The Colonel Joseph Glover Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution of Walterboro presented a National DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal to Philip Stanley, Sr. of Varnville at its September 18 meeting.
Mr. Stanley was the speaker at the meeting sharing his Vietnam War experiences. Following his remarks, Chapter Regent Jan Ulmer and South Carolina DAR State Regent Alice Lamb Caskey presented Mr. Stanley with the Medal.
The award certificate reads:
“The National Society of the daughters of the American Revolution Distinguished Citizen Medal is awarded to Phillip Stanley, Sr.
A Distinguished Citizen who fulfills the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism, and who has contributed to defense and security and thereby the freedom of the community, state, and nation in an exceptional manner.’
The nomination letter for the medal reads in part:
“Mr. Phil Stanley is the epitome of a Distinguished Citizen. He has spent his entire life in service to his country as a Vietnam veteran in the United States Army or as a public servant to his fellow Hampton County citizens.... The things that make Mr. Stanley a Distinguished Citizen stem from his civic mindedness and his willingness to serve without accolades. He is a member of Varnville First Baptist Church where he is a member of the choir and has served as a Deacon in addition to several other volunteer positions. He is also an active member of the Vietnam Committee of the Hampton County Historical Society. In this capacity he uses his expertise as a Vietnam veteran in helping to honor all veterans in Hampton County, especially those who served in the Vietnam War. In addition, he is an active member of Hampton American Legion Post #108 where he participates in projects such as “Wreaths Across America” and others. What makes Mr. Stanley a Distinguished Citizen is the fact that he remains humble in his service, not seeking the limelight but serving his fellow citizens behind the scenes. He truly embodies what the distinguished citizen award seems to recognize: everyday people touching others’ lives with acts of service.