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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, Reserve and Guard military persons who have served or are serving with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. 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. [oakpiper@gmail.com]
Paul Baxter - Post Commander, Quartermaster (Post Trailer)
Information coming soon
Dave Reynolds - Executive Officer
My military service began in the Navy ROTC at the University of Pennsylvania where I graduated in 1984 with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and my ensign's commission. My 12 year military service consisted of tours on three Submarines, the USS John Adams SSBN 620(B) the Lewis and Clark SSBN 644(G) and the USS Kentucky SSBN 737(G). I also served on two submarine squadron staffs, Squadron 18 in North Charleston, SC and Squadron 20 in Kings Bay, GA. I'm nuclear engineer qualified, qualified in submarines, and spent the majority of my Navy time in the nuclear weapons world either as a division officer or department head or as an inspector on squadron staff. I was a recipient of the "Peace Dividend" and invited by the Navy to find other things to do with my time in 1996. My civilian career has been spent in the SF Bay Area building communications satellites for the past twenty plus years and my goal is to retire from the same job in another dozen years or so. I have my MBA, and graduate level training in Program/Project management. I am also active in the Knights of Columbus where I have held many positions of increasing responsibility, and serve in their Color Corps to render honors at events and services. I am active in the Post Color Guard and after a whirlwind introduction to the SAMS post have attained the position of XO after four months as a member, where I currently serve. My hobbies include golfing very poorly and cooking very well, as well as marching around with swords and flags.
Mike Hair - Adjutant
Information coming soon
Sandy Welsh - Comptroller
Sandy Welsh has been an Active Member of SAMS for about 7 years. She is not a Vet, but a lineal descendant of a Scottish-American Veteran of the United States Air Force. She is a proud Air Force BRAT who has lived all over the US & overseas. In SAMS, she spent 4 years as the Adjutant. She is now the Comptroller. and serves on the color guard. Sandy is also an active board member of Overseas BRATS, helping to plan and attend annual gatherings all over the US. Her other Scottish organizations include Daughters of Scotia (Past Chief Daughter), Clan MacArthur (though also a Douglas), and Mother Lode Scots. In the meantime, she has worked for 25.5 years for the world's largest commercial real estate company and has no plans to retire. Her husband, Rich, is an Air Force veteran and is a member of SAMS, the St Andrews Society of Sacramento, and Clan MacPherson. He is a genealogist. She has two adult children, 2 adult stepchildren, and two adult grandchildren.
Chuck Jamison, Past Post Commander, Legislative Representative
Two tours to Vietnam as a Navy SAR (Search and Rescue) Pilot in the 60s. SAR Officer for NAS Agana, Guam early 70s. Combat Engineer in the Oregon and California National Guard in the late 70s and 80s. Joined the 91st Division Band in the 90s and learned to play the pipes. Retired out of the 59th Army Guard band. Continue to participate in veteran support activities with the Association of the US Army, Patriot Guard Riders, Secretary of the California State Commanders Veteran Council, and other veteran organizations.
Jo Lawrence- Past Post Commander, Newsletter Editor, and Facebook Page Admin
Jo A. Lawrence. Born and raised Sacramento, CA. 1959 moved to Madrid, Spain. Graduated Madrid-Torrejon High School 1961. Currently Executive Committee, MHS/THS Alumni Association. Enlisted Navy, Nov. 1961. Hospital Corps. duty station, Naval Hospital Oakland "Oak Knoll". Discharged Nov. 1964. Employee of Dep of the Navy for 30 years. Retired when bases closed in the San Francisco Bay Area. Life member VVA, Member VVA Chapter 400, served on Board of Directors and Chapter President for two terms. Life member SAMS. Served as Nat. Vice Commander, Nat. Adjutant, and Managing editor quarterly magazine The Patriot. Member Post 1921, served as CO, XO, Adjutant, and currently editor Post newsletter.
2024 photos:
2024 Jamison Memorial Day
2021 photos:
2021 year in review
2020 photos:
2020-02-28 SAMS Gathering - Orangevale, CA
2020-02-29 SAMS Dinner - Fair Oaks, CA
Webmaster: Chuck Jamison - oakpiper(at)gmail.com