Reflections from the Executive Officers: Reporter General

As we enter the final season of the Wright Administration, I have asked your Executive Officers to each write a blog to reflect on their time in office and the initiatives of which they are most proud. I hope you enjoy reading their reflections over the next few months!

- President General Pamela Wright

The last three years of Celebrating Stars & Stripes Forever as we Rejoice In Our DAR Ties of Service & Friendship has been an incredible journey. I began this journey knowing only President General Wright and Mrs. Przybylski on the executive team and now my world of DAR friendships has multiplied manyfold. DAR members and staff in a myriad of capacities have proven to be extraordinary people dedicated to fulfilling our DAR missions.

Lakeisha Graham and Valerie Holmes, staff in the Reporter General Office, are the best staff with whom to work. I have appreciated their dedication and support of the Society’s committee work from Congress certificates, to managing the Academic Works portal, VAVS appointments, Founders Medal management, and much more. The Founders Medals Trustee judging meeting process expanded from three times a year to monthly, allowing for more timely recognition of honorees.

Serving as Liaison to five very active committees has been an exciting and educational ride. Some major committee accomplishments are:

• Americanism – Yvonne Liser, National Chair -- revitalized to better promote citizenship for members and the public and revamped the award forms.
• DAR Project Patriot – Peggy Whitcomb, National Chair – her Each State Sparkles Project funded projects supporting active-duty military and their families in 100% of the states and some countries abroad and brought focus to Purple Star Schools.
• DAR Scholarship -- Barbara Grant, National Chair -- boasts the establishment of the Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship and Lena Ferguson Scholarship and enhancements of several other scholarships.
• DAR Service for Veterans -- Dana Capaldi, National Chair -- collaborated with the Vietnam War Commemoration Commission Initiative to honor Vietnam Veterans of America Chapters with the Honorary Partner distinction; contributed donations to DAR’s continued support of the Military Women’s Memorial (MWM); promoted MWM projects; and published a VAVS 101 Handbook.
• National Defense -- Sandy Raynor, National Chair -- renamed the Youth Citizenship Medal to DAR Youth Leadership Medal; redesigned the JROTC Medal; and updated other materials including publishing National Defense Medals Handbooks.

As I reflect on these three years, some extraordinary experiences really sparkled and some are most meaningful. Laying wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in our nations capital and in Italy was so emotional. Phenomenal describes the entire Italy trip. As a veteran, representing NSDAR in several military/veteran related events such as at the Military Women’s Memorial, USAF Academy cadet award ceremonies, and pinning Vietnam veterans was an honor I’ll always cherish. I attended state conferences in parts of this country I had never visited before, leaving me exhilarated from learning about that state’s accomplishments. Holiday Open Houses, employee celebrations, and Sparkle luncheons were exciting events. Lastly, my connection to this country’s founding struck me while attending Yorktown Days as I realized my Patriot had walked on that very same ground.

Daughters and NSDAR staff, thank you for all the dazzling work you do in this Society. I have been truly blessed and thank President General Pamela Wright for the honor and privilege of serving in her sparkling administration.