Chapter History

The Athens Chapter #54 was chartered on May 20, 1994 and is named for the city in which it is located.

The chapter Founding Members were:
Robert W. Coker,
John B. Frizzell Jr.,
Capt. Arthur H. Hall,
Judge Jack H. Holland,
Col. E. Graham Martin Jr.,
Robert Risko Jr.,
James G. Robertson,
Rev. Ervin E. Shaffer, and
C. Wayne Stafford.

In addition to those previously listed, Charter Members include:
Raymond H. Stanford,
V. Lance Tarrance, and
Delbert “Tex” Whitaker

Of the nine founding members, three have served as Texas Presidents:
Col. E. Graham Martin Jr. 1991-1992
Robert W. Coker 1998-1999, and
James G. Robertson 2002-2003

A fourth member also served as a Texas President:
Harry M. Fife Jr. 2008-2009

Seven chapter members have been honored with the TX SAR highest award, the Patriot Medal:
Robert W. Coker 1996,
James G. Robertson 1999,
Harry M. Fife Jr. 2003,
Samuel J. Whitten Jr. 2004,
Charles E. Luna 2009,
Arthur H. Hall 2009, and
William E. Sekel Jr. 2020

One chapter member has received the prestigious Minuteman Award. The Minuteman Award is the highest National SAR award presented to a Compatriot for active and distinguished service.
Robert W. Coker 2004

The chapter is active in SAR competitions, having received the Outstanding Chapter recognition eight times:
2002, 2013, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2021, 2024

The chapter has long been active in Youth Competition and Public Service recognitions, having been honored with the Americanism Award nine times:
2003, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2023

Last revised: Oct. 2025