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On January 7, 2026, the Fort Harrison Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution participated in a Naturalization Ceremony at the United States District Court, Western District of Virginia. With the Honorable Joel C. Hoppe United States Magistrate Judge presiding, thirty-nine applicants from twenty-four countries and five continents became the newest citizens of the United States of America. Many recounted the sacrifices and hardships they endured on their long journey to this momentous day. Upon taking their oath each were given the opportunity to tell their personal story and journey from misery and political persecution to American citizenship. Although reluctant at first to speak, once the first story was told it was as if a floodgate of emotion opened. Many spoke of waiting their turn to enter this country for years in search of a better way of life for them and their families. All indicated that this day was the highlight of their life, and they did not take the responsibilities that goes along with being a citizen lightly. As a left I could not help but feel the pride of being an American and reflecting on the fact that this country has flourished for almost 250 years as a nation captured by the motto of “E pluribus unum," out of many, one. May God bless the United States of America and those who have come from all corners of the globe to form this great melting pot which continues to shine brightly as a beacon of hope and freedom. A great day to be an American ! Pictured from left to right are Mr. Tom Pettit Past President Fort Harrison Chapter, The Honorable Joel C. Hoppe, Compatriot Paul Wilson, Fort Harrison Chapter, and CAPT Ros Poplar USN (ret) President Fort Harrison Chapter. 
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For the sixth consecutive year Fort Harrison has presented commendations and awards in all five available categories. Public Service Committee Chair Wes Dove announced seventeen awards were presented with the majority of the presentations taking place at department meetings and functions. 2025 Commendations and Award Recipients EMS Lieutenant Campbell Williams, Broadway Volunteer Fire Department Fire Safety Firefighter Steven Faught, Broadway Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter Randy Palmer, Broadway Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter Mike Seekford, Broadway Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jay Ritchie, Hose Company Number 4 Heroism Police Officer Robert Girard, Bridgewater Police Department Police Officer Kaleb Lohr, Broadway Police Department Firefighter Charles Meadows, Broadway Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter Tyler Miller, Broadway Volunteer Fire Department Seargent Spencer Morrison, Bridgewater Police Department Law Enforcement Master Police Officer Don Klotz, Harrisonburg Police Department Chief Anthony Matos, James Madison Police Department Seargent David Morris, Harrisonburg Police Department Lieutenant Chris Rush, Harrisonburg Police Department Seargent Wayne Westfall, Harrisonburg Police Department Life Saving Firefighter Benjamin Childs, Broadway Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter Andrew Dove, Broadway Volunteer Fire Department Click on photos to enlarge Serving as more of a Christmas Social than a standard meeting, President Poplar introduced distinguished guests; 3rd VP of the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, National Vice Chair of Service to America and Honorary Regent with Massanutton DAR, Regent with Massanutton DAR, and each of their spouses. The formal business portion of the meeting included a vote on the 2026 Fort Harrison slate of officers, which passed unanimously. Compatriot Tom Pettit detailed the scheduled dates for 2026 Naturalization Ceremonies locally. Compatriot Atkins provided brief Fort Harrison “year in review” update with a corresponding slideshow running throughout the evening. Atkins also shared a VASSAR update based on his current role as 3rd VP and some of what he’ll be involved with in 2026 as he moves into the 2nd VP role. Compatriot Atkins presented Heather Keens, Massanutton DAR Regent, with a America 250th Anniversary Bronze Medal for her involvement with 250th initiatives and July 4th celebration. President Poplar and DAR liaisons, Norma Sheap and Joann Poplar, provided an update on recent Wreaths Across America events held throughout the Shenandoah Valley where Fort Harrison members participated.   Members of our chapter participated in Wreaths Across America events throughout the Shenandoah Valley on December 13, 2025. President Ros Poplar was part of an event in Narrow Passage. Randy Heneberger, Jeff Jordan, Wes Dove, Steve Owen, and Greg Owen participated at the event in Dayton, VA hosted by Fort Harrison Inc/ The Daniel Harrison House and got a picture by the gravestones of Daniel Harrison and Benjamin Harrison.
Past-president Wes Dove had the honor of presenting what will likely be our final Public Safety Award for 2025 to Broadway Police Department Officer Kaleb Lohr for Heroism. On June 17, 2025, Officer Lohr risked his own life in evacuating multiple residents from a burning apartment building. While a trained law enforcement officer, Lohr lacked formal training in firefighting tactics and was in his police uniform. Chief JD Weaver shared, "His swift actions in the midst of chaos saved many lives that night. For these remarkable reasons. May we recognize and celebrate his unwavering bravery and selfless act."
