Prattville Dragoons Camp News for August 2013

The following announcements were published in the August 2013 edition of the Camp 1524 Dispatch newsletter.

Camp News

Young Brent Jenks Assumes Charge of Camp Colors. Young Brent Jenks with able assistance from his father George, also a Dragoon, has assumed charge of our set of Camp flags, which include a U.S. Flag, an Alabama state flag, a Third National Flag, a Confederate Battle Flag, and a replica of the flag of the Prattville Dragoons.  Thank you, Color Sergeant Jenks!

Paul Whaley's Ancestor Honored.  A Virginia SCV Camp, Black Horse Camp No. 780, honored an ancestor of our own Reenactor Liaison, Colonel Paul Whaley of the 33rd Alabama Reenactors group.  This camp identified and marked the grave of Major David Whaley of the 5th Texas Infantry Regiment.  Paul found out when they contacted him for permission to do this. The camp's website is http://www.blackhorsecamp780.com/

Mr. Herbert Allen of Fatman's Passes Away.  If you've ever helped distribute Dixie Butts for our annual fundraiser, you remember Mr. Herbert Ethan Allen of Fatman's BBQ, who always had our butts ready to go on the day we had to distribute them.  He was the 78-year-old father of Fatman's owner Ken Allen, and passed away peacefully in his favorite recliner on Tuesday,16 July.  We will miss him this year.

Prattville Dragoons Chaplain's Column for August 2013

The following column from Dragoons Chaplain Tom Snowden was published in the August edition of the Camp 1524 Dispatch newsletter.

Chaplain’s Column:  Live Life Intentionally - 2nd Timothy 4:6-8

            As we look at the Bible, Paul was a man who lived life to the fullest. The goals he set were to know Christ, abide in His power, fellowship in His suffering, and preach the gospel (Phil. 3:10; 1 Cor. 1:17). In doing so, he aligned his aspirations with the Lord's, diligently worked to fulfill his calling, and persevered through opposition, persecution, and suffering. When he reached the end of his life he could face it with confidence since he'd "fought the good fight," "finished the course," and "kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).

            I think most of us would like to be able to say the same at the end of our lives, but that means we would have to follow Paul's example. One may ask this question:  How are we doing at setting goals for our lives? Have you thought beyond the immediate and set some long-term objectives? Our culture is so fast-paced that few of us take the time to actually consider where we're going. But we don't want to finish this life and find out that the course we set was outside God’s will, resulting in us having fought the wrong fight and struggling to keep the faith.

            May I suggest you set aside some time this week to get alone with God. Then ask Him for help in setting goals that will take you where He wants you to go. Consider every area of your life--personal, relational, financial, and vocational--but make spiritual goals your primary emphasis. Then write them down.

            If we keep doing what we are doing, then we will keep getting what we are getting. Maybe it's time to get out of our rut in life and find a new path. God will help us change direction and accomplish new goals that align with His will. Don't settle for the mediocrity of an unplanned life. Start living intentionally a life that is in sync with God’s will.

            Waiting upon the Lord is one of the wisest, most important decisions we make in life. And contrary to popular assumptions, it is an active endeavor that requires faith, humility, patience, and courage. When you rely upon God and wait for His timing, the various facets of life fall into place.

            We have many on our prayer list. Let’s take the time to pray for each of them.

           

1. James & Ann Spears
2. Bobby Carter & wife Merrill
3. James Little's wife Nita
4. David Brantley's wife Jennifer and his mother Mary
5. Allen Herrod
6. Wayne Sutherland - back problems
7. John Durden's son (David Fail) TIA
8. Cecil Williamson
9. J J Oakley
10. Billy Parker's son-in-law Stan Stuckey
11. James Whittington
12. Harold Grooms's mother Sue Grooms
13. Bobby and Belinda Holloway of Birmingham
14. Bill Myrick's step great-grandson, Cain M. Simonson.
15. Pray for justice in Selma court cases

           

Yours In Christ,

Tom Snowden, Chaplain

Prattville Dragoons Dixie Butt Sale Annual Fundraiser

Dixie Butt Distribution Coming This Month

            Our annual "Dixie Butt" distribution will be from 7-9 a.m. on Saturday 10 August at Fatman’s BBQ, next to the Marathon Gas Station at Main Street and Memorial Drive (Hwy 31 and 14) in Prattville AL.

            Every year for the last three or so years, we have broken the previous year's record for total number of butts sold.  Thanks to prompt and synergistic action by Dragoons and their initiative to approach friends, families and neighbors and carry the Charge, we again will approach a record fundraising effort.  These monies are used by the Dragoons for camp activities including donations to the Alabama State Archives for flag preservation, donations to the First White House of the Confederacy, Robert E. Lee and Confederate Memorial Day advertisements, cemetery renovations and flag setting, community activities including schools presentations and awards, local organization memberships, as well as festivals and parades. These activities comprise our mission to further the Cause for the memory and honor of our Confederate veteran ancestors. 

            If you have not already purchased your Dixie Butt from a Dragoons member, please come by and purchase one Saturday morning or just drop in to say hello and lend your support.  
 

Dragoons at last year's Dixie Butt Distribution - (left to right) Chris Booth, Billy Leverette, Wayne Sutherland, Jeff Potts, Louis Turner, Tyrone Crowley, Randy Burdick

Prattville Dragoons August 2013 Camp Meeting, Thursday Aug 8th at 7pm at Shoney's

Thursday evening, August 8th at 7pm at the Shoney's on Cobbs Ford Rd in Prattville AL, the Dragoons will hold their monthly camp meeting.  Many arrive early to partake of the delicious Shoney's buffet and strawberry pie and other desserts.  The following announcement was taken from the Dragoons August Camp Dispatch newsletter.  Come join us for an entertaining meeting - in addition to the guest speaker, there will be a special award presentation, recognitions and a report-out of the Dixie Butt Sale and the SCV National Reunion which was attended by three members of the Dragoon camp. 

Learn About Confederate Memorial Park at August Meeting

            Mr. Bill Rambo, Director of the Confederate Memorial Park since 1989 and also a Brigadier General commanding the First Confederate Legion (reenactors), will offer us a history of the Park, which was established in 1902.  Come and learn about an institution that was founded to offer assistance to destitute Confederate veterans and their wives.  Mr. Rambo will also discuss politically-motivated attempts to close the Park.