News

Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal

As recommended by the Office of the Chief of Police in the District of Columbia, the recipient is Detective John Hayes who began his law enforcement career with MPD in 2015. He is currently assigned to the Fourth District Investigative Section and has assumed lead detective responsibility in a number of shooting incidents. He has demonstrated a deep knowledge of the crew-related cases that have contributed to the violence within the 4^th District. This knowledge and his detail-oriented practices led to the successfully conclusion of a shooting incident that resulted in critical injuries suffered by a four-year old. The award was presented on April 10, 2023, within the executive suite of the Chief of Police Robert Contee III.

Fire Safety Commendation and Medal 

The DC Fire and EMS Department nominated Lt. David Darbro for the Fire Safety Commendation Award.  Lt. Darbro has been a supervisor in the Fire Prevention Division for the past two years.  Over that time, he has overseen Fire Inspectors and Public Education Staff who perform outreach and fire/life safety inspections.  Lt. Darbro has spearheaded the All Hands-on Prevention and Smoke Alarm Giveaway program that has been in place for several years.  With Lt. Darbro’s leadership, smoke alarm installations doubled in Calendar Year 2022.  Also, home fire safety visits by fire inspectors and firefighters were up significantly over this period of time.  This means that more District residents were safer from fires, due to the outreach efforts led by Lt. Darbro.  During this timeframe the number of total fire deaths in the District was down by 25%. The award was presented on April 10, 2023, at Engine Company 16.

Emergency Medical Services Award 

The DC Fire and EMS Department nominated the Street Calls Unit for the Emergency Medical Services Award. Fire and EMS, in partnership with the Department of Behavioral Health, has developed the opioid response team model, which will consist of Community Outreach Specialists and EMS providers. This team is tasked with conducting targeted and individual outreach to persons who have experienced a non-fatal overdose without transport to a hospital as well as friends, family, and other bystanders who may witness another overdose. The team will proceed to those involved in opioid overdoses immediately. They will facilitate meaningful communication through participation in community relations/outreach/education activities to hard-to-reach, underserved, and other identified populations.

They work with these individuals to provide them with methods of connecting with proper agency services while serving as their liaison between government agencies and/or the community resources. They also communicate with any bystanders at the scene who may be in a position to reverse a future overdose and/or to help the individual access resources in the future. When time allows, they will follow up with individuals who were referred to services to determine whether any additional support is needed. The awards were presented on April 10, 2023, at Engine Company 16. The team members are:

EMS Captain La'Kisha L. Lacey

PM Shelia Smith

EMT Jerrice Blunt

PM Keisa Hill

PM Gonthel Tolliver

Richard Mullen-El - Community Outreach Specialist

Corrine Spencer - Community Outreach Specialist

Also present was the Medical Director, DC Fire and Emergency Service, Robert P. Holman, MD, who was grateful for the award given to the Street Calls Unit. I gave him a courtesy copy of my book after he informed me that he had a relative who is a member of the DAR. 

General John “Jack” M. Keane was the guest speaker at the 10^th Annual Sweethearts and Patriots Gala on March 4, 2023, at The British Embassy. The young members of the DC SAR and DC DAR organized this annual event to raise funds for military charities.  The proceeds raised from the 2023 gala will unlock potentially over $100,000 in life-saving assistance to active duty, veterans, caregivers, and families in need through Code of Support, which helps veterans in need navigate and access critical services.

Designed around 1928 by Sir Edwin Lutyens and built in 1931, the British Embassy is situated in a compound that is home to the ambassador’s residence and the old and new chanceries. By the 1950s, the old chancery was deemed too cramped, and the new chancery, designed by chief architect Eric Bedford, was constructed between 1955 and 1961, with Queen Elizabeth II laying the foundation stone on October 19, 1957. Part of the old chancery was converted into staff quarters, and the rest is currently occupied by the offices of the British Council.

Guests received welcoming comments by DC DAR Regent Beth Hicks and DC SAR President Bill Ritchie. The welcome to the British Embassy was offered by James Roscoe MVO, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy. Prior to his current position appointment in June 2022, Mr. Roscoe was the UK Ambassador to the UN General Assembly.

