007AOMPATRIOT

Deo adjuvanti non timindin (With God’s help, we need not fear) THE DIXON BLUE LIGHT NEWS

Lt. George E. Dixon Camp #1962 Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV)

www.scvcamp1962.org

Editor: Lady Sharon Red, Cell 618-622-8949 APRIL 2017

* * * NEXT CAMP DIXON MEETING * * * TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2017 ~ 6:30 p.m.

SWIC Senior Citizen Center 201 North Church Street, Belleville

Location: Corner of East B and North Church Streets

Parking Available Across the Street

PRESENTATION: Southern Claims Commission SPEAKER: Compatriot Bob Herr

REFRESHMENTS: Chaplin & Mrs. Mike Biekert

Please check with the receptionist about room location.

Questions? Call Gale Red, Cell 618-622-8949

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

From Your Commander 1

Welcome Again, “Compatriot” Steve Wilson 1 & 9

Presentation to Chatham Camp, March 11 2

Minutes: Squad East Meeting, March 20 3

Minutes: Camp Dixon Meeting, March 21 4-5

Compatriot Jason Ziebold Retires 6

Our Confederate Rose -- Linda Hanabarger 7

Little Known Facts About the Civil War 8

News from Around the Camp 9

Calendar of Events ~ April Birthdays ~ Camp Leadership 10

FROM YOUR COMMANDER

Hope you are enjoying the pleasant weather, keeping healthy and happy, and viewing the beauty of spring time.

Time ticks by and memories are made. The young wait eagerly for time to pass.

Yet, old folks pray for time delayed, That they might stop the hourglass.

Time moves too swiftly, but then again It moves too slowly, it would seem,

When we are faced with grief and pain Or harboring a broken dream.

Time makes flowers bud and bloom, Changing seasons as it goes

To rob the tree of colored leaves, Consuming all in their repose.

The love we’ve shared with others And accomplishments we’ve made Are the moments and the memories

That time will never fade. Thanks for the fond memories. HAPPY PRE-EASTER TO ALL!

Confederately,

Johnny Kicklighter

SPRING HAS SPRUNG CONFEDERATE SPIRITS ARE IN BLOSSOM

ENJOY NATURE’S BEAUTY AS YOU DRIVE TO THE APRIL CAMP MEETINGS GET AWAY FROM IT ALL AND HAVE SOME FUN AND GREAT FOOD WITH US

CAMP DIXON SQUAD EAST Tues. APRIL 11 6:30 p.m. Mon, APRIL 17

WELCOME AGAIN “Compatriot” Steve Wilson

Steve was sworn in as a Son of Confederate Veteran at the March 21 Camp Meeting. He had been a Camp Dixon Knight of the Golden Circle for 4 years before his Confederate heritage was found.

2

Presentation to Chatham Camp

By Illinois Division Commander Gale Red

(March 11, 2017, Chatham IL) The March meeting of the Guardians of the

Forgotten Camp #2275 was held at the Chatham Area Public Library.

Commander Ed Stanfield presided. Illinois Division Commander Gale Red

explained the significance of the black-draped chair to honor recently

deceased camp member and camp chaplain, Ben Stetson. Gale explained

that the black–draped chair represented the absence of our brother. Gale

then presented the power-point program concerning the Rock Island

prison for Confederate prisoners of war. He explained its creation, how it

was set up, and how it was managed. It was often called by many “the

Andersonville of the North” because of the extremely harsh conditions,

purposeful lack of provisions and poor sanitary conditions, as well as the

extremely cruel treatment of the Confederate prisoners there. Opened in

December of 1863, the camp recorded over 1,200 prisoners dying there

during 20 months of its operation. Pictures showed the features of the

camp and some of the conditions. Several of the camp members had not

been aware of the prison prior to the presentation. The briefing was well-

received.

3

SQUAD EAST MEETING MINUTES ~ MARCH 20, 2017 Muster Squad East, SCV, conducted their monthly muster at 6:44 p.m. on March 20, 2017 at Anthony’s Wild West Restaurant in Flora IL this being the 3rd Muster of the year for 2017. CALL TO ORDER by Lt Robert Marley.

INVOCATION was given by Chaplain Sam Booth. PRESENTATION OF THE COLORS by Adjutant Gale Red and Lt Marley. All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. flag and Salute to the Confederate flag, which were properly displayed at the meeting.

ROLL CALL (9). David Ash, Sam Booth, Walter Hall, Ron & Andrew King (guests), Robert Marley, Gale Red, Larry Weber, John Winterfeld.

