COMMANDER'S COMMENTS
--Col. George Bascom
There comes a moment in everyone's life when he or she has to say, "It is ended!" and the self-appointed mission concludes. Such a moment occurred on Saturday, March 27, when Col. D. Clayton Fairbourn, Battalion Commander, handed in his resignation. There was a tear in the eye and a catch in the voice as he bade goodbye to his "Staff." For three years, he has been the guiding spirit to the Battalion, giving of his time and energies unstintingly, going the extra mile (including trips to San Diego and Mesa) with his time, effort, and money. He has served with distinction and humility, calling no attention to himself, but putting the Battalion first in both thought and actions. Well done, thou good and faithful Commander! Go to Vladivostok with our love, our prayers for your success, and our promise to continue the programs you fostered. May you and Rosemary enjoy the Spirit--richly.
PRESIDENT'S PRESENTATION
--Pres. Shirley Maynes
Two stories: When the Willis sick detachment left the Battalion and headed for Pueblo, first they were blessed by Capt. Hunt. One day one of their oxen became mired in the mud. A rope around its neck to pull it out broke the beast's neck. Not having the oxen to go on, the company prayed for Divine help. The next morning two young, stout steers were standing by their wagon. The Battalion accepted this as an answer to their prayer.
Another story: Pvt. Abraham Hunsaker, Co. D, being worried about his family, prayed earnestly each day that all was well with them. One morning, after his prayers, a white dove appeared and circled above him, finally lighting on his shoulder for a moment. He accepted this "sign" as evidence that his family was under the protection of a loving God. "Ere YOU left your room this morning, did YOU think to pray?" Let the Battalion's faith be an example for us all!
A JUBILEE/MISSIONARY FAREWELL HONORING THE FAIRBOURNS
On Sunday, 18 April, a missionary farewell was held in the Bell Canyon Ward of the Utah Granite Stake for Col. Clayton and Rosemary Fairbourn, who are leaving for a mission to Vladivostok, Russia, in May. This spiritual meeting was followed on Friday, 23 April, with a "Jubilee/Farewell" for the Fairbourns, put on by the Mormon Battalion and Ladies Auxiliary, President Shirley Maynes and Maj. Robert Paul being responsible for heading a committee to plan and hold such a party. The results were outstanding!
The capstone of tributes was given by Elder Robert Dellenbach, a member of the First Quorum of Seventy, who paid honor to the men and women of the original Battalion, and to their Church leaders--President Brigham Young and the Quorum of the Twelve-- who sent them with a blessing and a promise to fulfill their destiny.
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Page 2 Valiant May 1999
COMPANY NEWS
Company "B" Sandy Capt. Don Shurtz, C.O.
With all the activity of Spring occurring, we of Co. "B" feel that we, too, will have an active year. When Brigham Young instructed the officers and NCO's to be "fathers to their men," we should follow that instruction, too. Let us extend a helping hand and fellowship each member and would-be member to our meetings and activities. I am grateful for the support I receive from my company.
Company A" Capt. Grant Wood., C.O.
Brigham Young suggested that instead of asking for more blessings, we should ask, "What would you have me do today?"
When he got up each morning, he got on his knees and asked God what he should do, and then, he says, "I got up and did it." Wouldn't it be great if our government leaders did that? As I think of this counsel, I wonder what eternal consequences would result. None of us knows enough, and the learning process goes on throughout our life, if we use it. May we not rest on our laurels, but strive to fulfill our responsibilities to the best of our abilities. The glory of God is Intelligence.
Santa Clara-St. George Cadre Lt. Reynolds Bluemel, Rep.
Our last meeting was a dutch-oven cookout with a goodly number of men and women present. We are continuing to organize a company in this area and elect our officers. Jimmie and Beverly Thompson represented our group at the Jubilee, as well as Ltc. Howard Roberts, our Division Commander. We are enjoying this experience, as we begin to organize.
Company "C" Ogden/Roy Maj. Glade Nelson, acting C.O.
