VOLUME 18, #1 SPRING, 2016

T HE N EWS W ALKER
Calendar

Memorial Day Dinner

December Camp Meeting Election

Following the Annual Memorial Day

Ceremony (see pg. 4), the LincolnCushing Camp Dinner will be held at
7:30 pm on Monday, May 30 at the
Catering and Conference Center of
the Washington Navy Yard, 11th and O
Streets, S.E. Hospitality begins at

New C-in-C Gene Mortorff congratulates Brother Richard

Griffin, PCC upon his election as Camp Commander

Brothers, sisters, and friends gathered at the Dubliner

Restaurant in Washington, DC for the December camp
meeting, where the brothers elected new camp officers.
Commander Brin Lewis opened the meeting with camp
announcements and updates on ongoing camp initiatives
before Treasurer Lee Stone, PDC, gave a financial
report. Commander Lewis then presented Certificates of
Commendation to the 2015 officers as a thank you for their
hard work for camp in 2015. Receiving the awards were SVC
John Higgins, JVC Steve Bohling, Secretary/Treasurer Lee
Stone, PI Donald Bishop and Camp Council members Richard
Griffin, PCC and Ben Hawley, PCC. Roses were presented to
the wives and partners of the officers to thank them for all the
work they have done for the camp. A special rose was laid in
memory and honor of Frances Higgins.
After remarks from the recently elected C-in-C Gene Mortorff
and an inspiring presentation by PI Don Bishop, elections for
the 2016 officers were held. Richard Griffin, PCC was elected
for a second time as camp commander. Brother Griffin served
as camp commander in 2014. Brothers John Higgins and
Steve Bohling were re-elected to senior vice commander and
junior vice commander respectively. PC-in-C Andrew Johnson,
Brother Ben Hawley, PCC and Brother Brin Lewis, PCC were
elected to the camp council, with Donald Bishop retaining his
post as PI for yet another year. All were sworn in by C-in-C
Mortorff.

Dr. Barbara Gannon, author of The Won

Cause, will speak about The Hidden
Truth of the GAR: Black and White
Comradeship, the story of the remarkable
interracial comradeship in the GAR. She
will explain why African-Americans had
their own posts as well as the reasons for
the existence of many integrated posts
Dr. Gannon is currently an assistant
professor of history at the University of
Central Florida (UCF). She received her
B.A. from Emory University in Atlanta, an
M.A. from George Washington University
in Washington DC, and a PhD from The
Pennsylvania State University. Her book,
The Won Cause: Black and White
Comradeship in the Grand Army of the
Republic (UNC Press, 2011), received
the Wiley-Silver Prize (University of
Mississippi) for the best first book on the
Civil War, was recognized with an
honorable mention by the Lincoln Prize
Committee 2012 (Gilder Lehrman
Institute), and was a finalist for the
Jefferson Davis Prize (Museum of the
Confederacy).

THE NEWS WALKER

VOLUME 18, #1 SPRING, 2016

Commanders Message
By Commander Richard N. Griffin
Dear brothers, sisters, and friends.
The sesquicentennial of the Civil War has just concluded: four years in which millions of our countrymen have
commemorated, celebrated, and explored the events of 1861-1865 that have shaped the nature of our
country to this very day. We are all aware that our ancestors fought, suffered, were maimed, and even died to
preserve the Union and, as President Lincoln put it, to ensure a new birth of freedom for all; and, thanks to
the events of the sesquicentennial, the major events of the struggle remain fresh in our minds.
We all know that the SUVCW is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of veteran heroes who fought
and worked to save the Union in the American Civil War. We also know that the Auxiliary to the SUVCW
joins in the struggle to keep alive the memories of our ancestors and their sacrifices; to caring for helpless
and disabled Veterans; to properly observe Memorial Day; and to spread and sustain the doctrine of equal
rights, universal liberty and justice to all.
These are high purposes. How should we respond to the challenge, now that the sesquicentennial is over and
the attention of the nation is focused elsewhere?
First and foremost, I believe that it is vital to learn lessons from the post-Civil War struggle to knit the nation
back together and to realize that new birth of freedom that President Lincoln envisaged. Once the guns fell
silent, the formerly warring
parties were not immediately
reconciled. Reconciliation and a
renewed sense of nationhood took
time, work, and good will on all
sides. Moreover, a great deal of
effort remained to overcome the
legacy of the institution of slavery.
Three amendments to the U. S.
Constitution were necessary to
deal with the issues involved:
the 13th, ratified in December 1865
that prohibited slavery; the 14th,
ratified in July 1868, that stated
that all persons born or
naturalized in the U. S. are citizens
of the U. S.; and the 15th,
ratified in February 1870, that
prohibited denial of the right to
vote, based on race, color, or
previous condition of servitude.
Second, we must realize that the issues that led to the cataclysmic events of the war and its legacy are by no
means behind us. This past year, which was marked by controversies over the display of the Confederate
Battle Flag, efforts to rename streets, buildings, and institutions bearing the names of Confederate generals,
and even attempts to erase the names of post-Civil War national - and even local - politicians from public and
private buildings because of racist opinions that they held, or actions that they took, should be enough to
disabuse us of that notion. We should make no mistake. Even though most of the immediate targets of these
efforts are Confederate symbols or personalities, it is history itself our history - that is under siege.
So, what does this mean for we of the SUVCW and the ASUVCW? How should we respond, given our
missions, as noted above? In part, we should respond by continuing to do what we are already doing. We
should continue to care for Civil War monuments and graves, commemorate our heroes in annual Decoration
Day ceremonies, and provide recognition and support for those of the rising generation who display patriotism
and an interest in the great issues of the Civil War. But we need to do more, particularly in communicating
why this is still important to the country. And, we must truly understand that it will be increasingly difficult to
gain a sympathetic and understanding audience. It is vital that we bring in new blood and involve them in the
work of our orders. I ask for your renewed dedication to their principles and your best ideas and efforts on
how to move forward. We owe it to our heroes of the past and the future of the country to press on.
In Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty,
Richard N. Griffin
Commander, Lincoln-Cushing Camp No. 2

