Camp News

CSS Hunley Visit

April 14, 2023 a half size replica of the CSS Hunley paid a visit to Dixie County. This was sponsored by the "Dixie Defenders" SCV Camp #1861. This educational display was present at the Dixie County Public Library. More than 60 people stopped , viewed and received a historical lesson on the first submarine ever built and used in America. This replica is owned and operated by Mr. Jack Cowart of the Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #1861 meets the 4th Tuesday of every month at the Dixie County Public Library Conference Room at 6:00 P.M. Please join us for Historical Lessons every month. A special Thank You goes out to Ms Chaires from "Forever 54 Florist Shop" for allocating the additional room in front of her business for this display to be presented.

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Confederate Memorial Day 2023 - Stephensville Cemetery

On April 22, 2023 S.C.V. Camp 1861 the "Dixie Defenders" Dixie County Florida along with the U.D.C. Suwannee River Chapter #2715 held a Confederate Memorial Day Service at the Stephensville Cemetery in Steinhatchee, Fl. This is the final resting place of James Howard Stephens who fought in Company "E" 9th Florida Infantry from 1863 to 1865. The Cannon is an original Mountain Howitzer owned by Compatriot Wayne Keneen from Camp #1861. (note: please feel free to use any or all photos sent) The posting of the Colors was conducted by Adian McDaris- Camp #1861 and Jakob Jenkins- Camp #770, both are the youngest members of both S.C.V. Camps

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2022 Annual Christmas Gathering

On December 8th the Membership, Families and friends of The "Dixie Defenders" SCV Camp # 1861 met at Robinson Seafood in Cedar Key for its Annual Holiday Gathering. During this great time of fellowship, an act of Official Camp Business was conducted. The two newest Members of Camp #1861 were administered their Oaths. 
Commander Ratterree Administering the Oath to Winthrop Randall (Randy) Henderson, Jr. Randy entered the SCV under his Confederate Veteran, his 3rd Great Grandfather Major Jesse Campbell McDonald- 4th Georgia (Clinch's) Cavalry.
Camp Commander Daryl E. Ratterree issuing Randy his Certificate and Lapel Pin.
Camp Commander Daryl E. Ratterree presents an Alabama Monuments Guard Challenge Coin to W.R. (Trey) Henderson III  honoring his Confederate Ancestor.  Trey entered the S.C.V under the service of his 3rd Great Grandfather-John Sutton Middleton who was a Private in Company E 33rd Alabama Infantry. Trey is the second youngest Member of Camp #1861
 Randy's son Trey installing his Fathers SCV Lapel Pin
Pictured above is Winthrop Randall (Randy) Henderson,Jr. pinning his son W.R. (Trey) Henderson III with his SCV Lapel Pin. 

Bell, Florida Christmas Parade 2022

On December 3rd S.C.V. Camps # 1861 and #770 attended the Bell Florida Christmas Parade.
Camp #770' Parade Float
Matt Scott Camp #770 and Mech Cav. Member on his 3 wheeler.
The "Dixie Warbird" owned by Camp # 1861's Adjutant Mr. James Tucker,Sr.
The "Dixie Warbird" owned by Camp # 1861's Adjutant Mr. James Tucker,Sr.
 The "Dixie Warbird" owned by Camp # 1861's Adjutant Mr. James Tucker,Sr.
John Summerfield pulling the Camp #770 trailer

On October 29, 2022 the "Dixie Defenders" SCV Camp #1861 based in Cross City Dixie County, Florida wrapped up what is known as 'The Year of Forrest'. This year as a fund raising effort for Camp #1861's Scholarship Fund we held a random number drawing for a Nathan Bedford Forrest Commemorative Pistol. This pistol was commissioned by the N.B. Forrest SCV Camp in Memphis, Tennessee. There were only 200 of these pistols produced. Donations of $50.00 provided an opportunity to acquire this pistol. A maximum of 200 entries was set. Why the number 200, simple answer General Nathan Bedford Forrest was born 200 years ago this year. The drawing date was based on General Forrest's date of death which was October 29.
This year's Grand Prize winner was Mrs. Maryann Lankford from Belleview Florida. For those of you who may not be familiar with this Wonderful Southern Lady, Maryann is a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy Chapter 2311 the "Marion Dragoons" in Ocala, Florida. She is also a Charter Member of the "Order of Confederate Rose" chapter #1 from South Florida. She is also a Friend of SCV Camp #741 in Lady Lake, Florida
On November 8th Commander Daryl E. Ratterree attended the meeting of SCV Camp #741 in Lady Lake and presented her with the Nathan Bedford Forrest Pistol that she had won on a random number selected from the pool of entries. A big Thank You to all who donated to this fundraiser.

