SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS

Sons of Confederate Veterans Cross of Saint Andrew camp #2009 were honored Dec. 14 with a Christmas banquet dinner hosted by the Southern Belles. The evening's festivities began with the opening prayer, the charge to the SCV and a tribute to southern soldiers followed by the salute to the flag.

Following the meal Commander Kenneth McClure presented several awards to those in attendence. Color Sgt. Ronnie Blackstock received the camp's top award as Confederate of the year; 1st. Lt. Com. Jim Perry, the General Robert E. Lee award and Historian Shelley Cleaver won the President Jefferson Davis award.

Camp Chaplain Roy Gay received the General Stonewall Jackson award; Quartermaster Don Folkes. the General Nathan Bedford Forrest award and Surgeon Jim Odom. the General Jeb Stuart award.

Sgt. at Arms Shawn Dean received the General James Longstreet award, Sentinel Barry Robinson, the Forward the Colors award and Adjutant Philip Watkins and wife Kathy, the first annual Jim and Joann Campbell Southern Honor award.

Myrtle Perry received the SCV Ladies Appreciation medal from SCV Headquarters in Tennessee for her sincere dedication and support. Southern Belle President Kathy Watkins presented Shelia Blackstock with the Belle of the year award; Karen Perry, the Joann Campbell Humanitarian award; and Tiffani Watkins, the Ms. Junior Belle award.

The camp commander read a review of a successful year of camp activities and events including many awards that were presented to the camp from the Texas Division and National Headquarters for the camp's work in promoting and preserving southern history and heritage in their East Texas area.

Gifts were exchanged and "Dixie" was sung. Anyone interested in membership information in the SCV or Southern Belles and upcoming SCV events in Cherokee County may contact the camp Commander at (903) 539-8316.