Firing of Muskets l. to r. Bill Schwetke, Brookes Wheeler, Brian Bayliss, Bryan Buck, Michael Wilson, Richard Tyler and Sean Carrigan.

On 17 June 2023, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) conducted a Color Guard Muster at the Stonewall District Ruritan Club, Clear Brook, Virginia.  Twenty three guardsmen from the  SAR Virginia State Color Guard met for training in safety, flag presentations, musketry and proper conduct in a ceremony.  This comprised seven chapters of the SAR, Colonel James Wood II (CJWII), Colonel William Grayson (CWG), Culpeper Minutemen (CMM), Fort Harrison (FH), George Washington (GW), Patrick Henry (PH) and Sgt Maj John Champe (SMJC) Chapters.  Dale Corey (CJWII), Virginia State Adjutant and Marc Robinson (CJWII) Chapter Color Guard Commander gave a presentation on safety.  This included the proper safety checks for handling the musket, concern for terrain and overhanging impediments, proper hydration and the weather.  They then discussed the proper techniques for carrying flags in formation.  The guardsmen were then separated into three groups for training.  Ken Bonner (SMJC) and Barry Schwoerer (SMJC) took new guardsmen to learn and practice the proper techniques for handling a musket.  Their group included Mark Crain (CMM), Jim Cridger (CJWII), Mark Jackson (GW) and Paul McComb (GW).  Bill Schwetke (CMM) and Sean Carrigan (CJWII) conducted actual musket firing training with Brian Bayliss (CJWII), Bryan Buck (FH), Richard Tyler (CJWII), Brooks Wheeler (CMM) and Michael Wilson (CWG).  The third group trained in leading a color guard during ceremonies.  This was led by Dale Corey and Marc Robinson (CJWII).  Doug Hall (CJWII) provided a drum cadence for the drills.  The groups included Paul Christensen (CJWII), Mark Day (PH), Chip Daniel (CJWII), Kelly Ford (CJWII) and Mark Sink (SMJC). 

photo is the participants l. to . Brett Osborn, Dale Corey, Richard Tyler, Sean Carrigan, Doug Hall, Warner Workman, Will Reynolds, Marc Robinson and Thomas "Chip" Daniel.

On 3 June 2023, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in the Honor Flight Top of Virginia's Flight #17.  They are a hub of the Honor Flight Network which was created to honor America's veterans for all their sacrifices.  The event began at Shenandoah University with a welcome ceremony where the SAR presented the colors for the signing of the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.  After a short briefing, the veterans who are accompanied by guardians are led to buses.  They pass by an honor line of the color guard who present arms to honor them as they pass by.  The veterans are transported to Washington, D. C. to visit and reflect at their memorials.  Visits are made to the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Memorial and end with a stop at Arlington National Cemetery to witness a changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Upon their return, they are greeted by family, friends and patriots to honor their sacrifices in defense of our country.  Honor Flight Top of Virginia serves the Shenandoah Valley, Loudoun County and beyond to salute our heroes and inspire our youth.  They make three flights a year with the next flight  from Harrisonburg on 23 September.  The Colonel James Wood II color guard was composed of Commander of the Guard Brett Osborn, Sean Carrigan, Paul Christensen, Dale Corey, Thomas "Chip" Daniel, Doug Hall, Will Reynolds, Marc Robinson and Richard Tyler from the Colonel James Wood II  chapter, Bryan Buck, Fort Harrison chapter (dual member of CJWII) and Warner Workman from the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter. 

The Dan River Chapter has been offering for sale at the annual Crossing of the Dan events, collectible challenge coins that commemorate the event.  These feature a different figure from the event and proceeds from the sale of these benefit our chapter.  Out intent to offer a different coin annually.

My question is; would this be an acceptable item to include in the Dispatch?  If so, we would greatly appreciate the opportunity to have these offered to others who were unable to attend the Crossing of the Dan events in February.

If this is approved, anyone interested may contact me at [email protected] or via our social media page: https://www.facebook.com/DanriverSAR

The Richard Henry Lee Chapter (RHLC) held its meeting on April 11^th at Historic Christ Church.  RHLC President, Michael Rhodes, presided.

The meeting began with compatriots Kurt Muse and James Harding being honored with twenty-five- and ten-year membership recognition, respectively.