007AOMPATRIOT

Deo adjuvanti non timindin (With God’s help, we need not fear) THE DIXON BLUE LIGHT NEWS

Lt. George E. Dixon Camp #1962 Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV)

www.scvcamp1962.org

Editor: Lady Sharon Red, Cell 618-622-8949 February 2017

* * * NEXT CAMP DIXON MEETING * * *

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017 ~ 6:30 p.m.

SWIC Senior Citizen Center 201 North Church Street, Belleville

Location: Corner of East B and North Church Streets Parking Available Across the Street

PRESENTATION: The Battle of Mobile Bay SPEAKER: Compatriot David Schmitt

REFRESHMENTS: Compatriot Dwight & Nona Moore

Please check with the receptionist about room location.

Questions? Call Gale Red, Cell 618-622-8949

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

From Your Commander 1

Minutes: Camp Dixon Meeting, January 10 2-3

Minutes: Squad East Meeting, January 16 4

Tribute: Compatriot Robert William Hardy 5

Article: 2017 Presidential Inauguration 6-7

Poem: A Love Story 8

News from Around the Camp 9

Calendar of Events ~ Feb. Birthdays ~ Camp Leadership 10

FROM YOUR COMMANDER

This is a very special month for all of us. February is the month of love … remembering that special someone and letting them know how much you care about them. Since life is so unpredictable, we never know if it’s going to be our last Valentine’s Day. So, please take the time to tell your Valentine that they are special and mean so much to you. I encourage you to do this and to also bring your Valentine to our Camp Dixon meeting which falls on Valentine’s Day. There will be a variety of wonderful sandwiches plus a Valentine cake for you to enjoy, compliments of Nona & Dwight Moore. So, why not make it a date on February 14, at 6:30 p.m. to join us. We always enjoy seeing you and getting together with our camp family. Thank you.

Confederately, Johnny Kicklighter

YOU’LL MISS OUT ON VALENTINE CAKE if you don’t come to the

FEBRUARY CAMP MEETINGS

6:30 p.m.

CAMP DIXON SQUAD EAST Tues. the 14th Mon, the 20th

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CAMP DIXON MEETING MINUTES ~ JANUARY 10, 2017 Muster

The members and friends of the Lt. George E. Dixon Camp #1962, SCV, conducted their monthly muster at 6:35 p.m. on January 10, 2017 at the SWIC PSOP Center, 201 North Church Street, Belleville IL, this being the 1st Muster of the year for 2017. CALL TO ORDER by 1st Lt Commander Ronald Lakin.

INVOCATION was given by Camp Chaplain Walter “Mike” Biekert.

PRESENTATION OF THE COLORS by 1st Lt Commander Lakin. All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. flag and saluted the Confederate flag, which were properly displayed at the meeting.

WELCOME. Lt Commander Lakin welcomed everyone. SPECIAL WELCOME by Adjutant Gale Red. At 88, it’s no easy task coming across the river, so thank you, Robert Hardy, for being here. I ask if anyone can pick him up in St. Louis on 4 th Street (at the foot of Eads Bridge). He can no longer drive back and you would save Valery, his wife, from doing this. Get with me or Bob If you can. ROLL CALL (20). Janice Beasley, Walter “Mike” Biekert, Bill Boyd, Eric Funkhouser,, J. C. Gideon, Robert Hardy, Walter Hall, Johnny Kicklighter, Ronald Lakin, John & Jane McKee, Dwight and Nona Moore, Justin Ottolini, Gale and Sharon Red, Dale Rice, David Schmitt, John Stanton, Phil Tate.

PROCEDURAL BUSINESS

DECEMBER 13 MEETING MINUTES. Motion was made to accept the minutes by John McKee, seconded by Dwight Moore. Motion carried. Minutes accepted. FINANCIAL REPORT (Adjutant Red). Dwight Moore made a motion to accept, seconded by Phil Tate. Motion carried.

