*Denotes Deceased SEE FULL LIST AT www.texasboxcar.org
Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
Chef de Chemin de Fer Visits Texas
The Grande Voiture du Texas was fortunate to have 2025 Chef de Chemin de Fer Paul Emmert Sr and his wife Christine as guests for our Spring Cheminot in Corpus Christi last month. They arrived in Austin on Thursday, Feb 20th bringing extremely cold weather with them from the north. Please note that the nicer weather did return the day they left Texas.
Their travel was delayed creating a long day for them but they were troopers and off we went from Austin to Killeentomeet VoyageursfromVoiture1031. Several of their members were not able to attend the Spring Cheminot in Corpus Christi so Chef Paul and Christine were able to meet a group of dedicated folks who gave a first-class reception to them when they arrived.
Friday started early with a very quick trip to the Texas Capitol Building in Austin, then off to Camp Mabry to see the Texas Merci Boxcar. Chef Paul and Christine got to meet Charlie and Rose Marie Hawkins at the museum and then were treated to lunch with David and Deborah Knutson before we hit the road to Corpus Christi for the Spring Cheminot.
A special Thank You to Kathy Wheeler, Sue Gibbs and Mary McAnally who travelled from Killeen and made sure Chef Paul and Christine received a proper welcome with a gift basket in their room. They also did a basket for our Grand Chef de Gare Jim Sweeney and his wife Donna.
The time moved along quickly and in the morning Chef Paul and Christine were treatedtoabrieftourofCorpusChristi byGrandChefdeGarePasseJoeMcCullough and Deborah Knutson. That was their first trip to the Texas Gulf Coast for both Chef Paul and Christine.
Voiture1134hostedaveryniceSpringCheminot. Theirfirst hostingofagrandevent since the fall of 2017. A few of the more experienced Voyagers and several new members from their locale worked hard and their efforts are greatly appreciated. Thanks to those from Grand du Texas who stepped in to assist as needed. It was a team effort all the way!
(Chef de Chemin de Fer Visits Texas / Continued on Page 4-5)
Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS MEMBERSHIP
From Our Grand Chef de Gare
Thankstoall who supported the Spring Cheminot in Corpus Christi last month. It was a great event with Chef de Chemin de Fer Paul Emmert Sr. and his wife Christine in attendance. Thanks to Voiture 1134 for hosting it was, as I said, a Great event.
We have only two Voitures that areat100%soIaskyoutoworktogetrenewalsandnew members to keep our programs going strong. We are currently 57 members short of our goal.
Jun 20-22 is our next Grand function in El Paso. We are looking for new talent to step up and take charge of our programs so if you are interested please put in a resolution. If you need help contact Renny Keagle, David Knutson or me. It is not hard and we need your help.
There are many good things happening in the Grand so please take pictures and get them to Grand Publiciste David Knutson so we can get them in the TVN. Keep up the work you are doing and thanks for your support
Jim Sweeney Grand Chef de Gare
Bonjour my fellow Voyageur’s,
The 2025 membership year is slowly coming to a close. We need to work together to finish the year off strong. As of now we are 57 voyageurs short of 100%. We are at 74.89% as a Grande, and this places us in 46th place at national.
Since November we have gone up 14.1 %. There are a few Locales that I will be reaching out to individually as they have not gotten to 75% yet.
Congratulations to Locale 1031, which is now at 100% joining Locale 175 which has achieved 112.5% If you have any questions or need any help do not hesitate to ask. My e-mail address is hallmd1973@outlook.com
Michael Hall
Michael Hall
Grand Chef de Train
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
First, a great job in Corpus by all involved, excellent accommodations and great seeing so many new faces and greeting friends we haven't seen in a while. Even the poor weather was refreshing. Our Nationale guest, Chef de Chemin de Fer Paul Emmert Sr. was very much welcomed and his attendance appreciated. Now on to business:
Reports - Big locale or small locale, active or not active, now is the time to go to the Nationale website and pull down the reports and take a good look at them. Look under Resources, Forms Etc. then the Petite Communique. If you haven't been to the website recently, it has changed. But the bottom line is that everybody is doing something! Some are quick and easy to do, but others like Americanism, POW/MIA take more time and the accumulation of hours, miles and costs. Even a few purchases of pins can be counted under that program. Why are negative reports important - because we thenknowyouhavenot forgottentodoit.Allreportsarerespectedandnot judged but appreciated. Time to start - now! Dave Knutson and I work together on reports and are available to help.
