President

It is an honor and privilege to write this, my first, president's message. I first learned about the Richmond Chapter SAR through John Hansbarger, the Chapter's past registrar. I was researching my family at the Virginia Historical Society when this older gentleman approached me at the copier and started talking about the SAR. For those of you who had the pleasure of knowing John, you also know that it is safe to assume that from that point forward he did all he could to bring me in. John was an excellent (and tireless) salesman. A few weeks later I attended my first meeting and I was inducted as a new member at the following month's meeting. Evans Steele was the Chapter president at the time and did not waste any time finding something for me to do. Before I knew it, I was the Treasurer! John was an interesting fellow, and he sparked my interest not only in the SAR, but also in the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and the Society of Colonial Wars as well. I can't help but picture John in heaven talking to his ancestors and finding out all the answers to the questions he couldn't find down here on earth in historical records.

I look forward to working with the rest of your officers to keep the Richmond Chapter the best in the SAR! Please do not hesitate to let me know if you have any comments, suggestions, or ideas for the chapter. This is your chapter and it needs your input! I ask that you also keep in mind any eligible members and bring them in, so that we can maintain and increase our membership base.

Sincerely,

Taylor Cowardin

President Taylor Cowardin presents wreath at Thomas Nelson's gravesite in Yorktown on October 19, 2009.

Secretary William Nash presents wreath at VASSAR/OFPA joint ceremony at Warner Hall in Gloucester County, Virginia on October 17, 2009.

Past President Steve Atkinson conducts Patriot Grave tours at an open house at Shockoe HIll Cemetery.

President Taylor Cowardin along with members of the Richmond Chapter SAR and Spotswood Society CAR participate in the second Shockoe Hill Cemetery clean up day.

Richmond Chapter SAR Dinner Meeting

September 10, 2009

Eighty Compatriots and their guests enjoyed a delicious dinner and an opportunity to socialize at the Westwood Club on September 10, 2009. Dinner was followed by a dynamic keynote speaker, Tony Williams.

Tony Williams, author of the book, "Hurricane of Independence", gave a very interesting account of the untold story of the deadly storm at the deciding moment of the American Revolution.

Taylor Cowardin, President of the Richmond Chapter SAR, inducts five new members: John F. Boggs, Robert E. Halpern, John C. Wilson, and David C. Ansell.

President's Corner - September 2009

It’s hard to believe summer is almost over and soon it will be September! On September 10^th the Richmond Chapter will resume its monthly meetings with the first evening meeting in a long while. We have a great evening lined up for you. Tony Williams, the award winning author of Hurricane of Independence will be our guest speaker and we will be inducting a good number of new compatriots. The chapter has worked out special pricing with the Westwood club enabling us to offer a great price for dinner! Where else can you go and get a high quality dinner for $20? If that isn’t enough, wives and guests are only $15 per person! We want you to bring as many people as you can to the September meeting. Do you have any friends, neighbors or relatives who would be good additions to the Richmond Chapter? Bring them!

The Richmond Chapter has been very active since the last time we met in May. On Memorial Day, The Richmond Chapter presented a wreath at the Virginia War Memorial. A large crowd was present at the memorial service and the Richmond Chapter was one of many military, hereditary and collegiate organizations who presented wreaths. By participating in this ceremony, we took part in the National SAR initiative “Partners in Patriotism” which is meant to build working relationships between various veteran organizations such as the VFW and the American Legion. We also partnered with the Spotswood Chapter CAR to clean up historic Shockoe Hill Cemetery. Close to thirty people took part to rake leaves, clean debris and remove unwanted weeds and vines. The people at Shockoe were grateful. We have planned another clean up day on October 11^th so mark your calendars!

On July 6^th I went down to the Jamestown Settlement Galleries to represent our chapter at the Williamsburg Chapter’s meeting and visited their recently placed Battle of Green Spring Marker. On the 18^th of July our chapter hosted a cookout at the Fisher House along with the Spotswood Chapter CAR. We cooked hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill that we donated to the house earlier this year.

Please mark your calendars for the Virginia Society Semi-Annual Meeting to be held this year in Norfolk from September 18^th through 20^th. I, along with several other members of our chapter will be present at the meeting but we would like to have even more people so that we can make a strong presence down in Norfolk.

I am looking forward to seeing you on September 10^th!

