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I was surprised and humbled yesterday to receive the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Bronze Good Citizenship Medal and the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution America250! commendation. What an honor!

Last summer, Kathi Hirons Kesterson, the Regent of Muncie’s Paul Revere Chapter of the DAR, reached out with an exciting idea: she wanted us to tell the stories of Delaware County’s Revolutionary War Patriots in a way they’d never been told before. Instead of treating them as distant names buried in old records, we set out to bring them to life as neighbors: real people, and real heroes who once walked the same ground we do today.

Eighteen Patriots and one remarkable Patriot widow later, I think we did what we set out to. Back in February, those efforts saw me invited to speak to the Veterans Coffee Club at the Muncie–Delaware County Senior Center in Muncie’s old Forest Park Elementary School. I shared the stories of some of the county’s most fascinating Patriots with a crowd of more than a hundred. It was a great morning!

Before I stepped up to the podium that day, I learned about the Senior Center’s burgeoning Veterans Memorial Garden. In the works since 2023, the area was designed as a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes. Mark Kreps of the SAR and Patrick Romack of the Veterans Project invited me to attend its dedication. Yesterday, that happened. It was a solemn, powerful ceremony.

Mark told me that the SAR had drawn from the project Kathi and I created to honor several Revolutionary War Patriots at the dedication. Both the SAR and the DAR went a step further by choosing to recognize me as, in Mark’s words, “the man who helped bring history to life.” They implored me to attend.

I figured I’d just show up, take a seat, and maybe stand for a quick acknowledgment. Instead, I got a chair in the front row next to a state senator! I was called to the front midway through the hoopla and shook hands with the mayor. Soon, I found myself standing before the crowd as those incredible honors were presented. It was a good thing I trimmed my trash stache!

The SAR Bronze Good Citizenship Medal recognizes “notable services on behalf of our American principles,” while the DAR Commendation is given to those who demonstrate an “Extraordinary effort in raising awareness of Revolutionary Patriots and America’s 250th Anniversary.” 

I’m sorry to say I didn’t linger afterward to hobnob or grow my network. Just after the ceremony, my family was holding a gathering to celebrate my stepdad Jerry’s life. I had to make it there! Even so, yesterday was a meaningful morning that dedicated a place to remember those who came before us. I’m not a veteran myself, but I’m grateful for the chance to help keep our Patriots’ stories alive.

I’m deeply honored by the recognition I received. I think both my dad and stepdad would both be proud.