Compatriot Christoper Turner and Commander Ratteree spent September 25, 2022 working at the White Springs Flag Site. During our work day a couple of visitors stopped by Mr. Paul and Mrs. Grable Presley from DeFuniak Springs, Fl. They had spotted us working while driving by on Interstate 75. So they made it a point to stop by. During the visit Mr. Paul Presley, Sr. pointed out his ancestors name on one of the panels. He also advised that he was in attendance during the original Dedication Ceremony at the White Springs Flag Site. He has numerous photos and some videos of the event. He has promised that he will be emailing them to me for archiving them with the Florida Division. Mrs. Grable Presley told us that her Great Great Grandfather was killed in the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee. I ask if she had seen the monument that had been recently erected by the Florida Division? She stated No, then told her husband "We need to go back to Franklin soon and see what the fine gentlemen of the Florida Division have placed there

These are photos of Compatriot Christopher Turner from the "Dixie Defenders" SCV Camp #1861, working on the installation of the second Security Camera and Flag Light at the White Springs Flag Site on I-75 just North of I-10 in Hamilton County, Florida. We now have two Security Cameras on the premises. Compatriot Christopher Turner along with Camp Commander Daryl Ratterree spent two weekends installing these items. It should be noted that Compatriot Turner's travel distance was 138 miles one way. For a total of 552 miles for the two round trips. Plus all of the equipment, tools and labor were paid for from his own pocket. So the question remains for the rest of you: What have you done to promote the S.C.V. Florida Division, your Camp and Honor you Southern Ancestors lately. Get up and get active.
Many Thanks Compatriot Christopher Turner an AWESOME job indeed in securing one of our beautiful Flag Sites.

 July 2022|

Donation of Original Copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin

Pictured is a photo of Lieutenant C-I-C Jason Boshers (left) and C-I-C Larry McCluney (right) receiving an original Copy of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" from Commander Daryl E. Ratterree (center) of the "Dixie Defenders S.C.V. Camp #1861. On the floor of the 127th National Reunion held in Cartersville, Georgia. The book was donated to the S.C.V. National Museum by Curtis W. Harris from Camp #1861 This original copy was printed in 1852. It will be permanently displayed at the S.C.V. Museum in Columbia, Tennessee. Thank You Compatriot Curtis Harris for such a wonderful donation to the museum.

July 2022 |

Donation of Original Copy of The Southern History of the War


Pictured is a photo of Executive Director Adam Southern, Lieutenant C-I-C Jason Boshers and C-I-C Larry McCluney receiving an original copy of Edward A Pollard's book "The Southern History of the War." from S.C.V. Camp #1861 Commander Daryl E. Ratterree. This donation was made on the floor of the 127th S.C.V. Reunion held in Cartersville, Georgia. This is an original edition printed in 1863 in Richmond, Virginia. It was donated by Harvey Resnick of Camp #1861 for the National Museum at Elm Springs in Columbia, Tennessee. A big Thank You to Harvey Resnick for such a wonderful donation.

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2021 Scholarship Funds

The Dixie Defenders SCV Camp #1861 in Cross City, Fl. has for the last several years partnered with the Dixie Education Foundation to sponsor Scholarships to Dixie County High School Graduates who are furthering their education. This Scholarship is named The Clarence and Wally Patterson Memorial Scholarship Fund. Unfortunately Dixie County High School does not have an R.O.T.C. Program, so Camp #1861 can not present Hunley Awards. Camp #1861 is proud to announce that on May 1st at Scholarship Night a total of $3,500.00 was awarded to 5 Dixie County H.S. Graduates.

