June 28, 2008
Camp Meeting
Members In Attendance:
Commander Steve Madden, Adjutant Billy Williams Jr, Compatriot John Smoley, Compatriot Jon Hussy, Compatriot Michael Lewis, Compatriot Ryan Smith and Signals Officer Mike Climo.
The first order of business was a prayer and lunch. We feasted on ribs, fried chicken, veggies, sweet potato fries, shrimp cocktail and desert which included cheesecake and a sweet potato pie to commemorate President Davis' 200th birthday.
After saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and the Confederate Pledge of Allegiance the meeting was called to order. Adjutant Billy Williams Jr awarded SCV Member Certificates to Jon Hussy and Ryan Smith. Commander Madden then awarded John Smoley a new SCV California Division pin for all of his outstanding work for the Camp.
We then discussed the recent lost of California's "Last Real Son" Woody Plaugher. He will be missed.
The new California Division blog spot was discussed and can be found here: http://scvcalifornia.blogspot.com
Commander Madden then spoke about a few new upcoming events. In August the Fort Tejon Reenactment will take place and it will mark our Commander's 25th anniversary as a reenactor. In September the Huntington Beach reenactment will take place. and in November the 24th Annual West Coast Civil War Round Table Conference will be held in Clovis, CA. For more information regarding these events please see the Upcoming Events page of this website.
Plans are also in the works to set our future camp meetings up on a more regular, bi-monthly schedule. With the vast area that is covered by our camp, our Commander is also looking into the possibility of having the meetings in different areas of the two counties so more people can attend. Some locations that were discussed were Palm Springs, Victorville and Lake Arrowhead. More details will be forthcoming.
Last, but not least Jon Smoley discussed his and his Wife Sheila's recent Jefferson Davis Re-Discovery Tour. Some pictures from John's trip can be found in the Member Photos page of this site.
As always if I have forgotten anything, please contact me so I can amend these meeting notes.
Deo Vindince and God Bless You All,
Mike Climo
Inland Empire Camp 1742 Signals Officer
April 26, 2008
Father A.J. Ryan Camp 302 San Diego
Mount Soledad Plaque Dedication For Drury Bailey
La Jolla, California
Greetings All,
The Mount Soledad plaque dedication to Pvt. Drury Bailey was a complete success! A special thank you goes out to all of you who were able to attend AND contribute to the Cause.
A gracious thank you to everyone who participated in the ceremony and the various color guards! Everyone looked AWESOME!
Please see the following link for photos taken by Mr.& Mrs. Echard-Musgrave, thank you! PHOTOS
It was indeed an honor to have both the Department Commander of the SUVCW (Jerry Sayre) and the CA Division & Commander of the SCV (Kenney Ramsey) present at the auspicious occasion! Thank you so much.
For the Cause,
Deanne & Steve Smith
1st Lt Division Commander, SCV
April 20, 2008
Camp 1742 Confederate Memorial Service
Hillside Memorial Park Redlands, CA
Members In Attendance:
Commander Steve Madden, Adjutant Billy Williams Jr, Compatriot Jerry Dupree, Compatriot John Hamm, Compatriot Jon Hussy, Compatriot Michael Lewis and Signals Officer Mike Climo.
Honored & Distinguished Guests:
Sandra Ashdown-Turner
President, CA Society
President, Southern California Chapter "Rose O'Neal Greenhow"
Vernon R. Padgett, Adjutant, SCV California Division
Note From Commander Steve Madden:
Thanks to all who attended the Inland Empire Camp's Memorial Day service on Sunday. The great weather, great food and great company made for a great time. Thanks for your support and friendship.
Hope to see everyone soon.
Yours For Dixie
Commander Steve Madden
Note From Signals Officer Mike Climo:
This was my first attendance to a Confederate Memorial Service and what a wonderful event. The attendants were called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and the Confederate Pledge of Allegiance were made followed by a prayer.