Preliminary meetings have been held in the Roy area with several interested men and women present. It is hoped to announce the formation of a company soon.
Company "D" Logan Maj. Brent Bryner, C.O.
Members of the National Staff attended our March meeting. We heard complimentary remarks from Col. Bascom and Pres. Shirley Maynes. One of our goals--every man in uniform--has been realized, as Maj. Bryner complimented. Ltc. Gaylen Maynes, our National Finance Officer, attended, and our new National Enlistment Officer, Maj. Bob Paul, encouraged us to use the new recruiting packet to bring in new members, and told some inspiring events in using this tool. We are planning a trek, Aug.12-14, to the ghost town of Chesterfield, ID, and pioneer trail museums in Soda Springs and Montpelier. Anyone wishing to join us must indicate it by Aug. 1. We will participate in 3 parades this summer, as usual. Our meeting time is 7:p.m., the 4th Thursday at the Logan Senior Citizens Center (250 E. 100 N.) You all come!
DEADLINE FOR MATERIAL FOR MAY EDITION OF THE VALIANT IS JUNE 15. PLEASE: SEND IN YOUR COMPANY NEWS!
May 1999 Valiant Page 3
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After giving a resume of the major events and purposes of raising the Battalion, and their many and major achievements, Elder said these electrifying words:
"We need to look forward as much as we look backward. The Mormon Battalion is a singular heroic chapter of history in the Church, and this chapter of history must not be forgotten, nor taken lightly; therefore, it is important that the membership of this organization be expanded, and that the history and endeavors of the Mormon Battalion not be lost. It is essential that activities, events, and expositions be promulgated by the Battalion members, in order to keep alive in the Church the great legacy of faith and the incredible contribution of the Mormon Battalion." It was thrilling to all members who heard these heartening words, but it was even more electifying and thrilling to hear him proclaim,
"The Mormon Battalion needs to have a place that is recognized as their headquarters. There should be a facility, a building on a parallel with some of the other memorials that are around the country, with memorabilia, statues, and documentation--a library in that facility with copies of journals and records--so that the students of history and those who have a modicum of interest could be assisted and their curiosity satisfied. This would be a great effort and would take a major contribution on the part of many to bring this about, but it ought to be done. There should be a way of perpetuating and preserving the incredible history and journals and wonderful artifacts that the general public and the membership of the Church would find ready access to. I am certainly aware of the Mormon Battalion facility at the Barrio in Old Town San Diego, and while that is wondeful and is in a good location, there needs to be such a facility here in the center of Salt Lake City that would be accessible by many, many more tourists who would have a chance to be enlightened and, hopefully, encouraged by learning of the valor of these great Saints."
Then, true to the Faith, Elder Dellenbach reminded us that,
"Because of their testmony and their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, they made covenants of obedience to the Lord's laws and principles. Those covenants are binding on this earth and in the eternities, provided that a person lives worthy of those blessings. Therefore, while it is important to recognize the valor, courage, and heroic effort of the Mormon Battalion, it behooves each one of us to recognize the life that we now live because of what they did. Though it may not be with a carbine, a blanket, and a canteen, OUR trek will be avoiding the evils of this day, particularly such things as child abuse, pornography, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, the estrangement of parents to children and husbands to wives."
In a dramatic climax to his remarks, Elder Dellenbach then put it all in perspective by saying,
"Let the new marching orders of the Mormon Battalion be to preserve their history and to honor the legacy passed on to them by living faithful, good lives and by service to the Church and mankind." We of the National Staff feel that we should heed the words of this great man and Church leader.
