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Dispatches From HQ
TEXAS DIVISION DISPATCHES
FY 2012 MRS Renewal System Statements
Adjutants and Commanders,
The Membership renewal notices for the FY 2012 Member Renewal System will be sent to the members on or about 1 July 2012, through the United States Postal Service.
The MRS System is a system whereby members of the Texas Division are sent a notice of renewal that outlines what the member owes for the coming FY 2012 year in dues. The notice includes National dues, Division dues, Camp dues and additional donations to which he may wish to donate to in one or more or all of 6 categories. The notices are sent direct to the members at their current address of record and the member will receive the notice in the mail.
The notices will be mailed out by the end of June and should be in the members mailbox by the first week in July.
The member should make payment of his dues direct to the Camp Adjutant listed on his dues renewal notice as his Camp Adjutant (or Commander in some instances). The Camp Adjutant (or Commander) will consolidate the dues payments periodically when enough are received and then send the dues payments for National dues into National Headquarters for the National portion of dues and send payments of the Texas Division dues into the Texas Division Adjutant for the Texas Division portion of dues. Each camp will, of course, keep the Camp dues portion of the dues payments for the Camp treasury if the Camp charges camp dues. In addition, the Camp Adjutant should keep a record of the additional donations given under the 6 categories of additional giving reflected on the dues notice and at some point in time when the Adjutant submits dues payment he should also submit the payment of the donations made by the members into the Texas Division along with the submittal of dues to the Texas Division Adjutant. The donations DO NOT go to National Headquarters. The donations are a Texas Division project.
I will be sending each Camp a notice of their Camp’s MRS Run Roster that will reflect the amount of dues owed by the member. This can be used for recording dues payments from your members should you so desire. Some of the newer members may not be reflected on the roster as they may not have been posted or processed at the time the MRS run was being processed.
I realize that this may be old information for many of you but we do have several new Camps and Adjutants who have never been through the process and they may need this information for guidance.
If any of you need help or have more questions regarding the MRS renewals or how to process them just give me a call and we can discuss it and I will be happy to assist you through this and give you more information on how best to do this.
Best regards,
Ray Wainner
Texas Division Adjutant
Sons of Confederate Veterans
(830) 336-4495
rwainner@gvtc.com
Camp Dues Submittals
Camp Dues Should be Submitted to the following addresses:
National
Adjutant-in-Chief
Sons of Confederate Veterans
P. O. Box 59 Columbia, TN 38402-0059
Division
Ray Wainner
505 Dresden Wood Drive
Boerne, TX 78006-5878 rwainner@gvtc.com
Texas Tribune: Fight for Historical Marker Sparks Race Concerns
Letter From Some Members of the Texas Legislature to the Texas Historical Commission Chair
H.K. Edgerton's Response
New DVD Released by the Texas Division Media Group
Black October 1862 A Documentary Film The Story of the Great Gainesville Hanging
With a donation of $20.00 (includes shipping) a copy will be rushed to you!
For more info contact David Moore or (817) 599-7748
Make checks out to David Moore.
All money donated goes to the Sons of Confederate Veterans - Texas Division.
Texas Division Commemorative Revolver
Now available from A&A Engraving
807 E. Saint Andrew St
Rapid City, SD 57701
800-243-4641
infodbird@aaengraving.com
www.aaengraving.com
02/16/13 Texas Division Commander Interviewed About Flag Plaza on Interstate 10
02/10/11 Minutes of Texas Division Executive Council, Sons of Confederate Veterans
INTERNATIONAL HQ DISPATCHES
06/05/13 SCV Telegraph - Funding Deadline 06/17/13
Compatriots,
The Budget and Finance Committee will review funding requests prior to the GEC (General Executive Council) Pre-Reunion meeting. Those requests must be received no later than June 17, 2013 and must be received in one of two formats, to be considered at that time!
It is preferred that requests and supporting documentation be sent as attachments to an email message directed to Adjutant-in-Chief Ritchie aic@scv.org and Executive Director Sewell exedir@scv.org
If you send the request and supporting documents in hard-copy format, they must be sent to AIC Ritchie, Executive Director Sewell and Army Commanders Earnest, Strain and Owens, who also serve on the Budget and Finance Committee. Mailing addresses can be found on the National Committee page at:
http://www.scv.org/committeeView.php?cid=BFf
Those requesting funds should read the Funding Proposal Guidelines found on the Forms and Documents page of scv.org at: http://www.scv.org/pdf/FundingProposalGuidelines.pdf
The form to be used to make a Funding Request is also on the Forms and Documents page at:
http://www.scv.org/pdf/SCVFundRequests.pdf
The information requested on the form is the minimum that is needed to consider a request. Those making requests are encouraged to submit supporting information if it helps clarify the purpose and other particulars of the project.
If you have any questions regarding the guidelines, form or process, please contact me.
Stephen Lee Ritchie
Adjutant-in-Chief
aic@scv.org
(765) 759-8038
05/09/13
The N. B. Forrest Camp 215 Memphis, and the Tennessee Division SCV are pleased to announce the passage of the Tennessee Heritage Protection Act of 2013.
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has recently signed into law the Heritage Protection Act.This law, which applies to the entire state and all cities, prohibits the renaming, removal, or relocating of any military monument or item, such as a statue or flag display, or park, and includes streets and school names, or any other item so honoring a military unit or person. It is effective as of April 1, 2013, and applies to any military item from the French and Indian War through the Mid-East wars, and all US wars in between, including the War Between the States.
This legislation, the basic text of which was written by Lee Millar, SCV Chief of Protocol and LtCdr of the Tennessee Division, was introduced to the Legislature by Tenn Div Cdr Mike Beck to the Senate and Millar to the House, and was passed overwhelmingly by both the House and the Senate by a combined vote of 95-25.Thanks also to those many compatriots who wrote in to their senators and representatives in support.
04/22/13 SCV Telegraph - Educational Resource
Compatriots:
Some time ago, the McNeill Camp, on behalf of the Georgia Division put together an outstanding educational CD, A Southern View of History: The War for Southern Independence, The Other side of the Coin. At a recent GEC meeting, this outstanding work became a topic of discussion.
Because the work was so thorough, the CD could be the basis of a school curriculum -- indeed, this was the original purpose. However, it would probably do us some good to go "back to school" and review it, ourselves.
