Chapter President Duane Booth and our Capital Region Vice President Robert L. French were both awarded the Society's Patriot Medal at the ESSSAR Annual Meeting held at the Beeches in Rome, New York on Saturday, May 17, 2003. The Patriot Award, which requires National Society approval, is the highest given at the state level. The award is given for service at the state & chapter levels but may include community service.

Duane has been active at the chapter and state levels since becoming a member in 1994. Duane joined the SAR as a member of the Saratoga Battle Chapter and switched his primary membership to the Walloomsac Battle Chapter while retaining "Dual Chapter" membership with the Saratoga Battle Chapter. He has been the only Treasurer of the Walloomsac Battle Chapter and has served on, and chaired various committees in that chapter.

Compatriot Booth was elected to the position of Vice President/Treasurer of the Saratoga Battle Chapter in February 2001 and served in that capacity until elected President in February of this year. Duane has also served on various committees in the Saratoga Battle Chapter and worked on several Chapter projects.

He was elected to the State Society's Board of Managers in 1995 and served in that capacity until May 1998. In December 1997 he was appointed Treasurer of the State Society and was elected to that position in 1998 and served in that capacity until May of 2001. While State Treasurer he was asked to assume responsibility for the Society's membership database. He accepted that challenge and he greatly improved the accuracy and reliability of the data and improved the reporting to the National Society.

Duane has served on various church committees, as an usher and as an Assistant Scoutmaster.

In addition to this award, President Booth has received the Meritorious Service Medals at both the State and Chapter levels.

Other Saratoga Battle Chapter members receiving this prestigious award include Carlton E. Covell; Ronald E. Newton; Dennis F.M. Marr; Jonathan E. Goebel; and Peter K. Goebel.

Robert (Bob) French joined the SAR in 1970 and was an organizing member of the Columbia Chapter. Bob served two years as Chapter President; as Chapter Registrar from 1980 to 2002 and has served on, and chaired, several Chapter Committees.

Compatriot French was first elected to the State Board in 1985 and served as the Society's Chaplain from 1990 to 2000 when he was elected Capital Region Vice President. He has also served on State Society Committees.

Bob French has enrolled many SAR members and has earned the Society's coveted Liberty Medal.

In addition to the SAR, Compatriot French is active with the Boys Scouts, Masons and his church.