Jonathan Hardin Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution met in the conference room of the Gibbs Memorial Library in Mexia on Wednesday, November 10, 2021. The meeting was called to order by Regent Nancy McSwane and the invocation was given by Chaplin Marsha Black. The DAR Ritual was read then Beth Harrison led the pledge to the American flag. Aleece McBay led the chapter in the reading of The American’s Creed followed by the salute to the Texas flag led by Diana McDonald and the Preamble to the Constitution which was led by Teri Pryor.
Many special guests were welcomed to the meeting by Regent Nancy McSwane who then read the President General’s message; Shine the Light on the works of the DAR. Leigh Ann Steen read the National Defense Report. She chose to read an article from a 1921 newspaper about the unknown soldier at Arlington Cemetery.
The Patriot Moment was given by Registrar, Patti Gauntt. She spoke about female patriots featuring Betsy Ross who was credited as the designer of the first American flag. Unknown to many, Betsy Ross’ real name was Elizabeth Briscoe Claypool and is listed in the DAR Patriot database. Another female patriot featured was Mary Ludwig Hayes, a stout Irish woman from Carlisle, Pennsylvania who helped man a cannon in Captain Frances Proctor’s company of the 4th Continental Artillery at the 1778 battle of Monmouth. Other female patriots featured were Molly Pitcher, Lucy Littleberry Holcomb, Sarah Franklin Bosch (daughter of Benjamin Franklin). Jonathan Hardin Chapter has two proven female patriots. In 2011, Ann Bonner Gokey proved her female ancestor, Ann Theus Lee. In 2018, Reta Wertz Walker proved her female patriot, Margaret Potts.
Jonathan Hardin Chapter awarded the DAR Veteran’s Volunteer Award this year to Jerry Pickens, a Vietnam veteran from Teague. Jerry was instrumental in building the Veteran’s Park in Teague. Jerry was meticulous in obtaining the names, dates of service, wars fought and rank of each and every veteran. Jerry contacted family members as well as conducted his own research. The integrity of the park was important to him as well as other veterans on the board. Jerry was present each time a plaque was placed. His help in building the park was a very important contribution to its success. Jerry has displayed devotion and commitment for his family, his community and his country. Mr. Pickens is a great example in his community for serving wherever needed and is well known for not wanting recognition and serving quietly. Congratulations Jerry Pickens for a well-deserved recognition and thank you for your service to our country.
Aleece McBay introduced our guest speaker, Kenda Eckols who presented the program, “Women in the Military”. Mrs Eckols is affiliated with Kosse Cares, which she started in 2014. She and her husband started Rainwater Farms where they grow organic hydroponic vegetables which are sold to Dallas, Houston, Austin and Waco wholesalers. Kenda’s husband, Mitch served in the United States Air Force. Their son, Jensen served in the United States Marine Corps and their daughter, Taylin is currently serving her eighth year as a United States Air Force pilot, currently serving overseas. Mrs Eckols’ presentation highlighted the role of women in the military including the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots). Even though these women were not officially enlisted in the military, they had a huge impact. They were referred to as Federal Civil Service Employees who became pilots and who eventually trained other pilots. Their purpose was to free the male pilots for combat during WWII, so although they had no military standing, they did provide a very important role.
Mrs. Eckols featured several female pilots who are currently serving in our military including her daughter Taylin. Taylin’s military journey began after attending her bother’s graduation ceremony from boot camp. She was inspired with what she saw at the Marine graduation and made a decision to enter into the Air Force with the intention of becoming a pilot. After being told by her recruiter that she had a one in a million chance of becoming a pilot without going to the Air Force academy first, she set her mind to do just that. She was accepted, and not only excelled but was at the top of her class. For three years afterwards, she was a pilot instructor. Taylin now serves overseas performing special operation missions piloting a C- 130J aircraft.
Our registrar, Patti Gauntt is currently helping Mrs. Eckols with her application for membership into the DAR. Kenda and her work with Kosse Cares have been very important to our chapter and we will be honored to have her as a member.
Following the program, a special recognition was given to veterans of Limestone and Freestone County as Nancy McSwane gave thank you cards to each of the fifteen veterans present. A meal was served in their honor. Two of the honored veterans are members of Jonathan Hardin chapter; Beth Harrison and Daviina McDonald. Bettye Trask, last year’s recipient of the Veteran Volunteer Award, was also present. Jonathan Hardin members were honored to serve a meal to these men and women and to let them know how much they are appreciated for their service and devotion to our country.
Next month’s meeting will be held on December 8th at the Gibbs Memorial Library at 10:30 am. The program will be given by registrar, Patti Gauntt entitled, “I Have One Patriot, Who is Next”. Refreshments will be served following the program, everyone is encouraged to bring their favorite holiday finger foods.
Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American Independence is eligible for membership. For more information about joining the Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR please contact Regent Nancy McSwane at 254-359-4620 or Registrar Patti Gauntt at 903-388-5677
