Posted: September 5, 2025
A Message from the Chapter
As the leaves begin to change and fall arrives, our chapter continues to grow in strength, purpose, and camaraderie. We’ve welcomed new members, honored our Patriot ancestors, and launched exciting new initiatives like online dues payments and a chapter blog.
We hope to see many of you at our next Chapter Meeting on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM EDT at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne. Please mark your calendars and join us as we continue to honor the spirit of 1776.
Message from the Chapter President
Fellow Compatriots,
As we head into the fall season, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the energy and dedication you’ve brought to the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter this year. Whether you’ve marched with the Color Guard, mentored a new member, helped organize a grave marking, or simply attended our meetings—you’ve helped strengthen our chapter’s mission of honoring our Patriot ancestors through action, education, and service.
The state of our chapter is strong. We are closing in on 100 active members—a milestone that reflects not just growth in numbers, but growth in engagement and outreach. Financially, we remain sound with nearly $8,000 in assets and no need to raise dues at this time.
As we look toward our September 20 meeting, we have much to celebrate—and even more to prepare for. From recognizing outstanding youth and veterans, to supporting Wreaths Across America and planning for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, this is a season of purpose and progress.
I encourage you to stay involved, invite others to learn about SAR, and consider where you might contribute—whether on a committee, at a ceremony, or behind the scenes.
Let’s finish the year strong—together.
In Patriotism,
~ Compatriot Jeffrey W. Jones, Chapter President
OFFICER’S CORNER
Vice President – Compatriot William Pond
Compatriot Pond was elected Vice President during the June 2025 meeting. He brings a wealth of SAR experience and energy to the role and is excited to help lead the chapter into our next season of service.
Secretary – Compatriot Brett Hahn
Since our Spring meeting, I assisted our Treasurer, Bob Scott, in launching online payments for annual dues and donations on our website. We also continue to improve the site’s layout and functionality, making it easier for members to stay connected and for prospects to learn about SAR.
Assistant Secretary – Compatriot Ray King
With the election of Dr. Pond as Chapter VP, my primary duties now involve developing material for the Hoosier Patriot and SAR Magazine along with providing backup support for the awards program. In that regard I would appreciate a heads up on any activates that could potentially be used in the newsletter or magazine. Photos are always good along with a short description of the event. Just send what you have and I will do the rest.
Registar – Compatriot Zach Washler
Be on the lookout for your Dues Notice which will be sent out this fall. When paying your dues, please write one check to The Anthony Halberstadt Chapter covering your National, State, and Chapter dues. Please remember to send your dues as soon as you can after you receive your notice. A lot of people lapse in their membership and have to be reinstated simply because they forget to pay their dues.
If you have any questions, please talk with a chapter officer or send the Chapter Registrar, Zach Washler, an email at zwashler@gmail.com.
Treasurer – Compatriot Bob Scott
We are pleased to report that online payment options are now available for both dues and donations. This will make it easier for members to stay current and for supporters to contribute to the mission of SAR. More details will be included with your dues notice.
Sergeant-at-Arms – Compatriot Gary R. Stebbins
- Color Guard Alert: Following our Sept 20 Chapter Meeting, Color Guard members are requested to attend the dedication of the Pomeroy marker at Leo Cemetery for Rev War Soldier William Berry.
- Nov 1: Col. Augustin de la Balme Ceremony — will include a posting of colors and firing detail.
- Veterans/Wreaths/Flags: Wreath placement at Lindenwood Cemetery is scheduled for Saturday, December 13. If your neighbors regularly display the American flag, let us know—we’d love to recognize their patriotism.
Service Chairman – Compatriot Ron Kohart
Ron continues to lead our volunteer outreach efforts at the VA Hospital and The Shepherd’s House, keeping the heart of our mission rooted in community service.
CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS
In Memory of Compatriot Roger Dean Barnhart
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Compatriot Roger Dean Barnhart, a longtime leader and friend of our Chapter. Roger served the Sons of the American Revolution at the chapter, state, and national levels with distinction for 29 years. His legacy of patriotism and service continues to inspire us all.
Honoring the Life and Service of John Alexander
It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved compatriot, John Elbert Alexander II, on July 10, 2025, at the age of 97. John lived a life marked by faith, service, and unwavering patriotism, and we honor his extraordinary contributions to our chapter, community, and country.
