Natchitoches

Natchitoches Chapter

Natchitoches, LA

At the LASSAR Annual meeting held at New Orleans in April 2009, the LASSAR 2020 – Long Range Strategic Plan was unveiled. One focus for the state was to increase chapters in underserved areas with special emphasis on town with colleges and universities.
Compatriot Tony L. Vets requested permission from State President Bill Allerton to begin the process of organizing a chapter in Natchitoches. Current and former SAR members in the geographic area were contacted and asked if they would transfer or reinstate their membership if a chapter were formed in the area.

Several outreach events, beginning with a meet and greet at the Natchitoches Parish Library in June 2009, followed by manning an information tent at Natchitoches’ Celebration on the Cane July 4, 2009. These outreach events led to several new members who were placed “At Large” until the chartering.

Finally, on February 12, 2010, Compatriot Vets notified state president Alleton that he had received notification of the final compatriots needed for chartering and the date was set. The original 18 members were:

James M. Allain
Jeffery L. Allain
Paul C. Hargis
David E. King
Gene H. LaCaze
William “Bob” Lang
John W. Luster
James C. McCrory, Jr
Keith A. McCrory

L. Alan McMurtry
Charles “Sandy” McNeely
Lud McNeely, Jr
Alan T. Rigler
Donald T. Rigler
John A. Rigler
Walter M. Rigler
Tony L. Vets
J. Frederick Webb

The organizing meeting of the chapter was held on March 20, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church Hall in Natchitoches. The By-Laws were approved and three officers were elected, Tony L. Vets was asked to continue as Organizing President, Don Rigler was elected Vice President, and L. Alan McMurtry was elected Treasurer.

It was decided that the Natchitoches Chapter would have an open charter, allowing any new member approved by March 20, 2011 to be known as Charter Members. These new members were:

Jimmy A. Adkins
Mark A. Adkins
Michael L. Adkins
Hunter M. Adkins
Christopher M. Adkins
L. Cole Callihan
William E. Callihan

Andrew C. Cogbill
Jonathan Comeau
Stacy Cole
Steve Horton
Truman Maynard
Walter S. Nolen
M. Joseph Vercher

At the LASSAR annual meeting held May 15th 2010, 120 years to the day that Natchitoches native Col William Houston Jack took to the floor of the state senate and organized the Louisiana Society, Natchitoches Chapter Organizing President Tony L. Vets accepted the signed charter from State President Bill Allerton and VPG Tom Jacks.

President: Tony L. Vets

Secretary: Tony L. Vets

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News and Events

Chapter Learns of Little Known Battle; Presents Awards (February 9, 2024)
Pat Chapter President Sandy McNeely was guest speaker at the February 2024 meeting. McNeely gave a presentation on the Battle of Moore's Creek which took place February 27, 1775. In this battle, North Carolina Revolutionaries defeated a force of North Carolina loyalist, in part thwarting a British invasion of the southern colonies. General Donald McDonald, who had amassed some 1,600 Scottish Highlanders and North Carolina Regulators, marched toward Wilmington, North Carolina, to join British troops coming by sea from Boston and England.

A rebel militia, about 1,000 strong, under Colonels Alexander Lillington and Richard Caswell, was assembled and positioned at Moore’s Creek Bridge, 18 miles northwest of Wilmington. The loyalists attacked the rebel force at the bridge but were quickly defeated. The rebels, of whom only one was killed and one wounded, captured or killed more than half of the loyalist forces and seized arms, supplies, and £15,000 sterling.

Later, Justin French, manager of Fort St. Jean Baptiste in Natchitoches was presented the NSSAR Flag Certificate for showing proper display of the American Flag. Lud McNeely was presented the Chapter Distinguished Service Medal for his long and faithful service as chapter treasurer.
February 9, 2024
McNeely Honored (October 14, 2023)

Past Chapter President Sandy McNeely was awarded the Patriot Medal by the Louisiana SAR for his long and faithful service. McNeely had served as Chapter President for 10 years. Chapter President Tony L. Vets informed the members that the Patriot Medal is awarded only by a state society, and states are allowed to give one for every 500 members. Louisiana is allowed two medals per year. It is the highest award given for service at the state or chapter level. This medal is presented only to individuals and may be received ONLY once. It represents long, faithful and outstanding service at the state and/or chapter level.

The medal is silver color and bears the portrait of Compatriot General of the Army Douglas MacArthur on the obverse within the inscription, "The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution." The medal is suspended from a chest ribbon of royal blue color. The design for the medal was selected by Compatriot MacArthur. He received the first medal, presented posthumously at his tomb in Norfolk, Virginia, on October 19, 1964, where it is on permanent display.
Joining Vets in making the presentation to McNeely is Past VPG and State President James A. Morock, MD.

October 14, 2023
Chapter Honors Retired NPD Officer (February 11, 2023)

One aspect of the SAR's mission is foster Patriotism, and one way to accomplish that is to honor our Law Enforcement and other public servants. Lt. Jeff Franks, a recently retired veteran of the Natchitoches Police Department was honored with the presentation of the SAR Law Enforcement Medal. After being presented with his award, Franks briefly told of his history with the NPD.

