2016 Election Results Set the Stage for New Year of Activity for Saguaro Chapter. The annual election of Chapter officers was completed at the November Chapter meeting. President Loren Littlefield, 1st Vice President Whit Revell, 2nd Vice President Tod Hamilton, Secretary Jan Huber, Treasurer John McDonald, Registrar Jan Huber, Genealogist Mike Fisch, Historian Allen Nash, Parliamentarian Don Castleman, Chaplain Jim Heller, Sgt At Arms Manuel Rodriguez, Board Members at Large with respective ends of term: Peter Zuleger 2016, Ray Barkhaus 2017, Hal Knowlton 2018; Representative to State Board of Managers (BOM) Loren Littlefield, and Alternate to State BOM Whit Revell.

2016 SAR Dues need to be paid. Send them in today. Dues notices have been sent for 2016. An email will be sent to those Compatriots with registered email addresses.The dues are going up since National increased their dues by $5.00 beginning January 2016. You do not need to wait for the notice to arrive to pay your dues. They can be submitted at any time.If you wish to submit your dues make the check payable to “AZSSAR” and send it to: Mr. Ed Steinback7760 E. State Route 69 #C5-371Prescott Valley, AZ 86314-2201

Specific Rates:Standard Adult Rate for The Saguaro Chapter(Over 18, non-life member) $57.00(Over 18, Life Member) $22.00 (Junior Members $5, they only pay National dues)If using payment by credit card please add $1.50 to each dues for processing fees from PayPal. Also, remember that if your dues are not paid by December 31, 2015, there is a five (5) dollar late fee. Any questions please feel free to contact Ed, email: esteinback@steinbackandassociates.com or phone: 928.772.7082

The Saguaro Patriot A newsletter of the Saguaro Chapter,

Arizona Society, Sons of the American Revolution

December 2015

The artwork at the top of this page is a painting titled

George Washington at Valley Forge by artist

Franklin Coffay Yohn (1875-1933) It reflects the dire state of the Continental

Troops that Winter of 1777 See article on page 2.

238 Years Ago, Washington’s Troops Made Camp at Valley Forge

Things looked bleak for General George Washington's Continental Army at the end of 1777. After marching from New Jersey to confront 17,000 British forces recently landed at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, they lost two key battles at Brandywine and Germantown, and saw the hated Redcoats occupy Philadelphia. Rather than meet the Continental Congress' demand for a mid-winter attack at Philadelphia, Washington decided to fall back with his 11,000 men and make winter quarters at Valley Forge, located on the west bank of the Schuylkill River some 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The long, harsh winter that followed would be a trying but transformative experience for the Continental troops and their commander in chief. Despite losing nearly 2,000 of their number to disease, cold and starvation, most of the soldiers remained unwaveringly loyal to Washington, and emerged from Valley Forge stronger, more disciplined and more determined than ever to defeat the British.

By December 1777, Washington was well aware that some members of the Continental Congress were questioning his leadership abilities. The Valley Forge site—located along trade routes and near farm supplies—was an attempt to balance Congress’ demands for a winter campaign against Philadelphia with the needs of his troops. It was common for armies at the time to withdraw to fixed camps during the winter, as the harsh weather made transportation of troops, arms and supplies extremely difficult.

The soldiers who marched to Valley Forge on December 19, 1777 were not downtrodden or desperate. Though they had been defeated in two key battles, and had lost Philadelphia to the British, Continental troops had often put themselves on the offensive, and proved themselves as skilled fighters against professional soldiers with superior numbers. They were certainly tired, and lacking in supplies, but these were not unusual circumstances in the life of a Continental soldier. Once the troops arrived at their winter camp site, military engineers directed the construction of some 2,000 huts laid out in parallel lines, forming a kind of city, along with miles of trenches, five earthen redoubts and a bridge over the Schuylkill River.

Raw winter weather made things difficult for the tired troops, while a mismanaged commissary and Congress’ failure to provide the army with sufficient funds for fresh supplies led to widespread hunger and lack of clothing, shoes and other supplies among the men. Yet cold and starvation were not the most dangerous threats to soldiers at Valley Forge: Diseases like influenza, dysentery, typhoid and typhus killed two-thirds of the nearly 2,000 soldiers who died during the encampment.

To keep his battered army together, Washington instituted policies of lashing as punishment and threatened to shoot deserters on sight. Taking rumors of his imminent replacement in stride, he decided to regroup rather than give up. In February 1778, Washington welcomed to camp Baron Friedrich von Steuben, a Prussian officer who put Continental troops through a new training regimen, including the precision marching that was so important to Revolutionary-era warfare. Von Steuben also instituted new hygiene standards in the slovenly American camp, introducing the first latrines (and ensuring they were placed far from the kitchens). In thanks, a grateful Washington had Congress appoint Von Steuben inspector general of the Continental Army. Another officer, Nathanael Greene, took charge of procuring supplies through the commissary in March, leaving Washington free to concentrate on developing strategies to confront the British. By April, the general’s critics in Congress were silenced, and news of France’s commitment to the Revolutionary cause in May brought celebration to Valley Forge.

