February 2026

Compatriots

Sadly, President Nic Gauthier has resigned; Nic is embarking on a new career opportunity as City Manager for the town of Biggs, and he feels that the demands of his new job will not permit him to devote the time necessary to be effective as the Sacramento Chapter President. Nic has done a great job as chapter president, and we wish him success in his new job.

Critical Leadership Meeting on February 7th: Our Future Depends on You



The Sacramento Chapter is at a pivotal moment — one that will determine not only how we operate in 2026, but how we build for the future.

Since Covid, a small group of Compatriots has carried most of the chapter’s responsibilities. That model is no longer sustainable. We now face a serious leadership shortage that threatens our ability to fulfill the mission we pledged to uphold.

Key Leadership Vacancies

Several essential positions remain unfilled: • President • Executive Vice President • Secretary • Registrar • Webmaster (non‑officer) • Calling Committee Chairman (non‑officer)

These roles are not ceremonial. They sustain the work of a lineage society: welcoming new members, organizing meetings and commemorative events, supporting youth and historical programs, and ensuring our chapter remains visible and engaged in the community.

Color Guard and Program Chairs Critically Needed

Our Color Guard is operating with far too few Guardsmen to maintain a reliable presence at ceremonies and community events. Without reinforcements, appearances will be reduced or declined.

We also lack chairs for our youth and community outreach programs: • Americanism Poster Contest • Brochure Contest • Knight Essay Contest • Eagle Scout Program • ROTC/JROTC Program

Without leadership, these programs cannot continue.

A Moment of Decision

At the February 7th business meeting, members will have the opportunity to propose, discuss, and vote on the path our chapter will pursue. Options include:



1. Form a full slate of officers and continue “business as usual.” Ideal — but only possible if more members step forward immediately.
2. Form a partial slate of acting officers and shift to Saturday morning meetings. A temporary structure to stabilize operations while rebuilding.
3. Reduce to minimum operations. Maintain youth and first responder programs and preserve basic community visibility. Likely paired with Option #2.
4. Suspend operations until members choose to revive the chapter and form a new Leadership Team. A real possibility. Other chapters have faced this point — and some, like the General George Washington Chapter under Kevin Knapp, have rebuilt successfully. Suspension remains a last resort.

Your Participation Matters

This is your chapter. If you value the mission, programs, and heritage of the Sacramento Chapter, now is the time to step forward — in a major role, a shared role, or behind‑the‑scenes support.

Join Us

Saturday, February 7, 2026 — 9:00 AM to Noon

Business Meeting & Leadership Planning Session

The Officers Club, 3410 Westover St, McClellan, CA

This meeting will determine the direction — and the viability — of our chapter for the coming year. Your presence and your voice are essential.

Item For Discussion at our February 7th Meeting

2026 Monthly Meeting Venue Proposal

We have received a proposal from Cattlemens Restaurant, 12409 Folsom Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742, to host all of our monthly meetings on the 3^rd Saturday of every month. They have proposed a breakfast buffet for $25/person including tax and gratuity. The restaurant is closed for business during our meeting hours.

This venue and proposal resolves our cost, midweek meetings, and nighttime driving issues. It enables those with careers to join in our meetings, thus increasing greater participation and attendance. The conference room is private with screen and audio, or we can bring our own equipment. 

Country Breakfast

Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, biscuits, orange juice and coffee 

Meeting dates:

February 21, March 21, April 18, May 16, July 18, August 15, September 19, October 17, November 21, December 19 



Meeting schedule:

8:30 AM               Doors open

9:00 AM               Buffet starts

9:45 AM               Buffet ends

10:00 AM            Meeting starts

12:00 PM            Meeting ends

Sacramento Chapter Business Meeting

Saturday, February 7th, 2026

9:00AM - 11:00AM

The Officers Club, McClellan Airport

3410 Westover St. McClellan, CA 95652

Compatriots, please mark your calendars and join us in fellowship at our first 2026 business meeting. Join with us as we plan our activities through 2026, the 250th anniversary of our nation. We need to fill our vacant officer and chairman roles, and discuss the future of the Sacramento Chapter.

One important element of the SAR Mission is Patriotism, and one way to recognize and honor patriotism within our community is to present those individuals, businesses, and organizations who properly display the United States Flag, a SAR Flag Certificate. 