THEY WALKED WITH THE BATTALION--ONCE MORE
A Report from William Farris, Cadre commander, El Centro
It was a clear night, January 23, 1999, when the group of girls and their leaders, accompanied by their Priesthood advisers, met at the base of Mt. Signal and began their commemorative hike across the Imperial Valley, in honored remembrance of that same night, 152 years ago, when the original Battalion made their arduous way, without water or rest, across the desert. Were these girls conscious of those shadowy figures beyond their flashlights who walked through the air beside them? Could it be that their great grandfathers' spirits accompanied them and enjoyed their gayety and happy chatter? The girls marched four miles to a pre-arranged campground, where they cooked their meal over an open fire before retiring. Though they slept in plush sleeping bags under domed tents, they complained of the cold. Did their spirit ancestors smile at their complaint, remembering how they had experienced the chilly night so long ago? And the lack of running water, and comfortable restrooms for the girls, must have given those spirits quite a laugh.
The next morning the group completed their ten-mile hike. What did they learn? As one leader said, "Despite the inconveniences and discomforts, we left the Trail feeling a little more reverent and more appreciative of those forefathers and the five women who passed through our Valley so long ago, and who sacrificed so much for all of us who followed in their footsteps today."
Not to be outdone, a group of Scouts and leaders re-enacted the march a week before, as they hiked 15 miles. They, too, gathered at Mt. Signal, where Blake Miles, District Scouting Executive (and great great grandson of Pvt. Henry G. Boyle, Co. "C") gave a brief history of the march from Grandfather Boyle's Journal. The hike began at 9:p.m., each one carrying an authentic meal of unleavened bread and jerky, and taking their bearings from the stars (although one group did use a satellite position finder!). First aid was administered to a Scoutmaster's wife, suffering a collapsing arch. Unorthodox but expert bandaging was completed with duct tape; otherwise, they were quite authentic! Of course, they were discovered by the ever-vigilant Border Patrol.
Troops participating included those from the Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church, and three LDS wards. In the morning, they were joined by the Cub Scouts, who met their requirements by hiking out to meet the group and walking back in with them (6 miles total). The 38 Cubs were from Packs from the Presbyterian Church, the McCabe School, and LDS 2nd and 3rd Wards. The Scouts were from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Wards, plus a Venture Crew, and a troop and Venture Crew from the Presbyterian Church, and a troop from the Methodist Church. Julie Seymour is Stake Young Womens President, and Stacy Rolfe is Stake Girls Camp Director. Blake Miles, Imperial Valley First Ward, was in charge of the hike.
We thank William Farris for this report and proudly note that he was instrumental in getting this event noted in the San Diego Seagull. Great job, Bill! We wish more of our Battalion members would publicize their activities; then, more interested people would join our select group.
WOMEN'S WRITES
NEWS LETTER OF THE LADIES AUXILIARY, U.S.M.B.
SHIRLEY MAYNES , President
Someone from a company asked, "What do you do with the money you receive from Auxiliary dues?" Here are some of the ways we use your money:
We pay a yearly fee to have our material placed on the Internet.
We pay a yearly fee to help print our newsletter, The Valiant
We contribute to the costs of sponsoring Mormon Battalion Day.
We mail copies of The Valiant to auxiliary members and life members living out of the area.
We pay for booths at various conventions where we advertise the work of the Mormon Battalion.
We use dues funds to postage and supplies, also.
Usually our expenses exceed our receipts from dues. Your dues are welcomed and appreciated very much. They are $10. each year or about 84 cents a month.
Through the sale of our books, we eventually receive enough money to pay for reprinting costs, plus cover any deficits we incur.
None of us profit from Auxiliary dues.
* * * * * *
Last month I had the privilege of visiting with Co. D, Logan. It was so nice to renew friendships and to become acquainted with new members. I also had the opportunity to meet some prospective members in Roy (near Ogden), Utah, where Dr. Norman and Ann Erekson hosted the meeting. We look forward to organizing a new Company "C," there. Also, a meeting was held March 12, in St. George/Santa Clara with the purpose of forming a company there. Reynolds and Shauna Bluemel hosted this meeting. Some of the National Staff were present, including Ltc. Howard Roberts of Kanab, Utah South Division Commander, and Col. George Bascom and Maj. Robert Paul. About 20 people were present.