However you can best utilize this resource, please do so. It can be accessed through the following link
http://www.scv.org/curriculum/
As always, don't "hoard a blessing" -- share this with others. For the Cause,
Gene Hogan Chief of Heritage Defense Sons of Confederate Veterans (866) 681 - 7314
04/14/13 SCV Telegraph - SCV Law Enforcement Award
Compatriots:
The attacks of our enemies are relentless. Their determination is only exceeded by their hatred of the things we honor. As you know, one tactic has been to accuse the SCV of all manner of improper behavior and attempt to peddle these fabrications with law enforcement agencies. While we reject these accusations that have, for the most part, fallen on deaf ears, it is time for us to speak proactively on the merits of the SCV in our local communities. Furthermore, the men and women of our sheriffs and police departments, as well as our state troopers deserve a word of thanks for all that they do for their fellow citizens. With that in mind, please review the following -- http://www.scv.org/pdf/lawcert.pdf
This is our new Law Enforcement Appreciation Award. We're asking EVERY CAMP to download this, prepare it in whatever way you deem appropriate and present it to these public servants in your community. You may present this to an individual or an entire department. You might want to utilize a regular camp meeting, a special event such as Memorial Day or make this a stand-alone event. You have the latitude to do this in whatever way you choose, just, please do it! Likewise, we're asking EVERY DIVISION to make a similar presentation to their highway patrol -- again, either an individual or the agency.
Some key points to remember:
1. Get the most public relations benefit possible -- press release, picture for the local paper, etc.
2. This needs to happen during the week of May 12-18, Law Enforcement Appreciation Week; we want to make this an annual effort
3. Please share your results with us
That's it. A relatively simple act can put us on the path to a good relationship with our local and state law enforcement agencies. Please take advantage of this opportunity.
Michael Givens Commander-in-Chief (931) 442-1831Gene Hogan Chief of Heritage Defense (866) 681 - 7314
04/04/13 CIC Givens in Huffington Post Debate
04/03/13 Dallas Observer Newspaper Article about the SCV
Confederate Group Shuns Memphis, Moves Convention to Civil War Hotbed Richardson
By Eric Nicholson
There's been a bit of a fuss lately over the Memphis City Council's decision to change the name of three city parks, scrubbing them clean of any reference to the Confederacy in hopes of making them more inviting to residents who may not exactly have felt welcome in early-1860s Tennessee.
Gone are Jefferson Davis Park, named for the CSA's first president; Nathan Bedford Forrest Park, honoring a Confederate lieutenant general and the Klan's first grand wizard; and the straightforward Confederate Park. Temporarily at least, they'll be Memphis Park, Mississippi River Park and Health Sciences Park.
The switch has inspired a backlash from groups that celebrate Confederate heritage. Like the Ku Klux Klan.
Far less odious groups have also cried foul, too. The Sons of Confederate Veterans, which is much more interested in preserving an undeniably important piece of the country's history than celebrating racial injustice (an almost impossibly fine line to walk), is among them.
The group had been leaning toward hosting its 2016 convention in Memphis, which made a certain amount of sense. The Sons of the Confederacy is headquartered a few hours to the east, in Columbia, Tennessee, and the city served as an early Confederate base and the site of a significant naval battle. The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported today that the organization has changed its mind and has instead chosen the noted Confederate stronghold of Richardson, Texas.
The decision isn't quite as arbitrary as it sounds. Ben Sewell, III, SOC's executive director, tells Unfair Park that local chapters submit proposals to host the annual convention and that only two had been received for 2016. One came from Memphis, the other from Richardson.
The decision to pick Richardson will still have to be ratified by the SCV's governing council, which Sewell expects to happen. He's not a member of the committee that made the recommendation and so can't speak for them but said Memphis' decision to rename the parks played a role.
"It certainly was a factor," he said. "It's something where you don't normally want to spend your money somewhere you don't feel [welcome]."
So, come July 2016, look for a ragtag band of gray-clad Civil War enthusiasts to be marching into Richardson.
03/30/13 Flag Flies Proudly in Roscoe, TX
02/17/13 SCV Telegraph - SCV Wristbands
Compatriots:
Recently, we "test marketed" some rubber wristbands designed for students. They are simple, inexpensive items, gray, debossed with "SCV.ORG." Obviously, they function as a recruiting tool as well as a reference to our website. Their value is far beyond that, however. It allows our young people to create a "club" of their classmates and friends that also respect their Confederate Heritage. The medium is one that has become very popular (Christian messages, Lance Armstrong's LiveStrong, etc.), particularly with young people.
These were originally distributed to the 20 largest camps -- we received some good feedback, so now we want to distribute them on a wider basis. We have approximately 600 left. Please contact GHQ and request them as needed. We can make supplies available when those are exhausted, but there will be a small charge.
As we approach the end of the school year, we want to use these in conjunction with promoting the Sam Davis Youth Camp. Please help us by getting these to young people that are student SCV members or camp attendees.
Gene Hogan
Chief of Heritage Defense
Sons of Confederate Veterans
(866) 681 - 7314
02/17/13 SCV Telegraph - Heritage Rally 2013 Thank You
Compatriots,
I wish to personally thank all of you who made to effort to be at Beauvoir yesterday. The heritage rally was inspiring and the new Library is a thing of grandeur. My special thanks to Chairman Rick Forte and Exec Dir Bert Hayes-Davis for allowing us to combine these two awesome events. This event would not gone nearly as smooth , or not at all, with out the on ground work of Greg Stewart! As well, my sincerest thanks to Paul Grambling for taking charge and organizing the rifle company and the firing of salutes. Next year's event will be in Franklin, TN!
Chuck McMichael
Sesquicentennial Chairman
03/05/13 SCV Telegraph - Memphis Heritage - Update
Dear Compatriots:
We appear to now be "at war" in Memphis. Our brothers there have acted in an exemplary manner, but have been met with contempt. Lee Millar, the SCV representative there sent this to me on Thursday afternoon --
Gene, It appears that our Memphis City Council will not be swayed by facts or reason and are determined to erase our Confederate Parks. We must now resort to the courts.
