Texas Voyageur News Volume 67 Issue 1

GRAND CHEFS PASSE

2023 - Present – Keith Reiss Jr.

2022 - Roger Folmar V-605

2021 - John Rodgers V-1031

2019-2020 - Renslar Keagle V-605

*2018 - George Murphy V1031

2016-2017 - Joe McCullough V-542

2014-2015 - David Knutson V-175

2013 - Lowell Mix V-542

2012- Dan Thompson V-1055

*2010-2011-Ronnie Wheeler V-1031

2009- Milton Chatham V-312

*2008- James Fowler V-1031

*2007- Jim Shannon V-1601

*2006- Gabe Cina V-1031

2005- James Overturf V-1031

*2004- David Kjell V-1185

*2003- Howard T. Ray V-542

*2002- Chuck Donaldson V-939

*2001- Jerry Brady V-1055

*2000- Darrell Gibbs V-1031

*1999- Ronnie Wheeler V-1031

*1998- Lanny Givens V-1601

1997- Robert Nagle V-1031

*1996- Norm Rader V-605

*1995- John Thompson V-1031

*1994- Don Barfield V-939

*1993- Henry Martin V-377

*1992- Hugh Brice V-163

*1991- Robert Toon V-1123

*1990- Dale Dillman V-1514

*1989- James Boone V-1077

*1988- Bud Sands V-1096

*1987- Andy Andreko V-1031

*1986- Bill Knox V-605

*1985- John Powell V-542

*1984- Charles Geisenberg V-163

*1983- L. C. Burgett V-377

*1982- Benjamin Reskey V-605

*1981- Ray Lerma V-246

*1980- Eben Smith V-542

*Denotes Deceased

SEE FULL LIST AT at www.texasboxcar.org

From the Grand Chef de Gare Hello Voyageurs!

I want to start off by thanking everyone that was able to make the trip out to Austin for the 75th Anniversary celebration and the Spring Cheminot. It was truly a unique experience and one that will remain in my memories. I would like to recognize and thank a few visitors and guests for their attendance and contributions. Chef de Chemin de Fer Frank Campo, Correspondant National Ron Rolfes, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Consul General Valérie Baraban, Honorary Consul General Liz Wiley, Bruno Cateny of Souvenir Française, Lex Parker of the French Veterans of Texas, Richard Alexander of Alliance Française d’Austin, and Independent Film Director Olivier Chasle. With a very special thank you to Grand Chef Passe David Knutson for his incredible work in setting it up!

During the Spring Cheminot, membership was addressed, and I was challenged in the question “What has changed?” To summarize the question was “Why has Grand du Texas not reached 100% membership after years of 100% membership and 110% membership percentages?”

There is a very simple answer here. Nothing! Nothing has changed and that is why we struggle with membership of the GWOT (Global War on Terror) Veterans. Threeyearsago,IreceivedthesliceofcakeastheyoungestVoyager in attendance at the 40&8 Birthday celebration. This year, as Grand Chef, I received the slice of cake as the youngest Voyager in attendance. This perfectly demonstrates what has changed. We have struggled as an organization to attract GWOT era Veterans, not because of this year, but because of the consistent decline in our events.

We do very little for the generation of Veterans that we are trying to recruit. We need to set up events that Veterans younger than me want to enjoy and provide options for childcare and ensure that spouses feel welcome. I’m here to tell you that it will be hard work, but the future of this Organization depends on it.

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I will also speak on this one time on a disturbing issue and prefer never to do it again. If you are not welcoming younger Voyagers and their spouses in withopenarmsandmakingthem,feelliketheybelong (SINCE THEY DO), you are part of the problem There was some feedback from newer Voyagers that attended their first ever grand event, and it was not very positive. Here are the most concerning of the negative feedback. Voyagers present speaking and being disrespectful during the speech of one of our guests. Officers of Grand and National acting uninterested and being cold/unreceptive towards first time attendees. You get the idea. I personally considered walking away from the organization myself because honestly, I’ve faced quite a bit of disrespect and bitterness that I have no interest in being a part of. I highly encourage all Voyagers to decide if they want to be a part of the future of the Organization and the change that needs to occur for the survival of the Organization. If so, we need to start looking in the mirror about how we are representing the organization to those that are unfamiliar with it. At this moment, I am trying to convince some that attended Spring Cheminot to attend future events because as of right now, they have no interest. I will leave that there.

