A Skirmish in South Carolina
[Orangeburg, SC - December 12, 2002] - What may be the first face-to-face confrontation between Save the Sons of Confederate Veterans and an appointee of CIC Ron Wilson (see Confederate Veteran, Volume Six, 2002: Pages 2-3, "Report From the Commander-In-Chief") occurred at the monthly meeting of the Col. Olin M. Dantzler Camp #73 in Orangeburg, SC, tonight.
Compatriot Jack Marlar, a veteran reenactor and SCV member, gave an informative program on Civil War period artillery at the meeting. At the end of his presentation, "speaking not as a Field Representative but just as Jack Marlar", he commented concerning the strength of the SCV and stated that while there were disruptive elements within the SCV, the organization "has never been stronger."
Marlar went on to say that "if you want to learn the truth about what is going on in the SCV, go to www.scvleadership.org." (This is a website put up by Ron Wilson supporters to counter the Save the SCV movement.) Compatriot Walt Hilderman, of the DeArmond SCV Camp in Matthews, NC, and a Save the SCV organizer, was in the audience and immediately raised his hand. Hilderman addressed Dantzler Camp Commander Tim Abell saying, "If this meeting is going to turn political, I would like to have equal time." Commander Abell replied that he did not intend for it to be a political meeting. Hilderman then said, "Mr. Marlar has given out a website address and I would like to mention another website." The Camp commander stated, "Your request is denied."
Field Representative Marlar ended his remarks and the Camp meeting was adjourned shortly thereafter. Compatriot Hilderman left the building and put Save the SCV introductory letters on the windshield of every car in the parking lot. He then reentered the building and went to Mr. Marlar and stated that, "I did not want this to be political. I knew that you and I were going to disagree, but I felt that since you had mentioned a website address that I should have the same right." A spirited two minute exchange followed, witnessed by several Camp members, during which Mr. Marlar admitted that there are League of the South members within the leadership of the SCV who want to take over the organization. Hilderman stated that Save the SCV intended to keep these issues "on the front burner, in front of the membership and the public."
Click here for a related item in the Q&A section of our website