Department News
Army News:
JEFFERSON DAVIS v. ABRAHAM LINCOLN
THE 2009 STEPHEN DILL LEE SEMINAR
The Sons of Confederate Veterans are now taking registrations for the Stephen D. Lee Institute seminar on February 6-7, 2009 at the Hotel Francis Marion in Charleston, South Carolina. The cost for a registration is $150 per person. The cost for SCV members and spouses will be a discounted rate of $125 for a limited period of time. Registration will include breakfast, lunch and banquet on Saturday February 7.
Friday Evening February 6, 2009
Edwin C. Bearss - A Conversation with Ed Bearss: The Assassination of Jefferson Davis - The Dahlgren Raid. 8:00 PM.
Saturday February 7, 2009
Program begins at 8:30 am.
Thomas DiLorenzo - Host and Moderator
Clyde Wilson - A Sacrifice for his people: Jefferson Davis’s Persecution and Imprisonment
Brian Cisco - Davis, Lincoln and the Rules of War
Marshall DeRosa - The Confederate Experience in Constitutional Government.
Kent Masterson Brown - Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist
Donald Livingston - Davis, Lincoln and Liberty
Samuel C. Smith - Davis, Lincoln and Christian Faith
Please register today. You can register by calling The Sons of Confederate Veterans at 1-800-MY DIXIE (1-800-693-4943).
Hotel reservations at a discounted rate can be made by calling the historic Hotel Francis Marion at 1-877-756-2121 or 1-843-722-0602 or by visiting their website at www.francismarioncharleston.com.
Division News:
National News
General Headquarters News:
Vol. 14 No. 3 August 2008
Information for Commanders, Adjutants and 30,183 Members
Information contained in the Gray Line is for use by all members. Commanders are encouraged to copy those items which directly affect their membership into their camp newsletters, or to include the Gray Line in its entirety as a part of your newsletters. Communication throughout the organization is very important and the Gray Line offers us a means to provide members with the most up-to-date information on many different topics.
SCV Membership
The SCV currently has 30,183 members including 50 Real Sons and 3341 Life Members plus an additional 271 cadet members. Please vigorously recruit new members and encourage current members to make the commitment to be long term members. An easy way to strengthen the SCV is to persuade former members of your camp to reinstate. If you would like a mailing list of your camp's dues delinquent former members, please contact the GHQ staff.
Dues
Effective August 1, 2008 national SCV dues increased to $30. The basic cost for new members and reinstating dues delinquent members is $35 which is the new dues amount plus the processing fee. You may download a membership application with the correct price at this link: http://www.scv.org/pdf/SCVApplicationFillable.pdf Renewing current members need to pay only the $30. Life memberships which are tied to annual dues are now $750 through age 64, $375 for age 65 through 79, and $187.50 for age 80 and up. The updated form may be obtained at this link on the SCV website: http://www.scv.org/pdf/LMForm.pdf
2008 IRS Annual Electronic Notice Filing Requirement
SCV camps with gross receipts less than $25,000 a year are not required to file an IRS Form 990 tax return; however, beginning August 1, 2008, the day after the previous fiscal year ended, all camps are required to submit an annual electronic notice by December 15, 2008. Shown below are some simple instructions to assist you in the task of completing the IRS E Notice:
1. Obtain your camp's tax ID number and copy it into your computer memory or have it written down and readily available. GHQ can provide this number to you if needed.
2. Go to this site and follow the instructions: http://epostcard.form990.org/
Important Notice: You must register first, and then be patient and wait for the IRS to immediately send you a return email with a link for you to log back on line to actually complete the E postcard. If you use zip plus four put a dash in between the first five and last four digits.
3. Take your time and carefully enter the numbers. The entire process should not last more than about 5 to 10 minutes.
CV Magazine - The July August 2008 Confederate Veteran magazine went into the bulk mail system on August 14, 2008. Each SCV member will receive two SCV Sesquicentennial logo window clings with his magazine. Additional clings may be purchased for a rate of two clings for $5 which includes shipping and handling. Sesquicentennial logo lapel pins are also available and may be purchased through the GHQ merchandise section for $15 each or at the special rate of $10 each if twenty or more are ordered at one time.
