20130727 Exec Ldrship Min.wpd - Mormon Battalion Association

Mormon Battalion Association
Minutes – Executive Staff Meeting
10:00 AM, Saturday, 24 January 2015
LTC Max Jamison Residence, 2854 N. Augusta Drive
Lehi, UT 84043
The Mormon Battalion Association Executive Staff meets at least once per quarter on the third Saturday the month at 10:00 am, except when that
day is a holiday or conflicts with another event. In that case, the meeting will be re-scheduled and the Executive Staff will be notified of the
change. Members of the public are invited to attend. Policy: As with U.S. Congressional minutes, anyone can read appropriate items into the
minutes, but – in the interest of expediency – we will only discuss those items the Executive Staff deems necessary. Also, detailed discussion of
Action Items will be referenced to equivalent sections in Membership Reports, Member Advisory Committee Reports, and New Business.
Executive Staff Attendance: The following were present: LTC Max W. Jamison (Battalion Commander), COL
Jerome G. Gourley (Battalion Commander’s Chief Advisor), and Margaret Larson (Membership Officer). Excused:
COL Carl V. Larson (Battalion Executive Officer), MAJ Val John Halford (Quartermaster/Logistics Officer), MAJ
Clark Olsen (Community Relations Liaison), and Steven L. Rinehart (Judge Advocate General).
Leadership and Guest Attendance: James Waite (Board of Directors), Kevin Henson (Senior Historian), CPT
Blaine Bachman (Commander of Albuquerque unit), David Jamiel (Commander of Colorado unit), and “Cap”
Cressup (Southern California unit).
Welcome / Call to Order / Recognize Guests / Administrative Items
Invocation
LTC Max W. Jamison
Margaret Larson
Pledge of Allegiance
None
Minutes of 22 November Annual Business Meeting – Reviewed and Approved
General Business:
!Recognition & Awards
Death of former Battalion Commander, COL Elmer B. Jones, at home on 14 November 2014. Funeral Services
were held at Noon, Tuesday, 18 November 2014, in the Foothill 3rd Ward, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, 1933 S. 2100 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. The Mormon Battalion Honor Guard included COL Carl V.
Larson, LTC Max W. Jamison, and MAJ Val John Halford, plus President Erma Bullock, MAJ Richard Bullock, and
CPT Jerry Anderson from Friends of the Battalion, an associate organization. He was interred that day in the
Wasatch Lawn Cemetery, 3401 Highland Drive, Holladay, Utah.
Death of former Battalion Commander, COL Norman T. Erekson at home on 20 December 2014. Funeral
Services were held at 11:00 AM, 30 December 2014, in the Monte Vista Ward, The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, 3845 S. 2000 West, Roy, Utah. The Mormon Battalion Honor Guard included PVT Rock
Erekson (dressed in his father’s uniform), LTC Max W. Jamison, MAJ Roger Grua, MAJ Clark Olsen, MAJ Val John
Halford, and CPT Robert Olson. He was interred that day in the City Cemetery, Richmond, Utah.
!Service Opportunities
9 numerous member advisory committees
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!Pro je c t Re q u e s t Fo rm s
9No Project Request Forms and Annual Budget Request Forms have been received from local units. We welcome your
input on a list of potential projects in which local units can become involved. We need these forms for historical
and IRS documentation purposes.
!Action Item Review
Leadership:
9All: Recruit civic and community leaders to serve on our new Board of Directors.
9All: Find viable candidates to run for offices of Battalion Commander (e x o ffic io President of Board) and
Battalion Executive Officer (e x o ffic io Vice President of Board) in September-October 2014, who will
stand for election for two years.
9 LTC Jamison: Create and send cover letter, Membership Forms, and Nomination Forms to all current and former
members for general elections. In process, thought significantly slowed by Ltc Jamison’s recent illness.
9All: Recruit and vet a new Chief Finance Officer, preferably a CPA already familiar with QuickBooks. No
report.
Recruiting:
9COL and Mrs Larson, James Waite: Visit with CPT James Hansen to reactivate Logan Squad (aka “D” Company).
