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In his position as National Trustee with DCSAR, Compatriot Bill Ritchie visited Cheltenham Veterans Memorial Cemetery today in conjunctions with Wreaths Across America with compatriots from the John Hanson Chapter, MDSSAR. Along with the wreath for his Uncle Samuel Ritchie who was a member of DCSAR, wreaths were placed on the graves of Jim and Ruth Holloway, his in-laws; Alonzo and Madia Terry, brother of Joe Terry who is the director of the Kelly Clarkson Show; Davis Ricks, father of Sharon Rodriguez; and William Cross. There here were probably 1000 people placing wreaths on graves.

DCSAR held its 2024 Holiday Dinner on December 5, 2024, in the elegance of the Eisenhower Room at the prestigious Capitol Hill Club, located at 300 First Street SE, Washington, DC.

The Invocation was given by DCSAR Chaplain Rev. John Stonesifer. Guests were welcomed by DCSAR President Brock D. Bierman including United States Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger who was the recipient of the 2024 SAR Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal earlier this year in a ceremony at the US Capitol.  

Dana Kristina-Joi Morgan, a graduate of the Howard University Master of Music Program and currently the Performance Coordinator of Creative and Therapeutic Arts Services at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC., gave musical performances during the reception and later during the serving of dessert. Ms. Morgan was more than a classical pianist this evening but an entertainer who set the appropriate mood as we experienced the beginning of this joyous holiday season.

President Bierman introduced our guest speaker Mrs. Nealie Sutton, the Executive Director for Management of the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). She leads the overall management and business operations portfolio consisting of ABMC’s financial, human capital, strategic planning, information technology, legal, and business administration responsibilities. The Commission was established by Congress in 1923 and is an agency of the executive branch of the federal government. ABMC is the guardian of America’s overseas commemorative cemeteries and memorials that honors the service, achievements, and sacrifice of U.S. Armed Forces. Their purpose is to commemorate the U.S. armed forces by maintaining the national legacy of their service in the world's consciousness.

Prior to ABMC, Mrs. Sutton served at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as the Chief of Staff for the Office of Management responsible for the coordination of strategies, policies, performance outcomes, and enterprise-level process improvements impacting VA’s fiscal operations. In this role, she directly supported the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer with oversight and accountability of budgeting and financial management of VA’s $369 billion budget.

Mrs. Sutton started her civil service career with the Department of Army at the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation in Orlando, Florida where she served as an Operations Research Analyst responsible for the cost estimates and economic analysis of training and simulation programs. Mrs. Sutton has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics, Master of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Master of Business Administration degree, all from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. Mrs. Sutton was given the DCSAR Honor in Service Cross medal after her presentation

DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays gave the oath to new SAR member Dr. Richard Timothy LaVoie. Dr. LaVoie holds a doctorate from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and is a 7th great grandson of the famous patriot Daniel Boone, who served as a Colonel and Lt Colonel of Fayette County KY troops, member of the General Assembly in 1781, and Sheriff in 1782.  Secretary Hays and DCSAR Registrar Larry Miller are his sponsors.

Patrick Anderson, DCSAR and Lenna Hoffman, DCDAR, who are Co-Chairs of the 2025 Sweethearts and Patriot Gala that will be held at the Embassy of France on February 15, 2025, gave an overview of the event plans and ticket information.  https://www.sweetheartsandpatriots.org/

A reception attended by 50 Compatriots and guests celebrating the 243rd anniversary of the American Victory at Yorktown and the major contributions to its success by France and French Heroes of the Revolution was held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at The Fund for American Studies in Washington DC.  

Among the toasts offered were to France by DCSAR President Brock Bierman, to the United States of America by Madame Caroline Monvoisin, Consul General of France, to the French Heroes of the Revolution by DCDAR State Chairman of the DAR/SAR/S.R. Relations Committee Rachel Norman and to George Washington by DCSAR Senior Vice President Geoffrey Newman. Madame Monvoisin received the DCSAR certificate of appreciation.  

