News from the 121st National SCV Reunion

Hello Compatriots! I usually don't go so long without writing something here, but if the truth be told, I haven't posted in several weeks! I managed to slip through Federal lines and make it down into the Southland for a two week vacation, and had the blog set up to post some pre-written updates while I was out.

While rambling through the hills of Kentucky, North Carolina, & Virginia, attending family reunions and visiting friends, I took a little side trip to the Capital City of the Confederacy - Richmond, VA. It was this ole boy's first visit to that grand old city, and I'll be posting a bit more about that in the days to come.

As I was attending some family reunions, our SCV family was holding our organization's 121st National Reunion in Dallas, TX! Online accounts suggest to me that it was a huge success! Compatriot Adam Gaines (Camp #1321 - Dearborn, MI) was able to attend and represent the Michigan Camps. While Compatriot Gaines may write a post for the blog about his recent adventures in Texas, I thought I'd share a little bit of the news coming out of the reunion that may be of immediate interest to you the reader...

• Thomas V. Strain, who has served the last two years as the SCV's Lieutenant Commander-in-Chief, was elected to serve for the next two years as the organizations 75th Commander-in-Chief.
• Paul Gramling, who has been in leadership positions at various levels over the past 25-years, was elected to serve as Lieutenant CiC.
• Larry McCluney, Commander of the Army of Tennessee (to which the Michigan Camps belong), was reelected to serve in the position which he has faithfully held for the past two-years.

Also, three SCV Compatriots from the Michigan Camps were recognized with awards for their contributions to The Cause over the past year...

• James Perkins, Commander of Major General Patrick Ronayne Cleburne Camp #2257 (Grand Rapids, MI), was the recipient of The Dixie Club Award certificate! The Dixie Club Award honors those individuals who contribute greatly to the organization by recruiting new members.
   
• Jonathan McCleese, Sergeant-at-Arms of Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp #1321 (Dearborn, MI) was the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal! The Meritorious Service Medal is presented for outstanding performance of duty to the SCV.
   
• Adam Gaines, Member of Camp #1321 & Genealogist for both Michigan Camps, was the recipient of both the Dixie Club Award & the Meritorious Service Medal! 

Congratulations to all who were elected at the Reunion, and to everyone who were bestowed with awards and/or commendations for service in the organization! 

DEO VINDICE!
- Jonathan McCleese
Sergeant-at-Arms
Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp #1321 (Dearborn, MI)
Army of Tennessee, Sons of Confederate Veterans