Club Spotlight: Honoring History and Celebrating Community Engagement

Club President David Bramley

Our recent meeting featured a fascinating blend of American history, club fellowship, and updates on upcoming service opportunities.

A Journey into Revolutionary War History

Club President and author David captivated members with an engaging presentation drawn from his book Washington’s Guns, which traces the extraordinary military service of his ancestor, William Bramley, during the Revolutionary War.

David shared how Bramley first supported the Continental effort by helping build and maintain defensive forts. His role quickly expanded when General George Washington personally tasked him with a daring winter mission: assembling 100 men and teams of oxen to recover abandoned British weaponry—including several cannons—from a deserted fort. The extraction required navigating icy terrain and transporting the artillery by river in harsh winter conditions.

Bramley’s success earned him a promotion to Lieutenant, followed by leadership in ambush operations against British forces. He later served at West Point, assisting in troop training. His military career ultimately ended after injuries sustained at the Battle of Saratoga, after which he returned to life on his northern New York farm. David’s storytelling brought this chapter of American history vividly to life.

Community Service & Club Activities

The meeting also included several important updates:

• Peace Pole Event:

  Bev Fisher announced that 40 charitable organizations will participate in this month’s Peace Pole Event, including the Hispanic Outreach Center and the Museum of Fine Arts. Their involvement highlights the growing impact and visibility of this annual gathering.

• Upcoming Fellowship Opportunities:

  Linda reminded members of two February events:

  • A pop-up social on February 11 at Clear Sky Drafthouse

  • The Mardi Gras Fundraiser on February 17, with proceeds supporting the Wendy Barmore Music Scholarship

  
  

• Triathlon Promotion:

  Larry closed the meeting with a call to action, encouraging members to help raise awareness of the upcoming triathlon through local advertising.