The Williamsburg Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, presented the NSSAR Flag Retirement Certificate to American Legion Post 1776 on 24 May 2022.  The post places flag collection boxes around the area to collect worn and unserviceable flags for proper retirement ceremonies.  Pictured (L to R) are Post Commander, Gerald Mitchell, and George Corbett, Chapter Flag Recognition Committee Chairman.  Photo by Karen Corbett. ​

​Mark Favazza presents information about the Gaspee Affair at
the RHLC luncheon 6-14-2022

​              The Richard Henry Lee Chapter (RHLC) of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (VASSAR) held a luncheon meeting 14 June 2022 at the Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club (ICYCC). The RHLC President, Michael Rhodes, presided. Rhodes announced the program today will deal with two principal matters: the Gaspee Affair that occurred 250 years ago on  9 June 1772 and Flag Day with the retirement of over 30 damaged and unusable American flags contributed for this purpose by local businesses and individuals.
 But before the program, Rhodes said the first order of business was to present membership certificates to Myron Edwin (Mike) Lyman Sr and to Cary L (Doc) Broadway Jr for 25 and 10 years of faithful service, respectfully. Both gentlemen are residents of Lancaster County.
Next Rhodes introduced the guest speaker for the day:  Mark Favazza a Northern Neck dignitary of the YMCA who has spoken to RHLC several times in the past. Favazza subject was the Gaspee Affair. The setting was Rhode Island.
 Favazza began his presentation by noting that Rhode Island was unique among the colonies sense its charter granted by Great Britain permitted it to have a governing body, a court and religious freedom. The economy of Rhode Island was maritime since because of its rock filled terrain agriculture was limited.
              Like the other colonies Rhode Islanders were becoming upset by the many taxes Great Britain was imposing on them.
In early 1772, King George III, sent the HMS Gaspee and her soon to be hated commander, Lt. William Dudingston, to the Narragansett waterways of Rhode Island, to enforce some very unpopular trade laws and prevent smuggling. Dudingston aggressively pursued his mission repeatedly harassing merchants who were conducting legal operations. He even would often overtake cargo laden ships that had already passed customs inspection in Newport, at the mouth of the Narragansett.
              A group of Rhode Islanders had had enough of Dudingston and the Gaspee and decided they would teach him a lesson.
The Gaspee was an ocean sailing vessel that had a deeper draft than the local ships. They knew that Dudingston was particularly attracted by boats carrying gold. So, they hatched a plan that a ship laden with gold would be heading up the Narragansett on 9 June at a time approaching low tide.
              On 9 June 1772 when the sloop Hannah left Newport for Providence with the rumor of gold on board, the Gaspee gave chase. Captain Lindsey of the Hannah deliberately lured Dudingston across the shallows off Namquid Point (since renamed Gaspee Point), just as low tide was occurring.  The Gaspee ran hard aground on the rocky sandbar and was unable to move or break free.
              The Hannah continued to Providence. Upon arrival, Captain Lindsey reported the situation to John Brown, one of the most prominent and respected merchants in Rhode Island.
Brown immediately assembled a group of militia men. And dressed in Indian attire they manned small boats and rowed down to the Gaspee. When reaching the ship, they wounded Dudingston and took him and the entire crew as prisoners.
The next day the men returned and destroyed the Gaspee by fire.
              The British were furious and demanded that those responsible should be captured and brought to Great Britain to be tried.  This never happened because it was impossible to identify the culprits              because of the Indian ruse and the silence of the Rhode Islanders.
There are those who argue, said Favazza, that the Gaspee Affair was the start of the Revolutionary War.
              Mr. Favazza was greeted with standing applause by the audience and presented a book by the President Rhodes thanking him for his presentation.
              Next RHLC celebrated national Flag Day by retiring over 30 worn and damaged flags that had been given to RHLC for that purpose by local merchants to include Noblett’s and Ace Hardware as well as by ICYCC. RHLC presented a certificate to representatives present who had submitted flags which were Joe Hudnall of Noblett’s and Brian Darlak, General Manager of ICYCC.
              The retirement ceremony followed guidelines provided by the National Society Sons of the American Revolution which included a color guard. The flags are to be burned. This was the first time RHLC has conducted this ceremony but intends to make it an annual Flag Day event.
              The next meeting of RHLC will be 13 September 2022. President Rhodes reminded and encouraged all to attend
the reading of the Declaration of Independence 2 July 2022 at Historic Christ Church. This annual event is jointly sponsored by the Cobbs Hill Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), RHLC and Christ Church. If you are interested in learning more about RHLC contact President Rhodes 1-804-929-1444.

