Old Abe Camp 8

Fox Cities

Camp officers:
Commander: PCC Vince Barker
Sr. Vice Commander: PDC Kim Heltemes
Jr. Vice Commander: PCC Kirby Scott
Secretary: PDC Brian Peters
Treasurer: Kurtis Kirk
Council #1: PDC Kim Heltemes
Council #2: PCC Kirby Scott
Council #3: David Melancon
Patriotic Instructor: James Schumann
Chaplain: PDC Brian Peters
Memorials: PDC Kim Heltemes
Graves Registration: PCC Vince Barker
Historian: PCC Kirby Scott
Newsletter Editor: PDC Kim Heltemes
 
Information Contact: PCC Vince Barker
Old Abe, the War Eagle

Old Abe, mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Regiment

 

 


Camp 8 Facebook News Feed

Camp Meetings

Camp #8 meets on the third Saturday of odd numbered months at 3 p.m. Meetings are held at the Butte des Morts Lions Club, 5068 Washington, Butte des Morts, WI. Please see the Camp's Facebook page at right for specific details about upcoming meetings, or contact one of the officers listed above. Meetings are usually available via Zoom as well as in person. The traditional ritual is used, and there is usually a featured speaker. Auxiliary members also conduct their meeting at the same time and place.

 


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

The current Camp Orders may be downloaded and printed from your computer. You'll need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software to view the documents unless otherwise indicated. If you don't have this program, it may be downloaded at no cost (click the Reader icon at right) and is easily installed on your computer.

 


Camp Calendar
Days the flag should be flown Days the flag should be flown


17 May: Armed Forces Day
17 May: Camp 8 Meeting, 3 p.m., Butte des Morts Lions Club
26 May: Days the flag should be flown Memorial Day
7 June: Dept. of Wisconsin Encampment, Town of Norway Town Hall
(right-click on this link and choose "save link as" to download encampment registration form file)
14 June: Days the flag should be flown Flag Day
4 July: Days the flag should be flown Independence Day
19 July: Camp 8 Meeting, 3 p.m., Butte des Morts Lions Club
7-10 Aug: 144th National Encampment, Houston, Texas (hosted by the Dept. of Texas)

 


Edward S. Bragg Auxiliary 8

The Auxiliary works to support the SUVCW and Camp 8 in keeping alive the memories of our Civil War veterans and their sacrifices for the Union, honoring and caring for today's veterans and properly observing Memorial Day. More information about Auxiliary 8 is here, or contact LuAnn Williams at lulabell0806@yahoo.com.

 



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Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
Department of Wisconsin

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Comments to Dept. Signals Officer.
Last Updated: 7 May 2025