In lieu of a guest speaker, a DVD presentation titled Now or Never – Yorktown Campaign of 1781 was shown. The video told how Washington’s forces, with the support of the French army and navy, defeated Lord Cornwallis.

February 11, 2023
Natchitoches Chapter Meets and Installs New Member (April 23, 2022)
After a long hiatus due to COVID, the Natchitoches Chapter held their meeting at Roma’s Italian Restaurant in Natchitoches. Chapter President Tony L. Vets Sr welcome those assembled and introduced Eli Dyjack, a new member and descendant of Hardy Brian/Bryan. Past Chapter President Sandy McNeely was presented his Past Presidents certificate and was awarded the Roger Sherman medal for his long and faithful service to the chapter. Lud McNeely was presented the Roger Sherman medal for his service as Chapter Treasurer.
April 23, 2022
Speaker Tales of Founding of Natchitoches (February 15, 2020)

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Natchitoches Chapter of the Louisiana Society of the Sons of the American Revolution was held at the private dining room of Lucky Village Restaurant, Natchitoches, Louisiana.

President Sandy McNeely introduced our guest speaker, Mary Linn Wernet, the University Archivist at NSU. Mary Linn recounted the founding of the French Colony at Natchitoches by Louis Juchereau de St Denis, and the life and times of our founder. She passed around copies of historical works that provide good source material for further study of this remarkable leader. Mary Linn also invited members to visit the Watson Library, and the Cammie Henry Research Center.

President McNeely presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Mary Linn Wernet for her excellent presentation.

February 15, 2020
6 CAR Member Discusses State and National Projects (November 19, 2019)

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Natchitoches Chapter of the Louisiana Society of the Sons of the American Revolution was held at Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant, Natchitoches, Louisiana. President Sandy McNeely welcomed members and guests, noting the presence of Katie Lombardino and Leah Swanstrom.

Compatriot Truman Maynard read a letter that his ancestor, Dr Robert Honeyman, had sent to President James Madison on 23 June 1812. In the letter, Dr Honyman apologized for hastily leaving the White House due to “…feeling the approach of an infirmity which required a degree of seclusion incompatible with my remaining in your magnificent mansion.”

Katie Lombardino introduced Leah Swanstrom, Louisiana State Registrar for the Children of the American Revolution. Leah told about the two main projects of the CAR, the National Project and the State Project. The National Project strives to connect history and leadership, by learning about the early life of George Washington, and raising funds to reproduce the family desk that young George would have used at his boyhood home. The state Project seeks to educate the public about the contributions of Bernardo de Galvez to the cause of American Independence, and to celebrate the 240th anniversary of his victory at the Battle of Baton Rouge.

November 19, 2019
Chapter Member Gives Presentation on Fort Boonesborough (October 19, 2019)

Compatriot Tony L. Vets presented this month’s program, telling about Daniel Boone and the siege at Fort Boonesborough, Kentucky. Vets had two ancestors who served the patriot cause at Ft Boonesborough. Compatriot Vets issued a detailed timeline describing the movement of settlers into the Kentucky region, and their interactions with the natives. He told about the capture of Daniel Boone by the Indians, his escape and his journey to warn the people at the Fort, and the subsequent fighting and negotiations.

October 19, 2019
Chapter Hears of Three Forts Built in Colonial Natchitoches (June 15, 2019)

President Sandy McNeely introduced our guest speaker, Justin French. Justin is the manager of the Louisiana historical site at Fort St Jean Baptiste, and gave a very informative presentation describing the first, second, and third forts that were built by the French settlers of the outpost of Natchitoches. President McNeely presented Justin a Certificate of Appreciation for his fine work.

President McNeely presented the Galvez Medal to Compatriot Rick Nowlin, in recognition of five good years of service to the chapter. McNeely also presented the Bronze Roger Sherman Medal to Nowlin, noting his sustained superior service to the Chapter.

June 15, 2019
Chapter Presents JROTC Award (May 22, 2019)

LTC (R) Gene LaCaze presented Cadet Caleb Crouse of Leesville High School the SAR Bronze ROTC Medal.

May 22, 2019
Chapter Hold Meeting to Discuss Past Business (February 16, 2019)

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Natchitoches Chapter of the Louisiana Society of the Sons of the American Revolution was held at El Patron Restaurant, Natchitoches, Louisiana.

President Sandy McNeely reported that there are three JROTC cadets who are entered in the statewide competition for Outstanding Cadet, including one from our chapter. It was decided to award of $50 and the SAR Bronze Medal to the Natchitoches Chapter winner. Compatriot Truman Maynard told of our support of the ROTC Program at Northwestern State University, and the JROTC Programs at Natchitoches Central, Lakeview, Grant Parish, and Leesville.

Compatriot Tony L. Vets shared a copy of the newest SAR Magazine, which featured an article about our chapter’s Grave Marking Ceremony, held last 27 October, honoring the service of Patriot Francois Paul Bossier. The ceremony also marked the obelisk of Col William Houston Jack, the founder of the Louisiana Society.

President McNeely presented the Bronze Roger Sherman Medal to Compatriot Alan McMurtry, noting his sustained superior service to the Chapter.

February 16, 2019