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Compatriots and Friends of the SAR
The focus of our May meeting was to recognize the achievements of outstanding students in our community. We had a great turnout, thank everyone for attending and showing support for our youth. We were especially honored to have California SAR President Randy Dhindsa and California SAR VP North, Danny Shurtz join us. Special thanks to Don Littlefield, Jon Wroten, and Jim McGraw for overseeing these great SAR programs.
May has been a remarkable month. We hosted two students at our Awards Banquet, presented SAR Heroism Awards to Paramedic John Doughty and EMT Edward Slivinskiy of Sacramento Metro Fire Station 105 for which we received media attention from two local media outlets, we participated in the Sacramento Yacht Club boat parade on Russ Kaiser's vessel (complete with a cannon) decorated with the America 250 theme, our school guard presented to six 5th Grade assemblies wrapping up the school year, we participated in a Memorial Day event at Sacramento's Historical Cemetery organized by the Sacramento Affiliated Veterans Council, and our Color Guard Commander and certified NRA Instructor, Russ Kaiser qualified five compatriots to be able to participate in SAR firing events.
Our new website has been published by our new Webmaster, Gary Theisen.
Have a look at: https://sar-sacramento.org/ Gary has done a great job with this. On behalf of the Sacramento SAR membership, I want to recognize and thank Don Littlefield for being our webmaster for many years. His contributions to our chapter with the website and many other SAR programs has been invaluable.
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There is an upcoming event on June 19 at 4 pm that our membership may find interesting. American Heritage Partners, is hosting, via Zoom an interview with John Adams. featuring Mike Lebsock performing as John Adams. Mike is a member of the Oregon SAR and an award winning Adams re-enactor. who will appear as if he is sitting in the City Tavern in Philadelphia in June 1776, during the couple of weeks when he and Thomas Jefferson were hashing out the text of the Declaration of Independence. It's guaranteed tp be a fun and entertaining Zoom event— and it’s free.
Click on the button below to access the announcement. Click on link at the bottom of the poster to access the event on June 19th, or use this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87002632930?pwd=YEflEbaJLalZrQroW77scIly3bJvIQ.1#success
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One of our most important events of the year is the 4th of July Carmichael Parade. The SAR and DAR will be leading the parade so I am encouraging everyone to come out and join us celebrating America's 250th birthday. You don't have to be an SAR member, so friends and family are welcome, You don't have to be in colonial attire, just dress comfortably and bring your enthusiasm.
All of our programs have a positive effect on our community; they are successful because of you. Thank You!
Libertas et Patria,
Craig Anderson
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******** IMPORTANT *******
The Flag Day Event that was originally scheduled to be held at Rusch Park in Citrus Heights has been cancelled.
Details on an alternate event will follow soon.
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Americanism Poster Contest
Alena Panina from Sandra J. Gallardo Elementary School was awarded 1st prize at the chapter level, and 3rd place in the state competition.
| | Don Littlefield Alena Panina and 5th Grade Teacher Ken Brown | | L-R Craig Anderson, Don Littlefield, Alena Panina, Randy Dhindsa, Danny Shurtz | | |
Enhanced JROTC Program
Cadet Lt. Collin Haughey, from Casa Robles High School was awarded 1st place in the Chapter and State competition. The state award was presented by California SAR President, Randy Dhindsa.
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L-R Jon Wroten, Jim McGraw, Collin Haughey and Randy Dhindsa, Kevin Houdek
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On May 18th, 2026 Del Hanson, Steve Bowman, and Craig Anderson attended a ceremony at Sac Metro Station 105 and presented SAR Heroism Certificates and Medals to Paramedic John Doughty and EMT Edward Slivinskiy.
Click the thumbnail below to watch the KCRA converage
| | L-R John Doughty, Steve Bowman, and Edward Slivinskiy | L-R Del Hanson Steve Bowman, John Doughty, Edward Slivinskiy, and Craig Anderson | | |
SAR Silver Good Citizenship Medal
The SAR Silver Good Citizenship Medal recognizes outstanding and unusual patriotic service at the state and regional level. The medal is presented to persons of prominence in the areas of government (including military service), religion, education, business and other professions. This is a State level award that can be presented by a chapter if authorized by the California SAR President. Presenting these awards was California SAR President Randy Dhindsa, and California SAR VP North Danny Shurtz.
| | Lt Col Kevin Houdek USAF (Ret), the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor at Casa Robles High School, was awarded the SAR Silver Good Citizenship Medal for his service to our country and his dedication to the education of our youth. Kevin Houdek was presented with this award by California SAR President Randy Dhindsa and VPN Danny Shurtz. | | |
Sacramento SAR Color Guard Commander, Russ Kaiser, was awarded the SAR Silver Good Citizenship Medal for his many years of public service centered on community improvement, charitable outreach, and boating safety. Russ Kaiser was presented the this award by California SAR President Randy Dhindsa and VPN Danny Shurtz.
| | L-R Craig Anderson, Russ Kaiser, Randy Dhindsa, Danny Shurtz | | |
Certificates of Patriotism were presented to three members of the Sacramento Chapter: Patrick Harback, Ken Wilson, and Ronnie Oates for standing ready to defend the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic. As veterans, Patrick and Ken are authorized by the SAR to wear the SAR Military Service Medal; Ronnie is authorized by the SAR to wear the War Service Medal in grateful recognition for their service to country in defense of America. The certificates are signed by President General Michael Elston.