GROUP PHOTO (by Sharon Red, photographer) (L-R) 1st Row (seated): Jane McKee, Nona Moore, Janice Beasley (with R. Lee), and Robert Hardy

2nd Row: David Schmitt, Dale Rice, Eric Funkhouser, Ron Lakin, Johnny Kicklighter, and Bill Boyd 3rd Row: J. C. Gideon, Phil Tate, Dwight Moore, Mike Biekert, Justin Ottolini, John Stanton, John McKee, and Gale Red

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CAMP DIXON MEETING MINUTES ~ JANUARY 10, 2017 Muster (cont’d)

COMMUNICATIONS EVENTS OF POSSIBLE INTEREST (Commander Kicklighter). The National Park Service in conjunction with the Sierra Club is planning some interesting service trips this year: 1) Service at Antietam National Battlefield, MD, 21-27 May. Help restore historic landscapes and buildings at the site of a decisive Civil War battle. Learn history from park rangers and reenactors and tour the battlefield with a professional guide. $795. 2) Service at Shenandoah Valley Battlefield, VA, 7-13 May. Help improve trails and facilities and recreate a historically accurate landscape at the site of one of the largest battles in the Shenandoah Valley, learning Civil War history as you work. $595 (the fee covers lodging and meals). Contact J. C. Gideon at jcgideo@gmail for more information. THANKS (Adjutant Red). A personal thank you for the cards, calls and e-mails when I was sick. Appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Also, thank you if you were in the beginning when the camp was created in 2002. We are 15 years old this month. We have the stalwarts that come all the time, but in the 15 years we have done very well.

OLD BUSINESS AND REPORTS FROM THE FIELD CAMP T-SHIRTS (Commander Kicklighter) Received a total of 25 responses (14 with SCV logo and 11 with National logo). Please see J. C. and Dwight for way-ahead. VACANT LEADERSHIP POSITIONS NEED TO BE FILLED — 2nd LT COMMANDER, CAMP HISTORIAN, AND GREETER) (Commander Kicklighter). The pay is meager but increases every year. We need you to please volunteer for these important positions. ANY ORGANIZATION OR GROUP NEED A SPEAKER? (Adjutant Red). Please let me know.

NEW BUSINESS NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY AT ALTON CONFEDERATE CEMETERY AND SMALLPOX ISLAND MONUMENT WAS HELD DECEMBER 17, 10:00 A.M. (Adjutant Red). Shall we make a $100 contribution towards the wreaths? Adjutant Red said we have been participating in this event at Alton, Smallpox Island, Greenmount and Walnut Hill. We do a short memorial, place the wreaths, and say a few prayers. I received a letter from the coordinator and we sent a letter of gratitude with photos. We received 16 wreaths this time (sent to us free, which would have cost $10 each). Suggest we send $100 to Wreaths Across America. A motion was made by Dwight Moore and seconded by John McKee. All accepted. Motion carried. WREATHS AT JEFFERSON BARRACKS (John Stanton). There are 500 Confederate graves there that don’t receive wreaths. Commander Kicklighter suggested Gale get info on Location Coordinator and we’ll address motion next month. JB could be a daunting task. We’ll check. FLORA SQUAD EAST IS STRUGGLING AND NEEDS SUPPORT ~ MEETING JANUARY 16, 2017 (Adjutant Red). Mentioned this last month – had a death and several illnesses; people falling out. Anybody up to traveling with Walter Hall and me? Leave my house at 4:00 and get back at 10:00 p.m. They would appreciate and need our help. Walter and I would like for you to join us. Contact me (Cell 618-622-8949) if you’re going. ALTON CONFEDERATE CEMETERY MEMORIAL … when next – May or October? (Adjutant Red). Motion made for October by John McKee, seconded by Dwight Moore. Motion carried. Adjutant Red said plan/put on your calendar to attend on second Saturday, October 14. CAMP PICNIC FOR JUNE … COMMENTS … IDEAS? (Adjutant Red) Since we will no longer have a Grand Ball, open for suggestions for a “social.” Will get more inputs when Commander sends out an e-mail. (Jane McKee offered her home in Shiloh as a location to get together.) LADY BETSY BLAKE IS ILL (1st Lt Commander Lakin). She is in the hospital with congestive heart failure. Expected to be released tomorrow. Ron, please get info to Camp Chaplain. Please keep her in your prayers. The camp will send a get-well card. FORMAL PRESENTATION: “Confederate Ancestor ~ Brigadier General Robert Gadden Lowry” by Compatriots John Stanton and Justin Ottolini. Highlights of the brief follow: We come from an old family – on his mother’s side – from Scotland – suffered Anglican persecution. His great-grandfather was a Revolutionary War soldier – served one year. Gen Lowry was born on March 10, 1829 in South Carolina and died January 19, 1910. Didn’t pay him for his service but gave land grants as pay. Grew up next to General Jackson’s home. Bought 270 acres from him for a penny an acre. Grew up in a strict environment – with stories of organized religion. When the war started, he had moved to Mississippi with his uncle and joined Lowry’s Rifle Co. Took bullet hole in the chest. His frock coat is still in the museum in Mississippi. Gen Lowry fought at Shiloh and every engagement of the war. Originally, he was given parole by President Johnson – called “swallowing the dog” because he was forced to say he was a trader and swear off allegiance. He was forced to swallow his pride and lie that he was a trader (but really wasn’t). He then practiced law in the state of MS. From 1881-1889 he was Governor of MS. On October 10, 2015, the MS Confederates who fought in the war were finally honored at the dedication of the MS monument at Ray Field. Guest speaker was Maj Gen (Retired) Cross, and we luckily watched the dedication video and listened to Gen Cross’s speech. “Over 6,000 Mississippians fought here …and this monument is for them who fought to protect their homeland. This tombstone is for them who died or were wounded on this battlefield. In closing, we should never forget our past. REFRESHMENTS were provided by Compatriot and Mrs. John McKee. BENEDICTION was given by Chaplain Mike Biekert. MEETING adjourned at 8:15 p.m. NEXT MEETING will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, 6:30 p.m. Presentation by Compatriot David Schmitt on Fort Morgan. Refreshments will be furnished by Compatriot & Mrs. Dwight Moore.