Grand Promenade - A lot of decisions are made at our Grand Promenade including the elections of our officers for the coming year. We also determine who is going to the Nationale Promenade and select delegates. Many of our members hold national appointments but those are year to year with Nationale making the final decisions in part due to Grand recommendations. Important to note per our Grand Constitution - "NO Voyageur will be nominated or elected, unless he (he/she) is present at the Grand Promenade." The deadline to submit appointments to Nationale is August 1st so endorsements, resolutions, etc. all help with obtaining appointments. QuestionsonappointmentsmaybedirectedtomyselforDave.AnyonewhoisconsideringdoingmoreforGrand in the form of an elected office or perhaps a program Directeur is encouraged and welcome to contact our Grand Chef, myself or Dave for help, guidance and assistance.
To Locale Correspondants - First and most important is to ensure you have in your possession your current membership cards. This has been an issue this year - this happens when locales change Correspondants and due to the time and notification lag with Nationale - the cards are mailed to the previous Correspondant. Ever wonder why the Correspondant also gets a 100% pin when goal is achieved by a Locale? Because of the importance of the position in regards to membership and transmittals and the maintenance of Locale membership records. Due diligence must be done in our Locales on selecting a good Correspondant.
As a member of Locale V-605 who are hosting our Grand Promenade - it will be a great experience - a large roomy hospitality suite and an excellent hotel we have used before - they are warm and friendly. A large variety of pubs, grills, restaurants, some within walking distance are close and nearby. We look forward to seeing you and experiencing V605 and El Paso hospitality. Not many know that THE Tony Lama was a member of V-605 and the Forty and Eight for many years and held several offices.
Renslar "Renny" Keagle Correspondant, Grande du Texas
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du
Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
(Chef de Chemin de Fer Visits Texas continued from page 1)
Their departure was from San Antonio and there was time for them to visit the Alamo and Market Square before leaving Texas. We had a lot of fun hosting them and special Thank You to Grand Chef de Gare Passe Joe McCullough, Voiture 542, who help tour guide San Antonio and Corpus Christi!.
In a personal Thank You note from Chef Paul he writes:
Photo below is a reception held for Chef Paul and Christine with members of Voiture 1031 in Killeen, Texas. Most of the members were unable to attend the Spring Cheminot so it was a great opportunity for many members to meet our Forty and Eight Chef de Chemin de Fer.
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux
Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
VOITURE 1031 CELEBRATES LA SOCIETE’S BIRTHDAY AND WRECKS NEW VOYAGEURS!
The 105th birthday of La Societe was celebrated by Voiture 1031 and then followed with a formal wreck of five Voyageurs Militaire. From Voiture 1031: Joe Colyer and Lillian Lennon. From Voiture 1640: Jay Jernigan, Lisa Dayhoff and Larry Dayhoff
Two simple photos tell two stories! Let us know what is going on with photos and stories for the newsletter! Don’t be shy – recognize your program, Nurses, Youth Sports Teams or whoever!
From left: Grand Chef Jim Sweeney, Joe Colyer, Lillian Lennon, Jay Jernigan (back row), Lisa Dayhoff, Larry Dayhoff, Grand Chef Passe David Knutson
RECORD AND REPORT YOUR ACTIVITIES!
The Voiture Activities report was eliminated at Nationale but you can still use the idea to keep track of your activities and help with your reports. A single Voyageur can record their activities or a Locale Correspondant can roughly calculate their Voiture’s activities. Multiple reports can be done from this simple worksheet below.
