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Message from Virginia SAR President Ed Truslow about Spring Leadership

2/28/2016

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February 28, 2016
 
Virginia Compatriots
 
I am pleased to report two significant outcomes affecting the Virginia Society from this past weekend's NSSAR Leadership meeting in Louisville.
 
  • As expected, the National Trustees formally endorsed Virginia as the host society for the 2020 Congress.  A NSSAR site survey team will visit Richmond and Norfolk in the fall and will make their city/hotel selection around the end of the year or early next year.  Past VASSAR President and our Congress Planning Committee Chairman Mark Brennan will lead the VASSAR team that will support the NSSAR team visit.
 
  • The NSSAR Executive Committee approved the Medals and Awards Committee nomination of General Anthony Zinni to be our next NSSAR Gold Medal Good Citizenship Award recipient. We will present him with this award at our Semi-Annual meeting in Williamsburg on Saturday September 17th.  General Zinni is a Marine four star general (retired) with both significant military and civilian service to our country.  See attached bio.
As to the Gold Medal Gala in Alexandria on March 26th, 1st Vice President Mike Elston is working on identifying a person to receive Justice Scalia’s Gold Good Citizenship Award posthumously.  Mike will make an announcement about that in due course.
 
I will try to keep you informed of significant news along the way during my term as your President.
 
Best to all,
Ed
Edward Truslow
President
Virginia Society
Sons of the American Revolution
Past President (2011-2012) Williamsburg Chapter


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250th Anniversary of the Leedstown Resolutions

2/27/2016

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Stratford Hall
     On February 27, 1766, one hundred and fifteen Northern Neck patriots assembled in Leedstown, VA, to support a proposal written by Richard Henry Lee, in protest of the British crown’s imposition of the Stamp Act.  This act of courage was a milestone in the path that led to our independence.
     On Saturday, February 27th, 2016, a similar number of modern patriots and community leaders gathered at Stratford Hall, Richard Henry Lee’s boyhood home, to note the 250th anniversary of the “Leedstown Resolves”.  The Virginia Society provided the color guard and seven wreaths from participating chapters: Colonel Fielding Lewis, Culpeper Minutemen, James Monroe, Norfolk, Richard Henry Lee, Richmond, and Thomas Nelson, Jr.
     John and Thomas Belfield, signers of the Leedstown Resolves, were represented by their descendant, Charles Belfield, president of the James Monroe Chapter.  Charles Belfield portrayed his ancestor John Belfield as part of the program that highlighted noteworthy signers of the resolves.
     In April, the patriots of 1766 would learn that six days prior to the signing of the Leedstown Resolves, Parliament had rescinded the Stamp Tax, but also passed the American Colonies Act, better known as the Declaratory Act.  In little more than ten years Richard Henry Lee would introduce another resolution, to the Second Continental Congress, calling for the colonies’ independence from Great Britain, resulting in the Declaration of Independence.  Both he and his brother, Francis Lightfoot Lee, signed both the Leedstown Resolves and the Declaration of Independence.  May God bless our patriot ancestors and the country they bequeathed to us during the course of events 250 years ago.

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Charles Belfield, president of the James Monroe Chapter and descendant of John and Thomas Belfield.



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"Roused by danger and alarmed at attempts, foreign and domestic, to reduce the people of this country to a state of abject and detestable slavery by destroying that free and happy condition of government under which they have hitherto lived,

We, who subscribe this paper, have associated and do bind ourselves to each other, to God, and to our country, by the firmest ties that religion and virtue can frame, most sacredly and punctually to stand by and with our lives and fortunes, to support, maintain, and defend each other in the observance and execution of these following articles –

FIRST: We declare all due allegiance and obedience to our lawful Sovereign, George the Third, King of Great Britain. And we determine to the utmost of our power to preserve the laws, the peace and good order of this Colony, as far as is consistent with the preservation of our Constitutional rights and liberty,

SECONDLY: As we know it to be the Birthright privilege of every British subject (and of the people of Virginia as being such) founded on Reason, Law, and Compact; that he cannot be legally tried, but by his peers; that he cannot be taxed, but by consent of a Parliament, in which he is represented by persons chosen by the people, and who themselves pay a part of the tax they impose on others. If, therefore, any person or persons shall attempt, by any action, or proceeding, to deprive this Colony of these fundamental rights, we will immediately regard him or them, as the most dangerous enemy of the community; and we will go to any extremity, not only to prevent the success of such attempts, but to stigmatize and punish the offender.