Respectfully submitted,

Gale F. Red

Adjutant

John and Justin posing with a replica of their

ancestor’s (Gen Lowry’s) flag.

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SQUAD EAST MEETING MINUTES ~ JANUARY 16, 2017 Muster

Squad East, SCV, conducted their monthly muster at 6:15 p.m. on January 16, 2017 at Anthony’s Wild West Restaurant in Flora IL this being the 1st Muster of the year for 2017. CALL TO ORDER by Lt Robert Marley. INVOCATION was given by Chaplain Sam Booth. PRESENTATION OF THE COLORS by Adjutant Gale Red and Lt Marley. All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. flag and Salute to the Confederate flag, which were properly displayed at the meeting.

ROLL CALL (7). Sam Booth, Walter Hall, Tyler Jacobs, Robert Marley, Gale Red, Larry Weber, John Winterfeld,.

PROCEDURAL BUSINESS NOVEMBER 21 MEETING MINUTES. Motion was made to accept the minutes by Gale Red, seconded by Sam Booth. Motion carried. Minutes accepted.

REPORTS COMPATRIOT PAT BOOTH’S MEDICAL STATUS (Compatriot Sam Booth). As of now, Pat is undergoing rehabilitation at the Lake Land Rehabilitation Facility in Effingham. Pat is improving very well in what can be described as a long on-going process. COMPATRIOT SAM BOOTH (Compatriot Booth). Sam said that he had undergone surgery to correct an aneurism problem that developed around an earlier treatment he had received. He will have to undergo additional corrective surgery on Feb. 1st. Please pray for his speedy recovery.

ANNOUNCEMENTS WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016 (Adjutant Red). Camp 1962 had placed wreaths at the North Alton Confederate Cemetery, Smallpox Island, and the Walnut Hill Cemetery. Camp 1962 has decided they will continue to have the North Alton Cemetery Ceremony on the 2nd Saturday in October (14th) in 2017 and probably beyond. John Winterfeld notified of the upcoming construction of the U. S. Army Museum in Northern Virginia.

NEW BUSINESS NEW POSITIONS FOR SQUAD EAST (Lt Marley). Tyler Jacobs volunteered his services as the squad Recruiter and Genealogist. Everyone welcomed his offer and appointed him as such. Larry Weber volunteered to be the Program Co-ordinator, and was appointed.

