The Pack Horse Ford Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) proudly announces a State winner this year in the American History Essay Contest. Roula Hammer, a fifth grade student at the Morgan Academy, won first place in West Virginia for her essay on the War of 1812. Congratulations go not only to Roula, but also to Second Vice Regent Mary Davis, chairman of the essay contest committee and to Recording Secretary Cheryl Rodgers, who assisted with the judging of the fifth grade essays.

The announcement of this prestigious award occurred at the Chapter’s annual National Defense Luncheon on Saturday, April 21, at the Purple Iris. The guest speaker for the occasion was retired Major General Steven D. Saunders. General Saunders began his military career as an enlisted soldier in the United States Army Reserve. His military career culminated at the National Guard Bureau in Arlington, Va., where in October 2004, he became Director of Doctrine, Training and Force Development. He retired from the military in October 2008, but he is still serving his country as the Executive Director, Readiness for the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the Department of Homeland Security.

Saunders’ presentation, “The Other One Percent,” demonstrated how only one percent of the world’s population can make a difference. This includes law enforcement, the military, medical personnel, fire fighters, government workers, teachers, volunteers and international non-governmental partners. His presentation contained photographs that he kept as a travel log of his journeys throughout the world. He gave many motivational quotes during his presentation.

The Chapter’s Scrapbook and Press Book Committee, composed of Historian Margaret Writt, Jenny Hamrick, Darla Ambrose, Nancy Bender, Lillian Kinser and Regent Cheryl Brown, is putting the final touches on the chapter scrapbook and press book just in time for the West Virginia DAR State Conference, May 18-20, in Charleston.

The Chapter continues to increase its membership with three new members, Janet Younkin, Meredith Wait and Mary Spotswood.

As part of the Chapter’s tradition, the DAR continues to “Preserve the Past, Enhance the Present and Invest in the Future.” To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org.