A Veterans’ luncheon was held by the Pack Horse Ford Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution at Cress Creek Country Club on Saturday, Nov. 2. Chapter members donated bags full of gifts for their Veterans’ Christmas Stocking Project. Gift items donated included socks, playing cards, puzzle books, pre-paid phone cards, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other small personal items. In December, Chapter members will gather to fill individual stockings with these items for each of the 90 Veterans.

Local resident LTC (Ret.) Don Amoroso was introduced by Marianne Caruso, co-chairman of the DAR Service for Veterans Committee. The son of a World War II prisoner of war, Amoroso served twice in Vietnam and also in Germany. During a 20-year career he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart and many other medals. His slide presentation “The Vietnam War 50 Years Later: An Aviator’s Perspective” was a pictorial history of Amoroso’s first tour in the country.

The chapter is grateful for the community’s support during its recent yard sale at Domino’s Pizza in Shepherdstown. The proceeds will go towards the WVDAR’s purchase of a track wheelchair for a West Virginia Veteran and the chapter’s Christmas stocking project. Chapter members donated treasures and time, but those that were especially involved in the yard sale included Chairman of the DAR Project Patriot Committee Marilee Cunningham, First Vice Regent Patricia Toffling, Shauna Johnstone, Mary Gageby, Registrar Dorrene Hale and Treasurer Katherine Genung.

Almost two years ago, the chapter began a Ruth Thacher Scholarship Fund in memory of deceased Shepherdstown resident and retired school administrator, Ruth Thacher. She served as Chapter Regent and was named Honorary Regent in recognition of her 50 years of service to the DAR. The fund continues to grow with the contributions of Chapter members, with the hopes of one day offering a deserving college student a scholarship from funds earned from an interest bearing account.

Special recognition went to Shepherdstown resident Dickie Brown for setting a DAR bronze marker in concrete for Ann Stephen Dandridge Hunter, daughter of Adam Stephen, Revolutionary War soldier and patriot. Last month in Martinsburg, a grave dedication ceremony was held for Ann, who was born in 1761 and died at the age of 73 in 1834. Regent Cheryl Brown also recognized the contributions of Sandra Riggleman for her suggestion of marking Ann’s grave and arranging for a reception with the General Adam Stephen Memorial Association following the ceremony.

Penny Hoeflinger reminded chapter members that November 15 is American Recycle Day, but asked everyone to make everyday a recycle day.

After the luncheon, a grave marking and dedication were held at Elmwood Cemetery for deceased chapter member Patricia Ann Boyd Watson, who grew up in Kearneysville. Leading the procession was Johnna Nicewarner, who carried the Flag of the United States of America. Chapter Chaplain Mary K. Wood gave the Invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Pat Watson’s grandsons. Regent Brown welcomed chapter members and the Watson family, including Pat’s husband, The Rev. Dr. Raleigh H. Watson; daughters Elizabeth Martin and Ann Phillips; sisters, Margie Boyd Adams and Nancy Boyd Leidenfrost; and four grandsons. Pat became a member of the Chapter in 1995, served as Chaplain from 2000-2007, and was chairman and member of various committees. Pat also was a member of Shepherdstown Chapter #128, United Daughters of the Confederacy. UDC and DAR member Lucille Banks Waltz gave the Remembrance of Pat.

The Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s volunteer service organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism. If you would like to learn more about the Pack Horse Ford Chapter, contact Regent Cheryl Brown at 304-876-3817 or Registrar Dorrene Hale at 304-725-6140. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org.