Vernon Eugene “Gene” Davis III Receives DAR Distinguished Citizen Metal

At their monthly meeting on October 11, 2018, the Old Kent Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) awarded the DAR Distinguished Citizen Metal to Vernon Eugene “Gene” Davis III.

From the Daughters of the American Revolution Web site:
“The DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal was introduced in 2013 to recognize individuals, eighteen years of age and older, who fulfill the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism. The DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal is awarded to emergency first responders; active duty military and veterans of the United States Armed Forces; and citizens who have contributed to the defense and security of the community, state, or nation in an exceptional manner.”

Davis was the first person in the state of Maryland to be awarded the DAR Distinguished Citizen Award.

He was nominated for the award by Kate Goldberg. Kate is also the group’s Regent. Susan Fannoney, representative from the Maryland DAR, presented him the award.

Gene, veteran of the Iraq War, dedicated his life to serving the veterans in his
community. After his discharge from the Army in 2006, he became a member of the Public Safety Office at Washington College. After a few years there he decided to further his education. For five years, he balanced work, school work and family until finishing his degree in 2017 in American Studies.

While a student he met other veterans who were students at the College. At the time there wasn’t resources for veterans on campus and he teamed with other students to create a student group. They began hosting a Veterans Dinner with local veterans on the Eastern Shore. They also partnered with StoryQuest Oral History project to capture and share the stories of veterans in the community. He was instrumental in having the college devoting a dedicated space for meetings and studying.

Currently as the Veterans Representative for the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation in Dorchester, Queen Anne’s and Kent Counties, he helps veterans find employment. Even though Gene is no longer a student or employee at Washington College, he still organizes weekly meetings for the Veterans Association bringing veterans together to discuss current issues and challenges.

Also during the meeting the Old Kent DAR participated in National Day of Service by signing over 200 holiday cards for veterans.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR) is a non-profit, non-political, volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children. The Old Kent Chapter was founded in 1920, and was the first DAR chapter on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.