Anthony Halberstadt Chapter – Sons of the American Revolution
Summer Chapter Meeting – September 20, 2025
Allen County Public Library – Fort Wayne, Indiana
Call to Order
President Jeff Jones called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM.
Opening Ceremonies
- Invocation – Bob Scott, Chaplain
- Posting of the Colors – Color Guard Commander Gary Stebbins
- Pledge of Allegiance – Brett Hahn, Secretary
- National Anthem – Compatriot Gary Stebbins
- SAR Pledge – President Jeff Jones
Opening Remarks & Mission of the SAR
President Jones welcomed members and guests. He highlighted the availability of a book for donation and referenced the installation of the new Pomeroy Marker at Old Leo Cemetery. President Jones also provided a brief overview of the SAR mission:
“The Sons of the American Revolution honors our Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving our communities, and educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our country.”
Introductions & Guests
Guests included Sue Johnson, Past Regent, Mary Penrose Chapter DAR.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of Compatriots John Alexander and Roger Barnhart.
New Member Induction
The following new members were inducted:
- Tyler Lee Daniels
- Christopher James Daniels
The Daniels brothers trace their lineage to Levin Hieslip, a Revolutionary War soldier who served under General George Washington at Valley Forge in 1777–1778. He fought at Germantown, was captured by British forces, later released in a prisoner swap, and was present during the winter encampment at Valley Forge.
Other new members announced but not present: Adam Clark Edward North Liddell, Matthew Duke Liddell, Dylan Matthew Liddell, Layton Duke Liddell, and Hayden Page Hoover.
Program
“The Electoral College” – presented by Compatriot Archie Lintz
Highlights:
- Benjamin Franklin’s 1787 reply to Elizabeth Powell: “A republic, if you can keep it.”
- Reference to Noah Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language as a guide to constitutional language.
- Distinction between a democracy and a republic; the republic model ensures representatives vote by conscience for the good of the nation.
- President John F. Kennedy’s Profiles in Courage and his defense of the Electoral College in 1956.
- Federalist #10 (James Madison) and examples from Abraham Lincoln’s elections.
- The Electoral College requires candidates to engage voters across the country, not only in major cities.
- Comparisons to other governing bodies, including papal elections.
- Eliminating the system would require a constitutional amendment.
Support Compatriot Archie Lintz by purchasing his books on Amazon here.
Awards & Recognition
- Service Anniversaries: Mark Daniels (5 years), Larry Lawson
- Certificates of Appreciation: Douglas Halberstadt (VA Hospital volunteer)
- Partners in Patriotism Award: presented to the chapter
- Medals:
- John Thomas West – War Service Medal (Iraq, Kosovo, Afghanistan), USAF pilot
- Ron Spurgeon – War Service Medal (Vietnam, 1972), USS Okinawa
- Sue Johnson – Bronze Good Citizenship Medal
Officer & Committee Reports
- Tom Whiteman – Indiana 250th Celebration update (IN.gov/USA250). License plates, radio spots, and statewide planning underway.
- Brett Hahn – Meeting minutes will be made available on the chapter website.
- Ron Kohart – 250th Medal status and service points update.
- Bob Scott – Treasurer’s Report (see Treasurer’s Report for details).
- Gary Stebbins –
- Encouraged participation in the Color Guard.
- Wreaths Across America: goal met, new goal of 100 wreaths. Wreath-laying to follow the December meeting at Lindenwood Cemetery.
- Flag Recognition: members encouraged to nominate neighbors who fly the U.S. flag.
- ROTC Awards presented earlier this year.
- Greg Stier – Pomeroy marker for William Berry dedicated; planning additional for 2026. Report on public service & heroism awards.
Old Business
- The Shepherd’s House – Chapter raised over $1,500 in July to support veterans in need.
New Business
- Online Dues & Donations – Registrar’s due card to be sent in October.
- Anthony Wayne Scout Reservation – Chapter approved $250 donation to support Christmas Camp. Action: Brett to send information to Bob for payment.
- Indiana State SAR Meeting – Scheduled for October 18 in Terre Haute.
- New ACPL Policy – Non-firing flintlocks only permitted in the library. A flintlock presentation is planned for the December meeting.
Closing
The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming events:
- Winter 2025 Chapter Meeting – December 13, 2025, Allen County Public Library
- Wreaths Across America – December 13, 2025, Lindenwood Cemetery
The SAR Recessional was led by Compatriot Ron Kohart, followed by the Retrieval of the Colors (Gary Stebbins, Sergeant-at-Arms) and the Benediction by Bob Scott.
SAR Recessional
Led by Secretary Ron Kohart:
“Until we meet again, let us remember our obligations to our forefathers who gave us our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, an independent Supreme Court and a nation of free men.”
Colors Retired by Sergeant-at-Arms Gary Stebbins
Benediction offered by Bob Scott