John joined the Sons of the American Revolution in February of 1999, proudly tracing his lineage to nine Revolutionary War patriots: John Alexander Jr., David Beard, Ingram Nunn, George Helm, Robert Allen, William Gleaves, Joseph Nunn, John Royalty, and Peter Gearhart.
2025 Meeting Recap
The regular quarterly Chapter meeting was held on Saturday June 21, 2025 at Allen County Public Library in downtown Fort Wayne. There were three new members inducted along with several award presentations.
New Compatriots Mr. Ronald Spurgeon, Mr. John West and Mr. Michael Shavik were inducted by District Vice President Thomas Whiteman. Chapter President Jeffrey Jones welcomed each new member and member rosettes were presented by acting VP Ray King. The Chapter also announced four other new members and one transfer into the chapter that were not able to attend the meeting. The new members are Adam, Dylan, Layton and Mathew Liddell. The transferring member is Mr. Lawerence Riesser. They will be inducted at the next regular meeting scheduled for September.
Other awards presented at the meeting included Certificaates of Appreciation for continued long term participation in VA Hospital Coffee Service to Compatriots Don Corbitt, Terry Smith, Jeff Jones, Doug Halberstadt, Alan Bradfield and Ray King. The certificates were presented by Veterans Committee Chairman Compatriot Ron Kohart. Membership Anniversary Certificates were also awarded to Compatriots Donald Mark Anderson (25 years), Dennis K. Kruse and Mark Lee Daniels (5 Years).
The Chapter also held a special election to fill the vacant Vice President and Treasurer positions. Compatriot Dr. William Pond was elected VP and Compatrot Bob Scott was elected Treasurer.
The Shepherd’s House Donation
The Anthony Halberstadt Chapter presented $1,600 in material and financial donations to the local Fort Wayne Veterans assistance organization, The Shepherd’s House on June 21, 2025.
Several Chapter compatriots were on hand for the presentation along with representatives of the Chapter Color Guard. The mission of the Shepherd's House is to rebuild the lives of those who society views as hopeless into sober and productive assets to the community. The Shepherd’s House leaders commented “The men who stay at the Shepherd’s House greatly appreciate your generosity.
While staying here at the house, many of the men quickly realize that heart-felt donations such as the one you have made are what help them start a new beginning. And we, the staff, feel as though our prayers are being filled through your donations.”
The Shepherd’s house plans to use the donations in support of their current programs.
Pomeroy Cemetery Marker for Old Leo Cemetery
The Anthony Halberstadt Chapter SAR honored Revolutionary War soldier Patriot William Berry with the dedication of a restored grave marker and wreath-placing ceremony at the Old Leo Cemetery in Leo, Indiana on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
Patriot Berry was born in Virginia in 1763 and entered the service of the United States in February 1781. He took part in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse on March 15, 1781 and the siege of Yorktown and the final surrender of the British which ended the war. After the war he moved to Kentucky, then Ohio and to Allen County Indiana where he spent his final years. He died on January 17, 1842 and was buried in the Leo Cemetery.
New: Online Donations Now Live – Dues Payments Coming Soon
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new online donation page, making it easier than ever to support the mission of the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter.
In addition, we’ll be rolling out online dues payments at our next chapter meeting on September 20, 2025, giving members a secure and convenient way to stay current.
✅ Donate anytime at: https://halberstadt.indianasar.org/donations/
Stay tuned for more updates on dues payments during the meeting.
NEW MEMBER’S CORNER
We are pleased to welcome two new young compatriots: Tyler Daniels and Christopher Daniels, sons of current member Compatriot Mark Daniels. We look forward to their formal induction in September and to seeing them grow in the SAR mission.
Share Your Patriot Story
Do you have a compelling story about your Patriot Ancestor? We are now featuring member-submitted stories on our blog to keep history alive and inspiring.
Send your story to Brett Hahn at halberstadtsarchapter@gmail.com to be considered for a future post.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Stay Connected
Want to get more involved or have a story, photo, or event to share? Reply to this email or reach out directly to Brett Hahn, Chapter Secretary, at halberstadtsarchapter@gmail.com.