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Welcome New Members - Brandon Draper and Richard Lauglin
At the Dinner Meeting on July 28, 2026, new members were installed and sworn into the Chapter by President Carl Hill.
Each new member was presented with his new membership certificate. Both new members explained his efforts and timing to achieve their application completion and shared his patriot that he came into SAR under.
Minutes from the July 28th Meeting
Sons of the American Revolution
Chapter President Carl Hill Treasurer Carl Hill
Vice President Don Burns Registrar Mike Bishop
Newsletter & Web Master Jim Penny Secretary Steven Barber
Sgt. At Arms Don Rollins Chaplin: Phil Whitley
Alexander Hodge Chapter No. 49
Chapter Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2026
The members of the Alexander Hodge #49, Sons of the American Revolution, gathered at Spring Creek
Barbeque located at 4895 Highway 6, Missouri City, TX. In the private meeting room, Carl Hill called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. with an Invocation given by Phil Whitley, followed by pledges to the United States flag, to the Texas flag and to the SAR flag given by all present.
Barbeque located at 4895 Highway 6, Missouri City, TX. In the private meeting room, Carl Hill called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. with an Invocation given by Phil Whitley, followed by pledges to the United States flag, to the Texas flag and to the SAR flag given by all present.
22-Attending Chapter Members: Carl Hill (President & Treasure), Steven Barber (Secretary), Micheal
Bishop (Registrar), Phil Whitley (Chaplain),), Jim Penny (Webmaster & Newsletter), Don Rollins (Sgt. At Arms), Don Burns (Vice President), Rick Giuffre, Josh Evans, Lovell Aldrich, Kevin Buford, Richard Colwell, Randal Hankla, Brandon Draper, Randal Glenn, John Placette, John Lucey. Michael Green, Richard Laughlin, Mark Grayson, Alan Pettibone and Nate Lewis
2-Prospective New members: Eddie R Tipton, and Jody Murillo
7-Other Guests: Mrs. Bernice Mistriot, Mrs. Sandy Barber, Mrs. Sherry Burns, Mrs. Sharon Rollins, Mrs. Phyllis Laughlin, Mrs. Ellaine Green, and Robin Green.
7-Other Guests: Mrs. Bernice Mistriot, Mrs. Sandy Barber, Mrs. Sherry Burns, Mrs. Sharon Rollins, Mrs. Phyllis Laughlin, Mrs. Ellaine Green, and Robin Green.
Speaker: Mr. Randal Hankla – “The Revolutionary War Battle of Brandywine”.”
New Member Installation and Swearing In: Brandon Draper and Richard Lauglin were sworn into the Chapter by Carl Hill, Chapter President. Each new member was presented with his new membership
certificate. Both new members explained his efforts and timing to achieve their application completion and shared his patriot that he came into SAR under.
certificate. Both new members explained his efforts and timing to achieve their application completion and shared his patriot that he came into SAR under.
Recognition of Alexander Hodge Chapter Member Loss: Randal Glenn announced the passing of his
father and member of the Alexander Hodge Chapter #49, Thurman Dee Glenn (National Registered
(SAR #16362). Randal shared that his 90-year-old father was thrilled and very proud when his
membership into the Sons of the American Revolution was completed April 17 th , 2025.
Treasurer’s Report: Carl Hill presented the Treasurer’s Report. The Chapter’s Treasury has a balance
of $9,744.03. All outstanding bills are paid and there only one outstanding JROTC check still outstanding. That one check has been out for less than 6 months since that JROTC check was awarded.
Secretary Report: The May 26th 2026 Chapter Meeting minutes has been published on the Chapter
blog site. Those minutes were voted on and 2 nd for acceptance by Chapter members. The June 2026
Business Meeting Chapter Meeting minutes have not yet been completed.
blog site. Those minutes were voted on and 2 nd for acceptance by Chapter members. The June 2026
Business Meeting Chapter Meeting minutes have not yet been completed.
Registrar’s Report: Micheal Bishop: Our Registrar, Micheal Bishop announced that 4 new
applications have been approved and ready to be inducted into the chapter. Brandon Draper and Richard
Laughlin were inducted at this meeting tonight and given their certificates. Ted Exline and Donald Lieske III was the other approved new member but were not present at this chapter meeting.
Applications completed and certifications received and ready to be sworn into the Alexander Hodge
Chapter #49: ▪Brandon Draper ▪Richard Laughlin ▪Donald Lieske III ▪Ted Exline
applications have been approved and ready to be inducted into the chapter. Brandon Draper and Richard
Laughlin were inducted at this meeting tonight and given their certificates. Ted Exline and Donald Lieske III was the other approved new member but were not present at this chapter meeting.
