From George Willis Desk,
Grand Correspondant

Tue, 6 Jan 2009

Division Spring Promenades Schedule

TO ALL CHEF DE TRAINS:

IT IS TIME TO SCHEDULE THE SPRING DIVISION PROMENADES. THIS PROMANADE IS TO DISCUSS ANY MATTER COMING TO YOUR DIVISION, ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS TO SERVE IN VARIOUS OFFICES FOR 2009-2010.

CHEF DE TRAINS SHALL NOTIFY ME AT THE EARLIST POSSIBLE TIME IN ORDER TO GET THESE DATES PUBLISHED.. PLEASE SUBMIT THE INFORMATION IN THE FORM OF A PHAMPHET WITH DATES, TIMES, PLACE AND CONTACT PERSON WITH PHONE NUMBER.

GEORGE H. WILLIS
GRANDE CORRESPONDANT

September 2008

There should be many thing going on in our la society now. The directeurs of programs should have their program pins and have them available at the first division promenade coming up on October 11 in Hickory then again on the 25th at Franklinton. If you don't have your program pins, then directeurs need to contact your nationale directeurs or sous directeurs for your 2009 pins.

Nationale Promenade

We had a great time in Orlando Fl. at the nationale promenade.

First of all, the resolution to allow veterans from other organizations into our organization passed. The constitution will be change to reflect such. Please remember each locale Voiture has control of their own membership. All new members must be invited.

Second, They must be voted on (nothing has changed), they must be wrecked as before. If your Voiture only want to invite legionaires into your membership, that's up to you and your membership. Just remember we are still an honor society and don't invite just anyone.

North Carolina had two voyageurs appointed as nationale officers, Bill Cain was appointed as Guarde de la Porte Nationaux and I was appointed as Nationale Directeur of the Carville Star Program.

The password will not change this year, I will get the word out at all promenades upcoming in October.

North Carolina Dues Increase

Due to the fact we do not print our newspaper any longer and we lost our funds (profits) from this enhancement endeavor, it has become necessary for us to increase our annual dues by $5.00 for each member, except paid for life members.

All correspondants are to send the additional $5.00 to me, by check, start with all membership renewal or new members as of 01 January 2009. Correspondants, do not send the $5.00 to Nationale, send your $14.50, as always, to Nationale and the $5.00 increase to me. Addressed to Grande Voiture du North Carolina.

Program Directeurs

Any funds raised for your program must be sent to the Grande Correspondant before it is disbursed to any program.

 At our Grande Promenade, the membership voted to divide the funds raised for the nurses program in North Carolina, to be divided between the winners of the awards. This was passed but it the notion should have been called "out of order". There should have been a resolution submitted, approved by the awards committee, then to the finance committee and then by the resolutions committee and then brought to the floor for vote. If we are going to be a separate organization, then we are going to have to follow the constitution.

Bill Cain, our advocate, will be addressing the constitution further with a letter/directive concerning monies collected and disbursed from our la society.

Membership

Enclosed with the newsletter mailing is our first membership report, if you need help, please contact our membership directeur , your grand cheminot or your chef de train.

Congratulations to all locale Voitures who have already hit the 100% plus mark. Please don't stop now, we must grow, to be a viable organization.

Carville Star

This is one of our oldest programs, and we need your help.. you can help by supporting the star publication program this publication is published twice a year and it is a link between the world and the researchers and sciences working to find a cure for this disease.

The doctors in over 100 countries where this disease is found have very little communication concerning the disease or treatment of Hansen's disease.

With your help in supporting this program by donations, buy a country, donation in memory of or in honor of would really help..when you donate, I will Send you or your Voiture or Cabane a nice certificate to thank you for your support. If you want to know more, please call me.

Upcoming Events

The Grande Chef de Gare and Grande La Presidente's homecoming at the American Legion Post 11 in Wayne County on October 4, 2008 from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. The address is 2973 US117 Hwy South.

Division 3 and 4 Promenade , Hickory N.C. October 10 and 11th. Kangoruuuu kourt will be Friday night with the promenade on Saturday. Come early to get a seat and don't forget your pg's.

Division 1 and 2 Promenade, Franklinton, N.C. October 25th, 2008 starting at 1000 am. Bring your pg's for a good wreck. Registration and meal from the "Chitling Man" is $15.00.

August 2008

I would like to thank Voiture 915, Hickory and Voiture 1441, Maiden for hosting an outstanding Grand Promenade on 24-26 July 2008!!! We had a great time at the Car Show, Karaoke, Hospitality Room, and J.P.’s haircutting ceremony!!

