Anthony Halberstadt Chapter – Sons of the American Revolution
Summer Chapter Meeting – December 13, 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
President Jones read the Mission of the SAR, emphasizing patriotism, service, and education.
Opening Remarks & Mission of the SAR
President Jones provided several announcements:
- Membership Renewal Update: 90 of 99 members renewed (approximately 90% renewal rate).
- Wreaths Across America ceremony to follow the meeting at 12:00 PM at Lindenwood Cemetery, with approximately 1,200 wreaths to be placed. The ceremony would be led by Compatriot Scott Thomas.
- An appeal for volunteers to assist with the VA Hospital coffee and donut service, held Thursdays from 9:00–11:00 AM.
- Books and memorabilia were available on the back table for donation, including Compatriot Archie Lintz’s Electoral College book and items donated by the late Compatriot Roger Barnhart. All proceeds benefit The Shepherd’s House.
Introductions & Guests
Guests introduced included:
- Benita Steyer, Senior Leader, William Berry Chapter NSCAR (not present)
- Melanie Tisdale, Senior Leader, William Berry Chapter NSCAR
- Sue Johnson, Regent, Mary Penrose Chapter NSDAR
New Member Induction
The following new members were announced but not present for induction:
- Layton Liddell, Adam Liddell, Matthew Liddell, Dylan Liddell
Dual Member Recognition
- Steve Kaplan, Past President, Ohio SAR, was recognized as a new dual member of the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter (not present).
Program: Flintlock Educational Presentation
Presenter: Compatriot Skip Haberly
Introduction: Compatriot William Pond
Compatriot Haberly delivered an in-depth educational program on Revolutionary-era flintlock firearms, including historical context and live demonstrations.
Highlights included:
- Discussion of gunsmiths as master artisans of the colonial era and early American iron production as a mark of American exceptionalism.
- A frontier “campfire story” from Boonesborough (1776) involving Daniel Boone and the rescue of his daughter Jemima, later inspiring James Fenimore Cooper’s Last of the Mohicans.
- Demonstration of a Southern Mountain “Poor Boy” Rifle, including flintlock mechanics, barrel length, accuracy, and rate of fire.
- Showcase of a Sugar Barrel Isaac Haines rifle with a swamped barrel, dog-latch stock, and Lancaster School design.
- Explanation of gauges, colonial gunsmithing techniques, materials, and finishing processes (linseed oil, aqua fortis, and sealants).
Awards & Recognition
Medals
- Sergeant John Drummer – Law Enforcement Commendation Medal
- Sergeant Drummer was recognized for disrupting a major cocaine trafficking operation in Fort Wayne and attended with his K-9 partner.
- John Thomas West – War Service Medal with Bars (Iraq, Kosovo, Afghanistan)
- Ron Spurgeon – War Service Medal with Bar (Vietnam)
- Sue Johnson – Bronze Good Citizenship Medal
Service Anniversaries
- Dr. John Robert Baize – 10 Years
- Ray King – 10 Years
Certificates of Appreciation
- Douglas Halberstadt – VA Coffee Volunteer Service
- Terry Smith – VA Coffee Volunteer Service
Flag Certificates
- Joe & Joan McGrade, Fort Wayne (presented March 2025 by Ron Kohart)
- James Upton, Wolcottville (to be presented December 2025 by Brett Hahn)
Officer & Committee Reports
- Dr. Tom Whiteman: Indiana SAR 250th Commission update; 2026 Spring HoD meeting scheduled April 11, 2026 in Muncie; annual report distributed
- Bob Scott (Treasurer): Dues payments update; approximately 38% paid online via PayPal
Old Business
- Veterans Museum Monument: Update provided by Ray King and Greg Stier
- The Shepherd’s House: Continued chapter support
New Business
- America 250th Grant: Motion approved to allocate the $250 State SAR 250th Grant to support the county-level 250th commission.
- Upcoming Ceremonies:
- Spring Meeting: March 21, 2026
- Summer Meeting: June 20, 2026, followed by a Pomeroy Marker installation at Lindenwood Cemetery
Upcoming Events
- Wreaths Across America: December 13, 2025 – Lindenwood Cemetery
- Spring 2026 Chapter Meeting: March 21, 2026
- Summer 2026 Chapter Meeting: June 20, 2026
- Fall 2026 Chapter Meeting: September 19, 2026
- Winter 2026 Chapter Meeting: December 12, 2026
- Indiana State SAR Spring Annual Meeting: April 11, 2026 – Muncie, IN
Closing
The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming events:
- Spring 2025 Chapter Meeting – March 21, 2026, Allen County Public Library
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