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THE NEWS WALKER

VOLUME 18, #1 SPRING, 2016

In Memoriam
Lincoln-Cushing Camp No. 2 mourns the loss of Brother
General Earl Anderson, USMC (Ret.), Brother Capt. John
E. Ned Dolan, USMC (Ret.), and Brother Wilson Monk.
Brother General Earl Anderson
On November 12, 2015, Brother General Earl Anderson
passed away at the age of 96 at the Walter Reed
National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
He was the great-grandson of Asa Anderson, who served
in the U.S. Navy as a noncommissioned officer aboard
the gunboat USS Colossus. Another great-grandfather,
Jacob Whitehead, served as a private in the 63rd Ohio
Infantry Regiment and fought for the Union in twelve
battles.
Brother Earl had a long and illustrious military career,
including serving aboard the Yorktown during the Battle
of Midway. After World War II, he served in the Office of
the Judge Advocate General among other roles. He then
went on to serve in Vietnam throughout the 1960s. In
1972, at the age of 53, Brother Earl was named the
Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and became
the youngest active duty Marine, and second active duty
Marine Naval Aviator, to be promoted to the rank of 4-star
general in the history of the Marine Corps. He was
awarded 49 instances of 26 awards and decorations
throughout his career, including the Distinguished Flying
Cross, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Navy
Presidential Unit Citation and the Vietnam Gallantry
Cross.
A funeral for Brother Earl was held at Arlington National
Cemetery on March 31, 2016. In lieu of flowers, his family
requests donations to the USO or the Marine Corps
Heritage Foundation.
We express our sincere condolences to Brother Earls
wife, Jane, and members of his family, including Brothers
Larry and Mark Anderson.

Brother Capt. John E. Ned Dolan

On November 25, 2015, Brother Capt. John E. Ned
Dolan passed away at the age of 91. Brother Ned was a
former commissioner on the Maryland Veterans
Commission, as well as a combat-disabled veteran of
World War II and Korea.
A funeral for Brother Ned will be held at Arlington
National Cemetery on April 26. We express our sincere
condolences to Brother Neds children, grandchildren,
and members of his family.
Freedom is not free, but the United States Marine Corps
will pay most of your share. - Capt. J. E. Ned Dolan
Brother Wilson Monk
Monk, as he was known, was a veteran of the United
States Navy, active in Post 8 of American Legion,
Washington, DC and a jazz enthusiast. He had a great
interest in Civil War history and a love for American
history in general. He joined the SUVCW as an
associate member before he died and was scheduled to
be inducted at the September 2015 meeting.
Real Son Charlie Brock, Son of Amon Brock,
Passes Away
Real Son Charlie Brock, of London, Kentucky, passed
away on July 9, 2014, at the age of 100. Born on
February 16, 1914, in Laurel County, Kentucky, Brother
Brock was the son of Amon Brock, a Private from the
49th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, Company E. Private
Brock enlisted on June 27, 1863, saw service in the area
surrounding Camp Burnside, and was discharged on
December 26, 1864.
On behalf of the Brothers and Sisters of Lincoln-Cushing
Camp #2, we express our condolences, in Fraternity,
Charity, and Loyalty, to the surviving family members of
Brother Brock.

