Randy Atkins attended the 2026 Atlantic Middle States Association meeting August 7-9 in Newark, DE. This association combines the Mid‑Atlantic District (DE, PA, DC, MD, VA) and the North Atlantic District (NJ, NY-Empire State). Virginia SAR was proud to receive the Thomas J. Bond Award — recognizing the largest percentage increase in membership across the district.

The first annual Frontier Region multi-chapter meeting was held on August 15, 2026 in Wytheville, VA, at the historic Bolling Wilson Hotel. Fort Harrison was represented by Chapter President Brian Phelps and VA 2nd Vice-President Randy Atkins. Other state officers in attendance were President Darrin Schmidt, 1st Vice-President Ken Bonner, Secretary Tim Dioquino, Chaplain John Kuvakas, Color Guard Commander John Lynch, as well as past Virginia Presidents Bruce Meyer and Larry McKinley. Prior to the business meeting a Pomeroy Sign dedication was held at nearby St. John's Lutheran Church honoring eight Patriots buried there.

On August 12, Fort Harrison’s Public Service Committee recognized five Harrisonburg Police Department officers with SAR Commendations and Medals for Law Enforcement, Life Saving, and Heroism, presented by Fort Harrison Public Service Chair Wes Dove and state/national Public Service committee member Randy Atkins.

This aligns with the chapter’s ongoing commitment to honoring exemplary public safety personnel across the Shenandoah Valley. Recent Fort Harrison records show that Harrisonburg officers have been frequent recipients of SAR awards, including commendations for law enforcement excellence, heroic actions, and life‑saving interventions. 
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Law Enforcement Commendation Medal — awarded for exceptional service, leadership, or investigative achievement in policing.
​Life Saving Commendation Medal — recognizes an officer whose actions directly save or preserve human life.
Heroism Medal — honors acts of bravery performed at personal risk beyond the call of duty.
These medals are part of the Sons of the American Revolution’s national Public Service Awards Program, which Fort Harrison has consistently participated in and expanded.