Pyramid Magazine November 2021

KINDAH TEMPLE NO. 62

H.P.I.P. Byron S. Bagby

MAJOR GENERAL, U.S. ARMY (RETIRED)

Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North and South America and its Jurisdictions, Inc.

Publisher: John T. Chapman — 44th Imperial Potentate

Imperial Editor: Christopher G. Cox

Associate Editor: Burrell Parmer

Printing/Mailing: LSC Communications

Design: LinTaylor Marketing Group, Inc.

Photography: Submissions and Stock photography

On the Cover: H.P.I.P Byron S. Bagby, Major General U.S. Army (Retired). See more on page 14.

Imperial Divan (Board of Directors):

John T. Chapman — Imperial Potentate

Honorable Eric Myers — Deputy Imperial Potentate

Dr. Donald Ware, M.D. — Imperial Chief Rabban

Thomas R. Hughes, Sr. — Imperial Assistant Rabban

Dr. Corey H. Thomas — Imperial High Priest & Prophet

Gary Sylvester — Imperial Oriental Guide

Pierre E. Rutledge — Imperial Treasurer

Michael B. Allen — Imperial Recorder

Jerwon L. Avery — Imperial First Ceremonial Master

Dr. Terrell A. Gray, Sr. — Imperial Second Ceremonial Master

Rodney Eggleston — Imperial Captain of the Guard

Mario Eury — Imperial Outer Guard

Pyramid Magazine

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Pyramid Magazine

c/o A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Inc.

2239 Democrat Road Memphis, TN 38132

Going forward, each issue of Pyramid Magazine will be limited to a pre-determined number of pages. To that end, we will limit publishing the number of articles to three (3) articles per Temple, Court, Desert, Department and/or Individual per issue. If we find that there is sufficient space left over, we will publish additional articles sent in by the same Temple, Court, Desert, Department and/or Individual based upon date of submission, i.e. first come first serve.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Non-Nobles, including Daughters Auxiliary to A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Inc., may subscribe to The Pyramid Magazine by sending an annual subscription fee of $30 to the address below. This subscription must be renewed by Jan. 1 of each year. No fee notice will be sent.

2022 DEADLINES:

• March 1, 2022 (April Edition)

• June 1, 2022 (July Edition)

• June 17, 2022 (Souvenir Journal)

• October 1, 2022 (November Edition) Articles received after the submission deadline will appear in the following issue.

Overview of Pyramid Magazine

awarded to our youth in so many communities.

Educational support is not limited to scholarships as Moussa Temple No. 106 in San Antonio, Texas, demonstrated by organizing a back-toschool jamboree that resulted in supply-filled backpacks being given to students in grades K through 12.

Thus, I believe you will find that this particular issue meets and exceeds that objective by encouraging all of us to find new ways to live up to the extraordinary accomplishments of the individuals featured on pages 8 through 21. You will find the remarkable stories of Nobles and Daughters who have achieved distinguished careers by serving in the various branches of the United States Armed Forces.

Featured on the cover is H.P.I.P. Byron S. Bagby of Kindah Temple No. 62, who retired as a major general with the U.S. Army. But Hon. Past Imperial Potentate Bagby is only one of many service members, both commissioned and noncommissioned, who share the truly noteworthy highlights of their military service. I hope you will take the time to read each of their inspirational biographies and, in doing so, be energized to greater accomplishments of your own.

In addition to our focus on military service and programs designed to benefit Veterans, we recognize the ongoing commitment to community service by Temples around the country. This commitment is often reflected in scholarship programs designed to give our young people a much-needed boost as they pursue higher education. It is heartwarming to see thousands of dollars in scholarship assistance

Showing us that our sense of community extends beyond the borders of the United States, Kazah Temple No. 149 in Miami, Fla., raised more than a thousand dollars in relief funds as well as several shipping units of medical supplies, to send to Haiti in the wake of a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake.

Be sure to take a look at the article by H.P.I.P. Dr. Kenneth Walton on the evolving medical evidence regarding COVID 19 and the efficacy of booster shots. Among other things, he notes that adverse events from booster shots are milder and less severe than those reported from initial vaccinations.

Articles about the remarkable lives of Daughters Opal L. Lee, a 94-year-old activist from Fort Worth, Texas, and P.C. Nellie Frazier Banks of Harrisburg, Pa., who was born in 1913, are must reading for those who require proof that “age ain’t nothing but a number.”

And finally, I hope you will all take the time to read the thoughtful article by H.P.I.P. William Patterson III of Newark, N.J., on the importance of robust, committed membership to our Temples. He shares some powerful lessons about steps we can all take to “Recruit, Reclaim and Retain” Nobles.

In an effort to be both comprehensive and concise, I’ve only described some of the important content you will find in these pages. I trust you will find everything between the covers informative and entertaining. m

P.P. James Alexander (63) Assistant Editor for Digital

H.P.I.P. Larry D. Tisdale (195) Editor Emeritus

P.P. Clarence Stokes (17) Administrative Assistant

P.P. Burrell Parmer (106) Associate Editor

Noble Damajo Smith (51) Contributing Columnist

Imperial Editorial Staff

H.P.P. Christopher G. Cox Imperial Editor Sethos Temple No. 170 USMCR, Lance Corporal 1988-92, 4 years

It is my sincere hope that every reader of Pyramid Magazine finds each issue inspirational in its own way. By that, I mean that my goal is to ensure the content always contains an abundance of useful information about how we can better serve Shrinedom, our communities, each other and ourselves.

Good DomainMorning

CONTRIBUTED BY: NOBLE JOHN T. CHAPMAN (1) 44TH IMPERIAL POTENTATE A.E.A.O.N.M.S., INC.

Writing is always easier than talking. Composure is never a concern and a response is never immediate. Recently, we celebrated our 128th Imperial Council and 110th Imperial Court sessions.

Remarkably, in just 10 weeks, our departments were able to compose and structure content to deliver to our members for an enjoyable and rewarding experience. But if faith is your watchword, then nothing is exceptional, just God’s will. Tens of thousands gathered in the fair city of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection to once again demonstrate that “WE” are impact players in assisting the disadvantaged and uplifting youth. A HUGE thank you to all who helped to make this possible and an outstretched hand to others who will journey to the Golden Arch, making St. Louis a destination to be desired.

In this issue, we salute our members who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Services of the United States of America. A note of thanks to our Imperial High Priest and Prophet Corey Thomas, for his strong visionary recommendation for this issue’s subject content. We salute you sir for your dedication and vision. You will find Veterans (Cover feature of Maj. Gen. Byron S. Bagby, U.S. Army Retired) who served and achieved with notable exception in all of our military service departments and those who are current on active duty personnel. Exceptional individuals such as U.S. Navy Retired Atlantic Fleet Master Chief Ronald Carter is just one of many you will find featured, especially the women of our great organization who served not just in commands across the globe but many who numbered as combat field commanders. Hail, Hail, Hail to our Daughters who saw purpose and conviction in upholding the greatest Democracy in the history of civilization.

As you peruse this final quarter edition, be thankful for the courage and faith demonstrated by those we honor, be of more courage and appreciation for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure and sustain the liberties we all enjoy. Remember they paid it forward with their lives for generations to come. God bless all of you who stepped forward with immeasurable faith, courage and determination for the sake of others.

With God’s Grace and Mercy, We salute you!

John T. Chapman 44th Imperial Potentate A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Inc.

A View from the Top

CONTRIBUTED BY: DT. PAULETTE BROWN 49TH IMPERIAL COMMANDRESS

Daughters,

I bring you greetings from the desk of the 49th Imperial Commandress. I pray that you are staying safe, healthy and blessed.

COVID-19 IS STILL WITH US. People are still getting sick and even dying from the virus. We’ve lost Nobles, Daughters, family members and friends. We must do all that we can to protect ourselves and others by getting the vaccine, wearing a mask and continuing to follow the CDC guidelines.

My focus for the upcoming year is to continue to support Cancer Research, Diabetes, all programs of the Imperial Court, and above all, education of the youth. REMEMBER, THEY ARE OUR FUTURE.

We, the Imperial Court, look forward to working with our Imperial Council, working within our communities and moving this organization forward.

I plant seeds of hope to harvest the fruits of success.

Yours in the Faith,

The 49th Imperial Commandress

Dt. Paulette Brown

Imperial Divan Members and Past Imperial Potentates with Military Service

★ P.P. Mario Eury

Imperial Outer Guard; USMC E-5 Sergeant, 1991-1997, 6 years

★ H.P.I.P Rodney Eggleston

Imperial Captain of the Guard; USAF E-7 Master Sergeant, 1986-2006, 20 years, Retired

★ H.P.I.P Dr. Terrell Gray, Sr.

Imperial 2nd Ceremonial; Master; USA Reserve E-5 Sergeant, 1989-1994, 5 years

★ H.P.I.P Michael Allen

Imperial Recorder; USA E-6 Staff Sergeant, 1979-1994, 15 years

★ H.P.I.P Ronald Dickens

Imperial Recorder Emeritus; USAF O-4 Major Retired, 1965-1994, 29 years

★ H.P.I.P Gilbert Reddings

Imperial Treasure Emeritus; USAF E-9 Chief Master Sergeant, 1962-1987, 24 years, Retired

★ P.I.P. Charles Davenport 43rd Imperial Potentate; USAF E-5 Staff Sergeant, 1962-1968, 6 years

★ P.I.P. Carl Parker

42nd Imperial Potentate; USAF E-9 Command Chief Master Sergeant, 1963-1988, 25 years, Retired

★ P.I.P. Rochelle Julian 41st Imperial Potentate; USA E-8 Master Sergeant, 1974-1994, 20 years, Retired

★ P.I.P. Donald Parks

39th Imperial Potentate; USAF E-9 Chief Master Sergeant, 1960-1985, 25 years, Retired

★ Dt. Karen Wright-Chisolm (128)

Imperial 1st Lieutenant Commandress; USAF E-9 Chief Master Sergeant, 27 Years

★ Dt. Ernestine Pratt (206) Imperial 2nd Ceremonial Daughter; USA, E-7 Sergeant First Class, 20 Years

Photo & Article Submission Criteria

1. All articles are to be drafted in arial 11 font and emailed in Word format (not as a PDF) to pyramid@aeaonms.org

2. Full-page articles should be no less than 300 words along with two to three supporting photos. Two-page articles should be no less than 500 words with four to five supporting photos.

3. Photograph fee is $15 per photo. Do not send in a photo collage.

4. Photos are to be emailed to pyramid@ aeaonms.org in JPEG Format and not inserted into the Word document. Send high quality/high resolution photos only. Do not copy photos from Facebook posts.

5. Photos should be shot in landscape or portrait, not angled.

6. Do not send payment for photos until you receive confirmation of approved photos by The Pyramid.

7. Do not send an article of yearly activities summarized into one article. Summarize activities for the previous quarter.

8. Submitters will receive, via email, a reviewed copy of their article within 72 hours of submission to The Pyramid.

9. Submission Deadlines:

March 1st (April Edition)

July 1st (August Edition)

October 1st (November Edition)

10. Mailing Address: The Pyramid c/o AEAONMS 2239 Democrat Rd. Memphis, TN 38132

11. All other inquiries: email: editor@aeaonms.org

ph: 901.395.0144, ext. 229 fx: 901.395.0115

Honoring Distinguished VIPs on Our Roster

CONTRIBUTED BY: H.P.I.P. DWIGHT COLEMAN ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE MALIK TEMPLE NO. 270 — BESSEMER, ALA.

General Dennis Via U.S. Army Retired

(First signal officer to be promoted to the rank of 4-star general)

Hon. Past Imperial Potentate Via, a native of Martinsville, Va., was commissioned in the Signal Corps in May 1980 after graduating as a distinguished military graduate from Virginia State University. He assumed duties as the 18th commander of the U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC), the Army’s premier provider of materiel readiness, in August 2012. Prior to leading AMC, he served as the deputy commanding general. Noble Via deployed to Southwest Asia in October 2011 as the commander, AMC Responsible Reset Task Force with the mission of leading the strategic integration of the Materiel Enterprise for the retrograde of equipment and materiel out of Iraq at the conclusion of Operation NEW DAWN. Prior to that, he served as director for Command, Control, Communications

and Computer Systems, J-6, U.S. Joint Staff, Washington, D.C. Noble Via’s command assignments include the 82nd Signal Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; 3rd Signal Brigade, III Armored Corps, Fort Hood, Texas; 5th Signal Command, U.S. Army Europe and 7th Army, Mannheim, Germany; and the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J. His key staff assignments include aide-de-camp to the chief of staff, Allied Forces Southern Europe, Naples, Italy; operations officer, J-6, Armed Forces Inaugural Committee, Washington, D.C.; division chief, Joint Requirements Oversight Council, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.; principal director for Operations, Defense Information Systems Agency/deputy commander, Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations, U.S. Strategic Command, Arlington, Va.

Noble Via is currently a fellow for Defense Futures and a senior executive leader in Booz Allen’s Joint Combatant Command (JCC) business. Within JCC, he leads security cooperation and contributes to growth across technology innovation, warfighter advancements, readiness and training, and health facility transformation. As a fellow, Dennis helps defense, intelligence, and homeland security clients manage today’s evolving threat and budgetary environments. He also helps formulate the firm’s future business strategy for the defense market.

EDUCATION — Noble Via holds a master’s degree from Boston University and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (1991) and the U.S. Army War College (1999). Additionally, he is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Defense Distinguished Service Medal; the Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster; Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters; Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Joint Service Achievement Medal; and the Army Achievement Medal. He is authorized to wear the Master Parachutist Badge, Joint Staff Identification Badge, and Army Staff Identification Badge. He also holds an honorary doctorate degrees from Virginia State University and Alabama A&M University and is a member of the U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Command’s National ROTC Hall of Fame inaugural class.

Noble Via is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and recipient of the Laurel Wreath Award. Noble Via is also a member of the Alabama Holding Lodge No. 459 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama and holds

Malik Temple No. 270 has the honor of possessing men who have served at the highest levels of command in the military and civilian sector. They are servant leaders who have “walked the walk” to accompany the accolades and accomplishments that serve as a beacon for others to emulate and follow.

memberships in the York Rite Bodies. Additionally, he is Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the United Supreme Council Southern Jurisdiction – Tennessee. He is married to the former Linda A. Brown of Warsaw, Va. They have two sons, Brian and Bradley.

Major General David Wilson

U.S. Army

(First African-American Citadel graduate to be promoted to the rank of major general)

Hon. Past Imperial Potentate Wilson is a distinguished military graduate and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1991, following graduation from The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. Upon completion of the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, he was assigned as a fire support officer, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry at Camp Hovey, Korea; platoon leader, 503rd Maintenance Company, 530th Supply & Services Battalion; company executive officer, 364th Supply and Services Company, 264th Corps Supply Support Battalion with deployment to Mogadishu, Somalia; platoon leader and shop officer, 503rd Maintenance Company, 264th Corps Support Battalion; and Support Operations maintenance officer, 264th Corps Support Battalion.

In 1996, he was assigned as the assistant brigade S4, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) in Fort Stewart, Ga. He assumed command of Delta Company, 703rd Main Support Battalion in 1998 after serving as the 1st Brigade material manager, 3rd Division Material. He then served in the Headquarters, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe, Va., as the Joint Venture Directorate as Experimental CSS integration officer for the Army Light Experimentation Axis and then as executive officer to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Combat Developments.

Following completion of the Command and General Staff Officer Course in 2003, he was assigned as the executive officer for the 1st Armored Division, Division Support Command in Germany with deployments to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation IRON SABER. Follow-on assignments included battalion executive officer, 501st Forward Support Battalion (2004); assistant chief of staff, Deputy G4, 1st Armored Division Headquarters (2005); and

Logistics Majors assignment officer, U.S. Army Human Resources Command (2006).

In 2008, he assumed command of the 121st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Division, located in Fort Bliss, Texas. Following a deployment in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, he reported to the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army where he served as the Logistics Colonel assignment officer. In 2011, he attended the Senior Service College, Industrial College of the Armed Forces and then reported to Fort Bragg, N.C., to assume command of the 406th Army Field Support Brigade.

Following Brigade Command in 2014, he was assigned to the Army Materiel Command as the executive officer to the commanding general. He went on to take command as the 40th chief of ordnance and held command until 8 May 2018. In 2018, he was assigned as the director J/U-4, United States Forces Korea/ United Nations Command/deputy director, C4 Combined Forces Command, located in Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea. On 16 June 2020, he assumed command of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command on Fort Shafter, Hawaii.

EDUCATION – Noble Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, a Master of Science Degree in General Administration, and a Master of Science Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, United Nations Somalia Medal, United Nations Haiti Medal, Combat Action Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge and the Headquarters, Department of the Army Staff Identification Badge.Identification Badge.

Noble Wilson is a recipient Somervell Medal of Excellence, the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe, the Quartermaster Order of Saint Martin, and the Transportation Honorable Order of Saint Christopher. He also holds an Honorary Doctorate of Military Science from The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina and is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve Officers

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Honoring Distinguished VIPs on Our Roster

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Training Corps (ROTC) of Cadets Command’s National ROTC Hall of Fame.

Noble Wilson is married to the former Patricia Y. Placido of Santo Domingo, D.R. They have two daughters, Victoria and Rebecca. Noble Wilson is a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a member of the Association of the United States Army, Military Officers Association of America, the Oklahoma Holding Lodge No. 300 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oklahoma, memberships in the York Rite Bodies, and is a Grand Inspector General of the United Supreme Council Southern Jurisdiction – Tennessee.

Colonel Courtney Abraham

U.S. Army

(Director, U.S. Army Personal Property / Commander, Joint Personal Property Shipping Office Mid-Atlantic)

Hon. Past Imperial Potentate Abraham assumed the dual role of director, Army Personal Property and commander, JPPSO-MA in July 2018. He is a native of Shreveport, La., where he is the youngest of four children.

He enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard in 1995 serving with the 256th Infantry Brigade. After graduating from the University of Louisiana-Monroe in 1998, he was commissioned a quartermaster officer through Grambling State University. His initial assignment was with the 142nd Corps Support Battalion, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, La., where he served as a platoon leader, executive officer, and battalion S1/adjutant. Following his promotion to captain and completion of the Advanced Course, he was assigned to the 7th Corps Support Group, Bamberg, Germany, where he served as the supply and services officer. He then assumed command of the 240th Quartermaster Supply Company where he twice led his unit in combat supporting Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Following command, Noble Abraham served as the deputy brigade operations officer until reassignment to the U.S. Army Human Resources Command in Alexandria, Va., as the Quartermaster Lieutenants and Captains assignment officer from 2006 to 2008.

