Scottish-American Military Society

[MuffinMan]

Does anyone know anything about this society? I attend a military funeral today in Phoenix and this society provided a honorguard. After the funeral I struck a conversation with the three about it history and if I was interested how to join. They told of course it is military society, so only active duty or honorable discharge veterans with Scottish blood can become members. Since I do not have any Scottish bloodlines I thanked them and went home.
I googled the society and in their membership section, there is no mentioned of Scottish ties being a condition of membership. Are the local clubs just very restrictive or just don't know who can join. Anyone run across these folks before?

[Chas]

I have met two different SAMS members on-line in the past. One was very pro Scottish the other invited me as an ex-RAF serviceman to join.

I have only heard good things about them. If I had to sum up the organisation in one word, it would be, honourable.

If I were you, I would fill out the form, with a covering letter as to your affinity to Scotland and send them both off with your cheque.

I doubt very much that they would turn you down.

Regards

Chas

[Sir William]

I'm a long-time member and I know there are other X-Markers who are members. Most of what I've seen members do is provide color guards at Scottish Games, funerals, or other similar activities. Some posts are very active and will have a tent at the Games. Post 76, located in the Hampton Roads area in Virginia has had a couple of kilt nights at a local pub.

SAMS 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 US Armed Forces.

Membership is open to:

Present or former Regular or Reserve members of the US Armed Forces. Individuals who have been discharged or released from duty must not have received a less than honorable discharge.

Cadets of any of the Armed Service Academies or college level ROTC

Spouses, widows, or widowers of any of veterans or Service Academy/ROTC cadets.

Members of the British Commonwealth Armed Forces


You don't have to be of Scottish descent but you will be asked about your background.
A. SCOTTISH BACKGROUND
[ ] I am of Scottish birth (Place: ______________________________).
[ ] Scots or Scotch-Irish descent; my surname is _______________________. The name and relationship of my ancestor is:
__________________________________________________ .
[ ] If not of Scottish descent, reason(s) for requesting membership (i.e., marriage to a Scot, Commonwealth military service, etc.):___________________________________.

I'm not sure what would be said if you didn't qualify according to the above, but you can always ask the SAMS Adjutant: samsadjutant@comcast.net

http://www.s-a-m-s.org/

[SteveB]

I am also a member of the Scottish American Military Society. It is a military veterans organization under its charter and its status with the IRS. The big must is documented military service (DD 214 in the US). My post has members that have served in the Canadian Forces, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Air Force. All the members of my post have at least a wee bit of Scot blood.

The if not of Scots or Scot-Irish descent section allows a lot of wiggle room as many of Scot surname, can not prove their lineage back to Alba. This is also to allow membership of veterans that are spouses of Scots. It does not hurt to contact the National Adjutant, the answer may be in your favour.

I have posted colours at a few funerals. Now I am trying to figure out how to post colours and play the pipes at the same time.

Slainte

[saharris]

Just being an ROTC cadet counts? I completed four years of Marine Corps ROTC training at the Virginia Military Institute but chose not to take a commission upon graduation.

[MuffinMan]

I have always being interested in kilts since I found out my Grandfather and his brother served with the Blackwatch out of Canada during WWI. If all the guys in this post are very hardcore about Scottish ties, I don't know if I should try to rock the boat. I am already lifemembers of the VFW and 82nd Airborne assn. so a third one might be much for my beloved.

MM

[HeathBar]

I have a friend who is involved with the post in Knoxville. He travels and sets up at a lot of the same games I do. Membership involves two parts. First you join the national organization. Their website has an application. The application only asks that you describe your interest if you are not of Scottish ancestry. I think your story about your grandfather and great uncle is reason enough. Once you have joined the national organization, then you can join one of the local posts. I don't think a local post would exclude you if the national org didn't. There is a new member here that is a post commander from Memphis. I think it was TheNaughtyScot. Ask him for his opinion.

If you haven't found here is their website.

http://www.s-a-m-s.org/

[MuffinMan]

Thanks for the reply, the gentlemen did an excellent job as Honorguard, I was surprised at the requirements told to me, it didn't ring right, I believe I have met others in the past, maybe thats why I investagated further.
They didn't have a piper, thankgoodness, I cry like a baby when the pipes are played at a funeral.
MM

[Santa Kona]

Ian very nice website I loved the video. US Army Retired 1969 - 1977.

[Earl D]

Ian-I've seen that clip many times and each time it bring a tear or two to my eyes.

SAMS serve as the Color Guard for the local Highland Games every year.

I approched them about joining since I figured with 9 years in the Army National Guard (Staff Sgt.) and my paternal gramdmother was a Lewis (Lewis of MacLeod) I'd be welcomed with opened arms. The "gentleman" at the SAMS table told me that if I didn't serve any active duty time not to bother about joining. (I hope he was just having a bad day and didn't want to talk with anyone and was speaking out of hand)

That was 4 years ago and still bothers me- Last several games SAMS had a table up with flyers and such but no one at the table for me to talk to.