In my first address to the AZSAR Society as president, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the membership for giving me the honor and challenging opportunity to lead the
AZSAR. I recognize and appreciate that past successes are due to the commitment, sacrifice and hard work of both past and present AZSAR members. Because of their leadership we have remained a growing and financially secure Society.
The year 2026 is an extraordinary time in our country with the 250th Anniversary celebration. To attain the objectives and goals of this once-in-a lifetime celebration AZSAR
members are encouraged to actively participate in some small way at the chapter or state level by serving on a committee, appearing at events, attending membership meetings or by simply providing an exchange of ideas, information and
suggestions. The shared common interest we have as SAR compatriots is the continuing effort to honor our patriots, preserve history, honor veterans and public servants, educate youth and the public.
These interests and efforts have been put forth in various ways over the past year in recognition of the 250th Anniversary celebration through the efforts of the 250 th Chairman Mark Seifert with the development of the “pop-up tavern,” the Lexington – Concord skits, and the successful 250th Gala event that was held on February 7 th. Assisting
Mark were SAR members Bill Baran, Rob Berryman, Shawn Crosier, Christopher Francis, Jim Hinsey, Brad Hopkins, Stan Marks, Jerry Mead, Stu Morse, Scott, Nivens, Jason Parsons, Jeff Raynor, Stuart Rosebrook, Rick Spargo, Bill Walters, Rob Welch, Alan White and George White along with AZDAR members Susan Johnson, Debra Pristo, Sandy Raynor, Carolyn Rearley, Darlene Trapp, and AZDAR Regent Sarah Ziker. Other assistants and participants were Lynne Marks, Amy Parsons, Annamaria Welch, and Tove White.
One of the goals for this year is the continuation of encouraging more active membership participation at both the chapter and state level. Regardless of how many members
there are in the state or how financially strong the Society is, the success of AZSAR cannot be accomplished without the continued efforts of its members to actively engage and participate.
Membership in the SAR is more than just a genealogical connection. It is also a way to uphold the values of liberty which our ancestors provided. Coming together with active participation will mean AZSAR can continue another great and productive year and achieve even higher goals by strengthening the Society for future generations.
In patriotism,
Jack Berry
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