The roll call of Confederate States were read in their order of secession. Upon the announcement of a state that was represented by an ancestor in attendance, that member rose and announced his ancestor's rank and unit and then placed a flower into a vase. This was then followed by another prayer and all in attendance proceeded to each grave site of a Confederate Soldier that had been laid to rest in this beautiful and historical cemetery. Each soldier's headstone was marked by the first national flag of the Confederacy and three flowers were placed into the ground next to him.
Then a caravan was made to Commander Madden's house for lunch. Special thanks go out to John Hamm and the delicious sandwiches, Jerry Dupree and the tasty beans, Vern Padgett's fresh fruit and everyone else that provide rations and drinks for the event. Wonderful prizes were then awarded to each person in attendance.
Overall it was a very special day for the Camp and the memory of the brave souls who fought for the Confederate States of America.
Deo Vindince and God Bless You All,
Mike Climo
Inland Empire Camp 1742 Signals Officer
Memorial Service Called To Order
Attendants From Left To Right:
Michael Lewis, John Hamm, Steve Madden, Jon Hussy,
Mike Climo, Billy Williams Jr. and Vern Padgett.
Not pictured: Sandra Ashdown-Turner and Jerry Dupree
Dr. J. M. Borders Assistant Surgeon
55th (Brown's) Infantry 46th Regiment Tennessee
William D Covington Private
Company F, 2nd Battalion Infantry Regiment Mississippi
Daniel A Covington Father of William (above)
Southern Loyalist Chapter C
Charles C Ferguson Sergeant
1 Mounted Rifles Regiment Arkansas
Chester John Holmes
William Thomas Morris
Poindexter's Regiment Missouri Calvary
Levi Shorter
Nathan B Spencer Private
Company K, 3rd Calvary Regiment Virginia
Francis Winn Private
Company D 21st Calvary Regiment Tennessee
William Withers Private
Company C, 32nd Infantry Regiment Virginia
April 4 - April 6, 2008
5th annual War For Southern Independence Reenactment
Prado Regional Park Chino, CA
From Commander Steve Madden:
Our camp was well represented this weekend in Chino.
The Confederate White House was a great favorite, with steaks and beer on Friday night and cookies, coffee and sweet tea provided to all throughout the weekend.
After years of seeing one, two, or even three Lincolns at an event, to see one President Davis and his lovely wife is a treat. I've always appreciated the impression they make, but now I understand the work that goes into it's creation. Impressive. Thanks to the Smoleys for another great job.
Cousin Jeff, portraying General Basil Duke and his flag display continues to put "Dixie in your face". Visitors are impressed with the size and scope of the display. Jeff's enthusiasm and great personality enlightens and inspires everyone.
John Hamm brought relief, refreshment and snakebite medicine to the SCV tent, all to the joy of one commander. John's knowledge and quiet, patient manner go a long way in reaching out to visitors.
Signals Officer Mike Climo brought his wife Mary to see her first reenactment. Any man who can get his wife involved is the best recruiter. Mike helped out at the recruiting tent and his support in all things is always appreciated.
Yours For Dixie,
Steve Madden
Inland Empire Camp Sons Of Confederate Veterans
Pictured From Left To Right:
John Hamm, General George Pickett, Sheila & John Smoley
Here are a few more pictures provided by fellow
SCV member Floyd Farrar from the Long Beach camp.
March 15, 2008
Camp Meeting
A small but very spirited group was in attendance.
This was the first time I had the honor to visit Steve's very attractive home. It is located in historic Redlands and Steve has a great collection of Don Troiani's WBTS prints hung throughout his home. The food and snacks were delicious and his Southern Hospitality was greatly appreciated by everyone there.
After the opening pledges the meeting came to order. The first order of business was the presentation of Comrade Michael Lewis' official Camp transfer certification. Yours truly was also presented with my membership certification from headquarters as well.
Commander Madden also presented the Camp Officers, Adjutant Billy Williams and your humble Signals Officer with pins that he procured at the SCV California Division Convention. A picture of the pin with information on how to buy one is listed on the Calls To Action page of this site.