After completing this tour, Noble Abraham was reassigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 1st Armored Division as executive officer for the 121st Brigade Support Battalion. He held this position for two years including a combat deployment with the BCT to Iraq. Later, he was selected to attend the Marine Corps Command and Staff College at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. His next assignment was with Headquarters, Defense Logistics Agency at Fort Belvoir, Va., where he served as a joint plans and operations officer and deputy Army national account manager. Noble Abraham was reassigned to the Army Materiel Command in Redstone, Ala., and selected as the assistant executive officer and aide-de-camp to the commanding general. In 2016, Noble Abraham assumed command of the Army Field Support Battalion, 82d Airborne Division located at Fort Bragg, N.C. Following command, he was selected to attend the Senior Service College. Additionally, Noble Abraham was selected as a Secretary of Defense

Executive Fellow where he was embedded with SAP from 2018-2019 in Washington, D.C.

EDUCATION — Quartermaster Officer Basic Course, Petroleum Officer Course, Military Personnel Officer’s Course, Combined Logistics Captains Career Course, Ariel Delivery and Materiel Officer Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Support Operations Course, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, the Joint and Combined Warfighting School, U.S. Army War College, and holds a Master of Science Degree in Military Sciences from the Marine Corps University.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Legion of Merit, Bronze Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary and Service Medals, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Combat Action Badge, Basic Parachute Badge, and Parachute Rigger Badge.

Noble Abraham is a recipient of the Quartermaster Order of Saint Martin, the Transportation Honorable Order of Saint Christopher, and the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe.

Noble Abraham is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., a member of the Association of the United States Army, Military Officers Association of America, the Alabama Holding Lodge No. 459 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama, memberships in the York Rite Bodies, and is a Grand Inspector General of the United Supreme Council Southern Jurisdiction – Tennessee.

Noble Abraham is married to the former Tomaika R. White from Monroe, La., and has two children, Allyson and Jackson.

Command Sergeant Major James Kelvin Sims U.S. Army Retired

(Served as the senior enlisted logistician in the U.S. Army)

Hon. Past Imperial Potentate Sims culminated his 33 years of honorable service as the first quartermaster soldier to ever be assigned to a four-star command. He served as the 15th command sergeant major of U.S. Army Materiel Command, Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Ala., from December 2013 to March 2017. Noble Sims was a board member on the Sergeants Major Senior Enlisted Council, where he provided advice, counsel, guidance, and mentorship throughout the command and across the Army. Additionally, Noble Sims engaged senior leaders at all levels, both military and industry, on the Army Materiel Command’s strategic themes, objectives, and issues. Previous positions and assignments include: squad leader, section sergeant, battalion S4 non-commission officer-in-charge, platoon sergeant, two consecutive tours as first sergeant with Charlie Company, Support Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne)

in Fort Bragg, N.C.; first sergeant, Alpha Company, 702nd Main Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division; command sergeant major for 528th Special Operations Support Battalion, U.S. Army Special Operations Command (Airborne) and command sergeant major for the Group Support Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne), and command sergeant major for the 530th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 49th Quarter Master Group’s command sergeant major, the 10th quartermaster regimental command sergeant major, and the U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command’s command sergeant major. Additionally, Noble Sims also served in the 3rd U.S. Infantry, “The Old Guard”, and the 82nd Airborne Division. He has deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and other locations.

EDUCATION — U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy Class No. 54 and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Trident University International (summa cum laude).

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, German Parachutist Badge, French Master Parachutist Badge, Venezuela Parachutist Badge, Polish Master Parachutist Badge, Air-Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and the Combat Action Badge.

Noble Sims is a demonstrated master logistician, a recipient of the Quartermaster Distinguished Order of Saint Martin, the Transportation Honorable Order of Saint Christopher, and the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe. He is a distinguished member of the Quartermaster Regiment and was inducted in the Quartermaster Hall of Fame and 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (Old Guard).

Noble Sims is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., a member of the Association of the United States Army, the Alabama Holding Lodge No. 459 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama, holds membership in the York Rite Bodies, and is a Grand Inspector General of the United Supreme Council Southern Jurisdiction – Tennessee.

Colonel Cornelius Easter Sr. U.S. Army Retired

(Former airborne ranger, West Point instructor, and infantryman)

Hon. Past Imperial Potentate Easter was a distinguished military student and graduate. After graduating from Prairie View A&M University in 1973, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Infantry. A member of Who’s Who

Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, Noble Easter has served as a weapons instructor, training officer, company executive officer, company commander, and a battalion S-3 operation’s officer at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., from 1973 to 1977.

After completing Infantry Officer Advanced Course 77-78, he became the Organizational Effectiveness consultant to the commanding general, Southern European Task Force, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. He completed consultant duties and became assistant S-3 operation’s officer with 1-509th Airborne Battalion

Combat Team, Italy, and then commanded an airborne company within 1-509th Airborne Infantry. In 1982, he was the OE consultant to the commanding general, 7th Infantry Division. In 1984, he became the Rapid Deployment Forces S-3 operations officer for 5-21 Infantry and then brigade S-4 logistics officer for 2nd “Battle Brigade,” 7th Infantry Division Bayonet until 1986. Later, he was assigned to the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Senior Reserve Officers Training Corps Program from 1986 to 1989 where he served as commandant of cadets. From 1990 to 1993, Noble Easter served as regimental commander and tactical officer for 4th Regiment, U.S. Corps of Cadets and regimental commander for Camp Buckner, Cadet Field Training Regiment, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. After leaving West Point, Noble Easter commanded 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, Fort Jackson, S.C. After completion of command, he attended the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pa. Later, he served as director of Training Modernization at the Army Training Support Center, Training and Doctrine Command. Following this assignment, he was the J1 (NATO) for Allied Land Forces/Joint Headquarters, Southeastern Europe, Izmir, Turkey. His final assignment prior to retirement in August 2003, was as deputy brigade commander, First Simulation Brigade, 87th Division.

Noble Easter was formerly employed by KEI Pearson Engineering Inc., CMW, Inc., and Patriot Services, Inc., as a federal contractor for Headquarters, 81st Regional Readiness Command, Deputy Chief of Staff G5, Strategic Plans and Policies Directorate as program manager for Organizational and Leadership Development, and command process improvement consultant for the commanding general from 2003 to 2008. He currently serves as a worldwide leader development mentor and independent human and organizational development consultant. Noble Easter also serves as the senior leader development consultant to Perpetual Solutions, Inc.

EDUCATION — Noble Easter holds a Master of Education and Human Services Degree from Boston University and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Prairie View A&M University. His military schools include: Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Ranger and Airborne Schools at Fort Benning, Ga., U.S. Army War College, Air Force Air Command and Staff College, U.S. Army’s Command General Staff College (Commandant’s List), DA Inspector General and Force Modernization Courses, Center for Creative Leadership Course for Executives, School of Cadet Command, Amphibious Warfare Staff Planning Course at Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, Calif., and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Senior Staff Officer Course in Oberhausen, Germany. Personal interests include fitness, fishing, developing leaders, mentorship, leadership research, and reading.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Congressional Medal of Honor Society Distinguished Service Award, Knowlton Award for Distinguished Service, Order of Saint Maurice Award for Distinguished Service, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Campaign Star, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Parachutist Badge, German Parachutist Badge, Army Ranger Tab and Joint Unit Meritorious Service Award; nominated for Biltmore Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals in the business community.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

MALIK

Honoring Distinguished VIPs on Our Roster continued

Noble Easter is married to the former Carolyn Gail Scurry of Galveston, Texas. He and his spouse reside in Helena, Ala. They have three children: Tandrea L. Easter-Jackson, Vandrenese A. Easter-Bryant, and Cornelius Easter Jr., 14 grandchildren and one adopted grandson, Mark JB Arrowsmith.

Noble Easter is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he is lauded as a 50-year member.

U.S. Army Veteran & Software Executive

Adolphus Gwynn

(Senior Vice President at SAP— Fortune 500)

Hon. Past Imperial Potentate Gwynn is a senior software executive focused on North America (NA), Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

As a vice president of SAP, Noble Gwynn has led software implementations at Google, Under Armour, Crocs, and numerous other Fortune 500 companies. He deployed a joint approach for SAP Services with a cadre of strategic firms (Accenture, Deloitte, IBM, PWC, EY, and Capgemini, Bain, McKinsey, BCG) to deliver business transformation strategies to Fortune 500 clients.

Noble Gwynn served in the U.S. Army from 1989 to 1998 with deployments to: Germany, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, South Korea, North Carolina, and Virginia. He is a Desert Storm Veteran that commanded twice at the 82nd Airborne Division. He was selected by the Army to a role that less than one percent of officers achieve; Human Resources personnel lead for Army Officer Personnel.

EDUCATION —Noble Gwynn earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the U.S. Military Academy (West Point) and graduated from the North Carolina School of Science & Math.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star, Air Assault, Jump Master, Ranger, Combat Infantry Badge, and Expert Infantry Badge. He is also a member of Omega Psi Phi, co-founder of Digital App – Culture Pop, and a board member for a nonprofit, Wholly Kicks.

Lieutenant Colonel Damon Bennett U.S. Army Retired

(Vice President at DMW&H)

Hon. Past Imperial Potentate Bennett serves as vice president at DMW&H for Post and Parcel and is a top-leading, results-driven executive with over 20 years of leadership experience within complex organizations at national and international levels. He is highly successful, with documented experience, in leading people and change through high-profile initiatives globally, planning operational strategy and integration, and directing short and long-term operations with strategic and national implications. He is a facilitator with capacity to integrate strategic objectives and operational goals with positive outcomes across the enterprise.

Noble Bennett possesses executive experiences with leading and managing outcomes in the areas of National Defense, National Security, Strategy, Building Coalitions, Contracting & Resource Management, Emergency Management, Logistics, Situational Analysis, Six Sigma, Organizational Design, and Opposition Management.

Noble Bennett completed multiple assignments as an enlisted field artilleryman in Korea, Fort Bragg, and Germany. He subsequently received the Green to Gold Scholarship at Morgan State University and was commissioned as a field artillery officer in 2001. Noble Bennett’s past assignments include: fire support officer/mortar platoon leader, 1st Squadron, 14th Calvary Regiment, 3rd SBCT, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; Battalion S4, 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd SBCT, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis; SSA platoon leader, G/52nd Aviation, Camp Eagle, Korea; battalion maintenance officer, 194th Maintenance Battalion; Battalion S4 for 194th Maintenance Battalion, Camp Humphreys, Korea; senior sustainment trainer in the Future Forces Integration Directorate, Fort Bliss, Texas; company commander for Foxtrot Company (Maintenance), 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense Brigade, Fort Bliss (deployed in support of OEF to Kuwait and Qatar); Brigade S4, 11th Air Defense Brigade, Fort Bliss; company commander for Echo Company, 121stt Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss (deployed in support of OIF to Iraq); operations officer, G-33, G-3/5/7, TRADOC, Fort Monroe, Va.; executive officer, Office of Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, TRADOC, Fort Eustis, Va.; executive officer, 406th Army Field Support Battalion, Fort Bragg; Brigade S4, 16th Military Police Brigade, Fort Bragg; career manager, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Ky.; Joint Logistics operations officer and regional desk manager for NORTHCOM/SOUTHCOM/FEMA, J3, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Fort Belvoir, Va.; commander DLA Support Team - Kuwait, Camp Arifjan (OIR, OFS, OSS). His next assignment was the U.S. Ordnance School, 59th Ordnance Brigade, 832D Ordnance Battalion, commander, Fort Lee, Va. EDUCATION — Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Morgan State University, Master of Business Administration Degree from Trident University, Graduate Certificate in Financial Markets from Yale University, and certifications as a master project manager, certified international project manager, master quality manager from the American Academy of Project Management, certified planning engineer and demonstrated master logistician from SOLE - The International Society of Logistics.

His varied Department of Defense and U.S. Government education includes the Joint and Combined Warfighting School; USAID/OFDA Senior Managers course; USAID/OFDA Joint Humanitarian Officer Course; Defense Support of Civil Authorities Course Level II; Logistics Assistance Program Senior Manager Course; Command and General Staff College; Defense Support of Civil Authorities Course; Operational Contract Support Course; Anti-Terrorism Level II Course; Joint Logistics Course; Operational Security Level II Course; Support Operations Course; Contract Officer Representative Course; Combined Logistics Captain Career Course; Supply and Service Management Officer Course and Field Artillery Officer’s Basic Course.

Noble Bennett has extensive experience in leadership and logistics in virtually every aspect of military operations with a

focus in Supply Chain and Human Resource Management. He has directed organizations ranging from 20 to 1,200 employees.

HONORS AND AWARDS — Best Small Warehouse Award (U.S. Army); Best Small Warehouse Award (Korea); Bronze Star; Defense Meritorious Service Medal (Joint); Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Commendation Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal (Bronze Service Star); Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon (4); Air Assault; Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon; Army Superior Unit Ribbon; Highest medal for logistics and Field Artillery excellence: The Order of St. Martin; Order of St. Barbara.

Noble Bennett is married to the former Althea Bhagwandath from St. Marys, Jamaica and has one daughter, Michaela.

Noble Bennett is a member of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc., Association of the United States Army, Military Officers Association of America, and a member of the Oklahoma Holding Lodge No 300 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oklahoma.

Colonel Dwight O. Coleman

U.S. Army

Illustrious Potentate, Hon. Past Imperial Potentate Coleman is a native of Birmingham, Ala., where he was born the eldest of two children. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in November 1988 serving with the 3385th U.S. Army Reserve Forces School. He was selected to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in 1994. In June 1994, he graduated and was commissioned a second lieutenant through the OCS program. His initial assignments included platoon leader, Delta Battery, 1-203rd Air Defense Artillery (ADA), executive officer Bravo Battery, 1-203rd (ADA), and additional duties as the battery food service officer. In January of 2001, Noble Coleman deployed to Saudi Arabia with 2-1 Battalion 35th ADA Brigade in support of Operation DESERT SPRING. In June 2002, he attended the Quartermaster Officer Advance Course followed by the Combined Arms Services Staff School.

In January 2003, Noble Coleman was assigned to the Battle Projection Group, 1st Brigade, 87th Division (Training Support) in Birmingham as an opposing forces controller. In November 2006, while mobilized, he assumed command of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) 3rd Brigade Combat Group, 4th Brigade, 75th Division (Training Support). Following this assignment, he was deployed to Iraq as a Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) support officer, LOGCAP Support Unit, Army Materiel Command, responsible for over $150 million in logistic contracts while in theater.

In 2011, Noble Coleman was assigned to U.S. Central Command’s J4 Deployment and Distribution Command, as a liaison officer, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait and shortly upon arrival, sent to assist with coordination of airlift operations to remove equipment from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. During this joint assignment, he was instrumental in a 400 percent increase in airlift of equipment out of Kandahar Airfield.

In October 2012, Noble Coleman was mobilized and assumed duties as the G3 operations officer, Deployment Support Command in Birmingham. He was later assigned as the G5 Force Management officer in October 2014.

In October of 2015, Noble Coleman was assigned to the Commanding General’s Initiatives Group (CIG), Army Materiel Command in Redstone Arsenal, Ala., where he served as a command strategic planner to the commanding general, Army Materiel Command.

In October of 2017, Noble Coleman was assigned to the G-3, Army Reserve Sustainment Command, serving as the deputy G-3 and officer-in-charge of day-to-day operations at the headquarters. Additionally, was dual-hatted in 2019 serving as both the deputy G-3 and interim chief of staff.

In October of 2021, Noble Coleman was selected for mobilization with the G-3, Army Materiel Command where he currently serves as the director of Global Force Management.

EDUCATION — Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Stillman College, Master of Business Administration from Touro University International, Air Defense Officer Basic Course, Quartermaster Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College Intermediate Level Education, Advanced Operations Course, Support Operations Course Phase I & II, Joint Course on Logistics, Multifunctional Combat Service Support Reserve Component (Functional Area 90A) Course, Theater Sustainment Planner Course, Contracting Officer Representative Course, Commanders Safety Course, Observer Controller Training Course, SHARP Certification Course, Instructor Training Course, U.S. Army Reserve Force Management Course, and 40+ Hours of Defense Acquisition University Courses.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Bronze Star Medal; Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Army Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Silver Hourglass (M Device and Numeral 5), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharp Award, Quartermaster Order of Saint Martin Award, and demonstrated master logistician by the SOLE Society.

Noble Coleman is married to the former Zonja R. Leonard from Sylacauga, Ala., and has one child, Alexander.

Noble Coleman is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi, a member of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World, chartering Worshipful Master of New Beginning Lodge No. 970 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama, and a Grand Inspector General of the United Supreme Council Southern Jurisdiction – Tennessee. He holds membership In the York Rite Bodies of Masonry. Noble Coleman is a Past High Priest, Thrice Illustrious Master, and Past Eminent Commander. m

Honoring Veterans Across Our Organization

KINDAH TEMPLE NO.

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62

Major General Byron S. Bagby

U.S. Army Retired

Hon. Past Imperial Potentate Bagby is managing partner of BMB Solutions, LLC, an independent consulting firm specializing in executive leadership development, governance, and strategy development. He served 33 years in the U.S. Army and transitioned off active duty at the rank of major general.

Noble Bagby’s Army career included service as: commandant of Joint Forces Staff College, which educates 2,500 students annually in nine different programs, one of which was accredited to confer a master’s degree; chief operating officer of the Office of Military Cooperation in Cairo, Egypt, managing security cooperation programs valued at $1.3 billion annually; and chief of staff of U.S. Army, Europe, directing all the activities of over 1,000 people in 30 locations in nine countries. His assignments include the Pentagon on the Joint Staff and Department of the Army Staff. He has combat experience in Grenada and Afghanistan and has served in five of the Army’s 10 combat divisions.

Noble Bagby is a certified leadership facilitator and authentic leadership development coach, credentialed through the True Growth Academy and the Chambers Bay Institute, respectively. He currently serves as chair of the Ryan Consulting Group Advisory Board; on the Board of Directors of Management Support Technology, Inc.; and on the Boards of Trustees of William Woods University and Columbia Southern University.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Noble Bagby has earned many decorations and honors, including: two Army Distinguished Service Medals; the Ranger Tab; the Master Parachutist Badge; the Westminster College Lifetime Alumni Achievement Award; and has been inducted into the Fulton Public Schools Hall of Fame.