I was honored and really enjoyed the time that I got to spend with the Chef de Chemin de Fer and Correspondant National. The conversations felt like mentorship and the vision that I heard echoes throughout other states and individual Voyagers. The 40&8 is an elite organization and those invited should demonstrate excellence in their commitment to serve in charitable endeavors.

Central States Promenade came quickly after the Spring Cheminot and an unexpected challenge came with my daughter advancing to the regional competition. This took me away from much of the activities and several stepped up to make our turn hosting Central States successful. Grand Chef de Train Jim Sweeney and Grand Historien Sandy Kousman were a tremendous help as were Renny

Keagle, Roger Folmar, Mike Hall and Alison Thompson-Hall from El Paso. Also helping out were John Rodgers, David and Deborah Knutson. Karen Brady spent a lot of time with us and brought some very special item that belonged to Jerry Brady for the Silent Auction. Folks from the other Central States Grand Voitures were patient with our regrouping and helped out as well. I believe everyone did enjoy their visit and wish I could have been able to be there more.

I close this with a special shout-out to Corpus Christi Voyagers!! They showed up in a large force for the Spring Cheminot and left with a table full of prizes from the raffle! To Grand Chef Passe Knutson, the appreciation that I have for you can never be captured in a sentence. Thank you, Sir, for everything that you have done, and continue to do! Somebody submit this man for Voyager of the Year already!! Keith Reiss Jr.

WEBMASTER NEEDED!

OK Computer Geeks! We are in desperate need of someone to post updates on our Grand du Texas website.

IfyouunderstandWordPress andallthat greatstuffplease contact me. This should be only a few hours a week for someone who knows what they are doing! For me it is trying to remember what I did the last time! Not fun.

Please check out the website at www.texasboxcar.org There is also space for individual locales to post news or photos specific to their locale.

Place at Nationale Membership Deadline is Here

WehadagreatweekwithVoiture689inAmarillojumping up to 100%. A few other renewals or new members submitted brings us to 91% and moved us from 27th place last week to 18th place this week. Keep up the good work. We need to bring inmore membersto grow! Only acouple of months left to get new members in. Any renewals are delinquent since January 1st . Let’s keep moving forward!

Jim Sweeney Grand Chef de Train

Voyageur Q & A

The only dumb question is the one you didn’t ask!

Question: There has got to be a better way to do a monthly reporting cycle for the locales instead of one yearly report. Any suggestions?

Answer: Try using the Voyageur Activities worksheet. Of course, it is ideal if every member would bring a worksheet every month, but not realistic.

You can make it a part of your Locale Promenade to discuss the events since your last promenade. The Locale Chef can also appoint someone for the locale and when there is an event your members participated in then keep track on the worksheet. Near the end of the year, it will be extremely helpful in completing ALL the reports. (See worksheet on Page 6 )

Question: We have a student who would greatly benefit from a Nurses Training Scholarship. How can we help her and can we get money from Grand or Nationale?

Answer: Each Voiture Locale can give assistance to a Nursing Student as they choose. If the locale has expended its budget for Nurses Training they can submit the application to Grand. Applications to Nationale are a bit more complicated. For more information contact Grand Correspondant Renslar Keagle.

See details on Page 27

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Great to see a nice turnout at the Spring Cheminot and a great 75th Gratitude Train celebration with our ChefdeChemindeFerand Correspondant Nationale in attendance. If we take away one thing from the cheminot, it was the repeated comments and quite frankly plea to do our annual program reports and working to get them in on time! So what should we be doing now?

Step one is to go on-line to fortyandeight.org (The Forty and Eight - Forms & Petite Communique) and become familiar with the reports and their requirements - determine exactly what information they are seeking. Each report is different. Some are fairly quick to fill out, others take time and effort.

Step two is determine who will be doing each report within your locale. Many times, it ends up being the Locale Chef or Correspondant - but it is every Voyageurs responsibility to turn in their hours, miles, etc. That will not happen unless they are asked.

Step three is to submit the report to the appropriate Grand Directeur or to the Grand correspondent who will do that.