The final presentation was for yours truly again for membership into the California Division's Honor Roll. I cannot tell you how proud and humbled I am by the warmth of which I have been welcomed into the SCV. Thank you one and all.
The next item on the agenda was a discussion about the Division Convention. A topic was brought up about somehow opening up SCV membership to not only ancestors of Confederate soldiers but also to people that are firmly dedicated to our Cause. One example is Jeff Budziszewski, who is an associate member of our camp. No one can dispute Jeff's tremendous work and support for the Cause and the discussion was about how to recognize people like Jeff. As you all know it is very expensive to do just about anything these days and the revenue these new members would generate could go a long way to fulfilling Lt. General Dill's charge. The potential downsides of this idea was also discussed and there is much to consider and it is an issue that maybe addressed at the National Convention in July.
The next item on the agenda was the announcement of next year's California Division Convention which will be hosted by General John Bell Hood Camp 1208 of Los Angeles. Since this will be in our own backyard there is a good chance that many of us will be able to attend.
Next on the agenda was a discussion on how our camp will honor Confederate History Month in April. It was decided that the event will take place at Noon on Sunday April 19th at Hillside Cemetery in Redlands. A reception at Commander Madden's home will follow. More information on this event will be posted soon in the Upcoming Events section of this site.
The final item was Commander Madden's lecture on the Battle Of Spotsylvania Court House which transpired on May 7 to May 12, 1864. Much of the information and the maps were from Gordon C. Rhea's book "The Battles For Spotsylvania Court House And The Road To Yellow Tavern". Commander Madden highly recommends this book as well as three others written by Mr. Rhea, "Cold Harbor", "The Battle Of The Wilderness" and "To The North Anna River".
If I have failed to mention something please feel free to contact me and once again many thanks to Steve for his wonderful southern hospitality.
Deo Vindice
Mike Climo
Inland Empire Camp 1742 Signals Officer
February 10, 2008
Lincoln Shrine Open House
Redlands, CA
If you have never been to the Lincoln Shrine in Redlands you really need to plan a visit. This was my first time there and I was very pleasantly surprised at the volume of historical artifacts about the war for Southern Independence they have amassed there.
Our camp was well represented at the open house and the recruiting table had several visitors expressing interest in our cause. Of course our Commander Steve Madden was there along with John Smoley doing his remarkable rendition of President Jefferson Davis. But, the highlight of the event had to be Jeff Budziszewski's Flags of the Confederacy presentation. The following pictures gives you an idea of how spectacular Jeff's display is. But, you cannot get the full effect until you see it in person.
Deo Vindice
Mike Climo
Inland Empire Camp 1742 Signals Officer
December 7, 2007
Camp 1742 Christmas Party
What a wonderful time we had at the camp Christmas Party.
First allow me to speak for everyone in attendance and express our gratitude to Jon Hussey and his family for hosting the party.
Jon's house is magnificent and the food was delicious.
After the meeting was called to order and the pledge's were said we got down to business. First our Camp Commander passed out some wonderful gifts to each member.
Then our beloved Commander made the announcement that after six years of invaluable service to the cause he will be looking to step down as our camp commander. All of us consider Steve irreplaceable but someone will need to fill his boots in the not to distant future.
The next order of business was the discussion of making next year's meetings held at a permanent place and time. Jon Hussey and new member Michael Lewis (who transferred to our camp from the great state of Texas) will look for a suitable location for us. The requirements were made clear by all in attendance. The location must offer a private room for us to socialize in, serve alcoholic beverages and most importantly allow us to display our honored Confederate flags
The meeting was wrapped up by all of us in attendance posing for a few pictures of us surrounded by our beautiful flags. These pictures will be submitted to the SCV General Headquarters for inclusion in some future Confederate Veteran magazine.
If I have failed to mention something please feel free to contact me and once again many thanks to Jon for his warm hospitality.