THIRDLY: As the Stamp Act does absolutely direct the property of the people to be taken from them without their consent expressed by their representatives and as in many cases it deprives the British American Subject of his right to trial by jury; we do determine, at every hazard, and paying no regard to danger or to death, we will exert every faculty, to prevent the execution of the said Stamp Act in any instance whatsoever within this Colony. And every abandoned wretch, who shall be so lost to virtue and public good, as wickedly to contribute to the introduction or fixture of the Stamp Act in this Colony, by using stampt paper, or by any other means, we will, with the utmost expedition, convince all such profligates that immediate danger and disgrace shall attend their prostitute purposes.

FOURTHLY: That the last article may most surely and effectually be executed, we engage to each other, that whenever it shall be known to any of this association, that any person is so conducting himself as to favor the introduction of the Stamp Act, that immediate notice shall be given to as many of the association as possible; and that every individual so informed, shall, with expedition, repair to a place of meeting to be appointed as near the scene of action as may be.

FIFTHLY: Each associator shall do his true endeavor to obtain as many signers to this association, as he possibly can.

SIXTHLY: If any attempt shall be made on the liberty or property of any associator for any action or thing to be done in consequence of this agreement, we do most solemnly bind ourselves by the sacred engagements above entered into, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, to restore such associate to his liberty and to protect him in the enjoyment of his property."

In testimony of the good faith with which we resolve to execute this association we have this 27th day of February 1766 in Virginia, put our hands and seals hereto.

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2016 NSSAR Spring Leadership Meeting

2/26/2016

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25-28 Feb 2016                   Brown Hotel, Louisville, KY

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President General Tom Lawrence addresses the Trustees and other attendees at the Spring Leadership Meeting.
     The 2016 Spring Leadership meeting was held at the Brown Hotel in Louisville on 25-28 Feb.  Twelve Virginia SAR members attended:  President Ed Truslow, Immediate past President  Reverdy Wright, Trustee Bill Broadus, 1st Vice-President Mike Elston, former PG Bruce Wilcox, former PG Joe Dooley, past President  & VPG Larry McKinley, past VPG Andy Johnson, Color Guard Commander Darrin Schmidt, Ernie Coggins,, Peter Davenport, and Bill Schwetke.
     One of the first orders of business was the Congress Planning Committee's presentation of their recommendation that Virginia host the 2020 national congress.  A vote followed and Virginia was selected by the trustees to host in 2020.  This triggers the $6 surcharge on our dues for 2017 and there will be much more news on this to follow.  The Congress Planning Committee will conduct a survey after Fall Leadership to pick a city in Virginia for the site of the 2020 congress.
     Peter Davenport made a presentation on proposals by the Bylaws, Rules and Resolutions Committee, which he chairs.  After the meeting recessed,  the attendees gathered to board the Spirit of Jefferson, a paddle-wheeler, for a dinner cruise on the Ohio River.

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Paul Callanan presents the Congress Planning Committee's recommendation for Virgina to host the 2020 National Congress.
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PG Lawrence leads the applause for the vote confirming Virginia as the 2020 Congress host.
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Chairman Peter Davenport of the Bylaws, Rules and Resolutions Committee, presents proposals from his committee.
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Attendees board the Spirit of Jefferson for a cruise on the Ohio River.

      The highlights of following trustees meetings were the approval to go ahead with the Solid Light plan for our interactive museum on the first floor of the SAR Headquarters building, distribution of a $100k gift, and allowing Family Search to scan our genealogy records.
     Friday night's banquet had a Caribbean theme and the speaker was noted author Andrew Jackson O'Shaughnessy.  During the banquet it was announced that the SAR would fund a fellowship for Dr. O'Shaughnessy to study the recently discovered papers of King George III that cover the time of the American Revolution.  At the Banquet Dr. O'Shaughnessy gave a very informative talk about the role of the Caribbean theater in the American Revolution.

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Virginia SAR attendees, left to right in first row: Cat Schwetke (standing), Bill Schwetke, Doug Collins, Virginia SAR President Ed Truslow, PG Joe Dooley, Andrew Lyngar, Virginia SAR 1st VP Mike Elston (standing), Ernie Coggins (in foreground); standing in back row, left to right: Bill Broadus, Secretary General Mike Tome, Larry McKinley, PG Lindsey Brock, Andy johnson, Darrin Schmidt, Lance Lyngar, and 1st VP Mike Elston.
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Virginia SAR 1st VP Mike Elston, center, in formal Caribbean attire.
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Dr. O'Shaughnessy illuminates us on the Caribbean Theater of the American Revolution.
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Larry McKinley, on left, and Darrin Schmidt, sing "Day-O" in the Caribbean Chorale.
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PG Joe Dooley rises to join the debate in the Trustees' Meeting.
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Ernie Coggins (with camera) and Any Johnson at Saturday's formal dinner.
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Andrew Lyngar, on left, with Lance Lyngar at Saturday's formal dinner.