Applications completed and certifications received and ready to be sworn into the Alexander Hodge
Chapter #49: ▪Brandon Draper ▪Richard Laughlin ▪Donald Lieske III ▪Ted Exline
Applications Completed and approved – Waiting to receive certificates for induction ▪Mark Grayson
▪Brian Bishop ▪Alan Pettibone ▪Wynn Pettibone:
▪Brian Bishop ▪Alan Pettibone ▪Wynn Pettibone:
Following are active applications that are completed and at National SAR that should be approved in the next 2-4 weeks
▪ Jody Murillo ▪William Startz - Supplemental
July Applications completed and submitted for the following potential members:
▪ Kevin Krysinger ▪Michael Carl Sorgenfrei
▪William Marion Funk ▪For the Mark Grayson family:
Patrick Grayson, Dylan Grayson and Declan Grayson (Brother, son and grandson)
▪ Jody Murillo ▪William Startz - Supplemental
July Applications completed and submitted for the following potential members:
▪ Kevin Krysinger ▪Michael Carl Sorgenfrei
▪William Marion Funk ▪For the Mark Grayson family:
Patrick Grayson, Dylan Grayson and Declan Grayson (Brother, son and grandson)
Work in progress on new applications for:
▪Eddie Tipton- Waiting on Birth Certificate
▪Jeffery Mark Barley- Brick walls
▪Eddie Tipton- Waiting on Birth Certificate
▪Jeffery Mark Barley- Brick walls
Web Site and Newsletter Report: Jim Penny
August 2026 Newsletter will soon be published and distributed to all members. Looking for photography from the many events that occurred in June and July 2026, particularly the Liberty Tree and George Memorial County Library Table events. The on-line blog had 11 postings in the last 30 days on these and other events in the Chapter.
August 2026 Newsletter will soon be published and distributed to all members. Looking for photography from the many events that occurred in June and July 2026, particularly the Liberty Tree and George Memorial County Library Table events. The on-line blog had 11 postings in the last 30 days on these and other events in the Chapter.
The Chapter received excellent news coverage in two local newspapers on the Liberty Tree event, front page in the Fort Bend Herald and in a Katy News, Texas publications.
Jim Penny attended the National SAR Conference in Greenville, N.C. He was very pleased with the information shared and obtained on the SAR organization while attending this conference. Jim announced that this conference in 2027 will be held at New Orleans, Louisiana and in 2028 at Austin, Texas.
Jim Penny attended the National SAR Conference in Greenville, N.C. He was very pleased with the information shared and obtained on the SAR organization while attending this conference. Jim announced that this conference in 2027 will be held at New Orleans, Louisiana and in 2028 at Austin, Texas.
Chapter Awards:
Carl Hill, President of the Alexander Hodge #49 SAR chapter, made several certificate awards at the
Chapter meeting
A) The State John Knox Medal and certificate was awarded to Michael Green for his several years
serving as the Commander of the SAR State Color Guard. Micheals’ dedication and
contributions to the SAR organization in the State of Texas and in the Alexnder Hodge #49
Chapter was demonstrated by; Micheal serving as the President of the Alexander Hodge #49
Chapter for two (2) terms, represented the Chapter for several years at the State SAR level,
served in the State of Texas Color Guard and was instrumental in JROTC and local fire and
police support programs.
B) The Liberty Tree project has been fully completed. The tree was planted and a concrete base
was poured to mount the monument on at the Historical Fort Bend County Courthouse. This
Chapter 250 th project was managed and arranged by our Chapter member Josh Evans, with
donations made by the chapter and by chapter members: Micheal Bishop, Don and Sharon
Rollins, Carl Hill, and Robert Rhodes. We thank all for their donations to this worthy project. The
Chapter awarded Josh Evans a SAR 250 th Anniversary Gold Medal SAR Service Award with a
certificate of appreciation for his management of this important 250 th American Anniversary
project. The Chapter gives Josh a deep gratitude and appreciation for taking on this most
important project. Certificates and SAR 250 th Anniversary Silver SAR Service Award metals
and certificates were also presented to Carl Hill, Steven Barber, Jim Penny, Don Rollins and
Michael Bishop for participating in setting up the Liberty Tree program and participating in the
Chapter Color Guard for this event.
Certificates of Appreciation are being prepared to be presented to three Fort Bend County
officials that participated in the Liberty Tree project. Several Fort Bend Government Officials were
present and assisted in accomplishing the installation and dedication of this Liberty Tree project.
Fort Bend County Judge Danial Wong presented the proclamation during the dedication
ceremony., Fort Bend County Facilities Director-James Knight; Fort Bend County
Engagement Director- Johnthan Rameriez; and Fort Bend County Communications
Director Bobby Eberle assisted and attended the dedication ceremony.
