SSSAR team recognized for their service

SEELEY LAKE - Members of the Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue team (SSSAR) received the Distinguished Citizen Medal from the Bitter Root Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) before their regular meeting Tuesday, June 15. The Medal is presented to groups that exemplify honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism. SSSAR is the first group in Montana to receive this award.

"We're here today to thank and recognize each and every one of you for volunteering for the Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue," Sue Brownlow, National Defender representative for DAR's Bitter Root Chapter, said in her opening speech. "The Daughters of the American Revolution in the Missoula/Seeley area and nationally are aware of the difficult challenges your searches and rescues can take and are so appreciative of your time and efforts."

Brownlow said she was inspired to nominate the team in Seeley Lake after she read about the difficult search and rescue missions the team performed earlier in the year in the Seeley Swan Pathfinder.

She said the area often necessitates rescuing individuals that are not prepared for the region's conditions or are unfamiliar with the area. 

"[The] Seeley Lake area is prone to forest fires in the summer and fall, and extreme winter weather conditions including avalanches," Brownlow said in her speech. "[As part of your] training ... and commitment ... you must be able to take time off from work, at times [be] out all night, and put yourselves in very dangerous situations."

DAR is a non-profit, non-political organization whose goal is to preserve history, promote education and encourage patriotism.

According to Brownlow, the organization has 190,000 members in the U.S. and over 100 in the Missoula and Seeley Lake area. Members are descendants of Revolutionary War soldiers and patriots. In addition to community service projects, the group recognizes the "outstanding service" of first responders, emergency health responders, active duty military and veterans by nominating them for the Medal.

To begin the application, a DAR member must nominate and provide written justification. Brownlow spoke with Past Chief Gerry Connell, who gave the team "very complimentary praise." After receiving the nomination and letters of support from Missoula County Undersheriff Rich Marcelli as well as Pathfinder Owners Andi and Nathan Bourne, the Bitter Root DAR Chapter voted and approved SSSAR's reception of the Distinguished Citizens Medal. DAR's State Chair Vicki Selin as well as the organization's national offices then finalized the award.

"The dedication of these men and women should be commended," the Bournes stated in their letter of support. "Not only do they donate their time to train together, they also put their skills to the test in dangerous places in often the worst weather and conditions. ... While they are highly trained and well-practiced in their operations, there is always an inherent risk in what they do. They put the lives of others before their own comfort and families by dropping everything and responding whenever needed."

DAR members presenting the awards included Brownlow, Selin, Registrar Nancy Schmitz and Regent Janet Loran.

At the ceremony, award recipients received a certificate signed by DAR President General Denise VanBuren, National Defender Chair Laurie Nesbitt and Loran. In addition they received a medal, a survival bracelet made by DAR members and copies of the nomination and letters of support from the Missoula County Sheriff's Office and the Pathfinder.

Selin said the award is not given out very often. In her four years as State Chairman she has never given one.

"You are the very first group in the State of Montana to receive this as a group," Selin said. "We are very happy to be here to honor you, your dedication and your unwavering service to the community."

Sheriff T.J. McDermott said in a press release, "The Daughters of American Revolution Distinguished Citizen Medal is an honor that exemplifies the tireless dedication of the men and women who volunteer their time during an emergency and participate in training throughout the year. Our Search and Rescue members are volunteers that care deeply for their community."

 

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