NOTE: Our book, "Women of the Battalion" has been reprinted for the third time! Hopefully, we have made all corrections and updated those things we found necessary; we have also changed the format. Because of the rise in costs, the book will now sell for $12. a copy. We can reduce the rate to companies if purchased in a quantity of 12 books or more.
MARGARET LARSON, Memorialization Officer
On June 12, at 11: a.m., the famiy of Sarah Ann Bean Casper will hold a grave memorialization for her at the Elyssian Gardens, 1075 E. 4580 So., Holladay, UT. She is the wife of Pvt. William Wallace Casper, Co. A. His grave was memorialized two years ago. Capt. Don Schurtz, Co. A, will be in charge of the flag ceremony. We encourage any member of the Mormon Battalion, from the various companies, to join in the flag ceremony. We encourage all to attend. Please mark your calendars. Any questions, please call Margaret Larson, at 801-798-3661.
COLLENE JAMESON, Materials Management
I wish all mothers a very wonderful Mothers' Day! And thanks to Nancy Williams, Kathleen and Vince Chiodo, & Committee members.
THE JUBILEE PROGRAM
Pres. Shirley Maynes
Under the direction of Maj. Robert Paul and myself, ably assisted by a committee composed of Capt. Grant & Ruth Wood, Dayle White, Capt. Don & Merle Schurtz, Maj. George Van de Water, Maj. Moyal and Shirley Anderson, Michelle Teeples, and Ltc. Gaylen Maynes, a Jubilee was held to pay homage to our departing Commander and Rosemary. Several well-planned events have occurred during the last two weeks of April. They began with the Missionary Farewell at the Bell Canyon Ward of the Granite Stake. The Fairbourns' daughter, Rochelle, shared some Fairbourn Philosophies with us, viz. 1. When you get discouraged, think of a pioneer ancestor who walked or pushed a handcart from Nauvoo to Salt Lake; or great-grandparents who were baptized in a fjord in Denmark, in winter! 2. Remember that you are bringing to people the most precious gift that exists on this earth; something they NEED, to bless their souls. 3. You are embarked on the pathway to greatness; your success may not be immediately felt, but strive for the pinnacle and you will realize it when it is achieved. 4. Before a tide comes in, there is a lull, a time of questioning, but as surely as the tide recedes, the tide of success will rise to its fullest, and you need to be prepared for it by doing your best. 5. As you help others to find the right way, you fortify yourself -- finding happiness, success, and fulfillment of dreams. 6. It is not enough to say "I have done my best." We MUST accomplish that which MUST be done!
Their other daughter, Jennifer, played a flute solo, "Joseph Smith's First Prayer," with such feeling that many were in tears (including this writer). What a testimony!
Rosemary based her remarks on the poem, "Abou ben Adhem," emphasizing that love of fellow man is really love of God. She told of some of the people whom they met in Vladivostok in 1995 and feels that she and Clayton already love the Russian people. Clayton recalled that while in Vladivostok, he heard the Spirit whisper, "You will return here, someday," and he feels "called" to go back there.
The Battalion, represented by Col. Paul Madsen, presented the couple with a plaque, memorializing their service to the Battalion. We gave Rosemary an honorary Life Membership.
Col. Bascom spoke, emphasizing the divine nature of our calling, noting that we who have joined the Battalion and Auxiliary must face the responsibility of reporting to Brigham Young on our efforts to fulfill his prophecies. Then, Kathryn Fetzer, who happens to be the secretary to Col. Fairbourn and others in his law office, played a medley of Church hymns on her harp. The music was heavenly, and presented by a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul; we all felt the peace and inner joy coming from her harp.
After Elder Dellenbach's stirring address, the audience was adjourned to the cultural hall for the remainder of the program: The Scottish Bagpipes, complete with a Highland Fling, was very entertaining, followed by Sgt. Pat Mahoney and a contingent of the Fife and Drum Corp who demonstrated different drum rolls and bugle pieces. David Driggs sang a sad, beautiful song very well. Thanks to all who helped!