Scott Wille, Photographer, represented the Fort Bend Hearld, provided pictures and publication
of this event in their publication.
Carl Hill, President of the Alexander Hodge #49 SAR chapter, made several certificate awards at the
Chapter meeting
A) The State John Knox Medal and certificate was awarded to Michael Green for his several years
serving as the Commander of the SAR State Color Guard. Micheals’ dedication and
contributions to the SAR organization in the State of Texas and in the Alexnder Hodge #49
Chapter was demonstrated by; Micheal serving as the President of the Alexander Hodge #49
Chapter for two (2) terms, represented the Chapter for several years at the State SAR level,
served in the State of Texas Color Guard and was instrumental in JROTC and local fire and
police support programs.
B) The Liberty Tree project has been fully completed. The tree was planted and a concrete base
was poured to mount the monument on at the Historical Fort Bend County Courthouse. This
Chapter 250 th project was managed and arranged by our Chapter member Josh Evans, with
donations made by the chapter and by chapter members: Micheal Bishop, Don and Sharon
Rollins, Carl Hill, and Robert Rhodes. We thank all for their donations to this worthy project. The
Chapter awarded Josh Evans a SAR 250 th Anniversary Gold Medal SAR Service Award with a
certificate of appreciation for his management of this important 250 th American Anniversary
project. The Chapter gives Josh a deep gratitude and appreciation for taking on this most
important project. Certificates and SAR 250 th Anniversary Silver SAR Service Award metals
and certificates were also presented to Carl Hill, Steven Barber, Jim Penny, Don Rollins and
Michael Bishop for participating in setting up the Liberty Tree program and participating in the
Chapter Color Guard for this event.
Certificates of Appreciation are being prepared to be presented to three Fort Bend County
officials that participated in the Liberty Tree project. Several Fort Bend Government Officials were
present and assisted in accomplishing the installation and dedication of this Liberty Tree project.
Fort Bend County Judge Danial Wong presented the proclamation during the dedication
ceremony., Fort Bend County Facilities Director-James Knight; Fort Bend County
Engagement Director- Johnthan Rameriez; and Fort Bend County Communications
Director Bobby Eberle assisted and attended the dedication ceremony.
Scott Wille, Photographer, represented the Fort Bend Hearld, provided pictures and publication
of this event in their publication.
Certificates of Appreciation are being sent to all the public officials that assisted along with the
news reporters and to Madison Party Rentals for providing the pop-up awnings and chairs for
this event.
Unfinished Old Business:
1) 250 Anniversary Continental Lapel Pins were offered to all Chapter members that have not
received this pin. Three pins were distributed.
news reporters and to Madison Party Rentals for providing the pop-up awnings and chairs for
this event.
Unfinished Old Business:
1) 250 Anniversary Continental Lapel Pins were offered to all Chapter members that have not
received this pin. Three pins were distributed.
2) Carl Hill reviewed all the Chapter activities that occurred in the last 45 days.
▪Alexander Hodge Color Guard at the DAR Flag pole 250 th anniversary dedication at Pleasant
Green Cemetery. Carl Hill, Don Rollins, Michael Bishop and Steve Barber.
▪Alexander Hodge Color Guard at the DAR July 4 th event for disadvantaged children in Richmond,
TX. Steve Barber and Don Rollins.
▪DAR and SAR Table July 11 th at the George Memorial Library with SAR dressed members
displaying American Revolutionary War items and information with the DAR Chapter. Carl Hill,
Michael Bisshop, Jim Penny and Steve Barber.
▪ Alexander Hodge #49 SAR Chapter Flag program presented at Del Web Veterans group.
▪Presented and awarded Ms. Abuike Afthana a cash award for her 800-word essay entitles
“Valley Forge- Birthplace of the Continental Army” for her contribution in competing in the State of
Texas wide George S. and Stella M. Knight essay contest.
▪After the Liberty Tree Ceramony, Judge Danial Wong invited our SAR Chapter to attend the
reading of the Declaration of Independence by Fort Bend Children in the historical court house
rotunda. Following the reading pictures were taken with the Alexander Hodge Color Guard, with
officials and with the children that completed the readings.
Carl expressed great appreciation for all members that participated and contributed to these
events.
New Business:
1) Sandy Barber with the Alexander Hodge DAR Chapter proposed the forming of a Woman’s
Auxiliary for the Alexander Hodge SAR Chapter by the wives of members of the SAR Chapter. An
information card was handed out for contacting Sandy to participate. The Woman’s auxiliary
would assist in promoting more social events in the SAR Alexander Hodge #49 chapter.
