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PAST ACTIVITIES
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
Alton, Illinois
May 2023

HISTORIC FLAG PRESENTATIONS

Presentation at Evergreen Place, Alton IL

Presentation to residents of Cambridge House, O'fallon IL
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
Upper Alton Baptist Church, Alton, Illinois
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Congratulations to Timothy Melton of Troop 16, Greater St. Louis Area
Council, Piasa Bird District, Alton, Illinois, for attaining the rank
of Eagle. The new Eagle received a certificate, patch, and pocket
Constitution. Shown are (l-r): Robert Ridenour, GGRC Treasurer; Timothy
Melton; Andrew Gratton, Scoutmaster, and Dan Beers, Asst. Scoutmaster.

ANNUAL FLAG AWARD CEREMONY
Madison County Court House
Edwardsville, Illinois
November 10, 2022

- The Award Recipients, Madison County Judges, and GGRC Compatriots
Front Row (l-r): Melinda Stilts, Donna Yates, Michael Cremeens, Jane Hutton, Gary L. Erwin, Richard Ruedin-GGRC
Middle Row: Eric Reelitz-GGRC, Charles G. Gronau, Nelson Ottwell, Sr, Philip Bailey-GGRC,
Robert Ridenour-GGRC, Raymond Bucholz
Back Two Rows: Madison County Judges (They are mostly hidden.)
Another GGRC Compatriot, James Patterson was present but escaped the photograph.
EAGLE SCOUT CEREMONY
VFW Post 2859, Wood River, Illinois
Saturday, October 15, 2022

Congratulations to Grant Kolesa of Troop 7, Godfrey, Illinois, for
attaining the rank of Eagle. The new Eagle received a certificate,
patch, and pocket Constitution.
Shown are (l-r): Richard Ruedin, ILSSAR President and GGRC President;
Grant Kolesa, Philip Bailey, GGRC Vice President; and Robert
Ridenour, GGRC Treasurer.
EAGLE SCOUT CEREMONY First United Presbyterian Church, Granite City, Illinois
January 23, 2021

Congratulations to Nicholas Branding and Logan Light of Troop 8046,
Greater St. Louis Area Council, Cahokia Mounds District, for attaining
the rank of Eagle. The new Eagles received a certificate, patch, and
pocket Constitution. Shown are (l-r): Al Oleson; Robert Ridenour; Logan
Light and Nicholas Branding (the new Eagle Scouts); Richard Ruedin,
GGRC President and Eagle Scout Award Chairman; and Philip Bailey
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Glen Carbon IL
December 18, 2021



The Gen'l George Rogers Clark SAR Chapter was honored to participate in
the Wreaths Across America observance. Thanks to Ellen Henschen for
singing the National Anthem and Phil Bailey for organizing the event.

The Genl George Rogers Clark held its Flag Award ceremony at the
Madison County Court House on Thursday, November 18, 2021. The
following county citizens were recognized for flying the Flag of the
United States of America: Shane & Krista McBride/Jarvis Township;
Jerome “Blackie” Kuhl/ Helvetia Township; Linda Perry/ Nameoke
Township; Wayne Glick/Edwardsville; Eric Schmidt (for Ron)/ Pin Oak
Township; Kenneth Rodgers/ Granite City; and Gary Jenkins/
Collinsville. Others whose certificates will be mailed are: Gloria
Simms/Venice; Greg Ireland/ St Jacob; Dan & Contrina Gibson/
Marine; Jason Heim/ Saline and Henry Lee/ Chouteau. We thank these
residents for their patriotism.

Dennis Lybarger, Illinois SAR compatriot participated in a grave
marking which honored 5 patriots of the American Revolution on Oct. 9,
2021 at the Upper Indiana Cemetery, 2370 Bruceville Rd., Vincennes, IN
47591 GPS Coordinates 38.70999 -87.459198. Patriots Daniel,
George, John and William McClure with their brother in-law James
Scott. Dennis participated in the musket salute.
LADIES NIGHT OUT
July 22, 2021
Julia's Banquet Center, East Alton, IL

Chapter President presented Vietnam War Veterans Corp certificate to Ronnie Hicks.

Chapter President presented the Bronze Roger Sherman Medal for service to the chapter to John Stanaton.

Barbara Kay portrayed Mary Todd Lincoln as the program for the evening.
ILLINOIS SAR STATE MEETING
May 2021
State Winner Knight Essay Contest

The Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution
announced Kyra Wells of Bond County Community Unit 2 High School the winner of
the chapter and Illinois State Society’s George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay
Contest.
Kyra won first-place at the Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter level of
judging. She is a senior
and her essay titled ‘The Man Whose Voice Led to the United States of America’
focused on the work of Thomas Paine. Her essay also competed against other
essays at the Illinois Society of the Sons of the American Revolution level of
judging where she again won first-place. Her essay
has now been submitted for judging against winners from other states at SAR
headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky.
ROTC AWARD
SIU-Edwardsville
April 22, 2021

Chapter president Richard Ruedin presented the SAR Silver ROTC medal to Cadet John Galinski.
SAR OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARDS (2021)
The GGRC Chapter Chairman of the Outstanding Citizen Awards Committee
sent letters to the high schools in Madison, Jersey, Macoupin, Bond,
Calhoun, Greene, and Montgomery counties inviting them to select one
student from their senior class as a recipient of an Sons of the
American Revolution Outstanding Citizen Award. Because of the
restrictions on public gatherings, we could not hold the normal ceremony
The seniors nominated are great high school students whose
accomplishments needed to be recognized. A Certificate and an
Outstanding Citizenship Lapel Pin were mailed to each of the winners.
Honorees included:
Clayton Dannaman Bond County Community High School
Alyssa Elizabeth Annkress Brussels Community High School
Ellen Kangas Carrollton High School
Harper Buhs Civic Memorial High School.
Tyler J. Boerner Collinsville High School
Cole Joseph Frensko Gillespie High School
Janan Klaffer Greenfield High School
Taylor L. Bussett Highland High School
Christine Wendell Jersey Community High School
Lydia Reed Marquette Catholic High School
Tyler Klaustermeier Metro East Lutheran High School
Joshua Wooten Mississippi Valley Christian High School
Miranda Matta Mt. Olive High School
Ty Bauer Mulberry Grove High School
Ty Knodle Nokomis High School
Gracie Heberling North Greene High School
Janelynn Wirth Roxana Senior High School
The students were nominated by their schools based on their
dependability, cooperative spirit, leadership, service to their school
and community, evidence of personal values and patriotism.
“The SAR has been instrumental in promoting the qualities of
dependability, cooperation, leadership, and patriotism in the community
and nation-wide for many years,” said GGRC Chapter John Stanton,
Outstanding Citizen Award Chairman. “We are pleased to honor these
outstanding students.”
EAGLE SCOUT CEREMONY
April 17, 2021

Chapter President Richard Ruedin presents Lucas Andrew Gratton with certificate and badge in celebration of reaching Eagle rank.
CHAPTER MEETING
March 17, 2021
Edwardsville, IL

Congratulations to Brian Slack on becoming a member.

Congratulations to Phil Bailey on his presentation of the Bronze Roger Sherman Award

Congratulations to Charles Dobias on his presentation of the Silver Rogetr Sherman Medal

Congratulations Walt Harris. Harris received the SAR Heroism Medal for
his actions on Decembert 2, 2019 when he helped remove people from
overturned semi-truck cabs.
Today was the first in-person chapter meeting for a year due to Covid-19.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA CEREMONY
Glen Carbon Cemetery, Glen Carbon IL
December 19, 2020


The Covid-19 pandemic did not prevent the Genl George Rogers Clark
Chapter from participating in the annual Wreaths Across America event
on December 19th.
GRAVE MARKING CEREMONY
Harris Cemetery, Hurricane Township, Fayette Co., Ill.
October 14 2020
Sponsored by Benjamin Mills Chapter, NSDAR

Three members of the GGRC Chapter assisted compatriots in the Ewington
Chapter in providing color guard for the grave marking ceremony
honoring Private Wooten Harris who served in Capt. Elliott's Company,
Colonel Harrison's Regiment from Brunswick Co., VA during the
Revolutionary War.
OUTSTANDING CITIZENSHIP AWARDS
May 2020
Due to the need for social distancing during the Corinavirus threat,
the Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter, Illinois Society Sons of the
American Revolution, cancelled its annual Outstanding Citizenship award
ceremony.
“These are great high school students whose accomplishments still need
to be recognized,” said chapter president Robert Ridenour of Dorsey.
“Certificates and an Outstanding Citizenship Lapel Pin were mailed to
the winners this week.”
Abbigale R. Brunk – Bond City Community HS
Macie Kinder – Brussels HS
Kennedy Ruyle – Carrolton HS
Chance Reiniesch – Gillespie HS
Lauren McCartney – Madison HS
Jonathan David Botterbush – Marquette Catholic HS
Kevin Jay Botterbush – Marquette Catholic HS
Xavier V. Warlick – Metro East Lutheran HS
Matthew Franklin – Mississippi Valley HS
Alexa Cassidy – Nokomis HS
Taylor Campbell – Roxana Senior HS
The students were nominated by their schools based on their
dependability, cooperative spirit, leadership, service to their school
and community, evidence of personal values and patriotism.
GGRC Chapter Chairman John Stanton said, “The SAR has been instrumental
in promoting the qualities of dependability, cooperation, leadership
and patriotism in the community and nation-wide for many years. We are
pleased to honor these outstanding students.”
The SAR Outstanding Citizenship Award is presented in recognition of
the recipient’s furthering of American citizenship principles. Each
year the chapter invites high schools in the Madison, Jersey, Macoupin,
Bond, Calhoun, Greene, and Montgomery Counties to selected one student
from their senior class.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
East Alton, IL
March 14 & 15, 2020


(Top) New Eagle Scout from Troop 777 Lucas Brown, chapter vice
president Richard Ruedin, chapter president Robert Ridenour, and
compatriot Philip Bailey. (Bottom) Robert Ridenour, new Eagle Scout
Jayden Zebowski, Philip Baileyl and Richard Ruedin. Both new Eagle
Scouts received a letter of congratulations, a certificate of
recognition, a pocket-sized Declaration of Independence/Constitution of
the United States of America, and a special SAR patch to wear on their
uniform.
ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET
Julia's Banquet Center, East Alton, IL
February 20, 2020




The Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter Sons of the American Revolution
held its annual awards banquet on February 20th at Julia's Banquet
Center in East Alton. The chapter was proud to welcome Illinois SAR
Society state president Richard Chamblin to the dinner.
Dr. Kelly Obernuefemann from Lewis and Clark Community College
presented a very interesting program on Eliza Lucas Pinckney, a 20th
Century Woman in the 18th Century.
Chapter Knight's Essay Award chairman Eric Reelitz presented the
chapter essay award to Kyra Wells, a junior at Greenville High School.
Kyra's essay has been sent to state to compete there.
Chapter vice president Richard Ruedin was presented the Sherman Medal
for leadership.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA CEREMONY
Glen Carbon Cemetery, Glen Carbon IL
December 14, 2019

GGRC Chapter President Robert Ridenour (left) and Charles Dobias placed
wreaths on the graves of two Glen Carbon men killed in World War I
whose graves are 'guarded' by the Doughboy. Special thanks to GGRC
Chapter past president Ronnie Hicks for his work in getting the
Doughboy statue restored and to chapter chairman Phil Bailey for
arranging the ceremony.


