ARMY OF THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS. Collierville revisits Civil War

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1 ARMY OF THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS Volume X. Issue 7. November 2008 General Albert Pike Camp #1439, Wichita - General Lewis A. Armistead Camp #1847, Salina Colonels Lewis & Harrison Camp #1854, Topeka General William Steele Camp #1857, Leavenworth Major Thomas J. Key Camp #1920, Kansas City South Kansas Camp #2064, Wichita Capt. William C. Quantrill Camp #1814, Lawrence. Collierville revisits Civil War On Oct. 11, 1863, Confederate Gen. James Chalmers led 3,000 soldiers through Collierville on a mission to disrupt Union supply lines and communication by gaining control of the railroad. When the Confederate cavalry attacked, the Union troops fled. The Union was outnumbered and trapped until William Sherman and his battalion of about 260 men pulled into the Collierville depot and surprised the Confederate army. After nearly five hours of fighting, and Union reinforcements from Germantown approaching, Chalmers was forced to withdraw his troops. At the Battle of Collierville, more than 200 people were killed. "The unique thing about the battle was that no one really won," said Bill Kelsey, vice president of the Battle of Collierville Association. "But for the battle to happen in such a short time frame it was a pretty significant battle." To commemorate the 145th anniversary of the fight, the Battle of Collierville Association re-enacted the confrontation Oct at Schilling Farms. Approximately 200 volunteer soldiers dressed in traditional uniforms -- gray and butternut-colored coats and pants -- and set up camp at Poplar and Shea Road. A Union Fort replica was constructed, as well. Battle of Collierville president Lee Millar said weekend activities included arts and craft stations and a hospital that demonstrated medical procedures used during the Civil War. Using fake limbs and blood, a surgeon showed how doctors sawed off body parts and sewed up the wounded. "When you study the Civil War in school you get the issues but you don't get to see the soldiers and how they lived," Millar said. Millar asked the Collierville Board of Mayor and Aldermen to donate $19,000 to co-sponsor the event, which he estimates will cost $34,000. Because the event was not included in this year's budget, however, town officials postponed their decision and was decided at the Aug. 11 meeting. Proceeds from the re-enactment went toward the Collierville museum and Civil War gallery at the White Church building at Poplar and Main. The re-enactment, Kelsey said, served as a visual history lesson for children. "It gives kids a chance to learn about the Civil War and broaden their scope of the war itself," Kelsey said. Bill Kelsey vice president of the Battle of Collierville Association INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1, Collierville revisits Civil War 2, Commander s Corner 3, Around the Division 4. Recruitment & Color Gaurd 5-7. The Face Of The SCV By Edwin Kennedy Jr. 8. Color/Honor Guard, Recruiting 9. Meeting Reminder & Camp Information 1

2 My Fellow Compatriots, Towards the end of this month we will be participating in a holiday that is traditionally centered on the pilgrims and the new land. So many times we have heard the story of how Capt Bartholomew Gosnold, 1 st Englishman to land in New England Anchored at what is now New Bedford, Mass on May How on May 13, 1607 Jamestown, Va. was the 1 st permanent English Colony in North America. We have heard the stories of how the pilgrims built homes, met Indians and had a feast. Names such as John Ratcliff, Pocahontas, and Capt John Smith are forever drilled into our minds. So as the tradition of this holiday remains many of you as well as myself will be gorging large amounts of turkey, potatoes, dressing, and other families traditional favorites while visiting with family members and friends watching football in honor of this occasion. We call this holiday Thanksgiving. As citizens of this the United States of America, whose Confederate ancestors fought to keep their land, industries, customs, and freedom of living from the Union threat. Moreover; whose more recent ancestors may have fought in The Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, The Korean Conflict, Vietnam Conflict, Desert Storm and finally The War against terrorism. Sometimes assisting and coming to the aid of other Countries from takeover and danger. Did so, and continue to do so in order to keep our Nation safe and protect our freedoms... We as Citizens still forget that we live in the greatest, most powerful country in the civilized world today. That we have such freedoms like no other country or nation that allow us to worship as we wish, pay respect to our Ancestors of which some consider traitors, and to vote for those individuals who are elected into office to speak for us and make the laws by which we live. Having the freedom to even burn our own nations flag if we choose to do so, Heaven Forbid any of you would. It is apparent now more than ever that times are hard and our Nations economy is hurting, but we are still able, yes still able, to feed and care for our families of which we dearly love and protect. My friends, that s what Thanksgiving is all about. Being thankful for what we have and those things provided by God. In what other Country would we have the freedom to continue to pay respect for our ancestors who are portrayed by many ignorant, unreachable, misguided people as raciest traitors? We have the freedom and the ability to set the record straight. We have the freedom to teach and show so many people that there was another side to that war. A side that has not yet been excepted in truth. We celebrate and participate in this holiday, yet many of us are not doing so to be thankful but rather just accepting a day off work, a big meal, and a chance to complain to others abut our countries down falls. Many of our children have lost respect not only for themselves, but the nation and its citizens, as well. We have put our Christian beliefs and faith behind us. The same Christian beliefs that this Nation was built on so may years in the past. Thanksgiving is more than just a big meal and a ball game. It s a time to say thank you and to give back to those who have made this the United States of America what it is today. It s a time of giving. It s the aspect of giving our youth the proper guidance and understanding that we remember receiving from our parents and their fathers before them. Respecting the rights of all men no matter what their color or religious belief. We must remember that our future comes from our youth, and our youth can only lead with the guidance we ourselves provide them with. I ask you to join with me, and millions more in talking to our youth about their future. Discuss with them the values of which this Nation was truly built and the true reason behind the war of Northern aggression and how it tore our nation apart. Help them thru truth, guidance and understanding to realize that without giving thanks to those who sacrificed their life, and without giving respect and understanding to others, our Nation is doomed to fall. Let me finish by saying Thank you to all who have supported me as your Division Commander. Thank you to all our men and women who severed and continue to serve in our military forces, and thank God for this the United States of America. Y.O.S. Denver L Erickson. Ks. Div. Cmdr. 2

