DAR State Regent shares vision with local chapters at joint luncheon

Written by Deb Crenshaw-Nygro, publicity chair for Issaqueena Chapter, NSDAR

GREENWOOD, S.C. – “How do you solve a problem like Maria? How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?”

The lyrics from the classic movie “Sound of Music” were a call to action from Alice Lamb Caskey, newly elected Regent of the South Carolina Society Daughters of the American Revolution (SCDAR).

Caskey, of Columbia, echoed these words on Wednesday (Jan. 8) during a joint luncheon of the Issaqueena, Long Cane, Mount Ariel, and Star Fort Chapters.  Held in Ninety Six, just a few miles from the battlefield where Patriots fought for America’s freedom, the program provided chapter members and special guests the opportunity to connect with each other and learn more about Caskey’s vision for chapter development and ways to support military service members and families. 

“Imagine that Maria is a new member of your DAR chapter,” said Caskey. “She’s that special moonbeam in your hands. How do you keep her involved?”

Focusing on nurturing members and strengthening retention, Caskey emphasized the importance of building connections and keeping members actively engaged. With close to 4,900 members throughout the state, SCDAR consists of 65 chapters spread across six districts. Local chapters from rural neighborhoods, small towns and bustling cities lead grassroot efforts to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism within their communities.

“We are all here by virtue of a Patriot – someone who stood up and faced incredible odds,” noted Caskey. ‘Every woman in this room represents someone who was willing to risk everything.”

As the wife of a veteran, Caskey selected the South Carolina National Guard Foundation as her special project. Recognizing that Army Reservists only receive military benefits while deployed and on active duty, Caskey’s passion is to help veterans who face hardships after returning home.

“We are working very closely with The South Carolina National Guard Foundation, to help fill in the gaps for lots of these service members,” she said.

Connecting soldiers to essential services for support that is readily available, the National Guard Foundation offers an array of programs. Through community awareness, comprehensive mental health services, resilience training, and family support initiatives, the foundation supports returning service members by paving a smoother transition back to civilian life. 

During the joint luncheon, attendees supported these efforts through the purchase of commemorative items earmarked for the State Regent’s Project. In support of local military families facing financial hardships, attendees donated canned goods, non-perishable foods, and other items to be distributed at the Veterans Food Pantry located in the Greenwood Veterans Center. 

To learn more about the State Regent’s Project or connect with a DAR chapter near you, go online to: https://www.southcarolinansdar.org/

Photo caption: Alice Lamb Caskey (center), newly elected State Regent of the South Carolina Society Daughters of the American Revolution addresses a roomful of DAR members during a Joint Luncheon on January 8.  Held in Ninety Six, just a few miles from the battlefield where Patriots fought for America’s freedom, the program provided chapter members the opportunity to connect with each other and learn more about Caskey’s vision for chapter development and ways to support military service members and families. Hosted by Issaqueena Chapter, NSDAR, the joint luncheon included special guests and members from Issaqueena, Long Cane, Mount Ariel, and Star Fort. Photo by Deb Crenshaw-Nygro