Patriotically Yours,

Taylor

President's Corner - April 2009

Fellow Compatriots,

It’s hard to believe old man winter has left and spring is finally here! The Richmond Chapter has been quite busy since the beginning of the year. In addition to having chapter meetings in January and March, we also hosted the 2009 Virginia Society Annual Meeting. Many thanks go out to Steve Atkinson, Richard Jarvis, James Robeson, Bill Nash, George Corbett, Brent Morgan and those who helped out with this major undertaking. We received the Chapter Excellence Award streamer and the Knight Essay Award streamer at the Saturday afternoon awards ceremony at St. John’s Church. Jillian Byles, Richmond’s pick for the Knight Essay competition was selected by VAS-SAR to advance onto the national competition. James Triesler, Richmond’s pick for the Teacher of the Year was also selected by VASSAR to compete at the national level. This is the first time the Virginia Society has selected someone to compete for the Tom and & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award. At Saturday’s banquet Steve Atkinson was awarded the Virginia Society’s Presidential Award for all his hard work coordinating the Annual Meeting and his dedicated service to the Virginia Society. The Richmond Chapter was presented with a check for $500 from VASSAR in appreciation for hosting the Annual Meetings.

Along with several other Richmond Chapter members, I represented the SAR at the Sons of The Revolution in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s annual George Washington’s Birthday Dinner held at the Commonwealth Club on Saturday, February 21st. It was a fine evening with former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating being the key note speaker.

The Richmond Chapter has also been actively supporting the Children of the American Revolution. The Spotswood Society held its 85th birthday celebration on February 22nd and I was present to bring greetings. The Spotswood Society is very grateful for our support and presented us with a certificate of appreciation. Steve Atkinson also received a certificate of appreciation as well. On the 28th we along with the William Byrd Society presented the Veterans Hospital’s Fisher House with a children’s table and chair set. The people at the Fisher house were very appreciative of the gift. Several members of our chapter’s Board of Managers chipped in together to purchase a gas grill for the Fisher House. Now patients and their families can have barbecues during their stay at the house. We hope this improves the rehabilitation of our wounded and injured veterans. The Richmond Chapter looks forward to helping the Fisher House with projects in the future.

On March 14th I went to Hampton to represent the Richmond Chapter at the Virginia Society, Order of Founders and Patriots/Daughters of the Founders and Patriots/Thomas Nelson Chapter, SAR Plaque Dedication Ceremony at historic St. John’s Episcopal Church. If you have not been to Hampton, I would suggest you check it out. They have a great history museum and St. John’s Church has claim to being the oldest church in North America. The church structure itself may not be the oldest but the congregation has met continuously since 1610.

Looking into the future, the Richmond Chapter’s September 10th meeting will be held in the evening. Many of our members have trouble making the luncheons so we decided to hold an evening meeting. We have set up a special price with the club and we encourage you to bring your wives to this meeting! Our speaker will be Tony Williams, author of the book Hurricane of Independence: The Untold Story of the Deadly Storm at the Deciding Moment of the American Revolution. He will speak about his work and hold a book signing at the end of the meeting. Make sure to mark to calendars! More information will be reveled shortly.

As always, if you have any questions, comments or ideas don’t hesitate to let me know.

Patriotically Yours,

Taylor

Passing of Richmond Chapter Past President James Suddeth

James Suddeth
SUDDETH, Lt. Colonel James A. (U.S. Army, Ret.), age 88, died in his sleep on August 31, 2009. His beloved wife of 66 years, Anne Dodson Suddeth; and son, J. Allen Suddeth and daughter-in-law, Grace T. Suddeth, survive him. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Annelle Suddeth Reid; and son-in-law, David A. Reid. He had four grandchildren, Richard Cooper Reid and David Alvin Reid of Richmond, and Nicole Hunter Suddeth and Patrick Allen Suddeth of Glen Ridge, New Jersey. He was born in Winterville, Georgia on February 1, 1921, and moved to Atlanta during his high school and college years. Attending Georgia Tech, he met and married his future wife, Anne, and accepted a commission into the Army in 1943. He served with distinction for 23 years, with postings in Martinique, Puerto Rico, the Pentagon, Ft. Leavenworth, Ft. Bragg, Ft. Monmouth, Korea, Vienna, and Paris. After retiring from the military, he worked for Martin Marietta, the Philip Carey Corporation, The Bank Building Corporation, and in commercial real estate. He held a B.S. degree in Military Science from the University of Maryland. A restless intellect, he went back to college when he was about 70, earning a Master's Degree in Humanities from the University of Richmond. A golf and tennis fan, a stamp and coin collector, and raconteur, he was in his element at diplomatic parties in Paris in the 1960s and around Richmond. He was also an avid student of history, and counted among his interests membership in the Sons of the American Revolution (where he was past president of the Richmond chapter), the Jamestowne Society, and the Society of Colonial Wars. He was also a member of the Reveille United Methodist Church. The Suddeths will miss his wit, his strength, his stories, his French "bon mots" and his dapper appearance. His rem ains rest at the Huguenot Chapel of Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Road, where the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Hollywood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels.