Congratulations to Committee Chairmen, Patrick Harback and Sean Jones, 51 Certificates of Patriotism have been issued to Sacramento Chapter members. If you are a veteran and you haven't been recognized for your service, contact the Veterans Recognition Committee.
| | Patrick Harback and Craig Anderson | L-R Patrick Harback, Ken Wilson, Ronnie Oates, Craig Anderson | | |
Compatriot Glen Emmett Fine passed away on April 14, 2026. He was born on May 24, 1939 in Carlsbad, New Mexico and spent his childhood in New Mexico and Southern California. He graduated from CSULA (BS) and USC (MPA).
He was married to Cynthia Ann Hankins and had three children; Glen Owen Fine, Neil Anthony Fine, and Elaine Lenore Fine.
He became a member of the SAR on March 1, 2007. His patriot ancestor was Vinett Fine who signed the resolution forming the First Independent Company of Dunmore County Virginia in 1775 and was a member of the Dunmore County militia in 1778.
| | Congratulations and Welcome to the Sacramento SAR | | |
Stephen Paul Struder: His application was approved on April 17th, 2026. His Patriot Ancestor was Leonard Boyer who served as a Private in Captain Henry Boyer’s 6th Company, Fourth Battalion of the 1780 Philadelphia County Militia.
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Joshua James Drazil: His application was approved on April 24th 2026. His Patriot Ancestor was Enos Knight who was a soldier in the American Revolution serving in Captain Joseph Gould’s company from Topsfield, MA Enos was one of 110 minutemen from Topsfield who responded to the Lexington Alarm on April 19, 1775.
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William Thomas Pepoon: His membership was approved on 5/1/2026. His patriot ancestor was Joseph Pepoon who served as a Sergeant in Capt. David Tarbox’s Company, Colonel Hosford’s 11th Regiment, Connecticut Line.
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Jeremiah Cody Mergenthaler: His membership was approved on May 8th, 2026, His patriot ancestor was Stephen Peabody. Stephen Peabody was adjutant of Colonel Reed's regiment in the battle of Bunker Hill, 1775; was adjutant of Col. Enoch Poor's 2nd New Hampshire regiment at Winter Hill in the summer and fall of 1775; was major in Col, Wyman's 1st New Hampshire regiment; volunteered as captain in the alarm as to Ticonderoga in 1777; was on the staff of Maj. Gen. John Stark at the battle of Bennington, 16 Jun 1777; and lieutenant colonel commanding a regiment in Gen. Whipple's brigade under Gen. Sullivan in the battle of Rhode Island in 1778.
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Walter Edwin Wagner His membership was approved on May 22, 2026, His Patriot Ancestor was Charles Merriman who served as Major in the 6th Regiment of Parsons Brigade of the Continental Line.
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Caleb Randall Trotter His membership was approved on May 22, 2026. His Patriot Ancestor was Joseph Winston who served as 2nd major and 1st major in the Surry County Regiment of the North Carolina militia, leading a unit of riflemen in several important battles, including the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge, Battle of Kings Mountain and the Battle of Guilford Court House. Joseph was a first cousin of Patrick Henry and served in the United States House of Representatives and the North Carolina Senate.
| | Members Stephen Struder, Josh Brazil, Bill Peptone, and Jeremiah Mergenthaler were inducted into the SAR during our youth awards banquet. | | |
SAR Black Powder Training
A NRA Muzzle Loading Class was conducted by Russ Kaiser on the weekend of May 16th and 17th. The first day was a full day classroom session followed by a session on Sunday where the students had to demonstrate competency loading and firing a flint lock pistol, a percussion rifle, and a percussion shotgun. We now have five additional SAR members, NRA qualified, to participate in SAR firing events.
