Boerne, Texas, just made SCV history! On May 7, 2024, the 1st Lt. Jesse Page Camp #2351 officially became the town’s very first Sons of Confederate Veterans camp. But the real excitement unfolded on July 27, 2024, when the camp gathered for its highly anticipated Chartering Ceremony—and what a celebration it was!

With 22 proud members, including 10 newly initiated compatriots, this camp is off to a stellar start. The ceremony had all the makings of a historic event, with special guests and supporters turning out in full force. The newly elected Commander of the Army of Trans-Mississippi, John McCammon, and Texas Division Commander, Michael Hurley, were on hand to deliver inspiring remarks. Also joining the festivities was Hood’s Texas Brigade #153 Commander, Raymond Reeves, who gave his own words of encouragement.

Special Gifts and Honors: No SCV event is complete without a few heartfelt tributes, and this one had them in abundance! The camp was gifted a beautiful custom flag by Matron of Honor Casey M. Hand, along with Maids of Honor Abigail M. Hand and Madison K. Hand. Talk about Southern hospitality!

But that wasn’t all—Casey Hand also presented a Certificate of Merit from the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Albert Sidney Johnston Chapter #2060, on behalf of Chapter President Rita Schimpff. The new camp was welcomed with open arms by compatriots from nine other camps and four brigades, showing just how strong the SCV brotherhood really is.

Meet the New Camp Officers: And now, let’s give a round of applause to the freshly installed officers who will be leading the charge for Camp #2351:

• Commander: Chuck Hand
• Lt. Commander: Bill Smith
• 2nd Lt. Commander: Dalton Hand
• Adjutant: Ben Sewell
• Judge Advocate: Jeffrey Addicott
• Chaplain: Rex Shaddox
• Sergeant at Arms: Jeff Leonard
• Quartermaster: Dale Tidwell

Each of these men is dedicated to keeping the camp’s mission alive and preserving the legacy of Southern heritage in Boerne.

A New Beginning for Boerne: The energy at the ceremony was electric, and the sense of camaraderie was undeniable. From the touching flag presentation to the powerful words shared by SCV leaders, it’s clear that the 1st Lt. Jesse Page Camp #2351 is destined for great things. With so much support from both near and far, this camp is off to an incredible start, and we can’t wait to see how they’ll continue to grow and honor the Confederate veterans in their community.

As the newest addition to the SCV family, Camp #2351 is already making waves—and this is just the beginning. Here’s to many more years of fellowship, heritage, and history in Boerne!

Just months after its charter, the 1st Lt. Jesse Page Camp #2351 is already collecting accolades! Commander Chuck Hand was recently recognized at the National Convention, receiving two prestigious honors: the Meritorious Service Medal (Bronze) and the coveted Dixie Club Certificate. Talk about making an impact right out of the gate!

And if that wasn’t enough, the new camp played a major role in helping the Texas Division snag an A.P. Hill Award for Camp Growth. Teamwork truly does make the dream work, and Camp #2351 is showing they’re here to leave their mark.

The celebration continued with a special photo featuring Adjutant Allen Hearrean from Camp #2292, Texas Division Commander Michael Hurley, Commander Chuck Hand of Camp #2351, and Compatriot David Guise of Camp #1904. A moment to be remembered!

With awards already rolling in, the future looks bright for this Boerne-based camp. Keep an eye out—this camp is just getting started!