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Virginia SAR 1st VP and International VPG Mike Elston at Saturday's formal dinner.
     The NSSAR Nominating Committee presented its nominees for 206-17 General Officers:
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126th Annual Meeting of the Virginia SAR

2/20/2016

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19-20 Feb 2016                    Omni Hotel, Richmond, VA

several compatriots contributed to this report, most notably Wayne Rouse and Ernie Coggins
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President General Tom Lawrence swears in 2016-17 Virginia SAR President Ed Truslow, as Ed's wife Laura and 2015-16 Virginia SAR President Reverdy Wright look on. (photo by Ernie Coggins)
    The Virginia Society of the SAR held its 126th Annual Meeting at the Omni Hotel in Richmond, VA on February 19th and 20th..  80 compatriots from 20 of Virginia's 27 chapter attended.  The most distinguished guest was President General Tom Lawrence, who officiated at the swearing in of our officers for 2016-17.
     The activities began on Friday with a Treasurer, Administrative and Awards Workshop  conducted by Virginia SAR Treasurer Rick Elofson and Virginia SAR Secretary Wayne Rouse. The workshop updated secretaries and treasurers and other interested individuals on the latest information.  Another workshop, conducted by former President General Joe Dooley, was held on Saturday morning to update registrars on the new online application process.
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Virginia SAR Treasurer Rick Elofson tells workshop attendees about IRS reporting requirements.
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Virginia SAR Secretary and Awards Committee Chairman Wayne Rouse explains the requirements for various SAR awards.
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Former PG Joe Dooley explains the new on-line SAR application to workshop attendees.

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Part of the Virginia SAR Color Guard, left to right, Vern Eubanks, Peter Davneport, 2nd VP Mike Elston, 3rd VP Pat Kelly.
     At the Friday evening Board of Managers Meeting reports were heard form each of the officers and some of the committees.  As usual, Ken Wallenborn's Surgeon's Report was worth the trip to Richmond.  This year Ken retires as our surgeon and Dr. Kirk Sheap will take over care for our physical and mental health.
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Virginia Surgeon Ken Wallenborn delivers another humorous, yet informative report as surgeon-elect Kirk Sheap watches closely for hints to Ken's success.
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Two gentlemen of class, Doctors Kirk Sheap and Ken Wallenborn.
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Standing Ovation for Virginia SAR Surgeon Ken Wallenborn.
     Various officers and committee chairmen presented reports on their responsibilities.  Of particular note was the report of Flag Committee Chairman Kirk Sheap, who reported that once again the Virginia Society had a perfect 100% participation in awarding flag certificates.  Compatriot Sheap also noted that though the society reported missing by one chapter last year, it was discovered that the delinquent chapter had in fact presented a flag certificate and efforts were being made to correct the record.
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Flag Committee Chairman Kirk Sheap announces 100% participation by Virginia's 27 chapters.
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Virginia SAR Trustee Bill Broadus delivers his report.
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1st VP Ed Truslow delivers his report.
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Virginia SAR Chaplain Roy Martin delivers his report.
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2nd VP Mike Elston delivers his report
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Great Bridge Committee Chairman Tom Whetstone delivers his report.
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Virginia SAR President Reverdy Wright, on right, presents Certificates of Appreciation for the planning and conduct of the 2015 Semi-Annual in Roanoke to, left to right: Duane Lenart, Charlie Coale, Jr., Spurgeon Keith, Phil Sheridan
     After the Board of Managers Meeting President Reverdy Wright hosted a reception in the hospitality suite.  This was well attended and much business was conducted in a relaxed environment.
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     Saturday morning in the Membership Meeting additional officer and committee reports were presented.  Included at this time were reports from the individual chapters, twenty of whom were represented at the meeting.
     The Nominating Committee, represented by Chairman Bill Broadus, presented its nominations for Virginia Society Officers and National Trustees.  Those recommendations were:
President:  Edward W. Truslow
President-Elect:  Michael J. Elston, Esq.
2nd Vice President:  Patrick M. Kelly
3rd Vice President:  J. Thomas Whetstone, PhD
Secretary/Assistant Treasurer:  R. Wayne Rouse
Treasurer:  Frederick N. "Rick" Elofson
Chancellor:  Eric H. Monday, Esq.
Registrar:  J. Michael Taimi
Historian:  Larry G. Aaron, D.Min.
Surgeon:  Dr. Christopher N. "Kirk" Sheap MD
Chaplain:  The Rev. Dr. Roy A. Martin, Jr.
Assistant Secretary:  Lance M. Lyngar
Assistant Registrar:  David A. Cook
Assistant Registrar:  David R. Thomas
Assistant Chaplain:  Eugene F. Thomas
    The committee also nominated past Virginia SAR President Mark S. Brennan, Sr., Esq. for Vice President General of the Mid Atlantic District.  The traditional rotation of this position between the states assures us that compatriot Brennan will be elected to this position in Boston this July.  Also nominated for election in July were Reverdy E. Wright, PhD as national Trustee and Edward W. Truslow as Alternate Trustee.
     These nominees were then elected by acclamation.
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Mike Lyman reports on Revolutionary War Graves
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Nominating Committee Chairman Bill Broadus announces the committee's nominees.
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Spurgeon Keith reports on ROTC Awards. The Outstanding JROTC Cadet in Virginia is Cadet William Grimsley of Liberty High School in Fauquier County.

