Rebecca “Becky” M. West, of Fayetteville, Ga., has been named Outstanding Chapter Regent at the recent state conference of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Athens.

West received a certificate and pin to add to the numerous others she has already earned. She said, “It is the smallest pin on the DAR ribbon, but, it is the biggest job in this organization you’ll ever undertake at the local level.”

West received the prestigious award after serving as regent, or senior officer, of the Augustin Clayton Chapter for the last two years. She had previously served as the chapter publicity chairman, historian and treasurer. The chapter, which includes about 200 women in Fayette, Clayton, and Henry counties, is one of 112 in Georgia.

West’s award resulted from a litany of accomplishments by her chapter during her tenure in the areas of historic preservation, education and patriotism. Her chapter had already been recognized especially for its 2005 Constitution Week project which involved placing patriotic decals on trucks that travelled 165,000 miles during the month of September.

Among the other achievements leading to the award was a program in association with the USO which provided support and recognition to military personnel enroute to Iraq through Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. West is especially proud of memorial ceremonies at the gravesites of American Revolution veterans that were marked by musketry salutes and the playing of bagpipes.

A resident of Fayetteville for 23 years, West previously taught English, literature and journalism in the public schools after receiving a B.A. degree in English from Randolph-Macon College. She presently serves as vice-president of Tophatter Aviation Consultants, Inc. where she assists her husband, Dave, in managing their company. They have five children and eight grandchildren.

West believes fervently in the role of Christianity in the founding and development of the United States. She says her work with the DAR and her faith in God are intertwined. She is a charter member of All Saints Anglican Church in Peachtree City where she serves on the governing board, or Vestry. She also is chairwoman of the Flower Guild, leading the women that decorate the altar at all the services.

The DAR was founded in 1890 and is the largest women’s service organization in the world. Its motto is “God, Home, and Country.” Its membership includes over 180,000 women in the United States and in nine other countries. Members must be at least 18 years old and be able to prove their descent from a patriot serving during the American Revolution.

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