25 February 2020 |

J. Edgar Hoover Law & Order Awards presented to honor two fallen police officers

On Tuesday 25 February 2020, the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #2086 "The Dixie Defenders" presented two Awards from the Sons of Confederate Veterans National Headquarters. The Awards are known as the J.Edgar Hoover Law and Order Awards. These Awards were presented to Sheriff Booby Schultz and the Gilchrist County Sheriff's Department. They were presented in Honor and Memory of Sergeant Noel Ramirez and Deputy Taylor Lindsey two of Gilchrist County's finest who were senselessly murdered almost two years ago. They will always be remembered and never forgotten.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans - J. Edgar Hoover Law and Order Award consist of a Certificate from S.C.V. National Headquarters. It is also accompanied by a Medal which has an upper metal banner, a red clothe ribbon with an Iron Cross of Honor attached to it. On the Iron Cross of Honor are two revolvers with the barrels crossed which signifies Law Enforcement. The upper metal band on both of these Awards were engraved with Sergeant Noel Ramirez and Deputy Taylor Lindsey's names as a permanent reminder of the sacrifice that was made by both of them. There are only two of these Awards given nationwide each year. The importance of the presentation of these Awards is noted in the fact that Sons of Confederate Veterans- National Commander-In-Chief Mr. Paul Gramling drove down from Shreveport, Louisiana for this presentation. It was also attended by Florida Division Commander Mr. Kelly Crocker from Tallahassee, Florida.

Pictured (L to R): Lieutenant Todd Holley, Sergeant Dean Watson and Sheriff Bobby Schultz from Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office receiving the Awards from Commander-In-Chief Paul Gramling and Camp #2086 Commander Daryl Ratterree.

July 2019 |

Distinguished Service Award and Medal

Mr. James E. Tucker, SCV Camp 2086 Adjutant, receiving a Distinguished Service Award and medal from the SCV National Headquarters.

August 2019 |

Ladies Appreciation Award and Medal

Mrs. Dottie Ratterree receiving the Ladies Appreciation and Award from the Army of Tennessee, National Headquarters.

June 2019 |

Ulmer Award Presented to Lt. J. Ferrell Mikell

Lieutenant J. Ferrell Mikell was awarded the "Ulmer Award" at the Division Banquet and Awards Ceremony, during the Florida Division Reunion in June. This is the absolute highest award within the Florida Division. We are all so proud of him..

May 2019 |

Enfield Rifle Winners

The winners of the Original 3 Band Enfield Rifle from the chance drawing held by S.C.V. Camp #2086 to support their Scholarship Fund. The weapon was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Scarfo from S.C.V. Camp #741, during the Confederate Day Memorial Service held at Pine Level Cemetery in Oxford, FL.

Left to Right: Mr. Frank Scarfo; Mr. Jason Boshers, Army of Tennessee Commander, National Headquarters; Mrs. Frank Scarfo, United Daughters of the Confederacy Member; Daryl E. Ratterree, S.C.V. Camp #2086 Commander.

Dixie County High School Scholarship Night

May 2019 | 

During the Dixie County High School Scholarship Night on 4 May 2019, the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 2086 "The Dixie Defenders" awarded a total of four $500.00 Scholarships to graduating Dixie High School seniors pursuing a higher education.
The name of the Camp's Scholarship is "The Clarence and Wally Patterson Memorial Scholarship Fund". Clarence and Wally were both big supporters of SCV Camp 2086. They passed away 5 years ago.
Left to right: J. Ferrell Mikel, 1st. Lieutenant Commander; Robert Yancy, Treasurer; Daryl Ratterree, Camp Commander; Hallie Chewning, Recipient; James Tucker, Sr., Adjutant; Justus Futch, Recipient; Marina Lansdale, daughter of Clarence and Wally Patterson; Chelsey Lord, Recipient; Mitchell "Blake" Watson, Recipient.

Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV), Dixie Defenders Camp #2086 Birthday Celebrations

28 September 2018

Birthdays are always Special at S.C.V., Dixie Defenders, Camp #2086. On 28 September 2018, the Camp celebrated the birthdays of four of our Camp members. Their Birthdays fell in either the last two weeks of August or the first two weeks of September. We wish the following a Very Happy Birthday: (L to R) John W. Lindsey (Camp Member), Robert W. Yancy (Camp Treasure), Betty J. Mikell (Camp Historian), Cindy Bellot. (Our Host and Chief Librarian). Wishing Y'all many, many more!  