NEED HELP? – contact myself or Dave Knutson. Remember, some data and information carries over to multiple reports making the job a bit easier. Yes, to some extent, reports are used to determine awards at the Grand and Nationale levels. But that is not their purpose. Reports are key indicators at the national level on howprograms aredoing, theyshowimportant needed data and show Directeurs important trends and issues needing attention in their area. They also show

who is doing a good job in those areas and deserving of recognition.

As we start thinking about upcoming Grand elections, it doesn't hurt to submit to the Grand Correspondant an appropriate resolution or at least an email of intent. It is common to "roll-over" some positions but do not let that keep anyone from wanting to step up and contribute. Grand elections will be held very late this year so anyone considering to continue in a Nationale position or wish to be considered for a National sous Committee appointment, It will be extremely helpful to know in advance of the Grand Promenade. Also, delegates attending Promenade Nationale. Renslar "Renny" Keagle Correspondant, Grande du Texas

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QUALITY VS. QUANTITY

And respect

“From L’Editeur”

From L’Editeur is my opinion with the intent to help folks understand different points of view! Feel free to contact me with any feedback! David J Knutson

Grand Chef Reiss and I have had several discussions on membership and the quality of the members in La Societe. We do not alwaysagree,but itisimportant tolistentoother points of view! I am reminded of a son many of the younger generation may not know “Oh Lord It’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way!” Yes it is, but none of us are perfect. When I was a Post Commander I was frequently told: “That won’t work” “That’s not how we do it”, etc., etc. Well, some of my ideas worked and some of it did not work. Part of our issues are our ourselves! We take ourselves (or others) out before the race begins. We all know things change and to be around much longer – we need to adapt! Of course, there are some things we treasure – a person answering the phone vs. pressing some number just to talk to someone, good customer service, rotary phones – well I think we have all adapted to cell phones by now! You get the picture.

BE PROUD OF LA SOCIETE: This includes the LA FEMMES as well. So much of what has been done well, such as our recent 75th Anniversary for the Boxcar, was because of help from the La Femmes. I can never Thank our Dames enough. Thank you Dames.

If you compare a 40 & 8 Locale to an American Legion or VFW Post you will find the participation rate is significantly higher. Even for a locale with 20 members and 4 of these 20 actively participate in events your rate is 20%. That looks great, but for 40 & 8 our rate should be at least 50%! You must allow for members who cannot drive at night, have medical issues, live out of the area or have other valid reasons for not attending Locale Promenades, however, we have always stood out as a Veteran’s Honor Society because of our members who participate and who do more!

I am sure we could get a lot of folks to take per diem and reimbursed hotel rooms, but members of La Societe have always been elite by the simple fact that they come with very little or no financial compensation. You can still

write off your mileage, etc. on your taxes for charitable purposes,but what a statement thatmakesto be committed enoughto attend an event over someone who goes because they get fully reimbursed. It is okay to help out when we can, but we La Societe does not have the deep pockets like theAmericanLegionorVFW. ManyThankstothosewho have done this on their own for so many years.

LOCALE PROMENADES AND GRAND EVENTS: You don’t need to attend every event and you may need to think outside the box to meet, but those who can participate elsewhere but cannot seem to make any time for 40 & 8 events ARE NOT what we need. Do NOT invite someone into La Societe to make numbers! Yes, membershipisimportant,but qualitymembers areneeded.

HOW MANY: How many Voyageurs does it take to start a Locale. You need 5 to start and are supposed to be up to 10 after the first year. What can you do with such a small number! You

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX: Voiture 163 in Houston has met via Zoom for quite some time now and it keeps their members informed and engaged. Houston is the 4th largest city in the US and largest city in Texas so their idea indeed thinks outside the box.

RESPECT GOES BOTH WAYS: Treat others the way you wouldliketo betreated. Do not presumepeopleknow who you are feel slighted because they do not show you the respect you feel you should be given. Today’s PGs are only as good as we make them. For me – I had to know who every Voyageur Militaire was in the post and was to go and greet them when I saw them. I was to ask them if there was anything I could do for them. Sometimes it was a nice thing and sometimes not – part of being a PG. But – we were well introduced into La Societe and once we became Voyageurs Militaire we were absolutely welcome as was our families. We must understand that many of our new Voyageurs Militaire did not go through an active wreck or extensive period of being a PG. Many were fast tracked or just signed upwithnoformal initiation. Thatisourfault. Both the new member needs to realize how the old guys were brought into La Societe and respect that, but treating someoneliketheyarenothingwhentheyhavebeeninvited into La Societe and supposedly voted on and approved by the Voiture Locale is on you – not them.