Barton Campbell, George Corbett, Taylor Cowardin and Jim Robeson attended the Virginia War Memorial's annual Memorial Day Ceremony and presented a wreath on behalf of the Richmond Chapter SAR.

Richmond Chapter SAR Luncheon

May 14, 2009

Colonel P. L. Taylor, Jr. spoke to the Richmond Chapter SAR about black Americans who served in the U.S. military.

Tuskegee Airmen, 1941-1949, Howard Baugh Chapter, Petersburg, Virginia

The first black parachute battalion known as the Triple Nickel, aka 555th Airborne

Petty Officer Third Class P. L. Taylor in Company 1132, 18th Regiment, Great Lakes Illinois - 1943.

Col. P.L. Taylor, Jr. and his wife Ann

Historian, Bruce Venter spoke to the Richmond Chapter SAR about a field and walking tour to be held in Charleston South Carolina on November 4-7, 2009 describing the exploits of the Swamp Fox: Francis Marion, hero of the Revolutionary War in South Carolina.

George Corbett presents Cadet Dillion Bayers the SAR Bronze Medal at an awards Ceremony on May 8, 2009 at the Manchester High School JROTC Program. Cadet Bayers will become the Manchester High School JROTC Battalion Commander next year.

The James Monroe Birthday Ceremony was held at Hollywood Cemetery on April 28, 2009. Richmond Chapter compatriots attending the ceremony included; Mark Brennan, Taylor Cowardin, Brent Morgan, Peter Broadbent, Rev. Ramsey Richardson, and Ron DePue.

First Vice President James Robeson represents the Richmond Chapter SAR at the wreath laying ceremony at Battersea on April 18, 2009, commemorating the Battle of Petersburg.

Richmond Chapter SAR Luncheon

April 9, 2009

Thirty-one compatriots and their guests attended the April 9th 2009 luncheon at the Westwood Club. Two amendments to our Constitution and By-Laws were approved by a quorum of the membership. The first amendment established a Youth Membership in the Richmond Chapter SAR. The second amendment established the office of Assistant Treasurer.

Speaker, Jeff Wrobel gave an interesting talk about the history of the Mutual Assurance Society of Virginia. Founded in 1794, the Mutual Assurance Society insured the properties of John Marshall, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and Thomas Jefferson's property at Monticello.

President Taylor Cowardin presents Steve Atkinson with his Past President pin and certificate.

President Taylor Cowardin presents David George with a Certificate of Appreciation and Medal for his dedicated service as former Editor of the Cryer Richmond Chapter Newsletter. Under David's leadership, the Cryer Newsletter received an Award from the National Society Sons of the American Revolution.

President, Taylor Cowardin inducts Dr. Burness Ansell as Assistant Treasurer of the Richmond Chapter SAR.

Presentation of Grill to Fisher House

April 4, 2009

Steve Atkinson, George Crutchfield, and George Corbett present a grill to the Fisher House at the McGuire Medical Center in Virginia on April 4, 2009.

Richmond Chapter SAR Luncheon

March 12, 2009

VASSAR President, William Simpson, spoke to the Richmond Chapter SAR about the Revolutionary War in Virginia. He demonstrated the important role that General Marquis de Lafayette played in the Virginia campaigns leading up to the victory in Yorktown. President Simpson also described VASSAR administrative changes which will give budgetary planning and execution responsibility to the incoming VASSAR officers. VASSAR is also committed to providing more timely distribution of annual reports so that the Virginia chapters can more effectively plan their activities for the coming year. The major project he would like each chapter to focus on in 2009 is celebrating their chapter history. If any senior compatriots in the Richmond Chapter have old photographs or news articles of Richmond Chapter meetings and events, please forward them to President Taylor Cowardin for this project.

Twenty eight compatriots and their guests enjoyed a delicious salmon luncheon at the Westwood Club followed by an interesting presentation by VASSAR President, William Simpson.

William Nash received an Oak Leaf Pin for his Liberty Medal, having enlisted ten new members to the Richmond Chapter SAR in 2008.

Past President, Steve Atkinson, received a certificate of appreciation for his support of the Spotswood Society CAR in 2008.