FORMAL PRESENTATION The program, “Riverboat, Gunboat Design,” by John Winterfeld, unfortunately, did not happen due to technical difficulties. John will be making his presentation at the February meeting. BENEDICTION was given by Chaplain Booth. ADJOURNMENT 8:00 p.m. NEXT MEETING will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2017, 6:30 p.m. Presentation by Knight John Winterfeld on Riverboat, Gunboat Design.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert N. Marley

Lieutenant

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TRIBUTE TO COMPATRIOT ROBERT WILLIAM HARDY Robert “Bob” Hardy is our second oldest member of

Camp Dixon ~ a young-hearted 88 ~ and we owe him a

debt of gratitude for his loyalty and activity. Bob

became a camp member on August 28, 2003, and has

been with us for 13+ years. His ancestor is his

grandfather, Albert Franklin Hardy (Private, Co., C,

18th

Regt VA Cav). Bob’s family lived in upstate

Illinois (Lee County) with his grandfather and

remembers being at his funeral as a very young boy.

Bob is known for his active spirit not only in our camp

but nation-wide. He held the position of camp chaplain

from 2004-2006 where he was selected by the

confidence of his peers to accept the most sacred charge

of office entailing praying on our behalf, providing

uplifting and moral guidance and direction to our

meetings, and assisting the Commander in rendering

welfare assistance as required to members of our camp.

Bob also volunteered and conducted tours of the

Masonic Lodge to interested attendees when we had our

annual Grand Balls at Bellecourt Manor.

Bob spent his career as an industrial fire inspector

throughout the counties of Southern Illinois. He has

been very involved with the International Rotary Club.

Bob has also been active throughout his life with the

Masonic Order, being a member of a number of the

different orders, holding many leadership positions in

each organization.

Bob is married to Valery Countryman and they reside in downtown St. Louis MO. We are grateful he is still a

wonderful member and able to attend some meetings. We hope he continues to be active in all his endeavors

and wish him and Valery the best of luck and good health for many years to come.

Albert Hardy was born on April 6, 1844 and

died December 16, 1934.

His grandfather’s grave is located in Twin

Grove Cemetery, Lee County, in Paw Paw IL

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The Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Clarence Thomas swore in Michael Richard Pence as the Vice President of the United States. Mr. Pence said: “I, “I, Michael Richard Pence, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, that I take this obligation freely and without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God.” The Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts swore in Donald John Trump as the 45th President of the United States. Mr. Trump said: “I, Donald John Trump, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will do the best of my ability to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help me God.”

President Trump delivered his inaugural speech:

”Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, fellow Americans and people of the world, thank you. We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and restore its promise for all of our people. Together we will determine the course of America and the world for many, many years to come. We will face challenges. We will confront hardships. But we will get the job done. Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power. And we are grateful to President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition. They have been magnificent. Thank you.

Today's ceremony, however, has very special meaning. Because today, we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another or from one party to another. But we are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the people. For too long, a small group in our nation's capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost. Washington flourished, but the people did not share in its wealth. Politicians prospered, but the jobs left. And the factories closed. The establishment protected itself but not the citizens of our country. Their victories have not been your victories. Their triumphs have not been your triumphs. And while they celebrated in our nation’s capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land. That all changes starting right here and right now. Because this moment is your moment. It belongs to you. It belongs to everyone gathered here today and everyone watching all across America. This is your day. This is your celebration. And this, the United States of America, is your country.

What truly matters is not which party controls our government but whether our government is controlled by the people. January 20th, 2017 will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer. Everyone is listening to you now. You came by the tens of millions to become part of a historic movement, the likes of which the world has never seen before. At the center of this movement is a crucial conviction -- that a nation exists to serve its citizens. Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighborhoods for their families and good jobs for themselves. These are just and reasonable demands of righteous people and a righteous public. But for too many of our citizens, a different reality exists. Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities, rusted out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation, an education system flush with cash but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of all knowledge. And the crime, and the gangs, and the drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential. This American carnage stops right here and stops right now. We are one nation, and their pain is our pain. Their dreams are our dreams, and their success will be our success. We share one heart, one home and one glorious destiny.