EDUCATION — Bachelor of Art Degree in Economics from Westminster College. Before serving on the staff/faculty at the U.S. Military Academy, he earned a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Additionally, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Lincoln College.

Noble Bagby is a life member of many organizations, including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and The Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was raised a Master Mason in Silver Square Lodge No. 791, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of North Carolina in May 1981 and was created a Noble in April 1985 in Kindah Temple No. 62, Oasis of Fayetteville, Desert of North Carolina.

Notably, Noble Bagby was coronated a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, United Supreme Council, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, District of Columbia in October 2010, and was exalted to Honorary Past Imperial Potentate Exaltation in August 2021. m

ARABIA TEMPLE NO. 12

Master Chief Ronald L. Carter

U.S. Navy Retired

Former Fleet Master Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet

Noble Carter is a native of New Orleans, La. He served 33 years in the U.S. Navy and retired as fleet master chief petty officer of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet since July 1991. He was the principal enlisted advisor to the commander in chief on matters pertaining to the welfare, health, job satisfaction, morale, utilization and training of the men and women in the Atlantic Fleet. He helps foster a better understanding of the needs and viewpoints of the 180,000 enlisted members and their families.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1961 and reported to Fighter Squadron 43 for his first assignment. In 1964, as a aviation boatswain’s mate, Noble Carter was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS INTREPID (CVS 11). From there, he went to Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va. in 1967. His next assignment was at Naval Air Station Agana, Guam. His second shipboard tour was aboard the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CVA 62) then onto Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Fentress, Va. Noble Carter served next with Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron TWELVE, based in Norfolk. In 1974, he was selected as the squadron’s first Sailor of the Year. He returned to Fighter Squadron 43 in 1978 for another tour. In 1981, he was assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS GUADALCANAL (LPH 7). Noble Carter was selected for advancement to master chief petty officer and assumed the duties of command master chief for Helicopter Sea Control Wing One. In 1987, he became command master chief petty officer for the pre-commissioning unit of the aircraft carrier ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). In 1989 during his time on the LINCOLN, Noble Carter was named the force master chief petty officer for the Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

Noble Carter is a member of Mount Zion A.M.E. Church in Virginia Beach, Va. He is the recipient of the NAACP Roy Wilkins Distinguished Service Award and was selected as Man of the Year at the 141st Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Second Episcopal District.

Noble Carter served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 33rd Masonic District during his 20-year tenure. He was

selected District Deputy of the Year, two consecutive years. He served in the capacity of Right Worshipful Grand Director for the Jurisdiction of Virginia. In 2007, the 33rd Masonic District was the recipient of the Daniel M. Stone Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission. (Place before the "Right Worshipful Grand Director sentence" The District was selected District of the year for two consecutive years. He is an active Prince Hall Shriner and serves as an Imperial Ambassador. Noble Carter is married to the former Peggy V. Owens of Virginia Beach, Va. and has three daughters, three grandsons, and two greatgranddaughters who also reside in Virginia Beach. m

ARABIAN COURT NO. 128

Lieutenant Colonel Yolanda Monique Ellerbee

Daughter Ellerbee was born in Charleston, S.C., to the late Johnny Ellerbee Sr. and Ruby Rivers Ellerbee. She has one brother, Noble Johnny Ellerbee Jr., who resides in Virginia. She is the proud mother of one daughter, Imani Aniyah Long.

EDUCATION — Dt. Ellerbee is a 1987 graduate of Burke High School and attended Fort Valley State College, now a university in Fort Valley, Ga. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Transportation Corps in 1993 from Fort Valley State University. According to Dt. Ellerbee, joining the military was something she wanted to do specially to get more discipline and travel to see the world. She earned her master’s degree in Computer Resources/Information Management from Webster University in 2003. Dt. Ellerbee’s first assignment was in the U.S. Army Reserve with the 941st Transportation Company (Medium Truck) in North Charleston, S.C., where she served as a platoon leader. In 1997, she served as the detachment commander of the 590th Transportation Detachment (Trailer Transfer Point) in Charleston. In 1999, she was assigned to the 1182d Transportation Terminal Battalion as a transportation terminal officer. While assigned there, she was accepted on a CONUS mobilization tour in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM/Operation IRAQI FREEDOM at Fort Eustis, Va. She was assigned as the plans, readiness and mobilization chief for the Plans, Readiness and Mobilization Crisis Action Team at the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command. While on assignment, Dt. Ellerbee was hand-selected to support and work in a joint environment as the transportation officer for the 2004 Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C. Prior to acceptance into the Active Guard Reserve Program, she worked as a network engineer for Charleston County School District. After being

accepted onto active duty, her first assignment was with the 1189th Transportation Terminal Brigade as the prestow officer. She deployed with the unit in 2005, as one of the prestow officers, but served in the capacity of battle captain once in Southwest Asia. After the deployment, she was assigned to the 1189th Transportation Group in the position of operations/plans officer. In June 2010, she was assigned to the 81st Regional Support Command located at Fort Jackson, S.C., as the Headquarters and Headquarters Company commander. In June 2013, after completion of Command and General Staff College, she was nominated and selected to serve as a detailed inspector general at Headquarters, U.S. Army Reserve Command, Fort Bragg, N.C. After completion of her assignment, she was assigned as the chief of Reserve Component Accreditation Division, Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command in the Quality Assurance Office, Fort Eustis, Va. She is currently stationed at Fort Bragg assigned in the G4, Transportation Branch/Division as a logistics staff officer. She has completed a combined total of 28 years of reserve and active-duty service in the U.S. Army Dt. Ellerbee is a member of Ebenezer AME Church in Charleston and a member of the R. A. Pyatt Choir and the Media Ministry. She is associated with all Prince Hall Affiliated organizations. Dt. Ellerbee is a Past Matron of Eastern Light Chapter No. 360, Order of the Eastern Star; a member of Clemon Court No. 1, Heroines of Jericho; a member of Eleanor Guinne Guild No. 2, Heroines of Templar Crusades; a Past Loyal Lady Ruler of George Washington Carver Assembly No. 163; a Past Commandress of Arabian Court No. 128; and a Past Royal Perfect Matron of Elmira Court No. 3, Ladies of Circle of Perfection. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Omicron Rho Omega Chapter) and Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority (Fayetteville Beta Chapter). Her philosophy in life: Keep the faith and “If I can help someone along my way, then my living will not be in vain.” m

AL-KERAK COURT NO. 179

First Sergeant Anissa Seymore Graves U.S. Army Retired

Daughter Graves, a native of Jennings, Fla., is a 26-year Veteran who enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1990 at the early age of 17 as a crane operator. At that time, she was the only female engineer in a support battalion stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky. At Fort Campbell, she endured the hardest task throughout her military career, becoming a single mother, but she says it was very rewarding.

Throughout her career in the Army, she has served in several enlisted leadership positions: squad leader, section sergeant, non-commission officer-in-charge (NCOIC), operations NCOIC, CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Honoring Veterans Across Our Organization

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training NCO, platoon sergeant, and final position as first sergeant. Assignments were 561st Sustainment Brigade, Fort Campbell; Camp Mercer, South Korea; 647th Quartermaster Company, Fort Bragg, N.C.; Camp Eagle, South Korea; Kilo Company, 158th Aviation Battalion Fort Carson, Colo.; Fort Lee, Va.; Camp Casey, South Korea; 5-52 Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Bliss, Texas; and a 603rd Aviation Support Battalion, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.; and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

EDUCATION — Primary Leadership Course; Basic Noncommissioned Officer’s Course; Advanced NonCommissioned Officer’s Course; Master Fitness Trainer Course; and the U.S. Army First Sergeant’s Course. During her tenure in the military, she received a master’s degree in Human Resource Management and Military Leadership.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Army Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals, Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Ribbons, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Ribbons, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal.

Dt. Graves is a member of various Masonic organizations, one of them being Al-Kerak Temple No. 179, Oasis of Kaiserslautern, Desert of Western Europe, where she had the pleasure in August 2014 entering and being crown the Imperial Queen during the Margaret P. Warren Imperial Ways and Means Queens Contest, an experience she will never forget. m

KADESIA TEMPLE NO 135

Chief Master Sergeant Daryl J. Hogan Jr.

U.S. Air Force

Hogan is the commandant, Chief Master Sergeant Leadership Academy, Maxwell Air Force BaseGunter Annex, Ala., where he directs the capstone and pinnacle levels of Enlisted Professional Military Education and is responsible for two senior enlisted leader courses, the creation and validation of future courses, and the leadership and development of more than 750 total force chief master sergeants annually through in-residence and virtual programs of instruction. He makes decisions on manpower and employment, instructional standards, training, policies, and procedures while developing chief master sergeants into strategic leaders at every echelon of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.

Hogan enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in October 1995 and graduated from the Firefighter Apprentice Course at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, in April 1996. His extensive background in fire and emergency services includes four

years as a technical training instructor. Noble Hogan has held various leadership positions to include instructor supervisor, quality assurance evaluator, deputy fire chief, forward operating base fire chief, Top Ill president, and First Sergeants Council president. He has served as the command first sergeant for Air Force Space Command, as well as the first command chief for the Western Launch and Test Range during the establishment of the U.S. Space Force, while also deploying for operations that involved Saudi Arabia, Oman, Afghanistan, and Kuwait.

Hogan has completed numerous assignments to include driver/operator, Misawa Air Base, Japan; Fire Protection crew chief, Hurlburt Field, Fla.; station chief, Enrique Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras; instructor supervisor Hazardous Materials/ Weapons of Mass Destruction, Goodfellow Air Force Base; Quality Assurance evaluator, Thule Air Base, Greenland; deputy fire chief, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; first sergeant, 10th Airlift Squadron, Joint Base Lewis- McChord; first sergeant, 62nd Maintenance Squadron, Joint Base Lewis-McChord; first sergeant, 311 Training Squadron, Presidio of Monterey, Calif.; first sergeant, 355th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, DavisMonthan Air Force Base, Ariz.; command first sergeant, Headquarters-Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.; Enterprise Leadership Seminar, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; and command chief, 30th Space Wing, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

EDUCATION — Associate Degrees in Applied Science (Fire Science), Instruction of Technology & Military Science, and Human Resource Management, and Professional Manager Certification from the Community College of the Air Force; bachelor’s degree in Fire Science (cum laude) and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, Columbia Southern University; Airman Leadership School; Non-Commission Officer (NCO) Academy (distinguished graduate); Staff NCO Academy (distinguished graduate); Chiefs Leadership Course; Senior Enlisted Legal Orientation; and Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education II, Joint Forces Staff College.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Cluster; Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and NATO Medal. Other achievements include numerous recognitions as NCO of the Year, SNCO of the Year, First Sergeant of the Year, and the Air Force Association Northwest Regional First Sergeant of the Year. He is the author of “It’s More Than a Job: Life and Leadership through the Eyes of a First Sergeant,” and “Life as a Command Chief: Lessons Learned During My First 12 Months on the Job.”

KINDAH COURT NO. 43

Chief Warrant Officer-5 Cheryl D. Monroe

U.S. Army Retired

Daughter Monroe retired from the U.S. Army in December 2020 after 28 years of honorable and faithful service as the senior logistics warrant officer for the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G4 at the Pentagon. In that position, she also served as the program manager for the National Level Ammunition Capability and U.S. military representation for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Ammunition Interoperability Working Group.

Dt. Monroe is a native of Atlanta and enlisted in 1991 as an ammunition specialist. She made history by becoming the first African-American female in the ammunition field promoted to CW5 on 03 Dec 2017. She was inducted into the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame in March 2020.

EDUCATION — Dt. Monroe holds a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management from Webster University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Fayetteville State University. Her military education includes the Warrant Officer Basic Course (distinguished military graduate), Warrant Officer Advanced Course, Warrant Officer Staff Course, and the Warrant Officer Senior Staff Course. Other notable achievements include certification as a Department of Defense sexual assault advocate, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, designation as a demonstrated master logistician, and contracting officer representative.

Dt. Monroe’s assignments included Germany; Fort Bragg, N.C.; Johnston Atoll, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.; Fort Stewart, Ga.; and Redstone Arsenal, Ala. She performed duties as the supply officer, platoon leader, accountable officer, storage officer, material management officer, brigade ammunition officer, and theater sustainment command/expeditionary sustainment command ammunition officer. She has deployed six times into combat during her military career.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with four Bronze Stars, War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Staff Badge, and the Drill Sergeant Badge. She is an Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe and General Brehon B. Somervell Medal of Excellence recipient.

Dt. Monroe is the chief executive officer of CK Management and Consultant Group in Atlanta. She also serves as the chief financial officer for Blazing Beauties, a non-profit organization in Lillington, N.C.

She is married to Lt. Col. Bernard “Ken” Monroe of Clarkton, N.C. They have two children, Maceo and Xavier, and one granddaughter, Malia. m

AS SALAM COURT NO. 214

Command Sergeant Major Sheila R. Nelson

U.S. Army, Retired

Daughter Nelson entered the New Jersey National Guard in April 1982. She attended Basic Training at Fort Jackson, S.C., and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee, Va., where she trained as a subsistence supply specialist and later as an automated logistics specialist. She joined the regular Army in September of 1985.

Dt. Nelson’s assignments include: Fort Lee Garrison as command sergeant major; Headquarters, 589th Brigade Support Battalion, 41st Fires Brigade; Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 1st Signal Brigade, HHC 19th Support Command DCP; Alpha Company, 3rd Forward Support Battalion (FSB); HHC 3rd FSB; HHC 703rd Support Battalion; HHC Division Support Command; HHC 3rd Infantry Division (FWD); Headquarters, 196th Infantry Brigade; FSB, U.S. Army Pacific; HHC, 25th Infantry Division (Light); Whiskey Company 244th Quartermaster (QM) Battalion; Alpha Company, 244th QM Battalion; Charlie Company, 123rd Support Battalion, Charlie Company, 708th Support Battalion; HSC 293rd Engineer Brigade; HHC 8th Infantry Division; Bravo Company, U.S. Army Armor Center.

EDUCATION — U.S. Army Sergeants Major Course (Class 55), Black Belt Lean Six Sigma, Army Force Management Course, Battle Staff Course, First Sergeants Course, Drill Sergeant School, Ammunition Management Course, Commissary Managers Course, Direct Support Unit Standard Supply System Course, Standard Army Retail Supply System, Battalion Intelligence/Operations Sergeant Course, Master Fitness Trainer Course, Instructor/Writer Course, and a host of other Military Occupational Specialty-related Courses. Dt. Nelson holds a Master of Management Degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix; a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology Excelsior College; and an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts from Chaminade University.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with (5th award) Army Commendation Medal (5th award), Army Achievement Medal (8th award), Presidential Unit Citation Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (8th award), National Defense Service Ribbon (2nd award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on

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Terrorism Service Medal, Korean National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (3 Stars), Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 4), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 4), Army Service Ribbon, and the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge. She is a recipient of the Distinguished Order of Saint Martin. She has been awarded the Bronze Order of Mercury, Order of Saint Christopher, and the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. Dt. Nelson has three children; Ronnie who is stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C; Donte who resides in Atlanta, and Jasmine who lives in Ruston, La. m

MOUSSA TEMPLE NO. 106

Major Burrell D. Parmer

U.S. Marine Corps Retired

Noble Parmer was born in Monroe, La., and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps as a legal services specialist in August 1991. In 1997, he was commissioned a second lieutenant and entered the Field Artillery. In 2000, he began a career in Public Relations as the public affairs officer for Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, Va.

After a six-year tour of duty in Okinawa, Japan, which included deployments to Iraqi, The Philippines, Korea, Guam, and Australia, he transferred to the Joint Information Operations Warfare Center in San Antonio, Texas for joint duty as a strategic planner and deployed twice to Afghanistan.

Noble Parmer retired from active duty in September 2012 and began a career as the public affairs officer for Navy Talent Acquisition Group San Antonio which area includes more than 34 Navy Recruiting Stations and Navy Officer Recruiting Stations spread throughout 144,000 square miles of Central and South Texas territory. In September 2021, he entered federal service as the public affairs officer for Naval Medical Research Unit San Antonio whose mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations.

Noble Parmer is the public relations director for the Desert of Texas, creator/editor of the Texas Desert Traveler, and past editor of the Texas Prince Hall Freemason for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas. In 2020, he was appointed as the associate editor of Pyramid Magazine by the 44th Imperial Potentate, Noble John T. Chapman. He is a gold life member of the NAACP, life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and life member of the Disabled American Veterans.

In support of Military City USA, Noble Parmer serves as a committee member of Our Community Salutes-San Antonio which hosts “A Night in Your Honor” on the campus of the University of the Incarnate Word to honor high school senior who will be serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Additionally, he serves on the Celebrate America’s Military Week Committee and Military Affairs Committee sponsored by the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.

EDUCATION — Noble Parmer is 2020 graduate of U.S. Defense Information School at Fort Mead, Md. In 2002, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Park University and is a graduate of the U.S. Joint Staff’s Information Operations and Advanced Planners Courses.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars, Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation with Bronze Star, Gold Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Silver Star, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Ribbon, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal. m

ORO COURT NO. 20

Staff Sergeant

R. Lucille Samuel

U.S. Army Retired

Hon. Past Imperial Commandress

Samuel is the daughter of Rudolph and Rebecca Davidson of Kinston, N.C. She lost her only sibling, Dr. Sheila Davidson Pressley, Dean of Health Sciences of Eastern Kentucky University last year.

Dt. Samuel joined the U.S. Army at age 17 and attended Basic Training at Fort McClellan in Anniston, Ala.

After graduation, she transferred to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio for her Military Specialty Training as a medical supply specialist. Her first duty assignment was with William Beaumont Army Medical Center at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, and Material Branch Medical Supply Warehouse at Biggs Army Airfield.

Other assignments include Headquarters, 7th Medical Command, Heidelberg, Germany; Madigan Army Hospital, Tacoma, Wash., and 47th Combat Support Hospital, Fort Lewis. While serving as the S-4/platoon leader, Dt. Samuel

and her unit trained at the Joint Readiness Training Center JRTC and Fort Polk, La., and deployed in support of Exercise COBRA GOLD in Thailand. She retired from the Army with 20 years of service while stationed at Fort Lewis.

