Sgt Maj John Champe (SMJC) VA SAR Christmas Meeting & Luncheon 9 DEC

The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter VA SAR held their 2023 Christmas Luncheon at Ciro Ristorante in the Village Center Plaza in Aldie, VA on Saturday, 9 December. It was an eventful meeting with the installation of 2024 Chapter officers, induction of seven new members and recognition of men and women who made significant contributions to the success of the Chapter.

Barry Schwoerer was installed as 2024 President & Registrar and Mark Sink as 2024 Vice President. Treasurer is Steve Riddle, Historian David Welker, and Chaplain Jim Watts. New member John McWIlliams will start transition into the Secretary slot. He will be installed at the first Chapter meeting in 2024.

The Chapter inducted seven new members, bringing regular membership to 51. On 31 December 2022 the Chapter had 32 regular members. Adding 19 members in 2023 is a significant achievement. New members are: Burton Sullivan from Tampa, FL. His sister, Valerie Sink accepted the membership packet for him. Mr. Sullivan's Patriot ancestor is Abner Chapin. John McWilliams was accompanied by his wife Sonia. His Patriot Ancestor is Thomas McWIlliams. Robert McNiel's Patriot Ancestor is Abner Lester. Douglas Greenwood and his son, Douglas R. Greenwood were inducted. Their Patriot Ancestor is Jean Baptiste Brognard who was physician for General Lafayette. Michael Grinnell and his son Matthew were inducted. Their Patriot Ancestor is Bailey Grinnell.

The guest speaker was chapter Compatriot David Welker, Chapter Historian. He gave a talk on the Boston Tea Party. The Tea Party happened on December 16, 1773 when Patriots threw tea from the ships Beaver, Eleanor and Dartmouth into Boston Harbor. The Tea Party was one of the major events leading to the American Revolution. The SMJC Chapter will commemorate the Tea Party on December 16 at 3:30pm at the Loudoun County Courthouse. Join us if you can.

Chapter Compatriot Kurtis Schwoerer was recognized for his artistic effort to create a modern graphic of a nearly 250 year old Guidon used by Light Horse Harry Lee in what became known as Lee's Legion during the Revolution. Sgt Maj John Champe was the senior enlisted man in Lee's Legion. The artwork was used to create replica Guidons the chapter will use in events. Kurtis was presented a Guidon, a Chapter Challenge coin based on the graphic, and a coaster with the graphic. He was also presented a Chapter Bronze Henry Knox Achievement Medal.

The Henry Knox Chapter Achievement medal was awarded to Sean Schwoerer and Warner Workman. Sean was recognized for development of the Chapter website, assembling a video camera suite, and producing videos of multiple events, all posted on the website. Warner Workman was recognized for contribution of material and time for a 22' float used in a variety of Patriotic events, such as Veterans Day and Independence Day. In 2023 Warner's float was at 12 events in Virginia, both Frederick and Loudoun County, and in the Veterans parade at Brunswick, MD. His float has Significantly raised awareness of SAR throughout Northern Virginia.

The SAR 250 Anniversary Bronze medal was presented to Steve Riddle, Richard Ryan, (not present) and Sean Schwoerer. A member must participate in multiple events to earn the medal.

The SAR Daughters of Liberty Medal was presented to Anita Bonner, Regent of the Lanes Mill Chapter NSDAR and to Paula Schwoerer of the Elizabeth McIntosh Hammill Chapter NSDAR. The medal is awarded for unselfish devotion, tireless efforts and assistance to the SAR.

Anita Bonner, Regent of the Lanes Mill Chapter NSDAR presented the DAR Hannah White Arnett Bronze medal to Ken Bonner for extraordinary cooperation and outstanding service to NSDAR. The Citation read "For unselfish devotion, tireless efforts, and assistance to the DAR; and who dedicated his time, energy and talents, and/or resources to the organization in support and furtherance of the DAR Mission of historic preservation, education and Patriotism."

Virginia SAR Secretary Ken Dioquino presented the Virginia SAR State Henry Knox Medal to Ken Bonner on behalf of Virginia SAR President Ernie Coggins. The citation read "For outstanding leadership and performacne as SMJC President. During his tenure he led the sweep of National SAR recognition awards of excellence including the President's Cup for 2022. His community outreach and collaborative partnerships contributed highly to the advancement of the Virginia SAR's National preeminence as a model Chapter."

For more information please view our website at: www.johnchampe-sar.org