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The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans. For many decades, we've enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry, subsidized the armies of other countries while allowing for the very sad depletion of our military. We defended other nation’s borders while refusing to defend our own. And spent trillions and trillions of dollars overseas while America's infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay. We've made other countries rich while the wealth, strength, and confidence of our country has dissipated over the horizon. But that is the past and now we are looking only to the future. One by one, the factories shuttered and left our shores with not even a thought about the millions and millions of American workers that were left behind. The wealth of our middle class has been ripped from their homes and then redistributed all across the world. But that is the past and now we are looking only to the future.

We assembled here today are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital and in every hall of power. From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land. From this day forward, it's going to be only America first — America first. Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs will be made to benefit American workers and American families. We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies and destroying our jobs. Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength. I will fight for you with every breath in my body. And I will never, ever let you down. America will start winning again, winning like never before.

We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth, and we will bring back our dreams. We will build new roads and highways and bridges and airports and tunnels and railways all across our wonderful nation. We will get our people off of welfare and back to work rebuilding our country with American hands and American labor. We will follow two simple rules -- buy American and hire American. We will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world. But we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first. We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone but rather to let it shine as an example. We will shine for everyone to follow. We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones. And unite the civilized world against radical Islamic terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the earth. At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other. When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. The Bible tells us how good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity. We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly but always pursue solidarity. When America is united, America is totally unstoppable. There should be no fear. We are protected, and we will always be protected. We will be protected by the great men and women of our military and law enforcement. And most importantly, we will be protected by God.

Finally, we must think big and dream even bigger. In America, we understand that a nation is only living as long as it is striving. We will no longer accept politicians who are all talk and no action, constantly complaining but never doing anything about it. The time for empty talk is over. Now arrives the hour of action. Do not allow anyone to tell you that it cannot be done. No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America. We will not fail. Our country will thrive and prosper again. We stand at the birth of a new millennium, ready to unlock the mysteries of space, to free the earth from the miseries of disease and to harness the energies, industries and technologies of tomorrow. A new national pride will stir ourselves, lift our sights and heal our divisions. It’s time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget -- that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots. We all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we all salute the same great American flag. And whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the windswept plains of Nebraska, they look up at the same night sky, they fill their heart with the same dreams and they are infused with the breath of life by the same Almighty Creator.

So to all Americans in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, from ocean to ocean, hear these words -- you will never be ignored again. Your voice, your hopes and your dreams will define our American destiny. And your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way.

Together, we will make America strong again. We will make America wealthy again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again. And yes, together, we will make America great again. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America. Thank you. God bless America.”

Let us add our prayers to that of the Invocation at the Luncheon in the National Statuary Hall by Barry Blake, Chaplain of the Senate: “Eternal God, our refuge and strength, we praise you that we have nothing to fear. We can stand fearlessly during this season of peaceful transition because we know your providence will prevail. Lord, we are grateful for this inaugural luncheon and for your providence that has brought President Donald J. Trump to this milestone moment. You have admonished us to pray for leaders and governments so we pray for our new President. Lord, crown his labors with success, leading him to the destination you have chosen. Surround him, the members of his family and members of his Cabinet with the shield of your divine protection and favor. May President Trump seek your wisdom, justice and grace leading with your strength which reaches out to those on life’s margins -- the lost, lonely, last, least, and left out. May he remember that those who would leave a legacy of greatness must strive to become servants of all. Lord, inspire our President to perform his God-appointed duties with such reverence for you that his tenure will be like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like a rainbow after a storm, and like the singing of the birds at dawn. Bless our food and fellowship, we pray, in your sovereign name. Amen.”

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A LOVE STORY

Once upon a time, there was a young couple who fell in love in 1861. They were very special ~ their love was inspiring and true and glowed as the sun.

She was 17 and the oldest of eight children of a Mobile, Alabama, steamship captain. He was 24 and a steamboat engineer and auxiliary policeman.

They called her Elizabeth Queenie “Lizzie” Bennett ~ by her parents was named. He was George E. Dixon ~ a dashing young man as history has claimed.

Before George departed for the war, Lizzie gave him a $20 gold piece for good luck. He was wounded at Shiloh when a minie ball in his leg struck.

It was this gold coin that saved his leg and possibly his life, But the impact seriously damaged his femur causing him to limp the rest of his short life.

George returned to Mobile to convalesce and see Lizzie, so they spent Christmas 1862 together. Fondly growing closer in spirit and in love with each other.