Deo Vindice
Mike Climo
Inland Empire Camp 1742 Signals Officer
Camp Meeting
Members In Attendance:
Commander Steve Madden, Adjutant Billy Williams Jr, Compatriot John Smoley, Compatriot Jon Hussy, Compatriot Michael Lewis, Compatriot Ryan Smith and Signals Officer Mike Climo.
The first order of business was a prayer and lunch. We feasted on ribs, fried chicken, veggies, sweet potato fries, shrimp cocktail and desert which included cheesecake and a sweet potato pie to commemorate President Davis' 200th birthday.
After saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and the Confederate Pledge of Allegiance the meeting was called to order. Adjutant Billy Williams Jr awarded SCV Member Certificates to Jon Hussy and Ryan Smith. Commander Madden then awarded John Smoley a new SCV California Division pin for all of his outstanding work for the Camp.
We then discussed the recent lost of California's "Last Real Son" Woody Plaugher. He will be missed.
The new California Division blog spot was discussed and can be found here: http://scvcalifornia.blogspot.com
Commander Madden then spoke about a few new upcoming events. In August the Fort Tejon Reenactment will take place and it will mark our Commander's 25th anniversary as a reenactor. In September the Huntington Beach reenactment will take place. and in November the 24th Annual West Coast Civil War Round Table Conference will be held in Clovis, CA. For more information regarding these events please see the Upcoming Events page of this website.
Plans are also in the works to set our future camp meetings up on a more regular, bi-monthly schedule. With the vast area that is covered by our camp, our Commander is also looking into the possibility of having the meetings in different areas of the two counties so more people can attend. Some locations that were discussed were Palm Springs, Victorville and Lake Arrowhead. More details will be forthcoming.
Last, but not least Jon Smoley discussed his and his Wife Sheila's recent Jefferson Davis Re-Discovery Tour. Some pictures from John's trip can be found in the Member Photos page of this site.
As always if I have forgotten anything, please contact me so I can amend these meeting notes.
Deo Vindince and God Bless You All,
Mike Climo
Inland Empire Camp 1742 Signals Officer
April 26, 2008
Father A.J. Ryan Camp 302 San Diego
Mount Soledad Plaque Dedication For Drury Bailey
La Jolla, California
Greetings All,
The Mount Soledad plaque dedication to Pvt. Drury Bailey was a complete success! A special thank you goes out to all of you who were able to attend AND contribute to the Cause.
A gracious thank you to everyone who participated in the ceremony and the various color guards! Everyone looked AWESOME!
Please see the following link for photos taken by Mr.& Mrs. Echard-Musgrave, thank you! PHOTOS
It was indeed an honor to have both the Department Commander of the SUVCW (Jerry Sayre) and the CA Division & Commander of the SCV (Kenney Ramsey) present at the auspicious occasion! Thank you so much.
For the Cause,
Deanne & Steve Smith
1st Lt Division Commander, SCV
April 20, 2008
Camp 1742 Confederate Memorial Service
Hillside Memorial Park Redlands, CA
Members In Attendance:
Commander Steve Madden, Adjutant Billy Williams Jr, Compatriot Jerry Dupree, Compatriot John Hamm, Compatriot Jon Hussy, Compatriot Michael Lewis and Signals Officer Mike Climo.
Honored & Distinguished Guests:
Sandra Ashdown-Turner
President, CA Society
President, Southern California Chapter "Rose O'Neal Greenhow"
Vernon R. Padgett, Adjutant, SCV California Division
Note From Commander Steve Madden:
Thanks to all who attended the Inland Empire Camp's Memorial Day service on Sunday. The great weather, great food and great company made for a great time. Thanks for your support and friendship.
Hope to see everyone soon.
Yours For Dixie
Commander Steve Madden
Note From Signals Officer Mike Climo:
This was my first attendance to a Confederate Memorial Service and what a wonderful event. The attendants were called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and the Confederate Pledge of Allegiance were made followed by a prayer.