LADIES NIGHT OUT
Moose Lodge, Edwardsville, IL
November 7, 2019

Randy Duncan (aka Mr. Lincoln) provided interesting prospective into
the life of the 16th president of the United States.
ANNUAL FLAG AWARD CEREMONY
Madison County Court House
Edwardsville, Illinois
November 7, 2019

Daughter of Gary and Linda Henson, Pin Oak Township

Robert and Dianne Parker, Collinsville Township

Gary and Pat Criley, Edwardsville Township

Jack Baker, Jarvis Township

Lucille Rakers, St. Jacob Township

Larry Goodwin, Saline Township

Recipients with members of the GGRC Chapter. Also recognized but not
pictured were Monty Newberr, Chouteau Township; Stephanie Sendabaugh,
Granite City Township; Bill Sullivan, Helvetia Township; Done and
Louise Pendegrass, Marine Township; Carl and Sara Stratton, Nameoki
Township; and Ora Leonard, Venice Township. All were honored for flying
the flag of the United States of America correctly.
HEROISM AWARD
Jersey County Board Meeting
August 13, 2019

The Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter recognized the heroic efforts of
Deputy Justin Decker during a regular meeting of the Jersey County
Board on August 13th.
On March 31, 2019, Deputy Decker braved chest-deep water to rescue
Donald Lurton, an 83-year-old man whose vehicle was partially submerged
in flood water on Route 100 near the Pere Marquette Illinois Youth
Center.
Decker responded to the scene and observed the man splashing inside of
the vehicle. The deputy entered the water and freed the trapped driver,
removing his life jacket and securing it to the driver. At that
point, the driver, Lurton, who had been trapped in the vehicle for
approximately 40 minutes, was extremely cold and did not think he could
walk without a cane for assistance. Deputy Decker transported Lurton to
the shoreline and kept him warm.
The QEM Fire Department and Jersey County Ambulance also responded to
the scene. Lurton was taken to Jersey Community Hospital for further
evaluation and has fully recovered from his harrowing experience.
Photo caption: The Genl George Rogers Clark SAR Chapter presented
Deputy Justin Decker with the SAR Medal and Certificate of Heroism.
Shown are (l-r): GGRC Compatriots Roy Wehling, Charles Dobias, and
Robert Ridenour; Deputy Justin Decker; GGRC Compatriots Phillip Bailey,
and Richard Ruedin.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
Camp Warren Levis
Bethalto, IL
August 3, 2019

Congratulations
to Derek Schley of Troop 101, Bethalto, Illinois, for attaining the
rank of Eagle. The new Eagle
received a certificate, patch, and pocket Constitution from members of
the GGRC Chapter. Shown are (l-r): Phil
Bailey, Derek Schley, and Robert Ridenour.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
Zion Lutheran Church, Bethalto, Illinois
June 22, 2019

Congratulations to Jackson McRae of Troop 101, Bethalto, Illinois, for
attaining the rank of Eagle.
The new Eagle received a certificate, patch, and pocket Constitution.
Shown are (l-r): Richard Ruedin, Jim DeGroff, Robert Ridenour, Jackson
McRae, Wayne Eastby, Phil Bailey.
FLAG DAY PROGRAM
Alton Historical and Art Museum
Alton, Illinois
June 14, 2019

Al Oleson (l) and Phil Bailey (r) display the George Rogers Clark flag,
while Jim DeGroff reads the history
of the flag and Rich Ruedin looks on.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
Alton, Illinois
May 2019

Seven members of the Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter participated in
the Alton Memorial Day parade. (l-r) Caine Kelso, Chuck
Dobias, Robert Ridenour, Jim DeGroff, Al Oleson, Maria Stanton (John’s
granddaughter), John Stanton, and Wayne Eastby. This marked the 152nd
year for the Alton parade. This parade is considered to be the longest
running Memorial Day parade in the country.
WREATH LAYING CEREMONY
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
Vincennes, IN
May 25, 2019


Members of the Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter were honored to
participate in the Wreath Laying Ceremony celebrating the 240th
anniversary of the capture of Fort Sackville. The event was held at
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park in Vincennes, Indiana on
Saturday, May 25th.
(L) chapter president Robert Ridenour presented the chapter's wreath.
(R) Chapter members who made the trip to honor the chapter namesake are
Charles Dobias, Philip Bailey, Eric Reelitz, James DeGroff, and Robert
Ridenour.
LIFE SAVING AWARD PRESENTATION
Bond County School Board Meeting
Greenville, IL
May 20, 2019

On May 20, 2019, at a meeting of the Bond County School Board, several
members of the Genl George Rogers
Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented Life
Saving Award Certificates to Keeleigh Valleroy,
Dominic Sanchez, Laci Hollenkamp, Amy Alderman, and Carisa Bohannon.
Ms. Bohanon was unable to
attend, but will receive her certificate later. Ava McCracken was
presented with a large chocolate bar — it is not
as easy to choke when eating chocolate.
ROTC AWARD
SIU-Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL
May 2, 2019

Cadet James Gerace received the SAR medal and certificate from Richard
Ruiden
SAR OUTSTANDING CITIZENSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY
April 18, 2019
First Christian Church
Edwardsville, Illinois


The Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter, Illinois Society Sons of the
American Revolution, recognized outstanding seniors from local high
schools. The awards ceremony was held on Thursday, April 19th, at the
First Christian Church in Edwardsville.
Each student received the Outstanding Citizenship Lapel Pin and a
certificate. The SAR Outstanding Citizenship award is presented to
recognize the recipient’s furthering of American citizenship
principles. The student is nominated by the high school considering the
student’s overall scholarship and citizenship.
The following students were recognized with SAR Outstanding Citizenship
Awards: They are (not all pictured): Danielle Wojcik, North Greene High
School; David Mathus, Alton High School; Micheala Burrows, Greenfield
High School; Ryan Croxford, Jersey Community High School; Shawn McKee,
East Alton Wood River High School; Kaleb Ware, Marquette Catholic High
School; Jeremy Frazier, Litchfield Senior High School; Andrew Wyatt,
Metro East Lutheran High School; Keith Carlock, Nakomis High School;
Jared Speer, Triad High School; Jacqueline Forys, Bond County Community
Unit #2 High School; Lindsey Miller, Gillespie High School; Joshua
Knight, Carrollton High School; Cole Diesen, Highland High School;
Brayden Shirley, Civic Memorial High School; Victoria Tarpley, Roxana
Senior High School; Jonah Schell, Mississippi Valley Christian High
School; Kaleigh Taylor, Mt. Olive High School; Grace Nolte, Brussels
High School; and Steven Thyer, Bunker Hill High School.
Additionally, Ryan Croxford from Jersey Community High School received
the chapter’s $500 scholarship. The scholarship was presented in honor
of long-time member Charles Burgess who passed away in 2016.
The students were nominated by their schools based on their
dependability, cooperative spirit, leadership, service to their school
and community, evidence of personal values and patriotism.
GGRC Chapter Chairman John Stanton said, “The SAR has been
instrumental in promoting the qualities of dependability, cooperation,
leadership and patriotism in the community and nation-wide for many
years. We are pleased to honor these outstanding students.”
The SAR Outstanding Citizenship Award is presented in recognition of
the recipient’s furthering of American citizenship principles. Each
year the chapter invites high schools in the Madison, Jersey, Macoupin,
Bond, Calhoun, Greene, and Montgomery Counties to selected one young
man or woman from their senior class.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
First Christian Church, Edwardsville, Illinois
April 20, 2019

Congratulations to Anthony Evans of Troop 216, Edwardsville, Illinois,
for attaining the rank of Eagle.
The new Eagle received a certificate, patch, and pocket Constitution.
Shown are(l-r): Richard Ruedin, Jim DeGroff, Anthony Evans, Phil Bailey.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
Webster Elementary School
Collinsville, IL
March 31, 2019

Members of the GGRC Chapter were pleased to participate in the Eagle
Scout Court of Honor for Hunter Snow. Shown are Charles Dobias, Richard
Ruiden, Philip Bailey, Hunter Snow, Robert Ridenour, Jim DeGroff, and
Eric Reelitz
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
St. Jacob United Church of Christ
St. Jacob, IL
March 17, 2019

Members of the GGRC Chapter were honored to participate in the Eaagle
Scout Court of Honor for three members of Troop 1038. Shown are Richard
Ruiden, Robert Ridenour, Blake Renken, Dennis Lybarger, Maximillian
Hellrung, Phil Bailey, and Cameron Woods.
ANNUAL CHAPTER AWARDS DINNER
First Christian Church, Edwardsville, IL
February 21, 2019


Chapter president Charles Dobias welcomed new members Ray Parker and
Bob Lindberg.

The speaker for the evening was Captain Benjamin Godfrey, aka John
Meehan

State President Richard Chamblin installed the new officers: Charles
Dobias, secretary; Robert Ridenour, president; Jim DeGroff, registrar;
Richard Ruedin, vice president; and Wayne Eastby, treasurer.

The chapter color guard looking good in their uniforms.
ILLINOIS SAR BOM MEETING
Mt. Vernon, IL
February 2019

GGRC Chapter president Charles Dobias (right) is shown with Illinois
SAR president Richard Chamblin (center) and General Grant impersonator
at the state BOM meeting in February 2019.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD CEREMONY
Worden American Legion Hall
Worden, IL
February 2, 2019

Cole Budde is Hamel Troop 91's newest Eagle Scout. Members of the GGRC
Chapter were pleased to participate in his Eagle Scout Court of Honor.
Shown are Richard Ruiden, Cole Budde, Charles Dobias, Philip Bailey,
and Robert Ridenour.
UNIVERSITY OF SCOUTING
SIU-E, Edwardsville, IL
January 26, 2019

GGRC Chapter's Richard Ruedin participated in the University of
Scouting. One of the chapter's favorite activities is recognizing Eagle
Scouts and participating in their court of honor. Ruedin has been and
remains active in Boy Scout activities. The GGRC Chapter has been
participating in the university for several years.
ANNUAL FLAG AWARD CEREMONY
Madison County Court House, Edwardsville IL
November 29, 2018









The Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter was proud to honor the following
Madison County, Illinois families for correctly flying the flag of the
United States of America correctly: Phillip and Marylyss Biason,
Chouteau Township; Ron and Gerry Lentz, Collinsville Township; Evelyn
Schrage, Edwardsville Township; Larry and Cheryl Hutchison, Granite
City Township; Matt and Leigh Schwenk, Marine Township; Mark and Jeanne
Bohnenstiel, Pin Oak Township; Buddy and Ethyl Poettker, Saline
Township; Al and Anne Lagerda, Nameoki Township; Carl and Sara
Stratton, Venice Township. Also recognized but not attending or sending
a representative were: Todd and Susan Cange, Helvetia Township; Charles
and Heather Stirling, Jarvis Township; Derek and Trish Ashoff, St.
Jacob
Township.
This is the 22nd year that the chapter has presented flag awards at the
Madison County Court House.
Committee chairman David File specifically honored the veterans in the
audience, many of whom were the flag award recipients. Chapter
President Charles Dobias presented the awards.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wood River, IL
August 26, 2018

The Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter recognized Troop 777's most recent
Eagle Scout, Trenton Krocker, with the SAR Eagle Scout Award during a
ceremony on August 26th. Shown is member Dennis Lybarger (second from
left) presenting the SAR Eagle Scout patch as chapter president Charles
Dobias (left) and chapter Eagle Scout chairman Richard Ruedin look on.
Trenton is attending Lewis and Clark College majoring in mechanical
engineering.
GRAVE MARKING CEREMONY
Providence Cemetery, Greene County, Ill.
August 18, 2018

The Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter marked
the grave of Revolutionary War patriot John Wilkinson Huitt, Sr. He was
born Jan. 15 Jan 1761 in Brunswick County, Va., and died on June 6,
1848. He married Elizabeth Radcliff (also buried at Providence); they
had the following 8 children: (1) Margaret who married Josiah Vaughn
& Jacob Childers; (2) William b. 5 Nov 1790, d. Dec 1814 in
Sangamon River, War of 1812; (3) Roland b. 1792, a veteran of the War
of 1812, who married Rosanna Brewer; (4) Hiram b. 1785, a veteran of
the War of 1812, who married Nancy Herriford; (5) John Wilkinson Jr.
who married Rosanna Harriford (both buried at Providence) (6) George
who married Peggy Bishop; (7) Elizabeth who married Mathew Cowan; and
(8) Rebecca who married Thomas Carlin who was Governor of Illinois.
After the Revolutionary War, he moved to SC
and lived there for about three years, to GA about 18 yrs, to IL to
Madison Co., Abt. 16 yrs, to Greene Co. for 12 years. [From Heritage
Quest, Rev. War Pension Application and Bounty Land Warrant Files, 1848.
GRAVE MARKING CEREMONY
Greene Cemetery, Bond Co. IL
July 21, 2018

Grave marking ceremony honoring James Green who was born in North
Carolina, May 28, 1758. On October 30, 1777, he enlisted in
Captain Robert Porter's Company under Brigadier General Rutherford. He
died in Bond County on August 7, 1821. The GGRC Chapter was proud
that State President Richard Chamblin attended.
GRAVE MARKING CEREMONY
Hagler Cemetery, Troy IL
June 16, 2018


The chapter recognized the Revolutionary War service of Laban Smart
during a ceremony at Hagler Cemetery. Laban Smart was born
November 9, 1758 in Franklin County, N.C. He served twice: first
for three months in the Company commanded by Capt William Brickle and
lt. Benjamin Phillips. In the spring of 1781 he was drafted again
for three months under the command of Capatain Jones in the Coloenl
Linton and Major Wood's regiment. He was married to Susannah
Simmons. Laban moved his family from North Carolina to Tennessee
and then to Kentucky and finally to Madison County, Illinois. He
died March 28, 1840 and was buried next to Susannah who had died in
1838. A subsequent owner of the Smart family homestead buried all
the old Smart family gravestones so that he could farm over the
area. The marker shown is a cenotaph.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
Brighton, Illinois
June 10, 2018

Chapter president Charles Dobias presents a pocket Constitution to new
Eagle Scout Zach Nagel. Looking on are chapter members Richard
Ruedin (left) and Robert Ridenour and Dennis Lybarger
FLAG DAY
Greene County Courthouse
Carrollton, Illinois
June 9, 2018





WREATH LAYING CEREMONY
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
Vincennes, Indiana
May 26, 2018

C. David Betzner (left) president of the George Rogers Clark SAR
Chapter in Indiana and Charles Dobias, president of the Genl George
Rogers Clark in Illinois.