We are strapping in for, perhaps, a long, rough ride. It will take money to see this through - and see it through we must. This is one of the most important Heritage battles that we have faced in a number of years, so we need to "count the cost." Does this matter... are we willing to contribute to this fight... if we should loose, what then? How do we put a price on this?
I am sending you, again, the link for the legal defense fund website--
http://citizenstosaveourparks.org/
Here, also, is the mailing address:
Citizens To Save Our Parks
P.O. Box 241875
Memphis, TN 38124
I'm throwing out a challenge - HELP OUR COMPATRIOTS IN MEMPHIS RAISE $60,000 BY THE END OF THE MONTH. It shouldn't be that hard... this works out to about $2 for every SCV member - and this is EVERYONE'S fight.
Give generously; send to the above address
If you are unable to give, encourage your Camp Commander to lead in a giving effort - camp allocation, "pass the hat" collection, whatever
Division Commanders: take the lead, here. Challenge the other Divisions to meet your contributions; motivate your Camp Commanders
Distribute this to members of other Heritage organizations (UDC, DAR, SAR, etc.), as well as veterans groups (VFW, American Legion, etc) - this is not just "our Confederate problem", but part of a larger problem of deconstructing our history as Americans
Most importantly... PRAY
This is when we decide what we're all about as an organization... "Meet, Greet, Eat and Retreat?" How 'bout, "Turn up the Heat; Send our enemies to Defeat!"
Let's show the world that the name of our one and only President... the name of our most innovative and overachieving General and the simple moniker, "Confederate" still mean something... not only in Memphis, but throughout Dixie and beyond. Please give.
Gene Hogan
Chief of Heritage Defense
(866) 681 - 7314
chief.heritage@gmail.com
02/17/13 SCV Telegraph - Recruitment Tents
02/12/13 SCV Telegraph - Support Virginia Compatriot
Compatriots:
Below is an incredible (and sad and ridiculous) story. It concerns Tripp Lewis, the man that was "roughed up" by contract security officers working at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA). You probably know that we have had a long-standing problem at VMFA, which is situated on the grounds of the Old Soldiers Home.
The article below should be complete -- a narrative of the situation, video of the incident and most importantly, AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEFENSE OF OUR COMPATRIOT.
I need you to distribute this far and wide. This is a fight -- we need your contribution, whatever you can afford. We need your prayers also -- this is one of several fronts in a battle that has heated up to an incredible magnitude (i.e. Reidsville NC, Selma AL, Memphis, etc.).
Anything will help. Now is the time to step up -- our enemies need to see that this is NEVER going to be tolerated.
Thank you,
Gene Hogan
Chief of Heritage Defense
(866) 681 - 7314
******************************************************************************************************************************
On January 12th, 1908, Confederate Veteran Richard Elam was admitted as a resident to the Old Soldiers Home on the Boulevard in Richmond, Virginia, homeless and with no means of support. Private Elam had served with the 6th Va Infantry, Co. K in the War Between the States and was taken prisoner by the enemy at Petersburg. He was but 12 years old when he entered the Confederate Army and fought to defend Virginia.
105 years later, January 12th, 2013, his cousin, Mr Tripp Lewis decided to take the opportunity to honor the anniversary of his arrival on those same grounds, now designated perpetually as "Confederate Memorial Park". Tripp is a Virginia Flagger and an active member of the SCV.
Immediately upon stepping onto the grounds, Mr. Lewis was approached by a Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (V.M.F.A.) Security Guard, who told him to leave the property. Mr. Lewis explained that he was there as a Virginia citizen to honor his ancestor who had lived and died on the property. After some discussion, and when he attempted to leave the property and return to the public sidewalk, Mr. Lewis was arrested by museum security guards. He was charged with misdemeanor trespassing and released immediately on his own recognizance.
http://wtvr.com/2013/01/14/man-arrested-outside-the-vmfa-after-displaying-confederate-flag/
While the Virginia Flaggers have always engaged in peaceful protests, and followed all legal directives by authorities, we will not stand idly by while others are bullied or illegally harassed. Although Mr. Lewis was acting as a private citizen in this instance, we offer him our full support and will stand by him in his defense of these unfair and unreasonable charges.
We know that there were only the most honorable intentions of one man and his children... to honor their ancestor on the hallowed grounds of the park, and it is apparent that museum officials were determined to make an example of him, in the presence of his children.
Nevertheless, the forthcoming legal proceedings will offer us the chance to challenge the arbitrary and ever-changing restrictions placed on the Flaggers by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and allow a court of law to decide the constitutionality of restricting the display of a Confederate Flag on Virginia State Property, specifically designated as "Confederate Memorial Park".
It will also allow us the opportunity to further expose the discriminatory and illegal act of the forced removal of Confederate flags from the portico of the Confederate Memorial Chapel and give us grounds to introduce this evidence into the public record via court proceedings and legal filings.
Now is the time for VMFA officials to recognize that there would be no Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, but for the generosity of the men of the Robert E. Lee Camp #1, United Confederate Veterans, who put their faith and trust in the Commonwealth that sent them to war....the same Commonwealth who now desecrates the Confederate Memorial Chapel, and threatens, intimidates, and arrests descendants of Confederate veterans who wish to honor their ancestors by carrying a Confederate flag on the very same grounds built by Confederate Veterans.
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+15.2-1812
Mr. Lewis has a court appearance on March 21st, at which time he will advise the court of his attorney of record. The judge gave the V.M.F.A. a smack down when they tried to have Tripp banned from the property, and the request was denied.
Tripp has secured a lawyer to handle his defense and he needs funds as soon as possible in order to retain his services. The fees will be $3,000 and he needs to secure the funds immediately so that his case can be properly prepared.
An account has been set up to receive donations.Please make checks payable to: Tripp Lewis Legal Defense Fund and mail to:
Tripp Lewis Legal Defense Fund
P.O. Box 7938
Richmond, VA 23223
There is also the option to contribute by PayPal using this link:
http://www.vaflaggers.com/donate.html
Donors do not need a PayPal account. All major credit cards are accepted.
Tripp is a dedicated warrior in the battle to preserve our Heritage and he deserves our support! He answers every call to action, including this one, when the RE Lee Statue in Richmond was vandalized in November, 2012...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CG7_bEK2sXQ
His unwavering determination to honor our ancestors is the reason a Confederate Flag now flies over the 17,000 + Confederate dead at Oakwood Cemetery... http://vimeo.com/58484387
These are just a FEW examples of the many, many hours Tripp and his family have dedicated to defending our Heritage. He deserves our respect and our support.
Thank you in advance,
Grayson Jennings
VA Flaggers
01/31/13 SCV Telegraph - Relief Fund
01/23/13 SCV Telegraph - Congressional Insult
12/18/12 SCV Telegraph - More On Lincoln Movie
Compatriots:
You're all familiar with the axiom, "If life gives you lemons..." or the more contemporary, "Never waste a crisis." So it is with the Spielberg's Lincoln. While we are chagrined to see the further veneration of one who so callously trampled the Constitution and caused an unparallelled loss of American lives, it does create a teachable moment in the lives of our friends that might have been intellectually victimized with bad history.
If the film has sparked some interest in history, please share the linked document with them. It is a PDF version of the essay by Donnie Kennedy in the current Confederate Veteran. http://www.confederate150.com/files/lt.pdf
It will correct their historical bearings, helping them to not only understand events of a century and a half past, but the current political dynamic, as well. It might even work as a recruiting tool.
Like you, I have observed much good information about Lincoln going around on e-mail. However, we don't need to overlook what is right under our nose -- and this way, you don't have to hand over your magazine or cut out the article. While I have your attention, let me encourage you to look for these brilliant essays in each issue -- they are goldmine of good information.
Gene Hogan
Chief of Heritage Defense
(866) 681 - 7314
12/11/12 SCV Telegraph - Dixie State College
11/20/12 SCV Telegraph - Lincoln Film Is Propaganda
10/28/12 SCV Telegraph - GEC Meeting at Elm Springs Held October 27
10/12/12 SCV Calls for Investigation of Carter House Association
10/04/12 Confederate Navy Grave Marker Denied by VA
10/02/12 SCV Telegraph - SCV.WeCare - NEW feature!
Compatriots,
Just a reminder to use the SCV Online Mall, when shopping online.
http://scv.we-care.com
Announcing a way NEW way to raise money for the SCV on this site. The homepage has a search engine on it that you can use just like Google or Bing. Any time you want to do an internet search use the the SCV site. We will receive 1 cent for each search.
Doesn't sound like much? If a 1,000 people did one search a day, that adds up to $10 a day, or $3,650 a year. Imagine if they did 10 searches. You can do the math. A little bit can add up to a lot. So give it a try and spread the word!
09/26/12 SCV Telegraph - CSA Coins Update!
Compatriots:
Today there is important news about the CSA Sesquicentennial Commemorative Coin Collection. We are proud to announce the arrival of, not one, but two new coins - Arkansas and Georgia! Now you can honor the contributions of these two states to the Confederate Cause as well as acquire valuable keepsakes from this significant and profound period of historical observance.
These 1 oz. coins, minted with a glossy finish, are beautiful! The Arkansas coin bears 3-D images of Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne, the "Stonewall of the West" on the obverse and the CSS Arkansas on the reverse. As for the Georgia coin, you'll see the images of two memorials to that state's Confederates, the Stone Mountain carving on the obverse and the 1956 state flag on the reverse. Like all the coins, they are made, 100%, of .999 purity silver, not merely plating or overlay, with each coin being serially numbered (only 3000 of each state). The product of the The Highland Mint, the coins are encased in a protective capsule and will arrive in a black velvet box with their certificate of authenticity.
A single coin is yours for ONLY $99! No tax, shipping or handling need be added to your order. All proceeds from this program will go to the work of the SCV and YOUR division can participate in the revenue sharing!This is available to ALL divisions, not just the 13 states of the Confederacy.
Go to csacoins.com and view the newly released Arkansas and Georgia coins -- and all the others, also. You'll see their images, front and back, as well as the stories behind them. As you enter the website, you'll be greeted by the Premium Collection, a presentation of all 13 coins arrayed in the familiar Southern Cross formation, reminiscent of the Battle Flag. Each coin in the Premium Collection will carry a consistent serial number and will be placed in a handcrafted wooden display case. This product is the maximum experience of the CSA Sesquicentennial Commemorative Coin Collection.
On the reservation form you will be asked for a Promotional Code. This is nothing more than your state's two-character postal code (i.e. AL, NC, TX, etc.). For each coin purchased using your code, your division will earn $12.Furthermore, for each 500 coin orders with your code, your division will receive a $1000 BONUS.
So, get the word out and start earning funds for your division! Link to the website... use your division and camp newsletters... prepare fliers... be creative. Help us to market this one-of-a-kind product well beyond the bounds of the SCV. Earn revenue on ANY purchase, not just those from SCV members. Make the Sesquicentennial memorable for you and a financial success for your division. Visit csacoins.com today!
09/20/12 SCV Telegraph- Honored Law Officer killed
Compatriots,
Last night, Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever was killed in a one vehicle rollover accident near Williams, in northwest Arizona. He had been there to attend the funeral of his mother. Sheriff Dever was the 2012 recipient of the SCV's Hoover Law & Order award . The Arizona Division and Camp 1710 will send an appropriate memorial to the funeral.
Curt Tipton
Adjutant, Arizona Division SCV
Adjutant, Confederate Secret Service Camp 1710 Fort Huachuca, AZ
09/20/12 SCV Telegraph- Defend the Forrest Statue
09/18/2012 Passing of a Southern Lady,
Compatriots,
Mrs. JoAnn Rand, mother of past Louisiana Division Commander, past Adjutant-in-Chief, and Current Chief of Staff Chuck Rand passed away yesterday after being diagnosed with cancer a mere 30 days ago. Chuck said this morning that it had gotten to the point where even the morphine wasn't helping her anymore, but now she is okay and with the Lord.
Funeral arraignments are as follows: Visitation will be at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Monroe from 5pm to 8pm Thursday evening with the funeral at Parkview Baptist Church on Forsythe Avenue Friday morning at 10am. She will be buried in the Vicksburg City Cemetery next to her mother.
Please keep Chuck and his family in your thoughtswhile they undergo the loss of their mother and the change it brings to their lives.
M. Todd Owens
Commander Army of Trans Mississippi
Sons of Confederate Veterans
08/21/2012 Below are the links to the 2013 and 2014 SCV National Reunions
Vicksburg, MS 2013
Charlston, SC 2014
08/21/2012 Georgia Mourns The Passing Of Her Last "Real Son"
07/29/2012 SCV Responds to Glenn Beck Propaganda and Falsehoods
07/19/2012 2012 Reunion News
FY 2012 MRS Renewal System Statements
Adjutants and Commanders,
The Membership renewal notices for the FY 2012 Member Renewal System will be sent to the members on or about 1 July 2012, through the United States Postal Service.
The MRS System is a system whereby members of the Texas Division are sent a notice of renewal that outlines what the member owes for the coming FY 2012 year in dues. The notice includes National dues, Division dues, Camp dues and additional donations to which he may wish to donate to in one or more or all of 6 categories. The notices are sent direct to the members at their current address of record and the member will receive the notice in the mail.
The notices will be mailed out by the end of June and should be in the members mailbox by the first week in July.
The member should make payment of his dues direct to the Camp Adjutant listed on his dues renewal notice as his Camp Adjutant (or Commander in some instances). The Camp Adjutant (or Commander) will consolidate the dues payments periodically when enough are received and then send the dues payments for National dues into National Headquarters for the National portion of dues and send payments of the Texas Division dues into the Texas Division Adjutant for the Texas Division portion of dues. Each camp will, of course, keep the Camp dues portion of the dues payments for the Camp treasury if the Camp charges camp dues. In addition, the Camp Adjutant should keep a record of the additional donations given under the 6 categories of additional giving reflected on the dues notice and at some point in time when the Adjutant submits dues payment he should also submit the payment of the donations made by the members into the Texas Division along with the submittal of dues to the Texas Division Adjutant. The donations DO NOT go to National Headquarters. The donations are a Texas Division project.
I will be sending each Camp a notice of their Camp’s MRS Run Roster that will reflect the amount of dues owed by the member. This can be used for recording dues payments from your members should you so desire. Some of the newer members may not be reflected on the roster as they may not have been posted or processed at the time the MRS run was being processed.
I realize that this may be old information for many of you but we do have several new Camps and Adjutants who have never been through the process and they may need this information for guidance.
If any of you need help or have more questions regarding the MRS renewals or how to process them just give me a call and we can discuss it and I will be happy to assist you through this and give you more information on how best to do this.
Best regards,
Ray Wainner
Texas Division Adjutant
Sons of Confederate Veterans
(830) 336-4495
rwainner@gvtc.com
Camp Dues Submittals
Camp Dues Should be Submitted to the following addresses:
National
Adjutant-in-Chief
Sons of Confederate Veterans
P. O. Box 59 Columbia, TN 38402-0059
Division
Ray Wainner
505 Dresden Wood Drive
Boerne, TX 78006-5878 rwainner@gvtc.com
Texas Tribune: Fight for Historical Marker Sparks Race Concerns
Letter From Some Members of the Texas Legislature to the Texas Historical Commission Chair
H.K. Edgerton's Response
New DVD Released by the Texas Division Media Group
Black October 1862 A Documentary Film The Story of the Great Gainesville Hanging
With a donation of $20.00 (includes shipping) a copy will be rushed to you!
For more info contact David Moore or (817) 599-7748
Make checks out to David Moore.
All money donated goes to the Sons of Confederate Veterans - Texas Division.
Texas Division Commemorative Revolver
Now available from A&A Engraving
807 E. Saint Andrew St
Rapid City, SD 57701
800-243-4641
infodbird@aaengraving.com
www.aaengraving.com
02/16/13 Texas Division Commander Interviewed About Flag Plaza on Interstate 10
02/10/11 Minutes of Texas Division Executive Council, Sons of Confederate Veterans
INTERNATIONAL HQ DISPATCHES
06/05/13 SCV Telegraph - Funding Deadline 06/17/13
Compatriots,
The Budget and Finance Committee will review funding requests prior to the GEC (General Executive Council) Pre-Reunion meeting. Those requests must be received no later than June 17, 2013 and must be received in one of two formats, to be considered at that time!
It is preferred that requests and supporting documentation be sent as attachments to an email message directed to Adjutant-in-Chief Ritchie aic@scv.org and Executive Director Sewell exedir@scv.org
If you send the request and supporting documents in hard-copy format, they must be sent to AIC Ritchie, Executive Director Sewell and Army Commanders Earnest, Strain and Owens, who also serve on the Budget and Finance Committee. Mailing addresses can be found on the National Committee page at:
http://www.scv.org/committeeView.php?cid=BFf
Those requesting funds should read the Funding Proposal Guidelines found on the Forms and Documents page of scv.org at: http://www.scv.org/pdf/FundingProposalGuidelines.pdf
The form to be used to make a Funding Request is also on the Forms and Documents page at:
http://www.scv.org/pdf/SCVFundRequests.pdf
The information requested on the form is the minimum that is needed to consider a request. Those making requests are encouraged to submit supporting information if it helps clarify the purpose and other particulars of the project.
If you have any questions regarding the guidelines, form or process, please contact me.
Stephen Lee Ritchie
Adjutant-in-Chief
aic@scv.org
(765) 759-8038
05/09/13
The N. B. Forrest Camp 215 Memphis, and the Tennessee Division SCV are pleased to announce the passage of the Tennessee Heritage Protection Act of 2013.
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has recently signed into law the Heritage Protection Act.This law, which applies to the entire state and all cities, prohibits the renaming, removal, or relocating of any military monument or item, such as a statue or flag display, or park, and includes streets and school names, or any other item so honoring a military unit or person. It is effective as of April 1, 2013, and applies to any military item from the French and Indian War through the Mid-East wars, and all US wars in between, including the War Between the States.
This legislation, the basic text of which was written by Lee Millar, SCV Chief of Protocol and LtCdr of the Tennessee Division, was introduced to the Legislature by Tenn Div Cdr Mike Beck to the Senate and Millar to the House, and was passed overwhelmingly by both the House and the Senate by a combined vote of 95-25.Thanks also to those many compatriots who wrote in to their senators and representatives in support.
