS outing in September or October with Gary doing the cooking.

Johnny Wetzel announced that the Chamber made $10,000 on the Gun Show after expenses. A lot of the money was made on breakfast sales, bar b-q sales, and the outside vendors.

James Morris reported on the progress on the 501 c/3 application, we are waiting on the by-laws to be written.

Jimmy Chiles asked for 8 VIPS to help out with traffic control for this weekend’s 5K run to meet up at Walker Park for instructions at 7:30 am Saturday April, 15th. He, currently, has 6 committed.

James Morris announced that there would be a Car Show in Paris, Texas in June and several volunteers will be needed to help set up. James asked for any information on festivals and other outdoor events where we could sell Raffle tickets, contact James Morris with information on it.

The HAWKS are planning on sponsoring a blood drive for the beginning of October as we did last year.

James is exploring an internal raffle for a gun to be for our members only.

Wayne moved that a committee be formed to explore establishing an internal raffle for a certificate to be purchase from a local gun store to be redeemed in that store by the winner, seconded by Wendall. The committee was to consist of Wayne, James Morris, Wendall and Greg to establish the internal raffle, the motion passed.

Meeting was closed.

8 April 1864 Confederates rout Union at Battle of Mansfield by Bill Rogers

The Red River campaign, which had begun a month earlier, was an attempt by the Union to invade Confederate Texas from Shreveport, Louisiana. Banks, accompanied by a flotilla on the Red River, would move northwest across the state and rendezvous at Shreveport with a force under General Frederick Steele moving from Little Rock, Arkansas.

The slow-moving Banks approached Mansfield and opted to take a shorter road to Shreveport than one that ran along the Red River. Not only was the road narrow, it was far away from the gun support offered by the Union flotilla on the river. Banks’ troops ran into Taylor’s force and a skirmish erupted. At 4 p.m., Taylor ordered an all-out assault on the Yankees. The Rebels eventually broke the Union lines, sending the Federals in a disorganized retreat. The Yankees fell back three miles before reinforcements stopped the Confederate advance.

Banks suffered 113 men killed, 581 wounded, and 1,541 missing, while Taylor had about 1,500 total casualties. But Banks was now in retreat, and the Red River campaign was failing. Taylor attacked again the next day, but this time Banks’ men held the Confederates at bay. Banks was unnerved, though, and he began to retreat back down the Red River without penetrating into Texas.

However, things ended badly for the confederacy when on 9 April 1865 General Robert E. Lee surrendered his army to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia.

For more than a week, Lee had tried to outrun Grant to the west of Richmond and Petersburg in Virginia. After a ten-month siege of the two cities, the Union forces broke through the defenses and forced Lee to retreat. The Confederates moved along the Appomattox River, with Union General Phillip Sheridan shadowing them to the south. Lee’s army had little food, and they began to desert in large numbers on the retreat. When Lee arrived at Appomattox, he found that his path was blocked. He had no choice but to request a meeting with Grant.

They met at a house in Appomattox at 2:00 p.m. on the afternoon of April 9. Lee was resplendent in his dress uniform and a fine sword at his side. Grant arrived wearing a simple soldier’s coat that was muddy from his long ride. Grant offered generous terms. Officers could keep their side arms, and all men would be immediately released to return home. Any officers and enlisted man who owned horses could take them home, Grant said, to help put crops in the field and carry their families through the next winter. These terms, said Lee, would have “the best possible effect upon the men,” and “will do much toward conciliating our people.” The papers were signed and Lee prepared to return to his men.

Although there were still Confederate armies in the field, the war was officially over. Four years of bloodshed had left a devastating mark on the country: 360,000 Union and 260,000 Confederate soldiers had perished during the Civil War.

