Canal Winchester, OH  43110

Brothers of the Department of Ohio;

 

First, let me thank you for your support in electing me Department Commander at the 127^th Department Encampment. I appreciate your trust and confidence in electing me to this important office. I have many foot steps to follow of previous Department Commanders, since the chartering of the Department of Ohio, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

 

Let it be known that the Department of Ohio Headquarters is now located in Canal Winchester, Franklin County, Ohio.

 

1. Please note: that all Brothers must get approval by the Department Commander in order to represent the Department of Ohio at any event.

 

2. Camp Events

 

I look forward to attending as many Camp meetings and events as my schedule will allow. I enjoy visiting Camps and their events. Please inform me as far in advance as possible, so I can make arrangements. If I’m unable to attend, I will ask one of the Department Officers to be my representative.

 

3. Thanks Extended

 

I want to thank all Past Department Elected and Appointed Officers and Committees of the 2008-2009 Administration for your dedication and service in continuing to Perpetuate the Memory of the Grand Army of the Republic. The United States and Department Flags and Charter have been passed on to this office. I promise to uphold the proud tradition of the Department of Ohio.

 

 I want to thank our Department Encampment Chairman Jonathan Davis and his committee for the hard work in choosing the site and planning in making the 127^th Department of Ohio a great success.

 

 Thanks to Past Commander Craig Keller for his leadership in leading his administration through a great year, of high esteem, and continuing to insure the Department of Ohio would not fail.

 

Thank you to all elected and appointed officers for accepting your nominations for 2009-2010. We have great foot prints to follow in carrying out our duties. We all took an oath on June 13^th, 2009, as our hands were placed on the Bible and our right hand raised. Remember we're all volunteers, but let each officer and committee work together to make this a fruitful year for the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

 

4. Organization and Communications

 

Department Order #1 is being issued to insure that all Brothers are informed of the Officers. Other Department Orders will follow informing you of Appointed Committees.

 

I encourage all Brothers to make a regular habit of visiting the Department of Ohio Website (www.OhioSUV.com). If you have a problem entering, contact our Department Signals Officer (SignalOfficer@OhioSUV.com). You are also requested to visit the National Website to stay informed. Communications is a must to insure our Department runs smoothly.

There are pages for Camp News, Camp Calendars, and a Bulletin Board. The website also contains the Last Union Veteran of each County. All Camps are encouraged to send submissions to Signals Officer Ken Freshley. Post upcoming events, in order to allow Brothers the opportunity to attend.

I encourage all Camp Officers to please place your e-mail addresses next to your names on form 22. It is important for communications with your Camp. It also will save your department funds in sending out the upcoming Department Newsletter.

I also ask that you please click on the reply button on your e-mails, so the sender will know you received the communication. This is a courtesy. Please pass this Department Order to your Camp members. This will allow next years officers to be informed.

 

Communications is a key factor in having a successful veteran’s organization.

Brother Bill Fischer along with being appointed Department Chaplain, has been appointed Editor of the Department Newsletter, the Buckeye Bugle. All brothers are requested to submit photos and news items to Bill at wefjr7944@hotmail.com

Upon the death of a Brother or a member of his immediate family, please notify our chaplain.

 

 5. Forms

 

I wish to repeat, In accordance with National General Order and Department of Ohio Department Order, all forms will be typed, (Exception of New Member Application Form).

National Forms are all available and listed on the National Website. The Department of Ohio Monuments and Memorials Funding Request is on the Ohio Website. This form shall be typed.

Brothers Department Secretary/Treasurer Jim Crane has had a rough year in communicating with Camps on improper filing of forms, including not being typed or being sent after dead lines. The National Regulations are quite clear on filing requirements. I encourage every Camp Officer to obtain a copy of the National Regulations and the Ohio By-Laws. I know it takes continual reading of these documents to obtain knowledge and retention.

 

Remember Form 22 must be in the hands of the Department Secretary/Treasurer no later then February 1. Form 27A must be in his hands no later then April 30.

I encourage Camp Treasurers to start collecting your annual dues on January 1. Have your dues collected by March 1, and mailed to the Department Secretary/Treasurer by March 15.

Let us strive to make the Department Secretary/Treasurer’s job easier during this administration. I hope I will not be required to suspend Camps during my term as commander.

 

6. Membership Retention

 

Brothers, this year we dropped in membership in the Department of Ohio.

Total Membership 489

New Members 47

Dropped Members 77

Loss 30

Member-at-Large 37

Renewed Membership 11

Dropped Members 26

 

I encourage every member to recruit at least one new member this year. I also encourage Camp Junior Vice Commanders to set up recruiting stations at events. Print circulars showing that the Sons of Union Veterans purpose and activities.. Phone a potential member, invite him to a camp meeting or event. Offer to pick him up for your meeting. Encourage the new member to attend meetings and to take an active part. Place him on a committee to keep his interest.

Plan on having a program at least four times a year to arouse interest and retain members.

 

 

7. Continued Events & Projects

 

Bicentennial of President Abraham Lincoln. Camps have held events and dinners this year, honoring our 16^th President. I encourage all Camps to continue in this celebration. Visit the Ohio Statehouse Website for continuing events on this anniversary. There has been a Lincoln Birthday Celebration, Encampment and Lincoln Repose in the Rotunda.

 

Last Union Veteran of Ohio Counties.  A few Camps have seen that this project has been promoted and have erected plaques and held ceremonies. I encourage all Camps to take this on as one of their goals.

 

8. Allied Orders

 

Brothers, I look forward to communicating and visiting the Presidents and members of the other Allied Orders. The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War is one of five of the Allied Orders. Brothers and Past Department Commanders Ray Nagel and Don Grant, Sr. have been appointed as Department of Ohio Fraternal Relations Officers.

 

9. National Encampment

    Louisville, Kentucky

    August 13-16, 2009

 

All Brothers are encouraged to attend the National Encampment. The Encampment is in conjunction with the Bicentennial of President Abraham Lincoln. Information in regards to the Encampment was in your last issue of the Banner. You may also find details on the National Organization Website.

 

In closing, let me wish all brothers and their families a wonderful and healthy year. I look forward to working with all members during 2009-2010.

 

 

So ordered this 17th day of June, 2009

 

Yours in Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty,

Attested,

Robert W. Davis	Jim Crane
Robert W. Davis Commander	Jim Crane Secretary