PROCEDURAL BUSINESS FEBRUARY 20 MEETING MINUTES. Motion was made to accept the minutes by Sam Booth, seconded by Larry Weber. Motion carried. Minutes accepted.

REPORTS COMPATRIOT PAT BOOTH’S MEDICAL STATUS (Compatriot Sam Booth). Pat is continuing to make big improvements. He is able to walk further and perform personal maintenance tasks better than last reported. COMPATRIOT SAM BOOTH (Compatriot Booth). Sam said he is waiting n doctor approval for one more aneurism procedure. ADJUTANT GALE RED (Adjutant Red) reported little progress on is leukemia treatment and has worsening back problems compounding his medical situation.

ANNOUNCEMENTS COMPATRIOT TYLER JACOBS (Adjutant Red) has had a personal setback. His parent’s home sustained extreme damage in the tornado which hit Crossville a few weeks ago. Tyler lost his car from the tornado.

NEW BUSINESS FLAGS TO MARK VETERAN GRAVES FOR UPCOMING MEMORIAL DAY (Compatriot Larry Weber). Adjutant Red stated we will be using the 1st Nation Flag which was in use until mid-1863 by the Confederacy. FUTURE PROGRAM (Lt Marley). TBA – checking with Mark DeSelms.

FORMAL PRESENTATION

Adjutant Red presented a power-point brief on Rock Island Prison for Confederate prisoners of war. He explained its creation, how it was set up, and how it was managed. It was often called by many “the Andersonville of the North” because of the extremely harsh conditions, purposeful lack of provisions and poor sanitary conditions, as well as the extremely cruel treatment of the Confederate prisoners there. There were some incredibly deplorable conditions that were endured by the Confederate captives in this Union prison. Much of it was totally unnecessary because the North had resources available. Many of the Confederate men died of conditions at the prison – many lives were needlessly lost. Opened in December of 1863, the camp recorded over 1,200 prisoners dying there during 20 months of its operation. Pictures showed the features of the camp and some of the conditions.

BENEDICTION was given by Chaplain Booth. ADJOURNMENT 9:15 p.m. NEXT MEETING will be held on Monday, April 17, 2017, 6:30 p.m. Program by Adjutant Red on Quiz on the Civil War—A Nation Divided.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert N. Marley

Lieutenant

4

7 CAMP DIXON MEETING MINUTES ~ MARCH 21, 2017 Muster

The members and friends of the Lt. George E. Dixon Camp #1962, SCV, conducted their monthly muster at 6:40 p.m. on March 21, 2017 at the SWIC PSOP Center, 201 North Church Street, Belleville IL, this being the 3rd Muster of the year for 2017. CALL TO ORDER by Adjutant Gale Red. INVOCATION was given by Camp Chaplain Walter “Mike” Biekert. PRESENTATION OF THE COLORS by Adjutant Gale Red. All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. flag and saluted the Confederate flag, which were properly displayed at the meeting.

WELCOME. Adjutant Red welcomed and thanked everyone for attending. SWEARING IN AND INDUCTIONS. Commander Johnny Kicklighter began the proceedings to swear in former Knight Steve Wilson as a Son of Confederate Veteran Compatriot in Camp Dixon. Adjutant Red swore him in as 1st Lt Commander Ron Lakin, and Compatriot J. C. Gideon witnessed this important induction. Mary Wilson, his wife, played a key role as his proud spouse. ROLL CALL (23). Jeff Barnes, Janice Beasley, Walter “Mike” & Mary Beth Biekert, Bill Boyd, Eric Funkhouser, J. C. Gideon, Robert Hardy, Walter Hall, Dianna Holway (guest), Johnny Kicklighter, Ron Lakin, John & Jane McKee, Gale and Sharon Red, Dale Rice, Bobby Samuel, John Stanton, Phil Tate, Steve Wilson, Mary Wilson (guest), and Chris Ziebold.

GROUP PHOTO (by Sharon Red, photographer) (L-R) 1st Row (seated): Robert Hardy

2nd Row: Jeff Barnes, Jane McKee, Mary Beth & Mike Biekert, Ron Lakin, Eric Funkhouser, Johnny Kicklighter, Dianna Holway, Bill Boyd, and Dale Rice

3rd Row: Gale Red, John McKee, Bobby Samuel, Steve and Mary Wilson, Chris Ziebold, J. C. Gideon, John Stanton, Janice Beasley and Phil Tate,

5

CAMP DIXON MEETING MINUTES ~ MARCH 21, 2017 Muster (cont’d)

