Prattville Dragoons May 2017 Camp Meeting

The much anticipated May SCV Camp 1524 meeting with Brigadier General John Scales, U.S. Army, retired, as the speaker was held Thursday night, May 11th at the Prattmont Baptist Church. General Scales was most informative in his presentation of “Did Forrest Make a Difference”. General Scales has written a book about General Forrest and it will be available to the public in a few months. In his presentation, General Scales outlined Forrest’s entire career with the Confederate Army from the time he enlisted as a private for one month before he was promoted to Calvary Colonel until the end of the war when his troops stacked arms on 9 May 1865. 

Following a devotional and Invocation by Chaplain Snowden, Commander Waldo read the SCV Charge.  Compatriot Will Dismukes was sworn in as the newest member of the Dragoons and SCV.  The upcoming events for the camp and the Alabama Division of the SCV were highlighted and then announcements were made including reports from compatriot Tyrone Crowley for a presentation he helped make at Alabama Christian Academy and from Sam Reid who made a presentation to the Autauga Geneological Society.  Following the presentation by General Scales, the SCV closing and a Benediction by Chaplain Snowden closed the meeting

Nearly 50 persons attended this meeting with members of several other camps present along with many guests.  Many thanks should be extended to all who attended and invited others to come.  A BBQ dinner was hosted by 1st Lt Harold Grooms who also led planning for the meeting event.  Harold brought chopped BBQ and camp stew and he and Mrs. Grooms led the setup including decorating the venue as well as breaking down and cleaning afterward.  Quartermaster Bill Myrick and wife Peggy brought their world famous baked beans and hummingbird cake.  Commander Waldo brought potato salad and desserts.  Adjutant Sutherland brought plates and utensils and came early and stayed late helping with the setup and cleanup. We appreciate all who assisted in the planning and  execution of this most enjoyable camp meeting many who stated it was the best in memory and a huge success.

Pictured below you see the head table consisting of Brigade Commander Butch Godwin, Dragoon Commander Stuart Waldo, General John Scales and Dragoon Sam Reid who served in the military with General Scales and arranged for him to speak to us. Also pictured are photos of part of the crowd and a photo of 1st Lt. Commander Harold Grooms who was the program chairman. Also pictured are Will Dismukes receiving his SCV certificate and General Scales making his presentation.