ST. GEORGE — For recognition of its dedication to Americanism, conservation, historic preservation and service to veterans, the Color Country Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution was recently honored with a record number of awards from state and national leadership.
Chapter regent Valerie King, who was awarded Utah’s Outstanding State Member, said in a press release that she was both humbled and awed by the accolades.
“Despite our size, we rose to the occasion and our efforts were noticed,” King said.
They received first place for Best WWI Centennial Commemoration and third place for their participation with Wreaths Across America.
Originally founded in 1997, the local DAR chapter has grown to 85 members within its fold. In 2018, they cumulatively reported nearly 12,000 volunteer service hours.
In addition to the programs, several chapter members besides King were also recognized for their outstanding leadership and service, either to the chapter or to the community. Linda Baldazzi, Gina Baldazzi, Karen Goez, Betty Herzfeld, Michelle Madsen, Norma Martin, Becky Newman, Sue McElhaney, Karen Shuman and Diane Tarbox all received recognition certificates for their individual contributions.
King said she was completely surprised when she learned she had been named Utah’s Outstanding State Member by Utah State Regent Susan Holt.
“Valerie’s outstanding support of Vietnam veterans through Wreaths Across America, the Utah Honor Flight and March 2019 Vietnam Veterans 50th Anniversary commemorative ceremony that occurred under her leadership, made her the perfect candidate for the ‘Utah Outstanding State Member’ award sponsored by the Vietnam Commemoration and Service to Veterans National Committee,” Holt said.
King and other awardees attended a special ceremony held at the DAR Headquarters in Washington D.C. where they were personally presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from retired Army Major General James T. Jackson, director of the Vietnam War 50th Commemoration at the Department of Defense.
The National Society DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. Presently there are 186,000 members with over 3,000 chapters across the nation and internationally.
For additional information about DAR and its programs, go to the National DAR website or Utah DAR.