Compatriot, Rusty McGuire presents the Honorable Kirby Porter, Prosecuting Attorney for the Commonwealth of Virginia, with the Law Enforcement Award.

2009 VASSAR Annual Meeting in Richmond

February 13-14, 2009

The 119th Annual Meeting of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution was held at the Holiday Inn Select Hotel Kroger Conference Center, in Richmond, Virginia on February 13-14, 2009.

The reenactment of the Second Virginia Convention, which included Patrick Henry's famous speech, "Give Me Liberty of Give me Death", was presented at the historic St. John's Church in Richmond. This was followed by the VASSAR Annual Awards Ceremony and induction of VASSAR officers for 2009.

Gillian Byles essay titled, "The First Amendment: Religion Clause" took first place in the 2009 Annual Virginia Society George & Stella Knight Essay Contest. VASSAR will submit Gillian's essay in the National competition that will be held at the upcoming National Congress in Atlanta, Georgia.

James Triesler took first place in the 2009 Annual Virginia Society Teacher Award Contest. VASSAR will enter James Triesler as their candidate in the National competition that will be held at the upcoming National Congress in Atlanta, Georgia.

Taylor Cowardin, President of the Richmond Chapter SAR, received a 2009 Chapter Excellence Award from the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution.

Richmond Chapter SAR Luncheon

January 8, 2009

A total of twenty nine compatriots and four guests attended the Richmond Chapter SAR Awards Meeting on January 8, 2009.

Ms. Gillian Byles read her Essay titled "Framing the Constitution: Development and Application of the Religion Clause", which she entered in the VASSAR, George & Stella Knight Essay Contest. Stephen Atkinson presented Gillian with a $75 award from the Richmond Chapter, and she will compete in the State Knight Essay competition in February. Gillian's mother, Lisa Byles, accompanied her very talented daughter to the SAR luncheon and meeting.

Gillian Byles is a senior at Maggie L. Walker Governor's School for Government and International Studies. She is a member of the National Honors Society, National Latin Honors Society and National French Honor Society. She is the secretary for the National History Honors Society and publicity director of Student Pugwash, a nationwide organization that strives to examine and discuss the interconnectedness of public policy, science, ethics and technology. We wish Gillian the very best in the Knight Essay Contest and her future studies and career in Government.

The Richmond Chapter's Teacher of the Year for 2008 is James E. Triesler, a teacher of honors level United States History and Historical Research at the Math and Science High School at Clover Hill in Midlothian. Jim has said that when he first heard students say "I hate history" or "history is boring" he thought it was because they felt disconnected from the subject. In order to involve his students in a more personal way, he had them begin by researching their own family backgrounds and learning something about their own ancestry. A difference in their interest was noted as the students began to see a connection between their own history and that which was taught in the classroom.

This idea evolved into an elective course in Historical Research which has become one of the school's most popular and one that it always filled to capacity. Jim's classroom has been described by colleagues as a "mini-museum," as students prepare projects on historical eras, events and wars.

The coordinator of the Math and Science High School has observed the high level of motivation and sense of pride in their heritage shown by the students. He has said that "no class I have witnessed in my twenty years in education has come close to this level of impact on the individual and the community."

Jim Triesler has received numerous honors, including both Chesterfield County and Central Virginia Teacher of the Year, the Halsey Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Virginia Historical Society and an invitation from the Library of Virginia to serve as an advisor to the Sesquicentennial Civil War Commission. The History Channel's "Save Our History" award was presented to the Historical Research class for their project on World War II.

It has been a long time since "I hate history" has been heard. And in the words of Jim Triesler himself - "Who says history is boring? Not my class."

President Taylor Cowardin inducts compatriot Richard Ansell into the Richmond Chapter SAR at our January 8, 2009 Meeting. His father, Dr. Bruness Ansell, proudly pinned on his SAR rossette.

Christmas Dinner - December 14, 2008

The Richmond Chapter SAR had the largest attendance ever to our Christmas Dinner at the Westwood Club on Sunday December 14, 2008. Over 70 compatriots with their family and friends attended this festive Christmas turkey dinner. The ladies were all treated to a Christmas gift bag. Many thanks to Jim Robeson for his outstanding work in planning this memorable event .

Incoming President, Taylor Cowardin presents outgoing President, Steve Atkinson with the Virginia Society Chapter Service Certificate and Medal for his outstanding contributions to the Richmond Chapter during his two years of service as President. Under Steve's leadership the Richmond Chapter has grown by 15% to over 130 compatriots. Thank you Steve!