EDUCATION — Dt. Samuel holds bachelor’s degree in Logistics Management. Other trainings included Primary Leadership Development, Medial Logistics NonCommissioned Officers Course, (NBC) Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Officer Course, Alcohol Drug Coordinator and Master Fitness Instructor.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal (4), Good Conduct Medal (6), National Defense Service Medal NCO Professional Development Ribbon (2), Army Overseas Service Ribbon, and Army Service Ribbon.

Dt. Samuel currently is the executive administrative officer for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in El Paso, Texas. m

KINDAH TEMPLE NO. 62

Lieutenant Colonel Daniel L. Thompson

U.S. Army Retired

Noble Thompson is the son of Jean V. Weathers of Columbia, S.C., and the late Daniel Thompson. He has served in South Korea; Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort Jackson, S.C.; Fort McPherson, Ga.; The Pentagon; Fort Myers, Va.; Lafayette, La.; Fort Hood, Texas; Kuwait; Afghanistan; Iraq; Suffolk, Va., and Norfolk Naval Air Station, Norfolk, Va.

Noble Thompson has served as an intelligence officer for Army and Joint Service Commands for commanders from the battalion level to the general level. He is a graduate of the Military Intelligence Officers Basic and Advance Courses; Military Intelligence Electronic Warfare and Signals Intelligence School; Command and General Staff College; Army Force Management School; Joint Forces Staff College; U.S. Army Airborne School, and U.S. Army Jumpmaster School. Noble Thompson commanded at the company and battalion levels.

Noble Thompson’s fraternal affiliations and service are numerous. He is a Prince Hall Mason and serves as the Most Worshipful Grand Master for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of N.C. and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

EDUCATION — Distinguished military graduate, cum laude, of South Carolina State College (now university), Orangeburg, S.C., where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s Military Intelligence Corps. He holds master’s degree in Homeland Security from

Capella University.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal (4); Army Commendation Medal (7), Humanitarian Service Medal, War on Terrorism Medal, Overseas Medal (Numeral 2) and the Senior Parachutist Badge. In 2010, he was the recipient of the Military Intelligence Associations Knowlton Award.

Noble Thompson’s personal motto is “My Brother’s Keeper.” In 2010, he founded an organization called “Don’t Talk Do.” In January 2014, Gov. Steven L. Beshear, of Kentucky, commissioned Noble Thompson a Kentucky Colonel. In March of 2015, he served on the Board of Directors of the Central Children’s Home of North Carolina, Inc. His hobbies include writing, researching history and listening to music. He is a member of First Baptist Church in Fayetteville, N.C. m

KINDAH COURT NO. 43

Staff Sergeant Andréa

E. Williams

U.S. Army Retired

Daughter Williams embarked on her military career by enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserve in 2000. She completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. During her time in the Reserves, she served in the 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C. and 513th Military Intelligence Brigade in Fort Gordon, Ga. In 2004, Dt. Williams joined the U.S. Army and was stationed with 1st Corps Support Command at Fort Bragg, which transitioned to the 1st Theater Sustainment Command. In 2010, after successfully reclassing her Military Occupational Specialty from Military Police to Information Technology Specialist, she was reassigned to stationed at Fort Bliss, TX with 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Upon returning to Fort Bragg for another tour, Dt. Williams was medically retired due to her diagnosis and battle with lupus. During her nearly 14-year military career, Dt. Williams contributed to the lives of her soldiers by grooming and leading them as a non-commissioned officer. She has deployed four times serving respectively in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Honoring Veterans Across Our Organization

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device.

Dt. is the founder and chief executive officer of Blazing Beauties since 2015. Their mission is to empower young ladies and women by promoting individual and collective mental, spiritual, and physical wellness through community service projects and educational seminars. The initiatives that support this mission are:

• Pampered For Prom (Taking underprivileged girls and making them over for their senior prom)

• Dr. Phyllis Buie-Dunham Educational Grants (Scholarship)

• Community Grants

• A variety of educational and informative workshops

• Volunteerism (Deeds not words)

She is also the owner and lead firearms instructor for Silhouettes Firearms Training, LLC. Silhouettes is dedicated to teaching firearms safety, fundamentals, and personal and home defense to future and current responsible gun owners. They also offer the North Carolina Concealed Carry Handgun Course for residents wishing to apply for their concealed carry permit. Their motto is “Stay Ready So You Don’t Have To Get Ready.”

Dt. Williams is married with two children and has three grandchildren. m

MAGNUS COURT NO. 100

Master Sergeant Herrishia Williams

U.S. Army Reserve

Daughter Williams is a native of Fayetteville, N.C., and the proud mother of two children, Keyshawn and Ariyanna. She entered the U.S. Army Reserves in March 1997 as a culinary service specialist, and completed Basic Training at Fort Jackson, S.C., and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee, Va.

Dt. Williams has completed several assignments throughout the United States, Middle East, and Europe. Her assignments include the 982nd Signal Company, Wilson, N.C.; 824th Quartermaster (QM) Company, Fort Bragg, N.C.; 390th Personnel Group, Richmond, Va.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 171st Support Group, Garner, N.C.; and 299th Engineer Company, Fort Belvoir, Va. In 2011, she became the senior culinary operations management non-commissioned officer (NCO) for the 165th QM Group at Fort Belvoir, and the brigade G4 senior culinary operations

manager for the 55th Sustainment Brigade. As a master sergeant, she currently serves as the senior human resources NCO for the Defense Logistics Agency’s Army Reserve Element. In addition to these assignments, Dt. Williams has served in key leadership positions at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels.

Dt. Williams has completed multiple deployments in the United States, Europe to include deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 2003 to 2005, and several contingency operations from 2013 to 2018. Dt. Williams has also served on several operational support positions for the HHC, 165th QM Group and the 398th Financial Management Center as the human resource officer.

EDUCATION — Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Non-commissioned Officers Course, Advanced NonCommissioned Officers Course, Certified Culinary Service Executive Course, Certified HACCP Managers Course, Certified Healthcare Facility Managers Course, Unit Environmental Awareness Course, Sexual Harassment Assault Response Prevention Course, Unit Preventative Leader Course, and Planning Programming, Budget, and Execution Course. Dt. Williams holds a graduate degree in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Reserve Achievement Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3rd), Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and Mobilization (2nd Award). Dt. Williams has been a key provider of direct management support, logistics, budgetary and Human Resource duties for the U.S. Army Reserve. She continues and has held a wide variety of roles, operational and strategic positions throughout her distinguished career.

Dt. Williams is a Past Worthy Matron of Pride of Fairfax Chapter No. 225, Order of the Eastern Star, Jurisdiction on Virginia, and Marshall for Magnus Court No. 100, Oasis of Alexandria, Desert of Virginia. She was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa and Delta Mu Delta Honor Society during her tenure in the Army Reserve and continues to strive for

excellence during her on and/or off duty time. m

ARABIAN COURT NO. 128

Chief Master Sergeant

Karen Wright-Chisolm

U.S. Air Force Retired

Daughter Chisolm, the Imperial First Lieutenant Commandress, grew up in Charleston, S.C., and is the seventh child of 11 children born to the late Benjamin Wright and Adell Meyers Wright. Dt. Chisolm attended the public schools of Charleston and graduated high school in 1973. She is a retired Air Force Veteran with more than 27 years of faithful and honorable service. She represents 1 % of the force who are promoted to chief master sergeant. Dt. Chisolm is also retired from Federal Civil Service with over 21 years of service. She is noted as being the first Black and first female to serve as superintendent of the 315th Mission Support Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base. Her principal duties included leading and mentoring Airmen on the importance of professional military education for a successful military career.

Dt. Chisolm’s last military assigned was at the Pentagon for four years. While at the Pentagon, she was assigned as the superintendent, Headquarters, United States Air Force Air Staff. Her duties included translating Department of Defense, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Air Force Reserve policies and decisions into workable plans of action. She advised the Chief, Systems and Analysis, Director of Personnel, and Chief of Air Force Reserve on matters pertinent to military systems programs and data systems supporting the Office of the Air Force Reserve.

EDUCATION — Doctoral of Management Candidate, Ambassador Bible College and Seminary, Doctoral Management Candidate, Organizational Leadership — University of Phoenix, Dual Master of Art Degree in Human Resources Management/Human Resources Development, Webster University; Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resources Management, Southern Wesleyan University, and Associate of Arts Degree in Human Resource Management/ Personnel Administration, Community College of the Air Force.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS — Meritorious Service Medal with one device, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with six devices, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Award with five devices, National Defense Service Medal with one device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal with one device, Air Force Longevity Service Award with four devices, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 1 “M” device and Bronze Hourglass, Air Force NCO Professional

Military Education Graduate Ribbon with 1 device, Air Force Training Ribbon, and Civil Service Award.

Dt. Chisolm is a life member and trustee of Greater St. Luke AME Church in Charleston, S.C. She is a diamond life member of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc.; board member of Ladies Enriching the Community; life member of Tuskegee Airmen; life member of National Board of NAACP; executive board of the Charleston Branch N.A.A.C.P.; regional coordinator for the State Branch of NAACP; legacy member Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; Reserve Enlisted Association, Inc.; Air Force Sergeants Association; former executive board member of C.O. Federal Credit Union; executive board and chairperson of the Advisory Board of Jenkins Institute for Children; founder and board member of Boots-2-Heels, Inc., South Carolina Chapter; founder and chief executive officer of A Centralized Moment —The Focus Is You, L.L.C. — Zoom platform and weekly podcast; member of the City of Charleston Women and Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Board; and member of Veterans Upward Bound Advisory Board.

Dt. Chisolm serve as a board member, Imperial Court Daughters and is a Past Commandress of Arabian Court No. 128; Past Matron of Eastern Light Chapter No. 360 OES; Past Grand Associate Deputy for State Grand Chapter O.E.S., Past State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler, and a Past Loyal Lady Ruler, Order of Golden Circle.

Currently, Dt. Chisolm is an advocate and public speaker of domestic violence and is an author who has contributed to two books along with other female best-selling authors: “Camouflaged Sisters: Silent No More” and “Camouflaged Sisters: Leadership through the Eyes of Senior Military Women Leaders”. Dt. Chisolm is the sole author of “You Deserve Life” which will be published late November 2021.

Dt. Chisolm is married to Paul Chisolm Jr. of Charleston, S.C., and they have four children, Tamara Brown, Eric Brown Jr., Paul Chisolm III and Jazmine Wright-Chisolm. They are the grandparents of eight and great-grandparents of three.

Dt. Chisolm’s favorite scripture is Proverbs 3: 5-6; “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Her motto is: “Never Underestimate the Power of Someone Else’s Struggles, Unless You Have Walked in their Shoes.” m

Veterans’ ProgramsBenefitSuccess Stories

CONTRIBUTED BY: NOBLE STUART A. LEE II ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE SCIMITAR TEMPLE NO. 108 — TUCSON, ARIZ.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — (OCT. 1, 2021) — In previous issues of Pyramid Magazine, I authored several articles regarding benefits for Veterans and eligible family members offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Some of the articles provided a general overview of those benefits. The most common were VA Disability Compensation and Pension.

“VA Disability Compensation (pay) offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse.” Injuries incurred during or aggravated due to military service are referred to as “service-connected” and are subject to VA disability compensation.1

“The Veterans Pension Program provides monthly payments to wartime Veterans who meet certain age or disability requirements, and who have income and net worth within certain limits.”2

Rather than readdressing information previously provided, I want to take this opportunity to share a few success stories in which Veterans and surviving spouses have benefited from these programs. I’m confident this will better illustrate the importance of these programs and the positive impact they’ve had. All the stories are true, and most pertain to Veterans who are Prince Hall Masons and/or Shriners. One pertains to a widow of a Noble. I will describe the stories using a situation, action taken, and results attained format.

Success Story No. 1

Situation: A retired U.S. Army Veteran died due to kidney failure leaving behind a surviving spouse who is living with a debilitating medical condition. The primary cause of death and contributing causes were listed on his death certificate. The Veteran was service connected for Type II Diabetes which was related to his kidney failure.

Action Taken: After reviewing the Veteran’s VA file, I verified that he was 100% totally and permanently disabled for over ten years upon his death. This paved the way for his surviving spouse to qualify for several benefits. She qualified for a service-connected death benefit, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and special monthly compensation (SMC). I and another Noble helped her draft the required forms and submitted them to the VA.

Results Attained: Approximately two weeks after her application was submitted, the VA decided that the Veteran’s death was in fact due to diseases related to his military service and he was 100% totally and permanently disabled for a period more than ten years. She was granted the maximum $2,000 serviceconnected death benefit. Additionally, she was granted a monthly non-taxable monetary DIC benefit of approximately $1,600. Furthermore, due to the surviving spouse being deemed in need of a SMC benefit called “Aid and Attendance”, she was granted an additional non-taxable monthly monetary benefit of approximately $200. Combined, she will receive close to $1,800 a month in VA benefits for the remainder of her life. Although she lost her husband, she stated that she was appreciative that the VA was able to grant her benefits for his service.

Success Story No. 2

Situation: The Veteran had been service-connected for a lower back condition since retiring from the military in 2010. Although his back condition worsened over the past ten years, he never applied for an increase in compensation. He informed me that often his back “locks up on him” causing him to limit his activities and rest for several days, leaving him somewhat incapacitated. Additionally, he stated that he left his previous employment in part due to the tasks he had to perform which aggravated his back condition.

As a refresher, below is a brief description of those benefit programs.

Action Taken: After reviewing the Veteran’s VA file, I found that he was service connected for his back condition at a 10% disability rating. I submitted an “Intent to File” to the VA on or about February 2020 which allowed him to gather evidence in support of his claim and at the same time ensure the earliest possible effective date for the claim. This action is important because if his claim is granted, the VA will pay the Veteran retroactively to the date of the Intent to File. I advised the Veteran to bring me any new and relevant medical evidence to demonstrate that his condition worsened. After several months, he provided the evidence. I helped him draft and finalize the required paperwork in addition to a statement describing how his back condition impacted his ability to sustain gainful employment. His claim forms and supporting documentation were submitted to the VA during January 2021.

Results Attained: In March 2021, the VA decided on the Veteran’s claim and granted an increase from 10% to 40% disabling for his back condition. This resulted in his combined disability rating increasing to 90%, which equates to a non-taxable monthly benefit of $2,044. Additionally, because the VA found that his service-connected back condition did impact his ability to obtain and sustain gainful employment, he was granted a benefit called “individual unemployability” which allows the VA to compensate (pay) a Veteran at the 100% rate, which equates to a monthly benefit of $3,325. Furthermore, because an Intent to File was submitted to the VA in February 2020, the earliest effective date for the Veteran’s claim was established entitling him to a retroactive nontaxable benefit payment of approximately $17,700.

Success Story No. 3

Situation: I began working with this Veteran in December 2020. The Veteran was service connected for a lower back condition at 40% disabling and attended a routine future VA examination to evaluate whether his condition improved or worsened. The exam indicated that his condition improved, so the Veteran’s disability rating was decreased from 40% disabling to 20%. The Veteran expressed to me that the examiner instructed him to keep going and push past the pain during the physical exam, which is inappropriate. If accurate, this likely contributed to

the Veteran’s disability rating reduction. At the time, the Veteran was working with another Veteran Service Organization (VSO) to submit a claim for Higher Level Review (HLR). An HLR is a request to have a senior rater review the claim based on the evidence of record that was used to decide on the claim. No evidence that the VA did not previously have in their possession when the claim was adjudicated may be added.

Action Taken: After the Veteran and I discussed his claim, I requested that he contact the VSO he was working with that filed the HLR to see if it was submitted and a decision was made. The Veteran contacted me and stated that he was unable to contact the VSO. At that time, he elected that I help him with his claim, and I filed the appropriate paperwork with the VA. After accessing and reviewing the Veteran’s claim file, I found that the HLR had not been filed; however, based on the evidence of record, I advised that the Veteran obtain an exam from a private doctor and bring me the results to consider filing with his claim. During our next appointment, the Veteran provided the exam to me. After reviewing the exam, I recommended that the Veteran reopen his claim and file for additional disabilities associated with his lower back condition. He agreed and I submitted his claim with supporting documentation to the VA in January 2021.

Results Attained: Due to life circumstances, I resigned from my position as a service officer in Arizona and moved to Washington, D.C. in June 2021, where I eventually started working for The American Legion. One day while at work, I received a LinkedIn connection request from the Veteran. I accepted the request and the Veteran messaged me the following:

“Hi Mr. Lee, My name is [REDACTED] and I’m in Phoenix, Arizona. You helped me to get my VA claim filed earlier this year. Wanted you to know that I was approved for 90%. Thank you for your advice that you gave me from the bottom of my heart. Reading stuff about you — GOD blessed me with you!”

Prior to the Veteran’s disability rating for his lower back being reduced, he had a combined serviceconnected disability rating of 60%, which he received $1,146.39 monthly. After the reduction, his combined rating was 40%, which he received $635.77 monthly.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Applying Military Leadership Skills in the Temple

CONTRIBUTED BY: NOBLE STUART A. LEE II ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE SCIMITAR TEMPLE NO. 108 — TUCSON, ARIZ.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — (OCT. 1, 2021) — Serving as

Illustrious Potentate during the year 2021 has been a challenge as well as a great learning experience.

Some may assume it would be easy because Temples were unable to meet in person and conduct business in the traditional fashion; however, I would disagree. Serving during a global health pandemic during which local, state, and federal government entities implemented protocols such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing (to include not shaking hands), and sanitizing doorknobs, furniture, countertops, etc. was a significant challenge as well as a barrier. The ability to continue operations in support of the Temple and our Imperial Council’s programs took some creativity, innovation, and most importantly leadership. I was fortunate to have gained some of that experience through military service.

Choosing to serve in the United States Air Force was one of the best life decisions I’ve made because it provided me with an opportunity to practice leadership and make a difference. I use the word “practice” because leadership is a continuous learning process, often through trial and error. Leadership, more specifically “servant leadership” is defined as “a philosophy and set of practices that enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations and ultimately creates a more just and caring world. The servant-leader is servant first…It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first.” 1

During my time in the armed forces, I took the opportunity to serve in various positions such as a helicopter mechanic, maintenance supervisor, instructor, resource advisor, and first sergeant, just to name a few. During each of these experiences, I saw both great and poor leadership, which taught me what to do and absolutely what not to do in certain circumstances. Of those positions, the most rewarding was as first sergeant.