3 Meeting Agendas B.G. Albert Pike Camp # 1439 Nov 08 th Richard Scott Price Lewis A. Armistead Camp # 1847 Nov 08 th Camp Members Civil War Ghost Stories Col s Lewis & Harrison Camp #1854 Nov 15 th Camp/Family Dinner Out William Steele Camp# 1857 Nov 13 th Blank Maj. Thomas J. Key Camp # 1920 Nov 06 th Adj. Larry Yeatman B.G. John T. Hughs Camp #614 Collection Display of Original WBTS relics South Kansas Camp # 2064 Nov 13 th NO NOTIFICATION OF PRESENTATION TO: David Scott Price son of Richard Scott Price Commander of the Gen Lewis A. Armistead Camp #1847 will be moving back to Kansas as an active member in the camp activities. Needless to say, Scott is very anxious. B.G. Albert Pike Camp # 1439 Lewis A. Armistead Camp # 1847 Jared Cody Ingram Col s Lewis & Harrison Camp #1854 William Steele Camp# 1857 Maj. Thomas J. Key Camp # 1920 Rick Elliot Bullock (Father) Travis Allen Bullock (Son) Leonard Sanders Jackson Jr. Paul D Allen Up coming Events Thomas J. Key Camp #1920 Ottawa Veterans Day Parade Leavenworth Veterans Day Parade 150 th Anniversary at Wornall House Division Elections for Next Year Qualifications and a biographical sketch of candidates seeking one of four Division Offices will be in the February Newsletter along with a voting ballot. If you wish to run for one of these offices, send your information to the Division Adjutant before January 15, 2009 South Kansas Camp # 2064 Capt. William C. Quantrill Camp #1814 For Information Added To This Page. Please Contact the Division News Letter Editor No Later Than One Week Before Publication at derickson18@cox.net To Assure Printing. 3

