DEPARTMENT OF TENNESSEE (& ALABAMA)

SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR

MINUTES

ANNUAL DEPARTMENT ENCAMPMENT

(27 Jan 2007)

The twelfth annual Encampment of the Department of Tennessee was held on January 27, 2007 at the Elks Lodge in downtown Huntsville, Alabama. The Pvt. Richard Taylor Camp No. 53 hosted the event.

The Department Council (Brothers Anderson and Atchley being absent) and Department Officers held a brief council meeting at 1:00pm. The status of camps in the department was reviewed, with grave concerns being expressed about the large number of camps not meeting regularly and lack of camp activities. The department financial records for expenses and income for 2006 were reviewed, with everything in order.

The department encampment began at 1:30pm in accordance with the rituals of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW).

The roll call of department officers showed all elected officers present except for two councilors, Brothers Anderson and Atchley. A roll call of camps showed the following represented: Fort Donelson, Missionary Ridge, Wilson, and Taylor; with Sultana, Farragut, and Byrd camps not present. Department Commander Hintze appointed Brother Brian Hogan to act as Guide. The Guide and Secretary collected credentials cards, and a total of 10 delegates-in-good-standing were present (see entry on Credentials for camp representation).

The following guests were introduced and extended greetings:

National Commander in Chief (CinC), Brother James B. Pahl

The CinC made the following remarks:

- Commander Pahl offered words of encouragement and thanked all of the camps in the department for their efforts in promoting the goals and ideals of the order.

- He stressed that Graves Registration and Preservation initiatives were at the forefront of SUVCW efforts, and he also stressed the need to ensure that GAR and other Union monuments are restored. He highlighted some notable achievements in other departments towards that end, as well as the need to remain vigilant and aware of the damage that often happens to monuments and markers in our communities. He mentioned that grant money is available to the camps for their work to improve and restore monuments and markers across the nation, and he promised that all submitted proposals would be reviewed.

- He highlighted a current initiative to improve the quality and capabilities of the National Graves Registration database and efforts to improve software that would be made available to more graves registration officers across the order. The commander stressed this was one of the most important legacies that we could leave to our children, their children, and each successive generation.

- The commander emphasized that camps, departments, and the national organization all needed to focus on improving communications with members and amongst each other to ensure we were responsively meeting the needs of our order. He mentioned efforts to improve the function and activities of the National Headquarters and the Executive Director.

- Commander Pahl encouraged each camp and the department to continue work on camp histories to ensure the story of the SUVCW would be told. He highlighted the need to capture and document our activities, as well as work at the National HQ to preserve our common heritage.

The Dept. Credentials Committee reported 10 Brothers present as accredited delegates for the encampment. The following was the representation by camp:

- Sultana -------------------- 0

- Fort Donelson ------------ 1

- Farragut ------------------- 0

- Missionary Ridge -------- 1

- Wilson -------------------- 2

- Taylor --------------------- 6

- Byrd ----------------------- 0

Total ------------------------ 10

Reports:

The Department Commander then called for reports from the Department officers and the camps. Copies of the reports are made a part of the minutes in the Dept. Secretary’s files. The following were submitted:

Department Commander Report

Senior Vice Commander Report

Junior Vice Commander Report

Treasurer’s Financial Report

Secretary’s Membership Report

Fort Donelson Camp Report

Wilson Camp Report

Taylor Camp Report

Brother Steve Pearce reported on the Department Council meeting preceding the encampment. Notes from that meeting are also made a part of these minutes.

Brother Brian Hogan reported that he had received 20 Graves Registration forms from the Daughters of Union Veterans Tent in Eastern Tennessee to be entered into the National Database.

Unfinished Business:

There was no unfinished business to address.

New Business:

Brother William Butler, Department Treasurer submitted a reimbursement voucher for department business expenses. The encampment approved payment of the voucher in the amount of $18.36.

Brother Charles Engle of the Missionary Ridge Camp nominated Brother Douglas Fidler of the Byrd Camp as a Department Delegate to the next National Encampment. The encampment approved Brother Fidler’s appointment as delegate.

A ten minute recess was then declared in order to caucus for department officer candidates for 2007. The Encampment then resumed with the following slate of Brothers nominated as officers for 2007:

Department Commander – Geoffrey Hintze, PDC (Taylor)

Senior Vice Commander – William Butler (Wilson)

Junior Vice Commander – Samuel Gant (Fort Donelson)

Secretary/Treasurer – Tod Jenness (Taylor)

Department Council – Shawn Atchley, PDC (Fort Donelson), John Anderson, PDC (Farragut), and Steve Pearce, PDC (Taylor)

Voting then followed with the slate of candidates being elected unanimously.

Installation:

The Installation of Department Officers for the year 2007 was conducted by CinC Pahl in accordance with the SUVCW Ritual. The newly elected officers then assumed their stations.

2008 Tennessee Department Encampment:

Brother Barry Spink proposed Montgomery, Alabama as the site for the next Encampment site, with Wilson Camp acting as hosts. The Taylor Camp moved to accept this offer, with Fort Donelson seconding the motion. The encampment unanimously agreed. Time and date for the 2008 encampment to be determined later.

Minutes:

Brother William Butler moved to have the reading of the minutes waived, with a draft to be circulated for final approval. The encampment approved the motion.

The Encampment was then closed in accordance with the SUVCW Ritual.

Respectfully submitted in Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty,

//signed//

WILLIAM M. BUTLER

Past Department Secretary/Treasurer

28 January 2007

//signed//

GEOFFREY HINTZE

Department Commander