Colonel Alexander Erwin Chapter holds color guard training at Quaker Meadows

Members of the Colonel Alexander Erwin Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution gathered in Morganton this month to train for upcoming patriot grave marking ceremonies across Burke and surrounding counties.

On Jan. 10, chapter Color Guard Commander Eric Minetola led a color guard training session at the Capt. Charles McDowell Jr. House at Quaker Meadows. Despite rainy conditions, members practiced basic color guard skills and prepared for ceremonial duties scheduled later this winter.

Attendees included Willie Wilkerson, Jordan Lowdermilk, Sam Chapman, Kevin Rhoney, Bill Brown, Jim Theofrastous, and chapter President Tom Lesser.

Patti Wilkerson of the Daughters of the American Revolution Greenlee Chapter also attended.

Nick Anderson, the chapter’s media chair, documented the event with photos and video.

The training session was held in advance of several 2026 events, including a Patriot Grave Marker Dedication on Saturday, Jan. 17, honoring three Revolutionary War patriots. The session also gave members an opportunity to ask questions and refine procedures.

Additional color guard training is scheduled for Feb. 28 at Fort Defiance in Lenoir.

On Jan. 11, chapter members Minetola, Rhoney, Lesser, and Anderson traveled to Drucilla Church and Gardin-Haney Cemetery in Nebo to prepare sites and place markers for the upcoming Jan. 17 dedication. Another Patriot Grave Marker Dedication is planned for Feb. 21 at Dobson Cemetery at Lake James.

The Colonel Alexander Erwin Chapter is based in Morganton and serves Burke, Caldwell and McDowell counties.

The Sons of the American Revolution is a national organization dedicated to honoring Revolutionary War patriots through education, community service and programs that promote the founding principles of the United States.

—AVN