The Pacific NW Division holds a Convention every year. The Division’s first Convention was held in 2014 @ Vancouver, WA, hosted by SCV Camp 458. In 2015, it was held in Nampa, ID, hosted by SCV Camp 2244. The 2016 Convention was held in Eugene, OR, by host the Rev. Philip Mulkey “Long Tommers”, Camp 2273.
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2016
The Sons of Confederate Veterans Pacific NW Division held its 2016 Division Convention yesterday (10/15/16) at the VFW Memorial Hall in Eugene, OR. The Rev. Philip Mulkey Camp 2273 of Eugene, hosted this years Convention.
During our business session, we voted on 3 amendments to our Division Constitution and Bylaws. The first amendment changed the names of our regional 1st Lt. Commanders to Brigade Commanders. The second amendment gives the immediate past Commander a vote on the Division Board, but limits him to one vote, even if he holds another office on the Division Board. The third amendment, removing officers from the Board, to be voted on by the Board.
After we finished our amendments, we announced the votes for Division Commander and Lt. Commander. Our next Division Commander is John Sigmon and our next Lt. Commander is Garth McKinney. Garth McKinney was sworn is as Lt. Commander. He spoke about some of the goals he has for the Division. Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond his control, Commander elect Sigmon was unable to attend the Convention. He will be sworn in by me at the next local Camp 458 meeting.
We had a catered BBQ Dinner, with was fantastic. Following our Dinner, we had several special presentations. Author and Friend of the SCV member Jim Elstad spoke about his experiences promoting the truth about the Confederacy. Afterwards, Division Genealogist Norm Ernst spoke about researching family history to locate Confederate Veterans. Then Camp 458 Commander Jay Willis spoke about Jefferson Davis Park and Davis’ role in establishing the Pacific NW. Next was a presentation by Camp 2273 Commander Chuck Ellis, about Rev. Philip Mulkey and the Long Tommers, their role as Oregon Confederates and the skirmishes they had with Union troops.
After all the presentations concluded, I had the opportunity to give my farewell speech. It has been an amazing 4 years since I came up with the idea to start this Division. It is a very good feeling knowing that I can hand over control of a properly functioning Division to our next Commander and Lt. Commander. I am very pleased that Commander elect Sigmon is planning on having me be his 1st Brigade Commander. I look forward to being able to focus specifically on Oregon and Washington, helping promote our organization, grow our Camps, start new Camps and make our Division the shining star for the entire Sons of Confederate Veterans organization.
We concluded our Convention with a Candlelight memorial honoring our Confederate Ancestors. After everyone shared the name of their Ancestor and his unit info, we finished the night with everyone singing “Dixie”.
I have full confidence in our new Commander and Lt. Commander. They have great leadership skills and we will only see things continuing in the right direction under their leadership.
Thank you for trusting me as your Division Commander these last 4 years.
Erik Ernst
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2015
Nampa, Idaho was the site of the Pacific NW Division’s Convention for 2015.
Nampa, Idaho was the place to be on Saturday, November 14th! Camp 2244 of Idaho was the Host Camp for this years Division Convention. Both Camp 2244 and Camp 458 of Portland Oregon were very well represented.
There were several guest speakers, including Walter “Donnie” Kennedy (Author of “The South Was Right”).
ATM Commander Charles Lauret, PNW Div. Cmdr. Erik Ernst, ATM Aide-de-Camp George Grimillion.
ATM Chaplain/PNW Div. Adjutant Fr. John Sigmon.
PNW Div. Lt. Commander Jim Hinson
PNW Div. Genealogist Norm Ernst.
The six hour long meeting was jammed packed with great information, fiery speakers, tasty food and wonderful fellowship.
Division Commander Erik Ernst swore in the new Camp officers for the Cpl William Mink Camp 2244.
Commander Ernst also presented the “Commander in Chief” Award from CIC Kelly Barrow, to Lt. Cmdr Jim Hinson and Adjutant Charlie Skaug.
New Camp Commander Bland Ballard was given a special medal by outgoing Camp Commander Jim Hinson.
Col. Isaac W. Smith Camp 458 Commander Jay Willis and Secretary Norm Ernst, swore in two new Camp members, Bob Rogers and David Gillaspie.
After the days events, 14 of us met at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant for Dinner. Several of us after dinner visited late into the evening.
It was a great weekend and we’re all looking forward to future events put on by the Pacific NW Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans!
Keep your calendars free in August 2016. Anchorage Alaska is next years host city for the Division Convention. I look forward to seeing you there!
PNW Div. Cmdr. Erik Ernst
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2014
The SCV Pacific NW Division very first Convention and Ball was held on September 20th, 2014, at the Heathman Lodge, in Vancouver Washington. Commander in Chief Kelly Barrow and ATM Commander Charles Lauret traveled thousands of miles to come and speak at our event. Here are a sampling of photos from our the Convention and Ball.
