MUSTER CALL

THE MUSTER CALL

1/1/2027

The Culpeper Minutemen Chapter wins the Virginia Cup for 2025
see the story under "Chapter News" below

COMING EVENTS

* Ceremony Celebrating George Washington's Birthday, Sunday, 22 Feb 2026, 4:00 pm, Culpeper Masonic Cemetery.

Rather Cloudy, 43˚, 30% chance of rain with possibility of a significant storm -
watch for weather updates -
wind NNW 7-15 mph
CMM wreath presented by: President Crain

* Ceremony Celebrating George Washington's Birthday, Sunday, 22 Feb 2026, 3:30 pm, George Washington Birthplace National Monument, 1732 Popes Creek Road, Colonial Beach, VA

1:35 Drive from Culpeper
Mostly Cloudy, 44˚, wind NNW 8 mph
CMM wreath presented by: ?

* 260th Anniversary of the Leedstown Resolves, Saturday, 28 Feb 2026, 11:00 am, Ingleside Vineyards, 5872 Leedstown Rd, Oak Grove. Lunch will follow with world's best fried oysters and other excellent offerings on the buffet.

1:00 Drive from Culpeper
Sunny, 42˚, wind SW 5-16 mph (indoors ceremony)
CMM wreath presented by: Hamill

* NSSAR Spring Leadership Meeting, Friday-Saturday, 06-07 March, the Galt House Hotel, Louisville, KY.

8:10 drive from Culpeper
CMM represented by: Kuvakas, Schwetke

* District 4 History Day, Saturday, 07 Mar 2026, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VA. Be a judge, it's easy, it's fun, it's rewarding. Contact our own Tom Hamill for more information. Other districts available on different dates.

1:30 drive from Culpeper
CMM represented by: Hamill

* Orange County High School Senior Awards Banquet, Saturday, 07 Mar 2026, 4:30- 8:00 p.m. (social hour begins at 4:30, formal program begins at 5:00), The Pavilion on Lakeland Farm, 13528 Sedwick Ln, Orange, VA.

0:30 drive from Culpeper
CMM represented by: ?

* Fauquier Heritage Symposium, , Saturday, 14 Mar 2026, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Warrenton Family Search Center, 585 Fauquier Rd, Warrenton. Doors open at 9:30 am

We will have a booth and need volunteers. We will set up our booth on Friday, 13 Mar, 6:00 pm.

30 drive from Culpeper
CMM volunteers: Schwetke,

* Dedication of marker for Jefferson's Escape, 14 Mar 2026, time TBD, Schuyler, VA.

1:30 drive from Culpeper
CMM wreath presented by: ?

* 245th Anniversary of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, Sunday, 15 Mar 2026, 9:00 am, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, 2332 New Garden Rd, Greensboro, NC.

3:45 drive from Culpeper
CMM wreath presented by: ?

* James Madison's Birthday, Tuesday, 17 Mar 2026, 1:30 pm, 11350 Constitution Hwy, Montpelier Station, VA

0:35 drive from Culpeper
CMM wreath presented by: Jameson

* CMM Chapter Meeting, Tuesday, 17 Mar 2026, 6:00 pm, location TBD.

* Joint DAR/SAR New/Prospective Member Orientation, Saturday, 28 Mar 2026. 9:00 am - 12:00 noon, Warrenton Bible Fellowship, 46 Winchester Street, Warrenton, VA. Members from other chapters are welcome! Pastries and coffee will be served.

NOTE THAT THE DATE HAS CHANGED
0:30 drive from Culpeper

* 250th Anniversary of the Halifax Resolves, Sunday, 12 Apr 2026, 1:30 pm, 70 Market St, Halifax, NC, and various locations in Historic Halifax, NC. There will be a "by invitation only" reception on Saturday, 11 Apr.

3:15 drive from Culpeper
CMM represented by: Kuvakas, Schwetke

* Collection and Blessing of Virginia Soil , Saturday, 18 Apr 2026, 10:45, Graves Mountain Lodge, 205 Graves Mountain Lane, Old Blue Ridge Turnpike, Syria, VA.

