Posted: March 2, 2026
A Message from the Chapter
As we move from winter into spring, our chapter continues to demonstrate strength in service, education, and community leadership. The past three months have been marked by solemn remembrance, public recognition, and a tremendous honor bestowed upon our chapter.
From Wreaths Across America to national-level recognition for excellence in education and community service, the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter continues to live out the spirit of 1776. Thank you to every Compatriot who gives of his time, talent, and treasure to make our work possible.
Message from the Chapter President
Compatriots and Friends,
As we begin this new year, I am grateful for the strength and vitality of our chapter. Our renewal numbers are very encouraging. With approximately 91–92 of our 97 members renewing, we are holding steady at roughly a 95% renewal rate, something any organization would be proud of. That kind of commitment speaks volumes about who we are.
Since January 1st, we have welcomed three new members, with one additional application pending. One of those new members is especially meaningful to us; the great-grandson (less than one year old!) of our late compatriot Roger Barnhart. Roger’s dedication to this chapter continues through his family, and it is a powerful reminder that what we do truly spans generations. We have also added two new members in their 50s who are eager to participate and contribute. Additionally, five SAR compatriots have joined our chapter as dual members, strengthening our reach and reputation.
We are within reach of a milestone: 100 members. I believe we can achieve that goal this year. I would encourage each of you to consider sponsoring or inviting one prospective member. Growth happens one conversation at a time.
Looking ahead to this summer, we are actively engaged in the America 250th Celebration. Our chapter was awarded a $250 grant from the Indiana SAR to support local participation. In December, the chapter voted to regrant those funds to the Allen County 250th Commission as part of our partnership with them. I am honored to serve on that commission, and our Color Guard will participate in several countywide events.
One of the most significant will be “The Patriot Walk” at Lindenwood Cemetery on June 20th, a countywide remembrance honoring veterans representing the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. Our chapter will partner with the DAR, CAR, and Lindenwood to honor one veteran from each of those conflicts. We will provide a Color Guard presence and also share information about SAR membership with the public. This is exactly the kind of visible, meaningful community engagement our founders envisioned.
Speaking of Lindenwood, I want to take a moment to celebrate our participation in Wreaths Across America on December 13th. Our chapter met its wreath donation goal, and the cemetery as a whole exceeded 1,200 wreaths placed on veterans’ graves. Several of our Color Guard members attended in uniform, standing alongside compatriots from the DAR, CAR, American Legion, VFW, and the Boy Scouts. A special thank you goes to Compatriot Scott Thomas, Senior Military Instructor at Wayne High School, who brought his cadet corps to assist in placing wreaths. It was a powerful multi-generational display of patriotism, seasoned veterans, young cadets, and patriotic families working side by side in remembrance. Thank you to everyone who donated and participated.
Finally, our Youth Program Competitions are underway. We have received poster entries from elementary students, brochures from middle schoolers, and essays from high school students. We expect to announce winners at our March 21st meeting at the Allen County Public Library, where the students will attend and be recognized. We will also induct new members that day. I encourage you to bring guests, it promises to be a rewarding and inspiring gathering as we celebrate both our youth and our chapter’s continued growth.
Thank you for your continued support, service, and dedication to the principles of our Patriot ancestors. The strength of this chapter lies not just in numbers, but in participation, leadership, and the example we set in our community. I look forward to seeing you in March.
With appreciation and confidence in the year ahead,
Jeffrey W. Jones
President, Anthony Halberstadt Chapter
Indiana Society, Sons of the American Revolution
OFFICER’S CORNER
Vice President – Compatriot William Pond
Compatriot Pond made a donation on behalf of the chapter for a Tombstone Jack, an ideal tool for lifting and leveling monuments and gravestones with ease. This is part of the ongoing chapter efforts to restore Patriot graves throughout the state.
Secretary – Compatriot Brett Hahn
Our website continues to serve as a growing hub for chapter communication. Winter Meeting Minutes are now posted, and we have added new pages for Compatriot Grave Marking reporting and medal requests to keep members informed of national updates.
If you have photos or summaries from chapter events, please send them so we can continue building our chapter’s digital history.
Assistant Secretary – Compatriot Ray King
We are quickly approaching the 250th anniversary of the founding of our great nation, and there are many opportunities to participate in commemorative events and activities sponsored by the SAR, DAR, and other organizations. Local governments and community groups are planning celebrations and are actively seeking volunteers. Please consider lending your support to help make this historic milestone a celebration to remember.
Registar – Compatriot Zach Washler
91 compatriots renewed their membership in the Anthony Halberstadt chapter. If you did not renew, and wish to remain in good standing, compatriots will now need to send their dues along with a reinstatement form which can be obtained from the chapter registrar. Please contact Zach at zwashler@gmail.com.
Treasurer – Compatriot Bob Scott
It is not always easy to make financial updates exciting, but this one is worth sharing. Last year, our chapter received $490 from Wreaths Across America, reflecting the generosity of our members and supporters. This return is a direct result of wreath sponsorships made through our chapter and is a strong indication of how many stepped forward to honor veterans’ graves.