​L-R: Thomas Nelson Jr compatriot Jeff Brown, RHL President
Michael Rhodes, Cobbs Hall DAR past Regent Michele Tucker,
RHL compatriot Mike Lyman

The National Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) through State and local Chapters recognizes outstanding Public Service and Heroism by our First Responders. This is done by honoring the men and women in the public service sectors of Law Enforcement, Fire Safety, and Emergency Medical Services for their contributions to the community and for heroic acts.  It is my pleasure to be here this afternoon to recognize one of these individuals. 
 
Master Trooper (Ret.), Randall “Randy” M. Pieper was recognized during the 248th Commemoration of the Loudoun Resolves event by the Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter, Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution at the Loudoun County Courthouse Grounds on Saturday June 18, 2022.  Master Trooper (Ret.), Pieper was awarded the Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal for his years of exceptional service.
 
Rhett Wade, Chairman of the Public Service Committee of the Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter read the citation along with the Chapter’s President Kenneth Bonner presenting the award.  The Citation for Master Trooper (Ret.) Pieper reads;
 
Master Trooper (Ret.), Randall “Randy” M. Pieper has served this nation and the Commonwealth of Virginia with distinction in the field of Law Enforcement for over forty years.  After obtaining a degree in Criminal Justice he began his career in Law Enforcement serving as Military Police with the D.C Army National Guard after which he joined the Virginia State Police and served for thirty-six years rising to the rank of Master Trooper.   During his extensive law enforcement career, which began in 1977, he has served in many capacities, to include Highway/Road Patrol, Tactical Team, Field Training Officer, and as an Instructor.  While assigned with the Virginia State Police Tactical Team, Master Trooper (Ret.) Pieper has trained with the U.S. Navy Seals, FBI, and a number of other Agencies and is certified in the areas of hostage rescue, observer/sniper, search and rescue, and as an armored personnel carrier driver.  His assignments included the protection and security of high valued facilities after the 9/11 attack, worked the VA/DC sniper case, and participated in numerous drug raids, hostage situations, and assisted riot teams.  Throughout his career Master Trooper (Ret.) Randall “Randy” M. Pieper was a stellar role model and mentor to new recruits as well as his counterparts and was dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of the citizens of this Nation and the Commonwealth of Virginia.  It is with great pleasure and honor that the Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of The American Revolution, presents Master Trooper (Ret.) Randall “Randy” M. Pieper, for his years of service with distinction and devotion, the Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal.
 
Master Trooper (Ret.), Randall “Randy” M. Pieper received the commendation and medal along with his wife, Anne Nelson-Pieper. The Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter of the Virginia Sons of the American Revolution congratulates Master Trooper (Ret.) Pieper on the award of this commendation and medal for over forty years of exceptional service, dedication, and acc

​Pictured from left to right: : Rhett Wade, Chairman, SMJC Chapter Public Service Committee, Anne Nelson-Pieper, , Master Trooper (Ret.) Pieper, and SMJC Chapter President Kenneth Bonner.

​Location: Freedom Park Visitor’s Center, 5537 Centerville Road, Williamsburg, Va 23188
 
Start time: 10:00 AM, 26 June, 2022
 
Point of Contact:  Williamsburg Chapter Vice President John Lynch; E-mail: cslasoz@aol.com.
 
Background of the battle:
 
The 1781 engagement at Spencer’s Ordinary took place between Patriot forces (Virginia militia and a detachment of Continentals) and British troops (John Simcoe’s Queens Rangers and an attached unit of German Jaegers). Both sides failed in their primary mission: the Patriots to cut off and capture the British foraging party; the British to bring back cattle to Cornwallis’ main army in Williamsburg. Simcoe’s troops were forced to retreat from the battle after being flanked but were shortly thereafter met by British troops marching from Williamsburg. British returned to hold the deserted battlefield. The Patriots recovered the cattle and then rapidly withdrew. Today Freedom Park, the intersection of Longhill and Centerfield Roads, the gas station adjacent to the intersection, and the veterinary clinic across the street from the gas station are found within the bounds of this Revolutionary War battle.  

​By Will Thomas
 
BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) - William Preston is well known to many across southwest Virginia. In the area where he once lived, around 100 people went out Saturday to the dedication ceremony of his memorial.
“He would have been humbled. Embarrassed, but thankful of you all here today,” said Tommy Moore, Botetourt County Clerk of Court.
John Bradshaw and Dr. Rupert Cutler are on the Preston Memorial’s Organizing Committee and have been working toward this milestone for more than a decade.
“We’ve been pleased to work for 14 years now to provide this memorial,” said Cutler.
 
Each thanked the many organizations that helped make the day possible, including Botetourt County leaders, the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution and Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution, to name a few.
“I have to commend Botetourt County and the administration, of the support they have given us on this,” said Bradshaw.
“This is an opportunity to do something that both the SAR and the DAR talk about, bringing the Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution together in a patriotic project to honor one of our most important founding fathers,” said Cutler.
Some of Preston’s descendants were also in attendance. They were excited his history can continue to be shared.
 