The soil is to be Spread on the Mass Grave of Virginians on the Waxhaws Battleground 23 May in Lancaster County, SC

0:30 drive from Culpeper
Members of the Color Guard will conduct the ceremony

* Eight Chapter Meeting at Graves Mountain Lodge, Saturday, 18 Apr 2026, 11:00 am, Graves Mountain Lodge, 205 Graves Mountain Lane, Old Blue Ridge Turnpike, Syria, VA. The meeting will be preceded at 10:45 by a ceremony to gather and bless soil for the Waxhaws Ceremony in May. Social time with cash bar begins at 11:00 AM, the meeting starts at 11:30, and we will break for a “family style” lunch at about 12:00 noon. Our distinguished guest will be the Virginia SAR President.

0:30 drive from Culpeper
This is our April Chapter Meeting - Hope to see everyone there

* Patriots Day, 251st Anniversary of Lexington & Concord - also Commemorating the 251st Anniversary of the Williamsburg Gunpowder Incident, Saturday, 18 Apr, 2026, Time TBD, location either Culpeper Masonic Cemetery or Graves Mountain Lodge.

* Patriots of Color in the Revolutionary War, Saturday, 25 Apr, 11:00 am, George Washington Carver Agriculture Research Center, 9432 N James Madison Hwy, Rapidan, VA

0:10 drive from Culpeper

CMM wreath presented by: President Crain

LONG RANGE PLANNING

POSTPONED to DATE UNCERTAIN

* Grave Marking for Compatriot Bill Mutziger, date & time TBD, Delray, WV.

* DAR/SAR Marking of the Grave of Patriot Charles Lee, Naval Officer of the Lower Potomac District, Later 3rd Attorney General of the United States, most likely in the early Spring of 2026, Warrenton Cemetery, 110 West Lee Street Warrenton.

* Honor Flight - Coming to Culpeper in the Spring of 2026 - watch for the details and date. The CMM Color Guard will plan to send them off with honor.

* 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, 02-06 Jul, Philadelphia, PA.

* NSSAR 136th Annual Congress, 10-16 July 2026, Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons, 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC.

Opportunity to participate in 25 Patriot Grave Markings

4:00 drive from Culpeper
CMM represented by: Chaplain John Kuvakas, Doug Schwetke, Bill Schwetke

* DAR/SAR Genealogy Workshop, Saturday, 07 Nov 2026, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm, Warrenton Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 91 Main St., Warrenton. (enter by N 5th Street entrance). Need volunteers who can also attend sessions, Free to all, SAR DAR, and the public, includes continental breakfast and a warm lunch - all for free. Jointly hosted by the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter SAR and the Fauquier Court House Chapter DAR.

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THE MUSTER CALL

12/31/2026

17 Comments

CHAPTER NEWS

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245th Anniversary of the Crossing of the Dan

2/14/2026

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14 Feb 2026 South Boston, VA

The attendance was well over 200.

Today the Dan River Chapter and the City of South Boston hosted a celebration of the successful escape across the swollen Dan River on 14 Feb 1781. This was a key part of a string of events that led to Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown just eight months latter. State and CMM Chaplain John Kuvakas represented the Virginia SAR while Secretary Tom Hamill presented the CMM wreath. Bill Schwetke carried the US Flag in the presentation of the colors and fired in the musket salute. All three participated in the Color Guard.

Virginia SAR Chaplain John Kuvakas brings greetings from the Virginia SAR as Phil Williams (on right) past Virginia SAR President and the Master of Ceremonies looks on.

The SAR Color Guard leads the parade down to the river.

Virginia SAR Chaplain John Kuvakas presents the State Wreath, escorted by Bill Schwetke.

Secretary Tom Hamill presents the CMM Wreath.

Halifax County High School JROTC Cadet Lt Col casts a wreath into the Dan River in honor of the heroes that managed to get General Greene's Army across the river to safety.

CMM compatriots at Crossing of the Dan, left to right: Registrar Bill Schwetke, Chaplain John Kuvakas, and Secretary Tom Hamill.

