Around the Confederation

Knoxville, Tennessee - Dec. 14, 2025

Longstreet-Zollicoffer Camp 87

Roy enjoyed a gret meeting at the Longstreet-Zollicoffer Camp 87 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Camp Commander Earl Smith welcomed Linda Edge Hudson and Roy in weather so cold it was absolutely inhospitable ofr someone from Florida!

Roy did a historical program on Brigadier General James Dearing which was well received.

Roy brought greetings from SCV Commander-in-Chief Walter 'Donnie" Kennedy and from one of their past members Mike McClung and spoke about his candidacy for SCV Lt. Commander-in-Chief.

Afterwards Roy enjoyed many conversations with his compatriots who all shared the love and history of the SCV.

Foley, Alabama - Dec. 9, 2025

Fort Blakeley Camp 1864

Roy had a great evening at the Fort Blakeley Camp 1864 in Foley, Alabama. Commander Tommy Rhodes welcomed Linda and Roy. After breaking bread together the camp meeting began. Roy was asked to read the charge and was honored to do so. Roy presented a historical program to a great audience.

Commander Rhodes presented Roy with a Certificate of Appreciation. Then he really surprised Roy by giving him a gift that meant a lot to him. He presented Roy with a hand carved wooden bowl made from a Live Oak Tree that was harvested from Beauvoir, the last home of President Davis who Roy is distantly related to and is a personal hero.

Lastly Commander Rhodes presented Roy with a certificate as a member of the Order of Confederate General’s Descendants .

Roy was deeply honored. He ended the evening talking with compatriots and enjoying the company of good Southern people.

Jacksonville, Florida - Nov. 15, 2025

Florida Soldiers Monument Rededication

On Saturday, November 15, 2025, Roy had the honor to attend a great victory for the Florida Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans; the rededication of the Florida Soldiers Monument at the Kirby Smith Confederate Memorial Park in Jacksonville.

Florida Division Commander Calvin Hart welcomed all with three members of the GEC in attendance. Commander-in-Chief Walter "Donnie" Kennedy, Past Commander-in-Chief Jason Boshers, and Roy, Army of Tennessee Councilman. Commander-in-Chief Kennedy's address to the crown was inspirational.

Everyone from around the Division, and especially the men of the Kirby-Smith Camp, made this event a huge success.

The color guard was outstanding and Florida's drummer Jerry Peacock led the procession.

So many compatriots in one place and the descendants of Captain J.J. Dickison, who is shown on the monument, made this a rare experience.

These photos are from several folks.

Sebastian, Florida - Nov. 12, 2025

Florida Cow Calvary Camp 1680

Roy attended the meeting of the Florida Cow Calvary Camp 1680 in Sebastian, Florida. Commander John DeVane welcomed everyone. Roy and his wife Linda Edge Hudson enjoyed the meal and the hospitality.

Roy spoke on current issues in the SCV and presented his program titled "The SCV - The Organization." It was well received and gave the attendees a better understanding of the organization's structure.

Another great evening in the Confederation meeting with the membership!

Grape Hammock, Florida - Nov, 8&9, 2025

Mechanized Cavalry, Company D, 3rd Battalion Annual Meeting

On November 8&9 2025 the Florida Company 3-D of the Mechanized Cavalry had their annual meeting at the Grape Hammock Fish Camp in Lake Wales, Florida.

This was a special event as Captain David King was stepping down from his leadership role after 13 years. There were many accolades and awards for Captain King from the eternally grateful members of 3-D.

One of Captain King’s last duties was to present Bobby VanZant with the “Hold the Line Award” the highest award in the Mechanized Cavalry.

We were not alone in this endeavor. Our Lt. Colonel Wayne Scarborough was present to make sure our election and promotions were done properly.

Ronnie Nichols was duly elected as our new Captain. He has worked extremely hard for the last couple years to get ready for this responsibility.

Captain Nichols appointed three Lieutenants, Mitch Reed, Tommy Whitcomb and Mike Shuler. A fourth, Gary Lusk was unavailable but will be sworn in at a later time.

Captain Nichols also appointed our new Chaplain Mike McClung.