04/22/13 SCV Telegraph - Educational Resource
Compatriots:
Some time ago, the McNeill Camp, on behalf of the Georgia Division put together an outstanding educational CD, A Southern View of History: The War for Southern Independence, The Other side of the Coin. At a recent GEC meeting, this outstanding work became a topic of discussion.
Because the work was so thorough, the CD could be the basis of a school curriculum -- indeed, this was the original purpose. However, it would probably do us some good to go "back to school" and review it, ourselves.
However you can best utilize this resource, please do so. It can be accessed through the following link
http://www.scv.org/curriculum/
As always, don't "hoard a blessing" -- share this with others. For the Cause,
Gene Hogan Chief of Heritage Defense Sons of Confederate Veterans (866) 681 - 7314
04/14/13 SCV Telegraph - SCV Law Enforcement Award
Compatriots:
The attacks of our enemies are relentless. Their determination is only exceeded by their hatred of the things we honor. As you know, one tactic has been to accuse the SCV of all manner of improper behavior and attempt to peddle these fabrications with law enforcement agencies. While we reject these accusations that have, for the most part, fallen on deaf ears, it is time for us to speak proactively on the merits of the SCV in our local communities. Furthermore, the men and women of our sheriffs and police departments, as well as our state troopers deserve a word of thanks for all that they do for their fellow citizens. With that in mind, please review the following -- http://www.scv.org/pdf/lawcert.pdf
This is our new Law Enforcement Appreciation Award. We're asking EVERY CAMP to download this, prepare it in whatever way you deem appropriate and present it to these public servants in your community. You may present this to an individual or an entire department. You might want to utilize a regular camp meeting, a special event such as Memorial Day or make this a stand-alone event. You have the latitude to do this in whatever way you choose, just, please do it! Likewise, we're asking EVERY DIVISION to make a similar presentation to their highway patrol -- again, either an individual or the agency.
Some key points to remember:
1. Get the most public relations benefit possible -- press release, picture for the local paper, etc.
2. This needs to happen during the week of May 12-18, Law Enforcement Appreciation Week; we want to make this an annual effort
3. Please share your results with us
That's it. A relatively simple act can put us on the path to a good relationship with our local and state law enforcement agencies. Please take advantage of this opportunity.
Michael Givens Commander-in-Chief (931) 442-1831Gene Hogan Chief of Heritage Defense (866) 681 - 7314
04/04/13 CIC Givens in Huffington Post Debate
04/03/13 Dallas Observer Newspaper Article about the SCV
Confederate Group Shuns Memphis, Moves Convention to Civil War Hotbed Richardson
By Eric Nicholson
There's been a bit of a fuss lately over the Memphis City Council's decision to change the name of three city parks, scrubbing them clean of any reference to the Confederacy in hopes of making them more inviting to residents who may not exactly have felt welcome in early-1860s Tennessee.
Gone are Jefferson Davis Park, named for the CSA's first president; Nathan Bedford Forrest Park, honoring a Confederate lieutenant general and the Klan's first grand wizard; and the straightforward Confederate Park. Temporarily at least, they'll be Memphis Park, Mississippi River Park and Health Sciences Park.
The switch has inspired a backlash from groups that celebrate Confederate heritage. Like the Ku Klux Klan.
Far less odious groups have also cried foul, too. The Sons of Confederate Veterans, which is much more interested in preserving an undeniably important piece of the country's history than celebrating racial injustice (an almost impossibly fine line to walk), is among them.
The group had been leaning toward hosting its 2016 convention in Memphis, which made a certain amount of sense. The Sons of the Confederacy is headquartered a few hours to the east, in Columbia, Tennessee, and the city served as an early Confederate base and the site of a significant naval battle. The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported today that the organization has changed its mind and has instead chosen the noted Confederate stronghold of Richardson, Texas.
The decision isn't quite as arbitrary as it sounds. Ben Sewell, III, SOC's executive director, tells Unfair Park that local chapters submit proposals to host the annual convention and that only two had been received for 2016. One came from Memphis, the other from Richardson.
The decision to pick Richardson will still have to be ratified by the SCV's governing council, which Sewell expects to happen. He's not a member of the committee that made the recommendation and so can't speak for them but said Memphis' decision to rename the parks played a role.
"It certainly was a factor," he said. "It's something where you don't normally want to spend your money somewhere you don't feel [welcome]."
So, come July 2016, look for a ragtag band of gray-clad Civil War enthusiasts to be marching into Richardson.
03/30/13 Flag Flies Proudly in Roscoe, TX
02/17/13 SCV Telegraph - SCV Wristbands
Compatriots:
Recently, we "test marketed" some rubber wristbands designed for students. They are simple, inexpensive items, gray, debossed with "SCV.ORG." Obviously, they function as a recruiting tool as well as a reference to our website. Their value is far beyond that, however. It allows our young people to create a "club" of their classmates and friends that also respect their Confederate Heritage. The medium is one that has become very popular (Christian messages, Lance Armstrong's LiveStrong, etc.), particularly with young people.
These were originally distributed to the 20 largest camps -- we received some good feedback, so now we want to distribute them on a wider basis. We have approximately 600 left. Please contact GHQ and request them as needed. We can make supplies available when those are exhausted, but there will be a small charge.
As we approach the end of the school year, we want to use these in conjunction with promoting the Sam Davis Youth Camp. Please help us by getting these to young people that are student SCV members or camp attendees.
Gene Hogan
Chief of Heritage Defense
Sons of Confederate Veterans
(866) 681 - 7314
02/17/13 SCV Telegraph - Heritage Rally 2013 Thank You
Compatriots,
I wish to personally thank all of you who made to effort to be at Beauvoir yesterday. The heritage rally was inspiring and the new Library is a thing of grandeur. My special thanks to Chairman Rick Forte and Exec Dir Bert Hayes-Davis for allowing us to combine these two awesome events. This event would not gone nearly as smooth , or not at all, with out the on ground work of Greg Stewart! As well, my sincerest thanks to Paul Grambling for taking charge and organizing the rifle company and the firing of salutes. Next year's event will be in Franklin, TN!
