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Medical Tips - She Nearly Kicked Me Out of Bed!
Surgeon General's War Report: Spring 1776 - Surgeon General’s War Report ~ The Wounds of Benedict Arnold
WYTHEVILLE, Va. — August 15, 2026—History came alive in Wytheville on August 15, 2026, as members of the Sons of the American Revolution gathered at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery to recognize the Revolutionary War Patriots whose final resting place is within this historic cemetery.
As President of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution, I am proud to share that the first half of 2026 has produced exceptional membership activity across the Commonwealth. From January 1 through July 4, our chapters documented 189 Patriot ancestors, including 168 new member applications, 20 supplemental applications, and 1 memorial application — far exceeding the previous six‑month period.
This surge reflects something deeper than numbers. It reflects Virginians embracing our shared role as Witnesses to History during the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. Across the Commonwealth, Independence Day 2026 was more meaningful, more colorful, and more impactful than any in recent memory. Our ceremonies, educational programs, and community commemorations demonstrated that the spirit of 1776 is alive and resonant in 2026.
TOANO, Va. — June 11, 2026—On May 4, 2026, as part of Virginia’s continuing march toward the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Williamsburg Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution hosted a solemn and well‑attended Commemoration of the Gunpowder Incident at Upper County Park in Toano.
The Gunpowder Incident of April 21, 1775 stands as one of the earliest and most consequential confrontations between royal authority and Virginia’s citizenry. When Governor Lord Dunmore ordered the removal of gunpowder from the Public Magazine in Williamsburg, Virginians viewed the act as a direct assault on their rights and security. The tension that followed made clear that reconciliation with the Crown was slipping out of reach, and that Virginians were prepared to defend their liberties.
The Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR) training workshop format is changing! In order to provide beneficial information at a time that will have the best impact to chapters, committees, and members, workshops will be conducted periodically throughout the year. Workshops will continue to be virtual so they can reach anyone interested in joining.
The initial target is one workshop per month, but that may change as opportunities to communicate arise.
RICHMOND, VA — January 1, 2026 — The Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution, is beginning the new year with a significant milestone in its statewide growth and outreach. President Michael E. Weyler, Ph.D., has announced plans to charter a new chapter that will expand the Society’s presence in the heart of the Commonwealth.
The forthcoming Abraham Brown Chapter will serve compatriots and prospective members in Charles City County and New Kent County, two regions rich with Revolutionary‑era history and enduring patriotic legacy. The chapter’s namesake, Abraham Brown (SAR Patriot P-329970), was a free African American farmer from Charles City who supplied beef to the Continental Army—an essential contribution to sustaining Patriot forces during the struggle for independence. Honoring Brown through the chapter’s name reflects the Virginia SAR’s commitment to recognizing the diverse individuals who supported the American cause.
As a valued member of the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR), your continued involvement is the foundation of our mission. With the renewal period now underway, we encourage you to reaffirm your commitment to honoring our patriot ancestors and advancing the work of our Society — nationally, across Virginia, and within your chapter.
Your membership is more than a name on a roster — it’s a living connection to our shared history and a vital contribution to our future. By renewing your dues at the national, state, and chapter levels, you help:
Alexandria and Wytheville, VA — The Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR) is proud to announce the award of two new grants from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation in support of its ongoing Patriot Burials® marker program. These grants will fund the creation and installation of historical markers at two cemeteries in Virginia where Revolutionary War Patriots are laid to rest.
The newly awarded markers are:
WILLIAMSBURG, VA, (May 27, 2025) — On 3 May 2025, the Williamsburg Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation conducted a ceremony to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Virginia’s first military response to the Royal Governor’s taking of gunpowder stored in Williamsburg’s powder magazine. Governor John Murray, Earl of Dunmore falsely claimed it was for Virginia’s protection. During the night of 20–21 April 1775, British Marines landed at Burwell’s Landing on the James River and marched to Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capitol. They had been ordered by Governor Dunmore to remove the gunpowder stored in Williamsburg’s powder magazine. The Marines were spotted and an alarm raised. As a result, they returned to their ships without completely emptying the magazine.
