Newsletter of the Alabama Department, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, June 2025
Commander’s Column
Greetings Brothers of the Alabama Department, I hope everyone had an enjoyable Independence Day. To date, I have visited the Croxton, Spencer & Taylor Camps and have very much enjoyed the fellowship. I had the honor of presenting an Eagle Scout Certificate to Thomas Allen on May 17, 2025, in Fyffe, AL. It’s important that the Alabama Department is active in the Scout program. Each camp should develop relationships in its area and issue Eagle Scout awards and letters of commendation. On May 31, 2025, I attended a Grave Dedication Ceremony in the historic Oakwood Cemetery in Tuscumbia, AL. The event was sponsored by the Spencer Camp and honored 3 Union Veterans, Pvt. Asher E. Bresler, Co. L. 1st Arkansas Cavalry Regiment (1840 -1926), Pvt. Albert E. Eggleston, Co. A. 55th U.S. Infantry Regiment, U.S.C.T. (1844-1941) & Pvt. James N. Sampson, Co. A. 41st New York Infantry Regiment (1843-1907). We can’t do enough to honor the memory and sacrifice of our Union ancestors. These types of grave markings are an excellent example of preserving their memory and promoting the Sons of Union Veterans in Alabama.
A reminder of 2 upcoming events: the 2025 National Encampment in Houston TX on August 7 – August 10, 2025 and the first annual Alabama Department Campfire in Pelham AL on August 23, 2025.
In Fraternity, Charity & Loyalty,
Scott A. Martin
Department Commander
Department of Alabama, SUVC
Department Order #2
Series 2025 2026
9 May 2025
Brothers of the Department of Alabama, the 1st Annual Department Campfire will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, at the Oak Mountain Baptist Church Fellowship Hall (1805 Hwy 35, Pelham, AL 35124). There is no charge for this event. Light refreshments will be provided. Lunch will be on your own (there are several restaurants located off exits 238 & 246, I-65).
Hope to see brothers from all the camps!
In Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty.
Marshall McEuen III
Secretary-Treasurer, Department of Alabama
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
From the Chaplain’s Corner
“Tried and Purified”
Job 23:1-12
There are days and seasons of life when each one of us feel that trying to balance our lives between, work, family, marriage and our spiritual walk with the Lord seems almost impossible. It is during this time we often feel we are being taken through a season of refining, almost like God is taking us through a crushing process.
Job was such a man. He was overwhelmed after losing his livelihood, his health, and his family. Worse still, although Job had been a daily worshiper of God, he felt that the Lord was ignoring his pleas for help. God seemed absent from the landscape of his life. Job claimed he could not see God whether he looked to the north, south, east, or west.
In the middle of the despair, Job had a moment of clarity. His faith flickered to life like a candle in a dark room. He said, “(God) knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10) Christians are tried and purified when God uses difficulty to burn away our self-reliance, pride, and earthly wisdom. If it seems as if God is silent during this process and He is not answering our cries for help, He may be giving us an opportunity to grow stronger in our faith. Jennifer Benson Schuldt says: “Pain and problems can produce the shining, rock-solid character that comes from trusting God when life is hard.” May this short prayer be the song of your heart even in the hardest of circumstances!
“Dear Lord, help me to believe that You are with me, even when I cannot see You working in my life. I surrender myself to Your purpose for any suffering I may endure. Amen.”
Chaplain Bill Morgan, MA; Mdiv.
Department of Alabama
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
CAMP NEWS
General James H. Wilson Camp #1
Montgomery
As they have every May 30th since 1997, members and guests of the Major General James H. Wilson Camp Number 1 of the Department of Alabama joined together at the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial in Oakwood Cemetery in Montgomery, Alabama. Camp Commander Terry Beckenbaugh, Camp Sr. Vice Commander Bruce Pickette, and Chaplain Barry Spink performed the memorial service. In a ceremony that remains virtually unchanged through the years, the GAR Memorial was rededicated, the names of those buried were read, and flags were placed on the graves of 17 known and 19 unknown soldiers of the Union who lay in the cemetery. The flags remain in place throughout the year until the next Memorial Day. The Camp has been supported each year by Phillip Taunton, sexton of Oakwood Cemetery, who ensures the Memorial area is maintained and the flag is positioned at half-mast before the ceremony.
Admiral David E. Farragut Camp #5
Mobile Bay
On Thursday, May 8th, 16 Mobile County School JROTC Superior Cadets were awarded multiple SUVCW awards and certificates, along with certificates, ribbons, and medals from another 19 civilian military organizations. They also received patriotic memorabilia and challenge coins commemorating their superior achievements in honoring their JROTC participation. After the awards ceremony, a formal reception was held to honor the Cadets.
A total of 43 guests, representing parents, administrators, and JROTC instructors, witnessed
the event.
13 of the 16 Mobile County School JROTC Superior Cadets– also included are camp members:
Bro. Stuart Ritter, SVC Wesley Sainz, and Chaplain Bill Morgan
John T Croxton Camp #17
Birmingham
We are expanding the National Registration of Union Soldiers buried in the Croxton Camp area. Once we have the soldiers registered who are buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Birmingham, we will expand the search to those buried in Jefferson County and then to other counties within the Croxton Camp area. Ralph Edwards, who is the vice commander, oversees the program.