Chuck McMichael
Sesquicentennial Chairman
03/05/13 SCV Telegraph - Memphis Heritage - Update
Dear Compatriots:
We appear to now be "at war" in Memphis. Our brothers there have acted in an exemplary manner, but have been met with contempt. Lee Millar, the SCV representative there sent this to me on Thursday afternoon --
Gene, It appears that our Memphis City Council will not be swayed by facts or reason and are determined to erase our Confederate Parks. We must now resort to the courts.
We are strapping in for, perhaps, a long, rough ride. It will take money to see this through - and see it through we must. This is one of the most important Heritage battles that we have faced in a number of years, so we need to "count the cost." Does this matter... are we willing to contribute to this fight... if we should loose, what then? How do we put a price on this?
I am sending you, again, the link for the legal defense fund website--
http://citizenstosaveourparks.org/
Here, also, is the mailing address:
Citizens To Save Our Parks
P.O. Box 241875
Memphis, TN 38124
I'm throwing out a challenge - HELP OUR COMPATRIOTS IN MEMPHIS RAISE $60,000 BY THE END OF THE MONTH. It shouldn't be that hard... this works out to about $2 for every SCV member - and this is EVERYONE'S fight.
Let's show the world that the name of our one and only President... the name of our most innovative and overachieving General and the simple moniker, "Confederate" still mean something... not only in Memphis, but throughout Dixie and beyond. Please give.
Gene Hogan
Chief of Heritage Defense
(866) 681 - 7314
chief.heritage@gmail.com
02/17/13 SCV Telegraph - Recruitment Tents
02/12/13 SCV Telegraph - Support Virginia Compatriot
Compatriots:
Below is an incredible (and sad and ridiculous) story. It concerns Tripp Lewis, the man that was "roughed up" by contract security officers working at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA). You probably know that we have had a long-standing problem at VMFA, which is situated on the grounds of the Old Soldiers Home.
The article below should be complete -- a narrative of the situation, video of the incident and most importantly, AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEFENSE OF OUR COMPATRIOT.
I need you to distribute this far and wide. This is a fight -- we need your contribution, whatever you can afford. We need your prayers also -- this is one of several fronts in a battle that has heated up to an incredible magnitude (i.e. Reidsville NC, Selma AL, Memphis, etc.).
Anything will help. Now is the time to step up -- our enemies need to see that this is NEVER going to be tolerated.
Thank you,
Gene Hogan
Chief of Heritage Defense
(866) 681 - 7314
******************************************************************************************************************************
On January 12th, 1908, Confederate Veteran Richard Elam was admitted as a resident to the Old Soldiers Home on the Boulevard in Richmond, Virginia, homeless and with no means of support. Private Elam had served with the 6th Va Infantry, Co. K in the War Between the States and was taken prisoner by the enemy at Petersburg. He was but 12 years old when he entered the Confederate Army and fought to defend Virginia.
105 years later, January 12th, 2013, his cousin, Mr Tripp Lewis decided to take the opportunity to honor the anniversary of his arrival on those same grounds, now designated perpetually as "Confederate Memorial Park". Tripp is a Virginia Flagger and an active member of the SCV.
Immediately upon stepping onto the grounds, Mr. Lewis was approached by a Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (V.M.F.A.) Security Guard, who told him to leave the property. Mr. Lewis explained that he was there as a Virginia citizen to honor his ancestor who had lived and died on the property. After some discussion, and when he attempted to leave the property and return to the public sidewalk, Mr. Lewis was arrested by museum security guards. He was charged with misdemeanor trespassing and released immediately on his own recognizance.
http://wtvr.com/2013/01/14/man-arrested-outside-the-vmfa-after-displaying-confederate-flag/
While the Virginia Flaggers have always engaged in peaceful protests, and followed all legal directives by authorities, we will not stand idly by while others are bullied or illegally harassed. Although Mr. Lewis was acting as a private citizen in this instance, we offer him our full support and will stand by him in his defense of these unfair and unreasonable charges.
We know that there were only the most honorable intentions of one man and his children... to honor their ancestor on the hallowed grounds of the park, and it is apparent that museum officials were determined to make an example of him, in the presence of his children.
Nevertheless, the forthcoming legal proceedings will offer us the chance to challenge the arbitrary and ever-changing restrictions placed on the Flaggers by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and allow a court of law to decide the constitutionality of restricting the display of a Confederate Flag on Virginia State Property, specifically designated as "Confederate Memorial Park".
It will also allow us the opportunity to further expose the discriminatory and illegal act of the forced removal of Confederate flags from the portico of the Confederate Memorial Chapel and give us grounds to introduce this evidence into the public record via court proceedings and legal filings.
Now is the time for VMFA officials to recognize that there would be no Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, but for the generosity of the men of the Robert E. Lee Camp #1, United Confederate Veterans, who put their faith and trust in the Commonwealth that sent them to war....the same Commonwealth who now desecrates the Confederate Memorial Chapel, and threatens, intimidates, and arrests descendants of Confederate veterans who wish to honor their ancestors by carrying a Confederate flag on the very same grounds built by Confederate Veterans.
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+15.2-1812
Mr. Lewis has a court appearance on March 21st, at which time he will advise the court of his attorney of record. The judge gave the V.M.F.A. a smack down when they tried to have Tripp banned from the property, and the request was denied.
Tripp has secured a lawyer to handle his defense and he needs funds as soon as possible in order to retain his services. The fees will be $3,000 and he needs to secure the funds immediately so that his case can be properly prepared.
An account has been set up to receive donations.Please make checks payable to: Tripp Lewis Legal Defense Fund and mail to:
Tripp Lewis Legal Defense Fund
P.O. Box 7938
Richmond, VA 23223
There is also the option to contribute by PayPal using this link:
http://www.vaflaggers.com/donate.html
Donors do not need a PayPal account. All major credit cards are accepted.
Tripp is a dedicated warrior in the battle to preserve our Heritage and he deserves our support! He answers every call to action, including this one, when the RE Lee Statue in Richmond was vandalized in November, 2012...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CG7_bEK2sXQ
His unwavering determination to honor our ancestors is the reason a Confederate Flag now flies over the 17,000 + Confederate dead at Oakwood Cemetery... http://vimeo.com/58484387
These are just a FEW examples of the many, many hours Tripp and his family have dedicated to defending our Heritage. He deserves our respect and our support.
