January Program Will Profile The “Soldier’s Best Friend” Program. A representative from this Peoria based organization will visit with us at our January 28th Chapter Meeting and explain how their program works. Soldier’s Best Friend provides United States military veterans living with combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with Service or Therapeutic Companion Dogs, most of which are rescued from local shelters. The veteran and dog train together to build a trusting relationship that saves two lives at once, and inspires countless others. A Service or Therapeutic Companion Dog provides constant support that can make it easier for veterans to readjust to civilian life and manage symptoms such as :Panic Attacks-Depression-Flashbacks-Irritability-Reclusive Behavior-Anxiety-Nightmares-Uneasiness in Crowed Places and Suicidal Thoughts. Soldier’s Best Friend is an Arizona-based nonprofit. Currently, training is offered in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott and Sierra Vista. On average, veteran/dog teams complete training in 6-9 months. Veterans with a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD or TBI who live in Arizona or are willing to relocate to Arizona for the duration of training are welcome to apply There are a variety of ways to support these programs and you can learn more by going to their web site www.soldiersbestfriend.org. Join us and meet Veteran Damian and his dog, Bella at our meeting on January 28th. See how this program is rebuilding the quality of life for so many Veterans. Also learn about their new training facility which just opened in Peoria in early November 2016 at 14505 N 75th Avenue.

New Officers of Saguaro Chapter take office 2017 Slate Inducted at December 2016 MeetingThe Saguaro Chapter Board of Managers were installed by Arizona Society President Steve Miller. Allen Nash becomes the new President of the Saguaro Chapter.

The 2017 Roster of Saguaro Chapter BOM is:President - Allen Nash; 1st Vice President - Whit Revell; 2nd Vice President - Tod Hamilton; Secretary - Jan Huber; Treasurer - Bob Wixon; Registrar - Jan Huber; Genealogist - Mike Fisch; Historian - Allen Nash; Chaplain - Jim Heller; Sgt.-at-Arms - Manuel Rodriguez; Parliamentarian - Peter Zuleger; BOM Members-at-Large; term to expire 2017 - Ray Barkhaus; term to expire 2018 - Hal Knowlton; term to expire 2019 - Stan Hughes; Representative to the AZSAR BOM - Loren Littlefield; Alternate Representative to the AZSAR BOM - Whit Revell. Bob Archibald will continue as JROTC Awards Chairman.

Please take a moment to thank these members for their service to the Chapter. See Photo on next page.

January 2017

The Saguaro PatriotA newsletter of the Saguaro Chapter,

Arizona Sons of the American Revolution

December 2016 Chapter Meeting Minutes: The annual luncheon meeting of the Saguaro Chapter was held at the Golden Corral in Surprise on Saturday, December 10, 2016.  The meeting was called to order by President Loren Littlefield shortly after 11:30 AM.   A quorum was met by the attendance of 16 members.  Eleven guests were present.   Chaplain Jim Heller gave the Invocation and led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the SAR Pledge.  Treasurer John McDonald reported a balance of $6,217. Historian Allen Nash reported that Saguaro Chapter has earned 6,064 Americanism points so far this year.  He gave a brief description of the process of reporting Americanism points.  He again announced his wish that someone would volunteer to take over the Historian position in order that he can concentrate more on serving as President.  

Registrar Huber reported, in error, that 13 new member applications have been approved so far this calendar year.  The correct number is 10 with 3 new member applications that have been submitted.  Five more are in the final stages of preparation.  Of the 10 new members, 4 are Junior Members. Huber also gave a reminder of the need for volunteers for the Salvation Army Bell Ringing on December 21 and 22.  Chaplain Heller reported the deaths of Compatriot Don Connelley on December 3, and Compatriot Eddie Zuleger on December 4.  President Littlefield reported that Compatriot Mike Fisch has volunteered to become the Editor of the State SAR newsletter, the SAR-IZONA NEWS.  Compatriot John McDonald was recognized by Littlefield for his outstanding service to Saguaro Chapter as Treasurer, taking meeting photographs and submitting articles to local newspapers.  Such articles have been valuable for new member recruitment.  The recognition was accompanied by the presentation of a First Lady Lawrence SAR Challenge Coin.  (article continued on next page) 

Members of the 2017 Saguaro Chapter Board of Managers who were at the December 2016 Meeting shown above. Left to Right: Stan Hughes, Bob Archibald, Mike Fisch, Jan Huber, Tod Hamilton, Allen Nash in rear, Manuel Rodriquez forward, Loren Littlefield, outgoing President in back, Whit Revell, and Jim Heller. Photo courtesy of John McDonald.