Any SAR member can present a Flag Certificate, and there is no limit on the number of these that a chapter can present. If you have an individual or business to whom you wish to present a flag certificate, send the name to Craig Anderson (craigandersonsar@gmail.com) and one will be printed for you for presentation.



Our first Flag Certificate of 2026 was presented on January 28^th to Marty Vanich Auto Repair, Inc in Sacramento.

James Vanich

Our 1776 Book challenge project has been a huge success, thanks to our generous donors and hard work of our chapter members. As of 1/1/26 we have donated a substantial number of books throughout California and far exceeded our original goal. Click on the button below to read our progress report.

THE NATIONAL SOCIETY SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION’S

YOUTH PROTECTION POLICY

“The SAR strives to create and maintain a safe environment for all youth who participate in SAR sponsored activities. To the best of their ability, Compatriots and staff, their spouses and partners, and other event volunteers must safeguard the children and young people with whom they come into contact and protect them from physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.”

Youth Protection Awareness and Youth Protection Training

All Compatriots should be aware of the need for Youth Protection Programs and the NSSAR’s YP Policies. Youth Protection Training (YPT) is a critical component of the best practices for organizations who work with young people and for the SAR it is mandatory for all Compatriots in Leadership Positions, Color Guard Members, School Guard Members, and Professional Staff and any Compatriots who work with young people through our Education Outreach Programs, Youth Contests, or with the Children of the American Revolution. This would include but is not limited to Compatriots on the following committees: Americanism, American History Teacher Award, Eagle Scout, Knight Essay, ROTC/JROTC, Rumbaugh and Engagements, Education, CAR Liaison and the Council of State Presidents.

On successful completion of the SAR YPT, you will receive an electronic diploma in PDF format. Forward a copy to: craigandersonsar@gmail.com

The SAR University was developed to provide our members guidance on the various leadership positions and programs within our organization as well as providing self improvement modules. If you are considering a leadership position in our chapter, I encourage members take advantage of this resource.

Our Color Guard is the Public Face of the Sons of the American Revolution. We have participated in historical, patriotic, and public events in our community for many years.

This year we will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation. Planning has begun for year long celebrations of this event. I encourage you to join with us, become of member of our color guard and carry on the legacy that your patriot ancestors left to you.

Don't wait! Contact Color Guard Commander Russ Kaiser at (916) 801-2818 or boat361@aol.com and let him know you want to be part of the Sacramento Chapter Color Guard.

Color Guard Event November 19, 2025

Veterans Appreciation Event

Members of the California Society SAR provided a color guard for a Veterans Appreciation event at the Rowland Aviation Museum in Vacaville, CA on November 19^th 2025.

Left to Right: Don Littlefield-Sacramento Chapter; Bill Van Valkenberg- Redwood Empire Chapter; Derek Brown-Thomas Jefferson Chapter; John Ferris-CASSAR President; Russ Kaiser-Sacramento Chapter; Kevin Knapp- Sacramento Chapter

Color Guard Event January 11, 2026

Coast Guard Aux Change of Command Ceremony

Video courtesy of Jaime Alvarado

Russ Kaiser-Commander; Carl Ahlberg, Dark Alvarado, Don Littlefield Musket Men; Jim Faulkinbury, Steve Belden Flag Bearers.

The Sacramento Chapter has a small group of volunteers who, as the "School Guard", provide 60 minute presentations to 5^th grade students about life during the American Revolution. Members include SAR and DAR members as well as interested members of our community. The program is provided at no cost to schools throughout the Sacramento area in support of their 5th Grade US History curriculum.

The members of the "School Guard" make 1st person presentations about their characters in period dress. This program's popularity has expanded over the years since it was first started in 2000 and is provided to interested schools on a first-come, first-serve basis.



This is the 26th year Sacramento SAR and DAR members have provided these programs to 5th grade assemblies in the greater Sacramento Area. Beginning in 2000, chapter members led by Chuck Highbaugh and Tom Chilton have given our students a peek into what life was like in colonial America and were presenting to over 3000 students per year. The program is currently coordinated by Carl Ahlberg.

Carl is looking for more Patriots to staff two teams that would allow us to reach more schools during the spring semester. You do not have to be a SAR member to be part of this great program. This is a great opportunity for you to carry on your patriot ancestor's legacy by sharing their stories with our students. These have a great impact, showing students what life was like in the 18th century, and the prices paid for their freedoms. If you can help or would like more information, contact Carl Ahlberg icahlberg@sbcglobal.net or phone (916) 624-3917 or Craig Anderson craigandersonsar@gmail.com or phone (916)257-7892.

