Posted: November 21, 2025
A Message from the Chapter
As we close the year, our chapter stands strong, growing in membership, active in service, and steadfast in honoring our Patriot ancestors. Thank you to every Compatriot who supported ceremonies, youth programs, veterans’ outreach, and our new online tools. We look forward to finishing the year together with purpose and fellowship.
Message from the Chapter President
Compatriots and Friends,
As we close out the year, I’m pleased to share how strong and active our chapter has become. We now have 99 members, 97 regular and 2 dual, and it’s entirely possible we’ll reach our long-anticipated milestone of 100 before year’s end. Three new applications are currently being reviewed at National, and we were especially honored to welcome the Past President of the Ohio Society as a dual member. Our continued growth shows the vitality of our chapter and the appeal of what we stand for.
A quick reminder that annual dues are due by November 30. You should have received your dues notice and card by now. You can renew by check or money order, or securely online here.
Your dues directly support our scholarship contests for local youth. Our goal this year is 100% renewal; let’s make it happen.
Our Winter Chapter Meeting will be held Saturday, December 13 at 10am in the Allen County Public Library (Meeting Room A). Families are welcome for a fascinating presentation by Mr. Scott Haberly, a renowned gunsmith, who will demonstrate an authentic Revolutionary-era musket. We will also present a Law Enforcement Commendation Medal to a deserving sergeant from the Fort Wayne Police Department, an occasion that reminds us of the SAR mission to honor public service and patriotism.
At 12 noon that same day, we’ll gather at Lindenwood Cemetery for Wreaths Across America. Our chapter surpassed its goal of 50 wreaths with over 80 wreaths purchased. If you haven’t yet participated, you can still sponsor a wreath here.
Special thanks to Compatriot Scott Thomas and the Wayne HS AFJROTC cadets, who will lead the memorial service and help place wreaths.
Looking ahead to 2026, we’re partnering with the Allen County 250th Commission as part of the America 250th commemoration. We’ve received a $250 grant from the Indiana SAR to support this effort, and we’ll discuss ideas for its use at our December meeting.
Finally, we are again sponsoring our Youth Scholarship Contests (Poster, Brochure, Essay, Eagle Scout). Please encourage your children and grandchildren to participate; these programs promote education and offer meaningful awards. Compatriot Ray King can provide details and entry information.
Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm. Every meeting, every event, and every wreath placed reminds us why we serve: to honor our Patriot ancestors and inspire the next generation. I look forward to seeing you all in December.
With best wishes for a blessed and meaningful holiday season,
Jeffrey W. Jones
President, Anthony Halberstadt Chapter
Indiana Society, Sons of the American Revolution
OFFICER’S CORNER
Vice President – Compatriot William Pond
The IN-SAR Color Guard presented the Colors at the 176th Annual Meeting of the Indiana State Medical Association, bringing SAR visibility statewide (featured on the front page of ISMA Reports, Oct. 20, 2025).
Special thanks to the IN-SAR Color Guard for the ceremony; to Compatriot Tom Whiteman (Past ISMA President) for initiating the opportunity; and to Compatriot William Pond (ISMA President) for facilitating the event.
Secretary – Compatriot Brett Hahn
Our online payments for annual dues and donations are live and running smoothly. If you haven’t yet, please try the dues portal here.
Also, we’re building out chapter history on our blog. Send your Patriot Ancestor story (photo + 1–3 paragraphs) at halberstadtsarchapter@gmail.com to be featured.
Assistant Secretary – Compatriot Ray King
With early cold and snow, now is a perfect time to resume Patriot research and prepare or update biographies for the SAR Patriot Research System, especially as America 250 approaches. If you’d like help submitting updates, I’m happy to assist.
Registar – Compatriot Zach Washler
If you haven’t already, please remit 2026 dues by November 30. Our goal is 100% renewals. If you did not receive a dues card, contact Zach at zwashler@gmail.com.
Pay online here (fastest): 👉 https://halberstadt.indianasar.org/annual-dues-payment/
Paying for multiple people? Submit separate payments and list each Full Name.
