Colonel James Wood, II Chapter History
On July 28, 2007, interested compatriots of the Northern Shenandoah Valley area and nearby chapters held an organizational meeting in Winchester, Virginia. Led by Culpeper Minuteman member Al White and supported by compatriot Steven Bush, it was quickly agreed to form a new chapter in the 5 county area of Frederick, Clarke, Page, Warren and Shenandoah Counties, plus the City of Winchester
A second organization meeting was held on August 25, 2007 in Front Royal, VIrginia. It was at this meeting that name of Col. James Wood, Jr. was decided upon. It was later discovered that Col. Wood signed his name as James Wood, II and the chapter name was changed accordingly.
Later that same year, on November 29th a Banquet was held with members, officers and Color Guard present. The National Society President, Bruce Wilcox of Virginia charged the chapter with carrying out the work of the SAR and then VASSAR President Joe Dooley presented the chapter with its charter as an official chapter of the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Things progressed quickly and by its second year, the Chapter had already become a mid-sized chapter and began implementing the many programs of the Sons of the American Revolution. It came as a complete surprise to the membership and officers when the Chapter was awarded the first of its many Best Chapter Awards at the VASSAR Annual Meeting for 2009.
Each year the Chapter holds many events and contests, marks gravesites of Patriots and promotes history and patriotism. These include Essay, Oration, Brochure and Poster Contests as well as providing speakers for a multitude of events, seminars and meetings. The chapter has awarded JROTC Bronze Medals to deserving cadets at Randolph Macon and Massanutten Military Academies each year since forming. Another long running annual contest is the Knight Essay Contest. The Chapter has sponsored 1 State winner and 2 runner-ups.
The chapter was also fortunate to have two participating members with uniforms and immediately had a color guard presence. With the addition three additional members its first year, the Guard immediately became a huge hit in the community, garnering newspaper coverage for its first three events. In 2009, Chapter member Rob Andrews was named Commander of the Virginia Society Color Guard and led this distinguished unit for two years. In 2017, Guard member Brett Osborn was awarded the Baron Von Steuben National Service Medal for many years of service at the National, State and Local levels. The Guard typically participates in 15-25 events a year as the most visible ambassador of the Col. James Wood, II Chapter.
The chapter also annually recognizes the heroes in our community, bestowing awards on our police, fire fighters, EMTs, Eagle Scouts and Good Citizens. Nationally, the chapter ranks as one of the best in providing support for our veterans, placing second nationally in 2014 of all SAR chapters based on the Stark Award point system and another top 5 finish the following year. Our chapter continued to distinguish itself with such efforts as inducting 15 new members on a single day. In 2010, the Chapter was selected to host the VASSAR Semi-Annual Meeting in Winchester Virgina. The Chapter followed this success by hosting VASSAR President Mike Webber's Presidential Initiative in 2013, the placement of two large memorials to Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Patriots at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Winchester, Virginia.
Community participation has been a hallmark of the chapter. Each year compatriots and color guard members participate in Memorial Day observances, graduation and awards ceremonies, parades and speaking events. It is always a delight to see our efforts prominently displayed in local newspapers. The Chapter also holds an annual Chrismas Luncheon with the Fort Loudon DAR Chapter of Winchester.
The Chapter has continued its rapid rise in prominence in the community and in the Virginia Society. A perennial leader in State awards received, the chapter has been the recipient of numerous Excellence Awards and has been named the best large chapter in Virginia for five straight years from 2012-2016. The Chapter has received 9 National and 22 State Recognition Awards as of 2016.
2017 marks the 10th anniversary of the formation of the Chapter and along with a celebratory luncheon, the chapter also marked the occasion by conceiving and hosting the first Patriots Pride Day in Middletown, VA.