PROCEDURAL BUSINESS FEBRUARY 14 MEETING MINUTES. Motion was made to accept the minutes by Bob Herr, seconded by John McKee. Motion carried. Minutes accepted. FINANCIAL REPORT (Adjutant Red). Phil Tate made a motion to accept, seconded by Bob Herr. Motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS (Adjutant Red) COMPATRIOT DWIGHT & NONA MOORE CANNOT BE WITH US TONIGHT because they are in Florida for the 6th birthday of their granddaughter. LADY JANICE BEASLEY HAS RETURNED FROM HER TRAVELS and is with us once more. Welcome back, Janice. COMPATRIOT HAM LEMMER has not been doing very well lately with his fight with cancer. He needs our prayers. COMPATRIOT TYLER JACOBS OF CROSSVILLE IL needs our prayers as he and his parents try to recover from the loss of their home since an F-3 tornado tore a path through their community almost 2 months ago. LADY JANICE HAS FREEBIES FOR YOU TONIGHT. Please help yourself to some books, maps and tapes.

OLD BUSINESS AND REPORTS FROM THE FIELD STILL NEED LEADERSHIP POSITIONS TO BE FILLED — 2nd LT COMMANDER, CAMP HISTORIAN, AND GREETER (Adjutant Red). Please step forward and serve the camp.

NEW BUSINESS COMPATRIOT BOBBY SAMUEL – MOUND CITY MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE, SATURDAY, MAY 27, 10:00. Bobby has been the IL Div Chaplain for a number of years. Is in the education field and enjoys memorials. Would like for you to come to the Mound City Memorial – an all-day event. Main ceremony starts at 1000. Confederate ceremony at 11:30. Theme: Women in Service. Huckleberry’s will serve lunch. COMPATRIOT JOHN & LADY JANE McKEE will celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary at Scottish Rite. They request you RSVP to the invite you received. FIELD DAY OF BATTLEFLAGS (Compatriot John McKee). Will be held on April 15 (Lincoln’s death day). More info available from Brother Dave Wildemuth. FORMAL PROGRAM – CIVIL WAR QUIZ ON THE NATION DIVIDED Hosted by Adjutant Red. 30 questions were posed to the attendees with follow-up answers. If you missed it, the quiz will later be emailed with the newsletter. REFRESHMENTS were provided by Compatriot Phil Tate. BENEDICTION was given by Chaplain Mike Biekert. MEETING adjourned at 8:20 p.m. NEXT MEETING will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, 6:30 p.m. Presentation: Southern Claims Commission by Compatriot Bob Herr. REFRESHMENTS will be furnished by Chaplain Mike & Mary Beth Biekert.

Respectfully submitted, Gale F. Red

Adjutant

6

LCDR Jason A. Ziebold, USN, retires

BIOGRAPHY. Jason A. Ziebold was born in Waterloo, Illinois in 1975. He attended the United States Naval Academy where he earned a B.S. in Political Science, graduating in 1997. LCDR Ziebold earned his Wings of Gold in January 1999, with follow-on training in the P-3 Orion at NAS Jacksonville. From November 2000 through February 2004, LCDR Ziebold was assigned to PATRON 8, completing two deployments including combat operations in OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM as