Department Encampment in April

Make plans now to attend the 2016 Department of the Chesapeake Encampment on April 22-23. The Department
Encampment will be held in Frederick, Maryland at the Holiday Inn Frederick - Conference Center at Fisk Mall. Our
National Commander-in-Chief, Eugene Mortorff, will be attending our Encampment.
Tours of the Monocacy Battlefield and the Civil War Medical Museum are available on Friday, April 22. There will be a
group dinner that evening from 6:30-9:00 PM at the Monocacy Crossing Restaurant (at your own expense). On
Saturday, April 23, the Joint Service kicks off the day at 8:00 AM. There will also be a group luncheon and George
Wunderlich, the former Executive Director of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, will give a presentation.
Don't miss the group photo at 3:00 PM and the Happy Hour that will begin right after at 3:30 PM! Complete details for
all events can be found at departmentofthechesapeakesuvcw.com

THE NEWS WALKER

VOLUME 18, #1 SPRING, 2016

Lincoln-Cushing Camp Commemorates Memorial Day

Lincoln-Cushing Camp #2 of the Department of the Chesapeake, SUVCW,
will conduct the 2016 Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the James R.
Tanner Amphitheater on Monday, May 30 from 5-6 PM. The ceremony will
be immediately followed by presentation of wreaths at the Tomb of the Civil
War Unknowns.
A brief keynote address will be given by Professor Barbara Gannon. She will
explain what the GAR men fought for as they saw it: both Liberty and Union,
a union of free men with no slavery. (Dr. Gannon will also be the guest
speaker at the Annual Memorial Day Dinnersee pg. 1 for details.)
Speakers at the ceremony will include National Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief and Past Department Commander
Mark Day representing SUVCW C-in-C Gene Mortorff; Past President Ellen Higgins of thePellentesque:
Daughters of Union
Veterans presenting the In Memoriam ladies tribute; and short addresses from other dignitaries.
Musical support at the ceremony will be provided by a vocal soloist from the US Navy Band and a Brass Quintet
from the USMC Band.
Guests should plan to arrive at the Arlington National Cemetery Visitors Center in sufficient time to walk up the hill
(or take the tram) to the Tanner Amphitheater.
All brothers, sisters, and friends are all most cordially invited to attend the ceremony and/or the dinner which follows.
Information about the camp meeting and dinner can be found on pg. 1 of The NewsWalker and the Dinner
Reservation form is on pg. 6.

Camp Calendar
Date

Event

Time

Location

April 22-23

Department Encampment

N/A

Holiday Inn, Frederick, MD

May 30

Decoration Day/Memorial
Day Ceremony

5:00 PM

Arlington National Cemetery

May 30

Camp Meeting

6:45 PM

Catering and Conference Center

Consectetuer:
Washington Navy
Yard

June 17-22

Civil War Institute

N/A

Gettysburg College, PA

August 11-14

National Encampment

N/A

Abraham Lincoln Hilton,

Springfield, IL

July 23

Camp Picnic

10:00 AM2:00 PM

Picnic Area #4, Fort Ward Park

Alexandria, VA

September 10

Camp Meeting

11:30 AM

Gadsbys Tavern, Alexandria, VA

November 5

Grave Cleanup

TBD

TBD

December 3

Camp Meeting (Elections)

11:30 AM

Gadsbys Tavern, Alexandria, VA

THE NEWS WALKER

VOLUME 18, #1 SPRING, 2016

Brothers and Sisters Gather at Gadsbys in February

Brothers, sisters, and friends of Lincoln-Cushing Camp No. 2 gathered on February 13, 2016 at the historic Gadsby's
Tavern in Alexandria, VA.
The meeting opened with a memorial ceremony for our departed Brothers, Earl Anderson and Ned Dolan. Brother
John Higgins then spoke as temporary Patriotic Instructor. Brother Higgins discussed an essay by James Blaine
regarding the disbanding of the Federal Army after the end of the Civil War. He discussed the wonder of the prompt
and peaceful disbandment of the entire army post-war, and on how soldiers successfully re-entered civilian life due to
the principles learned during service (order, punctuality, etc.).
Professor Elizabeth Varon, of the University of Virginia, gave her keynote address entitled, Legacies of Appomattox:
Lees Surrender in History and Memory. Professor Varon focused on the idea that the terms of Appomattox learned
in most history classes today a simple
agreement that the Confederacy would free
Union soldiers and promise to never take up
arms against the Union again were severely
over-simplified. She argued that, in reality, the
surrender was incredibly political, as Robert E.
Lee desired to frame his surrender as a moral
victory (that the Unions might had triumphed
over the Confederacys right), while Ulysses S.
Grant viewed the surrender as the Unions right
triumphing over the Confederacys wrong, and
that the peace agreed upon was thus
contingent on the Souths continued good
behavior. Lee framed surrender as a way to
restore peace (and thus, the way things were
before the war), while Grant framed that same
surrender as vindication of Union beliefs. These
fundamental contradictions, according to
Professor Varon, set the stage for the conflicts
to come during Reconstruction.

Welcome New Brothers

William Bart Smith

Paul Washington
Kenneth Kline

Paul Washington lives

in Alexandria, VA and is
a defense contractor.
Paul is the Great Great
Grandson of John
Buckley. Buckley was a
Corporal in Company I
of the 45th
Pennsylvania Infantry
Regiment. He served
1861-1865, discharged
due to wounds suffered.

Kenneth Kline lives in

Arlington, VA and is a
computer programmer.
Kenneths Great Grand
Uncle, John Barkdoll,
was a Sergeant in
th
Company H of the 6
Maryland Infantry
Regiment. He served
1862-1864, and spent
time in Andersonville.

Andrew Simon

Bart Smith lives in

Burke, VA. He is retired
United States Army.
Bart is the Great Great
Grandson of James A.
Barton. Barton was a
Private in Company L of
st
the 1 Alabama Cavalry
(USV) 1863-1864.

Andrew Simon lives in

Arlington, VA and is a
social studies teacher.
rd
Andrew is the 3 Great
Grandson of Clemiel
Simon. Simon was a
Private in Company F of
nd
the 2 regiment of
Pennsylvania Heavy
Artillery 1864-1866.

Charles Bogino
Charles Bogino lives in Silver Spring, MD and is an attorney. His ancestor is Marion
th
Ringgold Zerbe, who mustered in 1864 as a Private with the 20 Regiment of the
rd
Pennsylvania Cavalry and mustered out as a Sergeant in 1865 with Company I of the 3
New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry.

VOLUME 18, #1 SPRING, 2016

Dinner Reservation Form

Looking for New Members of
the Lincoln-Cushing
Camp Auxiliary

Lincoln-Cushing Camp #2
Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War
Annual Memorial Day Meeting
Monday, May 30, 2016
Hospitality: 6:45 pm; Dinner Served: 7:30 pm
Catering and Conference Center
Washington Navy Yard
th
11 and O Streets, S.E.
I _______________________________________________.
plan to attend the dinner and am bringing, as my guest,
________________________________________________.
Entre Choice (s):
________

London Broil

________

Chicken Marsala

Enclosed is my check (payable to Lincoln-Cushing Camp) for

$______ ($40.00 per person).
Please send this form and your check to
Brother Ben Hawley, Camp Treasurer
13408 Norden Drive
Silver Spring, MD. 20906-5347
All reservations must be made no later than May 16.
Due to security regulations at
the Navy Yard, this is an absolute deadline.
Details about driving, entrance, and parking will be sent to
attendees after May 16.

The Auxiliary of Sons of Union Veterans of

the Civil War (ASUVCW) is an organization
for women who are interested in becoming
part of the SUVCW family. As with SUVCW,
membership is open to descendants of those
who served for the Union in the Civil War, as
well as any woman who is the wife of a
brother of SUVCW. Associate Membership is
also available to women who demonstrate a
genuine interest in the Civil War but do not
have the required lineage through
themselves or their husbands.
The ASUVCW strives to assist the Sons of
Union Veterans in keeping alive the
memories of our ancestors and their
sacrifices for the maintenance of the Union;
to caring for helpless and disabled Veterans;
to properly observe Memorial Day; to aid and
assist worthy and needy members of our
Auxiliary; to instill true patriotism and love of
country; and to spread and sustain the
doctrine of equal rights, universal liberty and
justice to all.
Interested women can visit the ASUVCW
website for more information:
http://www.asuvcw.org/

STATEMENT OF PUBLICATION: THIS NEWSLETTER IS THE OFFICIAL HOUSE ORGAN OF THE LINCOLN-CUSHING CAMP NO. 2 ,
DEPARTMENT OF THE CHESAPEAKE, SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR. Published in the City of Alexandria, VA United States
of America. News Walker (c) 2016 to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. All Rights Reserved. News Walker is distributed via Post and email to
SUVCW members and friends. SUVCW, its officers or members accept no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or quality of any material forwarded to
and published in the News Walker or any referrals or links to the content. There is no intent to use any verifiable copyright protected material. We accept no
responsibility for any loss or damage suffered by any person relying directly or indirectly on any information from the News Walker. You may not copy,
reproduce, distribute, publish, enter into a database, display, perform, modify, create derivative works, transmit, or in any way exploit any part of the News
Walker, except for your own personal use.

SONS OF UNION VETERANS

OF THE CIVIL WAR
Lincoln-Cushing Camp No. 2
DEPARTMENT OF THE CHESAPEAKE