The DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal was established to recognize worthy citizens for extraordinary service in the defense, promotion and/or preservation of our American heritage of freedom.
Sarah Hudgins is a warrior for our nations Veterans spending years in Wharton County and Jackson County supporting various endeavors.
She is an auxiliary member presently serving as Vice-President of the East Bernard American Legion Post 266 and is an Honorary Member of American Legion Post 87. Former Texas Governor, Rick Perry appointed Sarah an Admiral in the Texas Navy.
For over five years Sarah has interviewed local Veterans in their homes and nursing facilities to compile, “A Soldier’s Story”, which the three local newspapers publish as a monthly feature column. Each article tells the story of a soldier’s journey while in military service.
Twice, Sarah was able to bring the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to Wharton County which allowed area citizens to personally honor our fallen heroes for their sacrifice and for their service. For her efforts in bringing the Wall to Wharton County, she was named Citizen of the Year.
Beginning in 2010, Sarah initiated the “Wreaths Across America” program in Wharton County. Sarah Chaired the Vietnam 50th Anniversary Celebration and has had 3 highways renamed to honor a Wharton County Veteran and is currently working on 2 more which are HB 1221 and HB 1303.
During Hurricane Harvey she was instrumental in opening Wharton American Legion Hall as a shelter for displaced citizens. She organized Marine Core Junior ROTC from Monty Tech to come to Wharton County to assist in rebuilding homes.
She is even called upon to sit with dying WWII Veterans to write their final letters to the community.
Phil Stephenson, of the Texas House of Representatives, District 85 wrote, “Words cannot be spoken or written for Sarah Hudgins unselfish work and complete devotion to our Veterans and what she has accomplished for our community and nation. Her actions will help set standards for future generations to know and respect what our heroes of America did in protecting our freedoms and liberties of this great nation. She is truly one of our unsung heroes.”
