March 2026

Compatriots and Friends of the SAR

I am honored for the opportunity to lead the chapter into 2026 as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation. We all are custodians of the legacy of freedoms that our Patriot Ancestors left us, and I am confident that, working together, we can make this a very special year for our community.

I am pleased to report that we had two successful, well attended meetings in February. It was wonderful to make new friends and "catch up" with old friends; it reminded me why I am proud to be a member of the Sacramento Chapter - the great people. We were pleased to welcome three new members to our chapter, Ryan Baum, Don Huffman, and Bob Leidigh, and three prospective members: Josh Brazil, Walt Wagner, and Jeremiah Mergenthaler.

While we have filled some chapter positions during February, we still have a number of opportunities for members to become active in a SAR leadership role. Many of these will take little of your time, but will have a huge impact on our ability to further the mission of the SAR and benefit the youth in our community. If you can give 10 to 20 hours a year, you will make a difference and bring yourself a great deal of satisfaction. You will have fun doing it! Contact me if you have any questions on how you can help: craigandersonsar@gmail.com or (916) 257-7892.

Our March 21st meeting will be a breakfast meeting at Cattlemen's in Rancho Cordova. We will be discussing and finalizing our chapter's 2026 schedule of patriotic events along with our 2026 chapter meeting schedule. Please mark your calendar and join us - your voice is important. See you on March 21st.

Click the link to make your reservation: SAR Meeting - March 21, 2026

Yours in Patriotic Service;

Craig Anderson

We are proud to welcome the following members to the Sacramento Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution during February.

Isaac and Patrick Hardback's applications were approved in January and they were inducted into the Sacramento Chapter during the February 7th Meeting

Ryan Baum, Don Huffman, and Bob Leidigh, were inducted into the Sacramento Chapter during the February 21st Meeting

America 250 Chairman presents an America 250 Bronze Medal and Certificate to Executive Vice President Ronnie Oates.

FOUNDING FORWARD YOUTH AWARDS BANQUET

The Sacramento Chapter Color Guard posted the colors at Founding Forward's Annual Youth Awards Banquet at the Timber Creek Ballroom in Roseville, CA on February 28th. Those attending was Commander Russ and Donna Kaiser, Don and Mary Ann Littlefield, Dark and Gina Alvarado, Carl and Inga Ahlberg, Jim and Karen Faulkinbury, and Craig and Sandra Anderson.

NRA Black Powder Training

To participate in SAR Sacramento firing events, participants must successfully complete a NRA Black Powder Training Course conducted by a certified trainer.

NRA Black Powder Training will be offered on May 16th and 17^th. The course is filling fast so students will be accepted on a first come first served basis. Please read the SAR Color Guard Handbook prior to the class; it can be accessed at this link: https://www.sar.org/app/uploads/CG-Handbook-2026.pdf

The course fee is $175 payable in advance to Russ Kaiser. The fee is non-refundable. It covers insurance and material costs which are arranged in advance. If the course is canceled, your funds will be returned. Everything is supplied to complete the course which includes shooting a flintlock pistol, cap 12 gauge shotgun and .58 cal Zouave cap rifle. NO PERSONAL WEAPONS, POWDER AND BALL ARE ALLOWED TO THE CLASSROOM OR RANGE WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL FROM RUSS.

Students must provide personal eye protection and hearing protection to complete the range portion of the training. Proper natural fiber clothing, footwear and a hat is recommended. Sunscreen is a good ideal as well as cleaning wipes.

Training Schedule:



• May 16, 2026, Day 1: Classroom. 10AM – 3PM at 1021 Haverhill ST, W. Sac 95691. Bring your own lunch and drinks/snacks.

• May 17, 2026, Day 2: Range 10AM – 3PM at 6176 State Route 104, Ione. The range is on private property and can be difficult to find. Allow plenty of time for travel. Any students late will forfeit their fee and will not be allowed to participate. The class is all about range safety and the class cannot be restarted after it begins.

Please let Russ know in advance about any medical/physical issues you have that could affect the class work. 

Questions may be directed to Russ Kaiser at 916-801-2818 or boat361@aol.com

Coming Color Guard Events

Contact CG Commander Russ Kaiser

boat361@aol.com

June 4th 2026 7:30am: North Ridge Country Club Golf Tournament. They are celebrating America's 250th year of independence and their theme is “The Spirit of 1776 at North Ridge”. 7600 Madison Ave, Fair Oaks, CA 95628.