4 If you have an article you would like printed in the News Letter. Contact Denver at Editing may be done in the sence of letter size and extraction of some pictures depending on the size. Be a Recruiter and help gain membership in a Confederate organization Be assured there are numerous benefits to being a member of the SCV. Chief among them is the pride you will feel from being a member of the oldest, most creditable, and best-known confederate hereditary organization in existence. The sons of confederate Veterans was formed in 1896 back in a time when it was nothing unusual to see confederate veterans in the streets of Americas towns and cities Proudly remembering and celebrating their confederate heritage until that time the 18 veterans of the war came together as members of the United confederate Veterans. The SCV was formed, as a direct Arror to the United Confederate Veterans the First Commander in Chief was Jeb Stuart Jr. The Son of Confederate cavalry hero Major General Jeb Stuart. The SCV Exist to preserve the History and legacy of its heroes so future generations can understand the events and circumstances that motivated our ancestors to resist tyranny and fight for Southern independence just as their ancestors did when they fought the British. The SCV is not affiliated with any other group and rejects any group whose actions tarnishes or distorts the image of the Confederate soldier or his reason for fighting. If you know of someone who may be a descendent of a confederate Veteran, and do not feel you are knowledgeable enough to recruit them properly. Contact The Division Brigade Commanders for Assistance. The Border Brigade Under the Command of Robert Super (785) The Indian Brigade under the Command of Heath Booth (316) Kansas Division Color/Honor Guard Available Compatriot Gerald V. Spaur of the BG Albert Pike Camp #1439 is suited and ready for the occasion. Gerald is prepared for the opportunity to be present as a Color Guard for your event, or to take on the responsibility of Honor Guard for the passing of a family member, friend or compatriot where an honor Guard is needed. Gerald will go anywhere in Kansas and be available for any and all Military services for compatriots, family members, and friends. Feel free to contact Gerald at 2947 Walnut Wichita Kansas Phone:

5 The Face of the SCV Edwin L. Kennedy, Jr The SCV has a significant perception problem. I ve experienced it personally. It affects our recruiting and many other Compatriots have experienced this as well. Uninformed, bigoted, and ignorant people abound in our country and they actively fight against us based on false perceptions of the SCV. Our detractors perceive the SCV in different ways, mostly in very uncomplimentary and negative manners. They influence potential recruits. For this reason, it is so important for us to change, or at least nullify, these false perceptions in order to not only gain acceptance, but to gain supporters. Based on experience, I don t think we can change the minds of most bigots. I do think we can change the minds of many of the uninformed and ignorant however. Education is a solution but we have to be smart about it. Public relations are a very important fact of any major organization s program for growth. Public relations are tied to perceptions. This is certainly no less true for the SCV, especially since we face significant opposition from bigoted organizations such as the naacp and the Southern Poverty Law Center (splc). How we shape perceptions is extremely important in our fight to change and encourage new membership. One of the easiest ways to affect perceptions is through our public appearances. How the public sees us is sometimes the only exposure we will ever achieve with them. Living history programs, battlefield conservation projects, recruiting tables, and educational programs are all important facts of our public relations but a very limited view of the public towards the SCV. We must therefore, make the very most of this limited exposure to the public eye. As a business consultant and employee / managerial relations instructor at the undergraduate level, I strongly emphasize the old adage that: First impressions are lasting impressions! First impressions are built primarily on appearance. Appearance exceptionally important! Just what bigoted stereotypes do we need to overcome? As my former employer once said of me, You re a redneck racist! This unsubstantiated opinion falls into the category of that of an ignorant bigot. He knew I was a member of the SCV through newspaper accounts of our local programs. He eventually tried to fire me after I advocated for my students to wear Confederate t- shirts. When he tried to fire me illegally in 2002, it sparked a Federal lawsuit that affirmed my son s right to wear his Confederate t-shirt and I retained my job. The principal of Leavenworth High School (Kansas) based his bigoted comment solely on the stereotypical view that many people have of Southerners (he grew up in Iowa). Although I had done absolutely nothing explicit to garner his view other than request that another boy and my son be able to wear their Dixie Outfitters t-shirts, the principal Jim VanMaanen, determined that, as a member of the SCV, I was automatically a redneck racist. We can t change ignorant bigots minds so we shouldn t worry about doing so. VanMaanen can t be influenced by intellectual discourse as our successful lawsuit eventually showed. However, I believe we can influence many of those who are just ignorant and uninformed. VanMaanen was not impressed with the fact that I was a uniformed member of the armed forces, an honorably retired officer no less, teaching Army JROTC in a highly successful program. He wasn t impressed with my academic credentials, which happened to be substantially better than his. It wouldn t have mattered an iota what my initial impression had made on this bigot who tried to fire me illegally and unsuccessfully. No amount of public relations would affect the stereotypes he held. What could I do in a situation such as this? Winning our lawsuit through settlement requested by the school district has allowed me to continue to embarrass the school board in the local press where I continually remind taxpayers of how anti-southern bigotry cost them financially. The embarrassment to the school district has gained me implicit support in the community and enhanced the SCV s stature with a number of people who know me personally and professionally. This is not the way it should have worked but the Leavenworth, Kansas school district left me no other choices and now it s a fact of life. I eventually left my job at Leavenworth High in order to return to teaching at the graduate-level Army Staff College but I remain involved in local school affairs. One thing that has helped me substantially in our public relations is the way I present myself. Every time I attend a school board meeting, I always wear a coat and tie. Every time I am invited to speak in public (which I do relatively frequently), I always go in a coat and tie. In June 2006, I debated the mid-west chapter president of the naacp regarding the Battle Flag at a program in our town. I wore a suit. There is a very simple reason for this that is critically important and should be recognized and understood by every SCV member. It is a matter of credibility. I don t particularly like wearing coats and ties and am more comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt, but I know that perception is very important. Studies show that by dressing in a coat and tie, the stereotypical image of being educated is portrayed. People tend to view those in coat and ties as more expert and better educated than those who are not. Coat and ties portray power and professionalism according to these studies. This is not a matter of snobbery but a matter of recognizing how the vast majority of people in our culture think. It s just the way it is. 5

