Two Outstanding Citizens & Four SUVCW Brothers Receive Awards

CADILLAC, MICHIGAN – On Saturday, Dec. 3 the Brothers of General Orlando M. Poe Camp 444, Department of Michigan, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) held their annual Christmas Campfire Luncheon in Cadillac. The Campfire reference pays homage to the traditions of gatherings of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR).

Camp 444 awarded the Sarah Edmonds Award to Ms. Angela Kellogg of Harrison, and Ms. Starla Owens of Bear Lake. The Sarah Edmonds Award is presented to members of the community that offer outstanding support of General Orlando M. Poe Camp 444, American History, or American Veterans of any era. “I cannot think of two more deserving citizens to be the very first Sarah Edmonds Award recipients. Both ladies represent the best of American Spirit and are exemplars of what it means to be a community leader.” Camp 444 Commander David Smith expressed.

Ms. Kellogg was nominated for her outstanding support of Camp 444 during preparation and execution of the 01 October 2022 ceremony in Harrison to honor that city’s Civil War Veterans, through her work and promotion as Editor & Owner of the Clare County Cleaver, a Librarian at Harrison District Library, Councilwoman of the City of Harrison, and through her capacities in local organizations such as the Clare County Historical Society. Additionally, Ms. Kellogg was nominated due to her long-term efforts in promoting local and American History, as well as supporting and highlighting American Veterans locally.

Ms. Owens was nominated for her extraordinary long-term efforts in supporting American Veterans and their families including Blue Star Families and especially Gold Star Families. She has also been a stalwart supporter of Camp 444 since its chartering. Ms. Owens additionally gives back to the local community through her creation and operation of the annual Joe Lancour Memorial Scholarship Golf Scramble where funds are generated to provide scholarships to deserving students for college to help make their educational dreams come true. Ms. Owens’ son, Spc. Joseph Lancour was a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade and a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient. Spc. Lancour was killed in action on 10 November 2007 in Afghanistan.

The Sarah Edmonds Award is named after Sarah Edmonds, who enlisted in the 2nd Michigan Volunteer Infantry disguised as a man (Franklin Thompson). Ms. Edmonds performed many duties during her service throughout the war including espionage missions, a stretcher-bearer, a hospital attendant, an infantryman, an aide, a courier, and a nurse.

She served her commander, Colonel Orlando M. Poe, as an orderly to relay messages and orders from headquarters to the front lines at the Battle of Fredericksburg. This is just a cursory overview of her amazing service to the Union. In 1884, Sarah Edmonds, also known as “Franklin Thompson”, was awarded a pension by an Act of Congress. In 1897, Sarah Edmonds was admitted as a Comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is believed to be the only woman member.

In addition to the two outstanding citizens receiving awards, four Brothers of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War were bestowed two different awards, the General Orlando M. Poe Award and The Engineer Award.

The General Orlando M. Poe Award is Camp 444’s highest honor, and may be bestowed upon any member of the Allied Orders of the Grand Army of the Republic, or a non-member, that performs sustained extraordinary and meritorious service on behalf of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, the Grand Army of the Republic, or in honor of the history of the American Civil War. This year, two Brothers of the Order received this highest of awards, Brother Calvin Murphy of General Orlando M. Poe Camp 444, and Brother Mark Hoffman of Curtenius Guard Camp No. 17 of Sunfield/Lansing.

Brother Calvin Murphy currently serves as the Chaplain of Camp 444, as well as serving on the Camp Council.

Brother Murphy was nominated for his long term sustained efforts in support of SUVCW initiatives and preserving GAR history, in addition to his extraordinary and meritorious service and advocacy on behalf of American Veterans and their families. He has been highly involved in the Veterans of Foreign Wars on the local and national levels, as well as other organizations such as the Sons of the American Revolution, Old Settlers Reunion, and others. Brother Murphy is a Combat Veteran having served with C-Battery, 44th Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division of the United States Army in Vietnam.

Brother Mark Hoffman was nominated for his excellence in scholarship and promotion of the history of the 1^st Michigan Engineers & Mechanics Regiment. Brother Hoffman has spent more than forty years studying the regiment and has written the preeminent contemporary book on the 1st Michigan Engineers & Mechanics titled, My Brave Mechanics. In addition to his scholarly distinction, Brother Hoffman was nominated for his long sustained meritorious efforts in support of the work of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in research of Civil War Veteran history and graves registration for the Order and the community, while also aiding other Camps including Camp 444. Brother Hoffman’s award will be presented to him in person in early 2023.

Commander Smith stated that, “Brother Murphy and Brother Hoffman are the very definition of what the General Orlando M. Poe Award criteria states, and their conduct and extraordinary efforts are what every Brother should strive towards in their own work on behalf of the Order, but also in the way they manage their everyday life. Brother Calvin Murphy and Brother Mark Hoffman make all Brothers that know them or know of them, proud to be members of the SUVCW.”

The final awards that were announced at the Christmas Campfire Luncheon were for The Engineer Award. The Engineer Award is given to the Most Outstanding Brother of Camp 444. The award is so named as Camp 444 is known as “The Engineers”. This year, two exceptional candidates were nominated and were equally deserving of the honor. Brother Kenny Jones and Brother George Scheck are the Most Outstanding Brothers of Camp 444 for 2022.

“Brother Jones and Brother Scheck are two of the most dedicated and motivated individuals among a Camp of extremely talented and high performing Brothers. Their “can-do” attitude and strong efforts within Camp 444’s first year were instrumental in the many successes that Camp 444 achieved.” Commander Smith said in recognizing the two Brothers.

Brother Kenny Jones was nominated for his exceptional work as Camp 444’s Graves Registration Officer and Civil War Memorials Officer. His research is extensive, and he regularly and happily provides assistance to the public in the pursuit of recognizing Civil War Veterans and the GAR. Brother Jones also gladly volunteered to serve on Camp 444’s Honor Guard becoming an integral member. In addition to his work on behalf of the Order, Brother Jones volunteers in the local community significantly including driving Veterans to medical and other appointments.

Brother Jones is a retired Veteran, having served in the United States Air Force, Michigan Air National Guard, and Michigan Army National Guard.

Brother George Scheck currently serves as Camp 444 Historian, as well as Camp 444’s Captain of the Guard and Safety Officer. Brother Scheck was nominated for his leadership, mentoring, and organization in forming Camp 444’s Honor Guard. Within the first year, Camp 444 was able to assemble a high performing Honor Guard along with alternate Brothers ready to serve, that has received many compliments and kudos from the community. Brother Scheck has been a life-long historian, historical presenter, and reenactor for various time periods.

Additionally, Brother Scheck is an expert tailor and artisan creating uniforms, accessories, and equipment for multiple time periods, with his work being used in several well-known war movies.

The Engineer Award will be formally presented to both Brothers together at a Camp event in 2023.