Fox Cities
| Commander: | Vince Barker |
| Sr. Vice Commander: | James Schumann |
| Jr. Vice Commander: | Kirby Scott |
| Secretary: | PCC Alan Petit |
| Treasurer: | Kurtis Kirk |
| Council #1: | PDC Randy Novak |
| Council #2: | PDC Brian Peters |
| Council #3: | PCC Kim Heltemes |
| Patriotic Instructor: | William Parker |
| Chaplain: | Dan Wilson |
| Memorials: | PCC Kim Heltemes |
| Graves Registration: | Don Jager |
| Historian: | PDC Randy Novak |
| Information Contact: | Kirby Scott |
Old Abe, mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Regiment
Camp meetings
Camp #8 usually meets on the third Monday of odd numbered months at 7 p.m. Meetings are held at the old Masonic Temple building of the Omro Historical Society. The traditional ritual is used, and there is usually a featured speaker. Auxiliary members also conduct their meeting at the same time and place.
In 2010, Camp 8 will serve as Host Camp for the annual SUVCW and ASUVCW Department Encampment, to be held at the Wisconsin Veteran's Home at King, Wis.
About Old Abe
In 1885 the Old Abe Camp, located in Oshkosh, was the largest Sons of Union Veterans camp in Wisconsin. Old Abe was the famous mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry, which became known as the Eagle Brigade, a unit heavily involved in the campaigns of the western armies. Old Abe the battle eagle became a real war hero, used for recruiting during the war's later years, and attending veterans reunions for years after. His likeness was used to symbolize much in Wisconsin, and can be seen in period statuary throughout Wisconsin and the U.S., and on the J.I. Case (a Wisconsin company) emblem. Today Old Abe is still with us, seen on the badges of some contemporary military units.
Camp Newsletter
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Camp Calendar
Days the flag should be flown
| 16 Jan 2012: | Camp Meeting, 7 p.m., Jimmy’s White House Inn, Buttes des Morts (preceeded by dinner at 6 p.m.) |
| 28 Jan: | Bingo at Wisconsin Vets Home, King, WI (contact Kim Heltemes) |
| 1 Feb: |  National Freedom Day |
| 4 Feb: | Department Mid-Winter Meeting, 9 a.m., Bluemound Gardens Restaurant, Wauwatosa 42nd Annual Patriotic Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., Bluemound Gardens Restaurant, Wauwatosa |
| 12 Feb: | Union Defender's Day (Abraham Lincoln's birthday) |
| 22 Feb: | George Washington's birthday |
| 25-26 Feb: | Echoes of the Past Trade Fair, Winnebago Co. Fairgrounds, Oshkosh |
| 26 Feb: | Member Orientation, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m., Milwaukee VA Soldier's Home Bldg. 1 |
| 19 March: | Camp Meeting, 7 p.m., Omro Historical Society |
| 21 May: | Camp Meeting, 7 p.m., Omro Historical Society |
| 28 May: | Memorial Day observances |
Recent activities
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Congratulations to CSM Boldon: Camp members were privileged to witness the pinning ceremony as Camp 8 Brother Michael Boldon was promoted from Sergeant Major to Command Sergeant Major. Colonel Dan McGraw (U.S. Army Reserves retired) read the orders as Camp Commander Colonel Vince Barker and Michael's wife Debra performed the honors of the pinning. CSM Boldon has accumulated almost 30 years of military service in numerous assignments both stateside and offshore. |
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Memorial Day: One of the Camp's numerous Memorial Day activities began in the early morning in Oshkosh when PCC Alan Petit, Jim Schumann, Kirby Scott, and PDC Randy Novak participated in the water front memorial service for sailors. |
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Lincoln Tomb Ceremony: Camp 8 members attended the annual ceremonies at the Lincoln Tomb in Springfield, Illinois on April 16, 2011 to commemorate the death of Pres. Lincoln. |
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Community Presentation: On Saturday, March 12, 2011 members from Old Abe Camp #8 gave a presentation to the Waupaca Genealogical Society in Waupaca, WI. Commander Barker talked about what we do as an organization and a Camp. At left, Past Camp Commander Kim Heletemes brought in his collection of Waupaca county history and gave a presentation on several Waupaca county ancestors. |
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
Department of Wisconsin
Comments to Brian Peters.
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