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

On  December 7, 2024, at the Elks Lodge in Hendersonville, North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Chapter held its Chapter Meeting and Annual Awards Luncheon. The Chapter Color Guard presented the colors and Chaplain Tom Rightmyer offered the Invocation. Treasurer Ron Hillabrand led the Pledge of Allegiance. Registrar Mike Burkhart led the SAR Pledge. Craig Issacson gave the Welcoming Remarks, and members introduced themselves and their guests.

Assisted by Lance Dickinson, Craig inducted Ken “Doug” Phillips into the SAR and presented his membership certificate and rosette.

Lance Dickinson, Doug Phillips, Craig Issacson

The Minutes from the November Executive Board Meeting were approved. Treasurer Hillabrand reported the current bank balance on hand. Registrar Burkhart reported that the current Chapter Membership numbers are 75 Primary and 3 Dual members. Craig Issacson delivered the State of the Chapter Report. Vice President Garry Linton presented motions to make changes in the bylaws. Changes to Article V, Section 3, and changes to Article V, Section 6 were seconded and approved by all the members in attendance.

Following the Luncheon, Craig Issacson swore in the new officers for 2025-2026: Garry Linton, new Chapter President; Brett Callaway, new Chapter Vice President; Mike Burkhart, continuing as Registrar; and Tom Rightmyer, continuing as Chaplain.

Garry Linton, Brett Callaway, Mike Burkhart, Tom Rightmyer

Awards Committee Chairman Lance Dickinson assisted Craig Issacson in presenting the Martha Washington Award to Gina Linton and the War Service Award to Tim McEntire.

Craig and Gina Linton        Lance, Larry Chapman, Tim McEntire

President Garry Linton and Lance Dickinson presented the following, Medal of Appreciation for Service by a DAR Member to Connie Issacson, Distinguished Service Medal to Larry Chapman,

Lance Dickinson and Larry Chapman

and Ceremonial White Gloves to New Color Guard Members Brian McCall and Bob Wood and they also received a feather for the Color Guard uniform hats.

Lance, Bob Wood IV, Garry, Brian McCall

 

President Garry Linton presented the 2024 EMS Award to Jerry Vehaun.

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Jerry Vehaun

 

The following awards were announced for individuals who were unable to attend: Past President Pin and Certificate to Steve Greene, Lydia Darragh Award to Karen Newhall, Medal of Appreciation for Service by a DAR Member Julia Greene, Roger Sherman Award to David Linton, Henry Knox Award to Ken Weglarz, Meritorious Award to Steve Greene, Military Service Medal to Tom Higdon, and Norman Lyda, and War Service Medal to Steve Greene.

 

Craig Issacson presented Garry Linton with the Chapter President Medal and Neck Ribbon.

Garry and Craig

President Linton then gave closing remarks. Doug Phillips led the SAR Recessional, the Color Guard retired the colors, and Chaplian 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 ghoals for the recognition of the sacrifices our Patriots made for us to enjoy all the freedoms we have today.