Stephen Dill Lee Institute - The next Stephen Dill Lee Institute will be held the weekend of February 6 to 8, 2009 in the Francis Marion Hotel located at 387 King Street, Charleston SC 29403. Hotel reservations may be made at a great rate of $129.00 per night single or double by calling the hotel on their toll free number (877) 756-2121. You may register for the event itself by calling GHQ on any of the toll free lines: (800) 380-1896, (800) 697-6884 (MY SOUTH) or (800) 693-4943 (MY DIXIE) extension 209 to speak with Cindy Crowe. The registration fee is $125 for SCV members and their wives while the price is $150 for non-members, and this fee will include a light breakfast, lunch and the dinner banquet on Saturday evening. The GHQ can take MC, VISA, or AMEX. A specific website for this event will be ready and announced in the near future.
Friends of the SCV (FOSCV)
FOSCV is a terrific way to recognize persons who support the SCV, but do not meet the requirements to qualify as a member. The General Executive Council (GEC) has approved the "Friends of the SCV" concept which has now come to fruition. For a minimum initial donation of $40, the "Friend" receives a nice certificate suitable for framing, a FOSCV lapel pin and a one-year subscription to the Confederate Veteran magazine. Subsequent donations of $30 or more each year will maintain the CV subscription and friendship. Please note that "Friends" are not SCV members, may not exercise any rights of membership to include claiming to be members. The "Friends of the SCV" application may be accessed on the SCV website at this link: http://www.scv.org/pdf/FOSCV_MembershipApplication.pdf Camps which already have associate membership programs in place for their supporters who do not have Confederate ancestry are free to either participate in this program or continue their current system.
Miniature War Service Medal
Based upon a member suggestion, the SCV General Headquarters has developed a War Service Medal (WSM) Lapel Pin which is a miniature version of the medal. Both new WSM recipients, as well as any member who has previously received the award, may order the new lapel pin from the SCV Merchandising Section for a cost of $10.00 plus the appropriate shipping and handling charge.
Concord NC Reunion Summary
Elections
Charles E. McMichael (LA) was elected Commander in Chief by acclamation.
R. Michael Givens (SC) was elected Lieutenant Commander in Chief.
GEC Appointments
Charles L. (Chuck) Rand III Chief of Staff
Mark A. Simpson (SC) Adjutant in Chief
B. Frank Earnest (VA) Heritage Defense Chief
Simon B. (Chip) Buckner (KS) Judge Advocate in Chief
Cecil A. Fayard (MS) Chaplain in Chief
ANV
Bragdon Bowling (VA) was elected Commander
Gene Hogan (SC) was elected Councilman
AOT
C. Kelly Barrow (GA) was elected Commander
Tom Strain Jr (AL) was elected Councilman
ATM
M. Todd Owens (LA) was elected Commander
Paul Gramling Jr (LA) was elected Councilman
SCV Constitutional Amendments
Proposed Amendment #1 - Art. 3, §8 (FAILED on ballot vote)
Subject: Cadet Membership. This makes some administrative changes to the Cadet program to remove contradictory wording and to alter the dues structure for Cadets. Proponent: CIC Christopher Sullivan and AIC Mark Simpson
Proposed Amendment #2 - Art. 2, §3, 4, & 5 (PASSED)
Subject: Inserts language required by the IRS. Proponent: CIC Christopher M. Sullivan
Proposed Amendment #3 - Art. 3, §3 & Art. 3, §3 (3) (FAILED)
Subject: Changes the termination of membership clause to remove non-payment of dues as a cause, and to suspend dues for active duty military. Proponent: Joel K. Coleman, Chattahoochee Guards Camp 1639, Winston, GA
Proposed Amendment #4 - Art. 13, §2, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 14 (FAILED)
Subject: Disciplinary process and suspension of members. Proponent: Robert Y. Howlett, 28th Virginia Infantry Camp 491
Proposed Amendment #5 - Art. 7, §10 (FAILED)
Subject: GEC meeting minutes. Proponent: Robert Y. Howlett, 28th Virginia Infantry Camp 491
Proposed Amendment #6 - Art. 8, §8 (13) (FAILED)
Subject: Insert a new section to permanently fix a day for elections of officers. Proponent: Robert Y. Howlett, 28th Virginia Infantry Camp 491
Proposed Amendment #7 - Standing Orders 5.1 (FAILED)
Subject: Requires all elections to be held on Saturday. Proponent: Robert Y. Howlett, 28th Virginia Infantry Camp 491
Proposed Amendment #8 - Standing Orders 14.1 (FAILED)
Subject: Minutes. Proponent: Robert Y. Howlett, 28th Virginia Infantry Camp 491
Proposed Amendment #9 -Standing Orders 9 (Referred to the GEC)
Subject: Providing for specific disciplinary action to be brought against a member who files a lawsuit against the SCV.