     More Awards were given and commissions given in the 1st Virginia Regiment

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Letter of Appreciation to the Omni Hotel and Staff
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Brent Morgan receives a Certificate of Appreciation as President of the Host Chapter for Annual.
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Certificates of Appreciation presented by President Wright to, left to right: Dennis Peterson, Brent Morgan, President Wright, Rick Elofson, and Steve Atkinson, who also accepted for George Corbett.
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Presentation of Virginia State Service Medals, left to right: Chuck Poland for John Bradshaw, Jr., Phil Sheridan for Rupert Cutler, President Wright, and Eric Monday.
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President Wright presents medal to Steven Atkinson.
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New commissions in the 1st Virginia Regiment presented by Quartermaster Joe Dooley to, left to right: Edmund Davidson (Sergeant), Bruce Meyer (Sergeant), Bill Schwetke (Sergeant) and Jack Lee (Colonel).
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Left to right: Gary Howard, Bill Broadus, and President Wright, with plaques awarded for the Greater Manassas Veteran's Day Parade.
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President Wright presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Secretary Wayne Rouse, on left.

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2016 Joseph E. Rumbaugh Orations Contest competitors.
     Next Darrin Schmidt conducted the Josep;h E. Rumbaugh Orations Contest.  Six competitors delivered five minute orations on patriotic topics.  Darrin Schmidt and President Wright presented the awards.
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2nd Place Winner - Jamie Timmer, sponsored by the Richmond Chapter.
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1st Place Winner - Ale Rodriguez, sponsored by the George Washington Chapter.
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3rd Place Winner - Connor Ames, sponsored by the Fairfax Resolves Chapter.

The program resumed with a Memorial Service for those we have lost in the past year, led by Chaplain Roy Martin and 2nd Vice President Mike Elston.  Fourty-four departed compatriots were honored.
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Chaplain Roy Martin opens the Memorial Service.
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2nd Vice president Mike Elston reads the roll of departed compatriots.
After the Memorial Service was the Annual Awards Program
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     The first award was the presentation of the Daughters of Liberty Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster, to Laura Hazel for her continued support to the Virginia Society in providing expert genealogy research to our registrar and numerous chapters, and not least, for the wreaths she has made for us, such as the one on the stage.

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Fairfax Resolves Chapter President Vern Eubanks receives the streamer for sponsoring the Chester E. May Teacher of the Year, David Kuhn of Langley High School in McLean, VA.
The Chester E. May Award for Teacher of the Year - Mark Day, Youth Education Committee Chair.
The sponsoring chapter is Fairfax Resolves and the winning teacher is David Kuhn.
 
Mr. Kuhn is a teacher of Political Science and Advanced Placement History at Langley High School in McLean, VA.  Mr. Kuhn has been teaching for more than 19 years and his skills as a teacher have earned him the esteem of his peers and his supervisors.   The reasons for Mr. Kuhn's selection as the VASSAR teacher of the year are expressed in the following comment made by his principal.   "Observing Mr. Kuhn is like attending a master class in teaching.  He is able to inspire his students with his lessons and his encouragement.  Dave' classroom is full of students at any and all times of the day.   He allows them to ask question and query any of the topics.  He writes them on the board and promises to get to them during that time period, and he always does."