WEB REPORT by GEORGE BROWN

The changes to the Scholarship Application that were requested by the scholarship committee have been made, tested, and are in working order. As of now all the electronic applications are being emailed to me, and then I will send them out as a group email to the scholarship committee. If we need to change the initial recipient of the electronic application to someone besides myself we can do that. It will be the decision of the scholarship committee as to how the electronic applications are directed in the future. As for the project to sell advertising space to raise money for the scholarships, that project is proceeding slowly. I think it would be premature to solicit advertising before the 501 c/3 is established. We want to be able to offer potential advertisers the tax write-off advantage offered by a 501 c/3 organization. I will keep the members informed about future developments in this project.

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HAWK’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

            MARCH 2017

MINUTES FOR HAWKS BUSINESS MEETINGby Ron Miranda

March 2, 2017 HAWKS Gun Club

The meeting was called to order by President Greg Bova at 6 pm. by asking for prayers and concerns for our ill and departed. A prayer was included for our departed brother, John Perkins who passed away earlier this week in Wichita Falls. John was in his nineties. Gary Garner led us in the pledge to our flag and the Texas flag, which was followed by the invocation given by Wayne Scott.

Greg Bova talked on Reciprocity and how to carry a firearm when traveling state to state, which states to avoid and what to do when confronted by a law officer. The unanswered question still remains, what happens if your state is Constitutional Carry and you travel to a state which recognizes our license but does require a license. Ron Miranda, followed with a 20 question quiz (for fun) relating to gun and gun subjects, which was won and a free breakfast by James Dugger.

Dave was asked to explain and take any questions regarding the monthly financial report. There were no questions.

George was asked if anything was new with the website and he explained that the scholarship application was now on the site and ready for use. The question arose about signing the application and it was agreed that a typed signature would suffice, for now. Any applications received at the info@hawks email address should be forwarded to Greg Bova.

Ron asked if the members would like to have the previous minutes read, a motion was made by Ron Smith, seconded by James Dugger to forgo the reading, motion carried. The Casino Night was a success and banked $11,500 for their effort. It was mentioned that Gus, the Main St. manager may ask the VIPs to act as crossing guards at the former cross walk from the depot to Market St.

Ron reported on the Range Report and said that we have raised almost $500 for the Wednesday morning shoot. It is being attended by from 9 to 15 guys each morning and having fun shooting together.

Greg discussed the upcoming gun show and outdoor expo including a swap meet, bar-b-q cook-off, outdoor games and more. Gary agreed to head up the cook off and asked the club to appropriate $200 to cover expenses. Motion was made by James Morris, seconded by Roman Eble to authorize the expense money, motion carried. Gary asked for four volunteers to help. Greg, James Morris, Wayne and Ed Hoying volunteered to help. Greg then asked the members to finalize the sign-up sheet for the gun show.

Sheriff Tom told the club about two tragedies to county employees, Jenica Turner, who lost a son, James, in a traffic accident and Kelli Price who lost their home and all contents to a house fire.

After one hour and eleven minutes the meeting was adjourned.

ADENDUM TO MINUTES

On Friday, March 3, 2017 Wayne Scott, James Morris, Johnny Wetzel, Roman Eble, Greg Bova and Ron Miranda met with attorney Larry Wright, at his office, to discuss and plan the establishment of a separate organization to be called Friends of HAWKS for the purpose of dispersing monies to the HAWKS' scholarship program and any other charities that the HAWKS may wish to contribute to and the ability to offer a tax deduction to donors to Friends of HAWKS. A board of directors was selected to begin the set-up and a secretary was selected to keep records.  This group would be charged with establishing the by-laws for this organization.

Ron Miranda Secretary for HAWKS

2 March1836 Texas declares independence

by William Rogers

During the Texas Revolution, a convention of American Texans meets at Washington-on-the-Brazos and declares the independence of Texas from Mexico. The delegates chose David Burnet as provisional president and confirmed Sam Houston as the commander in chief of all Texan forces. The Texans also adopted a constitution. Meanwhile, in San Antonio, Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s siege of the Alamo continued, and the fort’s 185 or so American defenders waited for the final Mexican assault.