On June 19, 1778, exactly six months after they arrived, a revitalized Continental Army left Valley Forge and headed towards New Jersey. Barely a week later, they forced the British from the field in the Battle of Monmouth. The Valley Forge encampment proved to be a turning point in the Revolutionary War, testing the mettle of George Washington and his troops and paving the way for their ultimate victory in the war for American independence.…story reprinted from www.history.com

2016 Calendar of State Society Events www.azssar.org for calendar updates.Saturday January 9th: Saguaro Chapter Meeting at Five & Diner DeLuxe. Saturday 16 January 2016: Color Guard - Law Enforcement Awards Dinner, 6-10 PM, Skyline Country Club, Tucson. Contact Rick Collins.Saturday 6 February 2016: Color Guard - A.S.C.A.R. State Conference. Time & location TBD. Contact Ed Karr.Saturday, February 13, 2016: Saguaro Chapter Meeting at Five & Diner DeluxeSaturday 20 February 2016: AZSSAR 120th Anniversary Annual Meeting. At The Property, 1251 N. Gila Bend Hwy, Casa Grande. Arrival/check-in by 9:00 AM, meeting starting at 9:30 AM, lunch at 12:00 Noon, ending by 2 PM.February 20-212016: Color Guard - George Washington Parade, Laredo, Texas. This is the 2nd closest event for Color Guard members to participate in for their Silver Medal. February 25-27 2016: Spring Leadership Meeting, Louisville, Kentucky. Call the Brown Hotel at 1-888-888-5252 for reservations.Saturday, March 12, 2016: Saguaro Chapter Meeting at Five & Diner DeLuxe.Saturday 19 March 2016: Color Guard - Arizona's newest Veteran's Cemetery dedication. Contact Rick Collins.This Veterans Cemetery is being built in Marana (just north of Tucson), adjacent to I-10.Saturday, April 9, 2016: Saguaro Chapter Meeting at Five & Diner DeLuxe.Saturday, May 14, 2016: Saguaro Chapter Meeting at Five & Diner DeLuxe.Monday 30 May 2016: Memorial Day possible events to be scheduled. Contact Matt Scott.Saturday 2 July 2016: Color Guard - 4th of July Parade, Prescott. Contact Bill Smith. July 8-14 2016: 126th Annual Congress, Boston, MA. Here is the website that will have more and more information as we get closer: http://www.massar.org/support-congress-2016-in-boston/. Here is the hotel website: http://www.massar.org/support-congress-2016-in-boston/. *You won’t be able to make the SAR discounted room reservations for awhile.

Help Chapter Historian Allen Nash Keep Track of Americanism Points At our November meeting Chapter Historian Allen Nash reported on the Americanism points that our Chapter can earn throughout the course of the year. He reminded us if you make contributions of money or time to Veteran’s Organizations or SAR as well as a host of other activities please let him know so he can count it towards our Chapter’s performance. Specific questions should be directed to Allen. His email is nashal13@cox.net.

Categories that we can earn points from are:- publicity from print media- publicity through public broadcast media- SAR Speaker’s Bureau- Multimedia Distribution- Support of the CAR and DAR- Youth Programs- Public Service Programs- Granting of Scholarships- Veterans Support- Special Observances and Ceremonies- Revolutionary War era Grave Markings- SAR Compatriot Grave marking- SAR Medals & Certificates for Members and Non-

Members- National Society Service- Membership, Reinstatements, Supplements, Dues &

Secretarial Returns.- Attendance at State, District, and National Meetings- Contributions to the SAR.

This is a good time to consider a donation to the Sons of the American Revolution Foundation

Ways to Donate

How to give to SAR and The SAR Center for Advancing America’s Heritage These tax-wise giving opportunities are several meaningful ways to contribute to the patriotic works of the Sons of the American Revolution and the SAR Center for Advancing America’s Heritage while realizing sizeable tax benefits and cost savings for you and your estate.

Gifts of CashThe simplest way to give.There is no easier way to make a charitable tax deduction – and support the Sons of the American Revolution at the same time – than by simply writing a check!

If you itemize, your outright gift of cash is fully deductible for federal income purposes up to 50% of your adjusted gross income. If your total gift exceeds this limitation, the excess may be carried forward for tax purposes for up to five additional years.

PledgesTake your time to give substantially.

Many members pledge to make payments over a period of five years, thereby making it easier to make a substantial gift. In addition to your tax deduction, gifts over a certain amount may provide naming opportunities for pledges fulfilled. Consult the SAR Foundation for a naming opportunity availability.