RoyI had the distinct honor our being sworn in as the new Major for 3-D. He was humbled for the trust and responsibility this bestowed upon him and he will work hard with Captain Nichols to keep 3-D the best!!

Nothing better than spending time with our SCV family.

SW Florida - Oct. 25, 2025

Mechanized Cavalry Ride

Roy and other members of the Florida Mechanized Cavalry, 3rd Battalion, Company D, met just west of Vero Beach and departed on an almost 200 mile ride. They were joined by members from not only Florida, but also from Arkansas who join the ride.

This was a special ride as it was the last ride Roy planned for SCVMC Captain David King who will be stepping down as Captain of 3-D in a few weeks at the Florida Mech Cav Annual Reunion.

The 200 mile ride throughout the beautiful rural Florida countryside was filled with fun and great fellowship.

The ride ended at Marsh Landing Restaurant in Fellsmerre for more fun, fellowship and food.

Mech CAV 3-D Strong!

Osage Beach, Missouri - Oct. 18, 2025

Missouri Secession Dinner

Roy attended the Missouri Secession Dinner at the Inn at Grand Glaze in Osage Beach, Missouri. The event was attended by members of the SCV, MOSB, UDC, OCR and many other groups interested in Southern Heritage.

The event celebrates the State of Missouri signing their Order of Secession which was signed on October 31, 1861.

Commander Jon Trent welcomed everyone and gave Roy the opportunity to bring greetings from SCV Commander-in-Chief Walter Kennedy and the General Executive Council of the SCV.

The event was attended by the Commander General of the MOSB Tommy Rhodes. Roy also was able to spend time with his newly discovered cousin Dewayne Holtzclaw. They share ancestry with Captain Holtzclaw who rode with Bloody Bill Anderson in Missouri.

The program for the night was presented by Past SCV Commander-in-CHief Larry McCluney portraying General PTG Beauregard. It was an outstanding presentation!

Commander Trent led a wonderful tribute to our ancestors and reminded us all that we keep them alive with our tributes.

Point Lookout, Maryland - Oct. 11, 2025

Point Lookout Monument Dedication

Roy, in his capacity as the Army of Tennessee Councilman,, was the official representative of the SCV General Executive Council and SCV Commander-in-Chief Kennedy at the new monumnet dedication at Point Lookout in Southern Maryland.

There was a large crowd representing many historical organizations. Roy would like to thank Maryland Division Commander Terry Klima, Color Guard Sergeant John Zebelean and Color Guard member Lou Fritz for helping to make this event special.

Roy would also like to mention that some UDC ladies came all the way from as far away as Roanoke, Virginia to attend. This was truly an amazing experience.

This privately owned park right next to the federal park is amazing. Confederate prisoners here suffered greatly and sustained a 26% mortality rate in the care of their northern captors. A stark reminder of the hell this place hosted.

Enjoy these photos and God bless Dixie!!

Campbell & Bedford Counties, Virginia - Oct. 7, 2025

Visiting Ancestors Grave Sites

Roy spent a couple days in Campbell and Bedford counties in Virginia to visit where his ancestors are from. While there he had some time to visit with some of his Confederate great-grandfathers and some other heroes along with visiting some cousins.

Roy always takes time to honor those brave souls who have gone before recognizing all they sacrificed to save our homeland.

Columbia, Tennessee - Oct. 4, 2025

SCV general Executive Council Meeting

On Saturday, October 4, 2025 Roy attended the General Executive Council meeting at our headquarters in Columbia, Tn, as the Army of Tennessee Councilman.

Lots of SCV business was attended to the our board. Roy was happy to report the GEC has approved plans to expand the SCV's social media presence and to look at an entire new website for the group.

Also, if you have not been to the National Confederate Museum recently you are missing a lot. The museum is packed with historical artifacts and a timeline telling the true story of the south.

On the road again. Will be reporting from Virginia next.

Fellsmere, Florida - Sept. 20, 2025

Southeast Command, Florida Division Officer's Call

On Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, acting in the capacity of Lt. Commander of the Florida Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Roy held Officer's Call of the Southeast Command at Fellsmere, Florida. Camps from Miami to Orlando were represented. All three Brigade Commanders (Massey, O'dell, and Caullett) were in attendance as well as manny Camp Commanders and members.