President Taylor Cowardin inducts compatriot Dana Law, Jr. into the Richmond Chapter SAR at our Christmas Dinner on December 14, 2008

Bronze Good Citizenship Award - December 6, 2008

The Sons of the American Revolution - Richmond Chapter (SAR-RC), had the honor and privilege to present the Bronze Good Citizenship medal to James P. “JP” McGuire at DSCR Conference Center today after MG John McLaren presented Sergeant McGuire with the Bronze Star and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals. In addition, as an unannounced and surprise award, Compatriot MAJ Russell McGuire also received the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

SGT James McGuire graduated from J. R. Tucker High School here in Richmond, where he competed on the wrestling team. He enlisted in the United States Army to serve as a combat engineer assigned to the 3^rd Infantry Division. Rusty McGuire, his cousin, and he served together in Iraq in 2005, where SGT McGuire earned the Combat Action Badge.

On his 2^nd tour in December 2007, he was injured in an explosion while serving on a dismounted patrol. Injuries sustained in the action caused him to lose his leg. Rusty often tells people that while they wounded his body they did not wound his spirit. While recovering in Walter Reed Hospital, he joined two other veterans to form the Iraqi Freedom Veterans Plate Project. Their goal of establishing Iraqi Freedom Veteran License plates was completed in just six weeks!

SGT McGuire, many thanks for your service. We are honored to be included with your family.

Flag Award - December 3, 2008

Richmond Chapter President, Steve Atkinson, at the Hines Riverfront Plaza in Richmond where three American flags have been prominently displayed since the 9-11 attack on the World trade Center.

Mark Brennan, Chairman of the Board of Managers, Richmond Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, presents our 2008 flag award to Ken Williams, Property Manager of the Hines Riverfront Plaza.

This year is the seventh anniversary of the 9-11-2001 attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and possibly the Capital or White House had they not been bravely defended by our citizen heroes over Pennsylvania. The Hines Riverfront Plaza has displayed the American Flags in the front windows of both towers since that time, to memorialize that stark event. One of the tenants at the Riverfront Plaza lost all of their colleagues in the World Trade Center, which really brings this evil attack close to home.

The Richmond Chapter SAR recognizes Hines Riverfront Plaza's steadfast, thoughtful, and appropriate memorial to honor those who lost their lives, their loved ones, and all friends of the United States of America.

Richmond Chapter SAR Luncheon

November 13, 2008

Colonel L.W. "Chip" Houston (U.S. Marines) and President of Afton Services spoke to the Richmond Chapter SAR about the special needs of our wounded veterans at McGuire hospital in Richmond.

Wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines have a long and very difficult road ahead. Most are young, and their lives and the lives of their families have been forever changed protecting our freedom. Regardless of their gender, race, or ethnic heritage, these wounded American heroes and their families clearly understand the high cost of freedom.

They need and deserve all the support we can give them. Simply put, helping the families is the right thing to do. The purpose of the fund is to raise money and assist these families while they are here in Central Virginia. FOTW, Inc. been doing this since 2005. FOWT, Inc has donated 1.4 million dollars to this charity. The Richmond Chapter SAR has donated $600 to FOTW in 2008, and compatriots are encouraged to make their own tax deductible donations to this most worthy cause.

Steve Atkinson presents Dr. Burness Ansell with the rank of Colonel in the VASSAR First Virginia Regiment. Dr. Ansell is the highest ranking officer in the Richmond Chapter of the First Virginia Regiment.

Compatriot Wayne Brooke-Devlin was inducted into the Richmond Chapter SAR at our November 13th meeting.

A quorum of 27 compatriots unanimously approved the following slate of officers for 2009.

President - Taylor Cowardin

1st Vice President - James Robeson

2nd Vice President - George Corbett

3rd Vice President - John Forsythe

Secretary - William Nash

Treasurer - Richard Jarvis

Chaplain - George Corbett

Surgeon - Dr. David Harpole

Chancellor - Brian K. Miller

Registrar - Brent Morgan

Historian - George Crutchfield

Sergeant at Arms - Lowell Flickinger

Yorktown Celebration - October 19, 2008

Laying of the Wreath at Governor Thomas Nelson's Grave

at Grace Episcopal Church in Yorktown

Richmond Chapter SAR Officers at Yorktown

Taylor Cowardin, Steve Atkinson & Greg Carter

French Sons of the American Revolution Meet in Croisic, France

on October 18, 2008 to Celebrate the Victory at Yorktown.

