Summer 2025 Meeting Minutes

Anthony Halberstadt Chapter – Sons of the American Revolution
Summer Chapter Meeting – June 21, 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

  • Historical Background on the Pledge of Allegiance presented by President Jeff Jones
  • Posting of the Colors by the Color Guard, led by Compatriot Gary Stebbins
  • Pledge of Allegiance led by President Jeff Jones
  • SAR Pledge led by Vice President Ray King

Opening Remarks & Mission of the SAR

President Jeff Jones welcomed members and guests and 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.”

Jeff shared membership stats:

  • 96 total members
  • 8 new members
  • 1 reinstatement
  • 1 transfer in
  • 1 transfer out

Introductions & Guests

  • Mrs. Linda Stafford, representing the Mary Penrose Chapter, NSDAR
  • New members in attendance with family:
    • Ronald Spurgeon and wife
    • John West and wife
    • Michael Shavlik

Chapter Trivia & History Highlights

President Jeff led a brief chapter trivia session including:

  • Founding of the Indiana Society SAR: 1889
  • Founding of the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter: July 19, 1969, in Decatur, Indiana, by Jim Halberstadt
  • Chapter named after: Anthony Halberstadt, a Hessian soldier turned Patriot
  • Constitution adopted on: June 15, 1970 (Flag Day)

New Member Inductions

Led by Compatriot Tom Whiteman

  • Inductees: Ronald Spurgeon, John West, and Michael Shavlik
  • Rosettes presented by Ray King

Member Patriot Lineage Highlights:

  • Ronald Spurgeon: Descended from James Spurgeon (VA 9th & 15th Regiments, served in four major battles)
  • John West: Researched lineage over 30 years, including time while stationed in Germany
  • Michael Shavlik: Descended from Daniel VanBleet (NY militia and Washington’s spy network)

America 250 Update

Compatriot Tom Whiteman (VP, 3rd District, INSSAR) shared updates on Indiana’s planning for the America 250th commemoration:

  • 250 license plates now available via the BMV ($30 donation)
  • Legislation passed to establish Indiana’s Semiquincentennial Committee (thanks to Sen. Dennis Kruse)
  • A major event is planned for July 4, 2026 at the Indiana War Memorial
  • Public media outreach efforts are underway
  • Donations encouraged to support planning initiatives

Chapter Initiatives

President Jeff noted July’s chapter focus will be on Flag Recognition and Flag Retirement efforts.

Service Awards & Recognition

Service Anniversaries

  • Donald Mark Anderson – 25 Years
  • Dennis Kruse – 5 Years
  • Mark Lee Daniels – 5 Years

Certificates of Appreciation (for VA volunteer service)

  • Donnal Corbitt
  • Ray King
  • Jeff Jones
  • Doug Halberstadt (not present)
  • Alan Bradfield (not present)
  • Terry Smith (not present)

VA Service Project
Ron Kohart spoke about Thursday morning volunteer opportunities at the VA Hospital in Fort Wayne and recognized the above members with Certificates of Appreciation.

Flag Certificate
Ron Kohart shared details of a certificate he awarded to neighbors Joe & Joan McGrade.

Officer & Committee Reports

  • Secretary Report – Brett Hahn
    • Overview of the new Quarterly Newsletter and Email Program
    • Recognized by Jeff with a Challenge Coin
  • Treasurer Report – Bob Scott
    • New treasurer as of May
    • Working to implement PayPal for dues payments
  • Registrar – Zach Washler
    • Encouraged members to contact him if they are not receiving emails
  • Color Guard & Veterans Programs – Gary Stebbins
    • Call for new Color Guard recruits
    • Wreaths Across America is Dec. 13 at Lindenwood Cemetery
      • $5 rebate per wreath to the chapter
      • Wreaths are fully tax-deductible
    • Seeking veteran DD214s for inclusion in the Veteran Service Corps
    • ROTC Awards presented to 4 students this spring
  • Patriot Graves/Public Service – Greg Stier
    • Grave Marking Ceremony scheduled for September 20 in Leo, Indiana for Patriot William Barry
  • 250th Medal & Service Hours – Ron Kohart
    • Encouraged members to report volunteer hours

Program: Revolutionary War Rarities

Presentation focused on the founding of the U.S. Army during the Revolutionary War.

Old Business

  • Veterans Memorial Project – Ray King
    • Effort continues to place a monument at O’Day Road.
    • Scheduling a planning meeting is ongoing.
  • Shepherd’s House Project – Jeff Jones
    • Encouraged donations to support local veterans in recovery
    • Donations accepted via check to The Shepherd’s House

New Business

Officer Special Elections

  • Treasurer: Bob Scott elected to replace Jim Hamilton (transferred to Ohio)
  • Vice President: Dr. William Pond elected to succeed Ray King

Pomeroy Marker Update

  • The grave marker for Patriot William Barry is installed; dedication to be held on Sept. 20

Membership Incentive Motion

  • A motion was raised and passed to approve a special Family Sponsorship Incentive for the next twelve months. Under this incentive, members may sponsor a family member’s application (including parents, uncles, nephews, and children) and receive:
    • $50 off the National SAR application fee, and
    • Waiving of the $15 Chapter dues.
  • Note: This incentive applies only to direct family member applications and does not extend to non-related applicants.

Dues & Donations Modernization – Brett Hahn

  • Fall rollout of online dues payment via PayPal
  • Members encouraged to sign up for auto-renewals
  • Indiana SAR will still mail annual paper invoices
  • Jeff to circulate information about National SAR Lifetime Membership

Closing Remarks & Announcements

  • Reminder of Shepherd’s House check presentation after the meeting
  • Wreaths Across America wreaths can be purchased now
  • Potential schedule shift for Fall Meeting due to DAR conflict
  • Indiana State SAR House of Delegates Meeting: July 26, South Bend – all members encouraged to attend

Upcoming Events

  • July 26, 2025 – Indiana Summer House of Delegates meeting @History Museum in South Bend
  • September 20, 2025 – Fall Chapter Meeting & Grave Marking Ceremony
  • December 13, 2025 – Winter Chapter Meeting & Wreaths Across America at Lindenwood Cemetery

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 Jeff Jones