Fall 2026 Newsletter
Anthony Halberstadt Chapter — Posted September 2026
A Message from the Chapter
The 250th anniversary of American independence has come and gone, but what it stirred in us remains. This chapter answered the call throughout 2026, standing at courthouse steps, marching in parades, packing food for neighbors, and laying wreaths for the fallen. The work of honoring those who built this republic does not end with a celebration. It begins again every morning. As we move into the final quarter of the year, our focus turns to growth, service, and ensuring the chain passes unbroken to the next generation. Thank you to every Compatriot who carried it forward this year.
Message from the Chapter President
Compatriots and Friends,
As we enter the final months of 2026, I am pleased to report that the state of the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter is very strong. One of the clearest signs is our continued membership growth. On September 7, 2023, our chapter had 78 members. Exactly three years later, we now have 103 approved members, an increase of more than 30 percent. We also have nine new-member applications awaiting approval at National Headquarters and two more applications currently in progress. In addition, two supplemental applications and three memorial applications are awaiting approval at National. Our summer recruitment campaign was clearly successful, and I want to thank everyone who helped identify and encourage prospective members. Reaching 100 members was an important milestone, but it was not a finish line. We have an opportunity to continue growing and strengthening our chapter.
As the new school year begins, I would especially like to ask for your help with our Youth Programs. These programs are an important part of our mission to educate and inspire future generations about our nation's history and founding principles. We sponsor an Elementary School Poster Contest, Middle School Brochure Contest, and High School Essay, Oration, and Video Contests. Compatriot Ray King coordinates these programs. Compatriot Jim Burk is our point of contact for the Eagle Scout Contest, and Compatriot Gary Stebbins handles our ROTC/JROTC program. Please think about your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, neighbors, friends, and other young people you know who might enjoy participating. Encourage them to enter and put them in touch with Ray, Jim, or Gary. Sometimes all a young person needs is for someone to tell them about the opportunity.
Finally, we are beginning an important period in the future leadership of our chapter. We will soon be seeking nominations for Chapter Officer positions for our next two-year term. Nominees will be reviewed and voted upon at upcoming chapter meetings. If you have an interest in serving as a Chapter Officer, or know a compatriot who would be a good candidate, please contact Ray King. We will also be confirming our committee appointments and looking for additional members who would like to become involved in committee work. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please contact me.
Our chapter has accomplished a great deal because members have been willing to contribute their time and talents. As pleased as I am to see our membership reach 103, the future strength of the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter will ultimately be measured by more than the number of names on our membership roll. It will be measured by our participation, our service to the community, our investment in young people, and our willingness to develop the next generation of chapter leaders.
Thank you for everything you do for the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter. I look forward to seeing you at our Fall Chapter Meeting on September 19 and to working together as we finish another successful year.
Jeffrey W. Jones
President, Anthony Halberstadt Chapter
Indiana Society, Sons of the American Revolution
Chapter Highlights
250th Reading of the Declaration of Independence — July 8, 2026
On July 8, 2026, the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter joined the Allen County Courthouse for the 250th annual reading of the Declaration of Independence in Fort Wayne. The event was hosted by the DAR, and our chapter presented the Colors. The Declaration was read by Dirk Rowley, news anchor at WANE TV. Also in attendance was General Anthony Wayne, portrayed by Compatriot David Rousculp of the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter, and the DAR Mary Penrose Chapter Singers. It was a fitting and powerful commemoration of the document that started it all.
Associated Churches of Fort Wayne Volunteer Event — August 27, 2026
On August 27th, the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter participated in the Associated Churches of Fort Wayne volunteer event, helping to pack donated food for distribution to citywide food banks. This is an annual chapter tradition that provides both a meaningful service opportunity and a gathering for Compatriots to strengthen friendships. Service to community is central to who we are.
Wreaths Across America — December 19, 2026
Remember the Fallen. Honor those who Serve. Teach our children the value of Freedom.
On December 19, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. EST, the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter will join Lindenwood Cemetery for Wreaths Across America, laying remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes.
Our annual chapter goal is 50 wreaths. As of this writing, only 21 have been sponsored. Compatriot Gary Stebbins is leading our chapter effort and is encouraging every member to sponsor a wreath. Our chapter receives a rebate on every wreath purchased, and this year Compatriot Stebbins has set a stretch goal of 100 wreaths.
Please help us honor as many fallen heroes as possible by sponsoring a wreath, volunteering on Wreaths Day, or bringing family and friends to attend.
Indiana Hoosier Patriot — Spring 2026
The Indiana Society SAR has published the Spring 2026 edition of the Hoosier Patriot, the official newsletter of the Indiana Society. State President William E. Behnke Sr. calls on all Compatriots to honor the 250th anniversary of American independence by increasing our chapter visibility at community events, working information booths, and encouraging eligible family members to join. With the 4th of July marking 250 years of independence, this is a historic year to be a Son of the American Revolution.
VA Hospital Service — Volunteers Needed
The Anthony Halberstadt Chapter volunteers every Thursday at the Fort Wayne VA Hospital, providing coffee and donuts to VA patients. The effort is collegial and typically runs about two hours. VA patients love the company and share remarkable stories of their service.
Compatriot Ron Kohart leads the effort and is always looking for volunteers. If you are available to serve any Thursday, please reach out to Ron directly.
Annual Dues — Coming in October
Annual dues notices will go out in October 2026. Members can pay online at fortwaynesar.com. This year the chapter is upgrading its online payment system, shifting from PayPal to Stripe for a smoother, more secure experience. Members will be able to save a payment method on file for easier renewal in future years. More details to follow in the dues notice.
Upcoming Events
September 12, 2026
Grabill County Fair Parade
The Anthony Halberstadt Chapter, alongside the DAR and CAR, will lead the Grabill County Fair Parade. The parade route is one mile. The combined group will handle the flag raising at the start of the parade. The CAR children will carry the Parade Banner, followed by our Color Guard and the combined SAR, DAR, and CAR members. President Jones will provide candy and flags for distribution along the route.
September 19, 2026
Fall Chapter Meeting, 10:00 a.m.
Allen County Public Library, Main Branch
900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
October 4, 2026
Patriot Grave Marking — John Kitley
The Anthony Halberstadt Chapter's Color Guard, led by Compatriot Gary Stebbins, will support a grave marking ceremony for Revolutionary War Veteran John Kitley at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Tipton, Indiana. The ceremony is hosted by the Tipton, Indiana Historical Society and the DAR. Color Guard members wishing to participate should arrive for muster at 1:00 PM. Ceremony begins at 2:00 PM.
Pleasant Hill Cemetery, E County Road 550 S, Madison Township, Indiana 46036
November 7, 2026
Col. de La Balme Commemoration, 2:00 p.m.
Join us near Columbia City to commemorate the Battle of the Eel River, where Col. Augustin de La Balme and approximately 100 of his men were killed in 1780 during their campaign against British forces in the Northwest Territory. The Color Guard muster begins at 1:00 p.m. The ceremony begins at 2:00 p.m.
7175 E de la Balme Road, Union Township, Whitley County (north off Old Trail Road, near 700 East)
Following the ceremony, all are invited to join us at The Tavern, Don Hall's Restaurants, 5745 Coventry Lane, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.
December 12, 2026
Winter Chapter Meeting, 10:00 a.m.
Allen County Public Library, Main Branch
900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
December 19, 2026
Wreaths Across America at Lindenwood Cemetery, 12:00 p.m.
2324 W Main St, Fort Wayne, IN 46808