Wow, what a three days! Our Department of Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi did very well for themselves, The McTeer Camp Commander, Brother David McReynolds was elected to the position of National (that’s right NATIONAL) Treasurer. This is a great honor to and for David as he insisted that we campaign only on his excellent qualifications and in the voting results he garnered over 60 (that’s correct 60) percent of the votes cast. Two departments that need to be especially recognized for their strong support of David are Indiana and Missouri and I must also thank the Department of California & the Pacific for deferring to us in the nomination process which allowed us to nominate David first. Again, congratulations David!
The Department was recognized, once again, for its continued growth of 20 percent and now we have carried off the Grant Cup for the second year in a row. The Sultana Camp #1 newsletter was recognized as the best overall in the Sons thus receiving the Marshall Hope Award. Way to go Brother Concon!!! Brothers Gary Burke and Darrell Ball from the Fort Donelson Camp #62 each received a Certificate of Recognition from our National Commander for all of their work in developing the history of the USCT. And Brother Doug Fidler received the Cornelius Whitehouse Award as the outstanding Son, can you imagine that, the Outstanding Son, what a great honor. And finally the camp that Doug played such an important role in bringing into existence, the Ensign John Davis Camp #10 was awarded the Joseph S. Ripley Award for outstanding new camp. Now if only I can figure out a way of getting to London to help them celebrate all of their persistent and hard work.
David and I attended the always traditional Camp Fire on Friday night and presented gifts from the Department to the outgoing SUVCW Commander and the leaders of the Allied Orders that were in attendance. And finally it rained, and rained and rained but we all had a good time, got our business , at the National level completed, stayed in a very comfortable venue, the Lincoln Hotel while Carol and I celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary over the weekend. Thank you brothers for the support you have given me as Department Commander over the last year and a half but please don’t forget about the Central Region Association meeting coming up on September 30th and October 1st that will be held in the cities of Franklin and Nashville. If you have never been to one of these get togethers now is a great time to see what the CRA is all about.
Yours in Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty
Michael Downs, Commander
Department of Tennessee with Alabama and Mississippi
August 20, 2016