General Keane is a foreign policy and national security expert who provides nationwide analysis and commentary in speeches, articles, congressional testimony and through several hundred television and radio interviews annually. He serves as an advisor to presidents, cabinet officials, members of congress, international leaders, CEOs and business leaders. He is the Chairman of the Institute for the Study of War, a member of the prestigious Secretary of Defense Policy Board, having advised four Defense Secretaries and a member of the 2018 and 2022 Congressional Commission on the National Defense Strategy.

General Keane, a four-star general, completed 37 years of public service in December 2003, culminating in his appointment as acting Chief of Staff and Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army.

General Keane is the son of an immigrant mother, a WWII Marine father, a born and raised New Yorker, and a lifelong NY Yankee fan. He has commissioned as an infantry 2nd Lieutenant from Army ROTC as a Distinguished Military Graduate at Fordham University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree and received a Master of Arts degree from Western Kentucky University. He is a graduate of the Army War College and the Army Command and General Staff College.

Among his awards, General Keane was the first military leader to be honored with the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Award and the prestigious Bradley Prize. In March 2020, General Keane was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House.

General Keane highlighted his military service and continuing support for American interests abroad while giving remarks. He discussed America’s commitments to our active-duty troops, veterans, and allies. General Keane talked about the importance the crisis in the Ukraine and the ongoing need to defend the rights of those seeking freedom abroad.

Among our very special guests were Rear Adm. Tim Woods, Robert Speer (Chairman of Code of Support and former Acting Secretary to the US Army), F. Whitten Peters, Thomas Siebert, retired Major Gen. Alan Salisbury, retired Major Gen. John Ewers, Gen. David Rodriguez and Capt. Pete Shoemaker.

Corporate and business sponsors include Anacostia-Pentalpha Lodge #21 FAAM, Acacia Wealth Management, Distillers Association (DISCUS), Norris CPA and Accounting, Opus One Studios, Trippe Supply Co of Washington, Pearmund Cellars, John Crouch Tobacconist, United Bank, National Capital Bank, HM2 Buck for Hope, National Defense Committee, SEI Private Trust Company, and Mission Dupont.

The gala individual sponsors include Mr. John Lavelle, Jr., Brig Gen. Ed Rodriguez, Aaron Schmerling, Mr. Joel Hinzman, and The Newman Family.

Sweethearts and Patriots began in 2014 to bring together the DC Community to benefit organizations that support the military, veterans and their families. The event chairpersons were DCSAR 3^rd VP Geoffrey Newman and DC DAR Sweethearts & Patriots Gala chair Leigh Maltby.

The gala is sponsored by the District of Columbia Sons of the America Revolution (www.dcssar.org)

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 18, 2023, at 11:30am at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia. The hostess for the luncheon was DC C.A.R. State President Miah Malur. Lunch was served after the invocation by DCSAR chaplain Rev. Dr. John Stonesifer and comments by dais guests.

The guest speaker for the luncheon was James Ambuske, PhD, historian and senior producer at R2 Studios, which is the podcast division of the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University. Their mission is to democratize history through podcasting. They have begun production on a new podcast series called Worlds Turned Upside Down, about the history of the American Revolution and the War for Independence.

Dr. Ambuske luncheon presentation focused on some of the generally unknown aspects of George Washington’s life from childhood to becoming the “father of our country”, including the undocumented cutting down of the mythical cherry tree. His presentation was well received by those in attendance at the “sold out” luncheon.

Two new compatriots were given the oath by DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays. Michael Edward Graham, who lives in Alexandria, Virginia, is the 4th great grandson of Richard Jenkins, who served as a private in the Culpeper County, Virginia Militia.  Mike’s sponsors were DCSAR Senior VP Tom Readmond and Paul Hays 

 Erick Christopher Mullen lives in the Northgate neighborhood of upper Northwest Washington.  His 6^th great grandfather was Thomas Brownell, who served in the Second Bristol County Massachusetts Regiment on an alarm at Rhode Island in August 1780.  DCSAR Registrar Larry Miller and Paul Hays were his sponsors.

