D.C. Society of the Sons of the American Revolution

On April 19, 2926, the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal was presented to Retired MPDC Homicide Detective Mitch Credle. Retired Detective Credle lives in the D.C. metropolitan area, where he has been intensely involved in community service, coaching, and mentoring Washington, D.C. youth since 1982. He joined the Metropolitan Police Department in 1986 and began investigating homicides in 1991. He was recruited to the Homicide Branch early in his career due to his strong rapport with the community. He has coached and mentored youth in Washington, D.C. for over 40 years, and his passion as a youth coach has been instrumental in the development of hundreds of young people who are now productive adults. Mitch earned his B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of the District of Columbia.

During his career as a homicide detective, he was responsible for investigating many high‑profile cases until 2013, when he transferred to the Sexual Assault Unit. He has also lectured at local universities and taught forensic science during the summer at Georgetown University.

Mitch is the author of two books, Stranger in the Streets and Damaged Roots, which are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Lulu. Since retirement, he has ventured into filmmaking and produced films that are streaming on Tubi and Prime Video. His documentary 12 Years in Hell: Blood of a City opened doors for him, leading to participation in major documentaries and true‑crime television shows.

Mitch has appeared as himself in the Netflix documentary Crack: Co***ne, Corruption & Conspiracy by Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson; NBC Dateline with four‑time Emmy Award–winning journalist Dennis Murphy; A&E’s City Confidential; ID Discovery Channel’s American Detective with Joe Kenda; Oxygen’s Snapped: Killer Couples; TV One’s Fatal Attraction and Payback; and Tubi’s original film Left For Dead. He also appeared in the documentary Finding Kendrick Johnson, produced by actress Jennifer Lewis and filmmaker Jason Po***ck, which is available on Starz and Prime Video.

During his career as a homicide detective, he has appeared on CNN, the CBS Connie Chung Show, Fox 5’s America’s Most Wanted, and all D.C. local news outlets. In 1996, The Washington Post Magazine featured him in a ten‑page article titled Order on the Court. In 2017, Mitch co‑founded a nonprofit youth organization, Safe House DC, where youth are taught film production, digital media, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, job readiness, community‑police relationships, and life skills.

The eighty-third annual ceremony commemorating the anniversary of Thomas Jefferson’s birth was held at the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin in Washington at 11 AM on April 13, 2026. Richard E. Patten, past president, DC Sons of the American Revolution served as the Master of Ceremonies. The event was presented by DCSAR in cooperation with the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and the Military District of Washington, and as in the past eighteen years, was organized by DCSAR Secretary and Past President Paul Hays.

Guests were welcomed by the Interior Department’s Superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, Kevin Greiss. The Presidential wreath was presented at 8:00 AM by Major General Antoinette R. Gant Commanding General, Military District of Washington. The wreath of the Secretary of the Interior, the Honorable Doug Burgum, was presented by Kevin Greiss, and that of the President of the University of Virginia, Scott Beardsley, by Sallie Cecil Stillwell.

The wreath of DCSAR, host of the event, was presented by its President Geoffrey L. Newman and the NSSAR wreath was presented by President General Michael J. Elston Esq.

Wreaths were then presented by a host of representatives of the Maryland and Virginia SARs, D.C. Society Daughters of the American Revolution, National and DC Societies US Daughters of 1812, Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, National Society Daughters of the American Colonists, Society of the Descendents of the Signers of the Constitution, The Monticello Association, National Society Descendants of American Farmers and their Youth Branch, and the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society.

A patriotic musical prelude, the National Anthem, and postlude were rendered by “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Corps Band Brass Quintet. Colors were presented by a Joint Armed Forces Color Guard. The invocation and benediction were delivered by the Rev. Dr. John DeWitt Stonesifer, DCSAR Chaplain. The D.C. Society has organized and hosted this commemoration each year since the dedication of the Jefferson Memorial on April 13, 1943, the 200th anniversary of Jefferson’s birth.

After the conclusion of the ceremony, NSSAR President General Elston gave the oath to two new members of SAR. Larry James Calhoun and Jordon Hunter “Jay” Gaul IV. Compatriot Calhoun is the 6th great grandson of Henry Rhodes, who served as a Captain in the Brothers Valley 3rd Company of the Pennsylvania Militia. His sponsors were Tripp Demoss and Paul Hays. Compatriot Gaul is the 4th great grandson of Private John Frederick Gaul of the Pennsylvania Militia. His sponsors were Geoff Newman and Paul Hays.

Inspector Antonio Best serves as the Senior Inspector in the Fire Prevention Division with DC Fire and Emergency Services, a role he approaches with professionalism, dedication, and pride. He leads by example and consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to improving both the division and the people within it.

Inspector Best holds weekly meetings with fellow inspectors to discuss ways to strengthen the division and enhance performance. He is proactive in identifying and mitigating issues within the office, ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly and professionally to maintain a positive work environment. His upbeat attitude is evident every day and is truly contagious. Inspector Best is often the person colleagues turn to when they need a listening ear or thoughtful advice, as he genuinely cares about the well‑being of others.

Although Inspector Best is primarily responsible for inspecting schools throughout the district, he is always willing to assist wherever needed. He regularly volunteers to conduct inspections for residential homes, nightclubs, and restaurants.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Inspector Best takes great pride in serving the community. He actively seeks opportunities to support underprivileged families, often going above and beyond what is expected. He coordinated with local schools to identify eight families in need during Thanksgiving and personally paid for their meals. Additionally, he organized a toy and food drive for students at Patterson Elementary School in Southwest D.C. The joy and gratitude of those children speak volumes about his character.

