Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Yolo County Historical Society will be conducting tours of the historic Woodland City Cemetery on October 12. The tour features the graves of military veterans ranging from the Mexican War to World War II. Download a copy of the poster here.

First Lieutenant Alonzo H. Cushing

On September 15, President Obama will award the Medal of Honor—the highest military decoration in the US Armed Forces—to a Civil War soldier. First Lieutenant Alonzo H. Cushing was killed in the Battle of Gettysburg on July 3, 1863, during the Confederate assault known as Pickett’s Charge. In this engagement, Cushing’s artillery battery took heavy fire from the Confederate line. Cushing was hit several times and severely wounded, but he refused to leave his post despite “horses and men falling all around” from the hail of bullets. He continued to command his battery and defended his position until he was killed by a bullet that struck him in the mouth and throat. Cushing saw significant action in the Civil War prior to Gettysburg, and had earned three promotions by Brevet; his last, to Lieutenant Colonel, was given at Gettysburg.

From the White House press release:

“First Lieutenant Cushing was killed in action on July 3, 1863, at the age of 22.  On that day, the third day of the battle, in the face of Longstreet’s Assault, also known as Pickett’s Charge, First Lieutenant Cushing’s battery took a severe pounding by Confederate artillery.  As the rebel infantry advanced, he manned the only remaining, and serviceable, field piece in his battery.  During the advance, he was wounded in the stomach as well as in the right shoulder.  Refusing to evacuate to the rear despite his severe wounds, he directed the operation of his lone field piece continuing to fire in the face of the enemy.  With the rebels within 100 yards of his position, Cushing was shot and killed during this heroic stand.  His actions made it possible for the Union Army to successfully repulse the Confederate assault. First Lieutenant Cushing is buried with full honors at his alma mater, West Point.“

Normally, the Medal of Honor must be awarded within two years of the qualifying action, but efforts by Cushing’s descendants and Civil War historians resulted in an exception being granted. Cushing’s Medal of Honor was approved in 2010, but only this past January was the citation finally forwarded to the President for approval and presentation. Along with Cushing, the Medal of Honor will also be bestowed belatedly on two other Army veterans, Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins and Specialist Four Donald P. Sloat, who both fought in the Vietnam War. 

If you are interested in learning how to load and fire a musket, join Bob Maerdian at the El Dorado Rod and Gun Club on Saturday, June 14, at 9:00AM. Bob will be available until about 1:00PM, and he will be happy to teach you to load and fire using the same steps taught to the Union soldiers in the Civil War. Bob will supply the musket, powder and ammo, but if you have your own musket, you are welcome to bring it along.

If you plan to attend, please contact Bob ahead of time so he can have enough supplies on hand. If you do not have Bob’s contact info, please use this form.

On Monday, May 26, the Brothers of Camp 22 and Company B of the 8th California Regiment held a Memorial Ceremony at the Old City Cemetery in Sacramento. The ceremony was held at the site of the Grand Army of the republic monument, located near the northeast corner of the cemetery in a plot containing more than 70 Civil War veterans. The monument was erected in 1889 by three local GAR posts.

For the ceremony, the monument was draped in colorful buntings and backed by an over-sized US flag, making it the central focus of the cemetery. Participating in the ceremony were members of the Sons of Union Veterans and re-enactors from throughout the region.

All photos by Janis Herbert.

Presiding over the ceremony, Mike Drouin (center) is flanked by Chaplain Steve Neuberger (left) and Jim Monteton (right).

Presentation of colors.

The GAR Monument.

Attendees wore period dress.

Here is a very informative article about military pension and veterans’ benefits, covering Irene Triplett, the last surviving recipient of a Civil War pension.

Veterans’ Benefits Live On Long After Bullets Stop – WSJ.com.

The bronze statue atop the G.A.R. monument (photo by Joe Marti)

You are Invited

Please join Camp 22 as we present our Memorial Day Ceremony at Old City Cemetery in Sacramento on Monday, May 26, at 2:00 PM.

This brief ceremony will take place at the Grand Army of the Republic monument, located in the northeast section of the cemetery. The ceremony pays tribute to veterans of the Civil War, and will feature a Color Guard in Civil War uniforms.

This is a great opportunity to talk with re-enactors and learn about the Civil War history of Sacramento. There is no admission fee, and parking is free. We hope to see you there!

On May 3 & 4, the Gibson Ranch Park will again host their annual Civil War Days event. This is the largest event of its kind in the Sacramento area, with hundreds of re-enactors presenting authentic views of life on and around the battlefields of the Civil War.

At the event, Camp 22 will be displaying a replica of an Officer’s tent, complete with field desk, cot, and cook stove. We will have muskets, pistols and swords on display, as well as a genuine US Marine!

Of course, the battle re-enactments are the highlight of the weekend—muskets firing, sabers flashing, and cannons booming. Historic interpreters will narrate the battle scenes as they unfold. You will see Union and Confederate soldiers meet to do battle amid artillery bombardments and cavalry charges.

Between battle re-enactments, you can wander through the camps, where the soldiers will be happy to talk about life on the march. You can also explore the lives of the many other people who were part and parcel of an Army on the move, such as suttlers, cooks, and sometimes even the soldiers’ families.

Schedule of Activities:

The Gibson Ranch Park website has maps and more information. We hope to see you there!

Former Company B Commander Brad Schall receives his retirement certificate from District Commander Marti.

Former Company B Adjutant Don Wilt receives his retirement certificate from District Commander Marti.

At the Camp 22 meeting on April 5, 2014, the former Commander and Adjutant of Company B, 8th California Volunteers, were presented retirement certificates. Former Captain D. Brad Schall and former 1st Lieutenant Don Wilt were presented the certificates by 6th Military District Commander Joe Marti. Brad and Don were the most effective team ever to lead Company B, and under their leadership the Company grew to be the largest SVR unit in the entire Department of California and the Pacific.

The contributions of these two Brothers cannot be understated. We move forward standing on their shoulders. HUZZAH! HUZZAH! HUZZAH!

Lt. Col. Michael J. Drouin, SVC of Camp 22 receives his USMCR retirement papers from 6th Military District Commander Capt. Joe Marti

On Sunday, March 9^th, at the last event of the Department of California & Pacific Encampment a very special event took place that was not part of the official agenda. At the end of a First Person Walking Tour of Sacramento, California’s Historic City Cemetery, a final biographical sketch was presented on Marine Corps Private McLeod by Brother Mike Drouin, SVC of Camp 22. It was supposed to be the end of the tour, however there was one more bit of business to conduct. At that time Brother Joe Marti, PCC and Commander of the 6^th Military District, SVR, came to the front with a large red folder containing a very valuable document.  The document explained that although Brother Drouin was portraying one, his ties to the Marines ran much deeper than the Civil War-era uniform he wore. As the crowd drew closer they heard The words, “Attention to orders!” Brother Marti then read these words: “Certificate of Retirement from the Armed Forces of the United State of America. To all who shall see these presents, greeting: this is to certify that Michael J. Drouin, having served faithfully and honorably was retired from the United States Marine Corps on the Ninth day of March Two Thousand and Fourteen.” So it happened that the last event of the Department Encampment was capped by those gathered as witness to the pinnacle of Brother Drouin’s life of service to his country. For those present, it was a dramatic and memorable moment that will not soon be forgotten. We salute Brother Drouin for his service to the United States and to our order and congratulate him for his well-deserved retirement.