Smith McMillan Chapter, NSDAR Meets

The Smith-McMillan Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution held its May 18, meeting and Installation of Officers for the 20242026 term at the American Legion Quade-Werchan Post 338 in Round Top.

The meeting was called to order at 10 a.m. and following the DAR Ritual and a brief meeting, Vice Regent, Cathleen Tutt introduced our guest speaker, American Legion Adjutant Bruce Bockhorn who was accompanied by his wife, Carobeth (Fuchs) Bockhorn. The theme of his program was “Armed Forces Day: Celebrating Over 100 Years of the American Legion Post #338, Established May 1922.”

Adjutant Bockhorn explained that American Legion Posts in America were founded in 1919 and this post was founded on May 1, 1922, at the Round Top Courthouse. While the Post members met downstairs in the courthouse, the ladies’ auxiliary met upstairs. They have participated in the historic July 4th parade in Round Top for many years. In 1947 the American Legion Post #338 acquired the former army surplus barracks from a nearby city and it was decided to establish their location midway between Round Top and Carmine to serve both areas; hence its current location. Later Post members raised funds for newer additions to the building. Otto L. Fuchs Sr. served during WWI and his son, Otto Fuchs, Jr. served during WWII, and both were very active in this Post. Adjutant Bockhorn’s wife, Carobeth, is the daughter of Otto L. Fuchs, Jr. Through the 1960s the Post hosted regular Bingo parties; in the 1970s the Bingo parties continued, and steak dinner was included. Otto Fuchs, Jr. even had a demonstration on how to properly carve a steak. The Post members had air conditioning added in 1997.

After a Round Top native, Private Louis O. Quade, was killed in action on October 16, 1918, after a 23-day battle in France, the American Legion Post #338 voted to include his surname to the name of the Post. Until World War II the Post was called American Legion Quade Post #338. But on April 23, 1943, Staff Sargeant Benjamin Oliver “Bennie” Werchan was killed in action in North Africa. His griefstricken brother went to Africa and returned home with the body of his fallen brother who was laid to rest in Carmine. Because of this heroic action, the Post members voted to include Werchan’s name and it has since been identified as the American Legion Quade – Werchan #338 Post.

Adjutant Bockhorn explained that his father-in-law, Corporal Otto Fuchs, Jr. served as Adjutant to this Post and had reported for duty at the Historic Oak on the Square in La Grange at the outbreak of WWII. Corporal Otto Fuchs, Jr. survived the Battle of the Bulge in France, served 20 nighttime reconnaissance missions behind enemy lines, and his Unit was the first to liberate the infamous Dachau Concentration Camp. Because of his fluency in speaking German, he helped translate during the Reparation and was trained to spot SS Soldiers.

After a very informative presentation on the history of this Post’s 100 plus years of existence, Vice Regent, Cathleen Tutt presented Adjutant Bockhorn with a monetary gift donation from our chapter to the American Legion Quade – Werchan Post #338.

Guests for this meeting included Jim and Linda Smith who are parents of members Juli McCroskey and Lori Schultz, Prospective Member Cyndy Lee, Holly Marie Smith, Adjutant Bruce Bockhorn and wife, Carobeth, and Lyn Reavis, Commander of American Legion Quade Werchan Post #338.

Our esteemed guest, Holly Marie Howard who is a member of the King’s Highway Chapter, NSDAR in Bastrop, Texas and has earned a notable repertoire of accomplishments including a Certificate in American Genealogical Studies, National Genealogical Society; ProGen 38 Alumna; Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP); Institute of Genealogy & Historical Research (IGHR); Forensic Genealogy Institute; and Genealogy Research Institute (DAR), DAR Genealogical Education Program.

Before taking oaths, Vice Regent Tutt asked incoming officers as well as members of the chapter to contemplate on the office they take as well as our roles as members and to step up or decline before taking an oath of service in an office. But to also be helpful members by stepping up and taking on a responsibility or be active and helpful where and when you can. The Ritual of the Oath of Office was then administered by Holly Marie Howard to the following members: Carolyn Caflisch, Regent, Kathy Schatte, Vice Regent; Sherry Hebert, Chaplain; Juli McCroskey, Recording Secretary; Laurie Patterson, Corresponding Secretary; Jackie Head, Treasurer; Gina Minzenmeyer, Registrar; Kyla Crumbly, Historian; and Kim Joost, Librarian. Long stem yellow roses were given to the officers and outgoing Regent, Pamela Burke presented her gifts to the outgoing officers with a reflection of gratitude for the assistance of Vice Regent, Cathleen Tutt and all officers and members of the chapter who have assisted her during this term while she battled health issues. After the Benediction given by outgoing Chaplain, Kathy Schatte, Cathleen Tutt adjourned the meeting at 11 a.m. for the boxed luncheon.