SAR conducts successful Color Guard Workshop

On August 20, 2022, the Colonel James Wood II (CJWII) and Sgt Maj John Champe (SMJC) Chapters of the Northern Region Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution co-sponsored a successful Color Guard Training Workshop. The training was held at VFW Post 1177 in Leesburg, and started with a reminder that safety is everyone’s responsibility, whether the event is a workshop or a formal ceremony.

Musket squad at ready, from left to right: Marc Robinson, John Petrie, Richard Tyler, Mark Sink, Bill Weiss, Andrew Mills and Sean Carrigan. (Photo / Will Reynolds)

Musket safety checks were conducted throughout the session. All attendees were briefed on hydration and heat safety, how to check the site of an event for ground, overhead and brush hazards, and the importance of a complete and updated Virginia SAR emergency call card.

Individuals were provided training in firing a black powder musket and given the opportunity to fire under command. They were instructed in the proper method of carrying and presenting the musket during ceremonies and safety at all times in carrying a weapon. The participants were given training in proper handling of black powder and the process to load and fire the musket.

Musket squad firing, from left to right: Marc Robinson, John Petrie, Richard Tyler, Mark Sink, Bill Weiss and Andrew Mills. (Photo / Dale Corey)

Sean Carrigan was the Color Guard Commander and Safety Officer, with Dale Corey and Marc Robinson giving training presentations on safety and flag etiquette. Sean Carrigan and Robinson provided training on the proper procedures for firing black powder.

Three SAR Chapters were represented. From Colonel James Wood II there were Sean Carrigan, Dale Corey, Paul Christensen, John Petrie, Richard Tyler and pospective member Bill Weiss. Representing Sgt Maj John Champe were Ken Bonner, Steve Riddle, Barry Schwoerer and Mark Sink. Colonel William Grayson Chapter had Andrew Mills and Jack Mills participating.

Muskets at order arms, from left to right: Ken Bonner, Will Reynolds, John Petrie, Richard Tyler, Paul Christensen, Andrew Mills, Mark Sink, Bill Weiss and Steve Riddle. (Photo / Cynthia Strassberg)