Summer 2026 Newsletter
Anthony Halberstadt Chapter — Posted June 2026
A Message from the Chapter
As we enter the second half of 2026, the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter stands stronger than ever. One hundred members, a growing public presence, and a 250th anniversary year that is calling us to action. Thank you to every Compatriot who continues to give of his time, talent, and treasure to make our work possible.
Message from the Chapter President
Compatriots and Friends,
As we enter the second half of the year, I am pleased to report that the state of our chapter is very strong. We continue to enjoy a sound financial position, active participation in our programs, and membership growth that would have seemed ambitious only a few years ago.
Today, our chapter stands at approximately 100 members, a milestone that reflects the dedication of our officers, committee chairmen, and members. What makes this accomplishment even more remarkable is that our membership has nearly doubled during the past three years. The growth demonstrates that the mission of the Sons of the American Revolution, promoting patriotism, preserving history, and educating future generations, continues to resonate throughout northeast Indiana.
While reaching 100 members is certainly worth celebrating, I do not believe we have reached our full potential. During the entire month of July, the National Society is offering a special membership promotion, reducing the National application fee from $150 to $76. This creates an excellent opportunity to encourage eligible sons, grandsons, nephews, brothers, cousins, and other male relatives to consider joining the SAR. We currently have five new membership applications already in process, and I encourage every member to think about who in their family might qualify. With your help, we can continue to grow and strengthen our chapter for years to come.
Our chapter has also maintained a strong public presence this spring through a variety of educational and community outreach activities. In April, chapter members participated in an America 250-themed event at Purdue University Fort Wayne, where we engaged more than 100 students in discussions about the Revolutionary War and the founding of our nation. We have also sponsored a Revolutionary War and SAR educational display at the Allen County Public Library from May through July, helping introduce visitors to the history and mission of our organization.
In May, chapter members welcomed the public at the Allen County Public Library during a screening of Ken Burns' documentary on the Revolutionary War, providing information about the SAR and answering questions about our activities. Later, from May 27 through May 30, our chapter hosted the National SAR exhibit at the National Genealogical Society Conference at the Grand Wayne Center. During that event, we met genealogists from across the nation and received more than ten inquiries from individuals interested in SAR membership.
These activities remind us that our chapter's success is measured not only by membership numbers but also by our visibility, service, and educational impact within the community. Every conversation, every display, and every public event helps preserve the memory of our Patriot ancestors while introducing a new generation to the principles upon which our nation was founded.
Thank you for your continued support of the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming meetings and events as we continue to honor our Patriots, serve our community, and build our legacy.
With appreciation and best wishes,
Jeffrey W. Jones
President, Anthony Halberstadt Chapter
Indiana Society, Sons of the American Revolution
Chapter Highlights
Chapter Reaches 100 Members
The Anthony Halberstadt Chapter has reached approximately 100 members, a milestone more than a decade in the making. Our membership has nearly doubled over the past three years. Five additional applications are currently in process. July brings a special opportunity: the National Society is reducing the application fee from $150 to $76 for the entire month. If you know an eligible male descendant of a Revolutionary War patriot, now is the time to encourage him to apply.
National Genealogical Society Conference
From May 27 through May 30, the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter hosted the National SAR exhibit at the National Genealogical Society Conference at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne. Genealogists from across the nation attended, and our chapter received more than ten inquiries from individuals interested in SAR membership. Events like this remind us that our Patriot ancestors' stories are still being discovered.
America 250th Day at the Allen County Public Library
In May, chapter members staffed a public information booth at the Allen County Public Library during a screening of Ken Burns' documentary on the Revolutionary War. The event drew community members of all ages and gave our chapter a visible platform to share the mission of the SAR with the public.
Purdue University Fort Wayne Outreach
In April, chapter members participated in an America 250-themed event at Purdue University Fort Wayne, engaging more than 100 students in conversations about the Revolutionary War and the founding of our nation. Reaching young people on college campuses is central to the chapter's long-term mission.
Lindenwood Cemetery Salute to Service
On June 20th, following our Summer Chapter Meeting, members participated in the Lindenwood Cemetery Salute to Service, a countywide remembrance honoring veterans from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War. Our Color Guard provided a formal presence alongside the DAR, CAR, and community partners.
New Website Launch
The Anthony Halberstadt Chapter has launched a fully redesigned website. The new site is modern, fast, and mobile-friendly, built to serve both current members and prospective Compatriots discovering the SAR for the first time. The site is now accessible at two addresses: fortwaynesar.com and halberstadt.indianasar.org.
New features include a full chapter history, officer and committee pages, the chapter Constitution and By-Laws, upcoming events, newsletters, meeting minutes, dues payment, and a growing Reading Library curated with books on American history, the founding tradition, and the formation of character. The library will continue to expand throughout the year.
Visit the new site at https://www.fortwaynesar.com
JROTC Awards
The Anthony Halberstadt Chapter is proud to recognize the following JROTC cadets for their outstanding achievement and service.
Indiana SAR Enhanced JROTC Medal — Cadet Hnin Hpyu, Wayne High School
Cadet Major Hnin Hpyu, a junior in the Air Force JROTC program at Wayne High School, was selected as the recipient of the Indiana SAR Enhanced JROTC Medal and awarded $1,000. Her submission was entered in the SAR ROTC National Committee competition, where 24 states competed. She placed 8th in the overall national standings. For the 2026-27 school year, Cadet Hnin has been promoted to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and will serve as Corps Commander for Wayne High School AFJROTC.
JROTC Medal — Cadet Molly Towne, Concordia Lutheran High School
Cadet 2LT Molly Towne, a junior at Concordia Lutheran High School, received the JROTC Medal from our chapter. Cadet Towne has been promoted to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel for the 2026-27 school year and will serve as Corps Commander at Concordia.
SAR Cadet King Award — Henry Henriquez
The SAR Cadet King Award was presented to Henry Henriquez in recognition of outstanding leadership and service.
Warsaw High School JROTC Award — Cadet Sergeant Major Owen Aukeman
The chapter recognized Cadet Sergeant Major Owen Aukeman of Warsaw High School with the JROTC Award for exemplary performance and dedication.
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 visibility at community events, working information booths, and encouraging eligible family members to join the SAR. With the 4th of July marking the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, this is a historic year to be a Son of the American Revolution.
Read the full Spring 2026 Hoosier Patriot here: