On November 12 Compatriots Randy Atkins and Ros Poplar, along with General Daniel Morgan Compatriot Paul Parish attended the National Defense Luncheon hosted by the Massanutton Chapter DAR. Other DAR Chapters Colonel Thomas Hughart, Beverly Manor, Jack Jouett, Narrow Passage, and Shenandoah River. All branches of the Armed Services were recognized at the beginning of the meeting. The guest speaker was Vice-President General Laurie Nesbitt, National Society DAR.

Compatriots Randy Atkins and Brian Phelps attended a Patriot Grave Marking for five Patriots on November 2, 2025. The event was held at New Jerusalem Lutheran Cemetery in Lovettsville, VA and was sponsored by the Virginia Society chapters Fairfax Resolves, Sergeant Major John Champe, and Maryland Society chapter Lawrence Everhart. Seven of Virginia Society officers were in attendance. Patriots that were honored were Frederick Boger, John Andrew Roller, Christian Ruse, Jacob Smith, and John Schmidt. 

Randy Atkins attended the ceremony celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Culpeper Minutemen Muster on October 25, 2025. The event, a Virginia Presidential Initiative event was took place at ​the Culpeper Minutemen and Charter of Freedom Memorial in Yowell Meadow Park in Culpeper.

Past-President Wes Dove had the opportunity to help celebrate the upcoming Veterans Day by recognizing four Veterans from Farm Credit of the Virginias with Certificates of Appreciation for their service to our great nation. Thank you Veterans for your service!

Our chapter recently received the Partners in Patriotism Certificate. ​The Partners in Patriotism certificate is awarded by the Patriotic Outreach Committee to any SAR chapter or state-level society that participates in an organized program or event with another veterans’ organization. In order to receive this recognition, the chapter or state-level society must submit online. Upon approval, the certificate will be handed out to a member of the state-level society at the next annual SAR Congress. 

James Madison University Police Chief Anthony Matos was presented a Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal on October 23, 2025 during a division meeting held at the Atlantic Union Bank Center. Randy Atkins gave an overview of the SAR and the connections between the Fort Harrison Chapter and the University. Wes Dove read the nomination letter, and Ros Poplar presented the certificate and medal. 

Chief Anthony Matos is being recognized by the Fort Harrison Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution with the Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal for his exceptional 30-year career marked by service, leadership, and integrity. Currently leading the James Madison University (JMU) Police Department, he has revolutionized campus safety, community policing, and organizational development. His open, trustworthy, and growth-focused leadership has elevated JMU PD as a leader in campus law enforcement.

Since joining JMU, Chief Matos has spearheaded a comprehensive rebranding, modernizing the fleet, introducing body-worn cameras, and updating uniforms, patches, and badges. These changes have enhanced morale, visibility, and community engagement while reinforcing accountability and innovation. He has also secured VALEPC re-accreditation and is pursuing CALEA national accreditation, setting a standard of excellence.

Beyond operations, Chief Matos demonstrates heart by leading the “Ride to Remember,” a 9/11 memorial bike event that raised $300,000 for INOVA Fairfax Children’s Hospital. Previously, with over 20 years at Fairfax County Police—including roles as Director of Patrol Operations and the Criminal Justice Academy—he advanced 21st Century Policing, ethical decision-making, and officer development.

Chief Matos holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from the University of Oklahoma and has completed prestigious programs like the Southern Police Institute and the IACP International Leadership Instructor’s Program. His global teaching experience and focus on empathy, mentorship, and justice make him a standout leader.

For these reasons, Chief Matos is recommended for this honor, embodying outstanding service and ethical leadership.

Submitted by Shauna Moore - Operations Manager and Beth Durrett - Administrative Assistant with the James Madison University Police Department

At its recent October meeting the Fort Harrison Chapter was honored to have as its guest speaker Compatriot Richard Rankin who gave an inspiring presentation to the Chapter on George Washington's formative years on the American Frontier. This presentation was especially relevant for the Fort Harrison Chapter as much as this occurred within close proximity from the colonial Fort Harrison from which the Chapter derives its name. Richard is also VASSAR's Risk Manager and also CO-Chair for NASAR's Insurance and Risk Management Committee and spoke on this important issue.  It was an honor to have him speak and make the long drive "up" the Valley from his home chapter in Northern Virgina! 

Public Service Chair Wes Dove and Randy Atkins attended the Hose Company Number 4 monthly meeting on October 6, 2025 and presented Jay Ritchie the SAR Fire Safety Commendation and Medal.  Fire Chief Jerry "Jay" Ritchie Jr., 57, has dedicated 42 years to firefighting, upholding a six-generation family legacy with 35 relatives in service. Currently leading Hose Company No. 4—the oldest in Rockingham County—he was named Virginia Fire Chief of the Year for 2024 by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Significant achievements:
· Instructs firefighters in essential courses like Firefighter I/II, hazardous materials, EVOC, and CPR.
· Launched the department's first all-volunteer instructor fire academy, reducing reliance on county resources.
· Promotes community safety through expanded CPR programs, pet rescue CPR, and door-to-door smoke detector initiatives.
· Served four terms as chief after retiring from Harrisonburg Fire Department.
His collaborative leadership exemplifies outstanding contributions to fire safety.

Fort Harrison Chapter President Ros Poplar joined the Narrow Passage DAR to honor General John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg by laying a wreath in his memory in Woodstock, Shenandoah County on October 1, 2025.  Ros also led the benediction that remembered the birthday and death of Muhlenberg. Peter Muhlenberg was an American Revolutionary War officer who, after serving as a Lutheran minister and politician, famously resigned his pastorate to join the Continental Army in 1776. 

Compatriot Scott Fielding represented our chapter at the 251st annual commemoration of the Battle of Point Pleasant on October 6, 2025. Dressed in Colonial attire, he presented the chapter wreath honoring the fallen during the battle.