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New members need to be taught and mentored. Even PGs who have been actively wrecked or formally initiated need mentors! The old guys need to be the mentor and HELP! The old guys also need to be open to change! If a new member wants to try something new – help them and support them. You might be surprised If you are new and looking for a mentor – let me know! I am not alone and there are many of us who are doing a lot to keep Grand moving that would love to teach our jobs to someone new! Webmaster! Program Directeurs! Publiciste! Locale Officer or Directeur!

If you don’t get the answers you are looking for I suggest you first READ UP ON IT. There is so much information on the national 40 & 8 website! Ask others or ask a Grand Officer. If you get treated poorly by someone – let them know first that youarejust tryingto helpandlearnandyou would appreciate their help. If all else fails – push up your chain of command or to a trusted Voyageur Militaire. We should not have any of these problems, but if you are in a position and not doing your job you do no-one any good. If they can’t do it right – try to help them. Communication is the key but we should all respect each other! Always!

Independent Film Director Olivier Chasle came from France at his own expense to get a preliminary story to show his funding committee. Olivier wants to make a documentary in France about the 40 & 8 and our dedication to the story of the Merci Boxcar. The 75th Anniversary event was perfect for him to do this project. Olivier went on to Nevada for a few days before returning to France. Here he is filming Austin’s most senior Voyageur Militaire Charlie Hawkins.

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TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS Forty

Select one report category for your event to correspond with the Locale Voiture Activities Report:

1 = Meetings, Promenades, Wrecks, Picnics, etc.;

2 = Activities with the Flag (presentation, raising, retirement, Flags for 1st Graders); 3 = Memorial Services;

4 = Activities with schools or other community organizations; 5 = Parades; 6 = Youth Sports activities; 7 = Other

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS PROGRAM REPORTS

DEADLINE TO GRAND DIRECTEURS FOR ALL REPORTS IS 6/15/2024

Program report forms can be found on the Voiture Nationale website: www.fortyandeight.org

Link to Program Report Forms and Petite Communique: http://www.fortyandeight.org/forms-petite/

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LA SOCIETE DES 40 HOMMES ET 8 CHEVAUX MINUTES OF THE GRAND CHEMINOT 2024

Grande Voiture du Texas

Austin, Texas

March 23, 2024

1. The Grand Cheminot was called to order by Grand Chef de Gare Keith Reiss according to ritual and the Manual of Ceremonies at 10:10 am, March 23, 2024, Renslar R. Keagle, Grand Correspondant. Honored guests in attendance – Frank Campo Chef de Chemin de Fer and Ron Rolfes, Correspondant Nationale.

2. Grand Call (Correspondant): By order of the Grand Chef de Gare du Texas, the 2024 Grand Cheminot/Merci Boxcar will be held, Saturday, March 22 – 24, 2024, in Austin Texas hosted by Travis County V-175. Committee meetings, 0830 am at the host hotel, Wyndham Garden Austin with banquet being held at American Legion Knebel Post 83, Austin, TX. (Copy of full Grand Call, attached).

3. Roll Call of Officers: Twelve elected officers present, two appointed officers present, eight Directeurs present.

4. Roll Call of Locales: Present – V-175, V-266, V-542, V-605, V-1031, V-1055 and V-1134 Seven locales present. Correspondant reported that a quorum was present.

5. Reading of the Minutes of the Grand Promenade – Approved as posted in the TVN – Texas Voyageur News.

6. Reading of Bulletins and Correspondence – Numerous emails from national officers and Directeurs – passes on to officers and Directeurs.

