2026 Presidential Initiatives

With a renewed sense of purpose and a deep commitment to honoring the legacy of our Patriot ancestors, the 106th President of the Virginia SAR has launched his administration under the banner of “Witness to History.”

This initiative calls each compatriot to recognize that we are living through a defining moment in America’s story — a moment that invites us not only to remember the past, but to actively preserve it, interpret it, and share it with the generations who will follow. Through expanded historical engagement, strengthened community partnerships, and a revitalized focus on education and public service, “Witness to History” challenges the Virginia Society to stand as visible, credible stewards of the American Revolution’s enduring ideals.

Witness to History Initiative #1: Engage the Community

• Advertise to and invite members of the community (outside of SAR, DAR, and C.A.R.) to attend SAR events – social media, newspapers, flyers, TV.   Be Creative!!
• Make an impression on those that attend your events. Educate them on the mission of the SAR and the purpose of the event.
• Publicize the impact of your event – publish awards and results of contests in the same media outlets.
• Communicate to [email protected]: pictures, description, and impact of the event outside of the SAR/DAR/C.A.R..

Witness to History Initiative #2: Support America 250 Events

• Conduct a Declaration of Independence event – reading, etc.. Bonus points for coordinating an SAR marker about the Declaration, a site where it was read, its impact, etc..
• Complete Virginia's Road to Revolution by attending the Battle of Gwynn’s Island
• Commemorate the Anniversary of the signing of the Virginia Declaration of Rights

Witness to History Initiative #3: Historic Endview Event

• Details are TBD, but support the dedication of an interpretive sign at Endview Plantation in Newport News
• Make plans for enjoying some time at a place that was literally a Witness To History

President's Community Challenge

• Use outreach awards and events as recruitment and public relations,
• Present awards in front of the recipient’s peer group! Use school assemblies to recognize youth and teacher awardees, Scout Courts of Honor to recognize Eagle Scouts,
• Your audience may not be familiar with SAR - Use the opportunity to educate!

President’s Challenge Awards for:

• External Collaboration with Community Participants
• Exceptional Media Efforts
• New initiatives
• Quality Programming

Recognition for broad community participation! Engage!

About our 106th Virginia SAR President

State President Darrin M. Schmidt joined SAR in 2006 as a member of Virginia’s Fairfax Resolves Chapter. His service began nearly immediately as the Chapter Webmaster and member of the State Color Guard.  Through involvement at the chapter, state, district, national, and international levels, Darrin brings a broad range of experiences to his SAR interactions.  

His involvement in self-described “support jobs” turned into leadership positions as Chapter President, State Color Guard Commander and State SAR Orations Committee Chairman. He has served on the C.A.R. Liaison Committee as Chair, and now Vice-Chair. He is proud to serve as the SAR Orations National Chairman, as he previously served as the founding co-chair for the Warren Medal fund which raised nearly $150,000 for the Orations Scholarship fund in its first 4 years and is working to escalate the contest’s top prize to $10,000.

Darrin is a graduate of Virginia Tech where he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Information Technology. Prior to his time at Virginia Tech, he graduated from the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School with an electrical specialty. He currently works as a Systems Engineer and Project Manager for CACI delivering on defense technology contracts providing counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) technology.