May 2006

HL Hunley Camp Commander Wright brought our meeting to order with a prayer and pledges to the flags. He welcomed 5 visitors and 35 members to the meeting.  Mike Blackwelder & David Mitchell prepared the meal for the meeting.

Our Adjutant, Rick Andrews, read the minutes of our last meeting and John Couch gave us the treasurers report.

     Six new members to the Camp were installed and they were, Noel West, Robert Miller, Michael Kemmerlin, Aaron, Bryon, and Roscoe Lee. Nancy West was present to pin the SCV pin on her husband Noel West.

    Commander Wright presented Will Buddin with his Certificates of Appreciation that was given out during the Lee/Jackson Banquet.

    Randy Burbage was also called for the induction of the new Camp Officers. The new Officers were Dale Presley 3^rd Lt. Commander, Mike Blackwelder Historian and Mess Sergeant, Lonnie Rowell as Parliamentarian, Charles Mathisen, Editor of Blue Lantern and Webmaster.

   Dale Presley has agreed to keep a tally of all Volunteers of events that take place through the year. So it will be a great help to Dale if you could give him the hours and time that you help at the many events.

   A motion was made and passed to make a contribution of $200 and a piece of newly contributed art for an auction being held to help with the Children of the Confederacy sponsored by the UDC. Their convention will be July 19th-22^nd.

Education On March 6 Chip Brown was asked to Alston Middle School for a WBTS talk. Chip said the kids asked quite a few good questions about the war. Sam Clark the Principal is pictured here with Chip.

The Reading of the Roll of the Dead will be at the Soldiers grounds May 12^th, 10am at Magnolia Cemetery in Charleston. From Charleston on Meeting St. after Morrison Dr. turn right on Cunnington St. proceed down past Bethany Cemetery on right and the entrance to Magnolia Cemetery will be at the end of Cunnington.

Fundraising Next month the camp will sponsor a fundraiser to help with the restoration of the Jefferson Davis home. Our compatriots in Mississippi can use our support. Joe called the Div Commander in Mississippi Ed Funches and he sent some pictures of the home and they will be displayed on the website later next week.

The UDC Division President Mrs. Martha Van-Schaick presented the coveted Wade Hampton Saber to the highest-ranking graduating Cadet at the Citadel parade grounds at May 4^th.

Confederate Memorial Service is Saturday in Columbia. The reading of Roll of the Dead will be at the Elmwood Cemetery Friday the 5^th and it starts at 10am. Call Joe Willis for specifics and directions at 814-9953.

South Carolina Division Camp Commanders

Under the direction of SC Division Commander, Randy Burbage, I am forwarding instructions that require the assistance of every Camp and compatriot in our Division.

As you all know, the South Carolina House plans to convene in session on May 10th, Confederate Memorial Day. 

The SC Division Executive Council sent a letter to house Speaker Harrell 2 weeks ago urging him to comply with SC State law and close for the day, and to date, has not received a reply.  A copy of the letter to Speaker Harrell was sent to every House member (124 total) in South Carolina.

quickly and in mass......we can make a difference, but all must be involved.

Sample letter

Speaker Robert W. Harrell, Jr.

Best wishes on the beginning of the legislative session. I am certain this letter will find you busy, but please accord some time to address an issue that many consider important.

 As you are aware, Confederate Memorial Day is officially recognized by this state. The Senate is closed on that day, but the House conducts business.

 Approximately 19,000 South Carolinians made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their homeland.  Since you are now the leader in the House, please take the initiative in leading this body in properly recognizing these men. Please make sure the House closes May 10 in recognition of Confederate Memorial Day.

 Thank you for your service to South Carolina. I appreciate your time and consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,

1^st Lt. Commander Joe Willis introduced Randy Burbage our newly elected SCV Div. Commander and guest speaker for the evening. Commander Burbage gave a wonderful account of HL Hunley Sub restoration.

Commander Wright ran into Clyde Rogers last week at Home Depot and Clyde mention that his wife was not doing well. Hospice has been called in so let us remember the Rogers family in our prayers.

Motor Cycle Rally Chuck Botts stayed long enough at the meeting for a report on the rally and it proved to be great success and benefit to the camp.

 A model of the HL Hunley was on display at the camp meeting and 8 have been ordered for members. They are on backorder for now but if you care to purchase the sub, they are $35 each. The model is about 3’ long and stands about 5” in height.

Camp name Tag – If anyone is interested in a Camp Name tag, let Joe know. $2.50ea

Compatriot Clyde Rogers memorials - Private Wesley P. Beach, Co. G, 4th S.C. Cavalry - Private Robert O. Jacques, Co. G, 4th S.C. Cavalry - Captain George W. Way, 11th S.C. Infantry - Corporal Beverley Rodgers, Co. F, 1st Local Troops, Augusta GA

Memorial Day Service for the Camp will be May 13 at 10am Boone Hill Methodist Church Cemetery. Take 17a South from Summerville and the Boone Hill Methodist Church will be on the left at 801 Boone Hill Road before you get to the High School. The cemetery is across the street from the church. Diane Nettle, President of the UDC Charleston Chapter #4, will be the guest speaker.

Hunley Camp Cook Out will be July 8^th at the Dorchester Boat Club. (No Charge)

Mess Sergeant Mike Blackwelder has agreed and is taking the responsibilities of being our Mess Sergeant, as well as Historian and Scrapbook. If anyone would care to volunteer for the camp meals, please call Mike at 875-1947.

John Dangerfield is missing a uniform that was loaned to one of the Hunley Camp members. If anyone knows the location, or has this uniform, please contact John and get it to him.

Clyde Rogers has resigned his post at the UDC. Woody Brown was nominated to replace Clyde at the UDC and we are grateful that Woody has taken this position.

Note from the Editor   I would like to create a roster of names and photos of all members of the camp and publish it on the website. Out of the 96 in the camp, I have only received 12. I will bring my camera at the next meeting if you care to have it taken there.  I also would like a brief history of your confederate ancestors.

  Bubba Thompson gave a talk about members getting more involved in fundraising events. Chuck and Bubba work many hours at their job and spend many hours off from it on events for the camp. Bubba feels that Chuck is getting burnt out and would like more time off. Chuck is an asset to this camp and if we lost his support it would be devastating.

   Next meeting will be May 25^th, at 6:30, come on out.

THE CHARGE

To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we submit the vindication of the Cause for which we fought; to your strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier's good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles he loved and which made him glorious and which you also cherish. Remember, it is your duty to see that the true history of the South is presented to future generations."