Those who may not have served in the military may be asking “What is a first sergeant?” The following best answers that question. “The first sergeant is the eyes and ears of a squadron2 (or organization) and serves as his or her commander’s (or senior manager) critical link for all matters concerning enlisted members. First sergeants are responsible for providing sound advice to the commander on a wide range of topics including the health, esprit de corps, discipline, mentoring, well-being, career progression, recognition, and professional development of all assigned enlisted members. First sergeants are accountable to respond to the needs of Airmen 24 hours a day, seven days a week and may at times, be required to work long and irregular hours.”3 It is a time-honored special duty position, rich in custom and tradition. Furthermore, it is a position of trust, service, and integrity. However, how does this apply to serving as an Illustrious Potentate, and even more so during a global health pandemic? The answer is experience and transferable skills. While serving as Illustrious Potentate, I relied upon my experiences and most of the knowledge, skills, and abilities I learned as a noncommissioned officer4 and first sergeant. During the pandemic, I followed and enforced the directives of our Imperial Council to ensure the proper health and safety protocols were implemented and adhered to by the membership to reduce risk of exposure. As a first sergeant, I was responsible for the health and safety of service members in stateside and deployed locations, and ensured they were informed of, understood, and adhered to policies and instructions. Regarding information, I shared the necessary information with the Divan and membership to keep them informed, but also as a means of professional development and to aid their knowledge of and progression in the Temple. As a senior noncommissioned officer, I communicated the necessary information to service members to keep them abreast of current changes in administrative procedures and operations. Additionally, it is inherent for noncommissioned officers to train and mentor those junior in rank to prepare them for additional responsibilities and advancement. A reality of military service is the possibility of deploying to a combat zone and being placed in harm’s way, which may result in loss of life. Although tragic, the immediate threat likely remains,

and those junior members may find themselves as the senior ranking member and having to lead. As Illustrious Potentate, if problems or issues arise, it’s my responsibility to address them. If it is an issue that the Temple can’t resolve on its own, I will engage with my Imperial Deputies of the Oasis and/or Desert. This year, I’ve used this option on several occasions, and each time their efforts helped the Temple tremendously. Often, I’ve done the same as a first sergeant and just as I kept my commander informed of emergent issues, it’s prudent for me to do the same for my Imperial Deputies. These are just a few examples. Lastly, leadership is not about being liked, but about making decisions in the best interest of the organization and its members. Sometimes, the decision is not the popular one, but the right one based on the circumstances.

During 2021, Scimitar Temple No. 108 continued to move forward regardless of the global health pandemic. The limitations we faced placed us in a position to be more creative and consider other workable solutions. For example, in support of our membership recruitment program, we developed a PowerPoint presentation and conducted two virtual membership recruitment and interest meetings, educating 11 potential members on the Imperial Council and its key programs. This idea resulted in a 6% membership increase. Additionally, we raised $1,240 for our scholarship program through road cycling, which enabled us to award a $1,000 scholarship to a college bound high school senior. Furthermore, we implemented a PayPal business platform to better ease the receipt of monies into the Temple. We also had representation at the 128th Imperial Council Session and successfully obtained life membership in the Imperial Council for one of our Nobles. Finally, we aided one of our widows with successfully applying for and being awarded Department of Veterans Affairs Survivors Benefits, resulting in her receiving an estimated $1,800 nontaxable monthly entitlement for the remainder of her life. As you can see, we did not sit idly. As my tenure serving as Illustrious Potentate ends, I wanted to take this opportunity to publicly thank the Nobility of Scimitar Temple for their support as well as my Imperial Deputy of the Desert, Past Potentate Joseph

E. Conrad Jr. and Imperial Deputy of the Oasis, P.P. Elvin N. Sanders. The knowledge, experience, and guidance they imparted was sound and well received. m

1 Greenleaf, Robert E. Center for Servant Leadership.

“What is Servant Leadership.” www.GreenLeaf.org/what-isservant-leadership Accessed on September 19, 2021

2 Cambridge Dictionary. Definition: Squadron “a unit of one of the armed forces, especially (in Britain) the air force or the navy.” Dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/squadron Accessed on September 19, 2021

3 Burhans, Doug. (December 15, 2009). U.S. Air Forces Central “Understanding the role of Air Force First Sergeants”. www.afcent.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/501193/ understanding-the-role-of-air-force-first -sergeants/#:~:text= Understanding%20the%20role%20of%20Air%20Force%20 first%20sergeants.,taking%20care%20of%20Airmen%20is%20 their%20primary%20mission Accessed on September 19, 2021

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

That’s a difference of $510.62 monthly. Once his combined disability rating was increased to 90%, he started receiving $1,887.18 monthly, $740.79 more each month than he was receiving with a combined $60% rating. Additionally, because the VA received his claim in January 2021, the Veteran received a retroactive payment for approximately $7,500.00.

These are just a few success stories. Whether you are a Veteran, surviving spouse, family member, or friend of a Veteran, etc., I hope you may see and appreciate how the VA assists Veterans and their families. If you know of someone that may benefit from these programs, simply refer them to a Veteran Service Officer or VSO such as The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and many others. They will be able to help them select the proper VA forms and acquire the necessary documentation to successfully develop and submit a claim to the VA. m

1 U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. (2021, June 3). Pension Benefits. Retrieved from U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs: www.VA.gov/disability

2 U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. (2021, June 3). Pension Benefits. Retrieved from U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs: www.VA.gov/pension

4 “A subordinate officer (such as a sergeant) in the army, air force, or marine corps appointed from among enlisted personnel”

Enjoys Benefit of Military Service

CONTRIBUTED BY: HON. PAST POTENTAT JASON A. STONE CHIEF RABBAN

ALI TEMPLE NO. 257 — JACKSONVILLE, NC

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — (OCT. 1, 2021) — Upon hearing that Pyramid Magazine was going to do a salute to military Veterans, the Nobles of Ali Temple No. 257 thought they should submit an article. Thus, this is written to salute those Nobles who have served and currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Nobles of Ali Temple have more than 800 years of combined military experience extending from WWII to present day. The Nobles take notice of the many sacrifices that Veterans have made and honor their service to the nation.

Pausing to reflect on the service and impact of Ali Temple’s deceased members, Marines Hon. Past Potentates Roger Moore and Floyd A. Duhon, the Temple remembers and shows proper respect to their memory and families.

H.P.P. James “XY” Brown served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was honored as the first lifetime member of Ali Temple. Noble Brown came home and joined the local police department and remains on duty since that time. He can be found holding traffic for children to cross at some of the busiest intersections in the city.

Ali Nobles have completed decades of service and embarked on second careers as law enforcement

officers, correctional officers, HVAC, barber shop owner, videography services, worm sales (for fishing and other uses), cigar sells, and of course, retirement. Some people may not agree that being retired is not a business but just ask Illustrious Potentate Lorenzo Jones Sr.

Many can assume that Ali Temple is only comprised of Marines due to its proximity to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, but the membership enjoys the company of Sailors and Soldiers as well. Currently, the count stands at 37 Marines, five Sailors, and four Soldiers.

If you were to ask each Veteran from an Army Sergeant who did two years during the Vietnam conflict and 16 years in the Army Reserves to the retired Navy Master Chief or one of the Petty Officers, or the retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeants or even the active-duty Marines within the Temple why they joined or why they continued to serve, each would probably give you a different reason, but to a man, they all agree that the military made a significant impact on their life and the lives of their families.

Again, Ali Temple salutes the service of all Veterans and thank each of Ali Noble for sharing their stories and their continued efforts to support their communities. m

Nobles Prentice Campbell, Lorenzo Jones Sr., Hon. Past Potentate James ‘XY’ Brown, Chief Rabban Hon. Past Potentate Jason A. Stone, and Imperial Deputy of the Oasis Past P.P. Omar Myers pictured presenting Noble Brown his lifetime membership certificate.

Noble Lorenzo Jones Sr, Hon. Past Potentate Daniel I. Lewis, Noble Raymondo Lynn, and P.P. John B Withers Jr. at a school visit before COVID-19.

Nobles Raymondo Lynn, Lorenzo Jones Sr, Past Potentate John B. Withers Jr, Imperial Deputy of the Oasis Omar Myers, P.P. Jeffery Barrett, and P.P. Homer E. Stephenson.

Hon. Past Potentate James O. Smiley retiring Chief Rabban Hon. Past Potentate Jason A. Stone at the Montford Point Marine Memorial in May 2021.

PHOTO BY: FEDORA WILLIAMS

PHOTO BY: P.P. JOHN B. WITHERS JR.

PHOTO BY: NOBLE DARYL WATKINS

H.P.I.P. Rutledge Elected Imperial Treasurer

CONTRIBUTED BY: H.P.I.P. MICHAEL DOZIER HARRAM TEMPLE NO. 23 - TAMPA, FLA

TAMPA, FLA. — (OCT. 1, 2021) — Recently, during the 128th Imperial Council Session held in Philadelphia, Hon. Past Imperial Potentate Pierre E. Rutledge of Kazah Temple No.149 was elected as the new Treasurer of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine, Inc.

Noble Rutledge is a native Miamian who graduated from Archibishop Curley-Notre Dame High School in 1982. He matriculated to Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Fla. with the Freshman Class of 1982. In 1987, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, and in 1996 he received his Master of Science degree in Management from St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Fla.

An active member of the community, Noble Rutledge’s professional and civic involvement is extensive and includes, but not limited to, the following: former Florida Governor Lawton Chiles’ appointee to the South Florida Regional Planning Council (District 11), board member and vice-chairman of Banyan Health Systems Inc., Liberty City Optimist Club (charter member), board member of the MiamiDade County Black Affairs Advisory Board, 5000 Role Models of Excellence Mentoring Program, 2019 Legacy Magazine 50 Most Powerful and Influential Black Business Leaders, 2019 African American Achiever nominee (Community Service), former board member of the Miami-Dade Advocacy Trust Youth Action Committee, former board member of the Overtown Youth Center, a 33° Master Mason, Past Potentate of Kazah Temple, 100 Black Men of South Florida, past president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Beta Beta Lambda Chapter), life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and a life member of

the NAACP. He is currently employed with Miami-Dade County Public Schools in District/School Operations. Additionally, he is a very active member of New Birth Baptist Church.

During his career, Noble Rutledge has had extensive experience in leadership and professional development, to include playing a key role as past president of Florida

A&M University Alumni Association, board member of the City of Miami Housing & Commercial Loan Committee, and former board member City of Miami Community Relations Board.

Additionally, he has held several leadership positions in the Masonic Order: Past Master, Past High Priest, Past Thrice Illustrious Master, Past Eminent Commander, 2nd Lieutenant Commander, and Union Priory No. 6 Knights of the York Cross of Honor (KYCH).

Furthermore, Noble Rutledge has had a significant amount of experience working in the following positions: chairman of the Grand Lodge Budget and Finance Committee, Treasurer of Seminole Lodge No. 291, Treasurer of St. Arthur’s Commandery No. 90, Recorder of William Johnson Council No. 4, Keeper of the Seal and Archives of Jackson Consistory No. 10, Imperial Council Exhibit Coordinator, Imperial Deputy Convention Director, Desert of Florida Assistant Rabban, Desert of Florida Chief Rabban, and the 16th Imperial Deputy of the Desert of Florida.

Noble Rutledge has received many accolades during his Masonic journey, most notably, Zone 3 Master Mason of the Year, Phylaxis Society National Convention presenter (The Schism), Illustrious Potentate of the Year for the Desert of Florida, and the 2019 and 2020 Imperial Deputy of the Desert of the Year. As you can probably surmise, he is very proactive and results-oriented. One of his favorite quotes is by the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”

Finally and most importantly, Noble Rutledge is the son of the late Miamians Ada McKinney Deveaux and Henry J. Rutledge. He is the proud father of Corey and Aliah. m

Awards Scholarships to Honor Graduates

CONTRIBUTED BY:

HON. PAST POTENTATE ALTON HARRIS

PAST POTENTATES COUNCIL

ROFELT PASHA TEMPLE NO. 175 — ROCKY MOUNT, N.C.

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — (SEPT. 5, 2021) — Rofelt Pasha Temple No. 175, through its Past Potentates Council, awarded two $1,000 scholarships to two young college-bound scholars: Isaiah Sherrod and Collin Rodgers. The recipients were selected from amongst applicants who submitted scholarship forms in July.

Isaiah Sherrod is a 2019 graduate of Northern Nash High School and a 2021 honor graduate of Nash Community College with an Associate in Arts. He is currently enrolled as a junior at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., with a major in sports studies and a minor in psychology with aspirations of becoming a sports analyst.

Collin Rodgers is a 2021 honor graduate of North East Carolina Preparatory School in Tarboro, N.C., with dual enrollment at Edgecombe Community College, where he received a certificate in IT Support Services. He is now enrolled as a freshman at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a major in computer science with aspirations of becoming a reverse computer engineer.

The Past Potentates Council and the Nobles of Rofelt Pasha Temple, under the leadership of Illustrious Potentate Gerald Archer, mark ten years of providing scholarships to deserving youth.

These deserving students will continue to make a positive impact on their families, the community, the nation, and the world. The 2021 Scholarship Committee was comprised of Hon. Past Potentates Alton Harris, Kenneth Battle, and Harold Williams. m

Isaiah Sherrod

Collin Rodgers

Awards Annual Scholarships

CONTRIBUTED BY: PAST POTENTATE JAMES MCKAMEY, SR. HYKSOS TEMPLE NO. 123 — CHATTANOOGA, TENN.

CHATTANOOGA, TENN. — (SEPT. 1, 2021) — The Nobles of Hyksos Temple No. 123, under the leadership of Illustrious Potentate Anton Burch, are once again proud to announce the awarding of $1,000 scholarships to 15 deserving high school seniors through the Temple’s Student Aid Initiative.

The students, representing eight local high schools, were recognized from the Class of 2021 for their

commitment, perseverance, and dedication to hard work throughout the school year. Each student met all criteria to receive the awards.

For the second year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the selection process and the awards ceremony were conducted virtually or by mail.

“It’s an honor to present these awards as part of the Temple’s mission of sharing the blessings we’ve received,” said Noble Burch. “Because of the success of our annual Golf Classic, we’ve made Student Aid one of the major priorities for the Temple.”

Scholarship Committee Chairman, Past Potentate John Dodds and the committee members wish to express their appreciation to the Hyksos Foundation and are grateful to the community for again supporting the Temple’s annual John P. Franklin Golf Classic which serves as the sponsor for The Reuben Strickland Memorial Scholarship Awards. m

REUBEN STRICKLAND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 2021 RECIPIENTS

Administers 10 Scholarships to Students

CONTRIBUTED

MASEER

Today, with the spread of COVID-19, the murder of George Floyd, a Capitol insurrection, and mass shootings becoming the norm, today’s society is faced with new social paradigms that must be addressed by future leaders. Unfortunately, the youth are challenged with many different obstacles that can delay them from obtaining a higher education.

The Aubrey Whitaker Scholarship once again has been awarded to young and promising students entering a college or university for the 2021 — 2022 academic year. The scholarship is named after Noble Aubrey Whitaker for his dedication to Prince Hall Shrinedom and his commitment to excellence and dedication to the surrounding community. During the first scholarship program, the Nobles awarded two students $1,000 each during the Charity Ball which was sponsored by the Al Maseer Foundation. This year, the Temple, with generous donations, distributed $1,000 each to ten students.

BY: PAST POTENTATE PERCIVAL W. DYER II PRESIDENT, AL MASEER FOUNDATION AL

TEMPLE NO. 251 — COPIAQUE, NY

COPIAQUE, N.Y. — (OCT. 1, 2021) — In the words Minister Malcolm X, “An Education is an important element in the struggle for human rights. It is the means to help our children and our people rediscover their identity and thereby increase their self-respect. Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs only to the people who prepare for it today.”

Noble Eric Wingate

Noble Vincent Kennedy

Noble Charles Jenkins and Daniel Williams

2021 Aubrey Whitaker Scholarship Winners

1. Vivica Mitchell - Lincoln University

2. Laila Lucas - Morgan State University

3. Chelsea Prudencio - Nassau Community College

4. Anilah Lesane - City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

5. Evelyn Martinez - Nassau Community College

6. Deborah Omolola - City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

7. Layla Guthrie - Howard University

8. Nakiya Irving - Delaware State University

9. Violet Palmer - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

10. Daniel Williams - Buffalo State College

The Nobles will continue to stay connected to the scholarship recipients in various ways which includes sending care packages and notes of encouragements.

It is with great honor and admiration that the Temple highlights the following Nobles: Vincent Kennedy, Eric Wingate, and Charles Jenkins along with his son Charles Jenkins Jr. for their exceedingly generous donations.

As always, a special thank you to the Daughters of Al Maseer Court No. 226 who have been a part of the Aubrey Whitaker Scholarship since its inception. The foundation thanks for your contribution in the sum of $3,000 this year.

Special thanks to the scholarship committee and board members: Nobles Isaiah McCoy (scholarship chair), William Cherry, Daughters Zenobia McCoy (scholarship chair), Laquita Brooks, Sha-Keya Flenory, Tynesha Frazier, Michelle Givens, Dana Rollins, and Lauren Wiggins.

The Oasis had the pleasure having the 44th Imperial Potentate, Noble John T. Chapman in attendance at the Al Maseer Foundation Charity Ball where he pledged an additional $250 to each scholar recipient.

The Aubrey Whitaker Scholarship has continued to grow over these years since 2017 because of the commitment of all Nobles and Daughters of Al Maseer.

The Oasis thanks the following for their assistance with the program: Imperial Deputy of New York Damien E. Hall, Honorary Past Imperial Potentate Luther A. McCoy, Illustrious Potentate Wilbur A. Spencer Jr., and Illustrious Commandress Trilane N. Manning. m

Illustrious Potentate Wilbur A. Spencer Jr and Illustrious Commandress Trilane N. Manning with recipients of the Aubrey Whitaker Scholarship Award

Continues their Rich History of Charity

CONTRIBUTED BY: NOBLE LEVI BARNES III & H.P.I.P. WILLIAM PATTERSON III GOLCONDA TEMPLE NO. 24 - NEWARK, N.J.

NEWARK, N.J. — (SEPT. 1, 2021) — Golconda Temple No. 24, currently led by Illustrious Potentate Nathaniel E. Bryant Jr., was charted in 1907 in Newark, N.J. Throughout its illustrious history, the Nobles of Golconda Temple continue to give extensive charity to their community. At several Imperial Sessions, Golconda was recognized as being the number one Temple in the world for its charitable disbursements. Some of the charity includes, but is not limited to; scholarships, working with youth, and

being leaders in the community. From its inception to today, Golconda Temple remains strong and united. As the Temple continues, it grows stronger and more determined. Currently, the Temple has more than 200 Nobles as members.