A great number of sailors, originating in Croisic, France fought in the

squadrons of the admirals d' Estaing and de Grasse during

the War of American Independence.

Richmond Chapter SAR Luncheon

October 9, 2008

Ms. Janet Appel, Executive Director of Shirley Plantation, and Mr. Julian Charity gave us a facinating history and current status of Shirley Plantation, home to the Carter family for over 300 years. It is the oldest run business in the Northern Hemisphere.

Lowell Flickinger was awarded a citation and made a Captain in the 1st Virginia Regiment for his generous donation to the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Taylor Cowardin reminded us of the Yorktown Day Celebration on October 19, 2008. The Nelson grave ceremony will be at 10:15 am followed by the parade at 1:30 pm.

Richmond Chapter SAR Luncheon

September 11, 2008

Irvin Owings spoke to the Richmond Chapter SAR about Lord Dunmore, the British Royal Governor of Virginia, and his attempt to remove the gunpowder from the magazine in Williamsburg.

Chaplain George Corbett gave a memorial invocation on the 7th anniversary of this 9-11 terrorist attack on our nation. Col. Barton Campbell made a fitting tribute to the more than two thousand victims who lost their lives and challenged us to remain ever vigilant in fighting terrorism.

I am honored to announce that we adopted the Constitutional amendments that give tribute to our Past Presidents and elder members who are eighty-five and older.

Nineteen Richmond Chapter Compatriots, including thirteen past presidents of the Richmond Chapter, were awarded Virginia Society Chapter Service Medals and Certificates.

1. Howard E. Bartholf Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving as President, Chairman of the Board of Managers, and thirty-five years as ROTC/JROTC Awards Chairman

2. Leslie K. Updike Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving as Chapter Treasurer, supporting the Grave Marking Program, support of the flag award program and drafting key revisions to the Constitution & Bylaws.

3. Richard L. Jarvis Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving two years as Chapter Treasurer with sound fiscal advice, developing the Chapter website, serving as Webmaster, support of the graves program, and drafting key revisions to the Constitution & Bylaws.

4. Christopher J. Evans Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving as Chapter Secretary, production of the Chapter Member Directory, ROTC/JROTC Awards Chairman, Editor of the Chapter newsletter and substantial fi-nancial and voluntary support for the Chapter newsletter.

5. Mark S. Brennan, Sr., Esquire Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving as Chapter Treasurer, President, and Chairman of the Law Enforcement Award Pro-gram.

6. James Robeson, III Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving as Chapter Secretary, Vice President, support of the Grave Marking Program, and SAR Education Outreach Program.

7. Gregory W. Carter Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving as founder and editor of the Chapter newsletter, President, and Chairman of the Board of Managers.

8. Robert L. Massie, Jr. Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving as Chairman of the Teacher of the Year Awards Program for eight years.

9. Arthur H. Taylor, III Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving as President, Chairman of the Board of Managers, and Chairman of the Fire Safety Award Committee.

10. Roderick D. Brown Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving as Chaplain, President, and Chairman of the Board of Managers.

11. James Cremins, Sr., Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving as, President, and Chairman of the Board of Managers, assisting Howard Bartholf with the JROTC Program, and legal advice regarding the Constitution and By-Law.

12 John Crouch, Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving as President, and Chairman of the Board of Managers

13. David Harpole, MD, Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving as President, and Chairman of the Board of Managers.

14. Reno Harp, III Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving as President, and Chairman of the Board of Managers.

15. Eugene Lewis, Jr., Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving as President, and Chairman of the Board of Managers

16. Brian Miller, Esquire, Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving as President, and Chairman of the Board of Managers

17. W. Baxter Perkinson Sr., Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving as President, Chairman of the Board of Managers and supporting the cause of veterans.

18. James Suddeth Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter serving as President, and Chairman of the Board of Managers.

19. Lowell Flickinger Awarded for outstanding service to the Richmond Chapter as Sergeant at Arms and Chairman of the Eagle Scout Award Committee.

Richmond Chapter SAR Luncheon

May 8, 2008

Richmond Chapter Registrar, Brent Morgan, delivered an interesting and informative talk on researching your Revolutionary War Veteran. Some of the books and resources he recommended included the following.

Revolutionary War Genealogy by George Schweitzer. A good 'how to' book with an extensive bibliography. Knoxville, TN. The Author. 1987.

WRSSAR Centennial Register, 1892-1992. By the Western Reserve Society, Sons of the American Revolution. Cleveland, 1992. (Many chapters will have their respective registers reproduced into some format and these can be helpful)

Index to Revolutionary War Service Records / transcribed by Virgil D. White. Four volumes. National Historical Publishing Company. Waynesboro, TN. 1995.

