The Dorcas Richardson Trenton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored two veterans and recognized KTTN during activities surrounding its Sept. 14 meeting at the Grundy County Museum Annex.

Before the meeting, members honored Ryan Williams as September’s Patriot of the Month and Vince Fender as October’s Patriot of the Month.

Williams served in the Army National Guard from 1994 to 2014 in military police and field artillery. His service included deployments to Iraq and Qatar and a domestic deployment in response to Hurricane Katrina. He and his wife, Tocarra Jazinski, have one daughter.

Fender served in the Army Reserve from 1989 to 2023, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. His deployments included Iraq and Haiti. He and his wife, Kira, live in Trenton and have five children.

Both men continued serving their communities after returning home. The chapter’s Patriot of the Month program recognizes veterans and active-duty military personnel for their service.

Regent Connie Key called the meeting to order, followed by DAR rituals, pledges, the preamble and the American Creed. Members presented highlights from the president general’s message and the National Defender publication.

Barb Spencer presented the American Indian minute, Cindy Guthrie presented the woman’s minute and Cheryl King presented the conservation minute.

Following the meeting, members traveled to KTTN Radio to present a certificate of appreciation to John Anthony, Carol Ausberger and the station’s employees. The certificate recognized their dedication, broadcasting service and support of the community.

DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women’s service organization that promotes patriotism, education, historic preservation and community service. Women 18 and older who can document direct descent from an ancestor who aided in American independence are eligible for membership.