Summer 2009 Department Dispatch newsletter

Greetings Brothers and Friends, As you know, the SUVCW has lost a True Son, Bill Upham. Bill was a Past Department Commander and Past Camp Commander of Henry Harnden Camp #2 in Madison. Please see pages 5 & 6 of this issue, to read more about Bill. We will all miss having Bill at the Mid-Winter Meeting and Patriotic Luncheon. Our Web site and the front of this newsletter are draped in black to mourn his passing. I am proud to see the high level of activities our Camps have been involved in this summer. There were many parades and dedications. See the Camp News section of this newsletter for more details. Thank you to all that participated, and are helping to keep the memory of the "Boys in Blue" alive. I was luckily able to get to Louisville, for the 128th National Encampment. While there, I served on the Credentials Committee, along with SVC Tom Brown, Joe Hall, PDC from Rhode Island and Chairman Walt Busch, PDC from Missouri. It was a great experience, and I look forward to participating in the Committee again next year in Overland Park, KS. This year, Leo Kennedy, PDC of Rhode Island was elected Commander in Chief. I wish him luck. I have known him for several years, first being in contact with him when he was the National Graves Registration Officer. I am sure he will do a great job as Commander of our order. At the Encampment, I became aware of a new program that is available to all Brothers, on the National Website (suvcw.org). It is called Memorial University. This is a SUVCW training program, one is for Junior and Junior Associate Members, and the other is for Officers. While the one program is titled for Officers, I believe any member of the SUVCW can go through it. There are 12 Lessons in the program, I have completed one. I highly recommend that all Brothers in the Department of Wisconsin go through this program. So far, there is only one graduate listed on the National Web site. I hope to see many Wisconsin names listed in the future! As a result of the National Encampment, there is a new version of the Constitution and Regulations available. All Camp Commanders should download a copy for their Camp. Having a copy of the C & R, will also assist those who are going to attend Memorial University. There is also a new Graves Registration Database Instructional Booklet that has been distributed to all Camp Graves Registration Officers. The newly appointed National Patriotic Instructor, Don Martin, PCC, has been sending information on appropriate topics for Patriotic Instruction to our Department Patriotic Instructor, Alan Petit, PCC, for dissemination to the Camps. This information can also be found on the National Website on the National Patriotic Instructor's Instruction Page. Please remember, Patriotic Instruction should be included in all our meetings. Don't over look this resource. There are some upcoming events that I hope to see our Department involved in. On November 1st the Department Leadership Conference at the Milwaukee VA. This Conference is free, and a great seminar to get pointers on being a leader in our organization. There will also be Veterans Day activities going on between November 7 and 11. Then, on November 21st, the Remembrance Day activities in Gettysburg. The parade is an awesome site. Last year, we had a small contingent from Wisconsin (I marched with a group from Michigan). It would be great, if we could get if our Department could form its own Color Guard to march this year. The Department of Wisconsin is working on hosting the National Encampment in 2013. There have been two other times that the Department has hosted this event, 1923 and 1943. We are due! It will be a year, or two, before we know if we will be awarded the honor, but start thinking about how you can help! We will need a lot of "able bodies". I hope to see you at a meeting or event soon. Yours in Fraternity, Charity & Loyalty, Bruce C. Laine, Commander

“PRESERVED BY THE GRACE OF GOD”

SUV

CWSU

VCW

So

ns o

f U

nion

Vet

eran

s of

the

Civi

l War

Summer 2009 Edition

isconsin

Inside —

Wisc. Dept. Pioneer Bert Wood .……….…2

National News ....…...3

New Dept. Officers …3

Department Orders ....4

In Memoriam: Bill Upham Jr. ……..…….5

Camp News and Activities………...…...7

Department Commander’ Column

Department Dispatch W

PAGE 2 DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR

Wisconsin Department Pioneers

Bert H. Wood Building the Order in Northern Wisconsin

By PCinC Stephen A. Michaels

At the 1894 Wisconsin Dept. Encampment, held on June 20-22 in Eau Claire, 26-year old Bert H. Wood was elected Commander.

Wood was one of the 16 charter members of Custer Camp #46, organized in West Superior in May 1889. In five years, he filled all of the Camp offices to Past Captain. He was elected Dept. Sr. Vice Co. in 1893. Wood was a zealous and hard worker for the interests of the Order and gave much time and labor for its advancement throughout the state.