Sergeant-at-Arms – Compatriot Gary R. Stebbins
- Wreaths Across America: It is never too early to start buying wreaths. Our annual minimum goal is 50 wreaths. The link to the donation page is: Overview – Wreaths Across America
- Veterans Service Corps: Veterans with a DD-214 (honorable) who are not yet enrolled; contact me to join the SAR VSC. (National Guard/Reserves special criteria apply.)
- Flag Recognition: Know a neighbor who faithfully flies the U.S. Flag? Send their name for a Flag Certificate recognition.
- Color Guard: Seeking an understudy to become Color Guard Commander at the end of my current term (no military service required). I’ll continue participating and assisting. The SAR Color Guard Handbook is a great resource.
- Black Powder Musket Training: Waiting for details on a possible training session this year. Point of Contact is Mark Kreps.
Service Chairman – Compatriot Ron Kohart
For the past three years, members of our chapter have faithfully served coffee and donuts every Thursday morning at the Fort Wayne VA Hospital. This small act of service has become a meaningful tradition—one that offers camaraderie and conversation with the veterans we honor.
Ron is seeking additional volunteers to help serve on Thursdays. If you’re available and would like to participate, please reach out to him directly at (260) 433-7007 or ronkohart@gmail.com.
CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS
Legion of the United States Award
On December 31, 2025, the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter was awarded the 2025 Legion of the United States Award by the General Mad Anthony Wayne Organization. The award recognizes excellence in education and outstanding community service.
J. Michael Loomis, founder and chairman of the organization, stated that the award reflects the dedication of the chapter to preserving history and performing meaningful service within the community. President Jeffrey W. Jones accepted the plaque during a ceremony at the Allen County Public Library.
We extend our sincere thanks to the General Mad Anthony Wayne Organization for this great honor.
Wreaths Across America – Lindenwood Cemetery
On December 13, 2025, our chapter supported Wreaths Across America at Lindenwood Cemetery. More than 1,200 wreaths were placed, and every veteran was honored, saluted, and remembered by name.
Despite temperatures near 19 degrees, the ceremony was solemn and inspiring. The cold was forgotten as volunteers focused on honoring those who served.
Compatriot William Pond generously donated funds for a grave cleaning tool to support our ongoing preservation efforts.
National Wreaths Across America Impact – 2025
2025 marked an exceptional year for Wreaths Across America nationwide. More than 3.1 million veterans’ wreaths were sponsored and placed by over 4 million volunteers across the country.
The mission continues year-round through educational programs, veteran outreach initiatives, the Mobile Education Exhibit, the National Museum in Maine, and Wreaths Across America Radio.
As a volunteer-based organization, this success would not be possible without dedicated community support. We are proud that our chapter plays a part in this national effort.
Winter Meeting Highlights – December 13, 2025
Our Winter Chapter Meeting featured an outstanding educational presentation by Compatriot Skip Haberly, who shared in-depth knowledge of Revolutionary War long rifles, including their construction, history, and craftsmanship. His program reminded us of the ingenuity and skill that supported our fight for independence.
We also recognized Sergeant John Drummer of the Fort Wayne Police Department, who was awarded the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal for his superb service in the line of duty. Among his achievements this year was the confiscation of over 60 pounds of cocaine during a major arrest. The chapter proudly thanks Sergeant Drummer for his dedication to public safety.
NEW MEMBERS, DUAL MEMBERS & TRANSFERS
New Members
- Compatriot Michael Richards
- Compatriot Beckett Barnhart
New Dual Members
- Compatriot Jacob Vink (Clarence A. Cook Chapter, IN)
- Compatriot William Sharp (Huron Valley Chapter, MI)
- Compatriot Steven Kaplan (Richard Montgomery Chapter, OH)
- Compatriot Mark Mann (South Carolina Society Chapter)
Transfer
- Terry Smith transferred to the Alexis Coquillard Chapter
Welcome to our new compatriots and thank you to Terry for his service while a member of our chapter.
AMERICA 250TH UPDATE
Our chapter has received the expected $250 grant from the Indiana Society SAR. As approved at our Winter Meeting, these funds will be forwarded to the Allen County 250th Commission in support of local commemorative efforts.
One major upcoming initiative is America 250th Day at the Allen County Public Library on May 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event will feature a public showing of the Ken Burns documentary on the American Revolution, informational tables, and community activities. Members are encouraged to participate.
Additionally, we have an opportunity to volunteer during the National Genealogical Society Family History Conference, May 27–30, at the Allen County Public Library. Volunteers may assist with registration, tours, and event support. This is a valuable recruiting and outreach opportunity for our chapter.
Share Your Patriot Story
Help us grow “Mad Anthony’s Journal,” our chapter blog. Submit your Patriot Ancestor story (photo + 1–3 paragraphs) for publication. Email submissions to info@anthonyhalberstadtsar.org or the Secretary.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Spring Chapter Meeting – March 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m., Allen County Public Library Main
- America 250th Day – May 23, 2026, Allen County Public Library Main
- National Genealogical Society Conference – May 27–30, 2026
- Summer Chapter Meeting – June 20, 2026, Allen County Public Library Main (Pomeroy Ceremony at Lindenwood Cemetery following meeting)
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.