Introducing Our Executive Officers: Chaplain General

¹⁰ Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, 
serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.
1 Peter 4:10, NRSVUE

It is a singular honor and a humble undertaking to be entrusted with the responsibility of the Office of Chaplain General, particularly during our nation’s semiquincentennial. I step into the role with a deep gratitude for the women who led me to engage in so many of DAR’s service opportunities. The people and experiences broadened my horizons, shaped me as a person, and created wonderful memories. They also deepened my appreciation for the way our organization offers something of interest to every member.

One of DAR’s greatest blessings for me has been the way it draws members from diverse disciplines and backgrounds to work together on common goals. We share abilities and skills freely; we learn from one another along the way. We serve together in our communities and support one another. I’ll never forget when our chapter regent pressed each of us into knitting a few rows of the scarf she was making for a fellow member with cancer. The fact that I knew nothing about knitting was of no consequence. Jan handed me the lump of yarn and sat patiently with me through the stiches and mistakes. God used our chapter gift to strengthen not only the spirit of the recipient but also the spirit of each of us working together.

It has never escaped my attention that the order in DAR’s motto is “God, Home, and Country.” I am proud to be in an organization that puts God first, and it is a privilege to represent women of various faith traditions. When I was Maryland State Regent, we adopted the state motto of “United in Service - Bound in God’s Love.” For me, it spoke to my DAR experience of being welcomed into a chapter as a young mother after returning from living overseas and having our three daughters enjoy an equally warm C.A.R. welcome. It also characterized the years I volunteered as a DAR Museum docent, learning from dedicated Daughters and curators, as well as enjoying the curiosity of our visitors. It reflected my time on the Property Beautification and Hospitality Committee serving meals and decorating headquarters for the holidays.  Working, learning, struggling, and laughing with my DAR friends over the years have enriched my life.