Also in attendance was Avery Hinzman, President of the DC C.A.R Harriett Lothrop Society who provide an overview of her on-going project.

The Honorable David Howell Petraeus was our special guest at the Sweethearts and Patriots Gala on September 7, 2024, at The British Embassy in northwest Washington, DC. The young members of the DC SAR and DC DAR organized this annual event to raise funds for military charities. This year’s charity was the National Military Family Association who will receive nearly $25,000. Their mission is to stand up for, support, and enhance the quality of life for every military family through bold advocacy, innovative programming, and dynamic and responsive solutions.

The moderator was the British Defense Attache RADM Tim Woods during the fireside chat of General Petraeus. General Petraeus is a partner in the global investment firm KKR and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute. He is also a member of the boards of Optiv and OneStream, a personal venture investor, and engaged in various academic endeavors. 

Petraeus is a retired United States Army general and public official. He served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from September 6, 2011, until his resignation on November 9, 2012. Prior to his assuming the directorship of the CIA, Petraeus served 37 years in the United States Army. His last assignments in the Army were as commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and commander, U.S. Forces – Afghanistan (USFOR-A) from July 4, 2010, to July 18, 2011.

His other four-star assignments include serving as the 10th commander, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) from October 13, 2008, to June 30, 2010, and as commanding general, Multi-National Force – Iraq (MNF-I) from February 10, 2007, to September 16, 2008. As commander of MNF-I, Petraeus oversaw all coalition forces in Iraq.

General Petraeus has a B.S. degree from the United States Military Academy, from which he graduated in 1974 as a distinguished cadet (top 5% of his class). He was the General George C. Marshall Award winner as the top graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College class of 1983, He subsequently earned an M.P.A. in 1985 and a Ph.D. degree in international relations in 1987 from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. He later served as assistant professor of international relations at the United States Military Academy and also completed a fellowship at Georgetown University.

General Petraeus highlighted his military service and his service as director of the CIA during his fireside chat. He discussed what advocacy organizations such as the National Military Family Association mean to those who honorably serve our country and to their families. General Petraeus talked about the importance of family and service. His remarks resonated about the crisis in the Ukraine. He called the resident "freedom loving people of Ukraine and that they align with our Patriot values." 

The honorary hosts were General/Chairman Richard Myers (ret USAF), Lt. Gen Scott Rice (ret USAF and Past Director Air National Guard) and Major General John Ewars (Ret)

The 2025 Sweethearts and Patriot Gala will be held on February 15, 2025, at the Embassy of France in Washington, DC. The gala will pay tribute to Marquis de Lafayette on the Bicentennial of his Farewell Tour as “Guest of the Nation”. Please visit www.sweetheartsandpatriots.org for more information as it becomes available.

Sweethearts and Patriots began in 2014 to bring together the DC Community to benefit organizations that support the military, veterans and their families and is sponsored by the District of Columbia Sons of the American Revolution.

The District of Columbia Society Sons of the American Revolution (“DCSAR”), the District of Columbia Daughters of the American Revolution (“DCDAR”), the Children of the American Revolution (“C.A.R.”) and members of many other lineage and patriotic organizations gathered on the Fourth of July 2024 for our traditional Independence Day kickoff at Congressional Cemetery. The purpose was to honor and remember Vice President Elbridge Gerry and all the other Signers of the Declaration of Independence. Vice President Gerry is the only Signer buried in Washington D.C. A donation was presented to the President of the D.C.C.A.R., Avery Hinzman by President Bierman.

The SAR Bronze JROTC Certificates and Medals were presented to Dunbar High School JROTC Cadet Sgt. Allen Williams and Cadet 2nd Lt. Javonte Loukas by Past President Lane Brooks on May 15, 2024. Both cadets received a $100 check.

On May 17^th, the certificates, medals and $100 checks were presented to Columbia Heights Education Campus Navy JROTC Cadet Senior Chief Petty Officer Miguel Hernandez and Cadet Petty Officer 3^rd Class Chris Jackson by DCSAR Compatriot Steve Cramner.