In 1820, Moses Austin, a U.S. citizen, asked the Spanish government in Mexico for permission to settle in sparsely populated Texas. Land was granted, but Austin died soon thereafter, so his son, Stephen F. Austin, took over the project. In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain, and Austin negotiated a contract with the new Mexican government that allowed him to lead some 300 families to the Brazos River. Under the terms of the agreement, the settlers were to be Catholics, but Austin mainly brought Protestants from the southern United States. Other U.S. settlers arrived in succeeding years, and the Americans soon outnumbered the resident Mexicans. In 1826, a conflict between Mexican and American settlers led to the Freedonia Rebellion, and in 1830 the Mexican government took measures to stop the influx of Americans. In 1833, Austin, who sought statehood for Texas in the Mexican federation, was imprisoned after calling on settlers to declare it without the consent of the Mexican congress. He was released in 1835.

In 1834, Santa Anna, a soldier and politician, became dictator of Mexico and sought to crush rebellions in Texas and other areas. In October 1835, Anglo residents of Gonzales, 50 miles east of San Antonio, responded to Santa Anna’s demand that they return a cannon loaned for defense against Indian attack by discharging it against the Mexican troops sent to reclaim it. The Mexicans were routed in what is regarded as the first battle of the Texas Revolution. The American settlers set up a provisional state government, and a Texan army under Sam Houston won a series of minor battles in the fall of 1835.

In December, Texas volunteers commanded by Ben Milam drove Mexican troops out of San Antonio and settled in around the Alamo, a mission compound adapted to military purposes around 1800. In January 1836, Santa Anna concentrated a force of several thousand men south of the Rio Grande, and Sam Houston ordered the Alamo abandoned. Colonel James Bowie, who arrived at the Alamo on January 19, realized that the fort’s captured cannons could not be removed before Santa Anna’s arrival, so he remained entrenched with his men. By delaying Santa Anna’s forces, he also reasoned, Houston would have more time to raise an army large enough to repulse the Mexicans. On February 2, Bowie and his 30 or so men were joined by a small cavalry company under Colonel William Travis, bringing the total number of Alamo defenders to about 140. One week later, the frontiersman Davy Crockett arrived in command of 14 Tennessee Mounted Volunteers.

WEB REPORT by George Brown

The electronic application has been added to the web page. It has been tested and is working. It is now entering a phase called beta testing. This simply means that while it is being used, I will be watching it closely to see if any problems develop. In view of this process I would appreciate it if as many of you who wish to participate would fill out a fake application and send it to me. If we do this it will be a good test for this feature under actual operating conditions.

The following is a partial reprint of a set of directions that I sent to Amy Black at Winnsboro High School. The electronic app is located in a submenu under the scholarship application. Go to the community activities tab, put your mouse on the scholarship menu when it appears, and you will see the electronic application submenu pop up. Click on the electronic application submenu and a new page with a link to the electronic application will open. Click on that link and the new application will open. The applicant can then answer the required questions on the application.

There are two essay type questions on the application. These essays can be completed in MS Word, or some other type of text application, then named and saved to your computer, and attached to the application via the browse button which is associated with each essay question. Since there are two essays, each essay must have a unique name in order for it to attach properly, and you must attach an essay in order for the app to be sent. There is a spam filter at the bottom, just above the send button. Before clicking send, the applicant should type in the text that appears in the window of the spam filter. This may have to be done twice, before the filter allows the application to be sent. The application should be submitted via the send button at the bottom. The reset button will erase everything in the application, so that should not be used unless there is some leftover material from a previous applicant. For the rest of this school year, the two methods of filling out applications will run concurrently, but next year we plan to use the electronic application exclusively.

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HAWK’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

             FEBRUARY 2017

Minutes for HAWKS Business Meeting by RON MIRANDA

President Bova opened the meeting at 6 pm, by asking Sgt. at Arms Garner to lead us in the Pledge of the U.S. and Texas, and then asked Wayne Scott to offer the Invocation.

One health concern was acknowledged, James Garner, Gary's son has just come through surgery.