a patrol plane commander, directly supporting 173rd

Airborne and special operations forces in March through May 2003. LCDR Ziebold was assigned to Commander, Task Force 67 in February 2004, however NAVEUR reorganization reassigned him to the new combined NAVEUR-SIXTH FLEET staff as the P-3 Operations Officer in addition to duties as a watch coordinator and the DRRS officer. In August and September 2006, LCDR Ziebold was a future operations officer for the JFMCC staff supporting the non-combatant evacuation operation in Lebanon. In October 2006, LCDR Ziebold reported to U.S. Strategic Command. During this time, he coordinated the STRATCOM portion of strategic command and control exercises supporting nuclear force readiness. In March 2009, LCDR Ziebold was assigned as a department head at Tactical Air Control Squadron 21 at Little Creek where he served as the training Officer, senior watch officer, and Operations Officer and Assistant Officer-in-Charge for the TACRON 21 detachment on the 2010-2011 KEARSARGE ARG. This deployment included the Arab Spring crisis and the detachment directly controlled over a thousand combat sorties in support of OPERATION ODYSSEY DAWN. At the conclusion of the deployment, he transferred to EWTGLANT, supporting three BOLD ALLIGATOR exercises, evaluating TACRONs during four workup cycles, and instructing over 2000 students in amphibious warfare. His personal decorations include the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Combat “V,” three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medals as well as numerous unit decorations. LCDR Ziebold and his wife, Bobbi, reside in Virginia Beach, VA with their daughter, Jamie. COMPLIMENTARY WORDS FROM HIS PROUD FATHER, CHRIS ZEIBOLD (who recruited him to Camp Dixon in Oct 2015). Jason graduated from the Naval Academy 1997. Graduated Flight School, NAS Corpus Christi, and P3 Orion flight school, NAS Jacksonville, FL. Eventually became a Command pilot in P3 Squadron VP8, stationed at Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine (now closed). That squadron participated in the 2nd Iraq war and he flew 17 combat missions, most at night in support of Special Operations Forces. Their job was to take down 3 remote airfields in northwest Iraq which was handled by Special Ops Forces (little of this was in the news on that war since the US didn't have enough regular ground troops to handle everything). Almost all of the missions were at night. Jason was the highest decorated pilot in the squadron as a result of these missions (don't really know the name of the medals). Spent rest of tour in the squadron flying old P3's to the 'boneyard' (they were eventually being replaced by the new Boeing P8 replacement for the P3). He received permission on one of these missions to overfly my home in Waterloo where we were waiting with lots of relatives with videocameras! From there spent tour of duty at Omaha, Nebraska at the Strategic Command, but he cannot say what his duties were there (or he would have to kill me!!) From there spent tour in Naples, Italy on that theatre's Admiral's staff. Made numerous trips to Croatia and Herzogovina in support of NATO forces as that conflict was winding down. From there stationed at Little Creek, Virginia (Norfolk) teaching/performing air warfare planning in support of amphibious landings for the USMC. Did a 10 month deployment on the USS Kearsarge (amphibious helicopter carrier with 1500 marines and two hovercraft) in the middle east, on the way home they were caught up in the Lybia/Kaddaffi conflict and his group performed all the air planning for the NATO forces. From there again stationed at Little Creek, in another air warfare planning unit until his retirement, effective May 1, 2017. Quite a career, now he has to get a real job!!

7

Our Confederate Rose

LINDA HANABARGER

Our friend and Confederate Rose, Linda Hanabarger, who lives in Vandalia, IL has found yet another

Confederate Veteran buried in the South Hill Cemetery in Vandalia IL.

Linda, an avid local and noted historian for Fayette County, accidentally came across the grave of

Horatio Nelson Spaulding, born 1836 in Canada and died in 1919 in Vandalia, while doing other none-

related research. When she called Gale Red with the information, Gale was able to find that Horatio

enlisted as a Private in Co. F of the 1st (Colquitt’s) Arkansas Infantry at Little Rock, Arkansas on 8 May

1861 and muster into Confederate service on 13 May in Lynchburg, VA where the unit was sent to see

action. Horatio was eventually promoted to 1st Sgt. with the company. Following the war, he came to

Vandalia where he worked for a time as a foreman for the construction of a railroad bridge near

Vandalia. Choosing to settle in Vandalia where he was married and had one daughter.

The discovery of his grave and history makes now 24 Confederates found so far in Fayette County.

Linda has been very instrumental in finding most of them and helping to mark several of the graves.

She continues her efforts and expects to be able to find several more before the search is finished.

Linda has been a good friend and supporter in our quest to honor our brave Confederates buried in the

Land of Lincoln.

We owe Linda a debt of gratitude, and salute her as our Confederate Rose with a hearty Southern

“Hurrah”.

Our Confederate Rose, Linda, is wearing the maroon velvet/satin ballgown (second from

the right) at our Lee/Jackson Ball, January 26, 2013. Joining her in the fun and frolic,

from L-R, are Charlene Jett, Compatriot John Massey, and 1st Lt Commander Ron Lakin.

8

Little Known Facts About the Civil War

The King of Siam Offered War Elephants to Lincoln

One of the most brutal prison camps in the war was Elmira Prison. It had been built to hold 5,000 Confederate soldiers. But as the war raged on and more people came in, the prison started getting more than it could handle. Soon, there were nearly 10,000 people crammed inside its walls. The civilians couldn’t help but be a little curious, and it didn’t take long for someone to capitalize on it. A tower was set up across the street. For 15 cents, you could climb to the top, take a seat with some peanuts and lemonade, and watch the prisoners. The prisoners started to realize they were being watched and, being bored out of their minds, began putting on shows to make it worthwhile. Some would juggle or do acrobatics to impress the audience watching them from above. The guards put a stop to their antics, though. Soon, there was nothing to do but wither away. Disease spread through Elmira so viciously that a quarter of the prisoners died. But the audiences kept coming out, paying a nickel and a dime to watch men waste away and die.