6 The Face of The SCV (continued from page 5) As a business consultant, I know that wearing a coat and tie is a matter of appearing professional to clients. Very few major business organizations allow their executives to do business in t-shirts and jeans. The appearance of executives is very important to the point many Fortune 500 companies set expectations on the types of suits that are worn. Coats, ties, and suits all portray a certain image that is largely positive in corporate culture. Whether the perceptions portrayed are true, or not, the images exist in the minds of those who view us. It s just a fact of life. The more formally you dress, the more powerful you appear. For this reason, how we dress as SCV members in public is extremely important. Coats and ties are not always appropriate for the weather, the event, or the circumstances. However, this does not negate the need to dress in a neat and professional manner. For example, clothing other than jeans and t-shirts ought to be worn, especially when the press is present. Why? Because, like my school principal, they are looking for any reason they can to validate their stereotypes of redneck racists. For my principal, all it took was my SCV membership. It didn t help that I drive a pickup truck with a Mississippi flag license tag and SCV window decal. Those are part of my Southern identity and help with my recruiting efforts. Anything we can do to thwart redneck racist stereotype based on our actions and dress is important. Dressing appropriately is an integral and important part of that effort Kansas Division Adjutant Heath Roland, the author, and Compatriot Brent Cooper of the BG William Steele Camp at the annual MAJ Thomas Key Camp Lee-Jackson dinner in Kansas City. The event is held in a historic building open to the public. When the SCV held its annual Convention in Chattanooga several years ago, the SCV held a rally in response to the attempt by the city to ban the Battle Flag. Everyone was asked to dress in coat and tie with recognition of the fact that this is important --- the press would be present. On the day of the rally however, one of the only SCV men to show-up in t-shirts and jeans was immediately sought-out by the TV. Journalists looking for a redneck racist. How much damage this one Compatriot did cannot be measured. He apparently spoke without SCV approval and portrayed exactly what the press wanted. It fit their agenda perfectly to portray the SCV as a group of uneducated racists. It was to our detriment. So when is it suitable to wear jeans and a t-shirt? Rodeos, auto races, and gun shows may be locations where jeans are perfectly suitable. T-shirts might be suitable but I highly recommend a collared shirt. If a t-shirt is worn, then it needs to be in good taste, preferably with a SCV or historical Confederate logo and definitely one with out political or highly controversial statements on it. Jeans, if worn, should be in reputable condition with no holes and definitely clean. Cut-off jeans are something I d never recommend at a SCV recruiting event or in public. Never. Camouflaged clothing is appropriate for hunting or working outdoors. I wore it in the Army where it was my uniform. I wear it on my farm to work in. I don t wear it to professional programs. The reason is that anti-scv bigots will distort the wearing of camouflaged clothing to infer false stereotypes. My recommendation is to save wearing camo for SCV workdays but not public appearances Finally, I wear my historical Confederate uniform to do historical programs or veterans events in. Examples are the programs I do for local schools and our Veterans Day parade (the largest in the state of Kansas). I never wear it to school board meetings to prevent giving it the appearance of being related to a political issue. 6