The roll call of Confederate States were read in their order of secession. Upon the announcement of a state that was represented by an ancestor in attendance, that member rose and announced his ancestor's rank and unit and then placed a flower into a vase. This was then followed by another prayer and all in attendance proceeded to each grave site of a Confederate Soldier that had been laid to rest in this beautiful and historical cemetery. Each soldier's headstone was marked by the first national flag of the Confederacy and three flowers were placed into the ground next to him.
Then a caravan was made to Commander Madden's house for lunch. Special thanks go out to John Hamm and the delicious sandwiches, Jerry Dupree and the tasty beans, Vern Padgett's fresh fruit and everyone else that provide rations and drinks for the event. Wonderful prizes were then awarded to each person in attendance.
Overall it was a very special day for the Camp and the memory of the brave souls who fought for the Confederate States of America.
Deo Vindince and God Bless You All,
Mike Climo
Inland Empire Camp 1742 Signals Officer
Memorial Service Called To Order
Attendants From Left To Right:
Michael Lewis, John Hamm, Steve Madden, Jon Hussy,
Mike Climo, Billy Williams Jr. and Vern Padgett.
Not pictured: Sandra Ashdown-Turner and Jerry Dupree
Dr. J. M. Borders Assistant Surgeon
55th (Brown's) Infantry 46th Regiment Tennessee
William D Covington Private
Company F, 2nd Battalion Infantry Regiment Mississippi
Daniel A Covington Father of William (above)
Southern Loyalist Chapter C
Charles C Ferguson Sergeant
1 Mounted Rifles Regiment Arkansas
Chester John Holmes
William Thomas Morris
Poindexter's Regiment Missouri Calvary
Levi Shorter
Nathan B Spencer Private
Company K, 3rd Calvary Regiment Virginia
Francis Winn Private
Company D 21st Calvary Regiment Tennessee
William Withers Private
Company C, 32nd Infantry Regiment Virginia
April 4 - April 6, 2008
5th annual War For Southern Independence Reenactment
Prado Regional Park Chino, CA
From Commander Steve Madden:
Our camp was well represented this weekend in Chino.
The Confederate White House was a great favorite, with steaks and beer on Friday night and cookies, coffee and sweet tea provided to all throughout the weekend.
After years of seeing one, two, or even three Lincolns at an event, to see one President Davis and his lovely wife is a treat. I've always appreciated the impression they make, but now I understand the work that goes into it's creation. Impressive. Thanks to the Smoleys for another great job.
Cousin Jeff, portraying General Basil Duke and his flag display continues to put "Dixie in your face". Visitors are impressed with the size and scope of the display. Jeff's enthusiasm and great personality enlightens and inspires everyone.
John Hamm brought relief, refreshment and snakebite medicine to the SCV tent, all to the joy of one commander. John's knowledge and quiet, patient manner go a long way in reaching out to visitors.
Signals Officer Mike Climo brought his wife Mary to see her first reenactment. Any man who can get his wife involved is the best recruiter. Mike helped out at the recruiting tent and his support in all things is always appreciated.
Yours For Dixie,
Steve Madden
Inland Empire Camp Sons Of Confederate Veterans
Pictured From Left To Right:
John Hamm, General George Pickett, Sheila & John Smoley
Here are a few more pictures provided by fellow
SCV member Floyd Farrar from the Long Beach camp.
March 15, 2008
Camp Meeting
A small but very spirited group was in attendance.
This was the first time I had the honor to visit Steve's very attractive home. It is located in historic Redlands and Steve has a great collection of Don Troiani's WBTS prints hung throughout his home. The food and snacks were delicious and his Southern Hospitality was greatly appreciated by everyone there.
After the opening pledges the meeting came to order. The first order of business was the presentation of Comrade Michael Lewis' official Camp transfer certification. Yours truly was also presented with my membership certification from headquarters as well.
Commander Madden also presented the Camp Officers, Adjutant Billy Williams and your humble Signals Officer with pins that he procured at the SCV California Division Convention. A picture of the pin with information on how to buy one is listed on the Calls To Action page of this site.