The SAR Emergency Medical Services Commendation was Sergeant Paramedic Darrick Holland, who was nominated in recognition of his exceptional dedication to training, mentorship, and the professional development of DCFEMS personnel.

While assigned to Engine Company 8 and serving as a Field Training Officer, Firefighter Holland—now Sergeant Holland—consistently went above and beyond his assigned duties to support the success of personnel. In addition to his operational responsibilities, he devoted significant time and effort to tutoring all DCFEMS internal paramedic‑upgrade candidates, both virtually and in person, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their academic and clinical success.

Sergeant Holland routinely opened his personal schedule and made himself readily available to engage with members, ensuring they had a clear understanding of paramedic school expectations, course material, and clinical demands. His approachability, patience, and ability to break down complex concepts allowed students to build confidence and strengthen their knowledge base, directly contributing to their success in the program.

Through his dedication, mentorship, and commitment to excellence, Sergeant Holland has had a measurable and lasting impact on the department and its members. His service exemplifies the highest standards of leadership, instruction, and professionalism within DCFEMS.

During the 2026 DCDAR state regent’s gala on March 28, 2026, held at the Sheraton Pentagon City in Arlington, Virginia, DCSAR Compatriot Rev. John Stonesifer was awarded The Hannah White Arnett Silver Medal of Distinction by the DCDAR State Regent Yvonne Liser. The medal is awarded to a member of the Sons of the American Revolution for unselfish devotion, tireless efforts, and assistance to the DAR; and who has dedicated his time, energy, talents, and/or resources to the organization in support and furtherance of the DAR mission of historic preservation, education and patriotism. It is one of the highest recognitions DAR can bestow upon a SAR compatriot.

During the gala, DCSAR past president of and current NSSAR trustee William O. Ritchie Jr., gave greetings on behalf of DCSAR and congratulated Regent Liser for her successfully two-year tenure as the DCDAR State Regent. Regent Liser is the first African American DCDAR Regent and the 2nd regent of any state in the history of DAR that was founded in 1890. During a brief period in 2024, Regent Liser and Past President Ritchie, as DCSAR President, served at the helm of the two most powerful patriotic legacy organizations in Washington DC. Both are proud graduates of Howard University. Regent Liser’s state regent project during her tenure was raising funds for the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard. Ritchie concluded his greetings by giving her a personal check in support of her project. It should be noted that the color guards for the event were members of the Howard University Air Force cadet program.

In addition to the evening’s SAR–DAR recognitions, the program also highlighted a major community initiative supporting veterans in the District of Columbia. Founded in 1985, Access Housing was the first program of its kind in the greater DC area to provide critical services to homeless veterans. The Chief Operating Officer, Cliff Lewis, gave an overview of the program that has provided transitional (short-term) housing to veterans in the DMV area experiencing homelessness. The program goal is to offer secure permanent housing. Two of their buildings were selected for renovations that will transform them from transitional housing to permanent homes for veterans.
Currently, these buildings have single-occupancy rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms. The renovations will reconfigure each unit into a fully equipped apartment with a private kitchen and bathroom, giving each resident what they need to live there long-term. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $1.5 million for this project, alongside $250,000 from the Home Depot Foundation. At the recommendation of a DAR member, Ritchie visited the facility on March 25th and spent 90 minutes speaking with veteran residents. It was a very rewarding personal experience for him. Mr. Lewis invited Ritchie to make a return visit to which he agreed. More information is available at (https://www.accesshousingdc.org/)

It was announced during the gala that DAR was presenting Access Housing a six-figure grant in support of their program initiative. This award, in part, was facilitated by past DAR Corresponding Secretary General Janet McFarland and approved by DAR President General Virginia Sebastian "Ginnie" Storage. The Access Housing fundraising gala will be held on December 4, 2026. The evening underscored the enduring partnership between DAR, SAR, and the broader Washington community in honoring service, preserving history, and supporting those who have served our nation.

Today, I attended the Charter meeting for the newly established Abraham Brown Chapter within the VASSAR. I was honored to be one of the charter members in support of my SAR compatriot Kevin Brown who became the chapter's first president. Abraham Brown is Kevin's 5th great grandfather. Abraham was a free black man who was a farmer in the Commonwealth of Virginia and provided patriotic service during the Revolutionary War thus being identified as a Patriot. This was an excellent event to conclude Black History Month. All of the charter members received a copy of the charter document with our names on it. But standby, there are more stories to be told.

The 111th Joint Celebration of George Washington’s Birthday was hosted by the District of Columbia Society Children of the American Revolution on Saturday February 21, 2026. The event, co-sponsored by the DC Daughters of the American Revolution and the DC Sons of the American Revolution, was held at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington Virginia commencing at 10:30am. The Mistress of Ceremony was DC C.A.R President Avery Hinzman. Following the opening rituals and introductions, greetings were offered by DC DAR State Regent Yvonne Liser and DC SAR President Geoffrey Newman.

After brunch was served cast members from DC C.A.R. presented a skit about the young life of George Washington and events that molded his young life. The presentation was well received by the nearly 150 event guests.

President Newman welcome new members to SAR and gave them their oath. Theodore Roosevelt Kramer III is the 5th great grandson of Robert Barclay, who served as a Private in the North Carolina Militia. Paul Hays and Tom Readmond were his sponsors. Zachary Logan Barnett and Brant Henry Boozier are the 5th great grandsons of Private Jonathan Farrington of the Massachusetts Militia. Welcomed in absentia was Ryland Clay Norman, a Florida resident, who is the 5th great grandson son of Thaddeus Granger, a Private in the Massachusetts Militia.