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President Wright, Mr. Henry, Richmond Chapter President Brent Morgan.
The Tom and Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award Contest Nominee - Mark Day, Youth Education Committee Chair.
The sponsoring chapter is Richmond and the winning teacher is Mr. Nathaniel D, Henry.
 
Mr. Henry is a teacher of Advance Placement United States History at Clover Hill High School in Midlothian, VA.  Mr. Henry has been teaching for more than eighteen years.  Mr. Henry’s principal describes him a teacher who has high expectations for his students.  In support of these high expectations Mr. Henry has introduced many elements not commonly seen in the classroom to inspire his students.   Mr. Henry has worked with the school to install an artifact museum in one of the main hallways and it is visited daily by students, staff, and the community.  Mr. Henry has been a leader in the establishment of a Historical Research class at Clover Hill, which is intended to offer an array of challenges to students, and will greatly assist in elevating the rigor of the school's history curriculum, and he has brought in speakers from the community to share their expertise.

The Good Citizen of the Year Award — Walter Neville, Committee Chair.
The sponsoring chapter is Fincastle Resolutions and the Good Citizen of the Year is Mr. Georg A. Kegley. 
 
Mr. Kegley and his wife, Louise, have donated a 116-acre conservation easement on their farm to the City of Roanoke, which he says may be the first and only easement in the City of Roanoke. served on the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation board, and has been a board member of the Western Virginia Land Trust and the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation.
  • drives his truck to the Southwest Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank twice monthly, picks up between 1,200 and 2,000 pounds of food, brings it back to St. Mark’s, and with the help of one or two people, unloads the food and stocks the church food pantry.
Mr. Kegley received the Perry F. Kendig Award for Outstanding Support of the Arts from the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge in 2011.
Mr. Kegley became a blood donor in 1950 after writing an article about the opening of the local Red Cross center. Since then, he has donated 57 gallons, one pint at a time.

The Public Safety and Heroism Commendation Awards - Bill Collier, Committee Chair.
 
Law Enforcement Category - The sponsoring chapter is Richmond and the Best Law Enforcement Person of the Year is Deputy Sheriff Barry Bland.
 
On March 10, 2015, Hanover County Sheriff Department Deputy Barry Bland was alerted to a single vehicle crash into a retention pond.  After arrival at the scene and rapid situational assessment, Deputy Bland immediately notified the Emergency Communications Center and entered the water and began efforts to extract the driver from the submerged vehicle.  After he had entered the water additional police officers arrived at the scene, struggling with freezing water, having to break window glass, cut the restraining seat belt, and releasing securing features from the victim’s wheel chair, Deputy Bland and others were able to remove the victim from his restraints and place him on the exposed automobile rooftop.  On the almost completely submerged automobile roof CPR was administered.  After the victim was transported to the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Deputy Bland and the other Officers were treated for hypothermia.  As a result of Deputy Bland and other Officers quick actions, disregarding their own personal safety, the life of a handicap individual was saved.  This action reflects great credit on Deputy Barry Bland, The Hanover County Sheriff Department, and the rest on the Law Enforcement Community
 
Fire Safety Category - the sponsoring chapter is Fincastle Resolutions and the Best Fire Safety Person of the Year is Lieutenant Michael Elston.
 
Lieutenant Michael Elston, of the Salem Fire Department, runs the B shift for Salem's Station 2.  He volunteers to fight forest fires out west, he is an EMT and paramedic for Lewis Gale Hospital, adjunct faculty member for both American National University and Jefferson College of Health Sciences, teaches technical rescue operations throughout the East Coast, and volunteers once a month (or more) in Prince Georges County, Maryland, fighting fires for 24 to 72 hours at a time.  Lieutenant Elston flies at his own expense to serve as drum major in Line of Duty Funerals or at the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Services.  His Fellow firefighters refer to Lieutenant Elston as a "fireman's fireman".  Lieutenant Elston’s actions not only reflect great credit upon himself, but to the Salem Fire department and the rest of the firefighting profession.
 
Emergency Medical Services Category - the sponsoring chapter is Dan River and the Best Emergency Medical Services Person of the Year is Director James Davis.
 
