Shotguns and Bowie Knives
Newsletter of Terry’s Texas Rangers Camp #1937 Cleburne, Texas
Sons of Confederate Veterans August 2014 – Number 160
Shootin' from the Hip
by Commander Bob Rubel
Fellow Members and Compatriots:
I am going to begin my message this month with a Prayer.
A CONFEDERATE SOLDIER’S PRAYER
Author Unknown
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything that I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men most richly blessed.
As the soldier’s prayer states, I too consider myself to be richly
blessed. As a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans I have had the
opportunity to visit places that I probably would never have visited. I have
had the opportunity to meet hundreds of people that I probably never would
have met. I have had the opportunity to share with people the stories of
their Confederate ancestors. I have made friendships all over this country
that will last for a lifetime. How great it is to be a part of an organization
such as ours.
I am proud to be a member of Terry’s Texas Rangers Camp #1937. Each
and every one of you should be just as proud. Let us continue to honor our
Confederate ancestors and our Southern heritage.
Deo Vindice.
Notice of Upcoming Meetings and Topics
Here is the list for this summer:
August 11: Tom Clinkscales, Canton Flags of the Confederacy
Sept 8: Peggy Fox Michaels, Assoc. Member Texas Troops in the
Confederacy
Confederate of the Month General Josiah Gorges
Running Pumps, Pennsylvania
Josiah Gorgas, a career army officer and chief of the Confederate Bureau
of Ordnance, was born on July 1, 1818, in Running Pumps, Pennsylvania, the
son of Sophia Atkinson and Joseph Gorgas, a clock maker, farmer, innkeeper,
and mechanic. Josiah received little formal education until the age of 17,
when he went to live with an older sister and her family in Lyons, New York.
There a local congressman noticed Josiah and secured him an appointment to
the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York.
Gorgas graduated sixth in his class in 1841 and chose to serve in the U.S.
Ordnance Corps. His first posting was at an arsenal in Watervliet, New York,
after which he transferred to an arsenal near Detroit, Michigan, and then
returned to the Watervliet arsenal.
Gorgas was ordered to New York to prepare ordnance for the siege train to
be shipped to Mexico when hostilities began. He sailed on the ordnance
vessel to Mexico in mid-January 1847 and joined the ordnance staff of
General Winfield Scott in Veracruz. While in Veracruz he contracted a mild
case of yellow fever. He reached Mexico City only after the fighting had
ended, and in July 1848 he returned with Scott's army to the United States.
The Gorgas family was living in Philadelphia when the first southern states
seceded in the winter of 1860–61. Josiah declined a commission in the
Confederate Army in February, but when he learned of a pending transfer
from his duties at Philadelphia's Frankford Arsenal to foundry duty under
Benjamin Huger, he resigned from the U.S. Army effective April 3, 1861. He
joined the Confederacy as a major in an artillery unit, and he became chief
of the Confederate Bureau of Ordnance on April 8, 1861. Gorgas's prior
army career had not been especially distinguished. His appointment as
ordnance chief has been called one of necessity, as he was the only
professional ordnance man available to the Confederacy after another
officer had refused the position.
In 1861 the South possessed little heavy industry capable of providing arms
and ammunition to the Confederacy. Gorgas embarked on a three-part plan
to provide the army with the hardware of war: scavenge arms from
battlefields, import arms and essential manufacturing supplies from Europe,
and build an industrial complex to manufacture what the army required. His
success was phenomenal, building a system that by 1864 produced vast
quantities of war materiel for large armies, despite the enormous handicaps
of an inferior southern rail system and self-interested southern governors
who hoarded supplies in their own states.
In the course of the war he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel, then to
colonel, and finally on November 10, 1864, to brigadier general. Josiah fled
Richmond with the Confederate government in April 1865. Although the
Confederate Army was frequently short of food and clothing, Josiah
Gorgas's remarkable management of the ordnance bureau meant that the
army did not lack munitions. He was widely regarded as the most able
administrator in the Confederate government.
Chaplain's Corner
Lashon Hara is any derogatory or damaging statement against an individual.
In Hilchot Deot 7:5, Maimonides supplies a litmus test for determining
whether something is or isn't Lashon Hara:
Anything which, if it would be publicized, would cause the subject physical or
monetary damage, or would cause him anguish or fear, is Lashon Hara.
Deuteronomy 24:9, "Zachor et asher asa H' Elokeicha l'Miriam"
It's Lashon Hara EVEN IF:
•it's true
•a listener pressures the speaker to tell
•names are left out
•it's about the speaker's family
•the speaker includes himself in the derogatory description -
http://torah.org/learning/halashon/review1.html
Col_4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye
may know how ye ought to answer every man.