On May 23^rd, certificates, medals and $100 checks were presented to Cadet 1st Lt. Victor Sorokin-Mobbs and Cadet 1st Sgt Wilman Joshua Codoy by Compatriot Cramner at the Jackson-Reed High School.

The DCSAR 2024 Awards Banquet and Installation of Officers was held on April 30, 2024, at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia. The invocation and blessing were given by The Rev. Dr. John Stonesifer, DCSAR Chaplain. Greetings on behalf of our guests were given by DC DAR State Regent Elizabeth Hicks. Among our other guests were the Honorable Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, US House of Representatives; James Engler Vice President General – SAR Mid-Atlantic District; Michael J. Elston, Treasurer General, NSSAR; John D. Urbach, President, MDSAR;     Jeffrey D. Thomas, VA SAR former Trustee and nominee for Historian General, NSSAR; Janet McFarland, Corresponding Secretary General, Daughters of the American Revolution; Lenna Hoffman, Senior State President D.C. C.A.R.; Robert Henry ”Ric” Murphy, President General, Society of the First African Families of English America; and Group Captain Peter J. R. Warmerdam, Assistant Air and Space Attaché of the United Kingdom to the United States.

Chairman McCaul was the guest speaker for the event. He began by saying “the most serious matters that any member of Congress deals with are matters of war and peace. It’s those votes that are the most consequential votes of your career.” Chairman McCaul quoted George Washington by saying “The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army. We have, therefore, to resolve to conquer or die. There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet an enemy.” He further quoted Secretary Mike Pompeo and General Jack Keane from a letter that they recently wrote to Congress, “we write at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history to applaud your efforts to secure vital support to America’s allies and to strengthen America’s defenses.” 

Congressman McCaul discussed some of the international events that are challenging to American’s resolve to support its allies including Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Chairman Xi threatening Taiwan in the Pacific, to the Ayatollah rearing “his ugly head” invading Israel through his proxies. McCaul stated that we must put the interest of the nation above ourselves and to do what is right take moral compass, courage and clarity. He opined the need for us to speak with one voice as a nation, especially when addressing our adversaries. McCaul said “we must be prepared to confront the enemies of freedom and democracy who seek to undermine the values this nation was founded upon”.

Chairman McCaul concluded by saying that the world and our adversaries are watching us today and that history will judge us by our actions here today and now. He said history is calling and now is the time to act.

President Ritchie announced the SAR awards that were presented to those recipients who were present after informing that the SAR Public Safety Awards were presented earlier during the month.

Group Captain Peter J. R. Warmerdam -  D.C. Society Honor in Service Medal; Aryssa Damron and Rachel Hicks - Martha Washington Medal; Lauren Dore, Lenna Hoffman, Leigh Maltby and Rachel Norman - NSSAR Medal of Appreciation; Patrick Anderson and Eric Conrad -  Bronze Roger Sherman Medal; Joel Hinzman - NSSAR CAR Bronze Medal of Appreciation; Rachel Norman and D.C.C.A.R. State President Mia Malur -  Silver SAR / CAR Silver Medal of Appreciation; Jonathan Brightbill  and Rev. John Stonesifer - Silver Roger Sherman Medal; Steven Michael Cramner - Chapter Medal of Distinguished Service; Lane Douglas Brooks - State Medal of Distinguished Service; Janet McFarland - Daughters of Liberty Medal.

During his valedictory, President Ritchie thanked and expressed gratitude to a host of compatriots who assisted him from his SAR induction on July 4^, 2016, through his two-year term as the first African American state level president in the 134-year of the SAR that concluded this evening. Ritchie gave special recognition to DCSAR Secretary Paul Melvin Hays and to his wife Past DCDAR State Regent Cindy Shelton Hays with the commission of the first DCSAR Presidential Service Recognition Award jointly presented to Paul and Cindy. They received a standing ovation during the award presentation.

Vice President General Engler administered the oath to the recently elected officers of the DCSAR. He presented the gavel to President Brock D. Bierman who then received the DCSAR presidential badge and ribbon from Past President Ritchie. President Bierman’s first official act was presenting Past President Ritchie with the Patriot Medal.