The promenade was even fun during the meetings and Cheminot, and a lot of work was conducted. A list of officers and program Directeurs are enclosed so please keep until the officers Roster for 2008-2009 is received. I’m still waiting for 20 Locale Voiture Correspondants to send in their new officers list.

A brief report on our programs:

AMERICANISM—only four (4) reports were received on time. You all know everyone doe3s Americanism, taking care of your flags, pledge of allegiance, funerals, and many more, so why not blow your horn! REPORT IT!!! Awards were: 1st Place, Voiture 793,Charlotte; 2nd Place, Voiture 620,Raleigh.

FINANCE—Clint Thompson reported and submitted the 2008-2009 budget. Interest from our CD was transferred to our checking account due to the economy and rising prices for gas, travel, hotel rooms, office supplies, postage-- actually everything has increased, so our budget for last year required amending with an increase. Last year we voted to raise the membership dues on 01 JANUARY 2009 from $14.50 to $19.50, an increase of $5.00 per member to be sent to Nationale. This should help with our increasing budget and a travel manual is in the process of being developed for the Grand. The 2008-2009 budget was presented and approved.

YOUTH SPORTS—J.P.Kelley reported that only two (2) reports were submitted. 1st Place, Voiture 1187,Asheville; 2nd Place,Voiture 915,Hickory.

RESOLUTIONS—Nina Wiglesworth reported one (1) resolution had to be addressed at the Grand Promenade: American Legion relationship with the Forty & Eight. This resolution was addressed at the convening of the Grand Promenade General Session on 26 July 2008.

BOX CAR—Bill Wells reported 106 Box Car memberships and 206 Associate cards sold. He reported that Cabane 793 raised $150.00 and Cabane 915 raised $50.00. Delmas Hudson was absent due to health reasons. Please keep him in your prayers.

NURSES TRAINING—Jim Mayhew reported 1st Place,Voiture 245,Wilmington; 2nd Place,Voiture 620,Raleigh. Jim made a notion that all monies raised by the Nurses Training program go to the winners of the Awards annually. It was approved and was to be voted on at the Grand Promenade General Session.

RITUAL—Clint Thompson reported awards went to: 1st Place, Voiture 1187, Asheville; 2nd Place, Voiture 620, Raleigh.

AMERICAN LEGION/FORTY & EIGHT MEMBERSHIP—Larry Robinette reported that he and Jim Mayhew were the only ones reporting five (5) new members.

POW/MIA—Larry Robinette received two (2) reports; 1st Place, Voiture 245, Wilmington; 2nd Place Voiture 793, Charlotte.

TIME & PLACE—Clint Thompson reported NO REQUESTS have been received for hosting the 2009 Grand Promenade. Anyone wishing to host the 2009 Grand Promenade should submit this request to Clint Thompson or George Willis ASAP.

CHILD WELFARE—Mike Phillips received four (4) reports: 1st Place, Voiture 620,Raleigh; 2nd Place, Voiture 245,Wilmington.

CARVILLE STAR—George Willis reported 132 C/S pins sold; 20 C/S subscriptions sold; 10 Buy A Country, and $102.00 in donations. Over 6000 miles were traveled, 580 hours worked, with total expenses of $2030.00 with Nationale and $345.00 within Grand. Awards: 1st Place, Cabane 506, Greensboro; 2nd Place, Voiture 915, Hickory.

CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS—Nina Wiglesworth had “no Report”. However, our Constitution & Bylaws will be updated after the Nationale Promenade.

VOITURE ACTIVITIES—Clayton Sutton received five (5) reports. 1st Place, Voiture 506, Greensboro; 2nd Place, Voiture 793, Charlotte.

WAYS & MEANS—Richard Davis, along with his lovely wife, Gail did an outstanding job for our Grand. Raising $500.00 for our Grand general fund. GOOD JOB, RICHARD & GAIL!!

VOYAGEUR OF THE YEAR—Clint Thompson reported NO ONE was submitted for the Grand. Hard to believe!

PUBLIC RELATIONS—Mike Reott and Kevin Rauth reported our web site is up and running. Many positive comments have been received on our web site.

We need business advertisement—it only costs $25.00 a year, real cheap advertisement for your business. Sponsorships Information

Awards: 1st Place, Voiture 245, Wilmington.

VAVS—George Willis reported the need of VAVS representatives needed for VAMC’s in NC. We have George Willis for Durham and Jeff Cole for Salisbury. We need representatives for Fayetteville and Asheville. If you can afford a couple of hours a month, please call George. Awards: 1st Place, Voiture 793, Charlotte.

