HONORING A SPECIAL VETERAN — Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution Fort Steuben Chapter honored Guy Indovina as Veteran of the Month for December. The 101-year-old World War II staff sergeant’s granddaughter, Natalie Campana, and great-grandson, Mason Lucas-Campana, created a video presentation paying tribute to the Army veteran during the chapter’s Dec. 6 meeting. Chapter Regent Janet Rymer, left, expressed appreciation to Lucas-Campana for sharing the presentation with the group. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — In a season defined by remembrance and tradition, members of the Fort Steuben Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution gathered a little earlier than usual, moving their December meeting to a week earlier so as not to conflict with plans to participate in the Dec. 13 Wreaths Across America ceremonies.

The afternoon consisted of paying tribute to a local hero, as the chapter recognized 101-year-old World War II veteran Guy Indovina as the December honoree. A staff sergeant in the Army 652nd Tank Destroyer Battalion, Indovina’s legacy was brought to life through a special video presentation produced by his granddaughter, Natalie Campana, and his great-grandson, Mason Lucas-Campana.

Chapter members were able to catch a personal glimpse into the courageous service Indovina rendered during the war. It was a sentiment that resonated throughout the room.

Following the veteran’s tribute, the spirit of the season took a charitable turn with an auction featuring a variety of donated items. The bidding raised proceeds that would help benefit the chapter’s scholarship fund.

The afternoon’s educational program shifted focus as America 250 Chairman Francine Hauldren approached the podium, addressing the audience with a presentation about Christmas customs around the world. Hauldren wove together the unique ways different cultures celebrate the holiday.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA — Members of the Fort Steuben Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution participated in the Wreaths Across America program Dec. 13. Its mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach the next generation the value of freedom. Those who joined in visiting area cemeteries, including the Paris Cemetery in Paris, Pa., included, from left, Regent Janet Rymer, Tammy Kotyk, Jeanne Vega and Nancy Valles. -- Contributed

The business portion of the meeting was led by Regent Janet Rymer, who offered an update on the chapter’s outreach efforts.

Rymer’s report included photographs of soldiers at Fort Bliss reading cards and letters sent by local students. Seeing the joy on the faces of those serving far from home provided a reminder of the impact one simple gesture of gratitude can have, members explained.

Members were encouraged to remain active in their community service, with a call for volunteers to serve as judges for upcoming Junior American Citizens projects.

The chapter paused to remember several members and their spouses during the Sunshine report, offering their thoughts and prayers to be with those in need.

The Fort Steuben Chapter will not meet in January but will reconvene at noon on Feb. 14 at the First Christian Church in Weirton. The meeting will feature a program entitled “Golden Thirteen Sailors,” to be presented by Shana Wydra and Natalie Campana.