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
NJ mystery solved: Missing WWI boxcar gifted to NJ by France in 1949 has been found
David M. Zimmer NorthJersey.com
A long-lost gift from France to New Jersey in 1949, once thought to be destroyed, is returning home in April. New Jersey's Merci Train boxcar is one of 49 gifted as a gesture of gratitude for American aid during and after World War II. Lost since 1958, the car was identified in 2024 as New Jersey’s and is set to return for restoration and preservation by the Boonton-based United Railroad Historical Society of NJ after spending decades in a warehouse in Kansas City, Missouri. Kevin Phalon, the society's executive director, said he was out of his mind with excitement when he heard the news. “For rail historians, this is like finding buried treasure,” Phalon said. “We would have never expected to see this car again."
Built in Lyon, France, between 1893 and 1895, the boxcar was used in World War I to transport troops and supplies. Known as a “40 and 8” car, it could carry 40 soldiers or eight horses in cramped conditions. It became a symbol of wartime sacrifice and was later adopted as the emblem of the 40 & 8 Veterans Organization.
More than 75 years ago, the New Jersey boxcar and its 48 siblings were sent to Pier H in Weehawken adorned with shields representing regions of France, eagle banners, and other placards as part of France’s "Merci (or Gratitude) Train." Each state, along with Washington, D.C., and the Territory of Hawaii, eventually received one. All were filled with gifts from French citizens. New Jersey’s car arrived at Trenton's Clinton Street Station on Feb. 5, 1949, and was greeted by a collection of French and state delegates. The following morning, it was received by Gov. Alfred Driscoll under rainy skies at the city's War Memorial Building, the Trenton Evening Times reported.
The car and some of its artifacts were most notably displayed in public exhibitions at the New Jersey State Museum and the Newark Museum until late March, according to newspaper reports. Afterward, the gifts including fine china, furniture and a wedding gown were distributed to individuals, schools and cultural organizations across the state. Others were moved into the museums' permanent collections. The state museum still holds dolls, commemorative medals, artwork and a dented World War I-era bugle allegedly used to make the call ending the war on Nov. 11, 1918. Some retain the original tags identifying their French donors.
Nicholas Ciotola, curator of cultural history at the museum, said the boxcar's reemergence resolves one of the state's great mysteries. “More importantly, its restoration and preservation will help ensure that the history of our country’s role as a military and economic leader, protector of Europe and savior of democracy in the tumultuous World War II era will never be lost or forgotten,” he said.
When the state's 1949 commemorations had finished, New Jersey’s boxcar was placed under the care of the New Jersey 40 & 8 Society as a monument and educational exhibit. Truck wheels were added, allowing it to be easily moved and used as a parade float, Phalon said. By 1958, its whereabouts became unknown. Researchers believed it had been lost or destroyed after being transferred to a 40 & 8 Voiture in Long Island, but no records confirmed its fate.
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
Since 1993, however, it had been hiding in plain sight. That year, a similar boxcar was discovered in a Tennessee field by officials with the National WWI Museum and Memorial, who moved it to their home of Kansas City for preservation and possible restoration as a WWI-era 40 and 8. In 2024, Chris Juergens, the museum's curator, and historian David Knutson reexamined its origins. Knutson said he stumbled upon its origin "purely by accident."
“I saw pictures of an old boxcar posted on Facebook and was able to determine it was New Jersey’s missing boxcar,” said Knutson, who has researched the Merci Train for 30 years and developed the authoritative restoration guide for the boxcars. “When I realized the Museum and Memorial actually had the car in their possession, I was thrilled. Now, thanks to URHS, it will return to New Jersey and be properly restored for future generations to appreciate.”
Phalon said society members are preparing for its arrival at Boonton Yard in late April after receiving word that Juergens and other officials at the National WWI Museum and Memorial wanted to find it a home in New Jersey. “Once we confirmed the WWI-era boxcar had been part of the historic Merci Train, we knew we had to find a way to get it home,” Juergens said.