SPECIAL AWARDS—Ray Morgan reported NO REPORTS or RECOMMENDATIONS were received by the committee. This includes Law Officer of the Year--NONE; City/Town of the Year--NONE; Hero of the Year—NONE.

OTHER REPORTS—George Willis reported that a Veterans’ Homeless Shelter is up and running really well in Asheville, NC. They are in need of phone cards for the veterans. Please contact George Willis for more info.

OTHER ITEMS COVERED AT GRAND GENERAL SESSION:

Congressman Patrick McHenry spoke on his support for the veterans, his work with Homeland Security and the establishment and dedication of the new outpatient clinic in Hickory, NC.

Resolution #01/2008 concerning the relationship between the Forty & Eight and the American Legion—after the proper notion and second, there was much discussion with 14 of 31 Locale Voitures present, a vote was taken. The vote was taken of five (5) delegates per Voiture Locale and one (1) vote for each Grand Chef de Gare Passe present. The final vote was 45 to 34 votes to support the resolution. The NC delegates to Nationale Promenade will be directed to support the Resolution at that time.

Delegates to Nationale Promenade were elected.

The floor was opened for the election of 2008-2009 Grand Officers. Those elected were: Grand Chef de Gare, David Van Wormer (V-1538, Wayne County, Goldsboro); Grand Conducteur (West), Art Long (V-1617, Hendersonville) and Grand Garde de la Porte (East), Rora Kellis (V-1172, Liberty).

The 2008-2009 First Grand Cheminot was opened by David Van Wormer, Grand Chef de Gare. The action of a Voyageur Militaire’s dismissal from the Forty & Eight was addressed because of an appeal. After all charges were read and the action taken by the Voiture Locale reviewed. The Grand Cheminot voted to uphold the decision and action taken by the Voiture Locale.

MEMBERSHIP—North Carolina again reached 100%-plus this year. Even though only by 4 members, we barely squeaked by. As you read before, our membership dues are increasing as of 01 January 2009, from $14.50 sent to Nationale to $19.50 per member sent to Nationale. Talk to your members, get them to pay their dues before 01 January 2009, and talk to them about “LIFE MEMBERSHIP” at $14.50 plus Voiture dues instead of $19.50 plus Voiture dues.   LIFE MEMBERSHIP CHART.

UPCOMING PROMENADES:

NATIONALE PROMENADE—Orlando, Florida, September 3-6, 2008

HOOCH WRECK—Duluth, Georgia, October 3-5, 2008 (See enclosed info)

July 2008

I am in the process of making the officers list for this year. For the correspondants who have not sent their new officers list AND YOUR MEETING PLACE AND DATES AND TIMES, please send to me ASAP. I will be trying to get a newsletter out soon. Thanks for your assistance.. Thanks again,
George

June 2008

Greeting Voyageurs!!!

2007-2008 year is rapidly comming to a close and it's time to blow your horn!! We have had a great year and your reports should reflect it, so be sure you get your program reports to our program Directeurs so that a final report can be given at the Grand Promenade.

Soon we will eb electing new officers for the 2009-2009 year. Don't forget to get your endorsements to the Grand Correspondant ASAP in order to complete the new officers list.

I have noticed as I travel around NC to Locale Promenades, we have difficulty getting the word to our voyageurs. Not once have I herd the newsletter read or discussed at Voiture Locales. I have placed articles of two programs that I am Directeur for, The Carville Star and the VAVS, in the newsletters, and when I receive newsletters and promenade reports/minutes, When Called on, the Locale Drecteurs say " No report"!!

What is the story? Are you not getting our newsletters out to our Locales and if they are not being distributed to you Locale, then why spend the time and money on them?

Please read and pass the news to your members. The information in this issue requires action on your part.

All voiture Locales are reminded to submit their IRS form 990 to the IRS on their non-profit status. If you need a copy of the 990 form, please contact me.

VAVS

 We are in need of Forty&8 VAVS representatives for our VA Hospitals in North Carolina. If you live close to a VA Hospital and can spare one day a nonth, please volunteer. We need your!! Call me!!

NC Forty & Eight Website

Our 2008-2009 website is up and running. There is good information on it and you can get the latest news concerning items of our Forty & Eight.

Taps

Enclosed with the (mailed) newsletter is a blank report that should be filled out and submitted to Nationale and to the Grand Correspondant when one of yur voyageurs passes away. Failure to notify National will result in that memver remaining on your next-year's roster and membership roll. By notifying Nationale, The voyageur will be removed prior to the next year's memvership report.