7. Reports of Officers:

a. Grand Chef de Train Jim Sweeney: Grand du Texas is at 79.6% with one locale at 100%. Comments on membership by Grand Chef de Train and Grand Chef de Gare. We usually have 4 or 5 locales at 100% by this time. Additional comments on membership were made by Sous-Chef de Chemin de Fer John Rodgers.

b. Grand Commissaire Intendant Roger Folmar: Wells Fargo Account - $10,992.52; Money Market Accounts $4,600.70; checking account total - $15,593.22. Currents investments total $46,862.85. Grand total all funds$61,652.85. Expenses covered in detail in Finance Committee meeting, but Grand is presently $2,733.00 under budget for 2024. Item by item transaction in checking account covered in finance committee meeting and finance report attached to minutes. Finance report approved as read and submitted subject to audit. An additional comment is that approximately $2,000 additional dollars each year should be raised to meet rising expenses and meet the budget requirements.

c. Grand Avocat Dave Knutson: V-175 501C(3) approved, working on V-542 which should be next.

d. Grand Aumonier J. Sean Habina: Information needs to be passed on to the Aumonier on sick or TAPS so cards may be sent to Voyageur or family. Comments from the floor on those reported as sick.

e. Cheminot Nationale Renslar Keagle : Comments on Promenade Nationale. It should be noted that the Cheminot Nationale for 2025 will be sworn in as last order of business at the Promenade and will assume duties for the membership year 2025 until the following Promenade Nationale.

8. Program Reports (Reported by Directeur or a representative)

a. Americanism – Directeur Mike Hall reported on FFFGs with others being planned or scheduled. Time to work on Americanism report, be sure to get individual input from members. Report due to Directeur NLT June 15th

b. Boxcar – Pins and cards available. Boxcar 75th Anniversary patches available. Friday the 22nd of March saw a great 75th Anniversary event.

c. Carville Star – Directeur Roger Folmar reported all 50+ pins sold. Grand is active in Carville Star – and locales supporting3countriesorclinics.Starwillbepassedat thebanquetthisevening.DirecteurcommentsontheCarville Star Program.

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d. Child Welfare – Dave Knutson reported many pins sold and some are still available. Comments by Grand Chef de Gare on the lack of seeking funds from Nationale – not a difficult process.

e. Nurses Training – Report from Nurses Training Committee – Directeur Doug Pendleton excused. Renslar Keagle, V-605 presented two nurse applications and after discussion $500.00 for each nurse approved from Grand du Texas Nursing funds for a total of $1,000.00.

f. POW/MIA – Directeur Keagle – 30 POW/MIA pins sold and other merchandise for a total of $210.00. Comments on the new on-line POW/MIA Annual Report making the report easier to do and more efficient. Details and sample report at the Nationale website under programs. Nationale awards are based on reports as most program awards are. Must make sure we are all doing the POW/MIA ritual at each and every promenade. Do not omit if you do not have a Directeur, Chef may appoint someone to do it. Those needing 2025 pins need to let me know prior to Nationale. Directeur is available to help and assist any locale with their reports.

g. Public Relations – Directeur David Knutson: Comments on the Facebook social media site and the TVN newsletter.

h. Ritual – Comments by Grand Correspondant –Start looking now at the ritual report. Comments on the Nationale password – several of the last passwords originated within Grande du Texas.

i. Voiture Activities – Comments by Al Banzer and Dave Knutson. This is a detailed report but very important.

j. VAVS – No report

k. Youth Sports – Reminder that grants are available from Nationale for up to $1,000.00

l. Special Awards – Directeur David Knutson – Comments on the deadline for submission to Grand and Nationale. For Grand need input NLT June 1st or sooner. Comments by Grand Correspondant on Voyageur of the Year award – will provide help or assistance.

9. Grand Non-Program Reports:

a. Boxcar Maintenance – Comments from Dave Knutson

b. Time and Place –Grand Promenade 2024 – V-1031 Killeen. Spring Cheminot is still open. Grand Promenade 2025 will be V-605 El Paso. Details on Grand Promenade forthcoming. Hotel will be the Shilo who is done with renovations.

10. Old Business: Central States Report from President Keith Reiss – pretty well set-up with lots of activities available. So far about 40 out of state with 10-15 from Texas. No other old business.

11. New Business:

a. Discussion on delegates for Promenade Nationale – deadline to submit is August 1st

b. National appointments/Committee recommendations deadline is also August 1st .

c. The Grande du Texas raffle discussed with each locale encouraged to take at least ten tickets @$50.00 each. Only 200 tickets to be sold.

12. Elections and Appointments: A lot of discussion on the order of doing elections so the incoming/elect Grand Chef may more actively participate in the process and become better informed. It was suggested elections be help before the Grand Promenade. Issues regarding our Constitution were raised. Noted we could also do an amendment to our constitution. No action taken. All it would take is for a notion on the floor to move elections on the agenda to the first order of business.