L-R, Philip Bailey, Robert Ridenour, Jim DeGroff, C. David Betzner,
Charles Dobias, Richard Ruedin.

GGRC Chapter members Richard Ruedin, Robert Ridenour, Charles Dobias,
Jim DeGroff and Philip Bailey in front of the monument to George Rogers
Clark.

Jim DeGroff placed a wreath from the chapter in front of the statue of
Clark. The George Rogers Clark Memorial honors the accomplishments of
Clark at what was then Fort Sackville during the Revolutionary War.
MEMBER RECOGNITION
Chapter Meeting
April & May 2018

Chapter president Charles Dobias (right in both pictures) presents the
SAR Good Citizen medal to Tom Beavers (left) and the the Roger Sherman
Silver Award to Jim DeGroff
Chapter Field Trip
Vandalia, Illinois
May 5, 2018




An enjoyable time was had by all as we toured the old court house, saw
the Madonna of the Trail monument on the grounds of the court house
that was placed by the Illinois DAR. Thanks to Linda Hannabarger
for giving us a grand tour.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
Camp Warren Levis, Godfrey, IL
March 18, 2018

Congratulations to Troop 101’s newest Eagle Scout, Ethan Scott. He was
honored at a Court of Honor at CAmp Warren Levis in Godfrey on Sunday,
March 18, 2018. Shown are GGRC Compatriot Robert Ridenour, Ethan,
and GGRC Compatriots Charles Dobias, and Jerry Oglesby. The new Eagle
received a patch, a certificate, and a pocket Constitution.
ANNUAL CHAPTER AWARDS DINNER
First Christian Church, Edwardsville, IL
February 22, 2018









It was an educational and entertaining evening as the Genl George
Rogers Clark Chapter held its annual dinner meeting at the First
Christian Church in Edwardsville on the birth date of George
Washington. Chapter president Charles Dobias presented medals to
deserving chapter members. New member Dennis Patterson was welcomed and
also received a Military Service Medal. Chapter chairman Eric Reelitz
presented a check and certificate to the chapter's Knights Essay
Contest winner, Daniel Burns. Geoff Baggett presented an excellent
program on "Revolutionary War in a Trunk" with assistance from his
lovely wife, Kim.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
Tri-Township Library, Troy IL
February 18, 2018

Congratulations to Troop 38's newest Eagle Scouts, Gerritt Fry and
Jarod Willis. They were honored at a Court of Honor at the Tri-Township
Library in Troy on Sunday, February 18th. Shown are Gerritt, Jarod,
GGRC Chapter president Charles Dobias, and Jim DeGroff. Each Eagle
received a badge, a certificate and a pocket Constitution.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
Meadow Heights Baptist Church, Collinsville, IL
February 3, 2018

Congratulations to E. J. Kohler as he attained the rank of Eagle
Scout. GGRC Eagle Scout Committee Chairman Richard Ruedin (L)and
Robert Ridenour presented a patch, certificate and pocket constitution
to E.J. to commemorate his accomplishments.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
St.Ambrose Catholic Church Community Center, Godfrey, IL
January 21, 2018

Congratulations to Connor Mathus of Troop 7, Alton IL for attaining the
rank of Eagle. Shown presenting certificate, badge and pocket
Constitution are Richard Ruedin (middle) and Robert Ridenour (right)
from the Genl George Rogers Clark SAR chapter.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
First Christian Church, Edwardsville, IL
December 16, 2017

Members of the Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter were pleased to present
the SAR Eagle Scout patch and certificate to Edger McClintock of Troop
216. Shown (L-R) Richard Ruedin, Jim DeGroff, Edger, Robert
Ridenour, and Charles Dobias.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Glen Carbon Village Cemetery, Glen Carbon, IL
December 16, 2017







Members of the Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter were pleased to sponsor
a Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Glen Carbon Village Cemetery
in Glen Carbon, Ill. today. Wreaths were placed on 70 veteran's
graves. Many thanks to chapter chairman Philip Bailey for the
planning, Ellen Henschen for singing the National Anthem, and members
of Boy Scout Troop 1034 for assisting. It was great to have so
many family members present.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
Mississippi Valley Christian School, Alton IL
December 2, 2017

Members of the GGRC Chapter were honored to present the SAR patch, a
certificate, and a pocket Constitution to Aaron Fox during his Eagle
Scout Court of Honor. Shown are chapter Eagle Scout Awards chairman
Richard Ruidin, Aaron, Jim DeGroff, Charles Dobias and Robert Ridenour.
21st ANNUAL FLAG AWARD CEREMONY
Madison County Court House
Edwardsville IL
November 30, 2017

Bradford Wagner, Foster Township

John Bates, Omphghent Township

Gary and Karen Crosslin, Olive Township

Steve and Bonnie Haegele, Alton Township

F. Alan and Sharry Shook, Wood River Township

Ron and Joan Borgmann, Fort Russell Township

Bud and Jennifer Sparks, Hamel Township

Christopher Larsen, Alhambra Township

John and Pamela Grindstaff, Leef Township

The Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter Sons of the American Revolution
held its 21st annual flag award ceremony at the Madison County Court
House in Edwardsville on November 30, 2017. Attending the ceremony were
several county judges and the Honorable Kurt Prenzler, County Board
Chairman.
Thirteen Madison County residents/families were honored:
Brian and Rhonda Rhoads, Godfrey Township
Bradford and Peggy Wagner, Foster Township
David and Jennifer Haney, Moro Township
John Bates, Omphghent Township
Gary and Karen Crosslin, Olive Townshi
Timothy and Michelle Ingram, New Douglas Township
Steve and Bonnie Haegele, Alton Township
F. Alan and Sharry Shook, Wood River Township
Ron and Joan Borgmann, Fort Russell Township
Bud and Jennifer Sparks, Hamel Township
Christopher Larsen, Alhambra Township
John and Pamela Grindstaff, Leek Township
Dick and Chris Alford, Alton Township
Chapter flag chairman David File coordinated the event.
Certificates were presented by chapter president Charles Dobias and
member Philip Bailey. Members of the GGRC color guard posted the colors.
EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
Father William Hembrow Center
Jerseyville, IL
November 12, 2017

Chapter president Charles Dobias (left), Jim DeGroff and Richard Ruedin
(right) presented Eagle Scout certificates, patches, and a Constitution
to Cody Croxford, Gabriel Dizon, and Luke Hill of Troop 93 during a
Court of Honor.
EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
Zion Lutheran Church, Bethalto, IL.
October 8, 2017

(L-R) John Stanton, Richard Ruedin, Eagle Scout Cory McDonald, and
chapter president Charles Dobias at the Court of Honor for Cory
McDonald. Cory received the SAR Eagle Scout patch, certificate,
and a copy of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights.
LADIES NIGHT OUT
First Christian Church, Edwardsville, IL
September 20, 2017

Chapter members (L-R) Ronnie Hicks, Mike Allen and Frank Arnold III
received certificates honoring their service.

Donnie Barnard, Harry Redd and Ken Leach received Military Service
Awards.

L-R, Receiving medals Phililp Bailey (Military Service Medal, Wayne
Eastby and Mike Allen (War Servicae Medals)

John Murphy presented an excellent program on colonial medicine.

Some of the tools used in colonial times.
HILL'S FORT RENDEVOUS
September 16, 2017
near Greenville, IL



GGRC Chapter members presented the chapter's Historic Flag program
during the Hill's Fort Rendevous near Greenville, Ill.
EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
East Alton, Illinois
August 27, 2017


Congratulations to Troop 777's newest Eagle Scouts - Kaleb Smith and
Caleb Hurst.
GRAVEMARKING CEREMONY
North Cemetery
Greene County, Illinois
June 25, 2017




The Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter conducted a gravemarking ceremony
honoring Revolutionary War veteran Adonijah Griswold. He was born on 11
Jun 1758 at New Milford, Connecticut and died 1 Sep 1841. He served in
the Vermont Militia. He entered the service in Vermont under Capt.
Joshua Barnum and Major Gideon Brownson, Vermont Militia, serving as a
scout until 1778. He was taken prisoner and held in Quebec until 1781.
The GGRC Chapter was pleased to have members of the Apple Creek
Prairie, Ninian Edwards and Silver Creek DAR Chapters attend as well as
numerous descendants of the patriot attend.
BOND COUNTY BICENTENNIAL PARADE
Greenville, Illinois
July 2, 2017

Members of the Genl George Rogers Clark color guard carried historic
flags as they helped commemorate Bond County's 200th anniversary. Shown
are: front row (L-R), Charles Casey, Jerry Oglesby, and Bob Kilzer.
Middle row: Bill Emery, John Stanton, and Phil Bailey. Third row: Jim
DeGroff, Lynn Hargus, Justin Ottolini. Fourth row: Tom Beavers, Eric
Reelitz, Dennis Lybarger. Not shown is Chris Casey.
FLAG DAY PROGRAM
Montgomery Co. Court House
Hillsboro, IL
June 10, 2017







MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE
Troy, IL
May 29, 2017


The Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter was pleased to participate in two
parades this Memorial Day. Here are some photos from the inaugural
parade in Troy, Illinois. We are proud to be chosen to lead the parade.
Compatriots participating in Troy were: Philip Bailey, Bob Kilzer,
Anthony Robison, Richard Mantz, and Jim DeGroff. It was a great tribute
to remember those who gave their all that we have the freedoms we enjoy
today.

Participaating in the Memorial Day parade in Alton were Richard Ruedin,
Robert Ridenour, Jerry Oglesbie, and not shown, Al Oleson. This year
marked the 150th year for the Alton parade. This parade is considered
to be the longest running Memorial Day parade in the country.
Grave Marking
Shiloh Valley Cemetery, Shiloh IL
May 20, 2017


Members of the Genl George Rogers Clark and Long Knives Chapters served
as color guard for the dedication in honor of Pvt Larkin Rutherford. He
served in Col. George Rogers Clark's Illinois Regiment. The ceremony
was sponsored by the Belleville Chapter DAR in conjunction with the
O'Fallon Historical Society.



Military service certificates given to chapter members by Chapter
President Charles Dobias at meeting on May 17th - top to bottom: Bill
Emery, Walt Harris, and Paul Kelso. Thank you for your service
gentlemen.
SAR OUTSTANDING CITIZENSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY
April 26, 2017
First Christian Church
Edwardsville, Illinois


The following students were recognized with SAR Outstanding Citizenship
Awards: They are (not all pictured): Triston A. Counts, Alton High
School; Emily Klaas, Brussels High School; Cassidy N. Taylor, Bunker
Hill High School; Wesley Klocke, Calhoun High School; Elizabeth Bland,
Carrollton High School; Jaxsen Helmkamp, Civic Memorial High School;
Zachary R. Otero, Collinsville High School; Brenden Allen, East
Alton-Wood River High School; L. Max Hartman, Edwardsville High School;
Hannah Doty, Gillespie High School; Johannah Comish, Highland High
School; Brooke Ernst, Litchfield Senior High School; Karoline
Lauritzen, Marquette Catholic High School; Braden Woolsey, Metro East
Lutheran High School; Abigail Eve Labonte, Mount Olive High School;
McKinzi Lyn Warnisher, Nokomis High School; Sydney Owsley, Roxana High
School; Jonathan Louis McEmery, Staunton High School. Additionally,
Emily Klaas from Brussels High School received the chapter’s $500
scholarship. The scholarship was presented in honor of long-time member
Charles Burgess who passed away in 2016.
The students were nominated by their schools based on their
dependability, cooperative spirit, leadership, service to their school
and community, evidence of personal values and patriotism.The following students were recognized
with SAR Outstanding Citizenship Awards: They are (not all pictured):
Triston A. Counts, Alton High School; Emily Klaas, Brussels High
School; Cassidy N. Taylor, Bunker Hill High School; Wesley Klocke,
Calhoun High School; Elizabeth Bland, Carrollton High School; Jaxsen
Helmkamp, Civic Memorial High School; Zachary R. Otero, Collinsville
High School; Brenden Allen, East Alton-Wood River High School; L. Max
Hartman, Edwardsville High School; Hannah Doty, Gillespie High School;
Johannah Comish, Highland High School; Brooke Ernst, Litchfield Senior
High School; Karoline Lauritzen, Marquette Catholic High School; Braden
Woolsey, Metro East Lutheran High School; Abigail Eve Labonte, Mount
Olive High School; McKinzi Lyn Warnisher, Nokomis High School; Sydney
Owsley, Roxana High School; Jonathan Louis McEmery, Staunton High
School. Additionally, Emily Klaas from Brussels High School received
the chapter’s $500 scholarship. The scholarship was presented in honor
of long-time member Charles Burgess who passed away in 2016.
The students were nominated by their schools based on their
dependability, cooperative spirit, leadership, service to their school
and community, evidence of personal values and patriotism.
HERO AWARD RECOGNITION
Highland, IL City Council Meeting
April 18, 2017




Chapter president Charles Dobias, co-chairmen Lloyd Schwarz and Mike
Featherstun, and Jim DeGroff attended the Highland, Illinois city
council meeting to recognize the heroic efforts of Highland's first
responders. The team was recognized with a certificate and medal, and
Todd Zobrist, who risked his own life while saving a three-month old
baby from a submerged car in Highland's Silver Lake on March 16th,
received a medal.
ANNUAL MEETING
First Christian Church
Edwardsville, IL
February, 2017

An impressive number of chapter members have purchased uniforms that
add so much authenticity and enjoyment to chapter events.