“I think that this monument is an educational monument. You can really come here, and really learn quite a bit about the location, and the person and I think that’s really what counts,” said Edward C. Preston.
It’s a history that included the enslavement of African Americans on the family’s Greenfield Farm, something Botetourt County Supervisor for the Amsterdam District, Steve Clinton, and Virginia Tech’s Dr. Daniel Thorp dove deeper into.
“Everything about this country that’s great today came at a cost and it’s important that we understand that. That we honestly acknowledge the contributions of all of the people and the cost to all of the people, and to recognize all of the people who helped build this nation, even those who did so unwillingly. This does not diminish William Preston and his contemporaries, it simply puts them in context and completes the story,” said Thorp.
It’s a history that will continue to live for generations.
 
For more information on Col. Preston, you can learn a little more about him from the press release below:
“Colonel Preston served in the Virginia House of Burgesses and was a colonel in the militia during the American Revolutionary War. He was also one of fifteen that signed the Fincastle Resolutions. A licensed surveyor, he with his wife Susanna, established a farm at Greenfield in 1762 where they employed enslaved Africans to raise hemp. He held every major office in Botetourt County when it was created in 1770.”

Official party and Color Guard

Descendants of William Preston

Photo is the combined color guard l. to r. Kelly Ford, Bill Schwetke, Marc Robinson, Ken Bonner, Mike St Jacques, Richard Turner, Thomas "Chip" Daniel, Mark Sink, Allan Phillips and Dale Corey.  

​On 11 June 2022, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter along with the Sgt Maj John Champe and Culpeper Minutemen Chapters of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in an opening ceremony for the Honor Flight conducted by Honor Flight - Top of Virginia (HFTV). 
 
HFTV is a hub of the Honor Flight Network created to honor America's Veterans for their sacrifices.  They serve the Shenandoah Valley, Loudoun County and beyond with top priority to senior veterans along with those that are terminally ill.  They transport the veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the various memorials on the mall and then are taken to Arlington National Cemetery to watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  The Top of Virginia conducts three flights a year.  The remaining trip for 2022 will be from Harrisonburg on 24 Sep.  They accept applications from veterans who served prior to 1975. 
 
At the 11 Jun event, the veterans arrived for a social time and pictures from 7:00 - 7:30 and all have a guardian assigned to assist them throughout the day.  The flight visits the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam Memorials with a box lunch provided to all who attend.  The changing of the guard is the final stop and they are then returned to the point of debarkation where they are met with flag waving fans of our American heroes.  The opening ceremony consisted of the combined Colonel James Wood II, Sgt Maj John Champe and Culpeper Minutemen Chapter Color Guards presenting the colors.  Sentinels Thomas "Chip" Daniel and Mike St Jacques were stationed at the entrance as the guard led by commander Marc Robinson marched into the room.  The guard was called to present arms for the singing of the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.  The guard then retired to prepare an Honor Guard for the veterans to proceed through on their way to the bus.  Guardsmen participating included Ken Bonner, Dale Corey, Thomas "Chip" Daniel, Kelly Ford, Allan Phillips, Marc Robinson, Bill Schwetke, Mark Sink, Mike St Jacques and Richard Tyler 

​The James Monroe Chapter Sons of the American Revolution sponsor a poster and brochure contest that encourages students to study American history. The poster contest is for third. Thru fifth grade students. The brochure contest is for the sixth thru eighth grades. Poster contestants make their posters based on an event of the American revolution and the brochure contest students focus on the fundamental documents of the beginning of the United States. A first, second and third place award is in a monetary form. Firsts place $150.00 second place $100.00 and third $50.00. The winning entry of the chapter contest forwarded to the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution State contest. The 2022 Poster contest winners are Lucas McComb 1st, Liam Gallagher 2nd and Aiden Helms 3rd. Brochure contest winners are Alexis Anderson 1st, Owen Norman 2nd, and Karsen Sanders 3rd. Lucus McComb's poster and Alexis Anderson's brochure took second place in the State contest. Lucus received a check for $100.00 and Alexis received $200.00. All this year’s contestants are students of the Light of the World Christian Academy Dunnsville Va. 

