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Quilt of Valor Awarded to Navy Veteran Ken Willcox
On July 4, 2023, the Lake Minnetonka Chapter awarded a Quilt of Valor to Ken Willcox, in conjunction with the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Mr. Willcox retired as a Captain in the U.S. Navy, culminating a remarkable 30-year career in both the active and reserve components. He served with distinction in the Riverine and Coastal gunline force during the Vietnam War and on various ships across the Pacific and Atlantic regions. With his logistics expertise, he undertook assignments in Naval Supply Centers spanning from Hawaii to Japan, including the Philippines, Guam, and Midway. During the final five years of his tenure, he led the Logistics Readiness Center at the U.S. Pacific Command, where his mission involved resolving critical supply challenges faced by combat forces.
Mr. Willcox received numerous commendations for his military service, including the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal (with one star), Vietnam Service Medal (with two campaign stars), Naval Reserve Medal (with gold hourglass), Vietnam Campaign Medal, Naval Meritorious Unit Ribbon, and Naval Overseas Service Ribbon (with two stars).
The quilt was presented with deep appreciation for Mr. Willcox, and his service to our country.
Pictured: Regent Michelle White, Christine Stephansen, and Ken Willcox. Photo credit: Ann Olson.
Lake Minnetonka Chapter gives DAR Community Service Award
On Tuesday, July 4, 2023 the Lake Minnetonka Chapter awarded a DAR Community Service Award to Navy Veteran and former mayor of the City of Wayzata, Ken Willcox. Mr. Willcox’s patriotic service has left an indelible mark on our community. The Lake Minnetonka DAR Chapter has had the privilege of witnessing his dedicated support of DAR and C.A.R. projects that honor our veterans. Year after year, Mr. Willcox graciously served as the master of ceremonies for the C.A.R.’s annual Flying Pancake Breakfast’s veterans recognition program. He also played a crucial role as the featured speaker during the presentation of Quilts of Valor to deserving veterans, even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic. His commitment to ensuring meaningful ceremonies by hosting them in the Wayzata Council Chambers reflects his deep respect for those who have served our country. Congratulations to Ken Willcox, and thank you for your tireless service to the Wayzata community.
Pictured: Kitty Petit, Chair, Community Service Awards Committee, Ken Willcox, Regent Michelle White. Picture credit: Ann Olson.
Lake Minnetonka Chapter Supports Women in Recovery at Hart House
By Linda Kline, Chair, Print PR & Media, as the story appeared in the June 13, 2023 electronic version of the Sun Sailor. Link to story below.
Since 2015, the Lake Minnetonka Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has supported Home Free Shelter, which is operated by Plymouth-based Missions, Incorporated. Serving more than 3,000 people a year, Missions is a nonprofit organization with more than a century of experience supporting people recovering from homelessness, domestic violence and addiction.
In 2023, the chapter responded to Missions’ request for assistance with its Meredith Hart House in St. Paul. Located near the Minnesota State Capitol and founded in 2001, Hart House provides a supportive housing program for women recovering from chemical dependency.
When Missions Inc. informed the chapter about Hart House’s need for towels and bedding, members of the Women’s Issues Committee responded quickly. The chapter funded the purchase of sheet sets and secured generous donations of 60 towel sets from Life Time Fitness, 30 comforters and shams from Byourbed and a $100 gift card from Target.
“(The donation) made a big impact on our clients. It let them know that they are cared for and they can sleep in comfort knowing your group thought of them,” Hart House Program Manager Michelle Presley said.
“The members of Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR applaud Missions Inc.’s vision of a world where every person realizes their worth and lives with dignity free from addiction and abuse,” Chapter Regent Michelle White said. “We are delighted to make a donation that helps their clients feel valued and supported.”
New Board Inducted at April Meeting
Our chapter congratulates Michelle White as she accepts and performs the role of Chapter Regent for the 2023-2025 term. The Lake Minnetonka Chapter is very fortunate to have her as our chapter leader and she brings a lot of experience and dedication to our chapter.
We would also like to recognize our outgoing and new Honorary Regent Gigi Hickey and thank her for the dedication she gave to our chapter during her two terms.
We would also like to thank our outgoing board members and welcome all new board members to the Lake Minnetonka Executive Board. Our chapter is for is fortunate to have you and appreciates your dedication to making our chapter one of the best in Minnesota.
Talented Students Win Honors from Lake Minnetonka DAR
The Lake Minnetonka Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is proud to announce the deserving winners of its 2022 student competitions. The DAR honors top students with awards that recognize their potential as future leaders through their dedication to student leadership, community service, academic accomplishments, and passion for American history.
Middle School students were invited to compete in the DAR essay competition by composing pieces inspired by the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Wayzata West Middle School student, Rayhan Mohammad, was awarded first place at the Minnesota state level for grade 8. Wayzata Central Middle School student, Anish Kommalapati was awarded first place at the chapter level for grade 6.
These talented student authors explored the history of this Arlington Cemetery monument designed to bring comfort to those who have lost loved ones in war. They researched casualty figures of America’s major conflicts and wrote essays that brought to life the grief experienced by a fallen hero’s family. They each ended their essays with calls for gratitude to those who have given their lives to defend the freedoms America enjoys. Rayhan and Anish were recognized for their accomplishments at recent state and chapter DAR events.
