Jeremiah Clark Chapter SAR – September Monthly Meeting Recap

Our chapter gathered this month for another productive and inspiring meeting, filled with recognitions, important updates, and an exceptional guest presentation. Below is a full recap for members, prospective members, and friends of the Jeremiah Clark Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.

Welcoming Our New Members:
We were proud to recognize and welcome the newest compatriots to our chapter:
Wayne Beutler
Nathan Beutler
Kennedy Pardee
Dick Morris

America 250 Awards & Recognitions:
As we continue preparing for the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, several members were honored for their ongoing contributions.

Bronze America 250 Medals:
John Selden
Erik Honnila

Gold America 250 Medal:
Mike Packard

America 250 Recognition Ribbon
Awarded for the outstanding Constitution Week display at the White Lake Library:
Ken Loudy
Mike Packard

Program Speaker: Duane Oparka – Rolling Thunder, POW/MIA Honor Chair Program

Our featured speaker, Duane Oparka of Rolling Thunder, delivered a compelling and heartfelt presentation on the POW/MIA mission and the Honor Chair program.

Rolling Thunder was founded in 1987, beginning with a Memorial Day visit to Washington, D.C., to advocate for veterans still unaccounted for. Today, the organization assists veterans and their families in need, conducts fundraising efforts, and regularly visits VA hospitals.

Duane emphasized:

• There are over 81,000 American service members still Missing in Action.



• Rolling Thunder members—veterans and non-veterans alike—work tirelessly to ensure these heroes are never forgotten.



• Retrieval efforts, including difficult missions at sea, continue around the world.



• The Honor Chair Program places memorial chairs in public spaces to symbolize those who are still missing and to honor their sacrifice.

The chapter extends heartfelt thanks to Duane for his powerful presentation and to Rolling Thunder for their unyielding advocacy on behalf of our nation’s heroes.