Genealogical Abstracts of Revolutionary War Pension Files / abstracted by Virgil D. White. National Historical Publishing Company, Waynesboro, TN. 1890-1992.

Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications in the National Archives. AKA Hoyt's Index. National Genealogical Society, 1976.

Bible, Family & Marriage Records Gleaned from Pension Applications / compiled & published by Helen M. Lu, Gwen B. Neumann. Dallas, TX. 1980. www.revwarpatriot.publishers.com

The DAR Patriot Index. Daughters of the American Revolution. The Society. Washington, D.C.

PERSI - Periodical Source Index. An ongoing project of the Allen County Public Library. Fort Wayne, IN

The War of the Revolution by Christopher Ward, Macmillan Co. New York. 1952. (I recommend this as a resource to understanding the American Revolution).

President Atkinson Inducts Compatriot Jeffrey Wrobel

Richmond Chapter SAR Luncheon

April 10, 2008

Speaker Art Batten VASSAR President

VASSAR President Art Batten delivered a challenging message encouraging Compatriots of the Richmond Chapter SAR to make it a priority to read several books about the American Revolution in 2008. Some of his suggestions for very interesting reading about the American Revolutionary War included the following.

Unlikely Heroes: Ordinary Men & Women Whose Courage Won the Revolutionary War, by Ron Carter

Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised our Nation, by Cokie Roberts

The Green Dragoon: The Lives of Banastre Tarleton and Mary Robinson, by Robert D. Bass

Lafayette: His Part in the American & French Revolutions, by Harlow Giles Unger

Benjamin Lincoln & the American Revolution, by David B. Mattern

William Preston & the Allegheny Patriots, by Patricia Given Johnson

29 Compatriots enjoyed listening to Speaker Art Batten

after a delicious luncheon at the Westwood Club

President Atkinson inducts Compatriot Peter Sizemore

President Atkinson inducts Compatriot Robert Tatum

with son Steve Tatum pinning his rosette

Compatriot George Corbett presents

SAR Bronze Good Citizenship Award to

Petty Officer First Class Jessica Clow

at 1st Annual Navy Sea Cadets Ball on April 19, 2008

Steve Atkinson and George Corbett present SFC Jonathan Grundy the SAR Bronze Good Citizenship Award at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. SFC Grundy was wounded in Iraq last year resulting in the loss of sight in his left eye and severe damage to his jaw. He is undergoing therapy at the WRAMC and hopes to land a position in the ROTC Program at one of the Virginia Universities. He is a member of the 82nd Airborne Division.

In Memoriam

Compatriot Thomas J. Nash passed away on Sunday February 24th in Richmond. We extend our deepest sympathy to his son William Nash and his family members. Compatriots Jim Robeson and Barton Campbell acted as pallbearers at his funeral.

During World War II Compatriot Thomas Nash joined the Navy in February of 1944 and served aboard the destroyer, U.S.S Philip until May of 1946. Mr. Nash participated in nine invasion operations in the Philippines and Borneo. He was awarded the Victory Medal with two battle stars, the Philippine Liberation Campaign Ribbon with one battle star, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Membership Report

We presently have 137 members including seven new VASSAR members transferring from SAR France who were invited to become members of` the Richmond Chapter. We gained sixteen new members in 2007. Eight members did not renew by the February deadline. Congratulations gentlemen, we have surpassed Past President Evan Steele’s goal of one hundred-thirty (130) members. Please consider bringing in one new member this year. A brother, son, father, cousin and a qualified acquaintance are possible new members. Let’s keep up the good work!

Officers Report

The Richmond Chapter Chaplain, Reverend Rodney Wilson, has taken a position with a church in Roanoke, and will be transferring his membership to the Roanoke Chapter of the VASSAR. Our thanks and best wishes go to Rodney Wilson and his family in this new ministry in Roanoke. We are pleased to announce that George Corbett has accepted the position of Chaplain of the Richmond Chapter SAR.

I am glad to announce that 3^rd Vice President Christopher Evans has decided to remain in the metropolitan Richmond area and will remain an officer. He will continue to serve as editor of the Capital City Cryer. Christopher Evans will also continue as chairman of the ROTC/JROTC/Sea Cadet Awards Program. We personally thank Howard Bartholf for managing this program for thirty-five years and Christopher Evans for serving the last two years.