2) The Alexander Hodge DAR organization has leased a movie entitled “The American Mircale”. The
movie, produced on the campus of Houston Christian College reveals the many very favorable
conditions and events that helped make America be successful in defeating the strongest military
in the world at the time of the American Revolution, Great Britian. This 2 ½ hour movie reveals
several events that occurred before the war and during the war that led many to believe that
founding of the USA was in God’s hands. The movie is being shown by the DAR at various
locations until the end of 2026. It is available to the Alexander Hodge Chapter for showing.
Evening Speaker: Mr. Randal Hankla – “The Revolutionary War Battle of Brandywine”.”
Mr. Hankla discussed the Battle of Brandywine that occurred during the American Revolutionary War
where the American army, led by General George Washington, were defeated by the British Army led by a British General Howl. Several battle maps were presented describing the troop movements of each
army. The loss of this battle by the American troops was blamed on the lack of experience of General
George Washington. This 11-hour battle occurred September 11 th , 1777.
Mr. Hankla discussed the Battle of Brandywine that occurred during the American Revolutionary War
where the American army, led by General George Washington, were defeated by the British Army led by a British General Howl. Several battle maps were presented describing the troop movements of each
army. The loss of this battle by the American troops was blamed on the lack of experience of General
George Washington. This 11-hour battle occurred September 11 th , 1777.
The American Army counted 14,600 members that used Brandywine Creek as their primary defense on
the southern side of the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which was at the time the capital of the young American nation. The British army of 15,500 soldiers, sailed on 260 British ships from New York and bypassed Delaware Bay controlled by the Americans and sailed up the Chesapeake Bay to be south of the American Army. The British army was made up of Hessian German soldiers and British Regulars.
The Hessian army completed a frontal attack on the American forces on Brandywine Creek, while the
larger part of the British army marched 17 miles north through Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to out flank the
American army. The American army split forces to defend against the larger British army when their
movement was discovered, but it was to late with not having sufficient forces to hold back the larger part of the British army. The American army was forced to retreat to fight another day.
American casualties amounted to 1,300 captured, wounded or killed where the British army lost 587
soldiers killed or wounded., However, the bulk of the American army did escape. The primary significands of this loss were the British taking over and controlling the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Hankla had three different rifles representing the weapons used by the British, the Americans and the Hessian soldiers on display.
The British Ferguson rifle was invented by Captain Patrick Ferguson. This was an improved breech
loaded rifle that allowed much faster loading and firing by the British soldier. Captain Ferguson was in the area of the Brandywine battle, in charge of a group of British sharpshooters. Stories were told that at one point this group of sharpshooters came up on a couple of American Officers on horseback and that
Ferguson had a clear shot to take out these riders. Ferguson had never met George Washington, but
surmised that this could be the American General. Ferguson later claimed that a shot was not taken
because it would not have been honorable to the British standard to assassinate an opponent’s leader
with a sniper shot. Captain Ferguson was later killed at the Battle of Kings Mountain as the British leader at that battle scene.
An example of the primary rifle used by the American troops was the Brown Bess. This was the primary
rifle used by the British before the introduction of the Ferguson Rifle. This rifle was longer, much heavier and was a standard muzzle loaded weapon, which required more time to load between shots.
The third rifle displayed was the Hussian “Japerkorp” rifle. This was a grooved barrel rifle that was much lighter and shorter than the other rifles. Because of it being a grooved barrel, its accuracy was much better, with accuracy up to 200-300 yards, compared to 60 yards with conventional smooth bore muskets.
The Americans lost the Battle of Brandywine primary because not having fast moving mounted troops,
British and Hessian troops having better weapons that could be fired faster and Washington not being
familiar with all the terrain which this battle was fought and was again out flanked by the British army.
Closing Remarks:
The next Alexander Hodge Chapter #49 meeting is scheduled for September 29 th ,2026 at 7:00 P.M. at the Spring Creek Barbeque restaurant on Highway 6 in Missouri City, TX. The speaker for the next Chapter meeting will be Denise Bennett, who provides reenactment of famous women from the American Revolution time period.
The next Alexander Hodge Chapter #49 meeting is scheduled for September 29 th ,2026 at 7:00 P.M. at the Spring Creek Barbeque restaurant on Highway 6 in Missouri City, TX. The speaker for the next Chapter meeting will be Denise Bennett, who provides reenactment of famous women from the American Revolution time period.
The next Chapter Business Meeting will be held at this same restaurant August 25th, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. All chapter members are invited to attend the Business Meetings.
Benediction: Closing benediction was given by Phil Whitley, Chaplain
Recessional: The SAR recessional was recited by all present.
Meeting Adjourned: President Carl Hill
Recessional: The SAR recessional was recited by all present.
Meeting Adjourned: President Carl Hill
Prepared by Steven J. Barber, Secretary- Alexander Hodge Chapter #49
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