DCSAR held its 2022 Holiday Dinner on December 7, 2022, commencing with a host bar with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at 7:00pm. The dinner occurred in the elegance of the Eisenhower Room at the prestigious Capitol Hill Club, located at 300 First Street SE, Washington, DC.

Guests were welcomed by DCSAR President Bill Ritchie followed by the invocation from DCSAR Chaplin Rev. John Stonesifer and the pledge of allegiance by DCSAR Senior VP Tom Readmond.  President Ritchie acknowledged special guests who were in attendance. Dinner followed where guests chose either an entree of Pork Porterhouse with Creamy Polenta, Sauteed Swiss Chard, Roasted Figs or Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon with Braised Lentils and Winter Root Vegetables.

As desert was served, President Ritchie introduced the guest artist for the evening, Dana Kristina-Joi Morgan. Dana is a graduate of the Howard University Master of Music Program. She received a bachelor’s degree in music performance from Capital University Conservatory of Music in Columbus, Ohio. She has won numerous accolades and awards for achievement. In 2014 Dana placed as a finalist in the Washington International Piano Artists Competition. Competing against pianists representing the USA, France, Germany, Japan and Taiwan, Dana received the “Audience Award”, “Press Jury Award”, “Best Performance of a Beethoven Work” and “Best Performance of a Classical Work”.

She was also featured on the televised 2011 Trumpet Awards where she was able to share the stage with legendary performers such as Aretha Franklin and Earth, Wind and Fire. Most notably Dana was recently featured as a special guest artist in Dordogne, France for the 110^th birthday celebration of Josephine Baker. This performance was held at the Chateau des Milandes which was the former castle of Josephine Baker and now services as her museum. Dana acknowledges one mentor who assisted with her early professional development, the late Jazz Great Nancy Wilson. Ms. Wilson was the cousin of President Ritchie.

Dana is the Performance Coordinator of Creative and Therapeutic Arts Services at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC. The service has provided artistic programming to patients, families and staff since 1978. A dedicated team of arts-in-healing professionals works to foster an atmosphere of cultural tolerance, promote wellness through self-expression, offer patients choice and variety and create an aesthetically pleasing environment.

Ms. Morgan gave a rousing performance on the grand piano with elements that encouraged active participation from the audience with applause as she moved from one recognizable standard to another, including patriotic selections. On this evening, she was more than a classical pianist; she was an entertainer who set the appropriate mood as we experience the beginning of this joyous holiday season.

At the conclusion, Ms. Morgan was given an SAR certificate of appreciation and a gift by President Ritchie. Rev. Stonesifer offered the closing benediction.

DCSAR supported the above captioned winter coat drive at Dunbar High School.  Photos are included at the below YouTube link. 

DCSAR supported Winter Coat Drive by Dunbar SHS JROTC - YouTube

A reception celebrating the 241^st anniversary of the American Victory at Yorktown and the major contributions to its success by France and French Heroes of the Revolution was held in the library at the prestigious University Club of Washington, DC on October 19, 2022. The University Club is one of the nation’s truly historic membership organizations. While the founders include President William Howard Taft and Chief Justice of the United States Melville Fuller, they were part of a larger group of political, business, and civic leaders who shared a common bond. Today’s members are an impressive Who’s Who of leaders sharing a sense of family. They are bonded by their intellectual, athletic, and cultural pursuits, evident in the restaurants, on the courts and in the wide range of cultural and social events taking place throughout the Club each and every day.

DCSAR President William Ritchie, after giving thanks to the almighty and providing a brief overview of the purpose of the reception, welcomed guests in attendance that included DCDAR Regent Mrs. Beth Hicks, DC C.A.R. State President Myah Malur, and DC C.A.R. Senior State President Rachel Norman.

DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays administered the pledge to our new society members.