The eldest of three children, Bert Wood was born in September 1868 in Dane County and attended school in River Falls. He then worked for the West Superior Wave, taught public school in Hayward, served as school principal and returned to teaching. His ancestors had fought in every war from the Revolution to the Rebellion. His fa-ther,. Henry G. Wood, had been a sergeant in Co. K, 17th IL Cav. after serving as a private in Co. A, 67th IL Inf. Af-ter the war, he moved his family from Rockford, Illinois to the forests of northern Wisconsin, where he was a carpen-ter and later, clerk for the County Board of Health.

The younger Wood was quiet and unassuming in his manner, firm and staunch, a true friend at all times and in all places, and a strict temperance man. He was a member of the Congregational Church, the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias Orders, and had passed through the chairs of noble grand and chancellor commander in those Orders.

After the Panic of 1893, the Order continued to strug-gle. The Mineral Point Camp disbanded in July.

Relations with the GAR were not the best. Whether it was Wood’s youth, his remoteness in Northern Wisconsin, his leadership style or the GAR’s attitude is uncertain. In his parting remarks at the 1895 Encampment, he said that the relations between the Sons and the Grand Army were not all that they should be:

“We who went into the camps as boys know that at first, although the GAR approved of our order; they thought and talked of us as boys, and in many cases too much was expected of us and because we did not fulfill the expectations, we were roasted...But the GAR men are real-izing more and more that we are not simply an organiza-tion to take their place when they are gone, but an order to assist them while they are here; and they, as well as the

Sons of Veterans themselves, are awakening to the fact that we are no longer boys, but men.”

The Department’s member-ship decline had reversed, with an increase of nearly 100 to 719. There were 34 Camps. New Camps had been organized at Ashland, Augusta, Benton, Blaine (Sherman Camp #5), Clear Lake, De-Pere (Harrison Camp #91), Hazel Green, Oxford, and Rock Elm. In addition to two Ladies Aid Societies in Sheboygan and LaCrosse, two new or-ganizations were chartered at Platteville and Superior.

His recommendations interestingly foretold future ini-tiatives:

One should hold the rank of past Captain unless he’d pre-sided over a majority of meetings during the term he was elected for; that the CR&R be amended to guard against unworthy persons; that the pre capita remain at 50 cents/year and profit margin for badges be 60% and other sup-plies at 25%; and that due to the shortness of Dept. funds, the The News Letter would be discontinued after publica-tion of the July issue.

Br. Wood married Emma Jane Barkley in 1892, they had four children: Willie B.(1893-1982), Carl E. (1899-1873), Ray (1907-1908), and Walter A. (1915-1995).

After his term as DC, he and his family moved to Ash-land, where he was an officer of the new 31-member W.W. Paddock Camp #21. In 1897, they moved to Minong, WI, and shortly thereafter to Hebron, Iowa, where he began farming. After about five years, the Wood family moved one last time, to Straight River Township, Hubbard County, in northcentral MN, where they continued to farm. Emma’s parents joined them there. PDC Bert Wood died on October 27, 1953 in Hubbard County at age 85.

Sources:

Ancestry.com Hubbard County, Minnesota, Genealogical Society

Milwaukee Sentinel Press Forward the Good Work, The History of the Wisconsin Department

SUVCW (Vol. 1), by PCinc Stephen A. Michaels; 1997

Department Orders # 1 Series 2009-10

Bruce C. Laine, Wisconsin Department Commander 421 S. Sherman St. Eagle, WI 53119

262-594-2081 [email protected]

1. The office and duties of Wisconsin Department Commander are hereby accepted and headquarters will be established

at the above location 2. Below are the Department Officers for 2009-10. Their willingness to serve is greatly appreciated.

1. Congratulations to newly elected Auxiliary Department Officers. From the Wisconsin Department SUVCW, I extend friendship and support to you and to all of the other Allied Orders.

2. Thank you to the Brothers of Henry Harnden Camp #2 of Madison, for hosting an excellent and successful 126th Department Encampment in Madison.

3. Upon their publication, the minutes of the 126th Department Encampment will become its official record. 4. Temporary Encampment committees are discharged with thanks for their service. 5. When we “passed the hat” in Madison, at the 126th Department Encampment, we collected a total of $392, of which,

half went to the Department Patriotic Fund and half went to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum's Battle Flag Restoration Fund. On behalf of the Department, I thank the Brothers who were so generous.