Director James Davis, Pittsylvania County Emergency Services, has been coordinator of Emergency Services in Pittsylvania County for more than 20 years.  Director Davis developed the county’s E-911 system serving nearly 60,000 residents.  He developed Community Emergency Response Training through certified local trainers and certified sign language interpreters, developed the next generation of communication which receives text messages reporting incidents.  Pittsylvania County is the first locality in Virginia to have complete IP equipment installation.  In summary, Director Davis has devoted his career to providing the best emergency response effort to the citizens of Pittsylvania County and his work brings great credit to himself, Pittsylvania County Emergency Services and the entire emergency medical service profession.
 
Heroism Category - the sponsoring chapter is Dan River and the Hero of the Year is Fire Captain Larry Costan. 
 
When Captain Larry Coston, of the Bachelor’s Hall Fire Department, drove past a neighbor’s home, he noticed smoke, but nothing unusual.  Captain Coston went about his business.  Several moments later he noticed flames coming from the back of his neighbor’s house.  He quickly grabbed some equipment and ran to the burning home.  Using his ax, Captain Coston entered the smoke filled home finding his neighbor asleep in the bedroom.  He then got his neighbor out of the burning house as the fire quickly spread throughout the house.  Captain Coston’s attention to detail and quick actions not only saved his neighbor’s life but brings great credit to himself, the Bachelor’s Hall Fire Department and the entire firefighting profession.
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Richmond Chapter President Brent Morgan accepts the Law Enforcement Streamer and Acrylic from President Wright.
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Fincastle Resolutions 2nd Vice President Chuck Poland accepts the Fire Safety Streamer and Acrylic from President Wright.
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Dan River Chapter Past President Larry Aaron accepts the EMT Streamer and Acrylic from President Wright.

Rumbaugh Orations Award - Darrin Schmidt, Committee Chair.
Sponsoring chapter of the 1st place winner is George Washington with the winner being Ale Rodriguez.  2nd place winner is Jamie Timmer sponsored by the Richmond Chapter and 3rd place is Connor Ames sponsored by the Fairfax Resolves Chapter.  
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George Washington Chapter Secretary Jay Henn accepts the Rumbaugh Orations Award Streamer from Darrin Schmidt and President Wright.

Knight Essay Award – Richard Sherman, Committee Chair.
Sponsoring chapter of the 1st place winner is James Monroe and the winner is Heather Faison.  2nd place winner is Christopher James Fegley sponsored by the Thomas Nelson, Jr. Chapter and 3rd place is Hannah Wheaton sponsored by the Norfolk Chapter.  Please note that Hannah placed second in last year’s competition and it is great to see perseverance from our youth.


Knight Essay First Place Winner Heather Faison, second from right, with Committee Chair Richard Sherman, second from left, James Monroe Chapter representative, and President Wright.
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JROTC Cadet Award – Spurgeon Keith, Committee Chair.
Sponsoring chapter of the 1st place winner is Culpeper Minute Men and the winner is Cadet William Grimsley.  2nd place goes to Cadet Anthony Ryan Thomas sponsored by the Martin’s Station Chapter and the 3rd place winner is Cadet Jason Schwarzwalder sponsored by the Col. William Grayson Chapter.  Again, perseverance has prevailed and Cadet Thomas has moved up to second place from his third place win in 2014.

Eagle Scout Award - Lance Lyngar, Committee Chair
Sponsoring chapter of the 1st place winner is George Mason and the winner is Michael A. Keays.  2nd place winner is Christopher James Fegley sponsored by the Thomas Nelson, Jr. Chapter and 3rd place is Robert J. T. Maloney sponsored by the Fairfax Resolves Chapter.
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Eagle Scout Awards, left to right: 1st place winner Michael Keays, sponsored by the George Mason Chapter, Committee Chairman Lance Lyngar, 2nd Place Winner Christopher Fegley, sponsored by the Thomas Nelson, Jr. Chapter, President Wright, 3rd Place Winner RObert Maloney, sponsered by the Fairfax Resolves Chapter, and Thomas Nelson, Jr. Chapter President Bruce Meyer.

Elementary School Poster and Middle School Brochure – Charlie Coale, Committee Chair (Americanism)
Poster - Sponsoring chapter of the 1st place winner is George Washington and the winner is Mark Ransom.  Runner up is Teagan Aryawna Lowery sponsored by the Fincastle Resolutions Chapter.
Brochure - Sponsoring chapter of the 1st place winner is George Washington and the winner is Audrey C. Agyin.  Runner up is Celab Walter Helsing sponsored by the Fincastle Resolutions Chapter
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Committee Chairman Charlie Coale and President Wright present the streamer for Elementary School Poster to George Washington Chapter Secretary Jay Henn.