King Size Rocking Chair Winner

January 2019

We are pleased to announce that Mr. Matt Scott from Bronson, Florida was selected as the winner of The King Size Rocking Chair during the January 2019 Camo #2086 meeting. He can be seen above happily testing the chair out for the first time with Camp Commander Daryl Ratterree and Legionnaire Harvey Resnick who built and donated the Rocking Chair to support the Camp's Scholarship Program, The Clarence and Wally Patterson Memorial Scholarship.

Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV), Florida Division, 48th Annual Reunion
1-3 June 2018

The Sons of Confederate Veterans, Florida Division, held their 48th Annual Reunion in Ocala, Florida from 1-3 June 2018. During the evening banquet on 2 June 2018, the Division Commanders Awards were presented. The second highest award, the Governor John Milton Award, was presented to Daryl E. Ratterree, Lieutenant Commander, Central Region and Camp Commander, Dixie Defenders Camp #2086. He is the 35th deserving recipient of this annual award. The inscription on the award reads, "Presented to Daryl E. Ratterree on June 02, 2018 For Loyalty And Dedication Above And Beyond The Call Of Duty."

The members of Dixie Defenders Camp #2086 are extremely proud of our Camp Commander, Daryl Ratterree, and congratulate him for receiving this very prestigious award.

Fundraising Donations

July 2019

Dr. Warren Feldman donated two items, including a framed print titled "The Home Coming" and a reproduction "Match Lock" type musket (.69 caliber fish tail stock), to help the SCV Camp 2086 raise funds for its Camp Scholarship.

The print titled "The Home Coming" has already been auctioned off. Tickets for the musket will go on sale for $10.00 per ticket and the sale will be announced soon.

Confederate Memorial Wall

Florida Confederate Memorial Wall


The "Dixie Defenders" Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #1861 had the Florida Confederate Memorial Wall set up inside of the Dixie County Public Library Conference Room in Cross City, Florida
Dixie County Sheriff Darby Butler


Sheriff Butler pointing to his ancestors.
"Little" ANV Battle Flag

Outside of the Library Camp Member Ben McDonough was set up in the parking lot with his "Little" ANV Battle Flag. (Note: Ben is 6 ft. tall.)

World War One Monument
May 2019

The crew from O.T. Davis Monument Company set the World War One Memorial at the Veterans Memorial Park in Trenton, FL. It is noted that the World War One Monument was the only one missing in Veterans Circle Park for many years. The Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 2086 received the story from Rodger Nogaki over a year ago and provided $500.00 in seed money to get the ball rolling to honor these men. The monument was completely paid for, installed, and was dedicated on Memorial Day, 27 May 2019.

The first five photo shows the O.T. Davis Monument Company employee's cleaning and polishing the new World War One Memorial. The second photo is of the O.T. Davis employees from left to right: Nick Vlacos, Steve Hendrix, (kneeling), Ryan Daube (Owner of O.T. Davis Monument Company), and Valdez Lee (kneeling). 

Sword Presentation
March 2019

During the March 2019 SCV Camp 2086 Meeting, Adjutant James E. Tucker, Sr. surprised the command staff by presenting them all with a gift of a Ceremonial Dress Sword. He was assisted by Mr. Trenton Messer, who is completing his ancestry research so he can become a Cadet in SCV Camp 2086. Through research and assistance, Mr. Messer is learning the proper presentation and saluting techniques. 

Trenton Messer saluting Commander Ratterree.
Trenton Messer presenting the Ceremonial Dress Sword to 2nd Lieutenant Commander Gary E. Poore.
Trenton Messer presenting the Ceremonial Dress Sword to Camp Treasurer Robert W. Yancy.
Trenton Messer presenting the Ceremonial Dress Sword to Commander Ratterree.
Commander Ratterree thanking Adjutant James E. Tucker, Sr. for the wonderful gift.
Trenton Messer saluting 2nd Lieutenant Commander Gary E. Poore.