Roy addressed the many issues from National to Division that effect the Camps. A great exchange of ideas were shared between members. Sean McFall, a SW Florida Brigade Commander, attended and gave information about his podcast Look Around Florida.

We are all stronger when we share ideas and enjoy our brotherhood.

Orlando, Florida - Sept. 11, 2025

United Daughters of the Confederacy 130th Annual Conference

Roy had the high honor to attend the 130th Annual Conference of the Florida Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy tonight in Orlando, Florida. Division President Rita Zimmerle welcomed everyone.

Florida’s own drummer Jerry Peacock led the posting of the colors.

Military awards were received by Hardy William Bryan lll and Thomas Carl Tomlinson for service in Vietnam and Donald Jason Thompson for the Global War on Terror.

Roy had the honor to bring greetings from our Division Commander Calvin Hart as well as the National GEC and Commander in Chief Walter Kennedy.

A reception was held for the honorees afterwards.

Melbourne, Florida - Aug. 29, 2025

Roy had a great night at the monthly meeting of the Captain J.J. Dickison Camp 1387, in Melbourne, FL. Commander Chuck Westrip welcomed all. Bob Flaniken returned and gave a great program on the "First Shot" of the war.

Roy spoke to the membership about the Lee-Jackson event for 2026 and about genealogy.

Commander Westrip and Adjutant Smith presented Division and National Awards. Roy received the a Distinguished Service Medal and a Meritorious Service Medal. Linda Edge Hudson received the Ladies Award for Exceptional Service. Steve Smith, Mike McClung and Marc Thornton also received awards.

It was great to see the hard work of the members recognized.

St. Petersburg, Florida - Aug. 26, 2025

Roy enjoyed a return to the Stonewall Jackson Camp in St. Petersburg. Commander Bobby VanZant was a great host and the meeting was well attended. Fl. Division 1st. Lt. Commander David King was in attendance.

Instead of a historical program I was asked to deliver a program on the Organization of the SCV. This created a lively discussion and a better under standing of our organization for camp members.

After great fellowship camp adjutant Randy Bailey presented me with a picture of the great cavalier General J.E.B. Stuart. This made my night as I recently found out I am related to General Stuart.

Always a blessing to spend time with these compatriots.

2 Dogs, SCVMC Annual, Maggie Valley, NC - Aug. 22-23, @025

Had a great time in Maggie Valley, North Carolina at the annual 2 Dogs gathering of the Sons of Confederate Veterans Mechanized Cavalry. Always a good time hanging out with my Mech Cav brothers!

Fort Pierce, Florida - Aug. 14, 2025

Enjoyed a great visit last night to camp 1595 the Pvt. G.W.Thomas Camp in Ft. Pierce last night. During my visit we discussed the National Reunion in Houston and shared some genealogy information.

I was honored to present Brigade Commander’s Jim Odell and Warren Caullett with Commendation Awards for their efforts in last year’s storms to provide relief supplies to the victims in NorthCarolina.

I also presented Commander Odell with the Leadership Award for his three year long, successful effort to start the Raulerson Camp in Okeechobee, Fl. It is awesome to give birth to a new camp.

It is always special to come back to 1595 which is the camp I started over 30 years ago.

Florence, MS - Aug. 10, 2025

Had a fantastic night with the Rankin Greys Camp in Florence, MS. Camp Adjutant Chris Bryant was an excellent host and we were shown hospitality that was humbling.

I had the honor of presenting Chris with a Leadership Award and watched Chris present many awards including to the youngest member of his camp.

The compatriots seemed to enjoy my historical program and can’t wait to come back to this hard charging camp.

Thank y’all for such a great evening. Well worth the drive!!

Mobile, AL - July 28, 2025

Had a great night last night doing a historical program at the Raphael Semmes Camp in Mobile, Alabama.

Commander Joe Ringhoffer was a great host and the meeting was packed with compatriots.

A special guest was Alabama Division Commander Jimmy Hill. He presented Commander Ringhoffer a check of $3000 towards the new statue of Admiral Semmes.

This is one active camp. Can’t wait to go back.

National Reunion July 20, 2025

I was extremely proud to have received the 2025 Robert E Lee Award at the 130th SCV National Reunion in Houston, Texas.

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