Memorial Day 2025
REPORT and PICTURES FROM 2025 DEPARTMENT ENCAMPMENT
The 31st Annual Department of Texas and Louisiana Encampment on May 10, 2025 in Houston was a big success. We were so pleased to be joined by Commander in Chief Kevin Martin and National Auxiliary President Rosemary Martin as our guests of honor. Congratulations to newly-elected Department Commander Brook Thomas, DSVC John Vander Meulen, DJVC Butch Durham, and to all of the 2025-2026 officers.
Highlights for Camp 2 included the Camp Brother of the Year Award for SVC Herbert Powers and the Department Achievement Award, presented by Department Commander Timothy Phillips to our very own Secretary/Treasurer, PDC Stephen Schulze.
Now it is on to August when we meet again in Houston for the 144th Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War National Encampment.
Huzzah!
Back Row – PDC Michael Lance, Robert Riley, PDC Stevenson Holmes, Bill Myers, Brian Glass, Butch Durham, PDC John Schneider, Sr., Terry Sutton, PDC Don Gates, PDC Stephen Schulze, Jason Kyle, Michael Schneider, Daniel Pourreau, Charles Reed, PDC Beau Moore, Bill Elliot, Herb Powers, Todd Wilber, Jason Hoffman, Michael Rappe, Todd Williams, Harold Sickler, PDC Blair Rudy Not Pictured – Paul Ridenour
OPENING
REPORTS
DISPLAYS
AWARDS
OFFICER INSTALLATION and CLOSING
FRATERNITY – CHARITY – LOYALTY
RECEPTION PICTURES
Pictures from the C-in-C Reception held on May 9, 2025 at the home of Camp Commander Daniel and his lovely wife Dianne Pourreau. Good times had by one and all!
Seated – National Auxiliary President Rosemary Martin, Commander in Chief Kevin Martin, Jill Schneider
Commander in Chief Martin arrives for Department Encampment
It was a beautiful spring day in Houston for the arrival of Commander in Chief Kevin Martin and National Auxiliary President Rosemary Martin. They were greeted by Department Commander Phillips and Department JVC Vander Meulen and then headed out to the ship channel in LaPorte for a tour of the San Jacinto Monument, conducted by Camp 2 SVC Herbert Powers.
Welcome to Houston!!
2025 Heights High School JROTC Ball
Camp Commander Pourreau attended the Heights High School JROTC Ball on April 14 and awarded the SUVCW certificate and medal to cadet and Battalion XO Scarlet Alcocer.
144th National Encampment Invitation
Click here to register for the 2025 National Encampment.
We look forward to seeing you in Houston!
Treue Der Union
March 2025 Newsletter
The latest issue of our Camp newsletter, The Harriet Lane, is available for your reading pleasure.
144th National Encampment Fund Raisers
Challenge Coins ~ Polo Shirts ~ Badges ~ T-Shirts
National Encampment 2025 gear is available and ready to order.
CLICK HERE to head over to the Department website and check it out!
Fraternity – Charity – Loyalty
Conroe Founder’s Day 2025
Camp 2 was invited to participate in Conroe Founder’s Day on March 15 in Conroe, TX, an annual event held in memory of Union Civil War veteran and city founder Captain Isaac Conroe, 12th IL Cavalry. City Council member Shana Arthur gave us a glowing introduction and read the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Day proclamation from Mayor Duke Coon. PCC John Vander Meulen addressed the gathering and spoke about the importance of honoring our history. As the ceremony drew to a close the Camp 2 Honor Guard fired an impeccable 3-round volley followed by the playing of taps.
The Organizing Committee presented Camp 2 with a letter and generous donation acknowledging our first-time participation, for which we are very grateful. Unfortunately our video cameras malfunctioned (everyone had AV problems) and we did not have a photographer, so all we have is the audio of Brother Vander Meulen’s remarks and this one picture to commemorate what a truly great event it was.
The Honor Guard was led by Captain Robert Riley and Drummer William Myers. The firing party included CC Daniel Pourreau, PDC Michael Lance, Michael Rappe and JVC Jason Hoffman.
2025 Department Encampment
31st Annual Department Encampment
May 9-10, 2025
Houston, TX
AGENDA
Friday, May 9
6:00 PM – Reception for Commander-in-Chief Kevin Martin and Rosemary Martin, National President, Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Location – Summerwood in NE Houston
Saturday, May 10
8:00 AM – Setup at Holy Cross Church
11:00 AM – À la carte luncheon at Goode Company BBQ
- 8911 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024
- CLICK HERE for a map
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM – Department Encampment
- Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7901 Westview Drive, Houston TX, 77055
- CLICK HERE for a map
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
This year members will have the opportunity to register and pay electronically.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION !!
The reception on Friday evening promises to be a lively event. All Encampment participants, guests and members of the Allied Orders are welcome.
Camp Commanders, bring your Camp flag and stand as well as your Camp Charter and display easel.
Questions should be directed to Dept. Secretary Don Gates or Dept. JVC John Vander Meulen
LODGING
Courtyard by Marriot, Houston Northeast at 120 N Redemption Square Rd, Houston, TX 77044 is 2 miles from the reception on Friday and 30 miles from the Encampment location.
If you prefer to stay closer to the events on Saturday a Google search shows both these hotels within 1 mile of Holy Cross Lutheran Church where the Encampment will be held.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Houston, located off Interstate 10 at 7625 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024.
Crowne Plaza Houston Galleria, located off interstate 10 at 7611 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024.
We look forward to seeing you in Houston!