Scholarships

In the month of August, Golconda Temple awarded ten scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to local deserving students. The qualifications for these scholarships are stellar high school academic performance, involvement in school activities, community service along with recommendations from the Nobility and the applicant’s school administration. Reflective of COVID-19 restrictions, the awards were distributed in different locations in small groups, where prayers and well wishes were given by various members of the Nobility. I.P. Bryant spoke to all the deserving recipients about his college experiences, achieving academic excellence and continued perseverance.

Golconda Nobles welcomed back the 1st thru 7th grade students at the Oakwood Avenue School with warm smiles and backpacks filled with school supplies

Due to the outstanding work by Scholarship Chairperson, Noble Albert Martinez and committee members, the Temple awarded scholarships to the following students: Katherine Cummings (Spelman College); Kailani Day (Tufts University); Zaire Goda (Rider University); Zuri Hylton (Seton Hall University); Maymunah Ibrahim (New York University); Nyree Jeter (Montclair State University); Quamir Martin (College of Mt. Saint Vincent); Tatianna RobnsonGamble (George Mason University); Destiny Sabb (New Jersey City University); and Myles Thompson (Eastern Gateway College).

National Night Out

Golconda Temple and Golconda Court No. 16 (Illustrious Commandress Kary’n E. Fairley) participated once again in the National Night Out program on Aug. 3. The National Night Out program is a community-police awareness-raising event throughout the United States, annually held on the first Tuesday of August. This year’s event focused on COVID safety, vaccine information and provided examples of the Newark Police Department’s programs available to the residents of the City of Newark. The Oasis provided food, played games, and provided instruction to the local community children.

Back to School

On September 7, Golconda Nobles welcomed back the 1st thru 7th grade students at the Oakwood Avenue School with warm smiles and backpacks filled with school supplies for the upcoming school year. The event was well attended by the School Principal Dana Gaines and District Superintendent and Golconda Noble Dr. Gerald Fitzhugh II. Earlier during August, Golconda Nobles held a free event for the community which included music, food, and bookbags. The Temple distributed more than 200 supply-filled bookbags to deserving students.

On September 10, the Nobles of Golconda Temple continued their annual event of welcoming back the students at the Cicely L. Tyson Elementary School of Performing Arts in East Orange, N.J. The school provides education for 6th thru 12th grade students and its curriculum focuses of the creativity of the students. It was a very festive occasion as Nobles prayed and cheered for the students as they entered the school for the new year. Golconda Temple plans to continue to interact with the students throughout the year to assist the administration with any support they can provide. m

Scholarship recipients shown: Myles Thompson, Tatianna Robnson-Gamble, Zaire Goda, Quamir Martin Recipients not shown: Katherine Cummings, Kailani Day, Zuri Hylton, Maymunah Ibrahim, Nyree Jeter, Destiny Sabb

H-E-B Provide Financial Support to Students During Centennial Year

CONTRIBUTED BY:

PAST POTENTATE BURRELL PARMER

PHOTOS BY: PAST POTENTATE EDWARD JONES MOUSSA TEMPLE NO. 106 — SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

SAN ANTONIO — (JULY 24, 2021) — Continuing to assist college-bound students with the cost of attaining a higher education, the Prince Hall Shriners of Moussa Temple No. 106 awarded four of five $1,000 student aid grants to deserving students during their Past Potentate CW Bankston Memorial Student Aid Program held at Fred Brock American Legion Post No. 828.

The program was held in conjunction with Moussa Temple’s Centennial Celebration presented by H-E-B.

Awardees

Keith Baker of John Jay High School who will be attending the University of Texas at Austin majoring in civil engineering.

Talia Gardner of Karen Wagner High School who will be attending the University of Texas College of Natural Sciences majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Exercise Science.

Nobles of Moussa Temple No. 106, joined by the widow of Past Potentate CW Bankston, Past Commandress Loretta Bankston, award $1,000 in student aid to Keith Baker.

Nobles of Moussa Temple No. 106, joined by the widow of Past Potentate CW Bankston, Loretta Bankston, award $1,000 in student aid to Anisa Adams.

Nobles of Moussa Temple No. 106, joined by the widow of Past Potentate CW Bankston, Loretta Bankston, award $1,000 in student aid to Talia Gardner.

Anisa Adams of Sam Houston High School who will be attending Florida A&M University to seek a career in pharmacy.

The Presentation

The keynote speaker was Dr. Christopher McCauley, vice president of College Planning Services, Inc., who expounded upon the numerous opportunities that exist for students seeking funding to pay for a quality education and the importance of college readiness.

“One of the many things occurring with students is that families are not really prepared to send their child to college,” said McCauley, a former deputy inspector general for the Texas Education Agency. “College Planning Services has a 97 percent success rate and has graduated over 18,000 students from underserved communities. It is our goal to help families strategize to bring the cost of a quality education down so that a student will not incur tens of thousands of dollars in debt after graduating college.”

According to McCauley, expenses for college can range between $20,000 to $200,000, and that 53 percent of college freshmen drop out of school due to lack of funding.

“I congratulate the students for applying and earning the student aid grants,” said Noble Justin Shaw, the Illustrious Potentate of Moussa Temple and graduate of Grambling University. “They didn’t reach this point by themselves; thank you to the parents who made sacrifices to get their child to this point in their lives.”

“Education is a very important thing. Do not let anyone tell you different,” Shaw continued. “With a good education, you can determine who and what you want to be. Stick with your family values and your intuition, you can’t go wrong.”

Special thanks to H-E-B, the Desert of Texas Charitable Foundation, Fred Brock American Legion Post No. 828, R40 Photos & Media Group, and Church’s Chicken.

Moussa Temple No. 106 of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North & South America and its Jurisdictions, Inc., is a fraternal, nonprofit organization created on Aug. 2, 1921, in the City of San Antonio. The Temple is comprised of men, mostly military veterans, who are committed to providing an environment of friendship and fellowship. As Shriners, they strive to implement innovative ideas, facilitate positive change, and plans for the future, while working cohesively with our communities. m

Nobles of Moussa Temple No. 106, joined by the widow of Past Potentate CW Bankston, Loretta Bankston, award $1,000 in student aid to Imani Evans.

Imani Evans of Tom C. Clark High School who will be attending Vanderbilt University with aspirations on becoming a neuro-ophthalmologist.

Sponsors Back-to-SchoolAnnualJamboree

CONTRIBUTED BY: PAST POTENTATE BURRELL PARMER

PHOTOS BY: PAST POTENTATE EDWARD JONES

MOUSSA TEMPLE NO. 106 — SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

SAN ANTONIO — (AUG. 21, 2021) — The Claude W. Black Center Advisory Board in partnership with the Desert of Texas Charitable Foundation and City Council Office of District 2 hosted the 16th Annual Back-to-School Jamboree at the Claude W. Black Community Center, Aug. 21.

More than 800 supply-filled backpacks were available for distribution to K-12 grade students. Additionally, families had the opportunity to receive free resource information from several organizations along with the opportunity to register to vote.

According to newly-elected District 2 City Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, many people of the district rely on the collaborative efforts of the Claude W. Black Center Advisory Board and his office, along with many other civic groups and businesses.

“I was super excited to have supported such an event which has been occurring for the past 16 years,” said McKee-Rodriguez. “I remember when I was young, and one of the fun things was getting a new backpack…”

Monica Guajardo, a mother of 10, said that the event meant everything to her.

“Each event held at the Claude W. Black Community Center has a huge impact in the lives of my children,” said the East Side native. “Having each of them receive a backpack puts smiles on their faces, and mine, and leaves me with one less night of crying about how I am going to provide what they need for school.”

For the safety of the families, staff and volunteers, all attendees were required to wear face masks. During the event, the attendees were treated to a hot dog luncheon.

District 2 City Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez distributes backpacks during the 16th Annual Back-to-School Jamboree held at the Claude W. Black Community Center

Moussa Temple has been sponsoring and providing volunteers for the event for numerous years.

“Helping children is one of the main reasons for being a Shriner,” said Illustrious Potentate Justin Shaw. “It was great to have some of the Nobles along with Daughters of Moussa Court No. 119 to come out and continue do the charitable work of our Imperial Council and Court.”

Special thanks to the following sponsors and supporters: H-E-B, Amerigroup, San Antonio Zulu Association, Community First Health Plans, Noble Gentlemen of San Antonio, Moussa Temple No. 106 (Prince Hall Shriners), City of San Antonio Human Services, SA Fighting Back, Inc., Church’s Chicken, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, KSAT-12, and others.

The Claude W. Black Community Center is a staple on the eastside of San Antonio and offers programs to assist community members in need.

The Back-to-School Jamboree, along with other events hosted throughout the year, is the Claude W. Black Center Advisory Board’s way of accomplishing its mission of enhancing life, one family at a time. m

Imperial Deputy for the Oasis, Hon. Past Imperial Commandress Cynthia Pruitt Lemley volunteers annually to serve refreshments to families

L-R: Imperial Deputy of the Desert, Hon. Past Imperial Potentate Burnell White Jr., Illustrious Commandress Pamela Jameson-Davis, Hon. Past Imperial Commandress Karen Allen-Mirabeau, and 1st Lt. Commandress Monica Williams-Cooper

Continues to Support Junior Chef Competition

CONTRIBUTED BY: PAST POTENTATE BURRELL PARMER PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

MOUSSA TEMPLE NO. 106 — SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

SAN ANTONIO — (JULY 17, 2021) — Continuing to give back to the community, WORLD LOLEI Incorporation, Prince Hall Affiliates, and SA Rising Stars, Inc., in partnership with Executive Chef Johnny Hernandez and Kitchen Campus hosted the 6th Annual Community Junior Chef Competition at the Family Service Neighborhood Place, July 17.

The grassroots community event, which Moussa Temple No. 106 sponsors annually, featured two teams

of youth who demonstrated their culinary skills: Team No Mercy and Team Ruthless.

The junior chefs were judged and critiqued on flavor / texture, originality / complexity, presentation, professionalism, and culinary skills in a kitchen setting. Judging the competition were executive chefs and NFL Houston Oilers Hall of Fame Cornerback Richard Johnson.

“Being a part of this competition provided me with some perspective of what a chef can do for many don’t consider the hard work that goes into preparing such wonderful and tasteful dishes,” said Johnson, the founder of the Houston-based record label, Beatbox Records. “The food was great, and I was really impressed by the junior chefs and how serious they were about competing.”

Congratulations to Team No Mercy: Nefertti Hall, 14; Karlin Duhon, 10; Eryn Daniels, 10; Executive Chef Kim Van Winkle and Executive Sous Chef Keona Armstrong who bested Team Ruthless: Donte Daniels, 14; Dalerick Williams, 11; Calvin Ivey, 10; Executive Chef Jerrel Williams and Executive Sous Chef Toby Soto.

Members of Team Ruthless present their dessert entrée to the judges of the 6th Annual Community Junior Chef Competition

The junior chefs were awarded $100 Visa gift cards along with other awards and culinary items provided by event sponsors.

“Moussa Temple is proud to be able to support the youth in this annual culinary program,” said Illustrious Potentate Justin Shaw. “Due to the numerous sponsors of our Centennial Celebration, we were able to double our monetary support of the competition.”

Two junior chefs were presented special awards for their participation. Calvin Ivey was awarded the Most Improved Award and Nefertti Hall was presented with the Hard Worker Award.

A special achievement award was present to 10-yearold Victoria Taylor, who was diagnosed with AttentionDeficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and has been mentored by the competition founder and president of WORLD LOLEI Incorporation, Executive Chef Milas Williams for nearly a year.

“I am so excited and proud of Victoria. It has been a long road and we have been dealing with her ADHD for the past five years and since she been with Chef

Milas, we have seen drastic improvement,” said Victoria’s mother, Tori Warford-Scott. “Her academics and her conduct have improved so much since being a part of Chef Milas’ program. Attending school was a challenge for her, but now she loves it.”

Immediately following the awards ceremony, a graduation was held for the inaugural Recipe for Life: A Culinary Arts Life Course. The course was taken by teens from the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center.

Special thanks to all the sponsors that made the 6th Annual Community Junior Chef Competition a huge success. Special thanks to Elephation Magazine from Atlanta, DJ 750 and special host Kris Fields from Houston for their attendance and support.

According to Williams, the continuing goal of the yearly competition is to steer youth in always making the right choices in life.

“Every youth’s life is like a recipe,” said Williams. “We as adults need to understand the various types of ingredients that are need for that recipe to help guide them toward a successful life.”

Tori Warford-Scott speaks with her daughter, Victoria Taylor, who was presented special achievement award in additional to being presented with her WORLD LOLEI Incorporation Junior Chef coat during the 6th Annual Community Junior Chef Competition at the Family Service Neighborhood Place

L-R: Past Potentate Burrell Parmer, president/WORLD LOLEI; Illustrious Potentate Justin Shaw, Sister Darnice Camp, chief operating officer/WORLD LOLEI; Recorder Darrin Prude, secretary, Board of Directors/WORLD LOLEI; and Oriental Guide James Houston Sr., vice president/WORLD LOLEI

Donates Haiti Relief Funds

CONTRIBUTED BY: NOBLE LESLIE ELUS RECORDER KAZAH TEMPLE NO. 149 — MIAMI, FLA.

MIAMI — (SEPT. 18, 2021) — Kazah Temple No. 149 raised funds to support the ongoing relief efforts in the earthquake-stricken country of Haiti.

On Aug. 14, the island nation of Haiti was crippled by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the southwest corridors of the country. This earthquake was significantly more powerful than the one that leveled the country in 2010. Since this initial quake, Haiti has experienced several intense aftershocks across its provinces. Haiti is the first Black led republic and second independent nation in the Western Hemisphere.

Nobles of the Oasis of Miami collected funds and relief supplies over several weeks to provide aid to their brothers and sisters of Hispaniola as they work to rebuild their civil infrastructure.

In total, $1,225 in relief funds and several shipping units of medical supplies were sent to Haiti. Content of shipped medical packages included surgical supplies, advanced airway kits, sanitizer, masks, and hygienic products. Relief funds were donated to Man Dodo Humanitarian Foundation, Inc., a faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the economic, social, educational, and health care status of impoverished and underserved men, women, and children of Southern Haiti. m

Illustrious Potentate Rashard Jenkins (center), along with Temple Divan members, presents a donation of $1,225 to a representative of Man Dodo Humanitarian Foundation, Inc.

Assorted medical supplies packaged for triage and critical care services

Noble Kevin Myles and Saber Business Technology load shipment of medical supplies for delivery to southwest region of Haiti

Tribute of Love & Respect to Our Departed Daughters

OUR DAUGHTERS ARE ABSENT FROM THE BODY, BUT IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD

In Memoriam

07/01/2021 through 09/30/2021

Alice Blythe

MINARET 154

Lubertha Buie

ZAFA 41

Margaret Murray

EL HASA 47

Karen Strawter

DAMASCUS 27

Bertha Lankford

KAZAH 117

Melissa Wilson

PLATTA 114

Callie Ganaway

KADESIA 162

Edwina Prime

KAZAH 117

Tecora Haney

SETHOS 105

Susannah Henderson

SUEZ 149

Ruby McCullar

BENI HASSAN 45

Mildred McClary

MASUD 71

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”

Matthew 5:4 (KJV)

Are Booster Shots Necessary?

CONTRIBUTED BY: H.P.I.P. DR. KENNETH WALTON (24) DEPUTY DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY HEALTH INITIATIVE, IMPERIAL DEPUTY, HEALTH EDUCATION, TRAINING & PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

shot but that is likely to change in the coming weeks. Top infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci, MD, warned the public that getting boosters before the 6-month period is up will lessen their effectiveness.

The following groups will be eligible for a booster shot:

• Adults aged 65 and older and residents of longterm care facilities

• Adults aged 50 to 64 who have an underlying medical condition that may increase their risk from a COVID infection

• Adults ages 18 to 49 who may be at increased risk from a COVID-19 infection because of an underlying medical condition, if that person feels like they need one based on a consideration of their individual benefit and risks.

If attempting to establish herd immunity is challenging, now the FDA has approved Pfizer/ BioNTech to administer booster shots in an attempt to increase “rev” up your immune system to provide more protection as data has revealed that after six months, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine’s potency declines.

In September 2021, schools reopened along with many restaurants, stores, and businesses. Many states are experiencing an increase in hospitalizations and/ or deaths (more than 1,900 a day in the United States). The majority of the cases are with children and unvaccinated people. Mix this with the Delta variant representing most of the new infections and potential cousins of the variant (lambda, Mu variants), the plausibility in the need for a booster shot is quite reasonable.

As September concluded, the CDC overruled the agency’s advisory panel to make boosters available to front line workers. Stating that, unless the unvaccinated get their shots, the extra protection will not be enough. The CDC stated that “we will not boost our way out of this pandemic.” As of now, only those who received the Pfizer vaccine are eligible for a third

The adverse reactions seen after receiving the first initial two doses of the vaccine were reported in the data submitted to the FDA from Pfizer regarding the booster shot: (1) pain at the injection site, (2) fatigue, and (3) low-grade fever (anything below 100.4°F). The adverse events seen from the booster were noted to be milder and less severe than reported from the initial first vaccination. Also remember, new research suggests that applying vigorous exercise and getting a good night’s sleep the day prior to receiving the coronavirus vaccine may bolster the immune system and could help hasten the immunization process. m

As the world has been navigating through managing the pandemic due to COVID-19, the urgency to return to a normal life has been quite unsettling. In August 2021, the United States had over 90 million eligible people, on record, as being unvaccinated. Currently, the number of unvaccinated people in the United States has declined to 70 million people.

Your memory in us is a keepsake, with which we will never part. Though God has you to His keeping, we always have you in our hearts.

