March Chapter Meeting

19 Mar 2016     Inn at Willow Grove, Orange, VA

The Inn at Willow Grove

     The Inn at Willow Grove is based in a 1778 plantation house, just two and a half miles north of Orange, VA, off of US15.  Today 13 CMM compatriots, six wives, and two guests met there for our March Chapter Meeting.  Despite some drizzle, the setting was beautiful in the foothills of the Blue Ridge with some of the dogwoods in bloom.  After the invocation and pledges, Dr. John Ragosta addressed the meeting on "Winning the Contest for Religious Freedom and the American Revolution."

Dr. John Ragosta speaks to the Culpeper Minutemen.

Dr. Ragosta, on left, receives a bust of Patrick Henry from the CMM, presented by President Bill Schwetke.

     After his excellent presentation the CMM presented Dr. Ragosta with a small bust of Patrick Henry.

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     After an exceptionally fine lunch the meeting proceeded with the induction of William Lindsay Schaff.

Lindsay Schaff, on right, is inducted by past President of the Virginia Society Jim Bayne, on left, assisted by 2nd Vice President Jim Lillard, standing in for Lindsay's sponsor, Jerry Hubbard.

     Lindsay is a native of Washington, DC.  In his working life he worked on computer hardware until he retired 12 years ago.  He also served 6 years in the Air Force Reserve.  He married his high school sweet heart, Victoria Vaughn and has been a widower for 13 years.  They have two sons.  His patriot ancestor is his 5xgreat grandfather Henry Shoaf.  Henry Shoaf was born in Germany, immigrated to the Colony of North Carolina, where in 1778 he took an oath of allegiance and served as an overseer in Rowan County.

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     Lindsay also received the Military Service Medal in recognition of his six years of service in the 459th Air Refueling Wing, Air Force Reserve, Andrews AFB, MD.

CMM 2nd Vice President Jim Lillard, on left, presents the Military Service Medal to Lindsay Schaff.

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     Next the CMM presented the Virginia Society Medal to Jake Lay.

2nd Vice President Jim Lillard, on left, presents the Virginia Society Medal to Jake Lay, as Jake's wife, Betsey, on right, applauds.

     The Citations read:
Award of the Virginia Society Medal to Command Sergeant Major John C. Lay.  Compatriot Lay has faithfully served the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter with regular attendance at meetings and events.  He served honorably as the Chapter Chaplain for two years, from 2005-2006, and as Chapter Secretary for seven years, 2009-2015. Compatriot John C. Lay is a credit to the Virginia Society and the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter.

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     Next, Larry Alexander was recognized for his approved supplemental for his ancestor, Samuel Pruitt, who provided supplies to the Pittsylvania County, VA, Militia.

2nd Vice President Jim Lillard, on left, presents the supplemental certificate to Larry Alexander, who was supported in this effort by his wife, Beverly, on right.

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     As part of the President's Report, President Schwetke presented to our Color Guard Deputy Commander, Don Jennings, the 10 streamers and one star awarded to the CMM since the past meeting.

President Schwetke, on left, presents streamers to Color Guard Deputy Commander Don Jennings, on right.

The streamers were presented for:
            Guilford Courthouse Ceremony Participation
            Crossing of the Dan Ceremony Participation – star
            Chapter Excellence
            Carroll Wright Award - % membership increase
            Flag Program Participation
            Fredericksburg Cemetery Marking
            Ft. Defiance Cemetery Marking
            Col Preston Groundbreaking Ceremony
            History Day
            Best Chapter Scrapbook - 2015
            Best JROTC Cadet - 2015

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