Journals Transcription:
9COL Larson and Kevin Henson: Request/create new transcripts of original Battalion journals. Many journals are
still in possession of descendant families. Once journals are located, seek opportunities to authenticate current
transcriptions and/or retranscribe them, and then post results on website for public use. Kevin Henson: See
Historical Committee report below.
Graves Memorialization:
9COL Gourley, COL Larson, MAJ Olsen, and Kevin Henson: No report.
9COL Larson, LTC Jamison, and Kevin Henson: Locate living descendants of Lewis Dent and Dr. George
Sanderson to invite to graves memorialization. COL Larson to research placing ad in local St. Louis newspaper.
See Graves Memorialization Committee report below.
9COL Larson and Kevin Henson: Locate living descendants of Thomas P. Dutcher and William Reynalds
(Reynolds) in Michigan to invite to graves memorialization. Contact historical organizations in Michigan. No
report.
Mormon Battalion Historic Trails Award:
9 Kevin Henson: Create a small committee to redesign patch and update requirements list, booklet, and
appropriate bibliographic/resource documentation and provide to the BSA National Trails Office, the LDS/BSA
Relations Office, and the Battalion’s webmaster for use on their websites. This committee should make a diligent
search of the internet to identify the sources of outdated copies of the Award and replace them with links to the
new Award on the Mormon Battalion Association website. See Historical Committee report below.
9 COL Gourley: Ask Elder D. Todd Christofferson to find General Authority contact to coordinate LDS
participation in BSA Mormon Battalion Trail Award after Mormon Battalion Association takes over. No report.
Website Release 3.0:
9 LTC Jamison and Website Design Member Advisory Committee: Continue design of Release 3.0 of our website.
Working with i4 Solutions to finalize long awaited Release 3.0. Nearly complete. Members are welcome to preview the website at
http://mormonbattalion.com.i4test.com and offer suggestions.
9 COL Larson: Insert “Database of the Mormon Battalion” under the “Original Battalion Roster” tab. Add tab
entitled “Annals of the Mormon Battalion,” which is a merged, day by day history of 26 Battalion journals, diaries,
and autobiographies written by original Battalion members. Need to determine how to protect copyrights, while permitting
downloading and copying from website.
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!Membership Reports
1. Board of Directors: No report.
Associate Organization Reports:
1. Battalion Trek – Kevin Henson: No report.
3. Friends of the Battalion - Erma Bullock: No report.
4. Mormon Battalion Arizona (Mesa Company) – Cpt Gary L. Smith: No report. (Very active with Christmas
Camp activities.)
5. Mormon Battalion Volunteers, Utah Living History Association – MAJ Val John Halford: No report.
6. Sierra Nevada Mormon Pioneers – Peter D. Guilbert: Received numerous reports. We have discussed their
presenting our Battalion Eagle Scout slides in their area.
7. Sons of Utah Pioneers: Received monthly report.
Local Unit Reports:
Headquarters (HHC) Company – MAJ Clark Olsen: No report.
Utah North Platoon – CPT Robert Olson: MAJ Olsen, MAJ Halford, and CPT Olson have made numerous
Eagle Scout presentations. Participated in Honor Guard at COL Erekson’s funeral.
Eastern Idaho Squad – CPT Thomas Griggs: No report.
Logan Squad (aka “D” Company) – CPT James Hansen: No report.
Ogden Section (aka “C” Company): No report.
Salt Lake Squad (aka “A” and “B” Companies): COL Larson and LTC Jamison have made several Eagle
Scout presentations.
Utah South Platoon – LTC Jerry Harris: No report.
Albuquerque Squad – CPT Blaine Bachman: No report.
Cedar City Squad – CPT Robert Tingey: CPT Tingey has made several Eagle Scout presentations.
St. George Squad (aka Dixie Company) – CPT Robert Wood: CPT Wood has made a number of Eagle
Scout Slide presentations.
White Mountain Squad – CPT David Crockett: No report.
Field Company – CPT Lynn Tegland: No report.
California Detached Section – LTC Frank Szeles: Invited all to attend the Annual Pioneer Day on 31 January
2015 in San Diego Old Town.
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California South Squad (aka “B” Company) – No report.
Arizona Detached Section – LTC Lloyd Smith: No report.
