The SAR MAGAZINE is the official quarterly publication of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution published quarterly.
Issue link: http://sar.epubxp.com/i/518694
24 SAR MAGAZINE Daughters of the American Revolution, Sweethearts and Patriots raised more than $23,000 for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). TAPS, the 2015 Arlington-based beneficiary, offers compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in our armed forces. Since 1994, TAPS has provided free around-the-clock comfort and hope through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources. In its second year, the Gala has become a tremendous success—and quite the production. Attendees were entertained by the Moonlight Jazz Orchestra (a 17-piece jazz band) and DJ Van Petty (courtesy of MyDeeJay). Rebecca Morrison, a TAPS family member, performed the national anthem along with the SAR Color Guard. Benjamin Franklin, as portrayed by Barry Stevens, mingled with the VIPs, magician Eric Henning added some intrigue to the evening and event painter Jamie Peterson captured the dancing live on canvas throughout the night. The silent auction at the event included more than 50 items, ranging from sports and entertainment memorabilia to one-of-a- kind experiences. An online auction brought in additional funds for TAPS. The founders of Sweethearts and Patriots include Bedell, DCSSAR members Reid Collins and Andy Dye, and DC DAR members Kate Henvey, Julie Kinzer, Carina May and Leslie Ogden. Planning has begun for the next Gala, to be held Feb. 7, 2016, and the planning committee is compiling a list of potential beneficiaries. More information is available at www.sweetheartsandpatriots.org . The DCSSAR website is www.dcssar.org . FLORIDA SOCIETY Brevard Chapter The Last Naval Battle of the American Revolution On March 7, the Brevard Chapter hosted the 9th Annual Celebration of the Last Naval Battle at the Brevard County Veterans Center on Merritt Island, Fla. It was a crisp and breezy day for the 100-plus attendees—split evenly between parade participants and spectators. SAR chapters attending included: Brevard, Caloosa, Daytona-Ormond, Lake-Sumter, St. Luci River, Tampa and Withlacochee. Brevard County DAR chapters represented included: Abigail Wright Chamberlin, Brevard DAR Regents Council, Commodore John Barry, Indian River, and Philip Perry. Other DAR chapters included: Arthur Irwin, Lawrence Kearny and Winding Waters. Also participating in the parade were the Children of the American Revolution, Canaveral Light Chapter #2358, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Camp 1387 Sons of Confederate Veterans, Sons of Union Veterans and the Courageous Division Naval Sea Cadets. Bringing greetings were: Hall Riediger (FLSSAR), Carole Cole (Brevard DAR), Bill Giers (U.S. Coast Guard) and Ralph Nelson (Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association). Our guest speaker was Compatriot Bill Elder (Daytona- Ormond) in the persona of Gen. George Washington. Several wreaths were presented followed by the playing of "Taps" by Coast Guard Auxiliaryman John Kachenmeister. It has been my pleasure to work on this project for the past dozen years or so, and I must give a special thanks to President General Lindsey Brock for assisting in creating this national event. Plus a big thanks to the members of the Brevard Chapter, without whom these celebrations could not have taken place. — Chairman Ben DuBose Clearwater Chapter Gray Wilson was awarded the Sea Cadet Medal from the Clearwater Chapter at its annual awards dinner. He is a high school junior from Largo and is a homeschooled through the Florida Virtual School, where he holds a 4.0 GPA. He lives with his mother, Jennifer Gray, a younger brother and a sister. He plans to pursue college and ROTC after high school and plans a long career in the military. Wilson comes from a long military line, including his grandfather, a retired Army general. He is the Suncoast Squadron's lead petty officer for its color guard. He has attended training programs through the Sea Cadets, including recruit training, two Coast Guard Station internships, Petty Officer Leadership Academy and emergency response training. Commemorating the Revolution's last major naval battle. Gray Wilson and SAR Compatriot Gary Coil.