The James Thomas Bridges Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution gathered for its annual breakfast on Saturday morning. At the breakfast, several students and residents were recognized for their patriotism and contributions to the community.

Chapter President Virginia Alexander presented retiring County Judge Executive Berlin Moore for his 33 years of service to the county. “Most people put their family first, their church second and their community third, but Berlin always placed his service to the community first, his church second and his family third.” She recalled an occasion in which Moore took time from his schedule to give a presentation on the Constitution to Trigg County students.

Moore accepted the award and said, “I commend the DAR for promoting patriotism within the community, and hope they attract more younger members to carry on their work.”

Alexander presented the DAR’s “Volunteer of the Year” award to James Rutland, whom she called “Mr. Volunteer.” Rutland is a Marine Corps veteran of the Second World War and a volunteer with his church and a number of civic organizations.

The humble Rutland said, “I thank god I am still alive.”

The DAR also recognized three Trigg County students for their authorship of letters entitled, “A Special Veteran.”

Trigg County Intermediate Student Leonzerrae Grubbs wrote her letter about her cousin Jock Bingham. Bingham, also a veteran of the Marine Corps, served in many theatres as a combat engineer, including Beirut in 1982 and Operation Desert Storm.

The Middle and High School winners honored the same veteran, their mother Stacy Rea, a career soldier in the Army and Army National Guard. Sisters Faythe and Kasta Rea paid tribute to their mother’s service to their family and country.

For the rest of this story, read this week's Cadiz Record.