Yuma Squad – CPT Gary L. Smith: No report.
Colorado Detached Squad: David Jamiel: On 5-6 December, I took part in an activity at Bents Old Fort
National Historic Site in La Junta, Colorado. I was in costume and
portrayed a member of the Mormon Battalion Sick detachment who
was at the fort to draw supplies for the sick detachment at Pueblo,
Colorado. Approximately 1,000 visitor toured the Fort over the two
day period. I had the opportunity to speak to many of them. I told
folks that I was part of that detachment and was at the Fort waiting to
draw rations for the detachment. Everyone I spoke to had no
knowledge that there were Mormons in Colorado in 1846-47 and that
it was the first American settlement in what would become the State of
Colorado.
I also will be giving a program for the Aravda Stake Single Adult
fireside on 26 January. It is a presentation that speaks to the how
resources and individuals were placed in the right places at the right
time between 1846 and 1852 that enabled Church members to
successfully cross the continent to California and settle the Salt Lake
Valley. The talk focuses on the Brooklyn Saints, Mississippi Saints &
Mormon Battalion members at Pueblo and the main vanguard
company's arrival in the SLV and Church leaders ultimate selection of
where to establish the city. I then ask the question; were these people
and resources being in the right places at the right times coincidence or
providence? I am hoping to do more of these types of programs in the
future.
One result of doing these programs is that several other historic interpreters (mostly non-Mormons) have
expressed an interest in joining me in doing Mormon Battalion programs along the East Rocky Mountain Front
Range. I'll let you know how things develop. I am sorry that I have not been able to take part in the phone
conference meetings. The past six months have been extremely busy. However, please keep me in the loop. I
hope that 2015 will bring you many blessings.
!Membership Advisory Committee Reports:
1. Battalion Flag Committee – Mike Anderson, Chair: No report.
2. Graves Memorialization Committee – COL Carl V. Larson, Chair: Kevin Henson: We need to develop a
comprehensive list of “lost souls” who need markers. Here I’m primarily interested in the guys lost out on the plains
and mountains. With the assistance of Ft Leavenworth National Cemetery, we hope to be able to obtain markers for
all the other Battalion enlistees who perished on the way. Perhaps this also could be a 2016 effort around the nation.
I’m in contact with the Ft Leavenworth PAO in hopes he will help steer this effort – to get people involved.
a. Dr. George Sanderson – Kevin Henson: The journal transcription is finished. Assistance by the Larson’s and
Laura Anderson (Church History Library volunteer working on her own time) has been wonderful. The UofU
indicates they have someone “under contract” to research and publish the journal, so I’m going to go softly for
awhile longer (late in the year). If nothing happens, then I will publish. Until then, the journal should stay under
wraps with very limited distribution. I am preparing an edited version to include what we’ve learned about the
Sanderson family and Dr. Sanderson. The hope is to provide some additional information and lines of research for
others to follow. We are in contact with Ft Leavenworth seeking assistance to obtain and emplace an appropriate
marker for Dr. Sanderson and his family. Currently there is only a very sad, acid-rain etched and broken marker
with no indication of who lies beneath. We will pursue working with the MO State Historical Society to develop a
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mini-symposium in 2016. Would appreciate the MBA’s opinion on a ‘best time’ of year to hold such a symposia
(best time to travel, etc.).
b. Milton Smith – No report.
c. Thomas P. Dutcher and William Reynalds (Reynolds) – No report.
3. Historians Committee – Kevin Henson, Chair:
a. Journals Transcription: Both on-line and offline texts are being identified. .
b. Dorothy Boyle’s Art Project at UVU: No report.