Chapter December 2016 Minutes Continued: AZSAR President Steve Miller attended the meeting.  He gave an update on events, projects, and activities of the National and State Societies.  He encouraged participation in Veterans' support activities and reporting all points for the USS Stark Award.  He encouraged our submitting bibliographies on our Patriots; a National Society initiative.  He also urged us to adopt the new Mentor Program; where a mentor is assigned to each new member.  Miller then conducted the installation ceremony for the 2017 Saguaro Chapter Officers.  They are as reported in the November 2016 chapter meeting minutes.  Miller than gave a very interesting program on his outstanding career with the United States Air Force.  He gave it the title of "Farm Boy to Fly Boy".  Among his accomplishments was piloting the B-52 bomber.  The general meeting was closed by Chaplain Heller leading in the recitation of the SAR Recessional and he pronounced the Benediction.  Minutes provided by Jan Huber, Chapter Secretary.

Board of Managers December Meeting Minutes:Under Old Business: Secretary Huber reported that he continues to work on drafting a revised set of the Constitution and By-Laws for the Saguaro Chapter.  A tabled motion from the November meeting was brought up for further discussion.  JROTC Awards Chairman, Bob Archibald, was consulted. The motion was to include the AZSAR Challenge Coin with the medal and certificate for the annual awards at 9 high schools. This would bring the cost to $20 per school plus postage expenses. The motion was passed. Under New Business:  A motion was made and passed that Saguaro Chapter make a $25 donation to the SAR Library as a memorial for both recently deceased Compatriots, Don Connelley and Eddie Zuleger.  President Miller encouraged chapter participation in the upcoming December 17th Wreaths Across America event.  There was further discussion about the new Chapter Mentor initiative. It was agreed that the Chapter Registrar will seek volunteer mentors for each new member.  The meeting was closed.

Chapter Members Help Raise $1679.57 during Salvation Army Bell Ringing. 14 SAR Members, 4 DAR members and one Junior SAR member participated in the two days of bell ringing on December 21st and 23rd in Surprise and Sun City. Compatriot Jan Huber serenaded shoppers with his fife playing Christmas Carols. Four participants wore their Revolutionary War uniforms and drew attention as busy shoppers donated their change and bills. The Salvation Army Coordinator that coordinates with Compatriot Jan Huber told him that the Dec. 22nd Fry’s receipts were the second largest daily collection at one location that she was aware of. Jan Huber would appreciate your input on what we should plan to do in 2017 to support this program. This was the second year the Saguaro Chapter has supported the bell ringing in the West Valley. According to news reports the Salvation Army served 5,000 dinners on Christmas Day at the Phoenix Convention Center in addition to 2200 meals delivered to shut ins through out the market area. Children attending the event at the Convention Center will also receive a toy. See photos on page 4.

Remember to Pay Your 2017 Dues

President Littlefield presented Junior Member and C.A.R. Member Seth Nevers a National Certificate for his successful entry to the National Brochure Contest.

Bell Ringers 2016

We had great success this year with our Salvation Army Bell Ringing Activity.

Above from the left Niko Horskey, junior member, Michael Horskey, Allen Nash Incoming Chapter President, Jan Huber, Chapter Secretary, and Past President Loren Littlefield man the kettle.

Left, Compatriot Ray Barkhaus and Jan Huber show how you attract contributions. Jan’s fife playing of Christmas Carols garnered a great deal of attention and contributions.

Thanks to all those who contributed their time and talents.

Compatriot John McDonald honored for his service to the Chapter at December 2016 meeting. President Loren Littlefield presents a special recognition certificate to Compatriot John McDonald for his outstanding contributions to the Chapter as Treasurer,for his taking of photographs, and coordination of publicity for the Chapter. His PR efforts for the Chapter have resulted in membership growth and overall recognition and understanding of our mission. John was also presented a First Lady Lawrence SAR Challenge Coin.

Wreaths Across America

Members of Arizona SAR, DAR, CAR and other groups came together on December 17th at locations throughout Arizona to place wreaths at the grave sites of Veterans. Members of the Palo Verde, Saguaro and the SAR Color Guard assisted in the ceremonies. In Flagstaff, the Coconino DAR did not let a little snow deter them.

Join our Arizona Society of the Children

of the American Revolution at their

State ConferenceSaturday, January 28th

10 am to 3 pm

They will be meeting at the new facility for the Soldier’s Best Friend14505 N 75th Avenue

Peoria, AZ 85381

Members of the Saguaro Chapter as well as members of SAR and CAR Chapters joined The National SAR President General Tomme and his wife Cilla who were in town for the AZ SAR BOM Meeting. This photo was taken at the Veteran’s Day Activities at Pebble Creek Resort in Goodyear and included Saguaro Chapter Members Jan Huber, Manuel Rodriquez, Loren Littlefield and Allen Nash.

New Junior Members Inducted at special induction ceremony on December 26th.Compatriot Mike Fisch’s grandsons who reside in Suwanee, Georgia were in town for the Christmas holiday and were inducted as the newest Junior Members of the Saguaro Chapter.

In an unusual ceremony held at Mike’s home in Peoria, Chapter Officers Bob Archibald, Jan Huber and Loren Littlefield joined Mike Fisch and his grandsons Colin Linder age 12, and Zach Linder age 11 for their induction ceremony. Their common Patriot Jabez Elwell served under Washington in the Continental Army and was a Minuteman from Massachusetts. President Loren Littlefield led the ceremony and afterwards family and guests enjoyed a small celebration. The boys were presented with a booklet on SAR, their Patriot and a AZSAR Challenge coin.