Gifts of StockAvoid capital gains

Giving long- term appreciated stock offers you a two-fold tax savings. First, you avoid paying any capital gains tax on the increase in value of your stock. Secondly, you receive a tax deduction for the full fair market value of the stock on the date of the gift. For tax purposes, the value of such gifts may be deducted up to 30% of adjusted gross income, with an additional five-year carry forward.

Example: If you purchased stock many years ago for $1,000, and it is now worth $10,000, an out-right gift of that stock to the SAR Foundation would result in a charitable donation of $10,000. In addition, you permanently avoid paying capital gains tax on the $9,000 of appreciation.

Gifts of Life InsuranceA good policy for giving

If you own a life insurance policy that is no longer needed, consider it as the perfect charitable gift.

To receive a charitable deduction, name the SAR Foundation as both the owner and beneficiary of the policy. If the policy has a cash value, you can take a charitable deduction equal approximately to the cash value at the time of the gift. In addition, if annual premiums are still to be made and you continue to make them, those premiums will become tax deductible each year.

It’s easy to donate life insurance policy to the SAR Foundation. Simply check with your life insurance agent for details.

Life Income GiftsCharitable trust or gift annuity

If you are considering a major gift, you gift of cash or stock in the form of a life income gift can significantly increase your income!

A life income gift allows you to transfer assets now, and yet continue to receive income from the cash or stock or other property donated. A life income gift allows you to 1) increase your income, 2) receive a generous charitable contribution deduction, and 3) if you contribute stock, avoid any capital gains tax on the appreciation!

If you have already considered a provision for SAR in your will, please note that a life income gift can often be preferable. Such a gift allows you to accomplish your goals during your lifetime – and in a tax-advantaged way.

Gifts of Real EstateHomes, farms, acreage

If you have owned your home, vacation home, farm or acreage for many years, a charitable gift of that real estate can be especially tax-advantageous.

The property may have appreciated in value over the years that its sale would result in a sizeable capital gains tax. However, if you donate such property to the (continued on next page.)

Foundation Opportunities continued…

SAR Foundation, you avoid the tax and, at the same time, realize a charitable deduction for the full market value of the real estate.

You may also want to consider a gift of your personal residence or farm, reserving the right to continue to live in the house or farm the property for your life and, if applicable, the life of your surviving spouse. Through such an arrangement, you will be entitled to a current income tax deduction for a portion of the fair market value of the property.

Gifts of CollectiblesAppreciated property

If you have owned collectibles, such as art, antiques, coin or stamp collections, classic cars, sports memorabilia, etc. for many years, a charitable gift of that appreciated property can be especially tax-advantageous.

Generally, property is capital gain property if its sale at fair market value on the date of donation would have resulted in long-term capital gain. Capital gain property includes capital assets held more than one year. The general rule is that you can usually deduct the full fair market value as of the date of the charitable donation.

Last Will and TestamentSpare your estate inheritance taxes while helping SAR.

Even if your estate will not be subject to Federal Estate Tax, it may be subject to your state’s inheritance tax. By leaving a bequest in your will to the Center for Advancing America’s Heritage through the SAR Foundation Inc. you may receive a deduction from the applicable inheritance tax plus your estate will be allowed the same deduction from your final income tax return for the year of your death. What better way to show that you are a loyal SAR member? You don’t have to incur the expense of completely redrafting your will. Your bequest could be handled in a simple Codicil to your will. Many SAR lawyers in your state can help draft a Codicil for you free of charge or for a nominal fee.

If you have further questions call the SAR Foundation at (502)315-1777

Saguaro Chapter, Arizona Society, Sons of the American Revolution

Luncheon Meeting Saturday, December 12, 2015

5 & Diner Delux 11340 W. Bell Rd., # 125

Surprise, AZ 85374  The cost of the meal is $15 which will cover any choice from the provided menu.  It includes choice of coffee, tea, soda, taxes, and tip.  Please pay by cash or check as you arrive.  Treasurer John McDonald will usually be sitting near the meeting room door.   There is an extra charge for juice which is paid by you directly to the waitress.  Meals may be ordered as early as 11:00 a.m.  Please arrive no later than 11:30 a.m.  Early arrivals facilitate an earlier start to the meeting.  Please contact me before Friday, Dec. 11, if you intend to attend.   This provides better accommodations for seating and service.  Guests are welcome.  I will appreciate an email response at jandhuber1933@gmail.com.  If you find that you can attend at the last minute, please come on ahead, a reservation is not required.  George Lipphardt, State SAR President will attend and he will preside over the installation of the Saguaro Chapter Officers for 2016.  The program will also include the honoring of Chapter Compatriot and Past President Gene Hales, a WW II Veteran.  The Board of Managers will meet immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. 

Remember, if you are a Veteran we want to add you to our

SAR Roll of Honor. Let Bob Archibald know of

your service so we can add you to our roster of those who

served our Country.