The Jennings H. Flathers Award for Best Chapter Newsletter – Lance Lyngar, Committee Chair
Newsletter Editor of the Year is Richard B. Gilliland of the George Washington Chapter.  Runner up is Richard Newsome of the Williamsburg Chapter.
 
Best Chapter Website – Lance Lyngar, Committee Chair
Webmaster of the Year for the second consecutive year is Chuck Poland of the Fincastle Resolutions Chapter.  The runner up is Jamie Callender of the George Washington Chapter.

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George Washington Chapter Secretary Jay Henn, on right, accepts the Newsletter Award for Richard Gilliland.
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Fincastle Resolutions Webmaster Cuck Poland, on right, accepts the award for Best Chapter Website.

Best Chapter Scrapbook
Scrapbook of the Year was won by the Culpeper Minute Men Chapter.  Runner up recognition is given to Robert Halpern of the Richmond Chapter.

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Accepting the streamer for Best Scrapbook from 1st Vice President Ed Truslow, on right, are, from the left: Mike Lyman, Bill Schwetke, and Lance Lyngar.

The Donald W. Baldwin Award is for the greatest numerical gain in membership.  The winner is the Fairfax Resolves Chapter with a gain of 28 members.
 
The Carroll Wright Award recognizes the Chapter with the largest percentage of membership growth over the previous year. The winner is the Culpeper Minute Men Chapter with a 32.79% increase in membership.

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Fairfax Resolves President Vern Eubanks accepts the Baldwin Award Streamer from President Wright.
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Culpeper Minutemen Chapter President Bill Schwetke accepts Caroll Wright Award Streamer from President Wright.

The next awards recognize Chapter excellence in Revolutionary War Graves Registration, History Day Support and the Forgotten Patriots Program.  Streamers and/or gold stars are awarded.
 
Revolutionary War Graves Registration — Mike Lyman, Committee Chair.
Col. William Grayson – 1 Star
George Washington – 2 Stars
Forgotten Patriots – Steve Bush, Committee Chair.
Col. George Waller, 2 Stars
Col. James Wood, 2 Stars for a VA patriot
Col. William Grayson, 2 Stars for a VA patriot
Fort Harrison, 4 Stars for two VA patriots
George Washington, 10 stars including three VA patriots
Williamsburg, 2 Stars
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History Day Support – Don Swain, Committee Chair.
Col. Fielding Lewis
Col. James Wood II
Col. William Grayson
Culpeper Minute Men
Fairfax Resolves
George Mason
George Washington
Norfolk
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Williamsburg
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The Chapter Excellence Award recognizes Chapters that, in a given year, do an excellent job on a wide range of programs. This is the second highest Chapter award presented by the Virginia Society.  For 2015, nineteen chapters have been selected to receive this award:
 
Col. Fielding Lewis
Col. George Waller
Col. James Wood II 
Col. William Grayson
Culpeper Minute Men
Dan River
Fairfax Resolves
Fincastle Resolutions
Fort Harrison
Gen. Daniel Morgan
George Mason
George Washington
James Monroe
Martin’s Station
Norfolk
Richmond
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Williamsburg
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The Best Chapter Awards go to the top ranked Chapters in each of four size categories. To earn this award, a Chapter must perform well in virtually all program areas.
 
The Best Small Chapter for 2013 with 1 to 24 members is:
Martin’s Station
 
The Best Medium Chapter for 2013 with 25 and 49 members is:
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
 
The Best Large Chapter for 2013 with 50 to 99 members is:
Col. James Wood II
 
The Best Very Large Chapter for 2013 with 100 plus members is:
George Washington

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Col John Wood II President Brett Osborn accepts the Best Chapter Streamer.
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George Washington Secretary Jay Henn accepts Best Chapter Streamer.

Next President General Tom Lawrence installed our officers for 2016-17, except for the society president.
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From the left: PG Tom Lawrence, Virginia SAR 1st Vice President Mike Elston, 2nd Vice President Pat Kelly, 3rd Vice President Tom Whetstone, Secretary Wayne Rouse, Treasurer Rick Elofson, bob Vogler for Chancellor Eric Monday, Barry Schwoerer for Registrar Mike Taimi, Historian Larry Aarons, Surgeon Kirk Sheap, Chaplain Roy Martin.
Teh colors were then retired by the Color Guard
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Color Guard, left to right: Bill Schwetke, Peter Davenport, Ken Wallenborn, Commander Darrin Schmidt.

