Chartered 21 April 1928 in Asheville, North Carolina later became the Blue Ridge Chapter and is the oldest active Chapter in Western North Carolina.

After the presentation of colors, the Invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the SAR Pledge, the Chapter observed a Moment of Silence in remembrance of Compatriot and former Chapter President Jim Brush. The Executive Committee members discussed their business and the Chapter approved President Greene’s slate of awards to be presented at today’s meeting. After Vice President Garry Linton reviewed the main points of the Resolution regarding Monuments to Patriot Ancestors that had been sent out to all chapter members for their consideration, he then moved to approve both the Resolution and the recommendations. Treasurer Hillabrand seconded the motion. and the motion was approved by the members present at this meeting. During our break for lunch, Compatriot Ron Chapman provided vocal and guitar Christmas music for the Chapter.

After lunch, President Greene inducted new member Benjamin Michael Ward into the SAR. Ben then shared information about his Patriot Ancestor.

New Member Benjamin Michael Ward

Assisted by Awards Chairman Lance Dickinson and Anita Burns, President Greene presented the following awards:

Law Enforcement Commendation Medal to Madison County Sheriff (unable to attend)

 

Fire Safety Commendation Medal to Swannanoa Fire Department Deputy Chief Larry Pierson

Emergency Services Commendation Medal to Carl Richard Patton, formerly of Buncombe County EMS, and now Adjunct EMS Instructor at A-B Tech

Distinguished Service Medal to Craig Isaacson

Bronze Roger Sherman Medal to Garry Linton

Bronze Meritorious Service Medal to Paul Grass

Military Service Medal to Mike Burkhart

Wounded Warrior Coin to Lance Dickinson

Bronze Henry Knox Medals to Lance Dickinson, John Boyd, Mike Burkhart, Craig Isaacson, Tom Rightmyer, Larry Chapman (unable to attend)

Medals for Appreciation of Service to DAR Members Brenda Canter and Becky Wood

Certificate of Appreciation to Warren Scott for his outstanding help in finding Patriot graves

Marth Washington Medals to Joyce Hillabrand and Karen Newhall

Martha Washington Oak Leaf Clusters to

Anita Burns, Bette Dickinson, Julia Greene, Connie Isaacson, Jill Chapman (unable to attend)

Length of Service Certificates to

Ron Hillabrand ( Ten years dated July 1, 2011) and John Boyd ( 5 Years dated Sept. 1, 2016)

NSSAR Liberty Medal for Service in Recruitment of New Members to

the late Jim Brush and accepted by Evie Brush

Five Year Membership Certificate to Jeff Hunt (unable to attend)

 

Certificate of Appreciation for support of SAR to Ron Chapman

Lydia Darragh Medal to Julia Greene

President Greene delivered his State of the Chapter Address, both congratulating our Chapter on its accomplishments in 2023 and challenging us to achieve new goals in 2024. The colors were retired in place, Historian Weglarz led the SAR recessional, and Chaplain Tom Rightmyer gave the benediction.

It is easy to see that the Blue Ridge Chapter is an active, energetic, 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 freedoms we have today.