The Henry Leavenworth Chapter held its 8th Annual Muster on December 12, 2024. A large audience enjoyed this year-end celebration with great food, renewed friendships and new friends made.
A fine program assembled and led by Compatriot John Shatzel, chapter Vice President, highlighted the evening. Kansas State Society President Bryan Wampler led a statewide contingent of Compatriots. Beginning with Kansas State Color Guard Commander, Bill Marshall and his cohort from several chapters presenting the Colors and representing each colony and ally throughout the program. Our National SAR Chaplain General, Vern Welkner, prayerfully opened with the invocation, then two new Compatriot inductions (Benjamin Paschell & Cole Ruckman) followed. Awards of the prestigious "Defender of Freedom" statues were presented to seven worthy recipients (Judy Bauer, Becky Johnson, Robert Gray III, Susie Young, Mike Lehnherr, Michael Sevcik, and Tamara Sevcik). This award recognizes their outstanding patriotism and community volunteerism. Heritage Center Executive Director Susie Young was presented a donation and Defender of Freedom for the organization’s awesome support of our SAR Chapter throughout the past couple of years, by Chapter President, Bennett Dickson. Colonial and Allied Flags, affirming our appreciation for their hard-fought victories from 1775 through 1783, were posted and colonial lamps were lit to memorialize each colony and allied power that made our freedom possible. Revolution-era trivia challenges were issued, and raffle/silent auction fundraising items were presented to the lucky winners to finish out the night. A big shout-out goes out to Missouri’s newest SAR Chapter, James Smith Talbot from St. Joseph, which attended the event in force. A box full of toys were collected and money was donated for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. Some of the night's guests came from as far away as Abilene Kansas, Independence and St. Joe Missouri. Our evening ended with the benediction delivered by our Chaplain, Vern Welkner, to ask for God’s continued blessings on our nation and people.