The Caymus Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, or DAR, honored member Virginia “Ginny” Craven at their Nov. 17 meeting for her extraordinary volunteer work.

The Ellen Hardin Walworth Medal for Patriotism was presented to her by Elizabeth Julian, District III Regent. The medal was named for one of DAR’s founders.

Craven also recently received the National DAR Excellence in Community Service Award and the State DAR Project Patriot Award. These awards show the importance placed on the work that Craven has accomplished.

Craven started a nonprofit called Operation Tango Mike in 2003. Tango Mike translates from military jargon to “Thanks Much.”

With the community’s help, the group gathers in Lakeport at packing parties and packs and sends about a hundred care packages per month to deployed troops worldwide to support and thank the military. To date they have sent 24,000 boxes.

Monthly shipping costs averaging $2,000, and these costs, as well as the cost of care package items, are covered through donations and fundraising of which the Caymus Chapter is a part.

The DAR membership is open to any woman who can prove a direct lineage to any Revolutionary War patriot, either a soldier or civilian, who aided the cause. Membership gives verification to their ancestor’s part in the Revolutionary War.

Many members join DAR because of their interest in genealogy. Once the genealogy is completed the chapter registrar will help a prospective member prepare and submit an application.

Those interested in becoming members are asked to call Regent Dianne Fraser at 707-963-7329.