Chapter member Kevin Kaegy gave a very informative program on slavery
and the underground railroad in Illinois.

A spontaneous standing ovation was given to Marvin (Joe) Hill (right)
as he was presented a 30 year membership pin by outgoing chapter
president Marvin Meng.

The chapter's Knights Essay Contest chairman, Eric Reelitz (right)
presents Abbie Peterson with a check for $200 and a certificate
recognizing her as the chapters winner in this contest. Her essay was
forwarded to the state competition.

State President Toby Chamberlain (right) installed the new chapter
officers. Shown from left: Lloyd Schwarz, chaplain; Jim DeGroff,
registrar; Tom Beavers, treasurer; Robert Ridenour, vice president;
Charles Dobias, president.

State President Toby Chamberlain congratulates newly installed chapter
president Charles Dobias as outgoing president Marvin Meng looks on.
UNIVERSITY OF SCOUTING
Collinsville High School, Collinsville IL
January 28, 2017

GGRC Chapter member Jim DeGroff (left) participated for the third year
in the University of Scouting. The day-long event offers a wide variety
of training opportunities for scouts, leaders, and families, and allows
local companies and organizations to show off their programs and items
relating to scouting.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD CEREMONY
Methodist Church, Pocahontas, IL
January 14, 2017

Compatriot Bill Johnson (left), himself an Eagle Scout, presents the
SAR Eagle Scout award certificateto Noah T. Walker.

Compatriot Eric Reelitz (left) read a letter from the chapter president
with an invitation to enter the essay contest. Caine Kelso presented
the SAR Eagle Scout patch.

Chapter Vice President Charles Dobias congratulates Noah on his
accomplishment and presented him a pocket Constitution.

The GGRC Chapter was well represented at the Court of Honor by Caine
Kelso, Philip Bailey, Eric Reelitz, Noah Walker (Eagle Scout), Bill
Johnson, Charles Dobias and Jim DeGroff.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA CEREMONY
Oaklawn Cemetery, Glen Carbon, IL
December 17, 2016






CEMETERY MARKING
Vaughn Hill Cemetery
Wood River, Illinois
November 13, 2016




Top to bottom: members of the color guard advance the colors; Wood
River Mayor Frank Akers spoke to the group about the importance of
veterans beginning with those in the Revolutionary War; those who
participated in the ceremony were (L-R) Philip Bailey, Anthony
Robison, Jerry Oglesby, Marvin Meng, State President Toby Chamberlain,
Robert Ridenour, Jim DeGroff, John Rattan descendant, Bill Johnson, Tom
Beavers, and Dave Ashbrook. Bottom photo is the stone.
GLEN CARBON PRE-VETERANS DAY PROGRAM
Glen Carbon, Illinois
November 6, 2016

The following GGRC members participated in the parade and program: Jim
DeGroff, Philip Bailey, Walt Harris, Charles Dobias, John Stanton,
Justin Ottolini, and Ronnie Hicks, VFW commander and GGRC member.
REAL DAUGHTER GRAVE MARKING
Paddock-Flagg Cemetery
October 29, 2016
Moro, Illinois


Members of the GGRC
Chapter were asked to participate in a grave marking ceremony honoring
Real Daughter Eveline Paddock. The St. Louis-Jefferson Chapter DAR
sponsored the marking. Eveline Paddock (1803-1900) was the daughter of
Patriot Gaius Paddock (VT).
REVOLUTIONARY WAR PROGRAM
Calhoun County Elementary and Junior High School
October 19, 2016

Chaptr member Charlie Casey (right) participated in a program at the
Calhoun County Elementary and Junior High School along with Colonial
Williamsburg reenactor Darci Tucker (left) and Deann Koster Fester.
Deann was the Illinois SAR Teacher of the Year in 2015 and used her
winnings to bring the Colonial Williamsburg reenactor to the school.
REMEMBERING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
September 25, 2016
Historic Belle Fountaine House
Waterloo, IL



The George Rogers Clark Chapter was asked to present its historic flag
program during the "Remembering the Revolutionary War" event sponsored
by the Monroe Historical Society. Chapter members also served in the
color guard.
EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
Senior Services Plus
Alton, IL
September 3, 2016

The Genl George Rogers Clark SAR Chapter was pleased
to participate in today's Eagle Scout Court of Honor at the Senior
Services Plus Center in Alton, Illinois. The ceremony honored David
Witt of Troop 7. David is a senior at Alton High School. He has earned
32 badges and his Eagle project was constructing a fitness center for
senior citizens at the center.
GRAVE MARKING CEREMONY
Worden Luteran Cemetery
Worden, IL
August 28, 2016


Compatriot Jerry Oglesby readies to play Taps.

Front row: Judge John T. Roach and John Roach, descendants of Francis
Roach; back row: Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter members Jerry
Oglesby, Tom Beavers, Philip Bailey, Robert Ridenour, Dennis Lybarger,
Bill Johnson, Bob Kilzer and Jim DeGroff.
The Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter formally marked the grave of
Revolutionary War Patriot Francis Roach. Roach was born in Stafford
County, VA in 1739. Orphaned as a boy, he was bound to a master who
removed him to North Carolina where he learned the hatter trade. He was
a resident of Dobbs County NC when he entered the service under Captain
Joseph Sessions and Lieutenant Stephen Pipkin. Roach later moved to
Dougherty Statin near Danville, KY and was sent out several times to
guard the frontiers. In 1782 he entered service under Genl George
Rogers Clark. After the war, Roach eventually moved to what was then
St. Clair (now Madison County) IL. He received a pension for his
military service. Francis Roach died at the home of his son on July 9,
1845.
GRAVE MARKING CEREMONY
Gullick Cemetery
Madison Co., IL
July 31, 2016



GGRC member Robert Ridenour (left) looks on as local resident Elizabeth
Pauk unveils the marker for Revolutionary War patriot John Gullick.
Roland Harris (right) participated in the ceremony by reading a
biography of John Gullick's life.
EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
Eden United Church of Christ
Edwardsville, IL
July 30, 2016

GGRC Chapter members Robert Ridenour (left) and Jim DeGroff
participated in the Court of Honor recognizing Eagle Scout Spencer
Wagner.
EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
Holy Family Catholic Church Parish Hall
Granite City, IL
July 23, 2016



Members of the Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter participated in the
Court of Honor honoring new Eagle Scouts Samuel Stegemeier (top) and
Louis Ybarra II (middle). Those participating in the ceremony were
Dennis Lybarger, Robert Ridenour, and Jim DeGroff. Congratulations to
these fine gentlemen from Troop 103.
FLAG DAY PRESENTATION
Jerseyville, IL
June 14, 2016

Posting the colors

Chapter members who participated in the program

Charles Casey (left) holds the Bedford flag and is assisted by Sam
Akeman.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
Alton, IL
May 30, 2016

Harry Nelson, Robert Ridenour, Jim DeGroff, John Evans, and Jerry
Oglesby represented the GGRC Chapter in the parade.
EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Wood River, IL
Jume 5, 2016

Congratulations to Troop 31's newest Eagle Scout Alex Miller. Eden
Church in Edwardsville sponsors the troop. Alex's Eagle Scout project
was building new benches to be placed at the St. Paul Lutheran Church
in Wood River where he is a member.
CEMETERY MARKING
Drake Cemetery
Creal Springs, IL
May 21, 2016

Member of GGRC Chapter participated in the Cemetery Marking Ceremony
sponsored by the Long Knives Chapter. The marker recognizes the service
of patriots John Damron and Benajah Gill.
EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
Bond Christian Service Camp
Mulberry Grove, IL
May 1, 2016

Members of the Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter had the opportunity
yesterday to recognize a chapter member with the SAR Eagle Scout award.
Adam Kelso received the SAR patch and a certificate for reaching the
rank of Eagle Scout. The presentation was made during a ceremony at the
Bond Christian Service Camp in Mulberry Grove. Also participating in
the ceremony were GGRC Chapter members Robert Ridenour and Bill Johnson
(also an Eagle Scout).
OUTSTANDING CITIZENSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY
First Christian Church
Edwardsville, Illinois
April 21, 2016

Committee chairman, Harry Nelson

Colin Gibbons, East Alton-Wood River H.S. was one of the Outstanding
Citizenship Award winners and also was the winner of the chapter's
first $500 scholarship given in memory of long-time member Charles
Burgess.

Group of winners from 2016

Cadet Lily Hedgecoth, Alton H.S.

Rebecca Laesch, Bond County Community H.S.

Skye Odelehr, Brussels H.S.

Alexis LaMarsh, Calhoun H.S.

Benjamin Fry, Collinsville H.S.

Tristen Gilbert, Greenfield H.S.

Mitchell Goetten, Jersey Community H.S.

Katherine Ditman, Marquette Catholic H.S.

Maria Ramirez Clarke, Mt. Olive H.S.

Karmyn Cox, Nokomis H.S.

Sarah Williams, Staunton H.S.

Nathan Funk, Triad H.S.
CERTIFICATE
OF APPRECIATION
EDWARDSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
19 April 2016


(Top) Members of the GGRC Chapter including President Marvin Meng, Vice
President Charles Dobias, and Chaplain Lloyd Schwarz, presented a
certificate of appreciation to the Edwardsville Police Department
thanking them for their dedication in protecting residents.
JROTC
AWARDS CEREMONY
Alton
Senior High School
Alton
IL
16
April 2016
JROTC Cadets Kyle
Gutierrez and Rachel Fuller report to accept their awards. Cadet
Gutierrez was awarded the Bronze Good Citizenship Medal while Cadet
Fuller received the Bronze ROTC Medal as Alton’s outstanding JROTC
cadet. At center is the JROTC unit leader, Air Force Colonel
Wangler.
Cadet Fuller, who also
placed third in the State JROTC essay contest,
is congratulated by our
Chapter ROTC Chairman, Charles Dobias.
ANNUAL MEETING
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, EDWARDSVILLE IL
February 23, 2016

Members of the chapter color guard present the colors.

We were pleased to have State President Thomas Ashby and his wife,
Linda, attend.

Members of the chapter color guard presented the chapter's historic
flag program. Show are Harry Nelson (left) and Steve Hyatt displaying
the George Rogers Clark flag.

Robert Ridenour (left) and Steve Hyatt display the fort Moultrie flag.
This flag was added to the chapter's collection in honor of chapter
founder Charles B. Schweizer who was stationed at Fort Moultrie as a
lieutenant.

The GGRC Chapter was pleased to present Keith Mills (right) with the
SAR Hero Award. Mills noticed a woman collapse at a gas station. She
was having a heart attack. Mills, a volunteer firefighter, jumped into
action and performed life saving CPR, thus saving Clark’s life. Lloyd
Schwarz presented the award as chapter president Marvin Meng looked on.

Many chapter members wore their Revolutionary War era uniforms to
participate in the color guard and also to honor their patriot. Shown
in front row from L to R: Dennis Lybarger, Robert Kilzer, Thomas
Beavers, Paul Kelso, Charles Dobias, Caine Kelso, and Jim DeGroff. Back
row: Ronnie Hicks, Eric Reelitz, Robert Ridenour, Harry Nelson, Steve
Hyatt, Anthony Robison, Marvin Meng and William Johnson.
EAGLE SCOUT CEREMONY
New Bethel United Methdist Church
Glen Carbon IL
January 17, 2016


Great day at New Bethel United Methodist Church in
Glen Carbon IL on Sunday, Jan. 17th. First a ceremony to recognize
newly recognized Eagle Scout J.D. Mulvihill (top). Next was a ceremony
honoring Jacob A. Mulvihill (second from right) and Wyatt Hennig
(second from left). All are in Troop 1034.
J.D.'s Eagle Scout project was to design and construct blue bird houses
at the Yanda Log Cabin site and Schon Park and painted numbers on the
Greenspace North Walking Trail. Jacob's Eagle Scout project was to
design and lead the construction and staining of two storage benches
for the Metro-East Humane Society's visitors room. Wyatt's Eagle Scout
project was to clear a wooded area and construct wooden benches and a
fire pit behind St. Cecilia's Catholic Church. Robert Ridenour and Jim
DeGroff presented all the boys the SAR Eagle Scout patch and
certificate.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Oaklawn Cemetery, Glen Carbon, IL
December 12, 2015

Members of the Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter color guard who
participated in Wreaths Across America on December 12th at Oaklawn
Cemetery in Glen Carbon, IL. Shown (L-R) are Harry Nelson, Bob Kilzer,
Robert Ridenour, Charles Dobias (committee chairman), Jim DeGroff, Eric
Reelitz, Marvin Meng, Tom Beavers, John Stanton, and Ronnie Hicks.
Thirty-nine wreaths were placed on veteran's graves. Thanks to the
Edwardsville Rotary, State Farm, and Cassens Chrysler dealership for
their generous donations.
FLAG AWARD CEREMONY
Madison County Court House
Edwardsville, IL
December 3, 2015

The Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter Sons of the American Revolution
held its 20th annual flag award ceremony at the Madison County Court
House in Edwardsville on December 3, 2015. Attending the ceremony were
several county judges and the Honorable Alan J. Dunstan, County Board
Chairman.
Twelve Madison County residents/families were honored:
Mr. & Mrs David Heim, Saline Township
Mr. Nic Frey, Helvetia Township
Mr & Mrs Edward B. Shafer, St. Jacob Township
Mr. Larry Allen, Marine Township
Mr. Michael T. Johnson, Chouteau Township
Mr. & Mrs. Richard E. Werths, Granite City Township
Mr. & Mrs James Simpson, Nameoki Township
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Bailey, Edwardsville Township
Mrs. Phyllis Laster, Collinsville Township
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Avery, Jarvis Township
Mr. & Mrs. John Daniels, Pin Oak Township
Mrs. Geraldine Speece, Chouteau Township
Chapter flag chairman David File coordinated the event.
Certificates were presented by chapter president Marvin Meng. Members
of the GGRC color guard posted the colors.