4. Membership Committee – Margaret Larson, Chair: No report.
5. Scouting Relations Committee – MAJ Clark Olson, Chair:
a. Mormon Battalion Historic Trails Award – Kevin Henson:
• Requirements – just getting started - This is the most difficult part for me because I see the need for a major
revision of both requirements and the tenor of the requirements. An analysis of the existing requirements is
being prepared with some recommendations. This will receive extensive discussion with others. A proposal
for new requirements should be forthcoming within a couple of months. What requirements are chosen, will,
of course, determine what additional supporting documentation and resources we will need to provide. Some
are obvious and I’m starting to pull together some of those materials; to wit:
• History of the Battalion – just getting started - I’ve asked for permission to use a previously published article as a
‘jumping off’ point for the Battalion’s history. Awaiting response. We will need a group to review the
“History” to ensure it helps achieve the stated requirements. [subcommittee]
• Journal & Bibliographic resources – underway – Both on-line and offline texts are being identified. [subcommittee]
• Foods List – almost completed - You’ve seen a preliminary version and I’ve gotten some good ‘feed’ back from
Randy Madsen which is being incorporating into the chart. Those pursuing the hike/campout requirement will
have ready access to a referenced food list. Depending upon their desires, they can go ‘easy’ or ‘hard core’ on
the foods they eat.
• Equipment – not sure – MAJ Halford’s work could be expanded with better illustrations/photos and updates on
new research.
• Museum/Key locations – not begun – we need to develop a revised listing. [subcommittee]
• Maps – underway – this will be an offshoot of my on-line trail project. A topographic layer is being included for
groups to print out their local trail. They will then have to obtain permission as necessary.
6. Men’s Uniform Committee – MAJ Val John Halford, Chair: No report.
7. Women’s Dress Committee – Kayla Willey and Wendy Sorenson, Co-chairs: No report.
!Continental Support Staff Reports:
1. Quartermaster/Logistics Report – MAJ Halford: No report.
2. Acting Finance Officer Report – LTC Jamison: Our financial status continues to improve. A separate
monthly finance report is being emailed to the Board of Directors and Executive Staff. Current bill from i4
Solutions for website Release 3.0 is now just under $1,000.00. We may have to assist the anonymous donor with this
bill.
New Business
(Open to Floor)
Lecture by Dr. Lyman:
BG Ashley Hall, a member of our Board of Directors and Chairman of the Old Spanish Trails Association, attended
a presentation/lecture by Dr. Lyman, a professor in St. George, Utah, on the effect of the Mormon Battalion on the
Spanish Trails. LTC Jamison asked him to approach Dr. Lyman about posting the lecture on the Battalion website.
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Defacement of Mormon Battalion Marker in New Mexico:
CPT Blaine Bachman reported that someone chipped off some words from Mormon Battalion marker, and will look
into replacing it. The general question of how best to protect and replace monument markers and graves
memorializations from defacement, destruction, and being stolen.
Action Items:
Leadership:
9All: Recruit civic and community leaders to serve on our new Board of Directors.
9All: Find viable candidates to run for offices of Battalion Commander (e x o ffic io President of Board) and
Battalion Executive Officer (e x o ffic io Vice President of Board) in September-October 2014, who will
stand for election for two years.
9 LTC Jamison: Create and send cover letter, Membership Forms, and Nomination Forms to all current and former
members for general elections.
9All: Recruit and vet a new Chief Finance Officer, preferably a CPA already familiar with QuickBooks. No
report.
9 COL Gourley and James Waite: Contact other Board members to determine when next Board Meeting will be
held.
Recruiting:
9COL and Mrs Larson, James Waite: Visit with CPT James Hansen to reactivate Logan Squad (aka “D” Company).
Journals Transcription:
9COL Larson and Kevin Henson: Request/create new transcripts of original Battalion journals. Many journals are
still in possession of descendant families. Once journals are located, seek opportunities to authenticate current
transcriptions and/or retranscribe them, and then post results on website for public use.
Graves Memorialization:
9COL Gourley, COL Larson, MAJ Olsen, and Kevin Henson: No report.
9COL Larson, LTC Jamison, and Kevin Henson: Locate living descendants of Lewis Dent and Dr. George
Sanderson to invite to graves memorialization. COL Larson to research placing ad in local St. Louis newspaper.
9COL Larson and Kevin Henson: Locate living descendants of Thomas P. Dutcher and William Reynalds
(Reynolds) in Michigan to invite to graves memorialization. Contact historical organizations in Michigan.
9 All: Determine how best to protect and replace monument markers and graves memorializations from
defacement, destruction, and being stolen.
