July 2022 Dispatch

NEXT MEETING   --   TUESDAY, JULY 26
Topic   --   Wilderness Survival Skills
Speaker   --   Steve Burke
          Born and raised on the Ogeechee River in Jenkins County, Georgia, where he resides today, Steve has devoted 40 years to sharing his knowledge of history and wilderness survival skills. Sherman’s March to the Sea, sharpshooters and the evolution of their weapons, and demonstrations on hide tanning for clothes and how to make necessary tools such as bows and arrows are among the topics that he enjoys discussing.
          He is Vice President of the Wiregrass Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution in Swainsboro where he serves as Captain of the Brier Creek Artillery.  He is also a member of the Buckhead Fort Lawton Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans in Millen.  In March 2022, Steve was presented the DAR Excellence in Historic Preservation Award by the Captain John Wilson Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

• 5:30   --   Dinner and fellowship at Fernanda's Grill and Pizzeria, 127 Main St.
• 7:00   --   Meeting at Thomson-McDuffie County Library, 338 Main St.

Steve Burk, Practicing Survivalist

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CROSSES OF HONOR

During the June meeting, members decided to meet on Sat., July 16, 9:00 a.m., to erect the last five remaining Crosses of Honor on the veterans’ gravesites in the Thomson Memorial Cemetery.  We will have a short service, take some photos and install these markers. Please make every effort to attend as we honor these CSA veterans.  Approximately 1 hour

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WBTS Dates in July

• The First Battle of Bull Run. On July 21, 1861, a dry summer Sunday, Union and Confederate troops clashed outside Manassas, Virginia, in the first major engagement of the Civil War, the First Battle of Bull Run.​

• ​The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, is considered the most important engagement of the American Civil War. After a great victory over Union forces at Chancellorsville, General Robert E. Lee marched his Army of Northern Virginia into Pennsylvania in late June 1863.
  
•  On this day, Vicksburg formally surrendered to Grant. July 5th

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GA SCV Reunion Notes – June 202

1. 125th Georgia Sons of Confederate Veterans reunion.  This reunion and the first reunion were both held in Macon, GA. 
2. Georgia is the largest division in the confederation with 3,300 men.
3. 46 of the 99 camps in Georgia were represented at this reunion.
4. Letters and phone calls to our representatives, by their own admission, makes a huge difference in how they vote.  We are strongly encouraged to continue these efforts.  
5. Michael Reither, 12th Brigade Commander, who has also become the editor of the Georgia Confederate newsletter was awarded as the GA Confederate of the Year.  Michael is beyond deserving of the award.  Mr. Kermit Watson, the man who matched our funds to the GA Legal Defense Fund was first runner up.  Congratulations to both. 
6. Tom Holley and several other Georgia Division members were awarded the SCV Distinguished Service Medal, presented by Georgia Commander Tim Pilgrim for the National SCV.
7. The GA Division secretary, Kitty Dorety, got a standing ovation for the tremendous work she does for us all.  She is a wonder, a blessing, and awesome. 
8. The GA Division Youth Camp raised $1,539 at the reunion. Camp 91 donated $150 to this cause in May.
9. Of the three amendments: 1. No    2. Surprisingly postponed    3. Passed
10. Martin O’Toole, division chief attorney, is very optimistic for good results on monument resolutions from GA Supreme Court.  He also warns us as individuals not to discuss any aspect of the SCV with the media.  Refer the media inquiry back to him. 
11. Election:  GA Division Commander Tim Pilgrim ran unopposed.  Thank goodness for this result.  He is the right man for this job.  This is his third term starting his fifth year. We must all strive to support him. 
12. There is tremendous strength in numbers.  Renew your membership now and encourage your friends to join!
13. Mike (below) & Dollie Lacefield and Tom Holley attended the reunion.  It was very encouraging and uplifting to visit with a lot of old, dear friends.  

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At the June meeting Camp 91, Thomson Guards was very pleased to
induct Patrick Lunceford into the SCV.
Patrick is shown holding his certificate, along with Adjutant David Butler.
Welcome Patrick!

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COMMANDER’S POST
1984 by George Orwell   --   Commentary
See Editorials  /  Tom Holley  /  1984 by George Orwell