Proponent: Robert Reames, Fighting Joe Wheeler Camp, Birmingham, AL. Debate and vote moved to refer to GEC (passed)
National Awards
Dr. George R. Tabor Award is presented to the most distinguished camp in the SCV. The winner of this prestigious award, which is an extremely close competition every year, is the A J Ringo Camp 1509 of New Castle IN, Stephen L. Ritchie, Commander.
Scrapbooks-
Dr. B. H. Webster Award for the best Scrapbook for camps with fewer than 50 members is the J. M. "Matt" Barton Camp 441, Sulphur Springs TX, James W. Benton, Commander.
Judah P. Benjamin Award for the best Scrapbook for camps with 50 or more members is the COL Robert L. Shaver Camp 1655, Jonesboro AR, William Danny Honnoll, Commander.
Historical Project-
Dr. James B. Butler Award for the best historical project was won by the Egbert J. Jones Camp 357 Huntsville AL, Charles R. Wells, Project Officer.
General Stand Watie Award winner for the camp making the largest contribution to the Stand Watie Scholarship Fund is the H L Hunley Camp 143, Summerville SC, Joseph M. Willis, Commander.
Best Web Site-
General Samuel Cooper Award for the best website is Theophilus West, M.D. Camp 1346, Marianna FL. http://www.scvcamp1346.org/ , Ashley Pollette, Rebmaster.
Newsletters-
Dr. Paul Jon Miller Award winner for the best newsletter among camps with fewer than 50 members is The Vidette which is produced by the Confederate Secret Service Camp 1710, Sierra Vista AZ, Curtis Tipton, Editor.
S.A. Cunningham Award for the best newsletter among camps with 50 or more members is the Hood's Texas Brigade which is produced by Hood's Texas Brigade Camp 153, San Antonio TX, Ray Wainner, Editor.
Dewitt Smith Jobe Award for the best Division newsletter is the Alabama Confederate, Alabama Division, John M. Taylor, Editor.
Recruiting-
Edward R. Darling Award for the top recruiter in the Confederation was a three way tie and first place plaques were presented to Mark G. Locke, a member of COL John T. Coffee Camp 1934, Osceola MO, Marion F. Patrick, a member of The Tallassee Armory Guards Camp 1921, Tallassee AL, and Kyle Sims, a member of COL Middleton Tate Johnson Camp 1648. Each of these compatriots recruited 40 new members.
Membership-
General Nathan Bedford Forrest Award for the camp with the greatest gain in membership (plus 68 net) goes to The Tallassee Armory Guards Camp 1921, Tallassee AL, Fred R. Hughey, Commander.
New Camps, Division- General A. P. Hill Award is awarded to the North Carolina Division which is commanded by Thomas Smith, with 4 new camps.
New Camps, Army- General Albert Sydney Johnston Award for the Army with the greatest gain in new camps goes to the Army of Tennessee, C. Kelly Barrow, Commander with 15 new camps.
Individual Awards
Robert E. Lee Gold Medal, the second highest award which can be given to a SCV member, was presented to R. Burl McCoy (KY), Richard V. Forte (MS), and Leslie R. Tucker (OK) for their exceptional contributions and service to the SCV.
Jefferson Davis Chalice was presented to outgoing Lieutenant Commander in Chief Ronald E. Casteel (MO). This is the highest award which may be bestowed on a member for service to the SCV and consists of an engraved silver chalice, a medal and a certificate.
Rev. J. William Jones Christian Service Award was presented to Reverend W. Herman White (NC) as a SCV member who wonderfully emulates and perpetuates the orthodox Christian faith demonstrated by the soldiers and citizens of the Confederate States of America.