Mormon Battalion Historic Trails Award:
9 Kevin Henson: Create a small committee to redesign patch and update requirements list, booklet, and
appropriate bibliographic/resource documentation and provide to the BSA National Trails Office, the LDS/BSA
Relations Office, and the Battalion’s webmaster for use on their websites. This committee should make a diligent
search of the internet to identify the sources of outdated copies of the Award and replace them with links to the
new Award on the Mormon Battalion Association website.
9 Kevin Henson: Rewrite History of the Battalion using previously written article as “jumping off” point.
9 COL Gourley: Ask Elder D. Todd Christofferson to find General Authority contact to coordinate LDS
participation in BSA Mormon Battalion Trail Award after Mormon Battalion Association takes over.
Website Release 3.0:
9 LTC Jamison and Website Design Member Advisory Committee: Continue design of Release 3.0 of our website.
9 All: Preview website at http://mormonbattalion.com.i4test.com and offer suggestions.
9 LTC Jamison and Steven Rinehart: Determine how to protect copyrights, while permitting downloading and
copying from website, collecting fee via PayPal, and forwarding royalties to authors.
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9 COL Larson: Insert “Database of the Mormon Battalion” under the “Original Battalion Roster” tab. Add tab
entitled “Annals of the Mormon Battalion,” which is a merged, day by day history of 26 Battalion journals, diaries,
and autobiographies written by original Battalion members.
9 LTC Jamison: Create new recruiting materials for website to go with Membership Application. Forward copies
to David Jamiel.
Lecture by Dr. Lyman:
9 BG Ashley Hall: Approach Dr. Lyman for copy of lecture to post on the Battalion website.
Closing Remarks & Inspirational Thought
LTC Max W. Jamison
In the past few years, we have seen stalwart members falter and fall by the wayside, even become embittered. My
heart aches for them, even reaches out to them, but we must march on. We have also heard others insist we become
a strictly secular military heritage association. As the salesman exclaims, “But wait, there’s more!” Our very name
suggests that we have a unique dual heritage which includes both secular and spiritual elements. While we welcome
people of faith to our ranks regardless of nationality, race, religion, or creed, we cannot – we must not – forget that
the original Battalion lived out the most solemn Old Testament oath possible as they trekked thousands of miles,
literally “rending their garments” in selfless service to their God, their religion, their freedom, their peace, their
wives, and their children. (See Alma 46:12). Their ragged, tattered clothing became consecrated Titles of Liberty!
We must not forget that a prophet
in our day made the most solemn
and of New Testament oaths
possible, that – “as the Lord lives”
– they would “never be forgotten,
worlds without end, but ...will be
had in honorable remembrance, for
ever and ever” if they but “lived up
to their privileges.” We cannot
forget that another modern prophet called us into existence over 65 years ago to help fulfill that prophesy. We have
not yet been released us from that sacred mission. As Sir Galahad, the mythical knight errant of the Round Table on
his quest for the holy grail, we must strengthen our souls through service to the weak, the poor, and the needy.
Brethren, let us not pass through life immersed in the three W’s: Wearied, Worrying, and Whining. We live
beneath our privileges when we allow worldly anchors to keep us away from the abundant joy that comes from
faithful and dedicated priesthood service.... We live beneath our privileges when we fail to partake of the feast of
happiness, peace, and joy that God grants so bountifully to faithful priesthood servants. (President Dieter F.
Uchdorf, April 2011, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/your-potential-your-privilege.)
We are making definite progress. Our California members are taking tremendous strides. The folks in Southern
California are participating in the annual Pioneer Day on 31 January. The Sierra Nevada Mormon Pioneers are going
to start presenting Eagle slides for us. Our new Colorado members are showing great promise. Our new Historic
Trails patches will be an inspiration to countless youth throughout the world. Our website Release 3.0 is nearing
activation, with many new products and historical data coming online. We cannot – we must not – fail. Brother
Brigham’s challenge rings down through the ages: “Consider the blessings that are laid upon you, will you not live
for them?” Let us resolve anew to “live up to our privileges.”
Benediction / Adjournment
James Waite
Next Executive Staff Meeting:
10:00 AM- Noon, Saturday, 21 February 2015
Residence of LTC Max W. Jamison
2854 N. Augusta Drive
Lehi, UT 84043
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