The Pack Horse Ford Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) held its annual Veterans Luncheon on Saturday, Nov. 7, at The Club at Cress Creek. Regent Cheryl Brown opened the luncheon with the Pledge of Allegiance and the American’s Creed. Barbara Nickell gave the blessing for the meal, followed by the program.

The guest speaker was Col. David A. Richards, U.S. Army, Retired. He gave a summary of his life in the Army as a Signal Officer. He was stationed in several locations around the world, including Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, and the United States before retiring in Maryland.

Col. Richards realized he wanted to give back to his community and country and did not want to spend his retirement in leisure. He and his wife are now volunteers for Mission of Mercy, a non-profit organization founded in 1994 to provide free healthcare, dental care and prescription medications to the uninsured and underinsured and those who fall through the cracks in our healthcare system. For information, see www.amissionofmercy.org.

The chapter sang “Happy Birthday” to Lucille Waltz, chairman emeritus, DAR Service for Veterans Committee. The Regent recognized the DAR Service for Veterans Committee Co-chairman Marianne Caruso and members Darla Ambrose, Marilee Cunningham, Susie George, Marie Snowden and Vicky Thomas.

Katherine Genung gave an update on the cutting and sewing of the Christmas stockings for Veterans, which will be done by a quilting group. The stockings will be filled with socks, toiletries and other useful items donated by the chapter members.

The Henrietta Bedinger Lee Chapter, National Society Children of the American Revolution visited the Martinsburg VA Center on Nov. 11 where they delivered homemade cards to the Veterans and attended the Veterans Day ceremony. Several members of the Pack Horse Ford Chapter accompanied the children.

The chapter will participate in the Shepherdstown Christmas parade on Dec. 5 at 11 a.m.

With 125 years of tradition, the DAR is deeply rich in history, while also being truly relevant in today’s world. More than 930,000 members have belonged to this nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women’s service organization. DAR is dedicated to preserving American history, securing America’s future through better education, and promoting patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org.

For more information about the Pack Horse Ford Chapter, contact Regent Cheryl Brown at 304-876-3817.