August was named for Caesar Augustus and while in some ways he was not an
august person in his actions he did have a dignity and majesty about him as
our word august means. I suspect that if someone in his court or entourage
would not have acted dignified or stately that person would have lost his
head. After all, he/she represented Caesar and he/she better present a
good image.
How much more so should we who represent the King of Kings and Lord of
Lords carry ourselves in a dignified way and most importantly in our speech,
especially when referring to others? We are to let our speech be gracious
even when the person(s) do not seem to deserve it. That is fitting as grace is
never deserved. It is given. Knowing we are in desperate need of daily grace
ourselves we should be very prone to extend it to others.
It is to be seasoned with salt. Salt can add a savory flavor to a meal that
without the salt might be bland or even undesirable. The right amount
matters as too much will make a person gag and not enough does not produce
the desired result. Yes, salt heals wounds, but it also burns and sufficient
salt can melt ice. We need to practice so that when we give an answer to
every man about our faith or even our heritage or other beliefs we might
create a thirst in them without overpowering them or throwing it in their
eyes. There may be wounds to be healed, but still the right amount does
make a difference.
Terry's Texas Rangers in Action
Terry’s Texas Rangers Adjutant, Michael Smith, presenting TTR Relay-for-
Life Team check to Relay-for-Life Treasure, Diane White on 7-29-14.
Terry’s Texas Rangers were presented an appreciation certificate for “Team
Participation” and also a certificate for the “Best Campsite” at the Relay-
for-Life American Cancer Society event on June 14, 2014 held at the
Cleburne High School. The check donated to Relay-for-Life was 100%
funded by personal donations from TTR camp members for that purpose.
Recruiting booth at the Cleburne Gun Show July 19th and 20th 2014. Other
TTR members rotated from the “Gone With the Wind Remembered” Museum
grand opening on the same date. Pictured above are from left to right: Ken
Richardson, Charlie Baskett, Wade Chaney, David Enos, Dick Glidewell,
Michael Smith and James Clinkscales. As well as our TTR banner and flags
we had on the table a 3 band Enfield musket, two 1860 colts one with
shoulder stock and our new cannon ball display.
Bob Rubel, Commander, and Michael Smith, Adjutant of Terry’s Texas
Rangers, SCV Camp 1937, present donation check to Buffalo Creek
Association President Joe Browder for construction of the General Pat
Cleburne Statue which is now underway.
“The Stainless Banner”
A free e-zine dedicated to the armies of the Confederacy. Articles and
features include battle analyses, regimental histories, biographies, letters
home and other articles written by the men who fought for the Stainless
Banner.
Subscription is free and a new issue arrives in your email inbox every month.
If interested, subscribe at www.thestainlessbanner.com.
"Texas Division Press Release”
Commander-in- Chief R. Michael Givens presents Commander Robert F.
Rubel, Terry's Texas Rangers Camp #1937, the Edward R. Darling Award
for being the Top Recruiter in the Confederation, 2013-2014, on July 18,
2014 during the National Reunion in Charleston, SC.
Bob also was given several other honors, including:
2013-2014 Dixie Club Gold Medal – This medal is given for recruiting 25 or
more members during the fiscal year. Bob, with the help of many others,
was responsible for completing the applications of 76 new members.
2013-2014 David O. Dodd Award and Silver Medal - This award is
presented to those individuals who contribute greatly to the SCV by
recruiting new members ages 18 and younger. Bob recruited 30 new
members between those ages.
2013-2014 Commendation Medal – This award is presented to members for
meritorious service or achievement at the Camp, Brigade or Division level.
2013-2014 Meritorious Service Medal – The Commander-in-Chief presents
this medal for outstanding service to the SCV. Recipients are nominated by
recommendation and are approved by the Commander-in-Chief.
Edward L. Darling Award – This award is presented annually to the
individual SCV member securing the most new members during the past
fiscal year. Bob commented to Commander-in-Chief R. Michael Givens
during the presentation of this award this was a team effort. These 76 new
members were the result of referrals from gun shows in Cleburne and Ennis,
SCV members in camps from Cleburne, Gainesville, Rockwall, DeLeon, Terrell,
Waxahachie, Victoria and various other sources. New members were placed
in camps in Texas, Tennessee and South Carolina.
Congratulations to Bob on these well-deserved honors.
In addition, the Texas Division received the General A.P. Hill Award for the
Division registering the greatest net gain in Camps (8) during the previous
year. Texas Division Commander Johnnie Holley accepted the award.
The Army of Trans-Mississippi received the General Albert Sidney
Johnston Award for registering the greatest net gain in Camps during the
previous year. Army Commander Todd Owens accepted the award.
