Senior VP Tankersley installs Wiregrass President and Officers

The Wiregrass Chapter, Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution held its monthly meeting at McKinney Pond Restaurant in Midville Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. With President Steve Burke presiding, they had 21 in attendance including guests. President Steve opened the meeting with a welcome and asked 2nd Vice President Gary Mason to open with a prayer. Then 1st Vice President Alton Reynolds led the Pledge to the U.S. Flag and Pledge to the SAR. They then enjoyed a great buffet meal of shrimp, corn dodgers, French fries and all the trimmings. President Steve then called on the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution Senior Vice President Bill Tankersley to hold the 2026 Wiregrass Chapter Installation of Officers. Senior Vice President Bill gave an update on the Georgia Society and about the upcoming Annual Board of Management meeting of the Georgia Society in Atlanta on February 6 – 7. Senior Vice President Bill then called the 2026 officers up front to be installed: President Steve Burke, 1st Vice President Alton Reynolds, 2nd Vice President Gary Mason, Secretary/Treasurer Bill Carmichael, Registrar Dess Smith III, Genealogist John Derden, Sgt-at-Arms Watson Mosley, Historian John Derden, Editor Dess Smith III, and Chancellor Julian Sconyers. President Steve then presented SVP Bill the Certificate of Appreciation for installing the officers. Dess Smith presented the Sgt.-at-Arms Watson Mosley the Siege of Fort Morris, Come and Take It Chapter Flag Streamer for the Chapter presenting its wreath at the Fort Morris event on November 22, 2025. President Steve then called DAR Judy Womack to the front to assist him in presenting the Annual Fred D. Womack Distinguished Service Medal and Certificate to this year’s recipient. This award is presented each year to the Chapter’s most outstanding member. A member can only receive it one time and the President is the only one involved in selecting the recipient. This year’s Wiregrass Chapter Fred D. Womack Distinguished Service Medal and Certificate selectee is Compatriot Bill Carmichael. 1st VP Alton then led the SAR Recessional and 2nd VP Gary closed out with the benediction.