Memorial:Compatriot Eddie William Zuleger1947-2016

Our Chapter was saddened to hear of the death of Compatriot and friend Eddie Zuleger on December 4, 2016.

Eddie was an active member of our Chapter and brother to Compatriot Peter Zuleger.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1947 he was pround of his New England roots and an avid Red Sox fan. His lifelong

commitment to his country and public safetly began when he proudly served in the US Army 1966-1969 as a First Lieutenant in Vietnam.

After his military service, he proudly served 21 years as a Lieutenant with the Maricopa County Sheriff's office. Upon retiring from the MCSO, he became a well-respected professor of Criminal Justice studies at Estrella Mountain Community College, retiring with Emeritus status after 25 years.

Retirement only lasted 2 months, and out of boredom he returned to EMCC as an Adjunct Professor and taught part time until his death.

In 2014 he was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, where he founded the annual Father Joseph O'Callahan Assembly Veteran's Appreciation Banquet.

He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Saguaro Chapter, MOW, VFW, and was the chairman for a Pro-Life organization.

He served on citizen advisory boards in Avondale and Goodyear, and chaired Goodyear's Charter Government Committee. Other community activities included volunteering at the VA Medical Center, Andre House, and coaching youth sports when his son's were young and again for his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Cindy, 2 sons: Randy and Tommy, daughter in-law Rhiannon, 5 beloved grandchildren: Jessica, Rylee, Jaxon, Brandon and Jacob, brother, Peter Zuleger and sister Linda. Eddie was a proud Christian, a loving Husband, Father, "Papa",

Brother, Friend, Colleague, Educator, Mentor, Coach, Community Activist, Patroit, and Philanthropist who will be dearly missed by his family, and the countless people throughout his life who knew and loved him.

His services were held December 13, 2016 and burial occured in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

Eddie’s family requested any donation made in his name be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. You can do this online at support.woundedwarriorproject.org or by mailing to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758-517,Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 or by phone 855-448-3997.

Do you have old copies of the

SAR-izona News newsletter?

David Swanson, State Historian for the Arizona Society is looking for old copies of the SAR-izona News which he can add to

the State Archive files.He states that there may be newsletters

that preceeded the name SAR-zona News and he would be pleased to receive copies

of these as well.

If you have past copies he would be happy to scan them and return them if you want

to keep them.

Contact David at swanson1854@yahoo.com

Call 480-599-9143

If you have information for The Saguaro Patriot

contact Mike Fisch

mjfisch2010@gmail.com

Voices of Freedom Project looking to record Veterans Stories. Sun City winter resident and SAR member Jim Bishis a volunteer with the Voices of Freedom Project which is part of the Americans in Wartime Museum located in Virginia about 25 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. The goal of the project is to record wartime Veteran stories and maintaining those stories in the American Wartime Museum and in the Library of Congress Veterans History Project in Washington, D.C. You can check out this project online at www.nmaw.org. The oral histories will inspire visitors to embrace the values demonstrated by previous generations: leadership, integrity, commitment, honor, courage, and sacrifice. President Allen Nash will be coordinating with Mr. Bish to arrange interviews with Veterans of the Saguaro Chapter. There is no cost involved with the process and Bish has the recording equipment and can conduct the interviews at a location convenient to you. Watch for further information regarding this project from President Nash.

Register NOW for the

Arizona Sons of the

American Revolution Annual Meeting

Saturday, February 11th

See next page for details.

Saguaro Chapter to Participate in the Arthur M. and Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship Award for Eagle Scouts. The Board of Managers have agreed to support an application from an Eagle Scout from Anthem in this years Eagle Scout Award Program. This is a new program for the Chapter and consistent with both National and State goals of supporting young men and women through programs such as this. This program is open to all Eagle Scouts who are currently registered in an active unit and have not reached their 19th birthday during the year of application. (The application year is the calendar year, 01 Jan. to 31 Dec.) The year that Eagle was awarded is not restricted. College plans do not need to be completed in order to receive the cash scholarship. Three cash scholarship awards are given: As the National First Place winner - $10,000; Runner-up - $6,000; 2nd runner-up - $4,000. You may apply more than one year if you meet the age requirements but no more than $10,000 total may be granted to any one Eagle Scout. Entrants need to complete only one application -- the one for the chapter competition. If it is a winner it is then used for the state competition, and if it is a winner again, it is used for the national competition. All participants will receive a special SAR Eagle Scout patch. Chapter prizes will vary by chapter. The AZ State first prize is $200 and their submission will be entered in the national contest. Second prize is $100.You can find out more about the SAR Eagle Scout Scholarship on the SAR national website. The application consists of:1. The two page application form 2. The Four Generation ancestor chart3. The 500 word Patriotic Theme If you have questions about this program please discuss it with President Nash.