6. Thank you to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison for allowing us to use their fine facility for the Department Encampment, and for the tour of the Archives.

7. With 2010 Camp Officer Elections coming soon, Camp Commanders are to contact me with the date of the Officer Installation of Officers. I will attempt to make it to each Camp's Installation. If I am unavailable, I will assign a

(Continued on page 7)

PAGE 3 SUMMER 2009

Commander Bruce Laine, PCC 421 S. Sherman St. Eagle, WI 53119 Sr. Vice Commander Thomas J. Brown, PCC 5025 N. 105th St. Milwaukee, WI 5 3225 Jr. Vice Commander Kim J. Heltemes, CC W2570 Archer Ave. Pine River, WI 54965 Dept. Council 1 Kent Peterson, PDC 6024 S, Kirkwood Cudahy, WI 53110-3106 Dept. Council 2 Brian Peters, PDC 646 Rays Lane Stevens Point, WI 54481 Dept. Council 3 Alan Hembel, PCC Box 620-203 Middleton, WI 53562 Secretary Brian Peters, PDC 646 Rays Lane Stevens Point, WI 54481 Treasurer Dale Brasser, PDC 1201 Hillcrest Dr. Manitowoc, WI 54220 Patriotic Instructor Alan Petit, PCC E7602 Cutoff Road New London, WI 5 4961 Dept. Counselor Steve Michaels, PC-in-C 6623 S. North Cape Rd. Franklin, WI 53132 Chaplain Patrick Lynch 5830 S. 92nd St. Hales Corners, WI 53130 Dept. Color Guard Bob Mann, CC 2375 Rockway Lane East Brookfield, WI 53005 Graves Registration Virgil Matz 1215 Spring St., Box 425 Black Earth, WI 53515 Guide Ronald Knaus, CC 1601 Paramenter St. Middleton, WI 53562 Dept. Historian Randy Novak, PDC6 41 Bowen St. Oshkosh, WI 54901 R. and R. Comm. Fred F. Murphy, PDC 4462 S. Lake Drive Cudahy, WI 53110-1249 Eagle Scout Coordinator Ronald Knaus, CC 1601 Paramenter St. Middleton, WI 53562 Iron Brigade Highway Daniel Chroninger, PCC 117 S. 3rd St. Readstown, WI 54652 Grant Awards Coord. Alan Hembel, PCC Box 620-203 Middleton, WI 53562 Monuments Registration William Rafferty 6724 Sham Rock Glen Middleton, WI 53562 Dept. Signals Officer Kent Peterson, PDC 6024 S, Kirkwood Cudahy, WI 53110-3106 Camp Organizer Kim J. Heltemes, CC W2570 Archer Ave. Pine River, WI 54965


Brief report of the 128th National Encampment in Louisville, KY Leo Kennedy of Rhode Island was elected Commander-in-Chief at the August National Encampment. James Hanby moved up to Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief and Brad Schall of the Department of California/Pacific is our new Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief. Max Newman resigned as National Treasurer, with Rich Orr of Pennsylvania being elected to fill out the final year of his term.

All discussions were held in the spirit of fraternity, charity and loyalty, making this a very enjoyable Encampment. Satur-day evening's banquet was visited by a Past Commander-in-Chief of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The evening's enter-tainment was a Civil War style brass band, whose first selection was “Dixie.” The Auxiliary and the Ladies of the Grand Army, also meeting with us, were represented at the head table by their National Presidents. Also visiting us were the Na-

tional President of the Women's Relief Corp, the National Junior Vice President of the Daughters of Union Veterans and the National President of the Daughter's of the Union - while not one of the Allied Orders, they were welcomed. MOLLUS was also represented by our own Past Com-mander-in-Chief Rick Bury.

The Department of Kentucky did a wonderful job in hosting this year's Encampment, with next year being in the Department of Kansas.

