Pictures from 2024

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October 1 , 2024

We were all so very happy to see Lt. Cdr. Richard Jenkins tonight after he suffered a stroke back in April. He looked strong and in good spirits.

We had a rather large attendance this evening.  Compatriots from 4 different Camps came to visit: the Norfolk County Grays, the Mahone Camp, the Stonewall Camp, and the Old Brunswick Camp, as well as ladies from the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Dixie Rangers.

As soon as Cdr. Ed Whitley called the meeting to order, he asked that Compatriot Frank Hall come forward along with Marilyn Curtin (President of the Isle of Wight Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy), and Joan Jones (Treasurer). The Commander then presented a check to the UDC in honor of Mrs. Patricia Hall who passed away recently. The funds will be used to benefit the (UDC) Caroline Meriwether Goodlett Library in Richmond. The ladies and our Cdr. spoke to Frank about how everyone loved, respected, and will sincerely miss his wife.

Our very special guest speaker this evening was Cdr. Frank Ernest of the Norfolk County Grays. His topic was "The northern most battle of the War", based on the 1954 movie, The Raid. This movie is available on YouTube.

Cdr. Keith Searcy of the General William Mahone Camp was joined with fellow compatriots Ron Perry and Curtis Newsome. They received "Little Billie", The Traveling Pistol of the 10th Brigade for their Camp.

 

September 3, 2024

The Avengers own compatriot, Bob Kennedy, gave a very informative slide presentaton about explosives used by Confederates during the War. For example, we learned how torpedoes were actually mines both on land and sea. Bob's title for his subject came from Union Adm. David Farragut who said "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!".

 

August 3, 2024

13 Compatriots and Ladies traveled to Pamplin Park in Petersburg Saturday August 3. It was a beautiful day to enjoy the park. Thank you to all who attended.

 

The Avengers did not have a meeting in July for summer vacations.

June 4, 2024
Relics Cdr. Kenny Bage has collected telling the story of one union officer.	Virginia Division Commander Kenny Bage.
Col. Peter Dadoian, Drill Team Instructor for Smithfield ROTC, being greeted by Cdr. Whitley.	Cadet Jakob Hradil being congratulated by Cdr. Whitley for receiving the 2024 Hunley Award which is given to a ROTC Cadet at Smithfield High School each Year
Sophia Hewitt presenting her essay to the Camp and guests.	Cdr. Whitley congratulating Sophia on receiving her scholarship from the Camp.
Color Sgt. Brett Griffin receiving the Division Outstanding Award for the Camp.	Division Cdr. Kenny Bage presenting Compatriot Dwight Doggett with his Distinguished Service Certificate.
Compatriot Frank Hall receiving his Distinguished Service Certificate.	Lt. Cdr. David Cockes receives his Meritorious Service Certificate.
Color Sgt. Brett Griffin receives his Meritorious Service Certificate.	Chaplain Tom Conley receives his Meritorious Service Certificate.
Compatriot Bob Kennedy receives his Meritorious Service Certificate.	Aide-de-Camp Pete Marsh receives both a Meritorious Service Certificate and a Guardianship Award.
Adjutant Tony Griffin receives a Guardianship Award.	Color Sgt. Brett Griffin receives a Guardianship Award.

 

May 4, 2024:  3rd Annual Memorial Day Service
The Isle of Wight Avengers Camp celebrated the Confederate Monument to our Confederate dead.

The monument dedicated to those Confederate soldiers who died for the Cause.

Cdr. Ed Whitley welcomed all guests and Camp members and called for the presentation of colors by the Tom Smith (Camp #1702) Memorial Guard.
Chaplain Tom Conley gave the Invocation and Cdr. Tim Houde did an excellent job of reciting the Charge by Stephen Dill Lee.
5th Brigade Cdr. Brandon Dorsey was our featured guest speaker. He spoke about the institution of slavery and early efforts to prevent it which have eliminated the eventual need for secession. His talked included the Founding Fathers, the Declaration of Independence, and laws aimed at preventing slavery on our continent. Cdr. Whitley presented him with a framed picture of Stonewall Jackson.
Various SCV Camps and ladies' organizations (pictured is the Smithfield Chapter, U.DC.) presented wreaths at the Monument in honor of the Confederate dead.
The Memorial Guard fired 3 vollies with amazing precision.
Karen and Randy provided more music, including the singing of "Dixie", and Chaplain Tom Conley gave the Benediction.
The Memorial Guard respecfully retired the Colors, after which everyone was invited to a lunch including barbeque, chicken, and so many other "goodies".

 

April 13, 2024: Virginia Division Convention

The Avengers Camp was well represented at the Convention by Camp (& Brigade Cdr.) Ed Whitley, outgoing Division Commander Tony Griffin, and newly elected Division 2nd Lt. Commander Pete Marsh.

Cdr. Ed Whitley received an Outstanding Camp Award from Cdr. Tony Griffin on behalf of the Avengers.

 

April 2, 2024:  In Honor of President Jefferson Davis
Compatriot Sam Winkler last visited our Camp in November when he portrayed Wilson Hix. This evening, he appeared in the person of President Jefferson Davis. He was accompanied by his wife, Varina, portrayed by Mrs. Cookie Batten who is no stanger to our meetings.
After lighting the Camp Candle, Mr. Winkler gave a commanding presentation of our beloved President. He totally captivated everyone in attendance.
Whenever the ladies visit us, they always bring goodies for our buffet table.  This gastronomic delight consisted of ice cream, chocolate and caramel syrup, nuts, and more. We thank Mrs. Marilyn Curtin for contributing this dessert which everyone raved about!

 

March 5, 2024:  Super Tuesday
Today was known as Super Tuesday in that there were 16 primaries nationally. Our usual venue at the Carrollton Ruritan Clubhouse was used as a polling place, so we moved to the Isle of Wight Ruritan Clubhouse.
Commander Jeff Toalson of the James City Cavalry Camp #2095 was our guest speaker.  He spoke of his new book, "Ma, Wee Got Nuthin Here But Mud and Muskeeters", which featured first-person accounts of 67 soldiers and others who told of the War coming to southern Virginia.
Lt. Cdr. Ron Perry and Ken Parsons (not shown) accompanied Cdr. Toalson.  Thus, the James City Cavalry Camp became the first camp in the 10th Brigade to receive "Little Billie", the Traveling Pistol. Rules on how other camps may receive this plaque are explained in our monthly newsletter.
After a lengthy delay, Pete Marsh received his membership certificate, and Franklin McAllister received his Camp and SCV membership certificates.

 

February 6, 2024:  H. L. Hunley
Avengers Compatriot Bob Kennedy presented the Camp with an extensive history of the H. L. Hunley which was a Confederate submarine built to break the Union blockade of southern ports known as the Anaconda Plan. The Hunley became the first submarine to successfully destroy an enemy warship, the U.S.S. Housatonic in Charleston Harbor. Bob expained the early plans and building of the Hunley, its fatal early tests, and its discovery and raising in 1995.
Credit must be given to the Camp's trio who enjoy closing our meetings by leading us in the singing of "Dixie". Richard Jenkins, Tom Conley, and Earl Hall

 

January 4, 2024:  Blockade Runners
Commander Fred Taylor, of Suffolk's Tom Smith Camp #1702, gave an interesting presentation tonight about an old photo that he discovered. After much research and detective work, Fred was able to identify the man in the photo as Thomas M. Thompson from North Carolina. This prompted still further research about Confederate blockade runners and their ties with Bermuda.
Commander Ed Whitley presented membership certificates to Bob Kennedy (l) and Charlie Arnold (r). Congratulations to them both!