Honoring the Nobles We’ve Lost

In Memoriam

07/01/2021 through 09/30/2021

Rufus Alexander

MASUD 69

William J. Augman

AMER 107

Robert E. Barnett

KU WAT 126

Ronald L. Bellows

AKBAR 41

Charles W. Bethel

KAZAH 149

Rickey Blalock

MASAB 11

Gregory Body

RISSAH 130

Frank N. Brinson

STOLKIN 22

Curtis B. Carter

JEDDAH 160

Ernest C. Clayborn

EL ZORA 124

AC Cotton

DAMASCUS 58

Preston Curvey

ANWAR 219

Richard W. Evans

KABALA 177

Rawleigh Fitzgerald

MECCA 10

Curtis A. Fleming

AMENOPHIS 217

James R. Greene

MAHJA 47

Ernest J. Hamlette

HILAAL 229

James B. Hill

KEBLAH 78

Howard Holliday

CAIRO 125

Levi Holmes

KAABA 89

George Hudson

ALCAZAR 179

Tonio C. Humphries

OMAR 21

John W. Jackson

AL RAKIM 142

James Jennings

MECCA 10

Jimmie E. Johnson

AKBAR 41

Alonzo Jones

ALARAF 20

Dameon C. Jones

MA'MUN 249

Keith L. Jones

BARACK 256

James McKee

ZEMBO 70

Jerry L. Mercer

ZARAH 151

Willie M. Miller

ZARAH 151

Gregory F. Monk

MAGNUS 3

George A. Newsome

YEMEN 152

George A. Pauline

NYLA 238

Eugene Rheams

ISMAEL 154

Charles E. Shelton

MOCHA 7

Frank T. Shepherd

OASIS 29

Samuel J. Shook

OMAN 72

Lawrence A. Sims

RABIA 8

Leroy Smith

ISMAEL 154

John H. Steward

ISMID 110

Kenneth E. Thrasher

KADESIA 135

Robert J. Tucker

YEMEN 152

Leslie A. Woodard

HELLA 105

Staying Active in the Community

CONTRIBUTED BY: NOBLE ANDRE’ OLIVER AMMAN TEMPLE NO. 82 — DARIEN, GA

DARIEN, GA. — (SEPT. 28, 2021) — During these trying times, people are enduring hardships that one would have never imagined. Some do not know how they will pay their bills, if they will have food on the table, or even if they can afford to continue their higher learning. Nobles of Amman Temple No. 82 did not let the COVID-19 pandemic stop them from doing their civic duties. These Nobles continued to press on and assist with efforts to maintain the continuity of care in their communities.

One of a few events that the Nobles have completed this past quarter was the 23rd Annual Back 2 School Drive located in Midway, Ga. The Nobles escorted boys from the Temple’s mentoring group, Young Gentlemen Elite, assisting in handing out school supplies to over 1,100 participants.

“The men of Amman Temple No. 82 are my backbone,” said event hostess Lavonia LeCounte. “They stepped in and handled all areas of responsibility making this a wonderful event and the biggest that we have done in 23 years.”

Another commitment of the Nobles of Amman Temple was the awarding of two $500 scholarship checks to students going to college throughout the Imperial Domain.

One of the students chosen this year was a Savannah Technical College (Liberty County Campus) student who has shown dedication to achieving a higher education. This recipient improved his grades and maintained a 3.0 GPA while working nights to fund his dreams of earning a college degree. The recipient shared tears of joy thanking the Nobles for their contribution.

Efforts to combat hunger within the community is not an individual task, but a community one. To assist in this effort, Amman Temple took the challenge and hosted a food give-away event. Members of the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Hinesville Police Department, and Full Gospel Tabernacle COGIC assisted in unloading a truckload of meals that were packed together by the Nobles. This event assisted in providing essential food to over 1,800 families. The community came out and were pleased to see the Noble’s efforts

Liberty County Sheriff William Bowman and other city officials thanked the Nobles of Amman Temple for their continued commitment and dedication to the community by providing a variety of services.

Hinesville City Manager, Kenny Howard, along with Hinesville Chief of Police, Lloyd Slater, also provided a helping hand with the food give-away event. Both stated that they were unaware of the many events the Nobles have performed within the community.

Chief Slater said, “It is organizations like Amman Temple that show there are positive citizens that care and are out here helping our communities and not the ones who do not care or assist in solving any problems.”

As Illustrious Potentate Kalvin Roberts continues to lead Nobles of Amman Temple with multiple community service activities forthcoming, he always claims, “We may be small in size compared to other Temples, but our hearts and commitment to all surrounding communities in our domain out number them all, for we are Amman Temple No. 82, Greater Than You.” m

Holds Bucket Drop for Diabetes, Life Membership to P.P. Mallory

CONTRIBUTED BY: NOBLE CARLOS WILLIAMS II NABBAR TEMPLE NO. 128 — ATLANTA, GA

ATLANTA, GA. — (SEPT. 11, 2021) —The Nobles of Nabbar Temple No. 128 conducted a day of service to commemorate the anniversary of 9/11 by working to raise funds through their annual Bucket Drop For Diabetes at Greenbrier Mall.

A total of 14 Nobles attended the fund drive which was chaired by 2nd Ceremonial Master Dwight Jones who did an exceptional job in coordination for the

event. The public was very responsive to the effort and gave the Nobles of Nabbar a lot of support.

After the Bucket Drop, the Nobles caravanned to the residence of Past Potentate Wilson “Gino” Mallory, who served as Illustrious Potentate in the 1990’s and awarded him Temple Life Membership. Additionally, The Nobles bestowed upon him the title of Clown Department — Emeritus. Also in attendance were past clowns of Sam McLurkin Clown Unit to include Noble Wallace McFadden.

During this presentation, Nabbar Temple gave P.P. Mallory a new motorized scooter to thank him for his many years of service to the Temple and to Domain.

After visiting P.P. Mallory, the Nobles continued to fellowship while learning more about the rich history of Nabbar Temple and well as Shrinedom.

It was a great day for the Nobility, especially the new Nobles, who many of them were in attendance.

“This is just one of the things Nabbar Temple is doing to fulfill our mission of “Building our future on the foundation of our past,” said Illustrious Potentate Carl Bowen. “These are not just words; this is something that we practice.” m

CFSC Provides Food Boxes, Donations to Food Bank

CONTRIBUTED BY:

PAST POTENTATE BRODERICK A. JONES

PHOTOS BY: PAST POTENTATE IVEY CHERRY JR.

CAPE FEAR SHRINE CLUB

KINDAH TEMPLE NO. 62 — FAYETTEVILLE, NC

FAYETTEVILLE, NC — (JULY 31, 2021) — The Nobles of Cape Fear Shrine Club (CFSC), an auxiliary of Kindah Temple No. 62, led by Club President Noble Antonio Carter, had the esteemed pleasure and honor of providing 525 pounds of food and supplies to Second Harvest Food Bank of North Carolina (SHFBNC).

In addition to the donation of food and supplies, the Nobles made monetary donations totaling $631.36.

The donated food and supplies, after being weighed, provided approximately $913.50 in total value equivalent to 1,188 meals for those in need of assistance within the local community.

The Nobles’ commitment to the local community gave them an opportunity to provide 205 can goods, 20 containers of peanut butter, 20 packs of rice, six bags of egg noodles, 20 boxes of macaroni and cheese, ten boxes of grits, 20 boxes of oatmeal, ten boxes of cereal, 16 bags of baby wipes, 30 individual pouches of puree baby food, and a box of diapers.

The Nobles of CFSC were provided a tour of the facility and received a huge thank you and praise from SHFBNC Director David Griffin for their commitment to support those who are in greater need.

According to Griffin, every dollar provided generates up to five meals for families.

The Nobles of CFSC wanted to identify and closed a gap regarding food-insecurities within their community.

“Our strategy was targeted towards meeting a need to feed hungry families during the COVID pandemic,” said Noble Carter.“We understand there is a great need for CFSC to partner with SHFBNC to stop hunger and end food insecurity in our underserved communities.”

As a result, CFSC adopted SHFBNC as another community initiative, rendering support on an annual basis.

“Special thanks to Past Potentate Broderick A. Jones, who chaired the initiative,” said Noble Carter. “He purchased massive amounts of food and supplies from our local supermarkets to donate to SHFBNC.”

Nobles of Cape Fear Shrine Club delivers food boxes to SHFBNC Director David Griffin

Nobles of Cape Fear Shrine Club tour SHFBNC and receives praises and gathers information from SHFBNC Director David Griffin

(L to R) Noble Donald Hamilton, SHFBNC Director David Griffin, Past Potentate Ivey Cherry Jr., CFSC President Noble Antonio Carter, P.P. Broderick A. Jones, and Noble Steven T. Mack

Nobles of FBPSC Lean Forward in Support of Community

CONTRIBUTED BY: NOBLE JOHN D. WILKINS FAYETTEVILLE BRAGG POPE SHRINE CLUB KINDAH TEMPLE NO. 62 — FAYETTEVILLE , N.C.

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — (OCT. 1, 2021) — The Nobles of Fayetteville Bragg Pope Shrine Club (FBPSC) of Kindah Temple No. 62 have been diligent and steadfast in being a

Community Donations

On May 8, FBPSC Nobles and members of Kindah Temple donated to Operation Blessing and the Second Harvest Food Bank. Both organizations go out of their way to ensure those without are supported. It is FBPSC and the Temple’s privilege to be in the position to step forward and support both these organization with a monetary donation to assist with their daily endeavors.

Autumn Care Activities

On July 23, the Nobles found themselves wanting. Normally, they visit the residents of Autumn Care Extended Living Facility at least once a month to fellowship and play games, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, the residents are not allowed to have visitors. The Nobles figured a way to support without physically being there, so they contacted the facility’s activities director and asked how they could continue to support.

The director stated that the residents could no longer use the activities room, so the Nobles brought the activities to them by purchasing items for their normal activities: word puzzle books, crayons, coloring books, nontoxic glue for 81 residents. The activities director thanked the Nobles for the much-needed items. Further stating that residents missed them and really looked forward to when the Nobles could visit and fellowship once again.

force in their local community.

FBPSC Nobles of Kindah Temple No. 62 make donations to Operation Blessing and the Second Harvest Food Bank

FBPSC Nobles came together to donate activity items to the Autumn Care Residents

Book Bag Drives

On Aug. 7, the Nobles supported their Shriners as Mentors (SAM) program by assisting with the purchase of book bags for the children of Ferguson Easley Elementary School. The children were given a book bag with all required school supplies. The school’s principal and faculty were present for the event. The original goal was to provide 235 book bags, but with the support of the Nobility, the number increased to 279 ensuring that each child in the school was able to receive a book bag.

2021 Fish Bowl

On. Sept. 25, the Motor Patrol participated in the 2021 Fish Bowl Parade, wowing spectators with entertaining maneuvers. The Nobles watched as the kids waved and exclaimed for the drivers to do figure eights and donuts which were acknowledged with precise mini-car maneuvers. The Fish Bowl is was the patrol’s first mini-car’s demonstration since the start of the pandemic. m

FBPSC Nobles of Kindah Temple No. 62 gathered to demonstrate motor patrol maneuvers for the 2021 Fish Bowl Celebration in Portsmouth, Va

Nobles donate to Ferguson Easley Book Bag Drive

Grandmother of Juneteenth Installed a Daughter, H.P.I.C.

CONTRIBUTED BY: DAUGHTER KAWANA SMITH PHOTOS BY: IMPERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT MEDJI COURT NO. 38 — FORT WORTH, TX

FORT WORTH, TEXAS — (SEPT. 20, 2021) — Opal

Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, when more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas learned that they were finally free, marking the true end of slavery in the United States of America.

The resulting holiday, Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day, has long been a major celebration in Texas. Dt. Lee was able to collect 1.5 million signatures on a petition. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the bill establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

During the 128th Imperial Council Session held in the Oasis of Philadelphia, Desert of Pennsylvania, Lee was installed a Daughter and exalted an Honorary Past Imperial Commandress by the 44th Imperial Potentate, Noble John T. Chapman. Her Court membership will reside with Medji Court No. 38.

During her induction, she addressed the Imperial Domain on the floor of the chambers leaving behind motivational quotes that inspired others to do more and be more.

Dt. Lee released her new book titled Juneteenth: A Children’s Story. An engaging way to introduce the history of slavery and freedom to children. She highlights the celebration of Juneteenth and the importance of commemorating this milestone across America.

In efforts to continue celebrating her lifelong work and determination to ensure that Juneteenth became a federal holiday, a book signing and conversation with Dt. Lee was hosted in her honor during the session.

Dt. Lee is an author, community activist, civil rights leader, and a retired teacher, who wore many hats along her journey.

She started the “Opal’s Walk 2 DC in 2016" in which she devised a plan to walk 1,400 miles from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C. in hopes of garnering support from Congress to establish Juneteenth as a national holiday.

Each year on June 19, Dt. Lee makes a two-and-a-halfmile pilgrimage to commemorate the date in 1865, two and a half years after President Abraham

The Daughters are thrilled to welcome their newest member and hometown trailblazer into Medji Court No. 38. Dt. Lee is an extraordinary woman who has worked for decades to get Juneteenth recognized as a national holiday.

Recognizing distinguished women whose works and service to the community are parallel to the Imperial Court’s ideals of achievement, character, service, and leadership. m

L. Lee, a 94-year-old activist from Fort Worth, Texas, who is referred to as the

“Grandmother of Juneteenth,” has joined the ranks of the Imperial Court.

Opal L. Lee, a 94-year-old activist from Fort Worth, Texas, who is referred to as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” was installed as a Daughter in the Imperial Court by the 44th Imperial Potentate, Noble John T. Chapman at the 128th Imperial Council Session held in the Oasis of Philadelphia, Desert of Pennsylvania. Additionally, she was exalted as an Honorary Past Imperial Commandress with membership in Medji Court No. 38

Daughter Kawana Smith

Florida Daughters Make Historic Membership Increase Amid COVID

CONTRIBUTED BY: PAST COMMANDRESS KAREN KIRKSEY DIRECTRESS, IMPERIAL PUBLIC RELATIONS AHMED COURT NO. 134 — TALLAHASSEE, FLA.

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. — (OCT. 1, 2021) — Imperial Deputy for the Desert of Florida, Past Commandress Collette Hart Wallace (117) answered the call this year challenging Deputies for the Oases and Illustrious Commandresses to take advantage of the “Open Window of Opportunity” by inviting notable women to join the Daughters under relaxed guidelines for membership. As a result, with the COVID-19 pandemic still looming, the Imperial Court gained 90 new members of whom 88 were Created virtually and two in-person.

With the assistance of the Imperial Court Education and Development Department (ICEDD), under the direction of Hon. Past Imperial Commandress Jocelyn Hill-Johnson (210), three virtual Creations were held in 2021 (January, April, & July) and an in-person-only ceremony in August during Imperial Court Session held in Philadelphia where 65 Daughters were Created. They are now officially known as the Jacqualine Brown Arradondo 2021 Creation Classes named in honor of the 48th Imperial Commandress.

"I am excited to meet the 90 newly-Created Desert of Florida Daughters who have already begun to share their expertise and talents with our illustrious organization,” said Dt. Wallace. “They have been working in their Oases, the Desert and Imperial Court; singing on the Imperial Prayer Call, serving as Marshals at the Imperial Sessions and supporting the Desert’s Imperial Queen Contestant.”

The Desert of Florida Daughters Created in 2021 hail from 12 Courts: Rabia No. 25, Osiris No. 70, Masud No. 71, Harram No. 96, Malta No. 99, Kazah No. 117, Ahmed No. 134, Safia No. 165, Saba No. 172, Haggai No. 175, Ancient City No. 216 and the newest Court, Jalil No. 242, which was chartered in June 2021, in the Oasis of Ft. Pierce.

“Desert of Florida Daughters have always been influential, talented and resourceful women,” said Dt. Wallace. “This 2021 Class of classy Daughters are a welcome addition, as we continue to make a positive impact in our various communities. Welcome to the Desert of Florida Daughters!” m

New Daughter of Osiris Court No. 70

New Daughter of Malta Court No. 99

New Daughter of Kazah Court No. 117

New Daughters of Haggai Court No. 175

Created Daughters of Ahmed Court No. 134

Hosts Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament

CONTRIBUTED BY: NOBLE DR. CHARLES J. SMITH SR. ASSISTANT RECORDER/TOURNAMENT CHAIRMAN STOLKIN TEMPLE NO. 22 — AUGUSTA, GA.

KEYSVILLE, GA. — (JUNE 26, 2021) — Stolkin Temple No. 22 hosted its annual Scholarship Golf Tournament at Applewood Golf Course to generate financial scholarships to qualified, needy and academically eligible college-bound students in AugustaRichmond County, and the surrounding CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) multi-county communities.

The tournament brought golfers and Nobles, to include Daughters of Stolkin Court No. 173, together to fellowship in brotherly and sisterly love to compete at this golfing event.

The 2021 tournament attracted area businesses, to include numerous hole-sign sponsors which generated fiduciary revenue funds to assist winners of the Temple Scholarship Program.

Awards for the event included 1st, 2nd, 3rd place team awards, closest to the pin, and longest drive with the hole in one player winning a golf cart. Other awards given included meals from area restaurants, gift cars, and gift items from numerous community businesses, culminating in golfers receiving much appreciation for participating and supporting this important annual scholarship initiative. One of the highlights of the event was the outstanding financial support received from hole sponsorships.

Annually, in conjunction with Stolkin Temple’s Scholarship Committee, led by Honorary Past Potentate Anthony J. Killings, efforts were made to raise funds for high school honors recipients. Three scholarship recipients received $1,000 each to assist them with their college expenses, totaling $3,000

from the 2021 tournament. The scholarship winners are Christopher Murray, Jovan Scurry and William McClain Jr. The Golf Tournament Committee, led by the chairman, supported by Assistant Rabban and Committee Vice Chairman Keith Phillips, solicited male and female golfers from across the community, with some as far away as Columbia, S.C., and Washington D.C., who made up the tournament flights. Including a team sponsored by a Daughter of Stolkin Court No. 173.

Another positive attribute was having a former Applewood Golf employee, H.P.P. John Diggins, serve as the tournament’s administrator. His expertise and knowledge of the game of golf provided much credence in terms of making sure that all aspects of the tournament garnered success and functioned according to the rules. During the awards presentation, both the chairman and vice chairman were honored for their outstanding dedication and service to Stolkin Temple for serving as leaders of the tournament.

The success of the tournament with 62-hole sign sponsorships was the largest in the history of Stolkin Temple and generated sufficient revenue to fund the Temple Scholarship program for two years. The highlight of the tournament was having golfers compete for a $10,000 Golf Cart donated by Textron Specialty Vehicles by sinking a hole-in one on the 9th hole. Special thanks to Noble Isiah Doyle, a supervisor at Textron Specialty Vehicles, who negotiated the sponsorship of the golf cart.

