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National Defense Luncheon held at Purple Iris April 9

By Staff | Apr 15, 2011

(Submitted photo) Pictured from the left are, Cheryl Brown, Lt. Col. Kim Sencindiver and Jane Snyder.

The Pack Horse Ford Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution held its annual National Defense Luncheon at the Purple Iris in Martinsburg on Saturday, April 9. Twenty-five members were in attendance.

The speaker for the event was Lt. Col. Kim Sencindiver, a 28-year member of the Air National Guard who serves as Chief, CBRN Medical Forces, Joint Surgeons Office, National Guard Bureau in Arlington, Va.

She talked to the group on “Interagency Operations” and its recent history of these operations, detailing the changes made through legislation and policy changes since 9-11 to increase protection of the homeland.

She told about the formation of the Department of Homeland Security from many disparate agencies with thousands of funding lines, establishment of the National Incident Management System, and completion of the National Strategy for Homeland Security.

Sencindiver explained the role that National Guard members are playing to bolster efforts of first responders in interagency operations, especially in the areas of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear warfare. One example she gave was the response of National Guard Civil Support Teams to numerous white powder incidents. She also reminded everyone that National Guard troops are playing a critical role in overseas contingencies while continuing to support domestic operations. She closed by asking chapter members to remember our nation’s service members who face danger throughout the world.

Also at the luncheon, Registrar Dorrene Hale gave a report on the recently concluded West Virginia DAR State Conference. Five members, including Honorary State Regent Jean Elliott, represented the chapter at the conference, which was held at Pipestem State Park on April 1 through 3.

Additionally, Ariel Hoover served as a page. The chapter received several awards for its work during the past year. Of special note was a first place award for the most new members through application. Hale stated that 20 percent of the state’s new members during 2010-2011 joined the Pack Horse Ford Chapter.

Margaret Writt, State Chairman of the Conservation and Environmental Issues Committee, urged members to save beverage pop tops as a conservation project. Volunteer Information Specialists Committee Chairman Katherine Genung showed members how to access the new chapter blog, and “DAR Daughters Team” Captain Polly Wharton reported that the chapter has raised over $800 in support of the Jefferson County Relay for Life.

Treasurer Megen Showe announced that there is still room for additional individuals on the bus to Lancaster, PA on April 30. For more information and to make reservations, call Regent Cheryl Brown at 304-876-3817.

To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org.