Arizona State Society, DAR
Our Leadership
Sarah Ziker
State Regent
“I started working on my family tree when my son was young. I thought it was important to know the stories of those who came before him with the hope it would make history come alive. Discovering ancestors who fought and gave service to our young country during the American Revolutionary War has given us pride and a connection to the past. As we enjoy the freedoms we have today, it is important to remember and honor the men and women who sacrificed in the past. Joining the DAR helps to preserve the memory of my Patriot ancestor while I do service in the community to honor his legacy. The DAR’s various programs support historic preservation, promote education, and patriotic endeavors each to honor the men and women who gave so much to establish our country.”
Katherine “Katie” Paulsen
Vice Regent
"I spent time with family on both sides with very different histories as a kid. As I matured, I realized how fortunate I was to be the lucky offspring of a stowaway from eastern Europe last century and only the seventh generation from my American Revolutionary War Patriot. My curiosity kicked up a notch when I moved to Arizona in 2002 with endless possibilities of where I wanted to commit my energy to serve and improve my new community. Why I've stuck with DAR has evolved over the last 20 years but the simple cause was basically a need to connect. I wanted to:
- connect with others who shared my interest in honoring veterans and those in the community who do outstanding work,
- serve others who need a hand,
- connect with members who are willing to share their family stories, and
- redirect my extraverted, passionate energy out of the house.”
Twila Lobitz
Chaplain
"As I started researching my family I was amazed at how many Veterans I had in my family. Plus many Patriots fought for the freedoms we take for granted every day. I was astonished by the reality that I was here today because of all those who came before me. Their actions solidified my freedom. I wanted to give something back, to honor them in return. So I set my “eyes” on joining the Daughters of the American Revolution. It took my detailed genealogy to join this fantastic society. Where women joined together in sisterhood to achieve greatness. Women working together In service under Daughters of the American Revolution’s three pillars to honor God, Home and Country. In volunteer service, we preserve our country’s history, educate our youth plus showcase and spread our Patriotism. Daughters share a common thread, we are women with direct descendants of an American Patriot, sisters! What a great way to honor those who came before me!"
Mary Ellen Chrispell
Recording Secretary
"I knew of DAR in high school, but family lore suggested there was no way I would qualify. Thank you, digitization and Ancestry.com, a suggestion was made to my family tree, I recognized the distant cousin’s name, and immediately went to the NSDAR website. Attending my first DAR chapter meeting as a prospective member, as the opening ritual began, I distinctly remember feeling this is it. A One-Stop Shop. Meaningful community service, American history and love of our country, possible friendship and sisterhood with women with similar interests, and a proud connection to my roots. I feel the work of our National Society honors sacrifices of those from our past and carries their hopes for our country forward."
Molly Zehnder
Corresponding Secretary
"In 2016, I became a member of DAR and quickly developed an interest in leadership within my chapter. Since then, I have had the pleasure of serving in various roles, volunteering for a number of events, and organizing projects that have been both rewarding and meaningful to my community."
Paige Faries
Organizing Secretary
"My interest in genealogy started as a young teenager. I learned about family roots that stretched back to the settlement of Jamestown. After I retired, I wanted to learn more about my ancestry and started my journey to joining DAR. It has been a wonderful ongoing journey, filled with wonderful inspiring and patriotic women. With learning about the history of our country and helping other women on their journey. DAR membership leads to friendships that are meaningful, inspiring, and of value to myself and the wider community."
Caitlin Dichter
Treasurer
"Caitlin Dichter has been a member of NSDAR since 2010, first in California before joining Camelback Chapter, NSDAR, in 2012. She has served at the chapter level as historian, treasurer, and regent and has also served the ASDAR in chair positions for several committees. Both in her day job and in her role as a treasurer, Caitlin has to set regular detailed budgets."
Suzie Medley
Registrar
"Widen your social circle and join our service society. Given the many chapters in Arizona, you will probably find a chapter close to home. Each chapter has a trained registrar to help prepare your application, and, while you are working together, you will learn interesting facts about your family history. I joined DAR to meet patriotic women who enjoy service work. Now, some of my dearest friends are my chapter members. My chapter registrar, who prepared my application, introduced me to my 5th great grandfather, who fought as a private in the Jefferson County militia. Digging through family records and public archives brought our country’s history to life by tying these historical events to my own family. And working in the community on veteran-related and other service projects brings satisfaction and a greater sense of purpose."
Kathryn “Kathy” Christmann
Historian
"I first learned about DAR as a high school senior in 1979 when I was selected by my local DAR chapter to be their Good Citizen award winner. Unfortunately, it took me over 30 years to find my first Patriot, but persistence finally won. I joined DAR in 2016, and I now have five proven Patriots. In addition to genealogy, which has been a life-long passion, I am a lover of history. I am especially looking forward to America’s 250th birthday. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate our Country, our State, our History and Ourselves. Being a member of DAR allows me to be a part of a community that is dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children."
Penny Simon-Nielsen
Librarian
"I have been a DAR member for 15 years and have served our Society through a number of offices and committees."
Kathryn Andrews
Parliamentarian (appointed)
"I have been an NSDAR member since 2002 and have served at chapter, district, state and national levels. DAR provides a patriotic forum to give back and pay it forward through varied volunteer opportunities at the local, state and national level."
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