EAGLE SCOUT CEREMONY
Eden United Church of Christ
Edwardsville, IL
November 28, 2015

Chapter Vice President Charles Dobias (R) and Robert Ridenour present
Eagle Scout certificates and badges to Raleigh Brazier, Danny Duncan
and Kyle Walsh.
LADIES NIGHT OUT
November 24, 2015
Julia's Banquet Center, E. Alton IL




Lola DeGroff gave a program on the Navajo Code Talkers.

Chapter President Marvin Meng presents membership certificate to Harold
Conlee.

Chapter President Marvin Meng presents membership certificates to
Sharon Kilzer for her sons. Ken and Yancy Costello.

Chapter President Marvin Meng presents membership certificate to Tom
Fischer.
GRAVE MARKING CEREMONY
Preston Cemetery, Randolph County IL
November 14, 2015

Members of the General George Rogers Clark and Long Knives Chapters and
the George E. Dixon Camp of Sons of Confederate Veterans march to the
grave of Revolutionary War veteran Millington Couch. They fired a
musket volley, which was followed by a rifle salute and "Taps" by
members of the Prairie Du Rocher, Baldwin and Chester American Legion
posts. The event was sponsored by the Lewis & Clark SAR Chapter and
the Liberty Bell of the West DAR Chapter.
VETERANS' DAY PARADES
NOVEMBER 2015

Members Jim DeGroff, President Marv Meng, Vice President Charles
Dobias, and Ronnie Hicks at Glen Carbon Veterans' parade.

Members also participated in the parade in Edwardsville.
MEMORIAL CEREMONY
HONORING CAPTAIN JOSEPH OGLE
Shiloh Valley Cemetery, Shiloh, IL
September 27, 2015



Members of the Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter were honored to
participate in the color guard for a marking for Captain Joseph Ogle.
The event was sponsored by the Ogle/Ogles Family Association, the Lewis
and Clark Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, and the Belleville
Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. Members of the Long Knife
Chapter SAR also participated.
FIELD TRIP TO HILL'S FORT
GREENVILLE, ILL
16 September 2015



Good food and lots of history when members visited Hill's Fort and
learned about the battle there.
Plus, the historic flag program.
LATZER HOMESTEAD HARVEST DAYS
Highland IL
September 12-13, 2015

Jim DeGroff, Caine Kelso, and Bill Wilson are shown at the Latzer
homestead.
Charles Dobias is not pictured but also participated in the event.
GRAVE MARKING CEREMONY
Smith Grove Cemetery
Bond County, Illinois
September 5, 2015







Members of the GGRC Chapter and family members gathered to honor the
memory and service of Revolutionary War patriots James Long, Jacob
Neer,
and Hezekiah Row. We were pleased to have descendants of James Long
available to pay tribute to their ancestor and to unveil the marker and
to have descendants of Jacob Neer.
GRAVE MARKING CEREMONY
White Hall Cemetery,
White Hall, IL
Saturday, August 22, 2015



The GGRC Chapter honored the memory of Revolutionary War patriot
Private Caleb Post, who served in New Jersey. Middle photo: Hearshel
McKinney and his wife. Compatriot McKinney discovered the marker for
Caleb
Post. Bottom photo:Jim DeGroff, Hearshel McKinney, Robert Kilzer,
Robert Ridenour, and Charles Casey.
CHAPTER FIELD TRIP
Grafton IL
August 13, 2015



Chapter members and guests toured the replicas of the Nina and Pinta in
Grafton.
EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
First Baptist Church
Edwardsville IL
August 1, 2015

Chapter president Marvin Meng (L) and Charles Dobias present the SAR
Eagle Scout badge and certificate to Zachary Gabel.
EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
St. Nicholas Parish Hall
O'Fallon IL
August 1, 2015

Jim DeGroff presents the SAR Eagle Scout badge and certificate to
Pietro Galante.
HISTORIC FLAG PROGRAM
VANDALIA, IL
July 11, 2015

Members of the Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter
presented their historic flag program in Vandalia during the Lincoln
Heritage Festival. Shown L-R are Bill Wilson, Robert Ridenour, Eric
Reelitz, Charles Dobias and Jim DeGroff
FLAG RAISING CEREMONY
Robert C. Stille Edwardsville Township Community Park
Center Grove Road, Edwardsville IL
June 15, 2015

Six members of the GGRC Chapter participated in the flag raising
ceremony. From left, Robert Kilzer, Charles Dobias, Jim DeGroff, Bill
Johnson, Robert Ridenour, and Tom Beavers. The other men are part of
the Illinois Territorial Rangers.

Uniformed reenactors raised the American flag and the new Edwardsville
Township flag which features a logo developed by a group of
Edwardsville High School students.

Township Supervisor Frank Miles (Center) posed with the reenactors
following the flag raising.
FLAG DAY PROGRAM
BOND COUNTY COURT HOUSE
GREENVILLE, IL
June 14, 2015




The 50 state flags were positioned close to the sidewalk all around the
court house. The historic flags were posted around the circle. Thanks
to all the members and guests who braved the weather to attend.
EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
St. Nicholas Parish Hall
O'Fallon IL
June 6, 2015


Jim DeGroff presented the SAR certificate and badge to Patrick Murphy
(top) and Nicholas Petty.

Thanks to the Edwardsville Rotary for inviting us to talk to them at
their May 28, 2015 meeting. They were particularly interested in the
SAR Cemetery Marking Project and the marker the GGRC Chapter placed at
the Nix-Judy Pioneer Cemetery in Glen Carbon. Shown are Bill Wilson,
Robert Ridenour and Tom Beavers.
MEMORIAL DAY 2015


Tom Beavers and Robert Ridenour participated as members of the Color
Guard during ceremonies held at the Dugger Cemetery near St. Jacob. IL

Robert Ridenour and Harry Nelson were part of the contigent of GGRC
members in the Alton Memorial Day parade (photo from St. Louis Post
Dispatch website)
EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
Piasa Marina
Godfrey IL
May 17, 2015

Chapter President Marv Meng, Robert Ridenour, Jim DeGroff and Charles
Dobias present the SAR Eagle Scout award badge, certificate and
Constitution booklet to Matthew "Reed" Milnor of Troop 7. For his Eagle
Scout project, Reed planned, organized and led teams to map, document
and clean veterans' grave markers in Upper Alton (Oakwood) Cemetery.
Pre-Memorial Day Ceremony Honoring Veterans
Oak Lawn Cemetery,
Glen Carbon, IL
May 17, 2015


Members of the GGRC Color Guard participated in the ceremony honoring
the veterans buried in the cemetery. Top: President Marv Meng, Jim
DeGroff, Vice President Charles Dobias. Bottom right: Robert Ridenour.
JROTC AWARDS DINNER
Alton Senior High School
Alton IL
May 9, 2015

Chapter Vice President (and ROTC/JROTC Chairman) Charles Dobias
presented the Outstanding JROTC Award to Nathan Backstrom. The SAR
awards the JROTC Medal to foster the principle of the
"citizen-soldier", exemplified by the Minutemen of Revolutionary War
days. This award is presented to JROTC cadets who are selected
for having a high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities,
military bearing and general excellence.

While at the Awards ceremony, Dobias presented the SAR Outstanding
Citizenship Medal and Certificate to Cadet Brandon Rose. He was unable
to attend the chapter's award ceremony held earlier.
EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
Morris University Center Bldg, SIU-E
Edwardsville IL
May 2, 2015

Congratulations to Troop 1031's newest Eagle Scout, Gabe Bailey. Jim
DeGroff and GGRC Vice President Charles Dobias presented the award and
patch to Gabe during a Court of Honor.
SAR OUTSTANDING CITIZENSHIP AWARDS
First Christian Church, Edwardsville IL
April 30, 2015

Photo caption: Left to right. Front row: Chapter Outstanding
Citizenship Awards Chairman Harry Nelson; Compatriot Bill Wilson;
Thomas Boyer; Julie Bruns, Megan Wittich, Tristen Carroll, Katelyn Fox;
Compatriot Robert Ridenour.
Back row: Compatriot Jim DeGroff, Mike Stimac, Willow Ann Tolly,
Anthony Stephens, Hunter Joseph Bassler, GGRC Chapter President Marv
Meng; GGRC Chapter Vice President Charles Dobias.
EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
United Methodist Church
Godfrey, IL
April 19, 2015

Gerald Henry Bemis III receives the SAR Eagle Scout certificate and
badge from GGRC President Marv Meng (left) and Charles Dobias.
GRAVE MARKING
Wimmer Cemetery, Auburn, IL
April 18, 2015

GGRC Chapter member Jim DeGroff joined the Springfield SAR Color Guard
in presenting the colors at the grave marking honoring Jacob Henry
Shutt. The marking was sponsored by the Captain William Penny DAR
Chapter.
EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
Camp Warren Levis
Godfrey, IL
March 29, 2015

Congratulations to David Mathus from Troop #7 for attaining the rank of
Eagle Scout. Robert Ridenour and Jim DeGroff presented him a
certificate and patch during the Eagle Scout Court of Honor.
HISTORIC FLAG PROGRAM
Benjamin Mills DAR Chapter Youth Awards
March 21, 2015

Jim DeGroff and Robert Ridenour presented the chapter's Historic Flag
Program during the Benjamin Mills Youth Awards ceremony in Greenville,
IL.
EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
New Bethel United Methodist Church
Glen Carbon, IL
March 1, 2015

Congratulations to Joseph R. Towner for achieving the rank of Eagle
Scout. He is a member of Troop 1034.
ANNUAL MEETING AND INSTALLATION OF NEW
OFFICERS
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, EDWARDSVILLE IL
February 26, 2015

Illinois State SAR President Tom Ashby (right) administers the oath to
newly elected GGRC officers: Jim DeGroff, registrar; Chuck Dobias, vice
president; Tom Beavers, treasurer; Marv Meng, president; and Lloyd
Schwarz, chaplain.

Frank Doughman, Superintendent of the George Rogers Clark National
Historic Park in Vincennes, Indiana, was the speaker.

Silver Good Citizenship Medal Recipients, David File, Eric Reelitz,
Chuck Dobias and Tom Beavers.

Past chapter president Ronnie Hicks was honored with a Veterans Service
Award for his many hours of service to veterans.

Military Award Recipients were Robert Ridenour, Ed Windsor and Steve
Hyatt

Owen is so proud to be a member of the SAR

One of the largest color guard contingents for a GGRC event shown
retiring the colors.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
February 8, 2015
Immanuel United Church of Christ
Hamel IL

Jim DeGroff & Robert Ridenour presented Kyle A. Towner of Troop 91
with the SAR's Eagle Scout badge and certificate.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
December 20, 2014
Evangelical United Church of Christ
Godfrey IL

GGRC members Harry Nelson (left) and Jim DeGroff presented the SAR
certificate and badge to new Eagle Scout Nathan Backstrom.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA CEREMONY
OAKLAWN CEMETERY, GLEN CARBON, IL
DECEMBER 13, 2014


Many thanks to Compatriot Chuck Dobias (right) for coordinating the
ceremony.


Posting the colors



EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
NOVEMBER 22, 2014
WJLY
Servant's Hall, Ramsey IL

Compatriot Bill Johnson presented the SAR Eagle Scout award and patch
to Eagle Scout William Strobel during ceremonies in Ramsey, IL.
FLAG AWARD CEREMONY
MADISON COUNTY COURT HOUSE
NOVEMBER 20,2014

Thanks committee chairman David File and color guardsman Bob Kilzer.