Zachary Pierce Cress, a resident of the Brightwood section of Washington, is a 4^th great grandson of Frederick Shearer, who served as a Private in Railford’s Company of the 2^nd Regiment of the North Carolina Militia. His rosette was pinned by his sponsor, DCSAR Senior Vice President Tom Readmond. 

David Neff Morey, a resident of the Georgetown section of the DC, is a 4^th great grandson of Nathaniel Stedman, who served as a private in Captain John Petty’s company of Colonel William Williams’ Regiment of the Vermont Militia in 1777. Stedman also served as a Selectman for Newfane, VT in 1780. His sponsor was Secretary Hays, and his rosette was pinned by President Ritchie.

Robert John Studstrup, a resident of Southwest Washington, DC, is a 5^th great grandson of Francis Wyman, a Private under Captain John Blunt in Colonel McCobb’s Regiment of the Massachusetts Militia and was part of the Penobscot Expedition in 1779. He was He was also sponsored by Secretary Hays, and his rosette was pinned by his grandfather, Compatriot Gary Don Wyman of the Florida Society, who traveled to Washington for the ceremony.

Compatriot Studstrup was also awarded the War Service Medal, which was first authorized in 1899 for compatriots who served in the Spanish-American War. SAR continue to present this medal to compatriots who have served in the armed forces and have received a campaign medal, combat ribbon or badge as shown on their respective DD-214. This qualification was met by Compatriot Studstrup, who served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist during deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan during the Global War on Terrorism.

The evening was concluded with brief “save the date” comments by DCSAR 2^nd VP Geoff Newman regarding the 2023 Sweethearts and Patriots Gala to be held on March 4, 2023, at the British Embassy and by Rachel Norman regarding the DC C.A.R. George Washington Birthday Luncheon to be held on February 18, 2023, at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA.

The District of Columbia (“DC”) Daughters of the American Revolution were joined by members of the DC Sons of the American Revolution, DC Children of the American Revolution and other legacy organizations in celebration of Abraham Baldwin. The Constitution Day 2022 event was held at the St. Paul’s Rock Creek Cemetery on September 17th at Baldwin’s grave site. He is the only signer of the US Constitution buried in the District of Columbia.

Abraham Baldwin was an American minister, patriot, politician, and Founding Father. Born and raised in Connecticut, he was a 1772 graduate of Yale College. During the American Revolutionary War, he served as a chaplain in the Connecticut Contingent of the Continental Army. After the Revolutionary War, Baldwin became a lawyer. He moved to the State of Georgia in the mid-1780s and founded the University of Georgia becoming its first president. He was appointed by the Governor of Georgia as a delegate to the Congress of the Confederation and then to the Constitutional Convention. In September 1787 he was one of the state’s two signatories to the U.S. Constitution.

The guest speaker was the Rev. Dr. John D. Stonesifer, Chaplain, DC SAR who spoke about Abraham Baldwin’s spiritual upbringing and influences.  Beginning first with the role of chaplains in our colonies and the military, he then focused on the unique individuals and circumstances that impacted Baldwin – leading him to serve the community first as a minister, and then as a lawyer, statesman, and advocate for education.

The event was supported by the presentations of colors by the 3^rd Infantry Regiment Color Guard and music by the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.

The District of Columbia Society Sons of the American Revolution (“DCSAR”), the District of Columbia Daughters of the American Revolution (“DCDAR”), the District of Columbia Children of the American Revolution (“DC C.A.R.”) and members of many other lineage and patriotic organizations gathered on the Fourth of July 2022 at 10:00am 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. Following the welcoming, Compatriot John D. Stonesifer, Chaplain of the DCSAR, provided the invocation and concluded the program with the benediction. During the ceremony new DCSAR compatriots we inducted.

Charles Peterson "Pete” Meachum lives in Arlington. He and his brother, William Chester Meachum who lives in Virginia Beach, joined last January but this is the first time either of them could make it to an event. Their 5^th great grandfather was Davidson Dudley, a signer of the New Hampshire Association Test.