St. Michael-Albertville High School senior, Haley Roth, is the winner of the Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR Scholarship. Haley plans to attend the University of Minnesota this fall to major in Dental Hygiene and minor in psychology and piano performance, stating that her goal is to “learn how to improve the world around me and help others care for themselves.” This talented student leader received varsity letters for band, choir, and Business Professionals of America, and serves as president of her class church group as well as treasurer of the Children of the American Revolution. Haley is also a third generation DAR member and as a descendant of many patriots and a suffragette, she says she is “so grateful to live in a country that allows women to be educated, speak our minds, vote, and work in any field we choose.”
The Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR congratulates these students on their well-earned awards.
LtoR: DAR Regent Gigi Hickey, Anish Kommalapati, Rayhan Mohammad & DAR Chair Teresa Anderson
LtoR: DAR Regent Gigi Hickey, Haley Roth &. DAR Chair Teresa Anderson
Prospective members sign their applications
While we regret not starting this practice earlier, here are photos of the important moment when a prospective member signed her application:
Chapter’s Endowment Fund Grows
Karen Anderson, who was officially admitted to DAR on 5 Oct 2021 as a member of the Lake Minnetonka Chapter, has donated $500 to the chapter’s newly-created endowment fund. The gift was made in memory of her mother, Dorothy Wagner, and as recognition of her Aunt Carolyn Goodenough, whose genealogy research enabled Dorothy to become a DAR member.
Dorothy joined the Sara Copus Chapter in Ashland, Ohio, in 1977. After retiring, she spent part of her time in Ft. Myers, Florida, and affiliated with the Caloosahatchee Chapter. She served as Regent and/or Vice Regent in both chapters.
Dorothy died in January 2021 as the result of Covid-19. Her cremains were buried in Ohio next to her husband. Per her request, a DAR emblem was attached to her gravestone.
The chapter is grateful and honored by Karen’s generous gift.
Background
Sandra-Faith Lamb, our Organizing Chapter Regent, arranged for a donation of nearly $7000 to be made to the Lake Minnetonka Chapter after her death in December 2020. To conserve and grow this gift, chapter members voted 25 Sep 2021 to establish an endowment fund.
Once the fund reaches a minimum of $10,000, annual distributions of 4-5% of the account balance may be made toward causes consistent with the DAR’s mission and values. The Endowment Fund Policy is posted on the members’ website with other chapter documentation.
Cash contributions including memorials are welcome. A chapter committee will oversee the endowment fund and report regularly on its status
Chapter Awards Quilts of Valor to Three Bronze Star Veterans
In honor of Veterans Day, the Lake Minnetonka Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution will awarded Quilts of Valor to three deserving Twin Cities veterans whose lives were impacted by war. The November 11 awards ceremony was conducted at the Wayzata City Hall with former Mayor, Ken Willcox, and Chapter Regent, Gigi Hickey, delivering remarks and congratulating the honorees.
All three 2021 Quilt of Valor recipients were awarded Bronze Stars and Purple Heart medals. They currently reside in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to members of the United States military who have been wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy.
- Darrin Janisch retired in 2020 as a Lieutenant Colonel after more than 31 years of military service in the United States Army. He served in Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in Iraq, Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq and Operation New Dawn in Iraq. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge with Star. He currently resides in Savage, MN.
- Harry Niemela served in the United States Army in the Vietnam War as a radio operator, ammunitions carrier, and “tunnel rat,” conducting dangerous underground operations. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster. He currently resides in Chaska, MN.
- Mike Kasid served as a Sergeant with the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army during the Vietnam War, protecting fire bases under enemy attack. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal with V Device, and the Oak Leaf Cluster. He currently resides in Minnetonka, MN.
Mr. Janisch and Mr. Niemela received their Quilts of Valor at the event on November 11. Due to a schedule conflict, Mr. Kasid received his Quilt of Valor privately at home.
The Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR has a long history of supporting veterans. In addition to Quilt of Valor presentations, the chapter has hosted Veterans Day programs and a Memorial Day commemoration. Chapter members have also donated hand-crafted face masks, scarves and hats to veterans at the VA Medical Center. In November 2021, chapter members began interviewing and video recording veterans’ stories as part of the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project.
Mike Kasid awarded QOV at home
Darrin Janisch with Regent Gigi Hickey & Chaplain Debbie Blum
Harry Niemela with Regent Hickey, Chaplain Blum and Ken Willcox, former Wayzata Mayor
Lake Minnetonka DAR Sews Masks for Essential Workers
Hospitals across the country have issued pleas for donations as they face severe shortages of facemasks due to the COVID-19 crisis. Talented home sewers from the Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR have risen to the challenge.
When the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Medical Center requested handcrafted fabric masks, Lake Minnetonka DAR members eagerly responded with nearly 200 colorful fabric masks to donate to the Hospital’s frontline workers. “We already donate hand-knitted scarves to the veterans through this facility so we were more than happy to help with their request for masks as well,” says Chapter Regent, Gigi Hickey. The chapter’s masks have also been donated elsewhere, including to essential workers at the Minnesota Children’s Hospital and local pharmacists.
The sewers quickly ran out of supplies. “We have completely exhausted personal and local store supplies of elastic and bias tape,” says Hickey. The sewers were undaunted by this supply shortage. “We got creative and used seam binding, ribbons, and homemade binding to keep sewing. Now we are eagerly awaiting our online supply orders and will keep sewing when they arrive.”
Nationwide, more than 700 chapters of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution from all 50 states have participated in the effort to contribute handcrafted facemasks. As of May 23, members have sewn more than 400,000 facemasks nationally to donate to essential workers and others in need.
“I am so proud of what our DAR members are accomplishing as part of a proud tradition of service that dates to our 1890 founding,” says Denise Doring VanBuren, DAR President General. She adds, “In difficult times like these, I like to remember that it is not the emergency that defines us, but how we respond to it.”