Compatriot Richard Jarvis has advised we should have an Assistant Treasurer now to facilitate the transition to Treasurer. Please contact Mr. Jarvis or me if you are interested in filling this office.

Annual Meeting Report

VASSAR President Art Batten gave an outstanding address at the VASSAR Annual Meeting held at the Sheraton Park South Hotel in Midlothian on February 15-17, 2008. His speech is available on the VASSAR website, and the Richmond Chapter website - Speeches, Papers & Videos. The Richmond Chapter was awarded five ribbons for our chapter flag at the awards ceremony held at the State Capital in Richmond.

Revolutionary War Graves Registration Award 2007

(thanks to the efforts of Jim Robeson and Richard Jarvis)

Donald W. Baldwin Award 2007 for the most new members (16)

(due mostly to the efforts of Registrar William Nash)

Chapter Excellence Award 2007

NSSAR Congress Attendance Award 2007

Support for the NSSAR Annual Conference Award 2007

By majority vote, we charged Past President Joe Dooley to vote yes for the new NSSAR HQ in Louisville, KY, which was approved at the Spring NSSAR Trustee’s Meeting in February. The 2009 Annual Meeting is planned to be held at Holiday Inn Select Koger Center Midlothian, thanks to the efforts of 2^nd VP Jim Robeson. We will go back to St. John’s Episcopal Church in 2009 as well.

VASSAR First Virginia Regiment

Individuals who make a contribution, or in whose name a contribution is made, to any or all of the three Virginia Society trust funds shall be given a rank in the Virginia Society First Virginia Regiment, based on the level of contribution. You will also receive a lapel pin with the insignia of the appropriate rank in the First Virginia Regiment. This program has already raised $7800 for the VASSAR trust funds.

A $100 contribution entitles the donor to the rank of “Sergeant”

A $300 contribution entitles the donor to the rank of “Captain”

A $500 contribution entitles the donor to the rank of “Colonel”

A $1000 contribution entitles the donor to the rank of “General”

A $5000 contribution entitles the donor to rank of

“General of the Virginia Militias”

Richmond Chapter Compatriots in the First Virginia Regiment

Burness F. Ansell, Jr. MD - Colonel 1st VA Regiment

George T. Crutchfield - Captain 1st VA Regiment

Lowell Flickinger - Captain 1st VA Regiment

Mark S. Brennan - Sergeant 1st VA Regiment

Wyatt F. Davis - Sergeant 1st VA Regiment

Vincent W. Kern - Sergeant 1st VA Regiment

Brent Morgan - Sergeant 1st VA Regiment

Richmond Chapter SAR Website

The Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution has implemented a link in their website to the Richmond Chapter SAR website. When you go to the VASSAR Homepage at http://www.sar.org/vassar/, click on Local Chapters, and then click on Richmond. This will bring you to the Richmond Chapter SAR Homepage at http://home.comcast.net/~jarvisrl/. This link will enable prospective new members to become familiar with the Richmond Chapter SAR and provide them with contacts should they wish to join our Chapter.

Speakers at Richmond Chapter Luncheons

William Clotworthy - March speaker - George Washington and the West

Art Batten - April speaker - VASSAR President's Address

Brent Morgan - May speaker - SAR and Genealogy

2008 FIRE SAFETY & LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARDS

Art Taylor awarded the 2008 SAR Fire Safety Award to the Chief Gene L. Sprouse with the Chickahominy Volunteer Fire Department Station 10 for outstanding volunteer fire service promotion, recruitment, true ADA accessibility, and community service. They won $141,402 in the Circuit City “Firedog Across America” contest in May 2007 in competition with more than 5,000 American firehouses.

http://herald-progress.com/articles/2007/05/24/news/2%20wins.txt

Art Taylor presents Chief Gene Sprouse Fire Safety Award

Rusty McGuire awarded Sergeant R. Glenn Schneider the law enforcement commendation medal on March 13, 2008. Sergeant Schneider was instrumental in forming the BAIT CAR Project. He helped propose this concept to the Virginia State Police three years ago. In 2007, his efforts came to fruition and the program is now in use throughout the State of Virginia. He dedicates his life to the law enforcement profession and considers himself to be on duty at all times. He was selected by the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office as the Officer of the Year for 2007

“Officers put on a uniform every day to go in harms way and don’t always get the recognition they deserve. It is great that we can honor one of Virginia’s finest”, said Rusty McGuire.

Rusty McGuire presents Sgt. Glenn Schneider Law Enforcement Award

Respectfully submitted,

Steve Atkinson