Wayne introduced Odie Hitt, among many law enforcement credentials; he currently is the Secretary for the Texas State Rifle Association. Mr. Hitt addressed and answered questions concerning gun law proposals by the new Texas Legislature, spending the majority of the time addressing House Bill 375, commonly known as “Constitutional Carry.

One thing Mr. Hitt warned us of, was that Michael Bloomberg, former New York Mayor and staunch anti-gun advocate is now financing full-time anti-gun lobbies to harass Democrats that are easily swayed into voting against any pro-gun legislation.

Greg introduced Larry Murphy who mentioned his sponsor, Ken Pescod, gave him a handout from HAWKS and convinced him he needed to join us.

Dave noted that there were errors in the current financial report that monies collected at the Wednesday shooting event were for the General fund or Scholarships, when it should have been earmarked for prizes for the shooting tournament held towards the end of the year. Dave said he would refigure and email to the members. It is still necessary to give the Scholarship Committee a budget to work with for the coming year to plan with. Ron Smith commented on how the money collected on a weekly basis was to be used, by the Shooting Committee. Dave proposed that a budget of $4,500.00 be proposed for use for Scholarships. James Morris made the motion and James Dugger seconded, proposal passed.

George was called on to report on website changes and explained the form to fill out a request for Scholarships and that it will stream live to the Scholarship Committee. When it is operational forms can be sent to the committee at an email address chosen by the scholarship committee. Greg continued by promoting our website with advertising capabilities to generate income.

Greg introduced the idea of creating a separate corporation to handle only donations earmarked for charities. Ron continued explaining the way to set up the 501 c/3 and asked the membership if they wanted to continue setting it up. Wendall added that this was a club effort and everyone should be committed to promoting for the purpose of getting donations for the Friends of HAWKS. Wayne suggested that we table the 501 c/3 probe until we can get a board in place, with that James Morris volunteered to be treasurer and Wayne withdrew his motion. A vote was called for on the original motion to set in motion the formation of “Friends of HAWKS”, which will be a 501 c/3 organization. Al Andersen moved to proceed with the formation and Tom Castloo seconded the motion, which carried, unanimously.

Ron was called on for a motion to accept the minutes from the January, 2017 meeting as written in the newsletter and posted on the website. Robbie moved we accept the minutes, seconded by Rob Tubbs, motion carried. Poker night was announced for February 23rd at Miranda's Man Cave. He then announced Casino Night, for February 25th and sponsored by the Friends of the Animal Shelter.

Wayne announced he had tickets for the Friends of the NRA banquet in March at the Winnsboro Civic Center. Tickets can be obtained from Wayne or Ray Hollingsworth at B&H Pump and Supply Co.

James Dugger announced the “Wild Game Night” free dinner at the Pine Street Baptist Church Monday February 6th at 6 pm.

Jimmy Doonan asked about why the dues had been raised to $48 when it was apparent that an increase was not needed to keep the club afloat. Jim Doonan moved that the dues be moved back to the original $30 amount effective at the annual meeting, seconded by Rob Tubbs, discussion was called for, motion to revert back to $30 annual dues was denied.

The meeting was then adjourned.

NOTES ON A 501C/3 ORGANIZATION by RON MIRANDA

NOTE: With regards to the 501 (c) (3) application according to IRS.gov., the new form 1023 EZ which is 3 pages long compared to the standard 26 pages, 70% of all applicants qualify to use the new streamlined form. Most organizations with gross receipts of $50,000 or less and assets of $250,000 or less are eligible. We fall under both of these guidelines.

501 (c) (3) versus 501 (c) (7)

The purpose of a c/3 is religious, educational, literary, charitable or scientific – the c/7 is pleasure, recreational or social.

The benefits of being a 501 (c) (3) is; being tax exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3) and the ability to accept donations and contributions that are tax deductible to the donor. Exempt from federal and/or state corporate taxes. Possible exemption from state sales taxes (varies state to state) and the ability to apply for grants and other public and private allocations available only to IRS recognized 501 (c) (3) organizations.

