Daughters of the American Revolution Blennerhassett Chapter Regent Shannon Sams-Harper, left, presents a certificate to 50-year DAR member Linda Seabolt during the chapter’s Nov. 15 National Defense Luncheon at South Parkersburg Baptist Church. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The Blennerhassett Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution held its annual National Defense Luncheon on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the South Parkersburg Baptist Church.

Chapter Regent Shannon Sams-Harper opened the luncheon with the introduction of four members of the Parkersburg South Air Force Junior ROTC, who presented and retired the colors for the day.

In addition to Sams-Harper, Chapter Vice Regent Stacy Adams and Chapter Chaplain Randi Gray shared the head table with the guest speaker, Sgt. Duane E. Painter, (retired).

Painter, who served 21 years in the West Virginia Army National Guard, was accompanied by his wife, Ciji. Painter related his life story from being born in Pennsylvania, relocating to Ohio and joining the West Virginia National Guard. From early assignments as a heavy-wheeled mechanic, he served in state disaster relief in the wake of Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina. He also served during Operation Jump Start along the southwest border. He later volunteered to deploy to Iraq as a mechanic and scout during Operation Iraq Freedom. Painter is now employed by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Other special guests in attendance included Mary Johnson, West Virginia DAR state vice regent; Debbie Burge, state corresponding secretary; Mary Ellen Brown, state chaplain and Blennerhassett member; and Sgt. Dominic Phebus, National Guard recruiter specialist.

Linda Seabolt was presented with a certificate and a rose bouquet for being a 50-year member of the DAR. Accompanying her were her daughters, Aimee and Emily, who are also members of the Blennerhassett Chapter.

Don Brown was presented with the Hannah White Arnett Award and accompanying medal. This award is given to a member of the Sons of the American Revolution who has volunteered time and resources in furtherance of the DAR mission.

Attendees also donated items in support of veterans. Some items will be distributed locally to the Louis A. Johnson Medical Center in Clarksburg, while care packages will also be sent to Washington, D.C., in support of West Virginia troops deployed there.

Anyone interested in joining the Blennerhassett Chapter may contact Chris Painter at chrispainter1966@gmail.com.