Lizzie was someone who shared her smile, a tear, and a hand. George was someone who cared ~ a heart that could understand.

Their love was the long lasting kind although they were together for only a little while. Their love was for so many things ~ they shared their voice, their touch, their kiss, their smile.

With them, there was nothing to resist ~ to each they were irresistible, you see. They were drawn in total trust, giving to each other willingly.

Until in 1864, the Confederate H. L. Hunley submarine was lost, George perished with his crew and the war their love cost.

Their love story continued in the romantic tale of her gold gift Until it was proven true when it was found where George lay in the remains of the ship.

Their sweet devotion never failed ~ they each had a loving heart. Their love, no matter what, had been that way from the start.

There were many reasons why their love endured. Despite their many trials, their love was secure.

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NEWS FROM AROUND THE CAMP

GET-WELL WISHES TO LADY BETSY BLAKE. Betsy was hospitalized on January 10 for congestive heart failure. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. (The camp sent a greeting card).

WELCOME BACK, COMPATRIOT DWIGHT AND MRS. NONA MOORE. Dwight and Nona vacationed in Hawaii from January 14-31.

They said: We have arrived back in civilization. Can't say we're thrilled about it. Have attached some photos to show the hardships we endured.

May your troubles be less

May your blessings be more

May nothing but happiness

Come through your door.

A Happy and Healthy 2017

~ A PROUD GRAMPA ~ COMPATRIOT JACOB “TALLEY” BAILEY

OF CHEPACHET, RHODE ISLAND Congratulations on the birth of your new identical twin grandsons, Case and Kyle Walker, with strong southern ties, who were born on January 3. The parents are his daughter and husband, and they will have their Navy Vet father’s height. As of January 13, they come home in about 3 weeks and are growing in the NICU at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.

GET-WELL WISHES TO COMPATRIOT PAT BOOTH. Pat is undergoing rehabilitation at the Lake Land Rehabilitation Facility in Effingham. He is improving but it is still long on-going process. Hope the recuperation period is shorter than expected and he is back to normal soon. (The camp sent a greeting card).

GET-WELL WISHES TO COMPATRIOT SAM BOOTH. He recently underwent surgery to correct an aneurism problem. Get well soon, Sam. (The camp sent a greeting card).

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CAMP CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY

2 GROUNDHOG DAY

14 VALENTINE’S DAY

14 6:30 BELLEVILLE CAMP DIXON MEETING

20 PRESIDENTS’ DAY

20 6:30 FLORA SQUAD EAST MEETING

22 WASHINGTON”S BIRTHDAY

MARCH

1 ASH WEDNESDAY (Lent begins)

12 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS

(SET CLOCK AHEAD ONE HOUR)

14 6:30 BELLEVILLE CAMP DIXON MEETING

17 ST. PATRICK’S DAY

20 FIRST DAY OF SPRING

20 6:30 FLORA SQUAD EAST MEETING

APRIL

9 PALM SUNDAY

11 6:30 BELLEVILLE CAMP DIXON MEETING

14 GOOD FRIDAY

16 EASTER

17 6:30 FLORA SQUAD EAST MEETING

FEBRUARY

3 Compatriot Carson Leonard

(from Ingraham IL)

14 Compatriot Phil Tate

(from Mascoutah IL)

14 Compatriot James Johnson

(from Hopkinton MA)

17 Compatriot “Ham” Lemmer

(from Millstadt IL)

20 Compatriot Jim Lumma

(from Jerseyville IL)

20 Knight Ralph Oelschlager

(from Belleville IL)

23 Lady Betsy Blake

(from Belleville IL)

CAMP DIXON AND SQUAD EAST LEADERSHIP Commander John Wayne Kicklighter 618-257-9079 1Lt Commander Ronald Lakin Cell 618-420-6358 2Lt Commander VACANT Adjutant Gale Franklin Red Cell 618-622-8949 Chaplain Walter “Mike” Biekert 618-972-8190 Sgt at Arms David Schmitt Cell 618-334-6148 Program Chairman Gale Franklin Red Cell 618-622-8949 Squad East Lieutenant Robert Neil Marley Cell 618-662-4765 Squad East Chaplain Sam Booth Cell 618-838-3053 Squad East Program Chairman VACANT