Before the war, King Rama IV of Siam found out that the US did not have elephants. This, King Rama IV felt, was a tragedy and one that needed to be righted as soon as possible. When the Civil War began, Rama IV jumped on the opportunity. He wrote to Abraham Lincoln, offering to send him as many war elephants as he required. These, King Rama IV explained, would not only help him crush the Confederates but could also be put to work on construction projects or just set loose in the forests. Lincoln did his best to be polite. “I appreciate most highly Your Majesty’s tender of good offices,” he wrote back. “Our political jurisdiction, however, does not reach a latitude so low as to favor the multiplication of the elephant.” It’s easy to imagine, though, that a few years further in, Lincoln was probably regretting not putting a few war elephants on the front lines.

Photo via Wikimedia

When the Civil War began, the University of Mississippi had 139 students. Of them, 135 signed up to fight for the Confederate Army. The school was put to use as a war hospital, and all but four members of its student body joined together to form Company A of the 11th Mississippi. Not a single member of the company, nicknamed the “University Greys,” made it back unharmed. The group had a rare 100 percent casualty rate, with every man either coming back wounded or never making it home at all. The Greys were even supposed to fight in First Battle of Bull Run. Their train, however, was delayed, and most of the men didn’t make it. Even without fighting, though, Colonel Moore became one of their first casualties by accidentally shooting himself in the foot. The rest of the group kept fighting and nearly made it to the end. But on the last day of the Battle of Gettysburg, the Greys joined a mad, desperate charge against the Union soldiers. Of the Confederate soldiers involved, half died—and not a single man from the University of Mississippi made it out alive.

Photo credit: Doug Kerr

Photo credit: shoeuntied.wordpress.com

People Bought Tickets to Watch Prisoners of War

An Entire University Signed Up and Didn’t Come Home

9

WELCOME, WALTER “MIKE” BIEKERT. Mike is now officially a Knight of the Golden Circle, but has graced us as Camp Chaplain. Welcome, Mike.

WELCOME AGAIN, “COMPATRIOT” STEVE WILSON. We are happy for you and us that you found your Confederate heritage and are now a proud Son of a Confederate Veteran.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR MAY 1, 2017, RETIREMENT, COMPATRIOT JASON ZIEBOLD. Hope you have many blessed and happy years of retirement. (The camp will send a greeting card.)

CONGRATULATIONS TO KNIGHT DOUG AND BETTY LAWRENCE ON THEIR 37th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY, APRIL 27. Best of luck to you and many more years of happiness and good health together. (The camp will send a greeting card.)

NEWS FROM AROUND THE CAMP

10

CAMP CALENDAR OF EVENTS

APRIL

4 LOCAL ELECTION DAY – Please vote

9 PALM SUNDAY

11 6:30 BELLEVILLE CAMP DIXON MEETING

14 GOOD FRIDAY

16 EASTER

17 6:30 FLORA SQUAD EAST MEETING

20 5:30 SCV JROTC Hunley Award, Mascoutah

MAY

8 6:30 BELLEVILLE CAMP DIXON MEETING

14 MOTHER’S DAY

15 6:30 FLORA SQUAD EAST MEETING

20 ARMED FORCES DAY

27 10:00 MOUND CITY MEMORIAL

29 MEMORIAL DAY

JUNE

13 6:30 BELLEVILLE CAMP DIXON MEETING

14 FLAG DAY

18 FATHER’S DAY

19 6:30 FLORA SQUAD EAST MEETING

21 FIRST DAY OF SUMMER

APRIL

1 Compatriot J. C. Gideon

(from Belleville IL)

2 Compatriot Nathan Ziebold

(from St. Louis MO)

5 Knight Doug Lawrence

(from Keyesport IL)

7 Compatriot John Kruse

(from East Setauket NY)

10 Compatriot Chris Ziebold

(from Waterloo IL)

17 Compatriot Don Harris

(from Advance MO)

19 Compatriot Jim Fulton

(from Sawyerville IL)

24 Compatriot Dennis Palmer

(from Sterling MI)

25 Compatriot Charles Lee

(from Mascoutah IL)

28 Compatriot John McKee

(from Shiloh IL)

CAMP DIXON AND SQUAD EAST LEADERSHIP Commander John Wayne Kicklighter 618-257-9079 1Lt Commander Ronald Lakin Cell 618-420-6358 2Lt Commander VACANT Adjutant Gale Franklin Red Cell 618-622-8949 Chaplain Walter “Mike” Biekert 618-972-8190 Sgt at Arms David Schmitt Cell 618-334-6148 Program Chairman Gale Franklin Red Cell 618-622-8949 Squad East Lieutenant Robert Neil Marley Cell 618-662-4765 Squad East Chaplain Sam Booth Cell 618-838-3053 Squad East Program Chairman Larry Weber Cell 217-663-4804