Peter Sheppard was born and raised in Colonie, New York, and joined the United States Marine Corps following high school. After his military service, he spent his career in aviation as an air traffic controller and later in FAA air traffic management, retiring in 2014. Now residing in Central New York, Peter remains active in civic and historical interests. In 2025, he joined the Sons of the American Revolution through his Revolutionary ancestor, Daniel Evarts, who fought with the Connecticut 6th.
Bill Dieffenbacher was raised in Fairfield, New York, in a family deeply rooted in local history and preservation. His lifelong interest in heritage and genealogy led him to join the Sons of the American Revolution in 2024 through his Revolutionary ancestor, Captain John Hoover, who fought at the Battle of Oriskany. A mechanical engineer by training, Bill spent 38 years designing advanced electronics for aerospace and transportation systems before retiring in 2019. He now remains actively involved in historical, civic, and service organizations in Fairfield while enjoying the outdoors, volunteer work, and staying busy in retirement.
George Gydesen was raised in Lyons Falls N Y. He joined the Marine Corps after high School, serving 2 years sea duty aboard the USS Boxer LPH-4 ships detachment, later serving at Camp Lejeune, NC with the 2nd 8-inch Artillery and in the Provost Marshals Office in Puerto Rico. After military service 1961-1968, he worked as a millwright and attended Mohawk Valley Community College receiving an Associate’s Degree. He has been Commander of the Marine Corps League Detachment 961, Commander VFW Post 6912, Oriskany Battle Chapter SAR as President for several terms and has been the Empire State Society President. He has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Patriot Medal and War Service Medal with oak cluster, awarded from the State Society, and the Liberty Medal with clusters from the National Society. His SAR root ancestor is Ephraim Webster who served as the moderator of the Committee of Safety in Newbury, now Vermont, and also in the militia, as well as his son ASA Webster who was a drummer, Col. Olcott regiment.
