Hoover area residents honored by state DAR

Two Hoover-area residents were honored at the recent State Conference of the Alabama Society Daughters of the American Revolution (ASDAR). The two were among the approximately 450 members and guests who attended the state meeting held in March in Auburn.

The ASDAR recognized E.M. “Duke” Martin as Alabama’s Outstanding Veteran Volunteer for the year. At just 16, the Haleyville native enlisted in U.S. Navy in 1958. He went on to serve as navigator on the U.S.S. Shangri La and served on active duty until 1962. 

Following his military service, Martin became an ordained minister and served as a hospital chaplain. In that role, he also volunteered as chaplain for several veterans’ organizations, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, United States Corps of Chaplains and Blue Star Salute. For the past seven years, he has served as chaplain for the Alabama Department American Legion and is “on call” 24 hours a day to lend spiritual comfort and caring to fellow veterans and their families across Alabama. 

He has served with distinction as chaplain, first vice chairman and second vice chairman for the support committee for the Alabama National Cemetery over the past nine years. 

Martin’s nomination was sponsored by the Lily of the Cahaba Chapter NSDAR, based in Hoover.

Abigail Stephenson, a sophomore at Westminster School at Oak Mountain, was recognized as the Christopher Columbus Essay Contest Winner by the Alabama Society DAR for her winning essay in the state competition. Her topic of comparing ship technology on Columbus’s ships versus modern ships intrigued her as she hopes to pursue a career that includes history and travel. 

Abigail is the daughter of Barry and Kendall Stephenson and also was sponsored by the Lily of the Cahaba Chapter, NSDAR. 

To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit dar.org or lilyofthecahaba.com.

Submitted by Lily of the Cahaba Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution