On January 31st, 2024, the General William Campbell chapter SAR had the honor of attending the New River Valley chapter meeting. Present from the New River Valley chapter SAR was Terry Blevins the chapter president who opened the meeting at the Adam Hance House. Also present were one of their compatriots and his wife, as well as a prospective member, Andrew Parr. Members in attendance from the General William Campbell chapter SAR were John Britton and Kevin Combs.
Once the meeting started, we had a program presentation on the Revolutionary War soldiers in the Pulaski area. This program was presented by April Martin. She was not only the director of the Wilderness Board Regional Museum but also a member of the Alleghany chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution and president of the 250th anniversary community for that chapter.
During the meeting it was mentioned about the Fincastle Resolves program that will involve multiple living history actors as well as SAR volunteers dressed in period attire to participate with the public. A fund-raising drive was mentioned to help support this program as it has the potential to turn into a PBS documentary special television documentary.
During this meeting the New River Valley chapter mentioned that they now have a permanent meeting place at the Wilderness Regional Museum. They will meet monthly on the last Wednesday of each month at 6:00. President Blevins mentioned that this chapter was originally founded in Pearisburg by William Bane who has since deceased. He mentioned that they had attempted traveling circuit meeting sites however that was not successful. He went on to say that there would be no meetings held in June, July, or December months due to various reasons including vacations. During this meeting he mentioned that this chapter had awarded 3 Eagle Scout certificates in October, Including the first girl Eagle Scout in Floyd and Montgomery counties. On their agenda they mentioned having eight grade marking ceremonies. These will be split into two events. The first one will be in collaboration with Lieutenant Cox chapter SAR at the St. John's Lutheran Church, honoring the Lutheran minister, on October 24th. The 2nd event will occur on October 5th for the New River chapter grave marking event. Both grave markings would be considered a state event from 10:00 to 12:00. Chapter President Terry stated he will send out a request for honor guardsmen to be present at these events. They are planning to have wreaths laying ceremonies at those both events as well. Also mentioned was a combined chapter meeting with the General William Campbell chapter and the New River Valley chapter coming up later this year that may involve the Wytheville Historical Society as well. Kevin Combs presented criteria and pearls of wisdom for the USS STARK report during this meeting.