With benefits come restrictions;

Must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501 (c) (3) and none of its earnings may inure to any shareholder or individual.

It may NOT be an action organization. (May not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial portion of its activities and may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.

The organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests.

Section 501(c) (3) organizations are restricted in how much political and legislative lobbying activities they may conduct.

According to IRS publication 557 in the Organization Reference Chart a 501(c) (3) is religious, educational, charitable, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, to foster national or international amateur sports competition or prevention of cruelty to children or animal organizations.

Ron Miranda

Secretary for HAWKS

WEB REPORT by GEORGE BROWN 

The new electronic application for the college scholarships is a work in progress, and I expect it to be finished soon. In the meantime the graduating seniors can still utilize the printed copy that is still on the web page. Since we are starting this project rather late in the year, and in order to avoid confusing the students, I would recommend that we leave the original application in place for the remainder of the year. When the new application is ready, I will give it its own page on the web site. At that point, the students can use either one; we can then discontinue the original application page at the end of this school year, and continue with only the new application next year.

Regarding the creation of a new 501c/3 organization, which will be called Friends of Hawks, I would recommend that it have its own web page. Because of the strict rules imposed by the IRS on 501c/3 organizations, I think it wise to keep as much distance as possible between the Hawks and the Friends of Hawks. I am sure that Neal will be happy to create a new web page for Friends of Hawks. When we are ready to proceed, if the members agree, I will speak to him about it.

The project to support our scholarship fund by selling advertising space on our web site is still active, but proceeding slowly. I will keep the members posted on any progress.

COWBOY CELEBRITY CHARLES SIRINGO byWilliam Rogers

Charles Siringo, one of the most famous contemporary chroniclers of the cowboy life, is born in Matagorda County, Texas.

When Siringo was only 30 years old, he published the first authentic autobiographical account of the cowboy life, A Texas Cowboy, or Fifteen Years on the Hurricane Deck of a Spanish Cow Pony. The book was an immediate success and played a pivotal role in creating the enduring American fascination with the Western cowboy.

Unlike some of the subsequent popular accounts of western ranching written by eastern greenhorns, Siringo based his memoir on his authentic experiences as a Texas cowboy. While still only a teen, Siringo had registered a brand and begun building his own ranch by the then still acceptable practice of claiming “mavericks,” unbranded cows wandering the open range. Siringo was never able to build much of a herd, but his years spent on trail drives and roundups provided perfect material for a genuine, if somewhat romantic, portrait of the short-lived golden era of the open range.

A few years before he wrote A Texas Cowboy, Siringo had abandoned the footloose cowboy life to become a husband and storekeeper in Caldwell, Kansas. Siringo, though, seemed incapable of staying out of the action for long. In 1886, he hired on as a detective for the infamous Pinkerton National Detective Agency. Working out of the Pinkerton’s Denver office, Siringo’s career as a detective for hire was every bit as dramatic as his earlier years on the open range. In 1892, he infiltrated the radical labor movement in the mining region near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where conflicts with management had become bitterly violent.

Around the turn of the century, Siringo spent four years pursuing the famous Wild Bunch at the behest of the railroad companies angered by the gangs’ repeated train robberies. Siringo traveled more than 25,000 miles around the West chasing after Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and other gang members. When Cassidy and the Sundance Kid fled to South America, the Pinkertons finally forced Siringo to abandon the case.

In 1907, Siringo left the Pinkertons and turned again to writing about his past adventures. In 1912, he published A Cowboy Detective, an account of his 20-year career as a detective. Three years later, Siringo attacked the often violent and illegal Pinkerton methods he had witnessed in Two Evil Isms: Pinkertonism and Anarchism. Legal threats from the Pinkertons forced him to eliminate such overt attacks from his subsequent books, and he instead returned to the Wild West themes that had won him his first success.

Siringo lived out his later years in California, and died in 1928 at the age of 73.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HAWK’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

JANUARY 2017

Minutes for January Business Meeting by Ron Miranda Secretary for HAWKS---January 5, 2017

President Bova rapped the opening gavel at 6:01 pm., where he welcomed any guests and new members and introduced Wood County Sheriff Tom Castloo as our newest member.