Click the thumbnail below to view a short video
of the firing portion of theclass.
| | If you want to be part of the Sacramento Chapter Color Guard, Contact Color Guard Commander Russ Kaiser at (916) 801-2818 or boat361@aol.com. | | |
The Sacramento Chapter "School Guard" participated in six 5th grade assemblies at schools in northern California in May. These events are aimed to educate students about significant aspects of the American Revolution through a series of presentations and demonstrations:
Key items presented were the roots of the American Revolution, the role of the minute men and the battles of Lexington and Concord, the Declaration of Independence, the role of women in the American Revolution, the impact of Valley Forge on the Revolution, the origins of our national flag, and the display and description of colonial period replica artifacts.
| | May 1st - John Adams Academy El Dorado Hills Members present were Carl Ahlberg, Steve Belden, and Mark Laramore. | |  | May 12th - Sandra J Gallardo Elementary Members present were Kimm Richwine Carl Ahlberg, Steve Belden, David Dance, and Mark Laramore. | | | May 15th - Lake Forest Elementary. Members present were Kimm Richwine, Carl Ahlberg, Steve Belden, and Mark Laramore. | | | May 19th - Orangevale Open K-8, Members present were Kimm Richwine, Carl Ahlberg, Craig Anderson, and Mark Laramore. | | | May 29, 2026 - Rio Del Oro Elementary Members present were Kimm Richwine, Carl Ahlberg, Craig Anderson, and Mark Laramore | | | May 29, 2026 - Johnson Park Elementary Members present were Kimm Richwine, Carl Ahlberg, and Mark Laramore. | | | America 250 Chairman, Jim Faulkinbury presented Bronze SAR America 250 Medals to five Sacramento SAR members: L-R Jeremiah Mergenthaler, Mark Laramore, Jim Faulkinbury, Ryan Baum, Jim Mcgraw, and Joshua Drazil. | |
As 2026 America 250 project, on May 20th, the members of the Sacramento SAR voted to install a SAR Bench on the Walk of Honor at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA The price of this project is about $4,800, if we can use an existing pad, or $5,300 if we must have a pad poured. This bench will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of our nation.
Contribute to this project, by sending your check payable to the SAR Sacramento Chapter, P.O. Box 6664, Folsom, CA 95763-6664 or if you wish to contribute by credit card, click the link: https://payit2.com/f/america-250-memorial-bench
Contact me or Don Littlefield if you have any questions.
| | 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. | | 2026 Sacramento Yacht Club Boat Parade | | On May 3rd, the Sacramento Yacht Club hosted the annual boat parade along the Sacramento River From the Sacramento Yacht Club to the Virgin Sturgeon and back. Russ Kaiser and his crew aboard his boat "Media Luna" decorated the vessel with the American 250 theme. This included a 10 gauge black powder cannon. We could hear him coming well before we could see him. Russ’ crew included 1st Mate Donna Baca-Kaiser, Jon and Barbara Wroten, Jeremiah and Brayden Mergenthaler, Steve Bowman and Staci Kendrick, and Donna Tielsch, | | |
Memorial Day Flag Planting
Sacramento Historical Cemetery
Jim Faulkinbury, Karen, and grandson, Jr SAR member Isaac Rex, participated in the flag planting of the ~5000 veterans graves at the Sacramento City Cemetery put on by the Veterans Affiliated Council of Sacramento Co. (VAC) We were accompanied by Don Harper a past Commander of the VAC and American Legion Post 861.
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Sacramento Affiliated Veterans Council Memorial Day Event
Sacramento Historical Cemetery
Jim Faulkinbury, Craig Anderson, Steve Belden, Josh Drazil, and Mark Laramore
| | Click the Thumbnail to View the Media Coverage | | |
Follow California SAR America 250 Historical Series on Instagram
The America 250 Daily Historical Series, created by the America 250 Chair for the California Society for the Sons of the American Revolution, brings the story of the American Revolution to life through engaging, research-based daily reels. As part of our educational outreach, this initiative is designed to expand the reach of the SAR and connect with new audiences and demographics, in support of our mission to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and educate future generations about the founding principles of our nation.
Designed for a general audience, these posts aim to increase awareness and foster deeper engagement with the American Revolutionary War. They function as “America 250 minutes” in video form, paired with researched captions that provide a new and interesting perspective on the Revolution each day. Each month explores a different theme—such as the British imperial crisis, global and frontier conflicts, defining moments of liberty, and the lived experiences of soldiers and civilians—offering a deeper and more structured understanding of the era.
The series highlights key battles, influential figures, international alliances, and often overlooked perspectives to broaden public understanding—follow along and join the journey to 1776: https://www.instagram.com/california_sar/
California SAR America 250
Chairman. James Bunker
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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.
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On successful completion of the SAR YPT, you will receive an electronic diploma in PDF format. Forward a copy to: craigandersonsar@gmail.com
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Cyber Scams
If you receive an email from a purported Compatriot in need of help that is unsigned, with no personal contact information seeking contributions to any type of fundraising site; or an email addressing you by name from another member of your Chapter requesting the expenditure of funds or the purchase of gift cards, consider it a hoax. These messages are getting more sophisticated and may even include the unauthorized use of the SAR logo and/or a pseudo SAR email address.
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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
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The Sacramento Chapter SAR; a 501(c)(3) non profit charitable organization
EIN # 68-0004288
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