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A Compatriot behind the Chapter's steady membership drew honors and applause at the Annual Meeting and
Washington's Birthday Dinner on February 23, 2019. About 40 people gathered in the East Room at
Century House in Latham as the Saratoga Battle Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution
installed officers and welcomed new members.
Our new President Michael S. Companion recognizes Past-President Douglas Gallant
President Douglas Gallant passed the gavel to new President Michael S. Companion, who thanked
Gallant for his dedicated service. Michael R. Skelly was named First Vice-President and Edward Munger Jr.
will serve as Second Vice-President and Secretary. Also installed were Treasurer David L. Flint; Past-President and Registrar
Thomas L. Dunne; Chaplain Charles W. Wheeler and Genealogist Dennis F. Marr.
(L-R)President Michael S. Companion, 2nd Vice President & Secretary Edward Munger,Jr.,
1st Vice President Michael R. Skelly Photo by: Jennifer Munger
Richard Beckwith, a descendant of Benjamin Austin; and Robert Wubbenhorst, a descendant of Captain
Tunis Vrooman, were presented Member Certificates and welcomed to the membership, which now totals 218.
(L-R)New members Richard Beckwith and Robert Wubbenhorst
are recognized by Past-President Gallant
HONORS
Past-President Thomas L. Dunne, who also served simultaneously as Registrar, was awarded the Bronze Roger
Sherman Award. The award bears the name of Founding Father Roger Sherman, (1721-1793), the only person who signed all
four Congressional papers of the United States: the Continental Association; the Declaration of Independence; the
Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution. A passionate member for more than a decade, Dunne is a "key officer
in member retention," Gallant said in prepared remarks. "For the past several years, when someone asks if we are still
the largest chapter in the state, we can proudly say yes with thanks to Tom Dunne." Dunne was awarded Liberty Medal
with Three Oak Clusters during the meeting, and Compatriot Patrick Reilly was awarded the Military Service Medal.
Past-President and Registrar Thomas L. Dunne, Past-President Douglas Gallant
NEW MEMBERS
The organization's slate of honored Patriots grew with applications completed by the following descendants and their respective ancestors:
- John S. Loucks, V - Austin, TX - Pvt. Frederick Britt, NY
- John S. Loucks, IV - Austin, TX - Pvt. Frederick Britt, NY
- John J. McNamara - Schenectady, NY - Sgt. Stephen Fisk, MA
- James W. Pater - Schenectady, NY - Pvt. Timothy Vibbard, NY
- Robert H. Wubbenhorst - Bolton Landing, NY - Capt. Teunis Vrooman, NY
- Brian S. Yamada - Clifton Park, NY - Soldier David Jackson Sr., SC
- Richard Beckwith - Benjamin Austin
Supplemental Applications were also approved for Joseph P. Fitzpatrick,
a descendant of Forage Master Frederick Fine, NJ; and Mark M. Meyers, a Descendant of Pvt. Alexander Ross, PA.
DONATIONS AND STIPENDS
An accounting of income and expenses included a list of donations made by the chapter:
- Rensselaer County Veterans Fund, $100
- Friends of NYS Military Museum, $100
- NYSSCAR State Project, $500
- Schuyler CAR, $200
- Bemis Heights CAR, $200
- Wreaths Across America, $150
The Annual Meeting itself served as a form of charity, as well. The hosting venue,
Century House, is donating one meal to charity for each one served at the event.
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