Erick Christopher Mullen lives in upper Northwest Washington.  His 6^th great grandfather was Thomas Brownell, a private in the 2^nd Bristol County Massachusetts Regiment which responded to an alarm at Rhode Island in August 1780.

Elijah David McKnight is a seventeen-year-old resident of the District of Columbia who has successfully documented that his 6^th great-grandfather, Luke Valentine, was a Revolutionary War patriot. Elijah attends the DC International School and hopes to receive an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Elijah obtained his pilot’s license at the age of 16.

Luke Valentine, a “free man of Colour” was twice drafted into the Virginia Militia, first during May 1780. His militia company was commanded by Captain Thomas Leftwich and marched to Hillsborough, North Carolina joining other Virginia companies to form a brigade commanded by General Edward Stevens. After several campaigns, Luke was discharged around the 1^st of February 1781.

Luke was drafted again during May 1781 and joined a militia company commanded by Captain Adam Clements from Bedford County, Virginia that marched to the assistance of General Nathanael Green in South Carolina, and later marched British prisoners of war to Pittsylvania County, Virginia. He was discharged by Major Ward during August 1781.

Witnesses to Elijah’s induction were his mother Niambi Jarvis and his grandmother, Martha Jackson Jarvis who are both members of the Judge Lynn Chapter, DCDAR.

Darron Overby, founder of The Black Phalanx Brigade: Afro-Militaria Historians & Reenactors Guild performed a brief characterization of Luke Valentine during the program to the delight of our guests.  

 Elijah was first African American inductee since William O. Ritchie Jr., became the first African American president of the DCSAR in its 132-year history earlier this year.

William O. Ritchie Jr was installed as the 113^th President of the District of Columbia Society Sons of the American Revolution (DCSAR) during the 132^nd Annual Awards and Installation of Officers Banquet. The event was held on April 21, 2022, at the Washington Golf and Country Club. Ritchie succeeded past president Joel Hinzman, who led the organization during the recent two-year pandemic period. Ritchie, known as Bill, last year authored his memoir, “A Black Man’s Journey to the Sons of the American Revolution” chronicling his many life-enhancing experiences from the hills of Beckley, WV., to his membership into DCSAR on July 4, 2016. Since 2020, he served as the society’s senior vice president and public information officer. He is the first known African American to become president in the 132-year history of the society.

The Beckley native was an honors graduate from Stratton High School in May of 1966. Ritchie went on to become Howard University’s first known NCAA all-American in track & field, accomplishing the feat seven times. He was the NCAA College Division 220-yard-dash champion in 1969 and was a 1968 Olympic trials qualifier.

Bill joined the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department and during his career commanded several prestigious positions including the Homicide, Public Integrity and Organized Crime Branches along with the Medical Services Division. Upon his retirement in 1994, he held the rank of Deputy Chief and the position of Chief of Detectives leading investigators handling some of the most heinous of crimes occurring in the nation’s capital. Major investigations in which he was involved included the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan during 1981, the Air Florida plane crash in 1982, and the Shotgun Stalker in 1993

He later served as the first director of the office of decedent affairs at the Washington Hospital Center. This innovative office was established to assist the families of patients who died in the hospital and as an adjunct to the hospital’s organ donation program. Among his volunteer activities were service as a member of the boards of directors of the National Kidney Foundation NCA and the Greater Washington Urban League.

Other officers installed included Thomas Readmond, Sr. VP, Geoffrey Newman, 2^nd VP, James Pender, 3^rd VP, Secretary Paul Hays, Treasurer James Pender, Registrar William Miller and Chaplain Rev. Dr. John Stonesifer.

New members inducted during the banquet were Victor Michael Barry, Jr. who is a 5^th great grandson of Jacob Stetzel, who performed patriotic service by paying the Pennsylvania supply tax in 1783. Jayson William Browder is a 6th great grandson of Austin Stone, who served as a private in Col. Hugh Giles’ Britons Neck Regiment of the South Carolina Militia under Gen. Marion.  He also served as a petit juror and furnished supplies. Daniel Kevin Dorsey is a 5^th great grandson Frederick H. Dockstader, a private in the 3^rd Regiment of the Tyron County New York Militia. Curtis André Kearns III patriot ancestor was his 5^th great grandfather, John Schmeyer, who rendered substantial material aid in South Carolina.  Drew Nathaniel Peterson is a 6^th great grandson of Phillip Hoffecker who served as a private in the 2^nd Battalion of the Chester County, Pennsylvania Militia.