The society is raising $20,000 to stabilize and transport the boxcar to New Jersey by trailer, Phalon said. Additional funds will support an evaluation by a historic architect prior to restoration work. While rotting wood needs replacement, the car’s steel frame remains in good condition due to decades of indoor storage, Phalon said.
Over the next two years, the organization plans to secure grant funding and attempt to have the car listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. The goal, Phalon said, is to restore the exterior to its 1949 appearance while preserving as much original wood as possible. With adequate funding, restoration could be completed by Memorial Day 2027, when the boxcar is expected to debut as a mobile museum highlighting the railroad’s role in both world wars and the Merci Train’s history, he said.
“This boxcar is more than just a historic railroad artifact. It’s a symbol of international friendship, gratitude and the enduring connections forged through hardship,” Phalon said.
To donate or get more information go to: https://www.urhs.org/mercitrain Find this story and more at The Merci Train Facebook Page or google New Jersey Merci Boxcar.
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
Bon Jour my fellow Voyageur’s,
Americanism
Thank you Voiture 1134 for hosting and all those who helped with planning for the Grande Cheminot. For all those who attended or helped to set everything up, make sure you record your hours and mileage. Now that the shameless plug is out of the way.
As discussed during the Cheminot. Reports are due to Grande Directeurs by 21 June which is the Grand Promenade which is being hosted by Voiture 605 in El Paso. Last year: I received 4 Locale reports, hopefully this year I get a few more. The Americanism report can be found at https://www.fortyandeight.org/s/1AmericanismConsolidatedReport1024-24.docx
• Americanism Speeches & Flag Activities: Flag presentations, Flag raising ceremonies, Flag retirement ceremonies
• Youth Activities: Did anyone collaborate with Boy/Girl Scouts, ROTC, assist Law Officers with programs such as D.A.R.E, work with your nearest American Legion with Oratorical & Boys/Girls State?
• Community Activities: Did you get out and vote? Work at the voting polls? Work at a food bank? Clean up a city park or a memorial? Attend a Promenade or meetings in other Fraternal Organizations. There should be lots of hands up right now.
• Holidays & Memorials: Did any of you attend a funeral for those that have served their country? Did you participate in an installation? I truly hope that most of you said YES to that. Did you participate in a parade? Did anyone donate or assist in laying wreaths with Wreaths Across America? Participate in Post Everlasting at your local American Legion/VFW? Did you help put out flags at our National Cemeteries on Memorial Day?
• Veterans: Did any of you visit a Veterans Home and spend time with our Veterans there? Take another Veteran to the Dr’s?
• Flags For First Graders.
I would like to see all Locales submit an Americanism report this year even if it only captures any Promenades that were held during the year. This would be an easy thing to calculate and a great starting point and expand on for the next year.
If you have any questions or need any help do not hesitate to ask. My e-mail address is hallmd1973@outlook.com. You may also contact Grande Sous Director of Americanism Alison at alisonthompsonhall@outlook.com for assistance.
See everyone in El Paso.
Michael Hall
Michael Hall Directeur of Americanism, Grande du Texas
Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
FLAGS FOR
1
ST GRADERS PROGRAM LEADS TO FLAGS FOR 5TH GRADERS IN EL PASO!
Voiture 605 was called back to the school where we did our first Flags for Fifth Graders to receive a load of personal hand written and colored thank you cards from the fifth-grade class: We wanted to share some of their comments...
"Thank you Mr. Keagle and your buddy - "Thank you for your bravery defending our beautiful country. We have what we have only because of selfless people like you. You have sacrificed so much for complete strangers like me and words could not express my gratitude for what you have done." - Madison Lyon (Wrote in beautiful cursive!)
