The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Department of Nebraska held their 21st Annual Department Encampment on April 10, 2021 at the Saunders County Museum in Wahoo, Nebraska. At the close of the meeting we handed out the following awards to individuals and camps for their dedication, promotion, service and hard work in supporting our organization.
Certificate of Commendation – 25 Years of Dedicated Service: Merle Rudebusch
Merle has been a driving force within the Department of Nebraska, SUVCW. He was a charter member when the Department was reestablished in 2000 and has held various positions throughout the years, such as Camp Secretary/Treasurer, Camp Commander, Camp Counsel, Dept. Secretary/Treasurer, Dept. Counsel, Dept. Commander, and many more. Merle has spent much time walking cemeteries recording Civil War veterans graves, taking photos, uploading data to the SUVCW National Graves Registration Database and cleaning headstones throughout the state. Thank You Merle for your dedication, support and hard work, it is much appreciated.
Michael Bondall Award (for promoting the memory of the Grand Army of the Republic): Mary Bergan
Thank You Mary, for your significant contribution to the furtherance of the memory of the Grand Army of the Republic within our State of Nebraska. For your dedication and research in locating the unmarked grave of Aaron Crouch which led to a headstone replacement on his grave in Wahoo, Nebraska.
George Schulz Award (for exceptional service to our order): Norm Weber
Thank You Norm, for your effort and leadership in placing the Last Soldier Medallions upon the Last Union Civil War Veterans buried in our Nebraska cemeteries.
Paul Vandervoort Award (Camp with most new members): Thayer Camp-at-Large
John Reese Award (Camp with highest percentage of new members): Thayer Camp-at-Large
Robert R. Livingston Award (Brother recruiting the most new members): Paul Hadley, and Norm Weber
Certificate of Commendation: Jeff Barnes, Guest Speaker