Colonel William Grayson Chapter Celebrates 10th Anniversary

report by Col William Grayson Chapter President Mike Taimi

Color Guard Preparing to present Colors: L-R Paul Chase, Barry Schwoerer, Paula Schwoerer (DAR), Justin Thomas, Will Elston (CAR), Conner Wadlin (New inductee), Dave Adamy

The Colonel William Grayson Chapter of VASSAR celebrated its 10th Anniversary Saturday night at a dinner where the Chapter hosted present and former SAR officers, current officers of the Virginia Children of the American Revolution, elected officials, and honored thirteen CWG Chapter Charter members attending the event.
 
CWG President T. Michael Taimi was master of Ceremonies for the first half of the program, Immediate Past President Gary Howard took over for the second half.  The evening was kicked off by presentation of colors led by Chapter Color Guard Commander Paul Chase in Continental uniform.  Color Guard participants included a DAR member in Colonial dress, other chapter members in Revolutionary uniform, a member of Children of the American Revolution, a junior member of the Fairfax Resolves Chapter, and a newly inducted junior member of the CWG Chapter.   Several other members of DAR attended.
 
Festivities included the induction of 14 new members, 12 who were present and 2 who had membership certificates accepted by relatives.   Delegate Anderson was presented the SAR War Service Medal and newly inducted members Roy Richey and Albert Parr were awarded SAR Military Service Medals.   Albert Parr was recognized as the person traveling farthest to attend the event.  Albert lives in Gresham, Oregon
 
VASSAR President Michael J. Elston was keynote speaker.  He challenged the CWG Chapter to continue on their path of excellence and not to rest on their laurels.   The Honorable Richard Anderson, 51st Virginia House Delegate, a member of the CWG Chapter, presented a proclamation from the 51st House District congratulating the chapter for selection as the 2016 VASSAR Best Very Large Chapter.   In January 2018, Delegate Anderson will request a joint resolution of the Virginia Legislature commemorating the Chapters accomplishments.   Prince William County Supervisor for the Gainesville District, The Honorable Peter Candland, also a chapter member, awarded a Gainesville Hero proclamation to the Chapter.  Subsequently, Mr. Candland sponsored a Prince William County  Board of Supervisors Proclamation commemorating the Chapter for 10 years of outstanding performance and selection as 2016 Best Very large Chapter.   The Proclamation was presented to CWG Vice President Barry Schwoerer at the Board Chambers in Woodbridge on Tuesday, 16 May.
 
Other special persons attending included:  The Honorable Ruth Anderson, Prince William County Supervisor for the Occoquan District.  She is the spouse of Delegate Richard Anderson.   Past SAR President Joseph Dooley, CWG charter member, congratulated the chapter on outstanding achievements. Emily Elston, President Virginia Children of the American Revolution, Joe Thomas, President Fairfax Resolves Chapter of VASSAR, Melyssa Stratton-Webb, Regent Elizabeth McIntosh Hammill Chapter DAR,  VASSAR Historian Tom Roth, former VASSAR Presidents Jim Bayne and Bill Broadus (CWG Chapter member and past CWG Chapter President), and past presidents of CWG Chapter Thad Hartman, Bill Collier and Gary Howard.
 
Jim Bayne delivered a talk on his vision leading to the establishment of the CWG Chapter, Thad Hartman talked about the process leading to the Chartering of the Chapter, and Bill Collier spoke on the ten-year accomplishments of the chapter.  
 
Starting with Twenty-five members in 2007, the Chapter membership has grown to 191 members with membership continuing rapid growth.   Members have become active in the community and participate in a great many patriotic events throughout Virginia and adjoining states.  This involvement resulted in the Chapters selection as the 2016 Best Very Large Chapter in VASSAR.

NSSAR President General (2013-14) Joe Dooley

Virginia SAR President Mike Elston

Virginia C.A.R. President Emily Elston

Honorable Richard Anderson, Delegate 51 stDistrict Virginia House, presenting 51 st District Proclamation

Honorable Peter Candland presenting Gainesville Hero Proclamtion to CWG President Michael Taimi

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VASSAR President Michael Elston inducted New Inductees. Spouses of inductees pinned on the SAR Rosette: L-R Michael Elston, Royer Family (John, Chris, Theodore and William), Eric Wadlin and son Conner, Charles Bourgeois and son Thomas, Chris Harris, Albert Parr, Richard Underwood, Roy Richey

Richard Anderson Colonel, USAF (Ret) Presented SAR War Service Medal by CWG President Michael Taimi for service during Haiti Operation Preserve Democracy

Albert Parr and Roy Richey receive SAR Military Service Medal from VASSAR President Michael Elston and CWG President Mike Taimi. Both Albert and Roy served in the United States Naval Reserve