Thank you in advance,
Grayson Jennings
VA Flaggers
01/31/13 SCV Telegraph - Relief Fund
01/23/13 SCV Telegraph - Congressional Insult
12/18/12 SCV Telegraph - More On Lincoln Movie
Compatriots:
You're all familiar with the axiom, "If life gives you lemons..." or the more contemporary, "Never waste a crisis." So it is with the Spielberg's Lincoln. While we are chagrined to see the further veneration of one who so callously trampled the Constitution and caused an unparallelled loss of American lives, it does create a teachable moment in the lives of our friends that might have been intellectually victimized with bad history.
If the film has sparked some interest in history, please share the linked document with them. It is a PDF version of the essay by Donnie Kennedy in the current Confederate Veteran. http://www.confederate150.com/files/lt.pdf
It will correct their historical bearings, helping them to not only understand events of a century and a half past, but the current political dynamic, as well. It might even work as a recruiting tool.
Like you, I have observed much good information about Lincoln going around on e-mail. However, we don't need to overlook what is right under our nose -- and this way, you don't have to hand over your magazine or cut out the article. While I have your attention, let me encourage you to look for these brilliant essays in each issue -- they are goldmine of good information.
Gene Hogan
Chief of Heritage Defense
(866) 681 - 7314
12/11/12 SCV Telegraph - Dixie State College
11/20/12 SCV Telegraph - Lincoln Film Is Propaganda
10/28/12 SCV Telegraph - GEC Meeting at Elm Springs Held October 27
10/12/12 SCV Calls for Investigation of Carter House Association
10/04/12 Confederate Navy Grave Marker Denied by VA
10/02/12 SCV Telegraph - SCV.WeCare - NEW feature!
Compatriots,
Just a reminder to use the SCV Online Mall, when shopping online.
http://scv.we-care.com
Announcing a way NEW way to raise money for the SCV on this site. The homepage has a search engine on it that you can use just like Google or Bing. Any time you want to do an internet search use the the SCV site. We will receive 1 cent for each search.
Doesn't sound like much? If a 1,000 people did one search a day, that adds up to $10 a day, or $3,650 a year. Imagine if they did 10 searches. You can do the math. A little bit can add up to a lot. So give it a try and spread the word!
09/26/12 SCV Telegraph - CSA Coins Update!
Compatriots:
Today there is important news about the CSA Sesquicentennial Commemorative Coin Collection. We are proud to announce the arrival of, not one, but two new coins - Arkansas and Georgia! Now you can honor the contributions of these two states to the Confederate Cause as well as acquire valuable keepsakes from this significant and profound period of historical observance.
These 1 oz. coins, minted with a glossy finish, are beautiful! The Arkansas coin bears 3-D images of Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne, the "Stonewall of the West" on the obverse and the CSS Arkansas on the reverse. As for the Georgia coin, you'll see the images of two memorials to that state's Confederates, the Stone Mountain carving on the obverse and the 1956 state flag on the reverse. Like all the coins, they are made, 100%, of .999 purity silver, not merely plating or overlay, with each coin being serially numbered (only 3000 of each state). The product of the The Highland Mint, the coins are encased in a protective capsule and will arrive in a black velvet box with their certificate of authenticity.
A single coin is yours for ONLY $99! No tax, shipping or handling need be added to your order. All proceeds from this program will go to the work of the SCV and YOUR division can participate in the revenue sharing!This is available to ALL divisions, not just the 13 states of the Confederacy.
Go to csacoins.com and view the newly released Arkansas and Georgia coins -- and all the others, also. You'll see their images, front and back, as well as the stories behind them. As you enter the website, you'll be greeted by the Premium Collection, a presentation of all 13 coins arrayed in the familiar Southern Cross formation, reminiscent of the Battle Flag. Each coin in the Premium Collection will carry a consistent serial number and will be placed in a handcrafted wooden display case. This product is the maximum experience of the CSA Sesquicentennial Commemorative Coin Collection.
On the reservation form you will be asked for a Promotional Code. This is nothing more than your state's two-character postal code (i.e. AL, NC, TX, etc.). For each coin purchased using your code, your division will earn $12.Furthermore, for each 500 coin orders with your code, your division will receive a $1000 BONUS.
So, get the word out and start earning funds for your division! Link to the website... use your division and camp newsletters... prepare fliers... be creative. Help us to market this one-of-a-kind product well beyond the bounds of the SCV. Earn revenue on ANY purchase, not just those from SCV members. Make the Sesquicentennial memorable for you and a financial success for your division. Visit csacoins.com today!
09/20/12 SCV Telegraph- Honored Law Officer killed
Compatriots,
Last night, Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever was killed in a one vehicle rollover accident near Williams, in northwest Arizona. He had been there to attend the funeral of his mother. Sheriff Dever was the 2012 recipient of the SCV's Hoover Law & Order award . The Arizona Division and Camp 1710 will send an appropriate memorial to the funeral.
Curt Tipton
Adjutant, Arizona Division SCV
Adjutant, Confederate Secret Service Camp 1710 Fort Huachuca, AZ
09/20/12 SCV Telegraph- Defend the Forrest Statue
09/18/2012 Passing of a Southern Lady,
Compatriots,
Mrs. JoAnn Rand, mother of past Louisiana Division Commander, past Adjutant-in-Chief, and Current Chief of Staff Chuck Rand passed away yesterday after being diagnosed with cancer a mere 30 days ago. Chuck said this morning that it had gotten to the point where even the morphine wasn't helping her anymore, but now she is okay and with the Lord.
Funeral arraignments are as follows: Visitation will be at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Monroe from 5pm to 8pm Thursday evening with the funeral at Parkview Baptist Church on Forsythe Avenue Friday morning at 10am. She will be buried in the Vicksburg City Cemetery next to her mother.
Please keep Chuck and his family in your thoughtswhile they undergo the loss of their mother and the change it brings to their lives.
M. Todd Owens
Commander Army of Trans Mississippi
Sons of Confederate Veterans
08/21/2012 Below are the links to the 2013 and 2014 SCV National Reunions
Vicksburg, MS 2013
Charlston, SC 2014
08/21/2012 Georgia Mourns The Passing Of Her Last "Real Son"
07/29/2012 SCV Responds to Glenn Beck Propaganda and Falsehoods
07/19/2012 2012 Reunion News