13. Good of the Grand Voiture: Memorial service for departed comrades will be 9am Sunday at Camp Mabry. Birthday ritual will be done at the Saturday night banquet. Awards and ribbons for 2023 handed out. Awards from Promenade Nationale awarded. Anyone wishing to go to Jerry Brady’s Celebration of Life is welcome to caravan to Kerrville and back. The group would be leaving at noon and return in time for the evening dinner.

14. There being no further business to come before the Grand Cheminot, the Cheminot was closed according to ritual and the Manual of ceremonies.

ATTEST:

Renslar R. Keagle Correspondant, Grand du Texas

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

OFFICIAL CALL

103RD GRANDE PROMENADE OF THE GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS

In accordance with the Constitution of the Grand Voiture du Texas, the 103rd Grande Promenade of La Societe des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux, Grand du Texas, will be held in Killeen, Texas, Saturday, July 27, 2024

PURPOSE

The Grande Promenade is called for the purpose of electing Grand Officers for the ensuing year, and for the transaction of such other business as may come before the Grande Promenade.

BASIS OF REPRESENTATION

Each Voiture Locale shall be entitled to three (3) delegates and three (3) alternates for the first ten (10) members, and one (1) additional delegate and one (1) alternate for each additional fifteen (15) members or major fraction thereof and such membership shall be calculated as of the date which is thirty (30) prior to the convening of the Grande Promenade. Each Grand Chef de Gare Passe and the sitting Grand Chef de Gare, who are members of a local Voiture, shall be entitled to one (1) vote to be exercised only when personally present on the floor at the time the vote is taken.

Voiture Locales indebted to this Grand Voiture will not be included in the roll call and will not be eligible to vote unless indebtedness is paid.

CREDENTIALS

Voiture Delegates’ lists must be sent to the Grand Correspondant, Renslar Keagle, 8714 Marble Dr, El Paso, TX 79904 or via E-mail to: renslarkeagle@gmail.com prior to 9:00 am, Saturday, July 27, 2024

VOTING STRENGTH OF VOITURES LOCALE

Voitures Locale shall have the number of votes in the Grande Promenade equal to the number of delegates to which they are severally entitled, provided that at least one (1) of the certified delegates must be duly registered and such registered delegate or delegates may vote the entire certified delegates strength.

ADMITTANCE TO THE GRANDE PROMENADE

Only delegates and alternates holding credentials will be entitled to a vote on the floor of the Grande Promenade duly assembled. Any member of La Societe in good standing will be admitted to the Grande Promenade Hall on presentation of their 2024 membership card to the Grand Garde La Porte.

RESOLUTIONS

All resolutions must be submitted in writing to the Grand Correspondant on Saturday morning, July 27, 2024, no later than 9:00 a.m.

GRAND PROMENADE

The Grande Promenade is called to begin at 1:00 p.m., July 27, 2024, at

The election of Grand Officers for 2025 will be held immediately following the transaction of business with installation being held at the discretion of the Grand Chef de Gare.

ATTESTED BY:

RENSLAR KEAGLE

KEITH REISS JR GRAND CORRESPONDANT GRAND CHEF DE GARE

2024 Grande Promenade List of delegates and alternates

This certifies that __________________ County, Voiture No. _____________ has elected the following delegates to the 2024 Grand Promenade to be held in Copperas Cove, Texas on July 27, 2024.

ARTICLE VI – Section 2

“In the Grande Promenade each Voiture Locale shall be entitled to three (3) delegates and three (3) alternates for the first ten (10) members, and one (1) additional delegate and one (1) additional alternate for each fifteen (15) members or major fraction thereof and such membership shall be calculated as of the date which is thirty (30) days prior to the convening of the Grande Promenade.”

DELEGATES ALTERNATES

Name of Voyageurs deceased during the past twelve (12) months. Name Address Attest:

TEXAS

RESOLUTION FOR GRAND POSITION

I ______________________ would like to be considered for the following elected or appointed position within Grand du Texas.

Position applying for: ___________________________.

I have been a Voyageur for ______ years.

I have served my Locale in the following positions: (list top three)

I have served my Grand in the following positions: (list top three)

If elected or appointed to this position I promise to faithfully perform the duties that is required of me to the best of my ability. If I fail to do my duties as required I know that it will not only reflect badly upon Grand du Texas but La Societe as a whole.