     The evening began with a social hour, followed by the Formal Banquet, then a reception, hosted by President Ed Truslow.
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Social time before the Formal Banquet
     At the beginning of the Formal Banquet there were greetings from several organizations and several awards presented.
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SAR President General Tom Lawrence.
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Virginia DAR State Regent Virginia Sebastian Storage presents greetings.
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Virginia C.A.R. Senior President Holly Lynne Schmidt and Vice President Emily Elston, present greetings.
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Past President General and past Virginia Society President Joe Dooley.
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Past Virginia Governor, The Virginia Society, Order of Founders and Patriots of America, Mike Lyman, Sr., presents greetings.
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Past President of the Society of the War of 1812 in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Thad Hartman, presents greetings.
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Past Virginia Society President Mark Brennan with President General Tom Lawrence.
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Cat & Bill Schwetke receive Certificates of Appreciation.
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Virginia SAR Historian Larry Aarons receives the Virginia Society Medal.

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President Reverdy Wright, on left, receives the Patriot Medal from Awards Chairman Wayne Rouse, on right.




The highlight of the awards presentations was the award of the Patriot Medal to President Reverdy Wright for many years of service, including a successful term as President of the Virginia Society

Next, President General Tom Lawrence installed Ed Truslow as the President of the Virginia Society for 2016-17.

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President General Tom Lawrence, on left, sears in new Virginia Society President Ed Truslow, second from right, as Laura Truslow, on right, looks on, with President Reverdy Wright, third from left, and Reverdy's daughter, second from the left. photo by Ernie Coggins
The traditional First Lady's necklace was then presented to Laura Truslow.
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First Lady's necklace presented to Laura Truslow. photo by Ernie Coggins
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Gifts from the Virginia Society were presented to President General Tom Lawrence and his First Lady Mickey Jo. photos below by Ernie Coggins
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Newly installed President Ed Truslow presents Certificates of Appreciation to the three ladies responsible for his reception which followed.
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Virginia SAR President Ed Truslow's reception.
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New Virginia SAR President Ed Truslow and his family. photo by Ernie Coggins.

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235th Anniversary of the Crossing of the Dan

2/12/2016

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     Today General Greene's crossing of the Dan River with the Southern Army, just ahead of General Cornwallis, was celebrated.  This historic event ensured the survival of General Greene's army and its resupply and replenishment with fresh troops.  This heroic feat enabled General Greene to inflict a crushing blow on the British at Guilford Court House just a month later and put in action the chain of events that led to General Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown eight months later.
     The Virginia SAR was represented by 1st Vice President Ed Truslow, and the President General was represented by Mid-Atlantic District Vice President General George Jones.  Members of twenty Virginia SAR Chapters also participated.  The Dan River Chapter was the host chapter and past Virginia SAR President Phil Williams was the master of ceremonies.
     The celebration included a Friday night dinner at Ernie's Restaurant, featuring a seafood buffet and brief talks from the principals involved in the celebration.
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The gathering at Ernie's Restaurant
     Saturday morning came very cold, but clear.  Unfortunately previous snows and high water had left behind mud in the area of the outdoor ceremony, so the festivities were confined to the auditorium at the Prizery in South Boston.
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Master of Ceremonies Phil Williams addresses the audience.
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Mid-Atlantic District VPG George Jones address the audience.
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Virginia SAR 1st Vice President Ed Truslow addresses the audience.
     After remarks by local government officials, greetings were presented in behalf o the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution by Mid-Atlantic District VPG George Jones, and on behalf of the Virginia Society by 1st Vice-President Ed Truslow.  Then Dan RIver Chapter past President Douglas  Powell introduced the keynote speaker, Mrs. Janet Uhlar, author of Freedom's Cost: the story of General Nathanael Greene.
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Dan River past President Douglas Powell introduces Mrs. Uhlar.
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Mrs. Uhlar enlightens us on the accomplishments and trials of General Greene.
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Phil Williams leads the gathering in a salute to Mrs.Uhlar.
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     JROTC and Civil Air Patrol Cadets and Leaders then conducted a parade of colors with 17 patriotic flags, and performed a salute to all active and previous military members.

     Twenty SAR chapters presented wreaths, then the colors were retired to close the ceremony.
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Some of the twenty wreaths presented by SAR chapters.
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The Virginia SAR Color Guard prepares to retire the colors.
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The Parade of Flags continued with a brief parade outside.
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Dwight Whitney's wife Ann and daughter Penny at the ceremony.
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Williamsburg Chapter Announces Memorial At Elam Cemetery

2/1/2016

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