Thank you Mr. Keagle and his buddy - You may not wear the military uniform anymore as a retired military people you sacrificed your life for lots of people and thank you for protecting the whole world. God bless you" - Didn't sign
"Thank you veterans for giving us a presentation about the importance of the flag and the National Anthem. I learned a lot from it. Now I know the real reason we respect the Flag." - Signed Noelani
Dear Mr. Keagle - "Thank you for coming to our school and class we thank you for showing us why we do the Pledge of Allegiance and why it is important. You and your friend that served in the past I thank you guys for my life in freedom. With our hearts we feel gratitude. We thank you for sacrificing you and your friends life so we could have a better life and a country to call home. I thank you for teaching about the Pledge of Allegiance and why we respect the flag. We thank you guys for the presentation. Thank you." - Kaylenn / Evans
There are about 40 or so of these but from what has been written you can see it was appreciated. I am inspired by this and hope to do more - several other schools interested,
Renny
P.S. The buddy referred to was VM Roger Folmar
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux
Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
Voiture 605 continues its award-winning Flags for 1st Graders Program at Park Elementary in El Paso, TX They do a great job of getting the kids involved in the event.
Voiture 605 follows up with Flags for 5th Graders at the request of the school ***P.S. You will notice in the attached photos, the flags up on the wall are incorrect, the US flag should be on the left facing, its own right per the U.S. Flag Code. Letting the school know and giving them a copy of the Legions great book on Flag Etiquette with flag code. I attended a school graduation once and they were reversed and I brought it to the principal's attention after the graduation and he blamed it on the custodian - we always need to be vigilant!
Renslar "Renny" Keagle
Nationale Directeur of Public Relations, La Societe, 40 & 8 Correspondant, Grande du Texas
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS NURSES TRAINING PROGRAM
Directeur Nurses Directeur - Congratulations to V-605 and V-266 for obtaining $500.00 scholarships for nurses in their Locales at our Cheminot in Corpus Christi. You may think that finding a nurse in need is easy but it does take some time and effort to find those truly in need and deserve our support. The best approach is obtaining the simple one-page application we use and in Grand and do an interview. My Locale likes to use the Boland Trust application as a second step to obtain more details and complete the process with school records, etc. We all know the importance of nurses are to us and our communities and many are struggling even when it comes to books, lab fees and transportation to school. We can help. Let me know and I can guide any locale on the process - not all that complicated and I have all the forms. Lastly, nurses training pins are importantfunds raised support the Boland Trust which gives scholarships at the Nationale level and a great way to support the program. If you did not have a nurse this year, but spent even a modest amount of time on the program or bought pins - please do a report. I would like all nurses training reports by June 1st please.
Renny Keagle, Directeur Nurses Training
Photos below: Voiture 266 presented a check to Lena McCue towards her BSN in Nursing. Left to right: Voyager Sandy Smock, Chef and Nursing Director Brian Smock, Lena McCue and Chef de Train David Harris
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
RITUALS
What a wonderful organization we serve. Just yesterday I had the opportunity to make a donation to a local charity from our Voiture. As is with most organizations the word usually doesn’t get out to the extent that people outside the organization have no clue of who we are or what we do.
Obviously the history of the organization is very important and I am quite confident there are people presently if you ask them what the 40 & 8 is, can’t tell you or stumble over their words. This I have seen across many organizations, I have been put on the spot more times than I care to admit when someone will point to me and say ask Brian. I have also come upon members that try to explain to others and In my opinion end up embarrassing their self.
Why is the important you might ask? I feel that if you cannot recite the history of the organization then maybe you are not proud of the organization or just don’t really care. History of the organization is important as it allows us to understand our past, which in turn allows us to understand our present.
What is the relationship between history and rituals? Historical events and practices can shape the development and meaning of rituals, and rituals can be used to remember and commemorate historical events. In our organization we have many historical events and rituals. To understand one, I feel you have to understand the other. If you look through the ritual guide you will see many activities that we should already be doing or that we can do for specific events.