 On January 27th, 2025, Sgt. Spencer Morrison responded to a license plate reader alert of a missing and endangered juvenile. The suspect was also involved in a home invasion and was wanted by the police for motor vehicle theft. He and other Bridgewater Officers intercepted the suspect vehicle on Dinkel Ave and proceeded into a pursuit. The pursuit was in excess speeds of 110 mph. During the pursuit, the suspect began shooting at officer’s multiple times. Sgt. Morrison did exactly as he was trained and went above and beyond the call of duty. He put himself in danger trying to detain the suspect and rescue the innocent child. His radio traffic was imperative, putting out the pursuit information so other officers knew exactly what was occurring and were able to respond to help. Sergeant Morrison put himself in harm’s way for others, putting others’ lives before his own.
Due to Sgt. Morrison’s direct, immediate, and selfless actions, officers were able to rescue the child unharmed and apprehend the suspect, keeping the Bridgewater community and others safe. Sgt. Spencer Morrison joined the Bridgewater Police Department in January 2015 and worked as a patrol officer until being promoted to Sergeant in 2022. Spencer began his law enforcement career in 2009 with the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office as a jailer and then moved to a road deputy on patrol. In addition to his Sergeant duties, he is Motorcycle certified, and helps with the departments speed trailer, and stealth stat deployment assisting in traffic complaints and issues. He also oversees the departments DMV grant and manages the grant for specialized traffic enforcement in the community. On January 27th, 2025 Ofc. Girard responded to a license plate reader alert of a missing and endangered juvenile. The suspect was also involved in a home invasion and was wanted by the police for stealing a vehicle. He and other Bridgewater Officers intercepted the suspect vehicle on Dinkel Ave and proceeded into a pursuit. The pursuit was in excess speeds of 110 mph. The suspect during the pursuit began shooting back at officer’s multiple times. Ofc. Girard did exactly as he was trained and went above and beyond the call of duty. He put himself in danger trying to rescue the innocent child. Ofc. Girard put himself in harm’s way for others, putting others before himself. Due to Ofc. Girard’s direct, immediate, and selfless actions, officers were able to rescue the child unharmed and apprehend the suspect, keeping the Bridgewater community and others safe. Ofc. Robert Girard has over 20 years of law enforcement experience. He was prior service in the military and graduated from Radford University. He started his law enforcement career with Waynesboro police department and served there for 19 years. He now serves the Bridgewater Police Department joining in 2023 as an officer on A squad. His wealth of knowledge assists the department in various ways. Lt. Steven Faught for the Fort Harrison SAR Fire Safety Commendation and Medal. Steven began his volunteer fire service a few years ago by participating in the Harrisonburg Fire Department Citizens Fire Academy. He came to the Broadway Volunteer Fire Department with strong recommendations from several members, including BVFD president Kevin See. Since joining, Steven has completed several courses and has become certified by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs in Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Hazardous Materials Awareness/Operations and a has become a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician. Steven has dedicated thousands of hours to training and direct service to the department, which resulted in him being unanimously voted as the 2024 Firefighter of the Year and earning his first leadership role within the department. Steven has successfully completed several additional training programs to support his continued advancement.
Training aside, Steven has become a true asset to the BVFD by consistently running calls, attending functions, mentoring junior members and finding new ways to support the mission of the BVFD. Due to the remote location of his home, he’s often the first on the scene in his personal vehicle, providing invaluable information to his fellow firefighters who are responding on the fire apparatus. Throughout his time with the department, Steven has looked for ways to serve selflessly and he continues to take on more responsibility. Steven’s dedication throughout his first year as an operational officer with the BVFD has earn him the 2025 Officer of the Year award. Lt. Faught embodies the mission and values of the Broadway Volunteer Fire Department through his integrity, teamwork and excellence to service. He is a proven leader who leads by example and consistently strives for excellence. The BVFD and our entire community are better because of Steven’s commitment. We fully and without reservation recommend Lt. Faught for this award and we hope this nomination serves in recognition of that and inspires more people to follow his lead. Steven’s dedication and commitment have been proven in every endeavor he is involved with. He was named the VASSAR Citizen of the Year in 2023 for his extraordinary community service. Besides the VASSAR recognition he has been previously honored as the 2022 Harrisonburg Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the year, the 2022 DAR Community Service Award, the 2023 Rockingham Union #27 Community Builders award, and the 2023 Corporate Philanthropist Award from the Shenandoah Chapter of Fundraising Professionals. “On January 1st, right down the road from the rescue squad, a wind-driven house fire put multiple lives in immediate danger. Heavy fire on the first floor was pushing straight up to the second-story bedroom where a mother was trapped, and conditions were deteriorating fast.
Because of outstanding teamwork and individual courage, every person in that house made it out alive.
At the November chapter meeting, Scott Fielding presents the ribbon from participating at the Battle of Point Pleasant; Bill Dury receives a supplemental certificate for his ancestor Andrew Hill; Compatriot Michael Walsh presented the program “Revolutionary Activity Along the Frontier”.
Flag Chairman Randy Atkins presented a Flag Certificate to Brown Edwards Company on November 19. Receiving the certificate was Compatriot Jeff Smith and Megan Argenbright. Jeff is a tax partner of the firm while Megan is the Office Leader.
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