Fox Valley Helps You to Join the SAR

At the fall dinner meeting on October 25, 2009, Chapter President Mike Johnston presented membership certificates to five members, one of our largest groups. They are: Guy Welsh, Brad Livingston, Richard Crawley, James Newby and Rod Herbig.

At the spring dinner meeting on April 28, 2008, incoming President Mike Johnston assisted by Gordon Bidner (r), President-elect of the Illinois Society of the SAR, welcomes new members Ron Sherman, Dale Hatter and John Reckenwall. Later that year Ron Sherman joined the Board of Managers.

From left to right, new members Dale Bottom and Scott Sanders proudly display their certificates with ILSSAR President Karl Reed and NSSAR President General Nathan White. Mike Johnston delegated his official duties to President General White who swore in Dale and Scott, and to President Reed who pinned new member rosettes on them.

From left to right, Chapter VP and Registrar Mike Johnston presents new members, Keith McClow, Paul Pecharich, supported by ILSSAR President Ken Griswold and new member Clyde Futrell at our annual fall dinner meeting at the Omega Restaurant in Naperville on November 20, 2005.

ILSSAR President Ken Griswold introduces Mike Johnston, Chapter Vice President and Registrar, who awards new member certificates to Ron Smith and his sons Benjamin and Matthew during our spring dinner meeting at the Omega Restaurant in Naperville on April 17, 2005.

While Compatriots and guests enjoyed their catered dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Naperville on November 16, 2003, John A. Ruskamp (far right), enjoyed pinning SAR new members rosettes on (left to right): Illinois CAR President John H. Ruskamp, Evan Broy, Mike Johnston, now VP and Registrar of the chapter, and Jim Brandon.

How to Join the SAR

Joining the Sons of the American Revolution is straightforward. First, you determine if you are eligible. Then you fill out an application. Mr. Johnston will review the application before it is sent to the Illinois Registrar who forwards it to National Society headquarters in Louisville.

When you plan to start working on your application, the Fox Valley Chapter invites you to become an associate member. We will automatically upgrade your membership status to a full member when your application has been approved by national. Dues for associate members are the same as member dues -- $20 per year. Your dues help fund our programs like Outstanding Citizenship awards, Eagle Scout awards, ROTC awards, etc. We encourage you to become an associate member as soon as possible.

There are many good resources on the National Society site including an application worksheet and the SAR application itself. You can download the latest forms directly to your Mac or PC. By exploring the pages under the "Membership" tab, you will discover other sources of advice and information.

Membership Requirements

Any male shall be eligible for membership in this Society who is the lineal descentdant of an ancestor who was at all times unfailing in loyalty to, and rendered active service in, the cause of American Independence, either as an officer, soldier, seaman, marine, Militiaman or Minuteman, in the armed forces of the Continental Congress, or any one of the several Colonies or States; or as a signer of the Declaration of Independence, or as a member of a Committee of Safety or Correspondence; or as a member of any Continental, Provincial, or Colonial Congress or Legislature; or as a recognized patriot who performed actual service by overt acts of resistance to the authority of Great Britain.

If you are interested in joining the Sons of the American Revolution, or have questions regarding the society, please contact Mike Johnston, our Chapter Registrar, who will help you understand the membership process.

Membership Fees as of Jan 1, 2010

Application Fees include the first years dues to both National and State Societies. The check should be made out to the ILSSAR for $139.00, in the typical case. There are some cost saving opportunities if, for example, 2 or more men from the same family join at the same time. Download table the table in pdf format to determine the amount of the check. Mike Johnston can assist you in determing the amount if necessary.

Annual Dues

In subsequent years, the annual dues for the State and National Society are on a calendar basis from January 1st to December 31st. The check should be made out to the ILSSAR for $50.00, and compatriots receive a mailing reminder with their membership card.

The annual dues for the Fox Valley Chapter are also from January 1st to December 31st. The check for $20.00 should be made out to the Fox Valley Chapter, and chapter members receive a mailing reminder. Chapter dues are separate from the State and National dues.