Something like everyone wearing a Chapeau during our promenade. Celebrating the birthday of 40 & 8. There are many rituals brought on by historical events, and we should not ignore them. We should practice them as we do when we render honors to the colors or pray during the promenade. Problem is if we start ignoring them like we do history then at some point you won’t be able to explain to new Voyagers something as simple why we are saluting the colors and the Chef de Gare, and in what order during our meeting. Look at your rituals as well as the history of the organization and share with others.
Brian Smock Rituals Directeur
Voiture 175 Nurses Training Grants given to four student nurses! Our nurses from left: Anastasia Maren, Angelica Valadez, Susana Lopez and Caroline Ferris
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
MINUTES OF THE GRAND CHEMINOT 2025 Grande Voiture du Texas
Corpus Christi, Texas
February 22, 2025
1. The Grand Cheminot was called to order by Grand Chef de Gare Jim Sweeney according to Ritual and the Manual of Ceremonies at 1:17 pm, February 22, 2025, Renslar R. Keagle, Grand Correspondant. Special Guest in attendance Paul Emmert Sr, Chef de Chemin de Fer.
2. Grand Call (Correspondant): By order of the Grand Chef de Gare du Texas, the 2025 Grand Promenade will be held, Saturday, February 21 - 22, in Corpus Christi Texas hosted by Kleberg County V-1134. Committee Meetings, 10:00 am at American Legion Post 364 with banquet being held at same location 6:00 pm. (Copy of full Grand Call, attached to minutes)
3. Roll Call of Officers: Ten elected officers present, three appointed officers present, seven Directeurs present.
4. Roll Call of Locales: Present – V-175, V-266, V-542, V-605, V-1031, V-1134, V-1640 with seven locales in attendance. 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 – None
7. Reports of Officers:
a. Grand Chef de Train Mike Hall: Seventy-seven short of achieving 100% goal. V-175 at 112% with others doing well, some need to increase their effort.
b. Grand Commissaire Intendant Roger Folmar: Wells Fargo Account - $13,914.19; Money Market Accounts $11,432.71; checking accounttotal - $125,346.90. Currents investments totaling $41,569.07. Grandtotal all funds - $67,612,13. Expenses covered in detail in Finance Committee meeting. Item by item transaction in checking account covered in finance committee meeting and finance report attached to minutes. Increase in interest rates for investments provided. Finance report approved as read and submitted subject to review.
c. Grand Avocat Dave Knutson: Working to get all locales up to date with the IRS.
d. Grand Aumonier Comments from the floor on those reported as sick.
e. Cheminot Nationale Roger: From Prominade Nationale – Voyageur Activities as a program has been removed. Comments by Chef de Chemin de Fer on Promenade Nationale.
8. Program Reports (Reported by Directeur or a representative)
a. Americanism – Need to start now getting reports prepared tomeet deadlines in June – start collecting miles hours, costs now.
b. Boxcar – Dave Knutson reported that gold placards on the boxcar have been replaced. Comments on the New Jersey Boxcar and its restoration.
c. Carville Star – Directeur Roger Folmar reported all pins sold and supporting clinics and/or a country is encouraged.
d. Child Welfare – V-605 has shown leadership in its FFFGs program. Directeur encouraged support of the program with pin sales.
e. Nurses Training – Report from Nurses Training Committee – Three $500.00 scholarships awarded. Two to V266 and one to V-605. Nurses were vetted and current grades and status reviewed.
f. POW/MIA – Directeur Alison Thompson-Hall – Pins and earrings available. Since our last Promenade, 77 missing have been recovered.
g. Public Relations – Directeur David Knutson: Comments on the website. Membership in P.A.L.S. encouraged.
h. Ritual – Comments by Grand Correspondant –General comments on how the POW/MIA chair should be placed and always included in the ritual.
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
i. Special Awards – Directeur David Knutson – TVN awarded at Nationale as best Grand newsletter. Other awards discussed. Time to prepare Voyageur of the Year submissions – NLT June 1st to Grand du Texas.
