Summer 2026 Meeting Minutes
Anthony Halberstadt Chapter — June 20, 2026 — Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, IN
Meeting Called to Order
President Jeffrey W. Jones called the Summer 2026 Chapter Meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. EST at the Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The following opening ceremonies were conducted:
- Invocation—Compatriot Bob Scott, Chaplain
- Posting of the Colors—Compatriot Gary Stebbins, Color Guard Commander
- Pledge of Allegiance—Compatriot Brett Hahn, Secretary
- National Anthem—Compatriot Gary Stebbins, Sergeant-at-Arms
- SAR Pledge—President Jeffrey W. Jones
SAR Pledge:
“We descendants of the heroes of the American Revolution who, by their sacrifices, established the United States of America, reaffirm our faith in the principles of liberty and our Constitutional Republic, and solemnly pledge ourselves to defend them against every foe.”
Opening Remarks
President Jones welcomed members, guests, and prospective members. Distinguished guests included the Fort Wayne Children of the American Revolution leader and CAR children in uniform.
President Jones reported that two additional members were approved on June 19th, bringing total chapter membership to 103. With five applications currently in process, the chapter anticipates reaching 120 members by year’s end. President Jones noted that three years ago the chapter had 55 members, making the current growth a remarkable achievement.
The new Mary Penrose DAR Regent was announced: Jenny Steyer.
President Jones reminded members of the National SAR membership application discount of $76, available throughout July 2026.
Reading of the SAR Mission:
“The Sons of the American Revolution honors our Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving our communities, and educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our country.”
Historian Review
Compatriot Archie Lintz led the Historian Review and shared his approach to educating young people about American history through the use of $2 bills in public settings. Compatriot Lintz provided a handout to members with details on the method.
New Member Inductions
The following new members were inducted into the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter:
Note: Compatriot Beckett Barnhart was inducted in absentia.
Awards and Recognition
Membership Anniversary
Compatriot Jon Courtland Lybarger — 15 Years of Service
Certificates of Appreciation — National SAR Table at the National Genealogical Society Conference
The following Compatriots received Certificates of Appreciation for their service at the National SAR exhibit during the NGS Conference, May 27-30, 2026:
- John Thomas West
- Donnal Phillip Corbitt
- Lawrence Tweed Riesser
- Scott Richard Thomas
- Robert Alan Scott
- Dr. William Walter Pond
- Aaron Ronald Kohart
- Terry Lee Smith (Alexis Coquillard Chapter)
- Trevor Leo Debes
- Jeffrey William Jones
- Harry Llewellyn Rinker (Michigan SAR State Genealogist)
Program
Compatriot Brett Hahn presented “Forge the Son,” a discussion on raising sons with the character and conviction of the American founding generation. The presentation drew on Hahn’s book of the same name.
Officer and Committee Reports
Vice President — Compatriot William Pond
Remarks delivered.
Secretary — Compatriot Brett Hahn
Online meeting minutes are now posted to the chapter website at fortwaynesar.com.
Service Committee — Compatriot Ron Kohart
Volunteers are needed to serve at the VA Hospital SAR table on Thursdays during July and August. Contact Ron at (260) 433-7007 or ronkohart@gmail.com.
Treasurer — Compatriot Bob Scott
Treasurer's Report presented. See financial summary below. Note: The chapter received a $2,500 grant from the City of Fort Wayne to support 250th anniversary celebrations.
Registrar — Compatriot Zach Washler
Registrar's Report presented.
Indiana State 250th Commission — Compatriot Dr. Tom Whiteman
Report delivered.
Youth Essay Competitions — Compatriot Ray King
Report delivered.
Eagle Scout Competition — Compatriot Jim Burk
Report delivered.
Color Guard, Veterans, Wreaths, ROTC, Flag Recognition — Compatriot Gary Stebbins
Report delivered.
Patriot Graves and Public Service — Compatriot Greg Stier
Report delivered.
Americanism — Compatriot Jeff Jones
Report delivered.
Historian — Compatriot Archie Lintz
Report delivered.
Note: Volunteers are needed to serve coffee and donuts at the VA Hospital on Thursdays.