General George Washington Chapter America 250 Parades

The GGW chapter is inviting all interested SAR members and friends to participate in the following events in Northern CA:

The 63^rd Annual Cottonwood Rodeo Parade, 10am Saturday May 9^th in Cottonwood, CA. Parade Link: 63rd Annual Mother's Day Cottonwood Rodeo Parade

The Redding Rodeo Parade, 10am Saturday May 16^th 2026 Redding, CA.

Parade Link: RODEO WEEK - Redding Rodeo Parade (2026-05-16)

These are great hometown events, if you wish to participate contact GGW Chapter President Kevin Knapp at armylta@aol.com

The School Guard is one of the most vital educational outreach programs of the Sacramento Chapter. Our team conducts assemblies specifically designed for 5^th grade students. This grade marks an important stage for these students; it is the first time they study colonial life and the Revolutionary War. The assemblies are presented by a group of two to five presenters with at least one member being a DAR member to ensure the inclusion of women’s roles in the Revolutionary War.

During each assembly, we share engaging stories about the beginning of the Revolutionary War and discuss key terms and major events. Some of the topics we highlight include Minutemen, Militia, Paul Revere, Lexington and Concord, "the shot heard 'round the world", Stamp Act, Boston Tea Party, women in the Revolutionary War, Declaration of Independence, and Valley Forge. Our goal is for all students to finish 5^th grade with a strong understanding of these terms, supporting and reinforcing the curriculum provided by their teachers. Typically, our assemblies reach an average of 100 students per session, and last about 70 minutes.

During each assembly, we share approximately 25 artifacts to illustrate what life was like during colonial times. We conclude each session with a question-and-answer period, which clearly shows that schools are teaching the American Revolution as evidenced by students’ enthusiastic participation. To further enrich the experience, we leave each classroom with a few toys like those used by children in colonial times and a letter written in the handwriting style of Abigail Adams. The letter is stamped with a replica Stamp Act stamp, folded, and sealed with authentic wax, bearing the same embossed image Thomas Jefferson used in his correspondence.

This year, in connection with the Sacramento Chapter 1776 Book Challenge, we will provide each teacher with five different books about the Revolutionary War for their students. Our ongoing objective is to add new resources to each teacher’s classroom library annually, encouraging students to read and learn more about colonial life and the Revolutionary War.

We are currently building three teams of presenters, with an eventual goal of reaching 2000 students per year. We are pleased to have a growing number of interested participants, and if you would like to help us share our heritage with students and become a part of this impactful program, please contact Carl Ahlberg (icahlberg@sbcglobal.net) (916) 955-7371 or Craig Anderson (craigandersonsar@gmail.com) (916) 257-7892.

Our March 21st breakfast meeting will be held at Cattlemen's Restaurant in Rancho Cordova. Doors open at 8:30am, breakfast is served at 9am, and the meeting begins at 10am.

March 21, 2026

Cattlemen's Restaurant

12409 Folsom Blvd

Rancho Cordova, CA

Country Breakfast Buffet:

Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Country Potatoes

Biscuits, Juice, Coffe, Tea.

Price: $25 per person

WE ENCOURAGE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS

and PAYMENT by Credit Card.

Click on the link to make your reservation:

SAR Meeting - March 21, 2026

Or

Contact Craig Anderson craigandersonsar@gmail.com or (916) 257-7892 if you wish to pay cash or check at the door.

IMPORTANT

Please RSVP no later than 5PM Sunday, March 15th, if you will be attending; the restaurant needs a final meal count by Monday, March 16th, for planning purposes. Thanks!

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.

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

Genealogy Researchers - DAR Announcement

We have some news about the DAR library's fees we wanted everyone to be aware of. Due to a ruling that was passed by the DAR Executive Committee, the price of record copies online and in person will be going from $10 to $15 each. Mail orders for record copies will increase to $20. Also the fee for search services will increase to $50 per hour for DAR members, and $75 per hour for non-members. These changes will go into effect on March 16, 2026. Please contact AskTheLibrary@dar.org if you have any questions.



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