VETERANS DAY 2014

Edwardsville parade

Glen Carbon parade
FALL FIELD TRIP
Holy Family Church
Cahokia IL
October 12, 2014



A large group of members came to the site of the Holy Family Church for
the chapter field trip. The log church, built in 1799, is a National
Historic Landmark and is the oldest church west of the Allegany
Mountains. The church is constructed of black walnut timbers in the
traditional French Colonial style. An archaelogist talked to the group
about items found in digs around the church. Bill Wilson gave a talk on
Revolutionary War patriot Joseph Ogle.
LADIES NIGHT OUT
Julia's Banquet Center
East Alton IL
October 7, 2014

Great program presented by Brad Winn of the Lewis and Clark Historic
Site in Hartford about the Corp of Discovery time in Illinois.
HISTORIC PLAQUE DEDICATION
Nix-Judy Pioneer Cemetery
Glen Carbon IL
September 21, 2014


Illinois SAR State President Tom Ashby and GGRC President Jim DeGroff
unveiled the plaque.

Compatriot Bill Wilson read tribute to John Nix

Bob Evans shared a tribute to Richard Randle.

Jerry Oglesby shared tributge to Josias Wright

Robert Ridenour shared a tribute to William Biggs

Compatriot Tom Beaver shared tribute to Isham Randle

Compatriot Harry Nelson read a tribute to Henry Thornhill

Revolutionary War battle
flags lining both sides of the driveway for the Nix/Judy Pioneer
Cemetery in Glen Carbon were blowing in the breeze as the Genl George
Rogers Clark Chapter, Illinois Society Sons of the American Revolution
dedicated a large, cast-aluminum plaque
at the cemetery entrance. The two-sided plaque contains a short
biography of six Revolutionary War patriots and recognizes their part
in establishing our country’s freedom. The six are: William Biggs, John
Nix, Isham Randle, Richard Randle, Henry Thornhill and Josias Wright.
Members of the chapter provided the color guard and six of them read
biographies of the Patriots. Granite City resident Don Bradford sang
“God Bless America.” State SAR President Tom Ashby and State Chaplain
Dave Ashbrook attended.
GGRC Chapter President Jim DeGroff thanked Steve Ellsworth State Farm
Insurance, Cassens Auto Sales, the Edwardsville Rotary, and
Boilermakers Union Local 482 for their generous donations. Additional
funding for the purchase of the plaque was provided by the National and
State SAR Societies. The Village of Glen Carbon helped clear the site
for the marker.
CONSTITUTION DAY CEREMONY
ALTON, ILLINOIS
September 17, 2014
SPONSORED BY NINIAN EDWARDS DAR CHAPTER


LATZER HOMESTEAD HARVEST DAYS
Highland IL
September 5, 2014

Bill Johnson, Chuck Dobias and Jim DeGroff were members of the color
guard to raise the Flag of the United States of America at the Latzer
Homestead in rural Highland.

Chuck Dobias and Jim DeGroff talk to area third graders about Genl
George Rogers Clark journey through Illinois.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD CEREMONY
HOLY FAMILY COMMUNITY CENTER
August 23, 2014

(L to R) Salvadore Ybarra and Corey Stegemeier received their Eagle
ranks during a ceremony held by Troop 103 at the Holy Family Community
Center. Shown with them are Jim DeGroff and Bob Stegemeier from
the GGRC Chapter. Corey is Bob's grandson.
PLAQUE DEDICATION
JAMES McROBERTS
Moore Cemetery, Waterloo IL
July 19, 2014

Members of the Whieside Station Chapter, NSDAR, pose with Color Guard
members from the Genl George Rogers Clark and Lewis and Clark SAR
Chapters
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Vandalia, Illinois
June 22, 2014

Congratulations
Jarod Maske on reaching the rank of Eagle Scout. Jarod is in
Troop 121 and is a recent graduate of Ramsey High School. Jim
DeGroff presented Jarod the SAR Eagle patch and certificate.
GRAVE MARKING CEREMONY
SHILOH CEMETERY
SHILOH, ILLINOIS
May 24, 2014


(Top photo) Compatriot
Chuck Dobias carries the George Rogers Clark flag as he and chapter
president Jim DeGroff served as part of the color guard at the grave
marking ceremony sponsored by the Belleville DAR Chapter. The ceremony
recognized the service of Colonel John Thomas.
JROTC AWARDS DINNER
Alton Senior High School
Alton IL
May 3, 2014

Congratulations
to Cadet Brandon Rose, recipient of SAR's Bronze Medal. Shown
presenting the certificate and medal are GGRC president Jim DeGroff
(left) and ROTC/JROTC Chairman Charles Dobias (right).
ROTC AWARDS CEREMONY
SIU-Edwardsville
April 24, 2014

Congratulations
to Cadet Jon D. Thompson from Troy who is the 2014 recipient of the SAR
Silver ROTC Medal. The medal was presented by GGRC Chapter
JROTC/ROTC Chairman Charles Dobias.
OUTSTANDING CITIZENSHIP AWARD CEREMONY
First Christian Church
Edwardsville IL
April 24, 2014

Chapter members, speaker Col. Peter Wangler, and students. Those
receiving awards (not all pictured) were:
Taylor
S. Boodooram, Alton H.S.; Katie Carson, Brownstown H.S.; Mallory
McCune, Civic Memorial H.S.; Daniel Sims, Collinsville Senior
H.S.; Colton Evans, Cowden-Herrick H.S.; Alexandra
Hachmeister, E. Alton-Wood River H.S.; Aaron
Wilkinson, Edwardsville H.S.; Mirena K. Pebley, Gillespie
H.S.; Jacob B. Sparks, Granite City H.S.; Aaron
Mattix-Wand, Marquette H.S.; Chad Carter, Metro East Lutheran
H.S.; Nicholas Schneider, Mt. Olive H.S.; Nathan Early, North
Greene H.S.; Hannah McEnery, Staunton H.S.; Hannah
Ditter, Triad H.S.; and David Zimmerman, Vandalia H.S.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
March 30, 2014
Julia's Banquet Center
Alton IL

Jonathan Andrew Turner achieved Eagle rank during a
Court of Honor at Julia's Banquet Center in Alton. He is in Troop
7.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
March 29, 2014
Eden Church
Edwardsville IL

Jim
and Ronnie Hicks congratulate Thomas Johnson after presenting him the
SAR award for Eagle scouts. Thomas is a member of Troop 1031.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
March 23, 2014
Knights of Columbus Hall
Highland IL

Jim DeGroff presented the SAR award to Philip
LaFrance.

Jim
DeGroff presented the SAR award to Grant Thole as GGRC members Chuck
Dobias and Bill Johnson (at left) look on. Grant is a Junior member of
the GGRC Chapter.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
March 18, 2014
Camp Warren Levis
Godfrey IL

Ethan Kercher was presented the SAR Eagle Scout patch and certificate
during a Court of Honor at Camp Warren Levis.

Thanks Benjamin Mills DAR
Chapter for inviting the Genl George Rogers Clark SAR Chapter color
guard to post the colors at your DAR Awards Day celebration in
Greenville IL on March 15, 2014.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
February 16, 2014
KC Hall
Highland IL

Congratulations
to Eagle Scout Ben Leman from Troop 1040 who was presented the Eagle
Scout award during a Court of Honor today in Highland IL. For his Eagle
Scout project, Ben installed a new bench, flagpole and memorial blocks
at the Veterans Tree Forest near the boat ramp at Silver Lake Park.
CHAPTER ANNUAL DINNER
February 13, 2014
Sunset Hills Country Club, Edwardsville, IL

Seth Graves gave a first person account of the life
of chapter namesake, George Rogers Clark.

Chapter Wreaths Across America chairman Chuck Dobias
presents a certificate for the chapter's participation.

David File and Jimmie Hicks were two Compatriots recognized with awards.

Lloyd Schwarz describes actions of Sharily Lylerla (right) who received
a Good Citizenship Award from the chapter.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
December 21, 2013
SIU-E Center for Spirituality and Sustainability
Edwardsville IL

Congratulations to Eagle Scout Sean Mulligan, Troop
1031.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
OAKLAWN CEMETERY
GLEN CARBON IL
DECEMBER 14, 2013



Thanks
to Compatriot Charles Dobias for making all the arrangements for the
ceremony. The graves of 39 veterans were marked at the Oaklawn
Cemetery. The veterans wre from the War of 1812, the Indian Wars,
War Between the States, World War I, World War II, and Korean War.
Additionally, wreaths were placed on the graves of War of 1812 and
Revolutionary War soldiers at the Nix-Judy Cemetery.
SAR HERO AWARDS
NOVEMBER 20, 2013
MADISON COUNTY BOARD MEETING
EDWARDSVILLE IL

The
Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter presented SAR Hero Awards to seven men
during a county board meeting at the Madison County Court House on
November 20th. All the individuals helped rescue Paul Wanda after
his car careened off a road and overturned in a water-filled
ditch. The car was upside down in the water and the driver’s
window was down. They tried to pull him from the car, but his
feet were wedged under the dashboard. As some rescuers lifted the
car high enough to keep Wanda's head above water, another held Wanda's
head. Rescuers used a Res-Q-Jack to prevent the car from sliding
back into the water and were finally able to partially cut the
seatbelt, remove the rear driver's side door and pull Wanda to
safety. County Sheriff Robert Hertz said It was a textbook case
of first responders and citizens working together to save a life.
Those recognized were: Steven Slemer, Timothy Lawrence, Dennis
Laboray, Tony Copper, Ryan Staicoff, George Miller, and Albert
Forrester.
FLAG AWARD CEREMONY
NOVEMBER 20, 2013
MADISON COUNTY COURT HOUSE
EDWARDSVILLE IL









The
following families were recognized for flying the United States of
America flag correctly every day: Bill and Kay Butler, Saline Township;
Ken and JoAnn Dalton, Collinsville; Richard and Pam Evans, Nameoki
Township; Curtis and Penny Kinnick, St. Jacob; Richard and Heather
Mantz, Jarvis Township; Johnnie and Lori Maples, Edwardsville; Jack and
Connie Monson, Chouteau Township; Louis and Karen Simpson, Pin Oak
Township; David Tanner, Marine; Lawrence Watson, Granite City; Mike,
Megan and Mitchel Widman, Helvetia Township.
CHAPTER FIELD TRIP
EVERSGERD FORT, GERMANTOWN IL
October 9, 2013


LATZER HOMESTEAD HARVEST DAYS
September 6-7, 2013
Highland IL

Third
grade students from local schools learned more about George Rogers
Clark and his troops trip from Cahokia to Fort Sackville during the
Revolutionary War. At left you can see Clark's red and green
flag. In the center is chapter member portraying Madame Goderre
who made the red and green striped flag for Clark.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
August 17, 2013
Eden Church
Edwardsville IL

Congratulations to Bryan McPherson, Drew Tomo, and
Aaron Wilkinson on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
July 28, 2013
St. Ambrose Community Center, Godfrey IL

Jim DeGroff presents the SAR Eagle Scout award to
John Alexander Cousley at a ceremony held at St. Ambrose Community
Center.
FLAG DAY CELEBRATION
Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower
Hartford IL
June 14, 2013


The chapter's historic flags are in the front and at
the back are flags of each of the 50 states.

Compatriot Bill Johnson helps a Boy Scout from Troop
1031 display one of the chapter's historic flags.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
May 19, 2013
Esic Baptist Church, Edwardsville IL

GGRC
chapter president Jim DeGroff presented Eagle Scout awards to Jai
Kansal and Benjamin Gabel during ceremonies at the Esic Baptist Church.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
April 21, 2013
Maryville Baptist Church, Maryville IL

GGRC Vice
President Jim DeGroff presented an Eagle Scout certificate and badge to
Colton Higgerson during
the Eagle Scout Court of Honor on April 21, 2013.

Congratulations
Cadet Gage Counts from Alton High School who received the SAR medal
from GGRC President Jim DeGroff during ceremonies at the school on
April 20, 2013.

Chapter members and Outstanding Citizenship Award
winners at the First Christian Church,
Edwardsville
IL on April 4, 2013. Students recognized wer: Hannah Warnecke,
Alton Senior H.S.; Allison Wadsworth, Bunker Hill Community H.S.;
Jonathan Woelfel, Civic Memorial H.S.; Travis Dunnette, Collinsville
Senior H.S.; Rebecca Billings, East Alton-Wood River H.S.; Rachel
Wiesehan, Edwardsville H.S.; Aaron Peach, Granite City H.S.; David
McIntire, Madison H.S.; Mallory Stevens, Marquette H.S.; Taylor Pile,
Roxana Senior H.S.; Philip Reedy, Southwestern H.S.; Nathaniel Brown,
Staunton H.S.; and Joe Mersinger, Triad H.S.











