First North Carolina Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Chartered 21 April 1928 in Asheville, North Carolina, and later became the Blue Ridge Chapter.

With approximately 60 members and guests present, the meeting began with NCSSAR Western Region Vice President, John Boyd calling the meeting to order. Chapter Membership Chairman Brett Callaway offered Thomas Jefferson’s ” Prayer for the Nation” as the Invocation. The Blue Ridge Color Guard then formally presented the Colors. John Boyd led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Compatriot John Gosnell led the Pledge to the SAR. President Craig Issacson gave Welcoming Remarks and each member present, introduced himself along with all other guests.

The Minutes from the Executive Board Meeting were approved as presented. Treasurer Ron Hillabrand noted the current bank balance and that all State and National dues for 2023 have been sent to NCSSAR. Flag Committee Chairman Tom Long thanked Compatriot Dan Jordan for his help with Flag Recognition work as they are in the process of doing 5 certificate presentations during the past week. Registrar Mike Burkhart reported that we have 90 members on our roster members (88 Primary and 2 Dual); this total may drop slightly, as a few members did not renew for 2023. In 2022 our chapter gained 17 new members. Craig Issacson acknowledged Blue Ridge Chapter’s sadness following the recent passing of both Compatriot John Huggins and his wife Becky Huggins. Craig recognized Mike Burkhart, Paul Grass, and Ron Hillabrand for their assistance to him with the many details of the Chapter’s operations during his term as President. He then delivered the President’s State of the Chapter which was then followed by lunch.

After an enjoyable lunch with all the fixings, Craig gave an update on the plans for the 2026 SAR National Congress (250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence). The Congress will be held in Greensboro, NC; and NCSSAR has already exceeded its initial fundraising goal to support the event.

The following new members were sworn into the SAR by Craig Issacson and Brett Callaway:

Norris Bond; George Bond, Sr.; George Bond, Jr.; Brent Chapman; Patrick Garvin; Mark Roher. (Patrick Garvin also accepted the Membership Certificate for his broth Jacob Garvin, who will be sworn in at a later date).

NCSSAR State Treasurer Sam Powell sworn in the Chapter’s 2023-2024 Officers: Steve Greene, President; Garry Linton, Vice President; Paul Grass, Secretary; Ron Hillabrand, Treasurer; Mike Burkhart, Registrar; Tom Rightmyer, Chaplain; and Jim Brush, Historian.

Compatriot Powell presented formal white uniform gloves to the Blue Ridge Color Guard members.

On behalf of the Blue Ridge Chapter, President Issacson and Awards Committee Chairman Lance Dickinson gave the following2022 Awards and Recognitions to recipients present today:

Meritorious Service Medals to Larry Chapman and Ron Hillabrand. Distinguished Service Medal to Garry Linton. Roger Sherman Medals to John Boyd, Brett Callaway, and Paul Grass. Lydia Darragh Medal to Evie Brush. Vice President Steve Greene joined President Issacson in presenting Martha Washington Medals to Anita Burns, Connie Issacson, and Laura Lee Jordan.

Craig Issacson presented the 2022 Fire Safety Commendation Medal to Mark Wilson. Steve Green presented the 2022 EMS Commendation Medal to Frank Ronald Reece. Larry Chapman presented the 2022 Law Enforcement Commendation Medal to Brain Ronald Stroup. 

Craig Issacson and John Boyd gave closing remarks. John Boyd led the SAR Recessional and the Color Guard formally concluded the gathering with the Retirement of Colors. Brett Callaway gave the Benediction and the meeting adjourned.

It is easy to see that the Blue Ridge Chapter is an active, energetic, and busy chapter that is always looking for new members to help us reach our challenging goals for the recognition of the sacrifices our Patriots made for us to enjoy the many freedoms we have today.