9. Grand Non-Program Reports:
a. Boxcar Maintenance – Covered in other reporting.
b. TimeandPlace–GrandPromenade2025willbeV-605ElPasoJune21 –22,2024.DetailsinTVN.Needlocation for Spring 2026 Cheminot. Possible Fall Cheminot this year via Zoom.
10. Old Business: Brief discussion on previous Youth Sports raffle and distribution of funds - some still available for expenditure.
11. New Business:
a. Notion made and approved for the expenditure of $1,500.00 to the three nurses scholarships approved.
b. Ads approved for Central States ($100.00), Memorial Day Book ($70.00) and full page for Promenade Nationale ($150.00).
12. Good of the Grand Voiture: Discussion on upcoming elections in June, Nationale appointments, etc. Details in TVN prior to Grand Promenade. Dave Knutson described a new Grand raffle, flyers and tickets to be provided each locale.
13. There being no further business to come before the Grand Cheminot, the Cheminot was closed according to the Ritual and the Manual of ceremonies.
ATTEST:
Renslar R. Keagle Correspondant, Grand du Texas
GROUP PHOTO OF SPRING CHEMINOT DINNER IN CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS!
We wish more could have been there! Thank you Voiture 1134 and all who helped make this a great event.
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux
Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
Grande Voiture du Texas 2025 Raffle
Tickets are $10 each / Only 300 tickets available!
1st Prize:
Smith & Wesson SD 2.0 40 caliber pistol
2nd Prize:
Custom-made knife by Forged in Fire Champion Chris Farrell Fearghal Blades
3rd - 4th - 5th Prizes: $50 Gift Card each
La Societe des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux / The Societe of 40 Men and 8 Horses
Grande Voiture du Texas / 8714 Marble Dr, El Paso, TX 79904
Drawing set for Saturday, June 21, 2025 at American Legion Post 58, El Paso, TX. Donations support Grand Voiture du Texas with 50% of net proceeds for Texas Youth Sports programs Must be 21 or older to enter.
1st Prize winner responsible for any transfer fees via licensed FFL dealer and must pass background check to legally obtain prize through FFL dealer. Must claim prize within 30 days. (need not be present to win)
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS PROGRAM REPORTS
DEADLINE TO GRAND DIRECTEURS FOR ALL REPORTS IS 6/15/2025
Program report forms can be found on the Voiture Nationale website: www.fortyandeight.org
Link to Program Report Forms and Petite Communique: https://www.fortyandeight.org/resources-overview
Program Directeur Name Phone E-MAIL
Special Awards: Voyageur of the Year, Law Officer of the Year, Hero of the Year, Etc.
Americanism Michael Hall 915-244-1801 hallmd1973@outlook.com 6/15/2025
Carville Star Roger Folmar 915-269-7775 rfolmar@elp.rr.com 6/15/2025
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
LA SOCIETE DES 40 HOMMES ET 8 CHEVAUX GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS
OFFICIAL CALL
104th GRANDE PROMENADE OF THE GRANDE VOITURE DU TEXAS
March 24, 2025
In accordance with the Constitution of the Grand Voiture du Texas, the 104th Grand Promenade of La Societe des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux, Grand du Texas, will be held in El Paso, TX, Saturday, June 21, 2025
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 Grand 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 Grand 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 and Voiture list of New Officers, duly certified, must be received by the Grand Correspondant, Renslar Keagle, 8714 Marble Dr, El Paso, TX 79904, NLT 9:00 am, Saturday, June 21, 2025.
VOTING STRENGTH OF VOITURES LOCALE
Voitures Locale shall have the number of votes in the Grand 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 GRAND PROMENADE
Only delegates and alternates holding credentials will be entitled to a vote on the floor of the Grand Promenade duly assembled. Any member of La Societe in good standing will be admitted to the Grand Promenade Hall on presentation of their 2025 membership card to the Grand Garde La Porte.