Dept. Of Wisconsin delegation with National Officers. Standing, left to right: PCinC Steve Michaels, Br. Eric Graff, PCC Tom Brown, DC Bruce Laine. Seated left to right: Nat. Sec. PDC Don Palmer, SVCinC James Hanby, Sr., CinC Leo Kennedy, JVCinC Brad Schall, and Nat. Treasurer PCinC Richard Orr.

replacement from the Department. 8. Thank you to PCinC Steve Michaels, Dept SVC Tom Brown and Brother Eric Graff, of Camp #1, who attended the

National Encampment in Louisville, KY on the 14th & 15th of August. The Department of Kentucky did a great job in hosting the encampment. Next year’s encampment will be in Overland Park, Kansas, August 12-15, at the Marriott Hotel, 10800 Metcalf Avenue. It is very important to have good attendance from Wisconsin, please start planning now.

9. All Camps should download the current version of the National Constitution and Regulations for the National Website. The C & R was updated in August 2009. The Department By-Laws have also been updated, and will be e-mailed to all Camp Commanders and Secretaries.

10. All Camps need to have updated their By-Laws to include Junior Associates. Camps that have not sent their update By-Laws to me, need to do so, by October 31, 2009.

Ordered this 26th day of September, 2009.

In Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty

Bruce C. Laine Department Commander

Attest: Brian Peters, PDC Department Secretary

(Continued from page 3)

Dept. Commander Bruce Laine 2009 Dept. of Wis. Encampment.

SUMMER 2009 PAGE 5

Wisconsin’s True Son

Bill Upham 1916 — 2009

Wisconsin's last True Son, William (Bill) H. Upham, Jr., was born in 1916. He studied law at the University of Wisconsin before graduating and enlisting in the Army. He served as an officer in the 5th Infantry Division during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After the war, he settled in Milwaukee and became a successful agent for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance. He and wife Betty raised a son and two daughters. Bill was a past National commander of MOLLUS, serving for three years, 1985-88 and a founding member of the reactivated Iron Brigade Association, which was reorganized in December 1990. He served as president of the Milwaukee Civil War Round Table from 1989-91 and brought broad experience to his successful two terms. Bill joined the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in 1987. He served as Wisconsin Dept. Commander from 1990-1992, Dept. Treasurer 1992-99 and Commander of Madison's Henry Harnden Camp #2 in 1995 and '96. He also served as presenter of the Department's annual U.S. Grant award to a deserving Army ROTC graduate at Marquette University. William Upham Sr.

Bill's father, William Upham, Sr., enlisted in Racine's Belle City Rifles in May 1861. The unit later became Co. F, 2nd Wisconsin Infantry, part of the famed Iron Brigade. Bill recalls, "I used to sit on my father's lap while he talked with other veterans and they swapped war stories." After training at Camp Randall, Madison, the regiment was ordered to Manassas Junction. On July 20, 1861, the 2nd Wisconsin lost 16 killed and 35 wounded in the battle at Centerville, near Bull Run … one of the wounded was William Upham. "He got a minnie ball bullet in the chest and was left for dead. It was three days without any medical treatment." The younger Upham remembers when he was quite small that he could not cover the scar on his father's back with both of his hands. When news of the battle reached Racine, William Upham and three others were reported dead and a funeral service was


Lt. William Upham


held. Subsequently, it was learned that Upham had been taken prisoner. In the Spring of 1862, after seven months in prison, Upham was exchanged, paroled and returned to Washington. It was there that Senator Doolittle, a fellow townman of Upham's invited him to call upon President Lincoln. After introductions, Lincoln asked Upham about the treatment of prisoner at Richmond and about the nature of his wound. After his meeting with the president, Upham wrote his family, "Mr. Lincoln sent me to West Point, assured at that time that the war would be over in 60 days." Upham was the first private volunteer soldier who ever received such an honor. He was one of eleven cadets appointed by Lincoln in 1862. William Upham, Sr., graduated from West Point in 1866 as a 2nd lieutenant and was assigned to the 5th U.S. Artillery. The unit was on duty at Fortress Monroe, where Jeff Davis was being held in custody, pending his trial. As Officer of the Guard, Upham had an opportunity to obtain a thorough knowledge of the character of the fallen Confederate chief. Bill often remarked, "My father had the distinction of meeting and talking to both Lincoln and Davis." William H. Upham, Sr., founded the James G. Blaine GAR Post #110 in Marshfield, which was chartered on October 23, 1883. Upham served as its first commander and was re-elected several times. He served as an Aid on the Staff of GAR Wisconsin Dept. Co. Lucius Fairchild (1886) with the rank of Major. In March 1891, he himself was elected Department Commander. He was elected governor of Wisconsin in 1894. His wife, Mary, died in 1912 and the elder Upham, now the owner of a 50-foot yacht, took a trip down the Mississippi River, around the Gulf of Mexico and up the Atlantic coast. When he got to North Carolina, a storm damaged his ship. While waiting for repairs, he met and later married his second wife. When he was 75 and his wife was 30, William Jr. was born.