For Memorial Day, flags were placed on each Union grave in Oak Hill Cemetery in Birmingham. Plans are now being made to expand this to other graves in the Jefferson County area.
ROTC-JROTC by Marshall McEuen, Coordinator
This year, the Croxton Camp presented awards to Cadets at six schools during their annual awards ceremonies in May. The SUVCW ROTC-JROTC Award asks, “Cadet selected for this award should display a high degree of patriotism to his or her Nation and have demonstrated a high degree of academic performance and leadership.”
Each Cadet nominated by their commander exceeded these expectations:
Jacksonville State University – Jalen Belcher
“Cadet Jalen Belcher embodies a deep sense of patriotism through the Jacksonville State University Army ROTC program that honors and upholds the values of service and sacrifice. Moreover, Cadet Jalen Belcher has achieved an outstanding academic performance and has been recognized as a model student within the institution. This commitment to excellence in education is a testament to his dedication to personal growth and the pursuit of knowledge. In addition to his patriotism and academic success, Cadet Belcher exhibits exemplary leadership qualities. He serves as a role model to peers, fostering a spirit of camaraderie, responsibility, and integrity. It is with great confidence that I endorse Cadet Jalen Belcher for recognition by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.” – Professor of Military Science Eddie D. Walker
Tuscaloosa County High School – Anthony Lake
Battalion Operations Officer, Physical Fitness Team, Track Team – First Sergeant Walter Davis
Vincent High School – Carter Blackburn
“Cadet Blackburn was selected as Platoon Sergeant in charge of twenty Cadets. He obtained the rank of Sergeant First Class while in JROTC. He was involved in several community activities. He also completed Cadet Leadership Challenge Course, obtaining over forty hours of community service.” – Master Sergeant Marshall Thomas
Thompson High School – Gavin C. Fischer, Cadet Captain
“Cadet Fischer is the Corps’ Community Service Officer responsible for obtaining and scheduling events. This year the Cadets have completed over nineteen hundred community service hours.” – Chief Keith Long
Cullman Area Technical Academy – Rileigh Peck
Battalion Commander 2024-2025 – Justin Olvey
“For extraordinary leadership as a Company commander in the CATA JROTC program. His efforts have set a very high bar for our program.” – Colonel Harvey Jones
Pleasant Grove High School – Kennedi Steward
“Kennedi has been in the program for three years and has shown significant improvement every year. She is currently the First Sergeant of Company A and represents JROTC to its fullest capacity. She is caring, positive, motivating, supportive, and continuously displays all seven of the Army Values. She is a joy to be around, and her academic performance continues to improve every year. She has a direct style of leadership and is always looking out for her Cadets. She is a top-tier Cadet, student, and leader of character.”
-Justin Williams
Pvt. Richard Taylor Camp #53
Huntsville
MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT RICHARD TAYLOR
02 Apr 2025- Pvt Richard Taylor Camp # 53 held its General Membership Meeting and discussed serval items. The biggest item was planning for our Memorial Day services for 10 AM, Saturday May 24 at Glenwood Cemetery Huntsville, AL. Flag placements for the Union veterans, map of the cemetery, reading of Bios, etc. was disused and planned.
The Alabama Genealogical Society (AGS) conducts day-long seminars twice a year with noted professional genealogists and authors presenting topics related to family history and genealogy. On April 5th, AGS conducted their 2025 Spring Seminar at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in downtown Montgomery with nationally recognized professional genealogist, author, and lecturer Diana Elder as the feature speaker. For the first time, the Department of Alabama set up a recruiting/information table in the exhibitor’s area at this year’s AGS Spring Seminar. There were about 40 in-person attendees at the seminar from as far away as Lincoln County, Tennessee, and several of the attendees stopped by to ask questions of PDC Mark Hubbs and Brother Guy Osborne of Taylor Camp #53.
Brothers Mark Hubbs and Guy Osborne of Taylor Camp #53 at The Alabama Genealogical Society seminar, Montgomery.
10 Apr 2025 – The Tennessee Valley Civil War Round Table invited Camp #53 to set up a table during its regular Membership meeting at the Elks’ Lodge, Huntsville, AL. This was to commemorate General Lee’s surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia to General Grant at Appomattox Court House, VA. Those in attendance were Brothers John Crissone, Guy Osborne, Mark Hubbs, Richard Blanton, Ray Cassell, and Steve Brock.
During the months of April and May, Brother Richard Blanton and the Camp Commander worked with Dr. Dorla Evans of Twickenham Town Chapter, NSDAR in Huntsville to coordinate what Union Soldiers they had and what our Camp had and who are buried at Glenwood Cemetery. She had some that we had, but not all. We also did not have all of he unmarked graves which she had. In the end, we ended up with 14 marked graves and eight unmarked graves.
