November 16, 2002

Gentlemen,

By now, I am sure many of you have heard that yesterday CIC Wilson attempted to relieve me as Commander of the Army of Northern Virginia. He had requested that I meet with him in Durham under the guise of discussing Radio Free Dixie, which I fully support and he does not

For those who may not be familiar with Radio Free Dixie, it is a "talk" radio program created by SCV members and is heard throughout South Carolina. Currently, plans are being made to expand it into North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia.

After explaining why he does not support the radio program, he then chastised me for "lobbying" for Radio Free Dixie with the General Executive Council and told me that when he first became a member of the Council, he did not act in that manner. I guess he was saying as "a new member of the Council," I should not lobby for programs that I support.

After discussing several other ANV personnel problems, he charged me with "leaking" information about what occurred during an executive session of the General Executive Council. When I told him that I did not "leak" any information but only discussed what was voted on in a public, open meeting, CIC Wilson then presented me with a letter relieving me as Commander of the ANV and a copy of a page from the SCV Constitution.

However, it appears that he had not read that page, because it clearly states that the notice must be sent "by registered mail." He made no mention that he was also sending a registered letter. Therefore, the suspension will not be effective until ten days after I receive his registered letter.

I am not hiding behind a technicality; however, I do believe those taking an oath to uphold the SCV Constitution should follow it themselves. Realizing it will only be a matter of time before he actually reads the SCV Constitution, I await his official letter and look forward to clearing my name in the actions which will follow.

In the mean time, I assure each of you that I did not "leak" any information. Even if it were true - which it is not - do you think the punishment fits the crime? Or is this just a ploy to remove one member from the General Executive Council who does not agree with the Commander In Chief in order to replace me with one of his "friends?" (The Constitution provides that the CIC replaces Army Commanders who are relieved.) Only time will tell.

With highest regards to all, I remain

Honoring Our Veterans.
Nothing More. Never Less.
Charles Hawks
Commander
Army of Northern Virginia

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