We were joined by tow of our wives who presented the Fauquier Court House Chapter NSDAR Wreath, left to right: Chaplain Kelly Kuvaks, and Honorary Regent Cat Schwetke.

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George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town Alexandria

2/14/2026

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14 Feb 2026 Alexandria, VA

The SAR Color Guard leads compatriots and friends in the Washington's Birthday Parade in Old Town Alexandria.

The SAR Color Guard led a contingent of compatriots and friends in the little over a mile-long parade. CMM President Mark Crain marched with them.

The Grand Marshals of the parade were SAR President General Mike Elston of Virginia and DAR President General Virginia Sebastian Storage of Virginia.

CMM President Mark Crain, second from left, marched with the SAR Color Guard not too far behind the Grand Marshals.

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Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary Soldier

2/14/2026

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14 Feb 2026 Alexandria, VA

CMM President Mark Crain with the Chapter Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary Soldier at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House in Old Town Alexandria.

In Old Town Alexandria there is a tomb of a a soldier found in 1826 and given an honorable burial in the cemetery of the Old Presbyterian Meeting House. Each year, while celebrating George Washington's Birthday, the SAR, DAR and C.A.R. gather to honor this unknown patriot. The CMM was represented at this ceremony by President Mark Crain.

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245th Anniversary of General Greene's Encampment on the Bannister River

2/13/2026

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13 Feb 2026 Halifax, VA

This evening the local community in Halifax, VA gathered to mark the encampment of General Greene's Army on the Bannister River after their dramatic escape across the Dan River which was a key link in the chain of events leading Cornwallis to defeat at Yorktown. The CMM was represented by Chaplain John Kuvakas and Registrar Bill Schwetke. Both participated in the posting of the colors, with Bill in command, and Bill participated in the night time firing of the musket salutes. Their wives, Kelly Kuvakas and Cat Schwetke, also attended the program.
The evening began in Beth Car Baptist Church were about 50 members of the community gathered. Members of the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter, Col James Wood II Chapter, and the Host Dan River Chapter presented and posted the colors. Then there was a talk on "The Recrossing of the Dan" by William Guerrant. Then the Color Guard led the gathering to Halifax Veterans Memorial where three musket volleys were fired.

Musket Salute

John Kuvakas narrates the musket safety checks after firing.

Left to right: John Kuvakas, Kelly Kuvakas, Cat Schwetke, Bill Schwetke.

Pictures by Kelly Kuvakas & Cat Schwetke

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New Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Community Guide and Business Directory Features the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter on It's Cover

2/9/2026

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09 Feb 2026 Culpeper, VA

Left to right: Marc Robinson (CJWII) Sean Carrigan (CJWII), Michael Weyler (CWG), Tom Hamill, Barry Schwoerer (SMJC), Bill Schwetke.

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2026 Annual Meeting of the Virginia SAR

2/7/2026

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6-7 Feb 2026 Glen Allen, VA

151 attendees gathered at the Virginia Crossings Conference Center and Hotel in Glen Allen, VA, for the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Virginia SAR. The CMM were represented by President Mark Crain, Secretary Tom Hamill, Chaplain (also Virginia SAR Chaplain) John Kuvakas, and Registrar Bill Schwetke. Bill's wife, Cat, also attended.
During the meeting the following compatriots were elected as state officers and installed by President General Mike Elston:

Virginia SAR Officers for 2026-2027
President - Darrin Schmidt
1st Vice President - Ken Bonner
2nd Vice President - Randy Atkins
3rd Vice President - Forrest Crain
Secretary - Tim Dioquino
Treasurer - Jon Rymer
Chancellor - Eric Monday
Chaplain - John Kuvakas
Historian - Tom Roth
Surgeon - Dr Charles Driscoll

Left to right: Chaplain John Kuvakas, Surgeon Dr. Charles Driscoll, Historian Tom Roth, 1st VP Ken Bonner, President General Mike Elston, President Darrin Schmidt, Secretary Tim Dioquino, 2nd VP Randy Atkins, 3rh VP Forrest Crain, Treasurer, Jon Rymer.