Treasurer – Compatriot Bob Scott
Chapter finances remain in good standing. Thank you for your timely dues and generous donations.
Sergeant-at-Arms – Compatriot Gary R. Stebbins
- Wreaths Across America: We achieved 84 wreaths this year, exceeding our goal by 34. Well done!
- Veterans Service Corps: Veterans with a DD-214 (honorable) who are not yet enrolled; contact me to join the SAR VSC. (National Guard/Reserves 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.
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
Pomeroy Marker Dedication: Old Leo Cemetery
Following our September meeting, we held the dedication for the Pomeroy Cemetery Marker honoring Patriot William Berry at Old Leo Cemetery. Berry served in 1781, fought at Guilford Courthouse, and was present at Yorktown. Thank you to all who attended and helped make this a dignified commemoration.
Honoring the Battle of de la Balme: SAR & DAR Joint Commemoration
On November 1, 2025, members of the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter and the Continental Chapter of the Indiana SAR, together with the Indiana Society of the Children of the American Revolution, supported the Colonel Augustine de la Balme Chapter, DAR in their annual commemoration of the Revolutionary War battle fought near Fort Wayne.
The ceremony honored the legacy of Colonel de la Balme and the patriots who fought alongside him, and the participation of our Color Guard and compatriots helped ensure that this important moment in regional Revolutionary War history continues to be remembered and preserved.
The Shepherd’s House Donation
In June, the chapter presented $1,600 in material and financial donations to The Shepherd’s House, supporting veterans in recovery. Their team expressed heartfelt thanks, noting gifts like these help men “start a new beginning.”
Wreaths Across America – December 13
We will gather at Lindenwood Cemetery at 12 noon on Dec. 13, immediately following our Winter Meeting, to lay wreaths. Sponsor a wreath or volunteer to help place them
Fall 2025 Meeting Recap
The Chapter held its Fall Meeting on September 20 at the Allen County Public Library, where President Jeff Jones opened with the Invocation, Posting of the Colors, Pledge, and SAR Pledge. We welcomed guests, including Past DAR Regent Sue Johnson, and observed a moment of silence for Compatriots John Alexander and Roger Barnhart. Two new members—Tyler and Christopher Daniels—were formally inducted, with additional new members announced for future meetings.
Compatriot Archie Lintz delivered an excellent program on the Electoral College, exploring its historical purpose and modern significance. The Chapter also recognized several members with service anniversaries, certificates of appreciation, and War Service and Good Citizenship medals. Committee reports highlighted progress on Wreaths Across America, the America 250th initiative, ROTC awards, and the installation of the new Pomeroy Marker honoring Patriot William Berry.
In business updates, members learned that over $1,500 was raised this summer for The Shepherd’s House and that online dues and donation pages are now active on our website. The Chapter also approved a $250 donation to the Anthony Wayne Scout Reservation and received reminders about ACPL’s non-firing flintlock policy ahead of the December musket demonstration. We look forward to gathering again on December 13 for our Winter Meeting, followed by the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Lindenwood Cemetery.
NEW MEMBER’S CORNER
- Tyler Daniels and Christopher Daniels were inducted in September; welcome to our newest young Compatriots (sons of Compatriot Mark Daniels).
- Brian Christopher Chelius – Supplemental Membership approved. Congratulations!
Dues & Online Giving
- Annual Dues (Due Nov 30): https://halberstadt.indianasar.org/annual-dues-payment/
- Donations: Support local education, veterans, and preservation.
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
- Winter Chapter Meeting: Sat, Dec 13, 10:00 a.m. – ACPL, Meeting Room A (Musket demo by Scott Haberly; Law Enforcement Commendation Medal presentation)
- Wreaths Across America: Sat, Dec 13, 12:00 p.m. – Lindenwood Cemetery
- America 250 (2026): Chapter partnering with Allen County 250th Commission; $250 INSSAR grant received—ideas welcome at the December 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.