Outstanding Citizenship Awards Chairman Robert
Stegemeier
CHAPTER FIELD TRIP TO HILL'S FORT
GREENVILLE, ILLINOIS
April 17, 2013



On
April 17th, chapter members went to Greenville, Illinois to learn more
about War of 1812 Hill's Fort. Chapter members enjoyed lunch, learned
more about weapons from Revolutionary War and War of 1812-era. Thanks
to Compatriots John Coleman and Bill Johnson for arranging the visit
and Chuck Dobias for taking photos.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
March 10, 2013
Grantfork Elementary School, Grantfork IL

GGRC members Tom
Lawrence, Bill Johnson, and Jim DeGroff presented an Eagle Scout
certificate and badge to
Daniel Deibert
during the Eagle Scout Court of Honor on March 10, 2013.
CHAPTER ANNUAL DINNER
February 7, 2013
Sunset Hills Country Club, Edwardsville, IL

Betsy Ross (aka
Highland H.S. teacher Barbara Kay) presented the program.

State President
Bruce Talbot

State President
Bruce Talbot installs new chapter officers.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
January 13, 2013
St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Glen Carbon IL

GGRC Vice
President Jim DeGroff presented an Eagle Scout certificate and badge to
John Douglas Schoeberle
during the Eagle Scout Court of Honor on January 13, 2013.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Nix-Judy Cemetery, Glen Carbon IL
December 15, 2012


Members
of the Genl George Rogers Clark SAR Chapter, the Edwardsville DAR
chapter, the Illinois Society of the War of 1812 and the Colonel
Benjamin Stephenson C.A.R. Society placed wreaths on the graves of
patriots of the American Revolution and the War of 1812 on December 15,
2012. The ceremony was held at the Nix-Judy Cemetery in Glen Carbon.
Those honored were Revolutionary War soldiers John Nix, William Biggs,
Henry Thornhill, Richard Randle, Isham Randle and Josias Wright; and
War of 1812 soldiers Captain Samuel Judy, Ambrose Nix and David Nix.
Chuck Dobias coordinated the event.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
Eden Church, Edwardsville IL
November 17, 2012

Christopher
Nicholas McLaughlin received a certificate and patch honoring his
achievement of Eagle Scout. Shown are GGRC president Ron Hicks and vice
president Jim DeGroff.
GLEN CARBON VETERANS MONUMENT VETERANS DAY SERVICE
Honor Roll Park, Glen Carbon IL
November 4, 2012
 
(Left)
VFW Post Commander and GGRC President, Ronnie Hicks, leads the program
honoring veterans added to the Glen Carbon Veterans Monument. (Right)
Members Roger Myers, Bill Wilson, Jim Hicks, Jim DeGroff, and Robert
Ridenour participated in the parade and ceremony.
FLAG AWARD CEREMONY
November 2012
Edwardsville IL

Chapter
president Ronnie Hicks presents a Flag Award Certificate to one of the
12 families being honored for flying The Flag of the United States of
America. The ceremony was held in the Madison County Court House on
November 1, 2012. GGRC Chapter chairman William Feeney is shown at the
podium.

Jim DeGroff
(right) presents SAR Eagle Scout Certificate to Lucas Taylor. Al
Oleson (left) presented the patch.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
June 24, 2012
Cornerstone Church, Godfrey IL

Al
Oleson, Ron Hicks and Jim DeGroff honored Zachary Boren (second from
left) with a certificate and patch during his Eagle Scout recognition
ceremony
FLAG DAY CELEBRATION
CONFLUENCE TOWER, HARTFORD IL
JUNE 14, 2012

The
Genl George Rogers Clark Chapter brought out 86 flags to celebrate Flag
Day. What an impressive sight they were blowing in the breeze in
front of the Confluence Tower.
ALTON ILLINOIS
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
MAY 28, 2012

Members
of the GGRC Chapter and the Illinois Society of the War of 1812
gathered before the beginning of the parade. GGRC members shown
are Bill Johnson,Roger Myers, Jim DeGroff, Al Oleson and Grant Thole.
GRAVE MARKING
WOODLAWN CEMETERY, EDWARDSVILLE IL
MAY 20, 2012

Pam
Smith, regent of the Edwardsville-Drusillia Andrews DAR Chapter looks
on as GGRC members Grant Thole and Jim DeGroff present the colors.
The ceremony honored past DAR members Mary Whiteside Blixen,
Leigh Sills, and Dorothy Ann Sumner.
JROTC AWARDS CEREMONY
APRIL 28, 2012
ALTON HIGH SCHOOL, ALTON, ILL.



GGRC
Chapter President Ron Hicks presents a certificate to Cadet Evan
Buenger. Cadet Buenger placed third in the State SAR Outstanding
Cadet competition.
OUTSTANDING CITIZENSHIP AWARDS
First Christian Church, Edwardsville, Illinois
April 11, 2012

This
year's winners were Zachary Logan, Gillespie H.S.; Samuel
Holdeman, Highland Sr. H.S.; Aliyah Brooks, Roxana Sr. H.S.,
Corey
Hardin, Jr., Madison H.S.; Johnny Wilson, Marquette H.S.;
Eian McClure, Alton Sr. H.S.; Irene Zollars, Civic
Memorial H.S.; Jordan Bruns, East Alton-Wood River H.S.; Hannah
Thomas, Triad H.S.; Seger Laures, Granite City H.S.; Kelly
McLaughlin, Bunker Hill Community H.S.; Danelle Garner, Mt.
Olive H.S., Marissa Zirges, Staunton H.S.; Michael
Bednara, Collinsville Sr. H.S.; Michael Babcock, Metro-East
Lutheran H.S.; Matthew Agustin, Edwardsville High School (not all
shown).
HERO AWARD
April 9, 2012
City Hall, Collinsville, IL

It
was a packed room when the GGRC presented a Heroism Award to Austin
Roberts (second from left) at the Collinsville City Council meeting.
Austin used the Heimlich maneuver he had seen on a
cafeteria room poster to save the life of his friend, Jordan Durbin who
was choking on a piece of corn dog. From left, Lloyd Schwarz,
GGRC Committee Chairman, Austin Roberts, Austin's parents and siblings,
Ron Hicks, Jim DeGroff, Jim Hicks, and Bill Nix from the GGRC chapter.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
April 1, 2012
Knights of Columbus Hall, Highland IL

Jim DeGroff (left) and Ron Hicks presented
a certificate and badge to Eagle Scout Joshua Case.
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
February 8, 2012
Sunset Hills Country Club
Edwardsville, Ill

Charles Schweizer
received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Chief Judge Ann Callis and Circuit Judge Charles Romani spoke
about Veteran's Court
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
January 15, 2012
Knights of Columbus Hall, Highland IL

Jim DeGroff (left) looks on as GGRC
president Ronnie
Hicks presents a certificate and badge to Eagle Scout Ian
McGlasson.

GGRC
President Ronnie Hicks congratulates Eagle Scout
Christian Schuepbach (right)
on his attainment of rank of Eagle Scout.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
January 8, 2012
First Christian Church, Greenville IL

Jim DeGroff (left)
and Eric Reelitz (center) presented the
SAR award to Adam Michael Runyon on his achievement of the rank
of Eagle Scout.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
December 10, 2011
Nix-Judy Cemetery, Glen Carbon IL

From left to right Ryan Zinke ( Herr Funeral Homes), Ronnie
Hicks, President GGRC Chapter & Color Guard member, Jim
DeGroff—Vice President GGRC & Color Guard member, Eric
Reelitz, GGRC Chapter & Color Guard member, Tim
Raymer—Past President GGRC & Color Guard member, Robert
“Bob” Shaak—Past President GGRC & Color Guard member, William
“Bill” Nix—GGRC Chapter member and relative of John Nix (Revolutionary
War Soldier interned at Nix-Judy Cemetery) and Robert “Bob” Herr — Herr
Funeral Homes—Sunset Hill Funeral Home. Robert Herr —Sunset Hill
Funeral Home donated the wreaths/grave blankets for the ceremony and
provided transportation to the cemetery location atop Sunset
Hill.
Not pictured Lee Swallows— Sunset Hill Funeral Home, Hank Boss, Jim
Hicks, Kevin Kagey GGRC Chapter (Photo—Kevin Raymer)
VETERANS DAY PARADE
November 11, 2011
Edwardsville IL

Jim DeGroff, Ron
Hicks, Bill Wilson, Al Oleson, prospective member Roger Meyers, and Tim
Raymer
participated in the Edwardsville Veterans Day parade.
HERO AWARD
November 7, 2011
Bethalto IL

Ross Eldridge
(front) received a Hero Award from the GGRC chapter. Back row is
Lloyd Schwarz,
Jim DeGroff, Ross' mother and father, and Al Oleson
16th ANNUAL FLAG AWARD CEREMONY
November 3, 2011
Madison Co. Court House
Edwardsville, Ill.


Awards
were presented to Gerald Affeldt, Roland & June Ahlmeyer, Jeffery
Bridick, C. Raymond Carlton, Fred & Nancy Decker, Rudy & Josie
Diak, Kenneth & Carol Klocke, Terry & Virginia Lancey, George
& Norma Opolka, Dean & Sue Saathoff, Byron & Sarah
Skalisius, and Rita Smith.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
October 20, 2011

Jim DeGroff
congratulates Harrison McLaughlin on his achievement of the
rank of Eagle Scout
at ceremonies held at
Eden church.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
October 2, 2011
Edwardsville IL

Joey Duncan
received the Eagle Scout award from GGRC President Ronnie Hicks
(middle) and
Jim DeGroff at ceremonies
held at Eden church.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARD
September 21, 2011
Edwardsville IL

Madison
County Circuit Judge Charles Romani (left) received the annual
Law Enforcement Award of the Genl. George Rogers Clark Chapter, Sons of
the American Revolution. Conferring the award was GGRCC President
Ronnie D. Hicks, assisted by Jim DeGroff and award chairperson Lloyd E.
Schwarz. Judge Romani was recogized for his leadership since 2009 of
the Veterans Court Service, which provides special services for
non-violent offenders.
LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM
August, 2011

GGRC chapter
president Ronnie Hicks (right) presents a certificate to Team 607
Manager Mike Montgomery.
The
GGRC chapter again sponsored the team which was 11-2-0 and also
won first place in the 6th & 7th Grade tournament.
ILLINOIS STATE FAIR PARADE
AUGUST 11, 2011
Springfield, Illinois

GGRC
member Jim DeGroff (far right) carried the replica of
Genl George Rogers Clark's flag during the Illinois State Fair Parade
on August 11, 2011.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
JULY 31, 2011
Edwardsville, Illinois

Thomas
Pauk (L) receives the Eagle Scout patch and certificate from
GGRC President Ronnie Hicks and Jim DeGroff.
JUNE 18, 2011

GGRC chapter
member Jim DeGroff spoke about George Rogers Clark campaign
during grave marking ceremonies honoring Revolutionary War patriot
Robert Kidd.
Kidd served under Clark . The grave marking was conducted by the
Whiteside Station DAR Chapter at St. John's Cemetery, Fults IL.
DEDICATION OF STATUE HONORING WOMEN VETERANS
MOUNT VERNON, ILL.
JUNE 18, 2011

A member of the
GGRC Chapter participated with the Illinois SAR color guard
in a parade in Mt. Vernon on
June 18. 2011 prior to dedication
of a DAR statue honoring
women veterans.
SPRING TRIP 2011
VANDALIA'S OLD STATE CAPITOL BUILDING
JUNE 9, 2011

ALTON MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
MAY 31, 2011

EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
May 27, 2011
Edwardsville, Illinois

Jim DeGroff (R) and Ron Hicks presented
Eagle Scout awards to
Zachary Watt
Jim DeGroff and Bill
Feeney presented Eagle Scout awards to
Zachary Blaisdell
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
May 1, 2011
Edwardsville, Illinois

Jim DeGroff (L)
and Bill Feeney (R) presented Eagle Scout awards to
Zachary Tojo
SAR SILVER ROTC MEDAL PRESENTATION
APRIL 28, 2011
SIU-E, EDWARDSVILLE, IL

Chapter founder Charles B. Schweizer
presented the medal to Cadet Brandon Michalke
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD
April 20, 2011
Alton, Illinois

Al Oleson (L) and
Timothy Raymer (R) presented Eagle Scout awards to
Cory Ostendorph and Andrew McKinney
JROTC BRONZE MEDAL PRESENTATION
APRIL 16, 2011
ALTON HIGH SCHOOL, ALTON, ILL.

GGRC Chapter
President Ronnie Hicks presents AFJROTC Cadet Andrew Berry
the Bronze R.O.T.C. Medal
at Alton High School Dining Out Awards Ceremony.
OUTSTANDING CITIZENSHIP AWARDS
First Christian Church, Edwardsville, Illinois
April 6, 2011

L-R, first row: Lindsey Taylor (Triad H.S.); Kathryn
Randolph
(Marquette H.S.);
Austin Weaver (Granite City H.S.); Max Harris (Metro East
Lutheran H.S.);
Daniel Wendell (Jersey Community H.S.); Joseph Dragovich (Mt.
Olive H.S.); Micah
Strebel (Civic Memorial H.S.); Kaitlyn Carter (Highland
Sr. H.S.);
Stephanie Clark (Roxana Sr. H.S.); Shalecia Oliver (Madison
H.S.). Second row: Ronnie Hicks, Wm.
Feeney, Troy Huddle, Bob Shaak, Jim DeGroff,
Al Oleson, (GGRC Chapter
SAR); James Stevens (Edwardsville H.S.)
EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
March 20, 2011
Highland, Illinois

Left: Jim DeGroff and Ron Hicks present Eagle
Scout award to Jordan Dahm.
Right: Ron Hicks presents Eagle Scout award to Trent Gnaedinger
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
February 16, 2011
Sunset Hills Country Club
Edwardsville, Ill

ILSSAR President Franz Herder installed the
new officers of the GGRC Chapter shown here (L-R), President Ron
Hicks;
Vice President Jim DeGroff; Secretary Marv Meng; Treasurer Jim Hicks;
Registrar Jerry Maas.
15th ANNUAL FLAG AWARD CEREMONY
November 4, 2010
Madison Co. Court House
Edwardsville, Ill.
 