​Pictured: Lucus McCombs, Charles Belfield President James Monroe Chapter and Alexis Anderson

​The James Monroe Chapter Sons of the American Revolution sponsor a poster and brochure contest that encourages students to study American history. The poster contest is for third. Thru fifth grade students. The brochure contest is for the sixth thru eighth grades. Poster contestants make their posters based on an event of the American revolution and the brochure contest students focus on the fundamental documents of the beginning of the United States. A first, second and third place award is in a monetary form. Firsts place $150.00 second place $100.00 and third $50.00. The winning entry of the chapter contest forwarded to the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution State contest. The 2022 Poster contest winners are Lucas McComb 1st, Liam Gallagher 2nd and Aiden Helms 3rd. Brochure contest winners are Alexis Anderson 1st, Owen Norman 2nd, and Karsen Sanders 3rd. Lucus McComb's poster and Alexis Anderson's brochure took second place in the State contest. Lucus received a check for $100.00 and Alexis received $200.00. All this year’s contestants are students of the Light of the World Christian Academy Dunnsville Va. 

​Pictured: Members of the Sergeant John Champe Chapter, Virginia SAR; Carol and William “Bill” Nugent; Chief A.J. Panebianco, and members of the Town of Middleburg Police Department.
​

​Officer William “Bill” Nugent was recognized last night at the Middleburg Town Council Meeting with Mayor Littleton, Members of the Town Council, Chief A.J. Panebianco, members of law enforcement, and the Public in attendance. Officer William “Bill” Nugent was awarded the Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal for his 53 years of exceptional service by the Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter, Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution, in cooperation with the Middleburg Police Department’s Chief A.J. Panebianco.
 
Rhett Wade, Chairman of the Public Service Committee of the Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter read the citation along with Chapter’s Vice President Barry Schoerer and Compatriot Mark Sink.  The Citation for Officer Nugent reads;
 
William “Bill” Nugent has served in the field of Law Enforcement with honor, distinction, and devotion for over a half century. During his career, which began in 1969, William “Bill” Nugent has served in many capacities to include, Police Officer, Investigator/Detective, Motor Unit Sergeant, and even as an acting Lieutenant. His long career began with the Fairfax County Police where he served from1969 until his retirement as a Master Police Officer in 1994. William “Bill” Nugent went on to serve with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office beginning in 1994 until his retirement as the Motor Squad Sergeant in 2018. 
 
After two full careers, William “Bill” Nugent went on to serve with the Haymarket Police Department from 2018 to 2021, and since 2020 has served as a Police Officer with the Middleburg Police Department.  Officer Nugent stepped up and out of retirement, for a brief time, to return to fulltime employment to assist with a staffing shortage caused by two staff members battling cancer.  Among his many accomplishments and awards during his long career, William “Bill” Nugent was honored as the “Police Officer of the Year” in 2019 while serving with the Haymarket Police Department.
 
A quote from Chief A.J. Panebianco of the Middleburg Police Department and President of the Virginia Chiefs of Police Association and Foundation: “I wish there were more Bill’s in the world.  His experience and guidance are invaluable to the town and the officers he mentors…Bill is the perfect example of self-sacrifice and community policing.”  
 
Throughout his career William “Bill” Nugent has been an exemplary employee, role model, mentor and a Law enforcement asset dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of the citizens of this Nation and the Commonwealth of Virginia.  It is with great pleasure and honor that the Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter, of the Virginia Society, Sons of The American Revolution presents William “Bill” Nugent with the Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal.

The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter of the Virginia SAR extends our congratulations to Officer Nugent on the award of this richly deserved commendation and medal for over a half century of exceptional service, dedication, and accomplishments in Law Enforcement. We would also like to thank Chief A. J. Panebianco and all of the members of the Middleburg Police Department for their outstanding dedication and service to the citizens of Middleburg and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Pictured from left to right: Compatriot Mark Sink, SMJC Vice President Barry Schoerer, Officer William “Bill” Nugent, and Rhett Wade, Chairman, Public Service Committee

​Compatriots, As planned, I was interviewed by Denny Gillem on June 7, 2022.  We recorded two 10 minute segments on Hessians and my links to the American Revolution and my veteran service.  Both JSHA and CWGC were mentioned by Denny during his introduction of me.  The segments will air on 180 plus radio stations on June 18 and 19 at various times.  WWRC in Washington DC will air the show at 4 - 6 PM on Saturday June 18. Tentatively, I will be in the second half of the first hour.
 
To find a station near you, explore this link:  https://frontlinesoffreedom.com/radio-stations/ WWRC ( AM band) has a webpage that you can access and they have a Listen Live option.  Frontlines also posts Podcasts.  Denny is using my interview to ramp up to 4th of July and he is interested in the plans for the 250th celebration cycle.  I am supposed to stay in touch with him.  
 
Frontlines of Freedom is a military news & talk radio show designed to address and discuss the most pressing issues facing our armed forces, veterans and their families.

Frontlines of Freedom is hosted by Lt. Col. Denny Gillem, U.S. Army (Retired), a West Point graduate and highly decorated combat veteran who also served as a Mideast War Planner during his 22 years on active duty.