In 1980 Illustrious Fred Bridgeman authorized the formulation of the Kena Hillbilly Unit. The Unit started with 7 members and grew to 15 charter members by the end of 1980. The Unit has experienced a steady growth each year and by 1986 the membership was hovering at the 60 mark.

On January 28, 1980 Noble Mike Abraham donated $1,000 to the Unit for the purchase of a 1928 Chevrolet Truck Title # 22 685778.

The first parade attended was the Apple Blossom Parade in Winchester,Virginia. The most memorable event of the parade was said to have been when the vehicle had a flat tire.

Then came 1981 with almost 20 members. The Hillbillys were given the OLD KENAGRAM room to use. Our members began transforming it into what we have come to know and enjoy as the Hillbilly Room. First on the agenda was the rewiring of the room and installation of our famed "Barrel Bar".

1982 would be a landmark year for the Hillbillys. A year for firsts. Beginning with our membership, we would be more than 30 members strong before the end of the year. The Hillbilly Unit would receive awards for appearance at the Fireman's Parade in Warrenton and the Fourth of July Parade in Fairfax.

By 1983 membership was around 38. We had grown significantly in just three short years. The Kena Hillbillys would boast its best year as a unit for its attendance in Temple Parades. 1983 saw wins at parades in Reston, Alexandria (G.W.) McLean and Warrenton. There was more to this year than just parades and winning awards. As we built our membership, we also built our friendships and strengthened our pride and you know what? People began to take notice.

The year 1984 would see membership of 50. Our Unit Room was taking on a definite character of its own. The Hillbilly 50 Club was responsible for Outfitting our room so comfortably. The Tires and Wheels Fund, through the sale of Hillbilly watches, raised the needed funds to enable the unit to purchase its first trailer which will allow us to transport our vehicles for longer and more distant functions. The First Annual Hillbilly Dance proved to be a huge success even beyond our own expectations. 1984, oh how we grew.

1985 saw even greater success with our major fund raiser of the year and our Second Annual Hillbilly Dance. This would be indeed a year renowned by music for this year was to be the beginning of our very own "C Flat Band". Who ever said that you couldn't teach and old dog new tricks just didn't know not'in bout Hillbillys.

Our membership still striving upwards and growing ever closer to 60. 1985 saw us with a win at the Warrenton "Fireman's Parade" for the best antique vehicle. How does that song go? it's a small world after all.

In 1991 the Hillbillys had another first one of our very own Hillbillys was elected to the Divan. Noble Don Moore was elected as the Oriental Guide.

In 1992 Don Moore was elected to become High Priest and Prophet. Yet another step closer to the Potentate's chair.

In 1993 Don Moore was elected to become the Assistant Raban. Another Hillbilly was elected to the Divan. Noble Jerry Oliver was elected as the Oriental Guide.

1994 started with our membership at a healthy 72. Hillbilly Noble Don Moore was elected to advance to Chief Raban and Jerry Oliver to High Priest and Prophet. Not to dampen our installation ceremony by the bad weather, we had it in spite of it, and those who attended had a great time. However, the year started out on a sad note when our Director's Lady, Linda Barber passed away in her sleep. On March 12th, we held our Eleventh Annual Hillbilly Dance. Boy, what a time we all had. Made a little money as well. The unit purchased another trailer to haul our cars to parades and events. The unit participated once again in the MASA Convention held in Virginia Beach, VA. The Unit elected to take on the chore of organizing other Hillbilly Units in the MASA area to form a Hillbilly Association. Noble Ron Hamilton volunteered to take the lead in this endeavor. The Unit joined the SASA Hillbilly Association during this years SASA Convention held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A new set of Unit by-laws was adopted on September 14th. The Assistant Director Mike Seely, Sr. was elected to serve as the 1995 Vice President of the SASA Hillbilly Association during the annual association meeting in Myrtle Beach, SC. The year came to a close with our annual Christmas Party.

1995 started out great. Our membership was at 59. Noble Don Moore became the first Kena Hillbilly to be elected as the Potentate of Kena Temple. Noble Jerry Oliver was elected to advance to the position of Assistant Raban. The Hillbilly Unit is very proud to represent and support our Illustrious Potentate Don Moore this year and look forward to 1997 when Noble Jerry will attain that Illustrious position in our Temple. Our Installation was held in the Anek with the Illustrious Potentate Don Moore as the Installing Officer. Great turn-out and the first time a Kena Hillbilly Potentate installed his own Unit Director, Noble Mike Seely, Sr. On March 25, the Unit held the 12th Annual Hillbilly Dance. Boy what a success this was. Attendance was great and participation by the other Temple Units was outstanding. Another very fruitful dance by the Unit members and our Ladies. During this year, the Unit elected to raise the dues from the previous S13 per year to S40 per year. As a result, each member in good standing, will receive two (2) tickets to the Hillbilly Dance for that year. This was a significant milestone for the Unit since the annual dues has remained at $13 for the past several years. The Unit Room took on a refreshing look. Thanks to some of the members, the room was painted and vinyl was placed along the bottom portion of the room. The furniture was set up different and the carpet was professionally cleaned. The room looks bigger and quite different than before. Our Unit Room is now adorned with an American Flag donated to the Unit by the Unit Director. The final touch for the room were new curtains which were hand made by one of our Ladies, Mary Armenakis.

Joe Evans was elected Director of the Hillbilly Unit for 1996.