A breath of fresh air is permeating Co. "B" as the vigor and enthusiasm of our newly elected officers brings new life to our honored company. Ltc. Virgil Crum was given a vote of thanks for holding the company together, and Brad York as commander and Charles Hackley as his executive officer took command. Margie Siebenthai, as the president of the Auxiliary, headed a committee to end the Sesquicentennial year with a dinner reminiscent of what the pioneers ate, such as "boiled cow hide." (Some went back for seconds!) In reviewing the past year, we note the excellent coverage given us by the San Diego seagull, Ron and Helen Read, publishers. We look forward to our Battalion Day, 31 January, and hope to see many of the National Staff attend. We plan to mark the graves of the five who died in San Diego area. Recruitment has begun with a large ad in the Seagull, placed by Capt. York, and he has a web site on the Internet! Lt. Michael Prue, who has been trying to form a eadre in San Luis Rey area, reports much interest from this and has asked for TEN application forms! Hooray for Co. "B"!!
Between 3 October and Christmas, Mesa Company had 32 ceremonies, activities, presentations, etc. in their greater area! (This is an outstanding report!--Editor) In fact, they spent Christmas eve on the campground of the original Battalion. For additional coverage, we refer the reader to the 20 Dec. issue of the Church News, where Maj. Lloyd Smith represented the Battalion as the Casa Grande Stake honored the Pima Indians for what their ancestors did to assist the Battalion. Elder Daryl Garn, Area Authority Seventy, recounted the historical facts, and then, descendants of the Indians responded. What a great opportunity to reflect history and cement relationships with our Indian brothers and sisters! During this Sesquicentennial year, Mesa Company has touched the lives of nearly 10,000 people! It does fit get any better than this!
I express appreciation to all members for the efforts put forth this past year, including: the re-dedication of the Mormon Battalion Monument on the State Capitol grounds; the many Eagle Scout presentations; the grave memorializations; the parades, flag ceremonies, etc. Our company expresses appreciation to Capt. Ed Bitton for his successful efforts, and to all who supported him during his by-pass surgery and recuperation. We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Ladies Auxiliary in making this a banner year. May we have another one in 1998!
We were thrilled to be a part of the dedication of the Mormon Battalion Monument and to meet and hear Pres. Hinckley speak. We are proud to have such dedicated members here in Kanab Company!
The coming events in San Diego will be similar to last year's celebration in Old Town State Park; however, the memorialization of the graves of Lydia Hunter, Alfred Dunham, Neal Donald, Lafayette Frost, and David Smith (at San Luis Rey) will not take place until July, according to Capt. York. Since this is such a special event, and much preparation must go into it, the longer wait is justified. The National Staff compliments Co. "B" San Diego, not only on becoming a viable entity once more, but on the tremendous leadership being shown and the enthusiasm with which these new officers of the Battalion and the Auxiliary have taken command. We are thrilled to welcome those who will bring this once-great company back into the San Diego international scene!