"In no respect was I a 'mama's boy'" says Bill. "I was totally spoiled by my father. When he died, I knew life would not be the same." The younger Upham remembers going to the office with his dad and licking stamps, going to the post office and on daily trips to the barber shop, where his dad would get shaves. William H. Upham Sr. died on July 2, 1924, at the age of 83. He finally followed his father. William Jr. died of natural causes Sunday, August 16, 2009. He was 93. His wife, Betty, had passed away in September 2008. The Department of Wisconsin expresses its sympathy

to the Upham family for their loss, and a also deep appreciation from all who had known Bill over the years as a gentleman and the True Son of a Union Veteran.


PDC Steve Michaels, True Son Bill Upham Jr., PCinC Danny Wheeler at the 2000 Patriotic Luncheon.

Members of Camp 1 in 1997—Herman Black, Steve Michaels, Maurie Felton, Bill Upham, Andrew Michaels, Tony Blaize, Bob

Wiesian, Ron Aronis and Fred Murphy.

PAGE 7 SUMMER 2009

Camp News & Activities

CK Pier Badger Camp #1 - Milwaukee

Pres. Lincoln (Rev. Robert Rotgers) and Sgt. Ryan Shogren (both at left) were keynote speakers at the Memorial Day program at Calvary Cemetery in Milwaukee. Dean Collins (right) serves as coordinator for the annual event.

Color Guard parades in Bay View — We had an excellent turnout of 15 Sons and Auxiliary members for the Kenosha parade. In this photo at left from the South Shore Frolics parade on July 11, marching were (left to right) Mary Ann Schallock, Kathy Ander-son, Toni Howard, PCinC Steve Michaels, PCC Bill Doan, David Howard, Dean Collins, Al LaMott, CC Tom Brown, AP Allison Michaels, Patrick Kulas, PNP Danielle Michaels.

Color guard at the SAR Plaque Dedication held June 20th in Little Prairie. (Left to right) DC Bruce Laine, CC Tom Brown, PNP Danielle Michaels. The ceremony recognized the service of Revolutionary War patriot Pvt. David Janes, 5th MA Militia, who died in LaGrange Township in 1848 at age 86. His grandson, Alonzo, served as a corporal in Co. I, 13th Wis. Infantry during the Civil War.

The annual Camp and Auxiliary Sum-mer Picnic was hosted this year by Bro. Bob Koenecke on his farm near Burling-ton. Above left, Bob spends time talking with Vic and Lynn Share.


MG John Gibbon Camp #4– Waukesha Waukesha parades — Members of Camp 4 at Memorial Day 2009 in Waukesha (right). Below, Camp 4 SVR units representing the USS Carondelet (Navy) and 28th Wisconsin Infantry prepare to step off at the Fourth of July parade in Watertown, where they served as the color guard for the First Brigade Band.

At right, center, Tom Keinert, the newest member of Camp 4 was initiated at the Fourth of July event. By Pat Lynch (left) and CC Bob Mann (right). Tom is the son of Allen Keinert, also a Camp 4 member. Since this photo was taken, Tom has been deployed to Iraq.

Col. Henry Harnden Camp #2 — Madison

Department En-campment—Camp 2 served as the Host Camp for this year’s Department Encamp-ment held at the Vet-eran’s Museum in Madison on June 6. At right, PCC Alan Hem-bel of Camp 2 spoke to the assembled Brothers and Sisters at the post-encampment Memorial Service.

At left, during the behind-the-scenes Veteran’s Museum tour, archivist Russ Hor-ton of the Museum staff displayed the 6th Wisconsin National colors during his presentation of Civil War artifacts.

More 2009 Encampment photos at http://kapeterson.smugmug.com

PAGE 9 SUMMER 2009

Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing Camp #5-Saukville

Cedarburg Parade — Above, PDC Ron Aronis with his driver prepare to pull the cannon and limber with a pair of Belgian horses in the parade. Left, Ladies of the

Cushing’s Historical Society, with members of Cushing’s Battery and Camp 5 participating in the Cedarburg parade this summer.