SAR HERO AWARD PRESENTATION
to Tony Sparks
Bethalto City Hall
August 2, 2010

The GGRC Chapter presented a Hero Award to
Tony Sparks.
On
June 27, 2010, a 65-year old woman from Grafton was driving on the
Great River Roada when her vehicle hit debris littering the roadway
after a heavy rain.
One of her tires blew and her car went
into the flooded Mississippi River about 30 feet off the roadway.
Disregarding his own safety,
26-year-old Tony Sparks of
Cottage Hills saw the car enter the water, swam to the woman's car and
pulled her from the sinking vehicle through the
driver's side
window. He managed to ger her safely back to the shoreline just
before her vehicle sank into the flooded Mississippi River.
Photo, from left: Sparks, Jim
DeGroff, Tim Raymer, Jim James, and Ron Hicks.
GGRC-SPONSORED LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM

GRAVE MARKINGS
Bethalto IL, June 19, 2010
FLAG DAY PROGRAM
Schneider Park, Brighton, Illinois
June 14, 2010
  
Boy Scout Troop 1031 assisted with the program.
Hope Birch sang the National anthem & America the Beautiful
PRESENTING FLAG PROGRAM AT HILL'S FORT
YOUTH ACTIVITIES DAYS
JUNE 11 & 12, 2010
GREENVILLE, ILLINOIS

DEDICATION OF SECOND PLAQUE FOR
REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIERS
BURIED IN MADISON COUNTY, ILL
COUNTY COURT HOUSE, JUNE 1, 2010
GGRC provided color guard
 
ALTON MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
MAY 31, 2010
 
JROTC BRONZE MEDAL PRESENTATION
MAY 8, 2010
ALTON HIGH SCHOOL, ALTON, ILL.

Jim DeGroff (left) and Ron Hicks (right) present the JROTC Bronze Medal
to Cadet Tevin Rose
SAR SILVER ROTC MEDAL PRESENTATION
APRIL 29, 2010
SIU-E, EDWARDSVILLE, IL

Jim DeGroff, ROTC Committee
present the SAR ROTC Medal to Jordan Downey. The award recognizes
superior
leadership abilities & accomplishments, military bearing and
overall academic excellence.
SAR OUTSTANDING CITIZENSHIP AWARD CEREMONY,
APRIL 7, 2010
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, EDWARDSVILLE, IL

Front row left to right: James T. Nippert,
Alton High School; David N. Wilkins, Bunker Hill High School; Thomas
Woelfel,
Civic Memorial High School; Lakeisha S. Cox, Madison High School;
Philip Carter, Collinsville High School; Abigail Harmon,
East Alton-Wood River High School; Thomas Dannenberg, Edwardsville High
School; Mikayla Seeber, Triad High School
Second row: Tyler J. Burns, Gillespie High School; Alex
Dilday, Granite City High School; Jason M. Scott,
Highland High School; Kyle E. Foutch, Metro-East Lutheran High School;
John Hoefert, Marquette Catholic High School;
Kaitlin C. Scheller, Mt. Olive High School; Matt Miller, Staunton High
School
Not pictured was Zachary Payne, Roxana High School.
Back row: Jim DeGroff, Ronnie Hicks and Dr. Jim James, President
GGRC Chapter
FEBRUARY 2010 ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS PRESENTATION
February 10, 2010
Sunset Hills Country Club
Edwardsville, Ill

Illinois State SAR President J. Gordon Bidner addressed the group,
telling them how proud he was of all the chapter accomplishments.
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Robert Cook spoke to the group about 'George Washington, Reluctant
Statesman'
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14th ANNUAL FLAG AWARD CEREMONY
November 12, 2009
Madison Co. Court House
Edwardsville, Ill

Residents of 12 southern Madison County households received
certificates of commentation for displaying the U.S. Flag every day at
their homes.
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Chapter chairperson for the event shown in uniform at left is William
R. Feeney. Other chapter members shown are President Jim James
& Vice President Ron Hicks.
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VETERAN'S DAY PARADE
November 11, 2009
Edwardsville, Ill.
SAR FIRE SAFETY COMMENDATION AWARD
SIU-Edwardsville
October 28, 2009

Jim
DeGroff presented a SAR Fire Safety Commendation Award to Dan
Murphy. GGRC members attending were President Jim James, Ron
Hicks, Al Oleson and Hank Boss. While patrolling the campus on
Aug. 18, 2009, Officer Murphy saw fire coming from an apartment
building. Power was off due to an earlier storm. He
awakened sleeping students just minutes before the roof collapsed.
Thanks to his actions, no one was injured.
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Jim DeGroff presents a Fire Safety
Commendation Award to Dan Murphy with GGRC President Jim James
assisting.
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EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR
October 11, 2009
Highland, IL

Adam Edward Rose, Jacob William Rose, and Timothy Gardner Rose were
recognized by the GGRC
for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. The boys are seniors
at Highland High School.
LEWIS AND CLARK STATE SITE
October 11, 2009
Hartford, IL
REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIER GRAVE MARKING
October 4, 2009
Dugger Cemetery, Highand,
IL

Members of the GGRC Chapter color guard presented the colors during the
grave marking for Pvt William Gordon Adams .
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HILLS FORT SOCIETY LIVING HISTORY DAYS
September 19-20, 2009
Greenville, IL

The GGRC gave its flag program at the Hills Fort Society Living History
Days event. Above, chapter president Jim James presents The Flag
of the United States of America. At right, James assists in
posting the colors. |
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LATZER HOMESTEAD
HARVEST DAYS
September 11-13, 2009
Highland, Illinois
Members of the chapter
gave out U.S. flags and described the significance of different flags
from
their collection.
The GGRC were part of the living history area of the event.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
AWARD PRESENTATION TO DEPUTY KYLE DOOLEN
June 17, 2009
Madison County Court House, Edwardsville, Illinois

Standing
(L-R) Madison County Chairman the Honorable Alan J. Dunstan, Harry
Windland, Deputy Kyle Doolen,
Joe Hill, Tim Raymor, Jim James, Lloyd
Swartz, Hank Boss and Jim DeGroff.
On July 7, 2008 while on patrol,
Deputy Doolen spotted a stolen car from Ohio on Interstate 70 near
Highland just after a suspect shot at an Effingham County police
officer. The three suspects were wanted in Ohio for burglary and
robbery. Doolen followed them. They fired an assault rifle
at Doolen, his car was hit five times with two rounds going through the
windshield. Doolen was hit in the right forearm but still
pursued. The suspects stopped their car and fled on foot.
Doolen and other officers set up a perimeter and all three
suspects were apprehended and arrested.
FLAG DAY CEREMONY
June 14, 2009
Hartford, Illinois
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Members of "A Few Good Marines" demonstrate the
Thirteen Folds of the Flag used during military funerals |
Members of the GGRC Color Guard and Boy Scout
Troop 1031 participated in the Flag Day program.
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JROTC BRONZE MEDAL PRESENTATION
MAY 9, 2009
ALTON HIGH SCHOOL, ALTON, ILL.

(L) Jim DeGroff, ROTC Committee, (R) Gaylord
(Jim) James, President GGRC,
present the Bronze SAR JROTC medal to Levante Womack.
SAR SILVER ROTC MEDAL PRESENTATION
APRIL 23, 2009
SIU-E, EDWARDSVILLE, IL

L-R: Gaylord (Jim) James, President GGRC, Jim
DeGroff, ROTC Committee
present the SAR ROTC Medal to Bradley Craycraft. The award
recognizes superior
leadership abilities & accomplishments, military bearing and
overall academic excellence.
JOINT DAR/SAR/C.A.R. Meeting
Belleville IL Chapter
April 2009

GGRC members presented
their flag ceremony at the joint Belleville Chapter DAR/Six Mile
Prairie Chapter C.A.R. meeting.
SAR OUTSTANDING CITIZENSHIP AWARD CEREMONY,
APRIL 15, 2009
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, EDWARDSVILLE, IL

Front row: L-R: Katherine L. Henricks, Highland High School, Clay
M. Moran,
Granite City High School, Ryan Huber, Alton High School, Matt
Alexander,
East Alton-Wood River High School
Middle row: L-R: Joe Hill, SAR Color Guard member, Jeffrey
Bruns, Civic Memorial High
School, Zachary T. Hinkle, Edwardsville High School, Lance Taylor,
Triad High School
Back row: L-R: Jim James, President, Genl George Rogers
Clark Chapter, Tim Raymer,
Bill Feeney, Troy Huddle, SAR Color Guard members.
Not present: Cameron Wiggerhorn, Metro-East Lutheran High School,
Zachary Mezards,
Roxana High School
FEBRUARY 2009
BUSINESS MEETING & |
AWARDS BANQUET,
SUNSET HILLS COUNTRY CLUB |

At the February 2009 banquet,
Tim Raymer (center) presents awards to Hank Boss (left) and Jimmy
Hicks. |

Ed Gerling (right) was awarded for serving as chapter secretary for 15
years. |

Joe Hill (right) receives award from Tim Raymer |

Karl Reed, past IllinoisState President, installed the new officers |

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MIKE TERRY
PHOTO Dressed in traditional military wear from the 1700s, members of
the Sons of the American Revolution held their 13th annual Flag Award
Ceremony on Wednesday morning at the Madison County courthouse. Twelve
local households were honored for flying the American flag all year
around. |
As seen in the Madision
County Journal, November 30, 2008
SHOWING
LOVE OF COUNTRY Area residents are
recognized for flying the flag every day
By Mike Terry
The
owners of dozen Madison County households were honored last week for
their eagerness to fly the "stars and stripes" without a pause.
On Wednesday morning, the local chapter of the Sons of the American
Revolution held its 13th annual Flag Award Ceremony in the lobby of the
Madison County courthouse - an event held each November, right around
Veterans Day.
Members of the group, dressed in traditional garb from the
Revolutionary War period, handed out certificates and thanked each
honoree for constantly displaying "Old Glory" at their homes.
"It goes without saying that since Sept. 11, 2001, this ceremony has
taken on a special meaning," said William Feeney, Edwardsville resident
and chairman of SAR's General George Rogers Clark Chapter. "It's
especially important during this time of war that citizens fly their
flags regularly."
Recipient Jack Reeves, of Alhambra, said he began flying his flag after
those terrorist attacks more than seven years ago.
"Whatever patriotism I had, it really magnified it at that point," he
said. "It's nice when I walk out of my house to look up and see it
flying."
The annual event, which was created to promote patriotism, alternates
each year between northern and southern homes in Madison County.
"It's certainly nice to pay tribute to people who fly their flags 24,
7, 365," said SAR member Ronnie Hicks, of Glen Carbon. "As a Vietnam
veteran, I'm proud to see people flying the flag and honoring our
country."
The Sons of the American Revolution are currently looking for new
members. Individuals must be at least 18 years old, male and able to
prove direct lineage (through documentation) to a patriot of the
American Revolution.
2008 SAR Flag
Award Recipients
Mark Armstrong and Christine Monroe, Wood River Township
Jim and Shirley Augustine, Olive Township
Laverne Bloemker, Hamel Township
Ted and Nina Carnahan, Foster Township
Gary and Alice Grubb, Fort Russell Township
Stephen and Joyce Grummel, Godfrey Township
Dennis and Mary Harris, New Douglas Township
Edmund and Patricia Morrissey, Alton Township
Jack and Cathy Reeves, Alhambra Township
Alan and Karen Riedisser, Moro Township
Christ and Emily Schwarz, Leef Township
William White, Omphghent Township
Commemoration of John
Nix, Patriot of the American Revolution, Oct. 11, 2008

One of
many Eagle Scout Award Ceremonies
Naturalization
Ceremony with SAR Members Presenting Flags
Flag Day
Ceremony, June 2008, Tri-Township Park, Troy IL

Ceremony Renaming Veterans Memorial Park
Glen Carbon, IL
November 2007
Presentation of ROTC Award at Southern
Illinois University Edwardsville in April 2007
L-R, Don Campbell, Charles
Schweizer, Joseph Dement, Harry Windland

L-R, Joe Hill and Charles Schweizer are shown with the marker
honoring George Rogers Clark placed at Fort Gage, Kaskaskia, Ill.,
during ceremony on July 13, 1996
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