Membership Dues Increase

 Beginning January 01, 2009, our 20 & 8 dues will increase from $14.50 per person to $19.50 per person. This $19.50 is the amount Voiture Locales must send to Nationale.

If voyageurs' dues are sent in prior to 01 January 2009, the dues will be $14.50. So save $5.00, send your 2008-2009 dues in before the January 1st 2009 date. Members are encouraged to think about LIFE time membership before the dues increase.

Grand Promenade

Pamphlet enclosed with the mailed newsletter and on the website 2008 Promenade Web Site. At this promenade, we are required to vote on one resolution concerning our relationship with The American Legion and our membership. The resolution has been forwarded to your Locale in two (02) previous newsletters. A roll call vote of delegates registered for the Promenade will be taken. Each Grand Chef de Gare Passe present has one vote. Each registered delegate has one vote. Because this could be a change in our Consitution & Bylaws, there must be a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote. If you want your Voiture-voice heard, register and attend the Grand Promenade.

Carville Star

All Voiture Locales are requested to send a Check (donation) to our Grand Directeur for their support of our program. Deadline is here so please submit your donation ASAP.

Send donation checks to:
George H. Willis
303 Old Gaston Ext.
Gaston, NC 27832.

To the Locale Chef de Gare's with one (1) or two (2) members left to be 100%. If you get 100% for your year you will receive a nice 100% membership Badge to wear for the rest of your life. Are you going to let one (1) member stand bewteen you and those lasting memories each and very time you look at this 100% badge.

March 2008

Greeting Voyageurs!!!
We are in the third month of the year. We only have four more months to go in this year before we elect a new grand chef and start over again! Before we start over again, we need to finish this year with a BANG! We need to think about our program reports. REMEMBER, if you don't blow your horn, no one will!!! Document what you do even if it is only one program. It's not too late to work on programs -- many programs only require a finicial donation, whatever your Voiture can afford, or present flags to schools or non-profit organizations or visiting paitents in hospitals. There are so many more things your Voiture can do before the end of this year.

A big THANK YOUR and CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Locale Voiture 1617 and American Legion Post 77 in Hendersonville for hosting the Joint Carolinas. As Grand Chef Chad Parson said, "It was a great time". We are looking forward to the 2009 Joint Carolinas Promenade in Charleston, SC.

As I travel around NC, I hear reasons why we don't have more members! One is, "They are not members of our American Legion Post and we are NOT asking them to join." Nationale's Consitution only allows one Voiture per conunty with special request necessary for others. If your Voiture location has more than one American Legion Post in the area, please invite their outstanding members to join our Forty & Eight. Another reason I hear is we don't allow other races or female veterans to join our Forty & Eight. Apparently the changes in our Constitution and Bylaws are not getting around. The words "white, male only" have been removed, completely, from our Constitution and Bylaws. So, there are No excuses not to ask outstanding Legionnaires to become members of your Voiture.

6 AUGUST 2007

The Grand Promenade was held in Conover, NC 19-22 July 2007. The voyageurs of Voiture 915-Hickory and Voiture 1441-Maiden did an outstanding job and the Grand Promenade was a great success. The hotel was great, working with us in all our requests.

After the program reports and a Grand Cheminot, all enjoyed (I think) karaoke and Beer Bust put on by our host Voiture and our Box Car Directeur. Although we ran out of liquid refreshment, the attending voyageurs improvised, adapted and overcame the dilemma (if anyone at the Prom missed their beer, now you know where it went). There was a great car/motorcycle show in the parking lot Friday night.

Due to increased cost of operation in the Grand, increased cost of gas, hotel bills, postage, and almost everything else, the finance committee recommended an increase in 2008-2009 membership dues. This was approved by the delegates at the promenade.

The officers for 2007-2008 were elected and the final installation was completed at the Saturday Banquet with the installation of our 2007-2008 Grand Chef de Gar Chad Parsons, Voiture 915, Hickory.

A list of the 2007-2008 officers and Grand Program Directeurs will be listed on our NC website. Thanks to Mike Reott, Kevin Rauth, this will be a great communication tool , so please support it. We need your help in advertisements. The website address is www.ncfortyandeight.org. The complete officers and program book is being prepared as we write this note.

We want to welcome North Carolina’s newest Voiture in Roanoke Rapids, NC, Voiture 1630. Darrick McGee is the new Locale Chef de Gare and there are 5 total voyagers at this time with a new female voyageur joining our ranks.