Old Abe Camp#8—Fox Cities

Woodlawn Cemetery Dedication — During the past few years, Camp 8 has been helping with a project started in Shawano County by some individuals interested in their Civil War history. Amy Damveld, of Shawano, contacted the camp for help from Jim Waid, Vince Barker, and Kim Heltemes. We taught them how to research the gravestones, identify Civil War veterans, and order new markers. Vince Barker was instrumental in helping them with some of the verifications of service in the war.

Woodlawn had more Civil War veterans than previously known. Ten unmarked graves were identified and new markers ordered. Older markers were straightened. Some were cleaned up under the Camps recommendations on the methods of headstone cleaning.

By the end of July, eight of the new markers were in-stalled. Meetings were held with the locals and Amy to final-


Camp 8 members at the Shawano dedication.

Lincoln Bicentennial event — On July 25, 2009, visitors to Camp Randall Park in Madison enjoyed a Lincoln Bicentennial event which included concerts by the First Brigade Band. Camp 2 members participated in a parade through the grounds, which was reviewed by Governor Doyle, President and Mrs. Lincoln and other figures as Governor Randall and Cordelia Harvey. Gathering for a picture after the parade were (left to right): Ron Knaus, Commander of Camp 2; Bob Wetter, Camp 2; Linda Wetter; Gov. Jim Doyle; Mrs. Jessica Doyle; Craig Wheeler, Camp 4; Debra Keinert; Alan Keinert, JVC Camp 4; Jeannine Keinert; and Mike Laufenberg, member of Battery B, 4th US Artillery.

PRESERVING THE MEMORY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC AND OUR ANCESTORS WHO FOUGHT TO PRESERVE THE UNION

The Wisconsin Department Dispatch is

published three times per year for members of the Wisconsin Department, SUVCW.

Articles, photos and news items may be submitted to SVC Tom Brown at

[email protected]. Editorial deadlines are April, August and November 15.

Visit us on the Web at

http://www.suvcw-wi.org

Department Events Calendar

12 Oct: Columbus Day

16 Oct: Sesquicentennial—John Brown’s Raid at Harper’s Ferry

1 Nov: Wis. Dept. Leadership Conference, 12:30-4:30 p.m., Milwaukee VA Soldier’s Home, Bldg. 1

11 Nov: Veteran's Day

21 Nov: Remembrance Day Parade and Ceremonies, Gettysburg

7 Dec: Pearl Harbor Day

ize the details for the dedication of the cemetery’s new markers. Area veterans groups from the American Legion, VFW, On-ieda Nation, and the Stockbridge – Munsee Nation, were invited to do the ceremony with the camp.

The dedication was arranged for August 8. The new military grave marker chosen to be set up for the ceremony was that of a Native Ameri-can’s grave. It was a great choice. It allowed the camp to have descen-dants, that happened to be there with colors, able to unveil the new marker.

The colors and members formed up to march in. With the colors in the background, and everyone in their place, stories from descendants were told. The ceremony took place and when it came to placing a flag grom-met in the dirt and spreading flag ashes over the grave, the Native Ameri-can descendants were honored to do that part.

Toward the end of the ceremony a volley was fired from the camp Honor Squad with Dan McGraw as its commander. Taps were sounded. A prayer was said and the service ended.

A list of 74 names was read off that were interned in the cemetery. The event made a great impression on those that attended. Some had said they were going back to their own communities to see what they could do for their Civil War veterans.

A nice part of the day was to meet up with Brother Don Jager. Don just got back from a stint in Saudi Arabia. He had been in Iraq for 10 months before Saudi. He is from Texas, but Camp 8 is his home away from home. Good to see our camp members home again that have served in the military, especially those that served in the war zones.

Grave registration was done with the help of Vigil Matz.


The new marker of Simeon Gardner, a Pri-vate in Co. I, of the 32nd Wisconsin Infantry, as Gardner’s descendants did the unveiling as Camp Commander Kim Heltemes and Camp

Chaplain, Dan Wilson, looks on.

L.G. Armstrong Camp #49—Boscobel

PCC Dan Chroninger of Camp 49 shared these recent photos of his son, Tim Bennish who is also a member of Camp 49. Brother Bennish is an E-4 Navy Corpsman with the 2nd Marine Division deployed in Iraq.

Documents

Summer 2009 Department Dispatch newsletter