The final presentation was for yours truly again for membership into the California Division's Honor Roll. I cannot tell you how proud and humbled I am by the warmth of which I have been welcomed into the SCV. Thank you one and all.
The next item on the agenda was a discussion about the Division Convention. A topic was brought up about somehow opening up SCV membership to not only ancestors of Confederate soldiers but also to people that are firmly dedicated to our Cause. One example is Jeff Budziszewski, who is an associate member of our camp. No one can dispute Jeff's tremendous work and support for the Cause and the discussion was about how to recognize people like Jeff. As you all know it is very expensive to do just about anything these days and the revenue these new members would generate could go a long way to fulfilling Lt. General Dill's charge. The potential downsides of this idea was also discussed and there is much to consider and it is an issue that maybe addressed at the National Convention in July.
The next item on the agenda was the announcement of next year's California Division Convention which will be hosted by General John Bell Hood Camp 1208 of Los Angeles. Since this will be in our own backyard there is a good chance that many of us will be able to attend.
Next on the agenda was a discussion on how our camp will honor Confederate History Month in April. It was decided that the event will take place at Noon on Sunday April 19th at Hillside Cemetery in Redlands. A reception at Commander Madden's home will follow. More information on this event will be posted soon in the Upcoming Events section of this site.
The final item was Commander Madden's lecture on the Battle Of Spotsylvania Court House which transpired on May 7 to May 12, 1864. Much of the information and the maps were from Gordon C. Rhea's book "The Battles For Spotsylvania Court House And The Road To Yellow Tavern". Commander Madden highly recommends this book as well as three others written by Mr. Rhea, "Cold Harbor", "The Battle Of The Wilderness" and "To The North Anna River".
If I have failed to mention something please feel free to contact me and once again many thanks to Steve for his wonderful southern hospitality.
Deo Vindice
Mike Climo
Inland Empire Camp 1742 Signals Officer
February 10, 2008
Lincoln Shrine Open House
Redlands, CA
If you have never been to the Lincoln Shrine in Redlands you really need to plan a visit. This was my first time there and I was very pleasantly surprised at the volume of historical artifacts about the war for Southern Independence they have amassed there.
Our camp was well represented at the open house and the recruiting table had several visitors expressing interest in our cause. Of course our Commander Steve Madden was there along with John Smoley doing his remarkable rendition of President Jefferson Davis. But, the highlight of the event had to be Jeff Budziszewski's Flags of the Confederacy presentation. The following pictures gives you an idea of how spectacular Jeff's display is. But, you cannot get the full effect until you see it in person.
Deo Vindice
Mike Climo
Inland Empire Camp 1742 Signals Officer
December 7, 2007
Camp 1742 Christmas Party
What a wonderful time we had at the camp Christmas Party.
First allow me to speak for everyone in attendance and express our gratitude to Jon Hussey and his family for hosting the party.
Jon's house is magnificent and the food was delicious.
After the meeting was called to order and the pledge's were said we got down to business. First our Camp Commander passed out some wonderful gifts to each member.
Then our beloved Commander made the announcement that after six years of invaluable service to the cause he will be looking to step down as our camp commander. All of us consider Steve irreplaceable but someone will need to fill his boots in the not to distant future.
The next order of business was the discussion of making next year's meetings held at a permanent place and time. Jon Hussey and new member Michael Lewis (who transferred to our camp from the great state of Texas) will look for a suitable location for us. The requirements were made clear by all in attendance. The location must offer a private room for us to socialize in, serve alcoholic beverages and most importantly allow us to display our honored Confederate flags
The meeting was wrapped up by all of us in attendance posing for a few pictures of us surrounded by our beautiful flags. These pictures will be submitted to the SCV General Headquarters for inclusion in some future Confederate Veteran magazine.
If I have failed to mention something please feel free to contact me and once again many thanks to Jon for his warm hospitality.
Deo Vindice
Mike Climo
Inland Empire Camp 1742 Signals Officer
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