Welcome to the Sacramento Chapter. We look forward to working with you to further the mission of the SAR.

Since its founding in 2009, the Sacramento Chapter of Founding Forward has furthered the mission, vision, and work of Founding Forward by educating and inspiring over 1500 students. As the leader in immersive civic education, Founding Forward is creating an informed and engaged citizenry and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

On February 28th, 2026, Founding Forward will be holding its annual Youth Awards Banquet at the Timber Cove Ballroom, 7050 Del Webb Blvd., Roseville, CA. This is a great event with a well known keynote speaker. Meal prices are $60 and can be purchased on line at this link: https://sacfoundingforward.regfox.com/2026-awards-banquet

Founding Forward Website: https://sacramento.foundingforward.org/

The Sacramento County History Day staff is looking for volunteer judges for the 2026 Sacramento County History Day (SCHD) Competition, hosted by the Sacramento County Office of Education in partnership with the Center for Sacramento History & Sacramento State.

On Saturday, March 7, students in grades 4–12 from across the county will gather at Sacramento State to present original projects aligned with this year’s theme,“Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.” Projects span a variety of formats, including exhibits, performances, documentaries, podcasts, posters & websites.

Friendly, service-oriented community members with an interest in history are invited to serve as judges at the competition. Judges play a vital role by evaluating projects and offering encouraging, constructive feedback that helps students grow and advance to the state competition in May. No prior judging experience is required. Judges receive training via Zoom and self-paced modules before the competition, and breakfast and lunch are provided on the day of the event.

To sign up to judge, please visit:  Judge Registration

At this site you can also RSVP if you are not able to attend this year but would like to be kept on a list.



• What:        Sacramento County History Day
• Where:      Sacramento State, University Union
• When:       Saturday, March 7, 2026
• Info:          Sacramento History Day Website

We hope you will also be able to volunteer for the NHD-CA State Competition taking place at CSU Sacramento, May 1-2––Please mark your calendars. More information will be sent out in the next few days.

For further information. you may contact, Craig Irish, Sacramento County Office of Education Coordinator, Student Events & Competitions & National History Day - California

916-803-5682  or sachistoryday@scoe.net

The Freedom Plane National Tour

A National Archives traveling exhibition will be bringing seven original Founding-era documents to eight U.S. cities in commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. 

Inspired by the Bicentennial Freedom Train, the Freedom Plane National Tour will make documents fundamental to America’s founding accessible to Americans across the country

• Original Engraving of the Declaration of Independence, 1823: One of only about 50 known engraved copies of the Declaration of Independence, printed from a copperplate of the original. Commissioned by John Quincy Adams and made by engraver William J. Stone, the engraving captured the size, text, lettering, and signatures of the original document (on loan from David M. Rubenstein). 
• Articles of Association, 1774: Signed by all 53 delegates, the Articles of Association urged colonists to boycott British goods and was the Continental Congress's first major unified act of resistance against Britain.
• George Washington’s, Alexander Hamilton’s, and Aaron Burr’s Oaths of Allegiance, 1778: Oaths of Allegiance that all officers of the Continental Army signed during the Revolutionary War. 
• Treaty of Paris, 1783: Signed by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay, this Treaty with Great Britain formally recognized the United States as an independent nation.
• Secret Printing of the Constitution in Draft Form, 1787: A rare copy of the U.S. Constitution in draft form, with the delegate’s handwritten notes made during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. 
• Tally of Votes Approving the Constitution, 1787: The voting records of the Constitutional Convention reflecting the debates, resolutions, and eventual vote on the final text that would become the Constitution. 
• 

The Freedom Plane National tour will be in Los Angeles April 17^th – May 3^rd  at the University of Southern California Fisher Museum of Art. https://freedomplane.org

SAR National Event

250th Anniversary of the

Declaration of Independence

Philadelphia, PA

America’s Birthplace – “Ring It On”

July 2-6, 2026

February 28th 2026 5PM "Founding Forward's" Annual Youth Award Banquet. Timber Creek Ballroom,7050 Del Webb Blvd, Roseville, CA

To Be Announced

The Sacramento Courier is the official newsletter of the Sacramento Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. Unless explicitly. stated, the opinions expressed herein are the opinion of the authors, and not necessarily those of the Sacramento Chapter SAR.

Editor Craig Anderson