One of the awards handed out at the February meeting was the Community Service Award. To award a Community Service Award, a DAR chapter looks for an individual who have contributed to their communities in an outstanding voluntary, heroic, civil, or benevolent manner, or who have participated in or organized community activities.

Today we got to honor a special woman and fellow DAR daughter, Susan Ashcraft. Mrs. Ashcraft has made multiple lap quilts for veterans by hand and continues to do so. Most recently she worked jointed with another DAR chapter in Florida to make a “Quilt of Valor” for a Vietnam veteran, who is the brother to sister member Cathleen Schultz.

Mrs. Ashcraft, who began quilting as a retirement hobby, has been featured in local papers for her hard work and dedication to completing the lap quilts, and full sized quilts. We are so blessed for Mrs. Ashcraft’s commitment making this quilts as a “thank-you” to the veterans who have served.

Photo Credits: Mary Kay James, pamphlet from Fort Cooper Chapter

Today, the Frederick Van Patten Chapter met in Searcy our monthly meeting. The chapter were blessed with a wonderful turn out of members and guests. One of our guests was Mr. Vincent, who was one of the soldiers that received care packages while he was deployed overseas. We were so pleased to be able to meet with him and put a face to the name.

Our second guest was Ms. Elisabeth O’Connell and her parents. Ms. O’Connell competed in the Christopher Columbus Essay Contest, winning the chapter division and state! We are so excited to sponsor Ms. O’Connell as she continues on to the Regional division and (fingers crossed) to National! Thank you Ms. O’Connell for your participation and good luck!

We also welcomed Jennifer Bartsch, who gave a informative presentation on Mary Edwards Walker, regaling us with stories of Mrs. Walker’s trailblazing antics, and war history.

Today was also an exciting day as we were able to swear in two new members. Welcome Peggy and Jan!

Photo Credits to Mary Kay James.