On 20 April, the Camp Commander reported to the Huntsville Director of Cemetries of one Headstone of a Union Soldier sunk halfway into the ground. On 5 May, the Director reported back that they were able to recover a couple of feet of the marker from the ground. Camp Brothers reviewed the Headstone, and it looks great. Good job on the Director’s behalf.
During April and May, Brothers Ray Cassell, Richard Blanton, Guy Osborne, and the Commander gathered at Glenwood Cemetery and cleaned the 14 VA military markers for African-American Civil War veterans buried there. This was in preparation to the scheduled Memorial Day Service on Saturday, 10:00 AM on May 24, 2025. It was noticed during the cleaning that 1 or 2 of the VA markers had bad cracks in them. In particular, the one for George Ford was completely broken through and needs to be repaired.
BEFORE
AFTER
Camp #53 held our Memorial Day Ceremony at Glenwood Cemetery in Huntsville on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Despite the adverse weather expected, conditions cleared long enough to allow the planned service to proceed. Despite the turnout being small due to the weather, the ceremony went well with two television stations present. Brother Mark Hubbs and Brother Ray Cassell were interviewed by the television reporters.
L-R Mark Hubbs, John Crissone, Ray Cassell
Interview of Brother Mark Hubbs
Interview of Ray Cassell
Brother Richard Blanton
Brother Ray Cassell has submitted an application for a new member and is currently working on another prospect.
22 Apr 2025 – Pvt Richard Taylor Camp Presentation at Huntsville HS
JROTC Awards Ceremony. Brothers Guy Osbourne and Richard Blanton attended and Brother Guy Osbourne made the presentation to Cadet Heystin Molina.
25-26 Apr 2025 – Brother Richard Blanton attended the Alabama Military Collectors Association (AMCA) at the Jaycee building in Huntsville, AL
1-2 May 2025 – Brother Steve Brock was involved with the Commemoration of Streight’s Raid at the Battle of Cedar Bluff, which resulted in the end of Colonel Abel Streight’s Union raid through Alabama.
17 May 2025 – Brother Richard Blanton set up an outdoor Recruiting Table at the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, Military Vehicle Show, Huntsville, AL. 03 Jun 2025 – Pvt Richard Taylor # 53 held our Regular Membership meeting and had the privilege of Department Commander Scott Martin and Brother Joe Sanderson of the Spencer Camp as visitors.
L-R: Kent Wright, Guy Osbourne, John Crissone, Ray Cassell, Scott A. Martin, Joe Sanderson
14 Jun 2025: On Decoration Day, Brother Steve Brock flagged the graves of two Civil War ancestors in Hillcrest Cemetery in Boaz, Marshall County, AL The two Union Veterans resting there are Seaman Josiah Franklin Doan and Private Benjamin Franklin Mauldin.
Col George E Spencer Camp #67
Northwest Alabama
George E. Spencer
The SUV-CW, Gol. George E. Spencer Camp, No. 67, officers and some members, attended the Department of Alabama’s 5th Annual Encampment Meeting, in Cullman, Alabama, on March 15, 2025. Brother Kent Wright of the Taylor Camp provided the presentation this year.
The new Alabama Department Commander and Staff were nominated and appointed at the meeting in addition, the 5 SUV-CW Camps in the Alabama Department held nominations and appointments of new Officers and staff. Brother Scott A. Martin, of Col. George E. Spencer Camp No. 67, was elected as the new Alabama Department Commander for 2025-2026.
Patriotic Instructor/Chaplain Lanny J. Perry participated in the annual ROTC Cadet Awards Day, at the University of North Alabama, in Florence, AL, on April 9, 2025, and presented Cadet Ian A. Infanger the “Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War”, ROTC Award Certificate and Medal w. Ribbon.
The SUV-CW, Col. George E. Spencer Camp, No. 67, held its quarterly Meeting on Tuscumbia, AL, at the Helen Keller Library conference room, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 31, 2025
Following the meeting, a special Union Soldier’s SUV-CW, Grave Dedication Ceremony was held in the historic Oakwood Cemetery in Tuscumbia. A specially made metal stand was constructed and placed in the ground by each of the 3 Soldiers’ Headstone Markers. Courtesy of Brother Joel Mize, Camp 67 Graves Registration Officer, having these small signs constructed.
The Following Union Veterans’ grave Markers were dedicated:
- Pvt. Albert E. Eggleston, Co. A. 55th U.S. Infantry Regiment, U.S.C.T. 1844-1941.
- Pvt. James N. Sampson, Co. A. 41st New York Infantry Regiment, 1843-1907.
- Pvt. Asher E. Bresler, Co. L. 1st Arkansas Cavalry Regiment. 1840 -1926.
In attendance were Camp No. 67, Commander, Monty Shelton, Joel Mize, Lanny Perry, Scott A. Martin, Alabama Department Commander, William “Joe” Sanderson, Alabama Department Patriotic Instructor, Richard Blanton Jr., Alabama Department Historian, and 2 family descendant special guests, Mr. Ray Eggleston, Grandson, and Anthony Eggleston, Great Grandson, of Pvt. Albert E. Eggleston, of Muscle Shoals, AL.
The Alabama Banner is the official publication of the Department of Alabama, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