During the meeting the winners of the Virginia Cup and Best Chapter, by size, were announced. The Culpeper Minutemen Chapter was named as:

Winner of the Virginia Cup for Medium Size Chapters
2nd Best Chapter for Medium Size Chapters

President Mark Crain accepts the streamer for winning the Virginia Cup. Left to right: Awards Committee Chairman Ken Hawkins, CMM President Mark Crain, Virginia SAR President Mike Weyler.

As part of the entertainment the wives had their Friday Lunch at the Thomas Jefferson Hotel in Richmond and also a game night that evening. In the foreground of the picture of the ladies board in the bus to the Thomas Jefferson Hotel are Un Hui Davenport, Cat Schwetke, and Anita Bonner.

The ladies lunch is at the left side of this picture of the Jefferson Hotel.

As the Virginia SAR Chaplain, John Kuvakas conducted the Memorial Serv ice for those compatriot who had died the previous year.

During the Saturday Evening Banquet a CMM member and spouse also received medals from the Virginia SAR. Bill Schwetke received an oak leaf cluster to his State Meritorious Medal and Cat Schwetke received the second oak leaf cluster to her Daughters of Liberty Medal. Bill also received the Silver Hannah Arnett Medal from Virginia SAR Regent Kathleen Mayer Rugh .

Virginia SAR President Mike Weyler presents the Daughters of Liberty Medal 3 olc to Cat Schwetke.

Left to right: Virginia DAR Regent Kathleen Mayer Rugh, Bill Schwetke, Cat Schwetke.

Also at the end of the Saturday Night Banquet there was a change of command of the Virginia SAR Color Guard in which Brett Osborn relinquished command and John Lynch assumed command. Bill Schwetke marched in the Color Guard and participated in the ceremony (Bill was the Virginia SAR Color Guard Commander 2017-2019).

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250th Anniversary of the Burning of Norfolk

1/31/2026

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31 Jan 2026 Norfolk via Zoom

Today the Virginia conducted a ceremony to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Burning of Norfolk. The CMM was represented by six chapter members, all of whom participated in the Color Guard: President Mark Crain, Secretary Tom Hamill, Treasurer Charles Jameson, Chaplain John Kuvakas, Registrar Bill Schwetke, and member Doug Schwetke. Tom Hamill presented the CMM wreath. The ceremony was moved to Zoom because of snow, bitter cold, and winds at Norfolk.

Chaplain John Kuvakas

Secretary Tom Hamill

Rev Tom Platek, in the role of George Washington's Preacher the Rev Thomas Davis, gave the keynote remarks.

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250th Anniversary of Peter Muhlenberg's Last Sermon

1/24/2026

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24 Jan 2026 Winchester, VA

Today the Virginia SAR celebrated the 250th Anniversary of Peter Muhlenberg's famous sermon on Ecclesiastes 3 at his church in Woodstock when as he cited Ecclesiastes 3:8 -

a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

He pulled off his clerical robes and revealed the uniform of a Continental Officer and declared that was a time for war and invited the young men to join him in forming a regiment to join General Washington's army.
Later, as General Muhlenberg, he would be one of the most respected and recognized generals of the Continental Army.
The CMM were represented by Virginia SAR Chaplain John Kuvakas who rendered the invocation, Charles Jameson who presented the chapter wreath, and Bill Schwetke who marched in the Color Guard.

Charles Jameson renders honors as the wreath is presented.

John Kuvakas, who is both our Chapter and the Virginia SAR Chaplain, gave us our invocation.

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<<Previous

14 Feb 2026 South Boston, VA

14 Feb 2026 Alexandria, VA

14 Feb 2026 Alexandria, VA

13 Feb 2026 Halifax, VA

09 Feb 2026 Culpeper, VA

6-7 Feb 2026 Glen Allen, VA

31 Jan 2026 Norfolk via Zoom

24 Jan 2026 Winchester, VA

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