The event drew major support including a surprise visit by the Imperial Deputy of the Desert of Georgia Anthony Kelly who expressed accolades to Illustrious Potentate Vincent M. Robinson, Imperial Deputy of the Oasis Joseph Thomas Jr., and to the tournament chairman for organizing and hosting a stellar fundraising event. The most impressive part of his visit was highlighted by a complete golf course of holesign sponsorships seen on every hole and visual spot at the course. This according to Deputy Kelly, has not been seen anywhere he has played or attended during a golfing event.

The major golf tournament sponsors included Mercedes Benz of Augusta, Vince Lockhart State Farm Insurance, James O’Neal Allstate Insurance, Edward Watts Golf, Golden Corral, Mr. Electric of Augusta (H.P.P. John Hales), Dr. Maurice Wallace

Spine Doctors of Aiken, S.C., Dr. Calvin Jackson (CSRA Medical Associates of Augusta), Chandler Law Firm, Tarver/Enoch Law Firm, Noble Robert Adams Catering Service Trophy and Awards Sponsor, Noble Donald Spivey and Associates, Watches Unlimited Augusta Mall, Kendrick’s Paint and Body, Point South Golf Course, Augusta Municipal Golf Course, Forest Hills Golf Course, Applewood Golf Course, Textron Specialty Vehicles, and Avis/Budget Car Rental, to name a few.

Additional support from the tournament came from the Masonic family to include but not limited to Lebanon Consistory No. 28, P.P. Joshua F. Drafton Commanders of the Rite, Barack Temple No. 256, and the Youth Challenge Academy of Fort Gordon, Ga.,

In loving memory of one of their fallen Nobles, a special hole sign tribute was given to the late Noble Dedryck Latson from members of the Temple’s Charlie Harges Motor Unit.

Not only did the area businesses serve as hole sponsors, a record number of Nobles, Past Potentates, an Honorary Imperial Past Potentate, Ambassadorat-Large, Deputy of the Oasis, the Deputy of the Desert of New York, and Canada, Imperial HBCU Initiative Committee, Honorary Past Potentates, and Nobles to include their family members and friends, to name a few, supported the event.

The 1st place winner was Team “Sugar Shack Plus 1” from Evans, Ga., at 18 under par. The 2nd place winner was “Team Cousins” from Columbia, S.C., at 17 under par, and placing third was “Team SRP” from Augusta finishing at 15 under par.

To show how important this educational initiative is to the community, the Mayor of the Town of Keysville, Hon. Linda Wilkes, and the Mayor of Augusta, Hon. Dr. Hardie Davis Jr., presented Proclamations to Stolkin Temple for hosting the event. Both governmental leaders expressed appreciation providing resounding support towards recognizing the great work of the Temple.

Special thanks to the Daughters of Stolkin Court who served as volunteers for the event. They assisted with registration and provided refreshments while learning about the game of golf.

It was a unifying effort not only having our daughters present, but, for the third straight year, they have

served as golf tournament hole sponsors as well. Often it is unlikely that females would take interest in playing or supporting the game of golf.

This great effort in the community was made more visible by the number of businesses and organizations who contributes to the tournament. Numerous churches in Augusta supported the tournament, which included all the civil rights organizations such as the Augusta NAACP, National Action Network, Augusta Interfaith Coalition, and a host of community ministers and leaders.

The success of any given initiative cannot be successful without the support of Temple leadership, Nobles, and the members of tournament committee.

The Temple expresses their appreciation to the committee for their dedication and hard work during this success and historic worthwhile community initiative.

Recognition is given to newly created Noble Donald Spivey, who single-handedly solicited more than 14 businesses and hole sponsorships to include the Imperial Deputy of the Desert of New York and Canada.

This unified effort of brotherhood is what attributes to the success of Stolkin Temple No. 22 and its motto: “One Team, One Vision.” m

Over a Century of Life, Recognizing P.C. Nellie Frazier Banks

CONTRIBUTED BY:

PAST POTENTATE CLARENCE STOKES

IMPERIAL DEPUTY OF THE OASIS

HIMYAR TEMPLE NO. 17 — HARRISBURG, PENN

HARRISBURG, PENN. — (SEPT. 28, 2021) — Past Commandress Nellie Frazier Banks of Himyar Court No. 97, Oasis of Harrisburg, Desert of Pennsylvania, was born in October 1913, in Charlestown County, S.C.

To put this in perspective, Dt. Frazier Banks was born before World War I, three years younger than the Imperial Court, and 33 years older than Himyar Court No. 97.

She has lived through the World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan War as well as several hundred conflicts and other wars the United States was not involved.

Dt. Frazier Banks was around when Iran was Persia and Sri Lanka was the Dominion of Ceylon, born before the Indianapolis Streetcar Strike where public transportation was shut down by employees going on strike, and born the same year that Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated was founded on the campus of Howard University.

Illustrious Commandress Nellie Frazier Banks

PC Nellie Frazier Banks (Eldest) with Dt. Wanda Howard and Dt. Myrakle Stokes (Youngest at the Time), October 2, 2019

Ford Motor Company opened the first automobile assembly line to produce the Model T and the 16th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, allowing the government to collect personal income tax in which the first Form 1040 was created.

Women had no right to vote until Dt. Frazier Banks was seven years old and at that time, African Americans still couldn’t vote. It would be years later before she would be able to vote.

Dt. Frazier Banks lived through Prohibition and the Civil Rights Movement. She has lived through a plethora of major events in the United States.

A retired seamstress and domestic worker, Dt. Frazier Banks persevered and pushed through life earning her GED at the young age of 65.

Dt. Frazier Banks is a lifetime member of Himyar Court, Oasis of Harrisburg, Desert of Pennsylvania, where she served as Illustrious Commandress at the young age of 72.

She is the mother of four, grandmother of 21, great grandmother of 23, and great-great grandmother of 41. Currently, Dt. Frazier Banks is living an active life in Charleston, S.C., with her son. If she is not sweeping the porch daily, she is cleaning the stove and washing blinds. m

Mrs. Nellie Frazier Banks — Circa October 2020

Mrs. Nellie Frazier Banks — Circa 2021

Serving Community, Working Together, Increasing Membership

CONTRIBUTED BY: COURT STAFF

KANSAS CITY, MO. — (OCT. 1, 2021) — Like other Courts, the Daughters of Allah Court / No. 6 have been challenged with COVID-19, wearing masks, social distancing, and the COVID-19 vaccine. The Court has overcome some challenges/ struggles and continues to work through others. The Daughters know that with the grace of God, prayer, and the strength of Sisterhood of the Imperial Court Daughters, the Court would not only survive, but be triumphant.

Allah Court, led by Illustrious Commandress Karyn Booker, has excelled and surpassed its prior community service. The Illustrious Commandress’ own personal desire to serve the community has always been her passion. This passion was conveyed and nurtured, and the Daughters of Allah Court were excited and ready to work.

Dt. Booker ignited the fuel of community service by collaborating closely with the Daughters, by asking how the Court could help, where they can help, and how soon could they get started.

“What can we do to let our community know that we are here to work and serve on their behalf,” asked Dt. Booker. “We believe our community service allows us to stand for those who cannot stand for themselves. It is now time for us to get busy.”

For the past two years, Allah Court has worked tirelessly with zeal and determination.

Community Service

Allah Court donates socks and t-shirts to Swope Ridge Care Facility and volunteers monthly at the Colonial Presbyterian Church’s food pantry. Daughters Wanda Dancy, Bonita Jones, and Marian Carr coordinated a successful community service event at Myers Nursing Home where the Court donated 89 pairs of socks, 181 bars of soap, 15 deodorants, five bottles of lotion, and three tubes of toothpaste.

The Court also partnered with Nellie Shoats/Lucille Douglas Youth Council No. 8, Order of the Eastern Star, to volunteer at the Colonial Presbyterian Church Food Pantry. For their appreciation, the Court provided Bath & Body Works products to each girl and supervisor.

Continuing their service to the community, the Court donated shampoo, lotion, and soap to St. Luke’s Hospice House for use by its patients and assisted in keeping 22nd Street from Prospect to Wabash clean during their Adopt-a-Street project.

ALLAH COURT NO. 6 — KANSAS CITY, MO

Youth & Family

During the year, a Noble’s 9-year-old granddaughter was seriously injured in a dog attack. Dt. Booker shared the story with the Court, and the Daughters immediately wanted to help in some way to show some love to this little girl and lift her spirits. At their own expense, the Daughters donated funds to create a beautiful “Love Basket”. The basket was so full that it could not contain everything, so additional gifts were presented separately.

Additionally, the Court checked in on their sick and distress members by visiting, sending cards, taking them on their errands, and taking them food.

Projects

Although, the Court is very proud of their excellence in community service, the Daughters are most proud of their “Adopt-a-Street” sign located by the Masonic Hall on 22nd Prospect Street.

“We periodically go through the area and pick up trash, debris, old tires, and then the city comes to pick it all up,” said. Dt. Booker. “This was one of my objectives for the Court, and the Daughters wholeheartedly were on board with it.”

Membership

One of Dt. Booker’s goal was to recruit, reclaim and retain. She is immensely proud that during her tenure, Allah Court was able to welcome one new member, Dt. Thelma Harris, and reclaim Dt. JaTaun Jones. m

Dt. Karyn Booker Illustrious Commandress

Enlightenment Regarding Membership in Your Temple

CONTRIBUTED BY: H.P.I.P. WILLIAM PATTERSON III GOLCONDA TEMPLE NO. 24 — NEWARK, N.J.

ROUND ROCK, TEXAS — (OCT. 1, 2021) — One of the greatest assets of our fraternity is also one of our greatest challenges, our membership. At your next meeting, look around the meeting room, or virtual Zoom meeting, and you will notice that our members consist of men from almost every walk of life.

We have educators, police/correction officers, doctors, health care professionals, lawyers, judges, and businessmen just to name a few. If we are to make good men better men, then as Nobles, we must ask ourselves, “How do we find good men, how do we make them better men, and how do we keep them?” If your Temple’s greatest attraction is Camel Walking, smoking, and drinking, then you really need to look at your Temple.

When speaking of membership, many of us have heard the expressions of “Recruit, Reclaim and Retain.”

RECRUIT — Should we solicit for members?

This is a personal choice for each Noble. We can invite non-members to events that will show our fraternity in a positive light. We should also be prepared to speak on our rich history and charities we support and disburse.

Tools for recruitment — look in the mirror

Nobility is more than a title. It should be one of our character traits. When we are created, we become members. Be a Noble by conduct and deed. We

attract members by the way we conduct ourselves inside and outside of the Temple.

1. Our appearance

2. How we conduct ourselves

3. How we interact with others

4. The all-Seeing Eye reminds us that we are always being watched. Let it also remind you that we are also in the public eye.

a. When you meet someone, you don’t know what their opinion is of a Mason or a Noble. You can easily enlighten them or discourage them

b. As humans we understand that we are not perfect. If you should find yourself in a place that is less than favorable. Then take off your jacket or hat that radiates our symbols.

c. Community outreach is key. There is nothing wrong with taking care of our own. When we give charity in our meetings or our Balls, that is nice; however, we should show the public our good works.

i. Dispensing charity in the churches, schools and the community are essential

1. Attending or participating in events (Jubilee Day, Parades, Shrine Tribute Service)

RECLAIM — Find an absent Noble and bring him back around.

After all, everybody joined for a reason. We have many ways to communicate via letters, emails, phone calls, text messages, and social media. A simple conversation can go a long way.

• Check on him and his family

• Update him on Temple activities

• Invite him to various events

• Remind him of his opportunity to assist his Temple and the community

RETENTION — New Members

To retain members, let’s look at the way bring new members in. This fraternity is not meant for everyone. I will not ask for a petition for someone I do not know.

• Ask yourself is this someone who would benefit from us, or would we benefit from his membership?

• If you request a petition for someone then you are responsible for him. Encourage him on his journey. Help him learn. It doesn’t take much effort to attempt to discourage or tear another man down. However, great men can encourage and build up men.

• Ask yourself is this someone who would fit in?

• If you know this perspective member to be a problem in other houses/fraternities, why bring him to your Temple?

• Invested — anything worth having, is worth waiting for and working for

□ Time — Prospective members should be able to attend meetings and study classes

□ Financial — There is nothing free in life, why would becoming a Noble be any different

• Effort — What are the candidate’s contributions?

□ Did he feed or help the less fortunate?

□ Did he frame the pictures of your Past Potentates?

□ There should be something you and the candidate can look back on and be proud of

□ Have they learned what was needed to move to the next level?

Finally, membership should be earned, not given. That what we’ve sacrificed for; we will hold close to our heart, and protect it, versus if it was given to you with little or no effort.

Please Remember — If you bend rules for candidates coming into the Temple, what makes you think they will respect the rules once they become members.

RETENTION — Existing members

Leadership, Leadership, Leadership! To have long term success, the Divan must focus on The Temple, it’s members, the Imperial Council and the community. Members are more likely to participate when they feel their Divan is leading them in a positive direction. It’s natural for the Divan to have great ideas for “My Year”; however, if the Divan shared ideas with each other and encouraged input from the members, imagine how much more could be accomplished.

Other tools for retention — Become part of the solution.

• Invested — we all can contribute to the success of the Temple

□ Join and participate in a unit or committee

□ Become more active in your desert

• How do we treat each other?

□ We may not always agree; however, every member should have an opportunity to be heard

□ Once the decision is made, support the decision

□ Treat your fellow Noble the way you want to be treated

• Continue to challenge yourself and each other

• Learn a new lecture or dialogue

□ Take on a new project

□ Take a newer Noble under your wing

• Encourage your Nobles

□ When you help a Noble’s light shine, it doesn’t lessen your light

□ One way to be successful is assist others in becoming successful

• Find an absent Noble and bring him back around

• It’s ok to have activities for the members outside of the Temple

□ Past Potentate Breakfast

□ Golf, bowling, etc.

• Don’t be too proud to ask for help

• Be your “Brother’s Keeper” m

Queens Contest Held in Philadelphia

CONTRIBUTED BY: H.P.I.C. R. LUCILLE SAMUEL (20) IMPERIAL DIRECTRESS

IMPERIAL ORIENTAL GUIDE CHERYL R.

EGGLESTON (23) ADMINISTRATOR

PHOTOS BY: IMPERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT

PHILADELPHIA — (AUG. 16, 2021) — The Imperial Court hosted its annual Margaret P. Warren Ways and Means Imperial Court Queens Contest during the 128th Imperial Council & 110th Imperial Court Sessions held in the “City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection,” at the Sheraton Hotel.

The contest, established in 1949, is named in honor of Daughter Warren (5), who served as the Imperial Commandress from 1991 to 1993.

In the 41st year of the contest, 12 lovely Daughters from throughout the Domain took on the challenge to represent their respective Deserts and raise funds in support of the Imperial Court.

A total of $165,113.90 was raised by the Desert Queens, which is the most raised in the history of the contest. Monies raised by the contest assist in funding numerous Imperial Court Initiatives such as helping young people further their education through the awarding of scholarships.

The winner of the 2021 Imperial Court Queens Contest was Dt. Rosalind R. Stinson of Kindah Court No. 43, Oasis of Fayetteville, Desert of North Carolina, who raised $51,906.76

Additionally, the department recognizes and thanks Dt. Patricia Vinson-Wallace (193), the 2019 Imperial Queen, for her outstanding efforts.

The winner of the 2021 Imperial Court Queens Contest was Dt. Rosalind R. Stinson of Kindah Court No. 43, Oasis of Fayetteville, Desert of North Carolina, who raised $51,906.76

The department is grateful for all the Daughters who participated in this year’s Imperial Queens Contest.

1. Dt. Rosalind R. Stinson (43), North Carolina Imperial Queen ($51,906.76)

2. Dt. Katrina N. Williams (123), Georgia 1st Runner Up ($40,655.00)

3. Dt. Tarnesia Davis (23), Virginia 2nd Runner Up ($29,909.80)

4. Dt. Trilane N. Manning (226), New York

5. Dt. Alexis Epps Dean (80), Mississippi,

6. Dt. Lana Barton (115), Texas

7. Dt. Nataki D. MacMurray (2), District of Columbia

8. Dt. Danita M. Dixon (17), Pennsylvania

9. Dt. Ebony Hodges-Francis (117), Florida

10. Dt. Andrea Ponder (206), Hawaii

11. Dt. Hellena Shorty (84), Illinois

12. Dt. Tmeaka C. Davis (24), Indiana

The department thanks its members and its consultant, Hon. Past Imperial Commandress Eddie Mure (53) for their hard work and dedication.

In the 41st year of the Margaret P. Warren Ways and Means Imperial Court Queens Contest, 12 lovely Daughters from throughout the Domain took on the challenge to represent their respective Deserts and raise funds in support of the Imperial Court

2021 Imperial Queen Dt. Rosalind R. Stinson (center) joined by 1st runner-up Dt. Katrina N. Williams (l) and 2nd runner-up Dt. Tarnesia Davis

m

Join Forces for National Night Out 2021

CONTRIBUTED BY: TEMPLE STAFF KHALIF TEMPLE NO. 144 - GREENSBORO, NC

GREENSBORO, N.C. — (AUG. 8, 2021) — To strengthen relationships with their neighbors, the Nobles of Khalif Temple

No. 144 and Daughters of Khalif Court

No. 90 joined forces to participated in the 2021 National Night Out.

National Night Out is an annual campaign that promotes community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live.

The event enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Additionally, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

For the past six years, the Oasis has partnered with the Concerned Citizens of Northeast Greensboro and the Woodmere Park Association for National Night Out. Organizations supply food and refreshments for all the children and citizens in the neighborhood, while the Temple and Court distributes school supplies.

“The National Night Out Committee was co-chaired by Noble Aaron Smith and Dt. Rhonda Miller who did an outstanding job of planning and preparing,” said Illustrious Potentate Keven Robinson. “This year was undoubtedly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the tradition of giving back was able to continue.”

A few days before the event, Nobles and Daughters gathered at Khalif Event Center to pack up over 100 individual book bags and packages for all age groups. The very first combined National Night Out was started after the purchase of Khalif Event Center when Past Potentate James B. Waddell attended a Concerned Citizens of Northeast Greensboro Community meeting to introduce Khalif as neighbors.

Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August of every year.

Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more. m

Each year, Mayor Nancy Vaughn and Police Chief Brian James make a special appearance at the National Night Out.

Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North and South America and its Jurisdictions, Inc.

2239 Democrat Rd. Memphis, TN 38132

THE POWER OF GIVING