CONSIDERING YOUR MILITARY SERVICE, CONSIDER S.A.M.S.
A few years of military service enabled some of us to gain a college education. For others, it was the start of a career. For many veterans their military service was their earliest opportunity to gain independence, responsibility, and leadership skills while serving their country. As Scots we wear the kilt instead of a military uniform to pay our respect and appreciation for what our Scottish ancestors endured, and to celebrate their traditions and culture. And there’s also a way kilt-wearing veterans can still honor the traditions of their military service. That’s by becoming a member of S.A.M.S., the Scottish-American Military Society!
The Society was founded in 1981 as a non-profit veterans organization. The membership is composed primarily of veterans of Scottish ancestry who have served -- or are serving -- in the Armed Forces of the United States and the Commonwealth.
S.A.M.S. exists to preserve and promote Scottish and American Armed Forces customs, traditions, and heritage, by:
- Supporting Scottish activities at Highland Games;
- Providing a forum for the exchange of military history and genealogical information;
- Conducting public education programs;
- Presenting military student honor awards;
- Making contributions to qualified scholarship funds or institutions;
- Making appropriate charitable contributions;
- Providing a fraternal atmosphere for members.
Plus, S.A.M.S. is fun! We provide a Color Guard to local community events and parades, we greet returning troops from overseas, and we have an annual Dining Out in traditional military style. Our uniform is a service-type shirt which is worn with our kilts, and we have no ranks or rank insignia. We’re all alike in S.A.M.S., serving our community and honoring our military service and Scottish heritage.
Membership is open to honorably discharged veterans or active duty or reserve military persons who have served or are serving with any branch of the United States or Commonwealth Armed Forces, including Coast Guard. If you support the purposes shown above and qualify, we welcome your membership!
For more information or to join S.A.M.S., email Chuck Jamison, Post 1921 Webmaster.
Bryan Harris - Post 1921 Commander:
I served in the US Navy from 1990-1994 as an Aviation Boatswains Mate (Aircraft Handling and Directing), stationed on the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) in the Red Sea during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. I attended Basic Training and Aviation Apprentice School at RTC/NTC San Diego. I currently volunteer on the USS Hornet (CV-12) in the Air Department and work for Mills-Peninsula Health Services in Burlingame as the EVS Supervisor. My wife Ann-Marie and I have been together for 10 years; we have 2 boys, Brian (and his fiancé Jackie) and Phillip, along with our wonderful Grandson Brendan, who live in Arizona.
Tod Murdock - Executive Officer:
I served in the Marine Corps from 1994 - 1998 as a generator mechanic (1142) for 2 years with Marine Corps Base Okinawa at Camp Hansen and Camp Schwab after Recruit Training at San Diego, Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, and MOS school at Court House Bay, Camp Lejeune. My last year was spent at Camp Pendleton. I am currently a General Contractor and Cabinetmaker in Woodland. My wife, Kendra, and I have a little girl, Emma.
John Hassenplug - Comptroller
Mike Medeiros - Adjutant
Served in the United States Army from 1955-1963 as a Cryptanalyst (981). Received Basic Training at Fort Dix NJ and then went on to Fort Devens for training with the Army Security Agency. Overseas time was spent at Fort Richardson, Alaska and on Outpost Shemya. That was a tiny island at the far end of the Aleutian Islands. It was used as a refueling point by Northwest Airlines on the Seattle-Tokyo run. Returned to the US in 1958 and finished my tour at the National Security Agency at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Worked at NSA as a civilian and finished my reserve commitment in 1963. I have lived in Antioch, Ca for the last 11 years. My wife Jenny and I have a blended family of 3 girls and 4 boys.
Links to 2010 photos:
SAMS Calendar Events |
Support Events |
13 JAN - Dixon Cemetary |
Webmaster: Chuck Jamison · chuck(at)2jamisons.com