Treasurer’s Report
Compatriot Bob Scott presented the following Treasurer’s Report for the period ending June 20, 2026.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Checking Account Balance (March 21, 2026) | $4,306.24 |
| Deposit: Donations | $330.00 |
| Deposit: Sale of SAR Books | $102.00 |
| Deposit: Re-instatement | $90.00 |
| Deposit: New Member Applications | $60.00 |
| Deposit: Grant | $1,000.00 |
| Total Deposits | $1,582.00 |
| Expense: Donation (Shepherds House) | ($102.00) |
| Expense: Hahn (Printing costs) | ($86.20) |
| Expense: King (Awards) | ($690.50) |
| Expense: Donation Snider HS | ($100.00) |
| Expense: Donation Lindenwood Cemetery | ($200.00) |
| Expense: Bernita Steyer (PWF Event) | ($100.00) |
| Expense: Stebbins (Medallion engraving) | ($80.00) |
| Expense: Bernita Steyer (250 Celebration) | ($1,086.87) |
| Expense: Caleb Williams (Essay winner) | ($200.00) |
| Expense: INSSAR State Dues | ($25.00) |
| Expense: NSSAR National Dues | ($50.00) |
| Total Expenses | ($2,720.57) |
| New Checking Account Balance | $3,167.67 |
| Savings Account Balance | $2,886.32 |
Grant Note: Two grants totaling $1,250.00 were received for 250th anniversary celebrations. Amount spent to date: $1,086.87. Remaining: $163.13. Additionally, the chapter received a $2,500 grant from the City of Fort Wayne for 250th anniversary activities.
Old Business
- SAR 250th Awards — Compatriot Ron Kohart reported on status.
- Purdue Fort Wayne America 250th Presentation (April 20) — Led by Compatriot Archie Lintz.
- ACPL America 250th Presentation (May 23) — Led by Compatriots John West and Donnal Corbitt.
- NGS Conference Support to the National SAR (May 27-30) — Led by Compatriot Ron Kohart.
New Business
Allen County 250th Upcoming Events — Reported by Benita Steyer and President Jeff Jones.
Grabill Parade and Flag Posting (September 12) — The chapter has been invited to lead the Grabill Parade. President Jeff Jones will follow up with organizers.
Annual Dues — Annual dues payments will open October 1, 2026. The chapter is aiming for 100% online payment this year. Members can pay dues at fortwaynesar.com/members/dues.
Supplemental Applications — President Jones explained that supplemental applications allow members to add additional patriot ancestors (beyond the one used for original membership) to the SAR database. This strengthens the historical record for all members.
Memorial Applications — Members may submit memorial applications to have deceased family members recognized in the SAR record. There is no cost for memorial applications.
Compatriot Funeral Requests — Reported by President Jeff Jones and Compatriot Bob Scott.
Upcoming Events
- June 20, 2026Patriot Walk at Lindenwood Cemetery, 1:00 p.m.
- July 2-6, 2026SAR National America 250th Day, Philadelphia, PA
- July 4, 2026City of Fort Wayne July 4th Celebration, Downtown Fort Wayne
- July 5, 2026Allen County Community Picnic, Leo Meta Park
- July 8, 2026Reading of the Declaration of Independence, Allen County Courthouse
- July 11-16, 2026Summer 2026 National SAR Congress, Greensboro, NC
- July 25, 2026Summer 2026 State House of Delegates, Bloomington, IN (note: agenda listed Vincennes in error; correct location is Bloomington)
- September 12, 2026Grabill Parade and Flag Posting
- September 19, 2026Fall 2026 Chapter Meeting, Allen County Public Library
- December 12 or 19, 2026Winter 2026 Chapter Meeting, Allen County Public Library
Closing
SAR Recessional led by Compatriot Ron Kohart:
“Until we meet again, let us remember our obligations to our forefathers who gave us our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, an independent Supreme Court and a nation of free men.”
Retrieval of the Colors — Compatriot Gary Stebbins, Sergeant-at-Arms
Benediction — Compatriot Bob Scott
Meeting adjourned.