Gary Garner led the group in the Pledge to the U.S. and Texas Flag. Wayne Scott followed with the Invocation and Greg addressed the members with health concerns.

Our evening speaker and new member, Sheriff Tom Castloo was introduced and gave us an accounting of the concerns of Wood County law enforcement and the state of the Sheriff's office along with goals and projections for his upcoming term. Tom's personal concerns are the growing Meth trade and cell phones which are destroying the family unit. (I experienced this, this weekend with my own grandkids.)

Treasurer Dave gave a brief report on our financial position, there were no questions, the report was accepted.

Webmaster George was asked about any new ideas and he explained that he was considering soliciting gun manufacturers and dealers to see if they would be interested in advertising on our website. He said he would look into it and consult with Neal Duncan our site builder. Wayne moved to authorize George to contact people for info, James Morris seconded, vote passed.

Secretary Ron #1 announced that today is John Bowling's birthday; we all wish him many happy returns. There were no minutes from December as there was no meeting. The current dues of $48 annual were discussed as being too high but the members decided to keep them at the current level. Ron asked each member to take a hand out with the hope that we can increase our membership. He then, asked for suggestions to revise or replace the current raffle program siting a declining interest in raffles and more and more competing raffles. If the members have any suggestions regarding fund raising please pass them along so we can consider them for the future. In addition we will be looking into setting up a 501 c/3 status for the club similar to the “Friends of the Animal Shelter”. Dennis Morey has taken over Troop 180 of the Boy Scouts and as a project are building a library at Whispering Pines Nursing Home and is asking for a donation of books, hard bound or paper backed to stock it. The Chamber of Commerce is having a banquet which will be catered by “The Rooster” and have tables for sale for $100 each and seats six people, if you would like to get a group together and buy a table it could be a fun evening, which is January 26th starting at 6pm. The Friends of the Animal Shelter is selling sponsorship of a table at the Casino Night at the Civic Center on February 25th beginning at 6:30 pm. Ron moved that the club buy a $300 sponsorship James seconded and the vote carried. (it was later determined that we would be sponsoring the Black Jack table)

Greg called for a re-imbursement of $500 to Wayne Scott for covering our late donation to the WVFD for the Toys for Tots program, Jimmy Chiles moved to accept and Ron #2 seconded, motion carried.

To eliminate this delay from happening again it is suggested that the bylaws be amended from requiring a ten day notification time period to call a special meeting to five days. James moved to accept and Gary seconded, motion carried a 2/3rds majority to amend the bylaws.

The Scholarship Committee was addressed and solidified at seven people, Dave suggested the existing committee meet and select a chair and vice chair, then added Peter Thieme and Tom Castloo to the committee which brought to the count to nine members.

Jimmy Chiles announced the Sig Sauer monthly drawing for a free firearm give away on the Sig website. James Dugger announced that the Pine St. Baptist Church is having a free Wild Game supper the first Monday night in February at their facility. The January meeting was adjourned.

Note: following the meeting of the scholarship committee Ken Watts was selected to chair the committee and John Bowling was retained as vice chair.

In 1865 one of the last Confederate generals surrenders by Bill Rogers

Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith, commander of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi division, surrenders on this day in 1865, second to the last Confederate generals to capitulate. Smith, who had become commander of the area in January 1863, was charged with keeping the Mississippi River open to the Southerners. Smith later conducted the resistance to the Union’s failed Red River campaign of 1864. When the Confederate forces under Robert E. Lee and Joseph Johnston surrendered in the spring of 1865, Smith continued to resist with his small army in Texas. On May 26, General Simon Buckner, acting for Smith, met with Union officers in New Orleans to arrange the surrender of Smith’s force under terms similar to Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, Virginia. Smith reluctantly agreed, and officially laid down his arms at Galveston on June 2. Smith himself fled to Mexico, and then to Cuba, before returning to Virginia in November 1865 to sign an amnesty oath. He was the last surviving full Confederate general until his death in 1893. Only CSA general Stand Waite surrendered after Kirby Smith.