SCV Affinity Credit Card
The Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) and the Texas Independent Bank (TIB) had a mutually beneficial affinity credit card arrangement for the past nine years. TIB decided to not renew the contract and our business association terminated on April 30, 2008 which they claim is due to the small number of SCV card holders. The SCV hopes to have a new affinity card contract with a different bank in place within a couple of months, hopefully later in 2008. If you wish to continue to support the SCV through a new affinity card, please provide your name and address to SCV, P O Box 59, Columbia TN 38502-0059, by email to exedir@scv.org , or phone (800) 380-1896 ext 207.
Cadet Membership
Cadet membership was established in 2006 for males from birth to 12 years of age who are otherwise eligible for SCV membership. A regular SCV application, with the word Cadet written or printed at the top, will be submitted along with $10 to General Headquarters (GHQ), completely filled out including the Camp's approval. The GHQ will enter the young man in the database, assign him a SCV membership number, and all records will be the same as a full member except that his membership status will be different and cadet names will not appear on the camp membership roster nor will they receive the Confederate Veteran magazine. A new cadet member joining for the year August 1, 2008 through July 31, 2009 will be status CM08. Once the young man becomes 12, the camp should submit his regular dues along with a request to convert the cadet to full membership, and his status will be changed to the appropriate fiscal year. This action will make him a full member, and he will receive a regular membership certificate and the CV magazine. Cadets will pay $10.00 annual dues and those five year of age and older will receive a periodic newsletter either by email or a hard copy through the postal service. The SCV has had a total of cadet members.
Future Reunions
The next SCV National Reunion will be held in Hot Springs AR July 22 to 25, 2009 and hosted by the James M. Keller Camp 648, and the 2010 Reunion will be held in Anderson County SC from July 21 to 24, 2010 and hosted by the Manse Jolly SCV Camp 6. Montgomery AL has been approved as the site for 2011 Reunion which will be hosted by the Henry C. Semple Camp 2002.
Camp officer contact information
Please furnish the current email addresses for your Camp Commander and Adjutant to your Army secretary. If neither the Camp Commander nor Adjutant has an email address, please furnish an alternate email address to the GHQ.
Important Notice
If you or any of your Compatriots would like to receive occasional notices and announcements from the official SCV news source, the Telegraph, please visit http://www.scv.org/maillistSubscription.php. The Gray Line is only being sent via email on the internet through the official SCV Telegraph! If any member of your camp would like to join the list to receive the SCV Telegraph please direct him to the link above where he can sign up for this service. He will need his SCV member number which can be found on the CV magazine address label. Please forward this Gray Line to all members of your camp as it contains useful information.
Not getting your Confederate Veteran?
The CV magazine is mailed at Non Profit bulk mail rates and the US Postal Service will not forward them if you have a change of address. Please report address changes as soon as they are known. If you have any question about GHQ having your correct information, you can check it by entering your SCV ID number and your last name in the box at the following link: http://www.scv.org/checkData.php . If a correction needs to be made, you will see a form for that purpose, which will notify Elm Springs to update their records.
New war service record research tools
Military Research at the National Archives. The SCV was contacted by Kelley Bevis, a law student in Washington DC who is an avid researcher at the national archives and will obtain that hard to find service record quicker and more cheaply than the using the government's service. Full Confederate service records are only $30, two-week turnaround - faster and cheaper than going through the federal government. Email texlabooks@gmail.com or visit www.kelleybevis.com .
Many of you are looking for your Confederate Ancestor's service records. Through their partnerships with organizations such as the National Archives, Footnote.com currently offers over 4 million Confederate Soldier service records. These documents will help you obtain your ancestor's proof of service. Currently available: Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers for the states of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas & Virginia with more states to come soon, Confederate Amnesty Papers, Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans Who Served Between 1861 and 1900 & much more. Why not start your Footnote free trial now? http://www.footnote.com/scv.php?xid=69
DNA Service Offered to SCV Members
If you are interested in furthering your own genealogical research, the SCV has made arrangements to allow our members to do this research using their DNA through a company called Family Tree DNA. Genetic genealogy through the use of DNA is growing rapidly. It allows us to connect with other people who perhaps may have more information to add to your family mystery. Family Tree DNA has set up a group program, offering us discounts and profit sharing for the SCV. Please visit Family Tree DNA's web site https://www.familytreedna.com and look it over. If you decide you would like to join the project you can do so from this link:
https://www.familytreedna.com/surname_join.aspx?code=K17699 Family Tree DNA has offered excellent discounts to SCV members, and the process is very simple should you wish to participate.
SCV Weekly News:
