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Above and Beyond Duty Examples in Excellence Within the SCV |
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In thirty plus years of activism, I've pretty much seen it all, and done about all I have seen. That's a good and a bad thing I guess, dependin on who you're talkin with. I started out green as a gourd with little more than a desire and drive to try and right some wrongs. That generally goes with youth I guess, but youth has long since flown away. Happily, the desire and drive did not flee. I have also been blessed over the years, with strong family ties, and some most excellent examples of what makes a good soldier for the Cause, whatever that Cause might be. More importantly, I have been included in some pretty fine company and have been mentored by some of the best. One advantage of playin the same game for so long, or workin the same job for so long is the development of abilities to not waste efforts in the work, but to also be able to spot outstanding examples of those who are doin the job better than others, and if ya have half a brain you pay close attention and learn. I have always fancied myself with at least half a brain. Someone asked me this week how long I had been involved in the Southern Cause? I really didn't know how to answer that. I mean my daddy always flew the battleflag here in Illinois, and I've lived a goodly part of my life in the South, I've known of and been proud of my Southern ancestors all my life, I have always tried to correct those who painted the South in an un true manner. So I guess at age 53 I have been at it awhile. Now its no secret to anyone that I gained what reputation I have as an activist, in the Indian world. I didn't become vocal to the world in regards of the Southern Heritage Movement, until I joined the SCV. That has been a very short time, as I am just now headin into my third year. However, in that short time, I have been blessed to have been tutored by some of the best, that the organization has to offer in regards, of Heritage Soldiers. The number of heritage battles I have been included in, has allowed me the opportunity to witness some most outstanding examples of individual dedication, and unity within the ranks of a camp. In the most recent past two (2) outstanding examples come to mind. Jeff Davis camp # 7 SC, and the Knox camp #2022 Ga. Now, I want to go on record at this time saying, that I make it a habit in my writings to recognize those who in my opinion set benchmarks for the organization. Many a camp in a host of divisions, in all three armies have been an aid to me and the men of our little camp #1802 dedicated Heritage Defenders over the course of my command. I have tried to acknowledge all in one manner or another. Jeff Davis #7 and the Knox camp #2022, just happen to be camps I have most recently interacted with. I am not sure, if it is the hotbeds of Heritage issues within the states these camps are located, or if it is the outstanding examples set by Commanders Towles, and Lyons, which in turn are followed up by dedicated men of both camps, or all the above but something is working within these camps, and I consider them benchmarks for us all. Ya'll know there are a ton of naysayers in the world, who for one reason or another believe that changes for the positive are impossible within the Southern Cause. Or, if change is possible, it requires a level of work and dedication that they are not willin to make. I pity folks with that mentality, for their apathy, and negativity plays right into the hand of the enemy.Negativity breeds negativity.........yet as in all physics, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This applies in the Southron Cause as well. Loosely translated, for every example of what not to do as a group or organization one can be found that displays the attributes of success, and shines brightly on the path of the right way...........In my opinion, for whatever it is worth, the officers and men of #7 SC and #2022 Ga. are most shining examples. I salute them and hold them in highest regard, from my post here Behind Enemy Lines.
T Warren Commander Spince Blankenship camp #1802 |