If elected or appointed to this position, I will accept the responsibility of said position for the duration of my term. And promise to learn all the duties as outlined in all Constitution and manuals of my Grand, and La Societe.

Voyageur’s Signature

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that this resolution be placed before the Committee on Committees of Grand du Texas for its consideration.

Approved at Grand Promenade duly assembled at this ______ day of ___.

ATTESTED BY: Correspondant Grand du Texas Grand Chef de Gare du Texas

Name:

REGISTRATIONFORM

Please fill in the following information to register for Spring Cheminot.

Current Position or Highest Office held: Voiture or Cabane#: Name: Current Position or Highest Office held: Voiture or Cabane#: Number Registration

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Preparation for the 75th Anniversary of the Gratitude Train

A handful of Voyageurs travelled to Houston to the “Residence of France” where we were treated with the highest respect by Consul General of France in Houston, Valerie Baraban, and her staff. We were introduced to members of Souvenir Française and French Veterans of Texas in Houston.

We set up a display of 40 & 8 memorabilia and spoke of the 40 & 8 and arrival of the Gratitude Train 75 years earlier. Together with the Consul General we announced the upcoming 75th Anniversary events in Austin. Boxcar Directeur David Knutson was presented with a French beret for the 2024 Olympics in France.

The sending of the Gratitude Train and Merci Boxcars has been mostly forgotten in France. The Consul General up to the Ambassador of France are now learning of the importance of the event to members of La Societe and providing their full support in several areas around the US.

From left: Voyageur Rolando Salinas – V-1031, Voyageur Jose “Tony” Lopez – V-1134, Voyageur Onorio Villarreal – V-1134, Sous-Chef de Chemin de Fer John Rodgers – V-1031, Bruno Cateny – Souvenir Français, Valérie Baraban – Consul General of France in Houston, Jim Sweeney - Grand Chef de Train du Texas, David Knutson - Grand Directeur Boxcar du Texas, Anne-Laure Pol – Assistant to the Consul General, Bertrand Prehu – French Veteran in Texas, Jane Buckner – Press and Communications Officer, Keith Reiss Jr. – Grand Chef de Gare du Texas, Mathieu Rouleau – Vice Consul, Chef de Chancellerie, Nadia Teyssier – French Veterans in Texas, Gary Watt – Honor Flight Houston, Lex Parker – French Veterans in Texas

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75th Anniversary Celebration at Camp Mabry

Although he could not stay for the entire event, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson welcomes everyone to Austin and presents a Proclamation to Consul General Baraban. A group photo was taken with the Proclamation and included Chef de Chemin de Fer Campo, Boxcar Directeur Knutson, Mayor Watson, Consul General Baraban, Grand Chef de Gare Reiss Jr, Honorary Consul General Wiley, Bruno Cateny – Souvenir Français, Lex Parker – French Vétérans of Texas and Richard Alexander – Alliance Français D’Austin

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

Presentation to Consul General Valerie Baraban was made by Chef de Chemin de Fer Campo, Correspondant National Ron Rolfes and all the National Officers from Grand du Texas: J. Sean Habina

Correspondant National Ron Rolfes introduces Chef de Chemin de Fer Campo

Presentation to Consul General Baraban was made by Chef de Chemin de Fer Campo, Correspondant National Ron Rolfes and all the National Officers from Grand du Texas. From Left: David Knutson, Chef Campo, Consul General Baraban, J. Sean Habina, Ron Rolfes, Renslar Keagle, Alison Thompson-Hall, Mike Hall and Roger Folmar.

Photo Below: Sous Chef de Chemin de Fer John Rogers presents Consul General Baraban with a perfect gift for Texas – a nice cowboy hat. Special Guest visitor from France, Independent Film Director Olivier Chasle addresses the group

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

We were able to take a lot of great group photos with the Texas Merci Boxcar!

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

Texas Merci Boxcar Gift Exhibit / Capitol Visitor Center – Austin, Texas

Photo right shows an unexpected and very welcome guest to Austin.

Roxanne Godsey is the Correspondant for www.mercitrain.org website and has done a lot of research on the Texas Merci Boxcar and others around the country. She is shown here with Consul General Baraban, Roxanne Godsey, Liz Wiley and Grand Chef Keith Reiss Jr.