I found this story especially interesting since I attended Kirby smith elementary school in Gainesville Florida for the first, second, and third grades. George.

An interesting history lesson by James Morris

Wonder why we didn't learn about this in school?  I bet no one is learning it today either.  After all, history is being rewritten, I'm told.

WHO WAS THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?

Think back to your history books - The United States declared its independence in 1776, yet George Washington did not take office until April 30, 1789. So who was running the country during these initial years of our young country? In fact, the first President of the United States was named John Hanson! I can hear you now -John who? John Hanson, was the first President of The United States.   Check Google for more detailed information. There was also a U.S. stamp made in his honor. The new country was actually formed on March 1, 1781 with the adoption of The Articles of Confederation. This document was actually proposed on June 11, 1776, but not agreed upon by Congress until November 15, 1777. Maryland refused to sign this document until Virginia and New York ceded their western lands (Maryland was afraid that these states would gain too much power in the new government from such large amounts of land).   Once the signing took place in 1781, a President was needed to run the country. John Hanson was chosen unanimously by Congress (which included George Washington). In fact, all the other potential candidates refused to run against him, as he was a major player in the revolution and an extremely influential member of Congress.   As the first President, Hanson had quite the shoes to fill. No one had ever been President and the role was poorly defined. His actions in office would set precedent for all future Presidents. He took office just as the Revolutionary War ended. Almost immediately, the troops demanded to be paid. As would be expected after any long war, there were no funds to meet the salaries. As a result, the soldiers threatened to overthrow the new government and put Washington on the throne as a monarch.   All the members of Congress ran for their lives, leaving Hanson as the only guy left running the government. He somehow managed to calm the troops down and hold the country together. If he had failed, the government would have fallen almost immediately and everyone would have been bowing to King Washington.   Hanson, as President, ordered all foreign troops off American soil, as well as the removal of all foreign flags. This was quite the feat, considering the fact that so many European countries had a stake in the United States since the days following Columbus.   Hanson established the Great Seal of the United States, which all Presidents have since been required to use on all official documents. President Hanson also established the first Treasury Department, the first Secretary of War, and the first Foreign Affairs Department. Lastly, he declared that the fourth Thursday of every November was to be Thanksgiving Day, which is still true today.   The Articles of Confederation only allowed a President to serve a one year term during any three year period, so Hanson actually accomplished quite a bit in such little time.  Seven other presidents were elected after him:   1. John Hanson 2. Elias Boudinot (1782-83), 3. Thomas Mifflin (1783-84), 4. Richard Henry Lee (1784-85), 5. John Hancock (1785-86), 6. Nathan Gorman (1786-87), 7. Arthur St. Clair (1787-88), and 8. Cyrus Griffin (1788-89), ...all served prior to George Washington ever taking office.   So what happened? Why don't we hear about the first eight presidents? It's quite simple - The Articles of Confederation didn't work well. The individual states had too much power and nothing could be agreed upon. A new doctrine needed to be written - something we know as the Constitution.   And that leads us to the end of our story. George Washington definitely was not the first President of the United States. He was the first President of the United States under the Constitution we follow today.   And the first eight Presidents have been forgotten in history.   YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A LOVER OF HISTORY TO APPRECIATE THIS!!   There you are - another lesson in U.S. History and you may have learned something new today.

WEB REPORT by George Brown

As Ron pointed out in the minutes, we are considering selling advertising space on our web site to gun companies and dealers. I contacted Neal by email and arranged a meeting with him to discuss the matter. The ads will be placed using a banner system, and there will be no extra charge. I will keep the members posted on developments.

The bylaws on the web have been changed to reflect the new 5 day notification period.

A link to the Sig Saur gun give away has been added to the web, just go to the link, type in a little information, and you will be eligible for the drawing.

Flyers about the Casino night have been added to the events section under community activities.

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