Union Defender October 2012

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE OCTOBER MEETING?
1) Camp members shared memories of Camp Commander Greg Wait.
2) Members discussed the upcoming Veterans Day parades in Springfield and Branson.

NEXT MEETING: Because the presidential election falls on our meeting day (November 6), we will need to reschedule the next camp meeting. The November meeting of Phelps Camp will take place at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center on Monday, November 5 at 7 p.m. Martin Aubuchon, our department commander, will attend, and we will have a special presentation by camp member Herb Jackson. Herb will deliver a program on several personalities who fought at Wilson’s Creek and found themselves facing former friends and colleagues. We will also finalize plans for the upcoming parades in Branson and Springfield.

CONDOLENCES TO GARY RILEY: The members of Phelps Camp extend their condolences to camp member Gary Riley and his family. Gary’s father recently passed away in Mountain Grove.

VETERANS DAY PARADES: Phelps Camp will participate in two area parades on the weekend of November 10-11. On Saturday, November 10, we will be part of the Springfield parade. The new parade route will go from Hammons Field, west on Trafficway, south on Benton, west on St. Louis to the square, then south on South to Elm—a total of 1.3 miles. Phelps Camp will furnish a Civil War colorguard, but we still need two members in modern clothes to carry our banner. Other members in modern clothes are welcome to march along with the colorguard as well. Units will begin lining up at 9 a.m., the parade begins at 10, and ends by Noon.

On Sunday, November 11, the camp will march as the “Parade of the American Soldier” in Branson. At least two members in modern clothes are needed to carry our banner for that parade as well.

Questions? Please contact Jeff Patrick at 732-2662, ext. 226, or by e-mail at tam1rn@juno.com.

KEELING CEREMONY: On Saturday, September 22, members of Phelps Camp helped the descendants of Union Corporal Thomas Keeling, 46th Missouri Infantry, dedicate a new headstone in his honor on private property near Elkland. Phelps Camp members made up the color guard, were present in the audience, and made remarks during the ceremony. Approximately 70 people were present for the dedication, and Corporal Keeling’s descendants hosted a luncheon following the ceremony at a nearby church. Our special thanks to Bob Clanton and his family, who set Corporal Keeling’s headstone and participated in the ceremony.

CIVIL WAR COMMEMORATIVE “CHALLENGE COINS” AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE: Yes, we still have some! The camp has purchased several SUVCW “Challenge Coins” for resale. Two designs are available—one for the Civil War 150th anniversary and one for the Grand Army of the Republic anniversary. Check out the designs: www.suvcw.org/SUVMerchandise/SUVOS_Sesqcoins.htm.

These are priced to move at only $10 each! Jeff Patrick will have them available at upcoming meetings.

NEW ISSUE OF THE MISSOURI UNIONIST NOW AVAILABLE: Check out the latest issue of the Department of Missouri’s newsletter at www.suvcwmo.org/newsletter.php