Ali James, Curator of the Capitol welcomed everyone to the Capitol Visitor Center where the Capitol Visitor Center Staff put up an extended display of gifts and artifacts from the Texas Merci Boxcar. Grand Chef Reiss and Chemin de Fer Campo addressed the group as did Consul General Baragan. Below: Consul General Baraban, Chef de Gare Reiss Jr. and Lex Parker. Liz Wiley, Lex Parker, Bruno Cateny and Consul General Baraban.

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

75th Anniversary of the Gratitude Train Friday Dinner

Middle

Our event was made so much better with the help of the Dames from Cabane 1031 in Killeen.

Many Thanks to Kathy Wheeler, Sue Gibbs, Anne Marie Murphy and Mary McAnally.

Middle left: The crew from Voiture 1134 –Corpus Christi on their first Grand event for most of them!

Many Thanks to Kath ie Murphy and Mary McAnally.

Middle

1134 Christi

them!

right and below: Honorary Consul General of France from Austin Liz Wiley was recognized for her contributions to the Grand du Texas. She moved to Colorado and this was her last official act as Honorary Consul General. She and Oliveir Chasle were both also recognized by Voiture Nationale by Chef Campo and Ron Rolfes.

left: The crew from Voiture

on their first Grand event for most of

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

Respects Paid for Chef de Chemin de Fer 2010 Jerry Brady

The Spring Cheminot on Saturday was done early and Chef de Chemin de Fer Campo, Correspondant National Ron Rolfes and a group of members of Grand du Texas went to Kerrville to pay respects to Jerry Brady.

Gerald Brady Obituary

Gerald “Jerry” Brady, 81, of Kerrville went to heaven on March 4, 2024, surrounded by his family.

He was born on Sept. 22, 1942, in Afton, Michigan to Raymond and Ethel Brady. After graduation he joined the Airforce and was in S.A.C. Jerry served 8 years as a crew chief for refueling of the B-52 bombers and was stationed in Guam and Okinawa during Vietnam.

After his military service, Jerry moved to Euless, where he reunited with Karen Gunsell. They were married on Oct. 14, 2000, in Mansfield. Jerry retired from the City of Fort Worth.

Jerry was a member of The Forty & Eight, a veteran’s organization, for 37 years. During his time with the organization, he rose to the highest rank of national commander, so his actual title was “Chef de Chemin de Fer”. Jerry was a true outdoorsman, enjoying fishing and hunting. He also loved to travel and spend time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; stepdaughters, Dawn Shawn and husband Larry of Sulphur Springs, Carla Parker and husband Chris of Kerrville, and Laura Gunsell of Bedford; sister, Artis Olenburg of Saginaw, Michigan; 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be sent to the 40/8 Nursing Scholarship: Attention Kristine Favor, 220 Thompson Drive, Kerrville, Texas 78028.

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS

75th Anniversary of the Gratitude Train Saturday Dinner

Our event continued with a dinner held at American Legion Knebel Post 83. The 40 & 8 Birthday Celebration was done with Charlie Hawkins being the oldest Voyageur (89 years young) and Keith Reiss Jr. the youngest Voyageur present. Chef Campo and Correspondant Nationale Rolfes were presented with gifts from Grand du Tesas and the each given a belt buckle form Sous Chef de Chemin de Fer John Rodgers.

l General of France from Austin Liz Wiley was recognized for her e moved to Colorado and this was her last official act as Honorary Consul General. She and Oliveir Chasle were both also recognized by

Mar

Christi on their first Grand event for most of them!

Annual Pilgrimage Memorial Service at the Boxcar

Chef de Chemin de Fer Frank Campo assists Grand Aumonier J. Sean Habina as she does the memorial service for our departed comrades and dames. Sunday morning attendees group photo below.

TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS LOCALE NEWS FROM AROUND TEXAS

Above:

Voiture 1031 makes donation for community members in need. Funds raised with the help of Chick-fil-A and Freddy’s

Chef de Gare Jim Sweeney, Correspondant Sandy Kousman and Voyageur Toby Zielinski are shown with representatives of Chick-fil-A and Freddy’s after getting part of the sales donated to the locale as a fundraiser.

Recommend you make your hotel reservations early for Spring Cheminot and Central States Promenade