Compatriot Scott Fielding represented our chapter at the 252nd annual commemoration of the Battle of Point Pleasant on October 10, 2026. Dressed in Regimentals, he presented the chapter wreath honoring the fallen during the battle. 

The Fort Harrison Chapter held its regular meeting on September 15 at the Terrace at Rocktown. The program was presented by Wes C. Douglas, Patrol Administrative Commander with the Harrisonburg Police Department, to share a program on “Honoring Our Fallen Heroes.” Douglas, a former US Army Green Beret, sharing about his military experience leading up to and following 9/11. Covering his career briefly, Douglas focused his presentation on the men he served with who lost their lives in the War on Terror.

The Virginia semi-annual meeting was held at the beautiful Hotel Roanoke September 11-12. Fort Harrison was represented by President Brian Phelps, 1st Vice-President Jimmy Kilbourne, Past-President Ros Poplar, Virginia Vice-President Randy Atkins. A 9-11 observance was held at Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport on Friday morning and a welcome reception at the Historical Society of Western Virginia. The general membership meeting began on Saturday morning followed by Ros Poplar giving the keynote address at the Saturday luncheon sharing his experience at the Pentagon on 9-11. Brian Phelps received his commission at Captain in the 1st Virginia Regiment and Randy Atkins received an oak leaf cluster for the Liberty Medal.

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.

Randy Atkins presented Dennis Miller the Good Citizenship Medal before the Veterans Night Game at Monger Field in Mount Crawford on July 25.

Military Service & Defense of Country
A proud graduate of the Turner Ashby High School Class of 1965, Dennis R. Miller answered the call to serve his country when he was drafted into the United States Army in February 1966.

He completed Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, followed by specialized training at the Ammunition School at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Dennis was assigned to the 33rd Ordnance Company, which formed at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, serving as an Ammunition Storage Specialist stationed in Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam. Rising to the rank of Specialist 5th Class, he honorably served a total of 1 year, 9 months, and 15 days before his discharge in November 1967.

His service carries a sobering historical connection: just two months after his departure, in January 1968, the North Vietnamese Army launched the Tet Offensive, bombing Cam Ranh Bay and striking the very supply depot and hospital where he had been stationed.

Decades of Community & Public Service
Upon returning to civilian life, Dennis built a career defined by hard work and dedication:

 Dominion Energy (formerly VEPCO): Worked for over 30 years as a lineman, keeping power on for his community through all conditions and seasons.

 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): A devoted lifetime member of the local VFW, Dennis has held numerous leadership offices, proudly served on the Color Guard representing his fellow veterans, and spent countless years actively recruiting new members to ensure younger veterans find support, camaraderie, and brotherhood following their service.

A Cornerstone of Local Baseball
To generations of local sports fans, Dennis is a staple of the diamond. He has dedicated more than half of his life to the Bridgewater Reds and the Rockingham County Baseball League (RCBL). Over the decades, he has impacted every facet of the game—serving as a player, coach/manager, scorekeeper, and board member.

Whether keeping official stats, guiding teams from the dugout, or maintaining league leadership behind the scenes, his love for the game and commitment to local athletics remain unmatched.

A Special Milestone: You’d never guess it looking at his energy and continued service, but Dennis will officially celebrate his 80th birthday this December!

Randy Atkins attended and participated in the National SAR 250th celebration in Philadelphia, July 1-5. Many events took place, including a reading of the Declaration of Independence, Grave Marking ceremony, bench dedication, and a SAR Showcase.

The Fort Harrison chapter presented the reading of the Declaration of Independence for the 31st consecutive year on the Rockingham County Courthouse steps. President Brian Phelps presided over the presentation and Compatriot Paul Hatmaker continued his yearly reading. The Beaver Creek Long Knives fired a musket volley at the conclusion of the reading.

Fort Harrison President Brian Phleps and 2nd Vice-President Logan Phelps participated in a July 4th celebration sponsored by the Massanutton DAR.