SAR awards were presented to the following:

D.C. Society Honor in Service Medal:

• ·         J. Howard Fisk
• ·         Bradley Zimmer
• ·         John Brightbill

NSSAR Lydia Darragh Medal:

• ·         Rachel Hicks

Martha Washington Medal:

• ·         Leigh Maltby

NSSAR Medal of Appreciation:

• ·         Lenna Wilson
• ·         Hillary Fisk
• ·         Lorraine Nordlinger

Bronze Roger Sherman Medal:

• ·         Ed Rodriquez
• ·         Rev. Dr. John Stonesifer
• ·         Sean Redmond
• ·         Tom Readmond
• ·         James Richardson

NSSAR CAR Bronze Medal of Appreciation with Oak Leaf Cluster

• ·         Maddie McAnulty
• ·         Carol Leon
• ·         Mia & Miah Malur
• ·         Hillary Fisk
• ·         Rachel Hicks
• ·         Aiden Sobocinski without Oak Leaf Cluster

Silver SAR / CAR Silver Medal of Appreciation with Oak Leaf Cluster

• ·         Sarah Nordlinger
• ·         Lorraine Nordlinger

NSSAR Emergency Medical Services Commendation Medal:

• ·         Firefighter/EMS Technicians Da’Von McRae and Richard Brady

NSSAR Fire Safety Commendation Medal

• ·         Fire Chief John A. Donnelly Sr.

NSSAR Law Enforcement Commendation Medal

• ·         DC Police Chief Robert J. Contee III

Chapter Medal of Distinguished Service

• ·         Geoff Newman

State Medal of Distinguished Service:

• ·         Randy Teague

Patriot Medal:

• ·         Brock Bierman

Daughters of Liberty Medal:

• ·         Cindy Shelton Hays

War Service Medal:

• ·         Jack D. Stonesifer Jr.

The seventy-ninth annual Jefferson Memorial Ceremony, in recognition of the 279^th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson, was held at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC on April13, 2022 commencing at 11 o’clock in the morning. Richard E. Patten, past president, District of Columbia Sons of the American Revolution (“DCSAR”) served as the Master of Ceremonies. The event was presented by DCSAR in cooperation with The National Park Services within the United States Department of the Interior and The Military District of Washington. The Prelude, National Anthem, and Postlude were rendered by “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band Brass Quintet. The invocation and benediction were performed by Hillary Fisk, Chaplain, DC Daughters of the American Revolution (“DCDAR”). Guests were welcomed by Lori Swafford, Chief of Administration, National Mall and Memorial Parks. The presentation of wreaths followed.

The first wreath was presented at 9:00am on behalf of the President of the United States, The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., by Major General Allan Pepin, Commanding General, Military District of Washington.

The wreath from the Secretary of the Interior, the Honorable Deb Haaland was presented by Lori Swafford followed by the wreath from James E. Ryan, President of the University of Virginia presented by Mark and Lucy Duke Tonacci. Ginger Huang Dietrich presented the wreath on behalf of Leslie Greene Bowman, President of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. The wreath from Rob Epps, President of the Monticello Association, was presented by Angus Slater Lamond Jr., 7^th generation descendant of Thomas Jefferson.

Additional wreaths were presented by representatives of DCSAR, General Society of the War of 1812, NSSAR, MDSAR, VASAR, DCDAR, DC Children of the American Revolution, National Society United States Daughters of 1812, Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, NS Children of the American Colonists, Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Constitution, Hereditary Order of the Families of Presidents & First Ladies of America, The National Society Descendants of American Farmers and the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society.

The program concluded with the Sounding of “Taps” by GY Sgt Benjamin Albright, Bugler.