7 The Face of The SCV (continued from page 5) BG William Steele Camp Lieutenant Commander Clay Edwards (COL, US Army) reading awards citations at the public dedication of the Confederate Memorial, Mine Creek battlefield, Kansas in October Compatriot Nate Edwards is awaiting his SCV ROTC award. Lt. Cmdr. Edwards is wearing coat and tie, jeans and cowboy boots, his field uniform since the site was very wet and in the woods. Lastly, coats-and-ties are is not a sign of snobbery. I ve looked at dozens of reunion photos. My ancestors were not particularly well-to-do. However, I have yet to find a photo of them without at least a shirt and tie. Even reunion photos from the summer months in the South show participants in coats --- likely made of wool just as their uniforms had been. At other events, dress ought to be aimed at presenting a more formal-informal appearance. Pullover shirts with casual slacks are appropriate at outdoor events in warm weather. If there were any chance of the media being present, I would strongly encourage dressing up instead of dressing down. How we look definitely affects public perception and we need to overcome the ignorant and uninformed perception that we are anything less than a serious organization with high standards. There are a number of websites that give outstanding advice on dressing for media interviews and public events. These sites offer very reasonable advice about color coordination and styles that portray a positive and polished image. I highly recommend SCV camp commanders to check these sites so that they can more accurately inform their members on standards of public appearance. We cannot hope for misperceptions to automatically correct themselves. We have to be proactive to try and make positive impressions whenever possible. Appearance and first impressions are extremely important and have a major impact on perceptions. It costs little to influence others in a positive manner by the way we present ourselves in public. Personal appearance can be a major attraction for our potential supporters. It can also work against us if we are not careful. We have to work smart about how we are perceived by the public and our appearance is a good way to do it. Dr Beres Wenck in 2 Business attire commands a much higher level of respect than casual wear. It represents authority, professionalism, confidence, and expertise. Ronald S. Lemos, Etiquette for the Professoriate in LtCol (ret) Edwin L. Kennedy, Jr is commander of the Brigadier General William Steele Camp 1857 in Leavenworth, Kansas. He is a former graduate history instructor at the US Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, a former Army high school Army JROTC instructor, and currently teaches tactics and operations at the Army staff college. He is frequently invited to speak at civic and veterans programs around the country and is a member of the SCV, VFW, and American Legion. 7

8 WE NEED YOUR IDEAS If you have an interesting idea for a trivia or match up, let me know. Several of our very young members and children of members read the newsletter. What better way to educate members especially those of very young years than through trivia and match games or history blurbs. If at any time you have something you would like placed in the news Letter. Contact me at derickson18@cox.net and I will do my best to get you idea printed. Denver L Erickson Ks. Div. Commander Reminder to All Division Executive Committee Members Special Division Executive Committee Meeting Date: Saturday December 06, 2008 Time: 10:00am Place: Holiday Inn meeting room Emporia, Kansas. Lunch will NOT BE PROVIDED BUT AVAILABLE at the Motel Restraunt As per the agreement for using the room we will be breaking for lunch at the Motel restraunt. All members are instructed to send the Division Chief of Staff any agenda items they wish to be disscussed no later than November 22, Only Items on the Agenda will be discussed. CAMP MEETINGS GEN. ALBERT PIKE CAMP #1439 MAJOR THOMAS J. KEY CAMP #1920 LOCATION: Ryan s Steak House LOCATION: Zarda Bar-B-Q 3323 North Rock Road. Wichita, Kansas W 87 th St. Lenexa, Kansas. DATE: Second (2 ND ) Saturday each month DATE: First (1 st ) Thursday each month TIME: 11:30 am fellowship 12:30 Meeting TIME: 6:30 pm. fellowship, 7:00pm. Meeting COLONELS LEWIS & HARRISON CAMP #1854 SOUTH KANSAS CAMP #2064 LOCATION: Westside Christian Church, LOCATION: Rockwell Branch Library Meeting Rm. Lindenwood, Topeka, Kansas E 9 th Street, Wichita, Kansas. DATE: Third (3 rd ) Saturday each Month DATE: Second 2 nd Thursday each Month TIME: 10:00 am. TIME: 6:00 pm. GEN. LEWIS A. ARMISTEAD CAMP #1847 GEN. WILLIAM STEELE CAMP #1857 LOCATION: Public Library Technical Conference Ctr. Rm. LOCATION: Village Square Restaurant. 301 East Elm, Salina, Ks. Leavenworth, Ks. DATE: Second (2 nd ) Saturday each Month DATE: Second (2 nd ) Thursday each Month TIME 1:00-1:30 fellowship, 1:00-2:30 Meeting TIME: 6:00 pm. Fellowship 7:00 pm. Meeting CAPT. WILLIAM C. QUANTRILL CAMP #1814 LOCATION: Watkins Museum. Lawrence, Kansas. DATE; August 21 st Annually. Electronically all other months 8

9 The Kansas Division Sons of Confederate Veterans 190 NW Hawthorn St. Topeka, Kansas COMPATRIOT 9