President Bierman was originally installed as the 110^th President of DCSAR during April 2017. During his 1^st term Brock resigned his position as president and was subsequently confirmed by the United States Senate as Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Europe and Eurasia after receiving a presidential appointment.

Currently, Brock is President and CEO of Ukraine Focus, a humanitarian organization committed to working directly with communities across Ukraine to meet urgent assistance needs through direct cooperation and collaboration with Ukrainian local, state and federal authorities. He is founder of the Volunteer Ambulance Corps, which partners to source, procure, repair, and deliver ambulances to communities across Ukraine’s front lines. Brock has helped raise more than two million dollars to purchase and rehabilitate 123 ambulances. Other aspects of Ukraine Focus include Playgrounds 4 Peace and Light Up Ukraine, a program that has delivered generators and thousands of solar lamps to those without power. President Bierman has received honors for his humanitarian contributions.

After brief remarks by President Bierman, Rev Stonesifer gave the benediction. After-dinner libations were served on the Terrace with cigars courtesy of John Crouch Tobacconist. 

On March 25, 2024, with his colleagues present at the DC Fire & Emergency Medical Services, Fire Prevention Division, Inspector Niggora Moye received the SAR Fire Safety Commendation and Medal. The inspector is a distinguished figure within the District of Columbia's fire safety community, whose dedication and expertise have not only elevated the standards of fire safety but have also rightfully earned him the fire safety award.

With an impressive tenure of 21 years at the DC Fire & EMS Department, Inspector Moye has served with distinction at Engines 7, 29, and 33 before bringing his wealth of experience to the Fire Prevention Division. Inspector Moye's role is pivotal in shaping the future of fire safety, as he is entrusted with the critical task of training new inspectors during their onboarding process. His professionalism and deep understanding of fire codes set a high benchmark for others in the field.

Inspector Moye’s commitment to the safety of DC's residents and visitors is unwavering. He embodies the three E's of fire prevention: Engineering, Enforcement, and Education. Through his expertise in fire engineering, he ensures that buildings and spaces meet the highest safety standards. His tactful enforcement of fire codes demonstrates his dedication to compliance and safety. Moreover, his efforts to educate citizens and property managers about fire safety practices have significantly contributed to a well-informed community.

Inspector Moye's participation in nighttime inspections of assembly spaces is a testament to his commitment to ensuring that DC's nightlife remains safe for everyone. His comprehensive approach to fire safety makes him an exemplary figure in the field and a true asset to the District of Columbia.

On March 25, 2024, while at the firehouse of Engine Company 16 Firefighter/Paramedic Allison Eggleston was presented the 2024 SAR Emergency Medical Services Commendation and Medal. She currently works in the Anacostia section of the city after her previous assignment in the Capitol Hill area. Allison is proving to be an emerging leader with DC Fire and EMS.

Firefighter/Paramedic ("FF/P") Eggleston currently serves as a Field Training Officer with the Department and is tasked with educating the agency’s newest paramedics. In addition to providing detail-oriented training at the patient’s side, FF/P Eggleston also serves as an adjunct instructor at the Training Academy sharing her knowledge and experience in the classroom.

FF/P Eggleston is known throughout the Department for her commitment to pediatric care and teaches frequently on the subject. FF/P Eggleston is an example of the core values of DC Fire and EMS. She provides compassionate care to the residents and visitors of the District every day. She is committed to the future of the Department through her education and is an example to other Firefighter/Paramedics in the agency.

On March 25, 2024, Detective Alfred Thomas Austin-Braxton was presented with the 2024 SAR Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal while in the presence of the command staff at the Joint Operations Command Center including Chief of Police Pamela Smith. The detective has been faithfully serving the citizens of the District of Columbia and the members of the Metropolitan Police Department since June 1989. Currently, Detective Braxton is assigned to the Homicide Branch, where he has been excelling for over 15 years. Detective Braxton’s exceptional investigative skills, leadership, and dedication made him an outstanding candidate for recognition in the law enforcement community. Detective Braxton’s fire, fueled by his passion, conviction, and empathy, continues to burn bright and show itself throughout his casework. Detective Braxton tirelessly works his cases with the same energy and eagerness as a newly sworn officer; coupled with the immense knowledge he has gained throughout the years, which is why he has one of the highest closure rates in the Homicide Branch.