RESOLUTIONS
All resolutions must be submitted in writing to the Grand Correspondant NLT 9:00 am, Saturday, June 21, 2025
GRAND PROMENADE
The Grand Promenade is called to begin at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Paso Del Norte American Legion Post #58, 4724 Vulcan Ave, El Paso, TX 79904 The election of Grand Officers for 2026 will be held immediately following the transaction of business with installation being held at the discretion of the Grand Chef de Gare.
By order of Grand Chef de Gare Jim Sweeney.
ATTESTED BY:
RENSLAR KEAGLE
GRAND CORRESPONDANT
JIM SWEENEY
GRAND CHEF DE GARE
Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
2025 Grande Promenade
List of delegates and alternates
This certifiesthat __________________ County, Voiture No._____________ haselectedthefollowing delegates to the 2025 Grand Promenade to be held in El Paso, Texas on June 21, 2025.
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
Name of Voyageurs deceased during the past twelve (12) months.
Name Address
Attest: Correspondant Chef de Gare
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
June 20-22, 2025 In El Paso, Texas
Hotel Reservations
Candlewood Suites
4631 Cohen Ave, El Paso, Texas 79924
Phone: (915) 755-9000
Group Rate: $110 per night + Tax
(Advise you are with the 40 & 8)
Hotel Reservation Deadline is June 6, 2025
Take I-10W to US 54 Ft Bliss Exit 22B for US-54 E/Patriot Frwy toward Alamogordo/Ft Bliss
Take exit 29 toward TX-375 Loop/Woodrow Bean Transmountain Dr
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
2025 Grand Promenade
June 20 - 22, 2025, El Paso, Texas
REGISTRATION FORM
Please fill in the following information to register for the Grand Promenade
Title or Highest Office held: ____________________________________
Voiture or Cabane #: ______________
Number of Guests:__________
Total Number of Registrations this form: __________ X
Total Number of Guest Meals this form:___________
Advance Registration is $30 per person
Advance Registration must be received by June 6th , 2025
Late Registration fee is $35 per person Banquet Menu: Spaghetti, Salad, Roll
Program Book Ads
***In addition to hard copy, please send ads via email (JPEG, PDF) to: V605.40et8@outlook.com All program ads must be received NLT June 6th, 2025 SEND REGISTRATION AND HARD COPY PROGRAM ADS TO: Michael Hall 5724 Devon Ave. El Paso, TX 79924
(Make checks payable to - Voiture 605)
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux
Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
2025 Grande Promenade
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux
THE SOCIETY OF 40 MEN & 8 HORSES
THE GRANDE VOITURE DU 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
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
CHEF DE CHEMIN DE FER VISIT TO TEXAS PHOTOS
2025 SPRING CHEMINOT PHOTOS
Photo Left: V-1134 members Fernando Zaragosa and Lenore BerryZaragosa during the Spring Cheminot.
Chef Paul at the Texas Merci Boxcar with Charles E. Hawkins, Al Banzer and David Knutson
Chef de Chemin de Fer Paul Emmert Sr.
Voiture 1134 Chef de Gare Ricardo Hankerson and Voiture 175 Chef de Gare Al Banzer getting 100% membership pins from Grand Chef de Gare Jim Sweeney
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
Chef de Chemin de Fer Paul Emmert Sr. addresses the group at the 2025 Spring Cheminot In Corpus Christi, Texas
Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux
Grande Voiture du Texas
TEXAS VOYAGEUR NEWS
La Grande Voiture du Texas
La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux 8714 Marble Dr, El Paso, TX 79904
After the Spring Cheminot Chef Paul and Christine got to see the Alamo in San Antonio before their flight home. With tour guide Joe McCullough, Grand Chef de Gare passe and member of San Antonio Voiture 542 we had a great ending to the visit from our National Commander and his wife.
From left:
Christine Emmert, Paul Emmert, Joe McCullough, Deborah Knutson and David Knutson
Addressee
ADDRESSEE: Please notify sender of name/address correction