Public discontent increased throughout the colony fomenting unrest, with militia companies mustering to force return of the gunpowder. Patrick Henry learned of the event and issued a call to arms. On 2 May 1775, 160 mounted militiamen from Hanover County under Henry’s command began their ride to Williamsburg to either recover the powder or be paid for it. On 3 May, they stopped at Doncastle’s Ordinary near Toano in James City County. It was here Carter Braxton convinced Henry to halt his march. Braxton, the son-in-law of Virginia’s Receiver General, Richard Corbin rode into Williamsburg to negotiate the settlement of the incident. He returned to Henry with a payment of 330 pounds to pay for the gunpowder that was taken from the armory. The Hanover militia returned to their homes and Henry journeyed to Philadelphia to participate in the Second Continental Congress. Dunmore feared for his safety and on 8 June, he and his family left in the middle of the night to take up residence aboard the British ship HMS Fowey. This incident led to the Virginia Colony’s government being taken over by a Committee of Safety and Patrick Henry becoming the independent state’s first governor in July 1776.
GLEN ALLEN, Va. (Feb. 8, 2025) – In a memorable ceremony conducted by the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR), Michael E. Weyler, Ph.D., was installed as the 105th President of the Virginia SAR by National SAR President General Darryl Addington in ceremonies held during the 135th Annual Meeting within the Henrico Ballroom of the Virginia Crossings Hotel.
Dr. Michael E. Weyler succeeded William D. Greaf, DPA (Williamsburg Chapter SAR) who served as the 104th Virginia SAR President in 2024–25. President Greaf was awarded the state society's highest award—the Patriot Medal—for his outstanding leadership and accomplishments during the past year. Dr. Greaf also received a sword and scabbard as a gift from his Virginia SAR officers.
(WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - 13 September 2024) —The Virginia SAR Executive Committee has appointed Richard E. Rankin of the George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR, to the newly created position of Virginia SAR Risk Manager, effective September 14, 2024.
The VASSAR Risk Manager will provide advice to the ExCom, Chapter Presidents and the Color Guard Commander on risk management and insurance issues which may impact the Society’s operational risk profile.
Lewis M. “Lew” Ewing, 90, of Winchester, Virginia, died August 7, 2024, at Winchester Medical Center. Lew was born May 8, 1934, in Stephens City, Virginia, son of the late James Earl Ewing, Sr. and Anna Virginia Golladay Ewing.
Williamsburg, VA – August 19, 2024 – The Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR), with the support of the Williamsburg Chapter SAR, proudly presented the Silver Good Citizenship Medal Award to Mr. Frank Shatz at the College of William and Mary.
The Silver Good Citizenship Medal recognizes outstanding and unusual patriotic achievement and service at the state or regional level. The medal is presented to persons of prominence in areas of government, military service, religion, education, business, or other endeavors. Mr. Frank Shatz was born in Czechoslovakia in 1927. After the German takeover of Czechoslovakia, he was deported to a slave work camp in Romania. He managed to escape and returned to Czechoslovakia, where he became a member of the anti-German resistance. He began a career in journalism after the World War II and immigrated with his wife, Jaroslava, to the United States in 1958. He currently resides in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he writes a weekly column for the Virginia Gazette and is involved with the College of William and Mary.
Charles Leroy Mattocks, Sr., 84, of Stafford, Va., died at Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Sunday, August 18, of complications from a fall. He was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, on March 26, 1940, to Daniel “LLoy” Raymond Mattocks, Sr. and Helen Dorothy Waid.
Your Excellencies –
Of the fourteen hundred medical practitioners who served in the Continental Army, only about ten percent had formal medical degrees. The majority of the rest had learned their practice through an apprenticeship with an established physician. Most were young men at the beginning of their careers. Few had prior experience of war. Their civilian practices had not prepared them for the grim realities of warfare in eighteenth- century America, where far more soldiers under their care would die from disease and infection than would be killed on the battlefield.
Figure 1 Fifteenth Army Air Force Reunion Color Guard: Forrest Crain, Fairfax Resolves Chapter; Ed Clendenin, Alexander Hamilton Chapter; Dave Cook, Fairfax Resolves Chapter; and Dale Corey, Col. James Wood II Chapter.
On 14 October, members of the Virginia and Texas Society Sons of the American Revolution where honored to present the colors at the All-Groups Banquet held at the reunion of the Fifteen Army Air Force Bomber Group. Participating from the Fairfax Resolves Chapter were President Forrest Crain, Past President David Cook and dual member (Col James Wood II Chapter) Dale Corey. The Group holds reunions at different locations annually. This year’s three-day event was held in Herndon. Group activities included visits to Mt Vernon, the National US Army Museum, the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum, the Air Force Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the World War II Memorial.