Detective Braxton’s reach and influence extend far beyond the cases he investigates. With over 15 years in the Homicide Branch, he has trained many of the Detectives who are currently assigned to the Homicide Branch and District Detective Units. In that, his influence has helped and currently helps guide those detectives as they investigate their own cases. Detective Braxton’s leadership within the Criminal Investigations Division as one of its most senior members has been invaluable. He has mentored and trained countless detectives, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience to elevate the capabilities of the entire team.  Detective Braxton is well respected by The United States Attorney’s Office, The Office of the Attorney General and MPD’s Federal Partners.

The District of Columbia’s Children of the American Revolution (“DC C.A.R.”), Sons of the American Revolution (“DCSAR”) and Daughters of the American Revolution (“DCDAR”) jointly held The George Washington Birthday Luncheon on February 17, 2024, at 11:30am at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia. The host for the luncheon was DCSAR President Bill Ritchie. Lunch was served after the invocation by DCSAR chaplain The Rev. Dr. John Stonesifer and comments by dais guests that included NSSAR VPG Mid-Atlantic District Jim Engler, DCDAR State Regent Beth Hicks, DC C.A.R. President Mia Malur and NSDAR Corresponding Secretary General Janet McFarland.

The guest speaker was William Jamieson “Jay” Bosanko who was appointed Deputy Archivist of the U.S. on December 1, 2023. He has been a member of the Senior Executive Service at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) since 2008. Since January 2013 he had served as NARA’s Chief Operating Officer, overseeing NARA's archival mission. From 2011 to 2013 he served as NARA's Executive for Agency Services and was responsible for NARA's efforts nationwide to serve the ongoing records management needs of Federal agencies and to represent the public's interest in government records with regard to accountability and transparency. Mr. Bosanko previously served as the Director of the Information Security Oversight Office from 2008 to 2011 where he was responsible for oversight of the government-wide security classification system, the controlled unclassified information system, and the National Industrial Security Program. Mr. Bosanko began his career with NARA in 1993. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. 

Bosanko spoke about the important role of the National Archives.  Specifically, of the importance of records in our unique form of democracy where the government is held accountable by the people.  He also discussed the compiled military service records and the pension files that document the service and sacrifices made by the patriots and their families.  Bosanko also gave an overview of the struggle to get these very records transferred to National Archives and the important role the Sons of the American Revolution played.  In the summer of 1892, then Senator Porter of Vermont who was active in the SAR, played a leading role in the passage of a law signed by President Harrison that brought about the preservation and organization of the records at the Department of Defense.  Bosanko closed his remarks encouraging members to dive into the National Archives and research their patriot ancestors, particularly as the nation approaches the 250th. Mr. Bosanko was presented the DCSAR Honor in Service Medal.

DCDAR Regent Hicks conducted the induction of four new DAR members that included the granddaughter of President Ritchie, Destiny M. Joiner. 

DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays conducted the induction of two new SAR members and the reinstallation of a third member. Capt. Charles Philip Sidney Mayer is a cyber warfare officer currently stationed at the National Guard Bureau, and is the 6th great grandson of David Davis, who furnished supplies to the South Carolina Militia.  Larry Miller and Secretary Hays are his sponsors. Roger Russell Ream is an officer of the Fund for American Studies with offices near Dupont Circle.  He joined the Michigan Society last October by right of descent from Col. Samuel Francis Temple of the Caroline County VA Militia, his 5th great grandfather.  He has now transferred his membership to the DCSAR.

Deputy Archivist Bosanko originally joined SAR in 1994 through his grandfather’s chapter in Virginia.  Eventually his membership lapsed, but today he signed the paperwork to reinstate and transfer to the DCSAR.

After announcements, the benediction was given by Susan Stonesifer, DCDAR State Chaplain.