Texas Division Guardian Program
Terry’s Texas Rangers Camp Members Who Are Caring for Confederate
Veterans' Graves
Mike Smith - Guardian
Bob Rubel - Guardian
Wade Chaney - Guardian
Ben Davis - Guardian
Brian Rubel - Guardian
Kevin Rubel - Guardian
Melvin Burt - Guardian Pro Tem
Michael Simons - Guardian Pro Tem
These eight TTR members are caring for a total of 78 Confederate
Veteran’s Graves.
For more information about the Texas Division Guardian Program, contact
Bob Rubel, Commander, at (817) 483-6288 or (817) 929-5576.
CAMP CHATTER
Bob and Louann Rubel attended the July 22nd meeting of the 2nd Texas
Frontier Camp #1904 in De Leon. Past Commander Charles Leatherwood
presented an excellent program, demonstrating the proper procedures to
use when preparing blank artillery charges. His program was well received
by everyone in attendance.
Pam and Jerry Jetsel recently went to Midland, Texas, and visited with
Pam's brother and his wife, Mark and Phyllis Jones. The Jones' are building
a new home and Pam and Phyllis got their heads together on some of the
decorating detail.
Michael Hatch recently accepted a position as a writer for the online hockey
journal, Along the Boards. If you like hockey, see his work at
www.alongtheboards.com.
Ronald Shultz was recently appointed to the board for Computers for the
Blind. Computers for the Blind (CFTB) is a volunteer organization devoted to
providing computers to persons who are blind or visually impaired. It is the
goal of the organization to help each person who is visually impaired
experience the information age in a positive and productive manner. They
believe technology opens new worlds and creates opportunity for greater
personal freedom. Congratulations to Ronald!
Happy Birthday to members of our camp: Cheryl Johnston 8-05, Travis
Morris 8-11, Alice Bonham 8-14, Cathy Gorman 8-15, Gary Meador 8-19,
Brian Rubel 8-30.
Anniversaries: Jerry & Pam Jetsel Aug 14, 1987, Harold & Cheryl Johnston
Aug 22, 1974
Quotable Confederates
"Our ancestors didn’t fight for what was in front of them. Our ancestors
fought for what they left behind."
Anonymous
"The Army of Northern Virginia was never defeated. It merely wore itself
out whipping the enemy."
Jubal Early
Terry’s Texas Rangers
Camp #1937, SCV
2014 Camp Officers
For contact information, visit the camp's website at:
www.scvcamp1937.org
Commander Bob Rubel
1st Lt. Commander Steve Wells
2nd Lt. Commander Dick Glidewell
Adjutant Mike Smith
Chaplain Ron Shultz
Color Sgt./Quartermaster Cecil Bonham
Camp Surgeon Robert McMinn
Communications Officer Ron Shultz
Judge Advocate Melvin Burt
Historian Jerry Jetsel
Newsletter Editor Michael Hatch
Camp Secretary Bill Hawkins
Committee Chairmen
Awards Bob Rubel
Cemetery Wade Chaney
Preservation/Heritage Jerry Jetsel
PLEDGE TO THE TEXAS FLAG
“HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG, I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THEE, TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDER
GOD, ONE AND INDIVISIBLE.”
SALUTE TO THE CONFEDERATE FLAG
“I SALUTE THE CONFEDERATE FLAG WITH AFFECTION, REVERENCE, AND UNDYING
DEVOTION TO THE CAUSE FOR WHICH IT STANDS.”
THE SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS CHARGE
“TO YOU, SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS, WE SUBMIT THE VINDICATION OF THE CAUSE
FOR WHICH WE FOUGHT; TO YOUR STRENGTH WILL BE GIVEN THE DEFENSE OF THE
CONFEDERATE SOLDIER’S GOOD NAME, THE GUARDIANSHIP OF HIS HISTORY, THE
EMULATION OF HIS VIRTUES, THE PERPETUATION OF THOSE PRINCIPLES HE LOVED AND
WHICH MADE HIM GLORIOUS AND WHICH YOU ALSO CHERISH. REMEMBER IT IS YOUR DUTY
TO SEE THAT THE TRUE HISTORY OF THE SOUTH IS PRESENTED TO FUTURE GENERATIONS.”
LT. GEN. STEPHEN D LEE
SUGGESTED LINKS
SCV National Headquarters
www.scv.org
SCV Army of Trans-Mississippi
www.scv.atm.com
SCV Texas Division
www.scv.texas.org
SCV Terry’s Texas Rangers Camp 1937
www.scvcamp1937.org
SCV Terry’s Texas Rangers Camp 1937 Facebook
www.facebook.com/texasterrysrangers
SCV Texas Division email list- This is for official communications from Division
Command to the membership. Excellent for keeping abreast of current events within the
SCV.
http://www.scvtexas.org/Mailing_List.html