E-Mail Division Commander
John T. "Johnny" Neville
Division Commander
15229 Baltimore Road
DeWitt, VA 23840
Home: 804-478-5833
Cell: 804-212-8791
Sergeant Samuel Britton Blair of Pittsylvania County, Virginia enlisted August 28, 1861 with the 53rd Virginia Infantry Company G He was promoted to sergeant on May 6, 1862.
Johnny is a born and bred native Virginian with Virginia Gentlemen ideologies. He graduated from Dinwiddie High School in 1979. He originally joined the Old Brunswick Camp #512. After numerous conversations/dialog and meetings it was decided with all the rich and abundant history, Dinwiddie County needed a SCV Camp, thus in 2012 The Dinwiddie Grays Camp #2220 was chartered, where Johnny has served as Commander since their inception. He is a life member of the Virginia Division and a life member of the National Sons of Confederate Veterans. Johnny and his wife Mercedees have five daughters between them, five grandboys, five granddaughters, and are also a devout Christian family and members of Hawkins Memorial Presbyterian Church of which Johnny is an Elder of the Church.
I Love the South and I am proud to be a Southerner. I am proud of the culture, grace and elegance of the Old South, of our heritage of courage, honor, chivalry, respect for womanhood, patriotism, and of duty to God and country. I love the Confederate Flag and "Dixie" as stirring symbols of my heritage. I take pride in the earlier leading role the Old South played in the Revolutionary War, the drafting of the Constitution and the founding of the United States. I love the "Star Spangled Banner" and the Flag of the United States!
I intend to defend my family's honor and remember the sacrifice of my Great Great Grandfather, Samuel Britain Blair, Sargent in the Confederate Army, and many others because most of our school books, movies, television programs and press falsely portray Southerners as rebels and traitors who fought to preserve slavery, misleading our children and millions of Americans ignorant of history. Since my family fought for the Confederacy, they thereby falsely malign my family and me. I belong to the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a respected, non-partisan, patriotic organization dedicated to preserving our Southern Heritage for ourselves, our children, and our children's children, and to seeing that the history of the Confederate States of America and the war fought in its defense, is truthfully recorded.
I should also add that my membership is a pleasure because through the programs at SCV meetings I have become much better informed about the most fascinating War in our history, and through SCV social activities I have made many warm friendships, both locally and abroad.
Alfred J. "Fred" Chiesa
Lieutenant Commander
1732 Haden Martin Road
Palmyra, VA 22963-5192
Cell: 434-221-0984
E-Mail Lieutenant Commander
Private James Burkett of Tazewell County, Virginia enlisted February 1, 1863 with Captain Caldwell, but was assigned to Captain William E. Perry of the 16th Virginia Cavalry Company I
Fred Chiesa is a native of Newport News and has been a very active member in several area Civil War Associations. A member of the Portsmouth Civil War Round Table and Stars and Bars Order, Fred is instrumental in the efforts of the Jefferson Davis Committee and has also served three times as the 1st Lt. Commander, and as Commander of SCV Stonewall Camp 380. His father, Aldo Chiesa, was a founding member of the North South Skirmish Association, and Fred attended most of the Civil War Centennial Celebrations. An author of several local Civil War articles, Fred has become an acclaimed speaker on a wide range of topics including the Jefferson Davis Monument in Richmond, the Confederate Monument in Portsmouth, the Grand Camp of Virginia with the Early Virginia Sons of Confederate Camp, Confederate currency, as well as Confederate stamps. Fred Chiesa has worked for the Department of Defense for 36 years. He currently retired and lives in Fluvanna County with his wife Ginger Chiesa; they have three children and seven grand children. Fred has also spent 8 years as a lead umpire with the Virginia District 7 Little League Association and a former member of Boy Scout Troop 143 and Christ Methodist Church.
James D. "Jimmy" Easter
2nd Lieutenant Commander
15600 Maranatha Ave
Chester, VA. 23836
Phone: 804-895-0050
My family's been in the great state of Virginia since 1632. I was born in Petersburg and have lived in the Tri City area my entire life. I graduated from Colonial Heights High School in 1982. I currently live in Chester with wife Lynda. Together we have 3 children and 3 grand children.
I am a Plant Manager for PreCon Inc. where I have worked for 25 years. I joined the Son's of Confederate Veterans A.P. Hill Camp #167 in 2010. I am in my 3rd two year term as the Commander of this great camp. A proud great great grandson of Private Christian Easter of the 29th Virginia Infrantry. One of eight Easter brothers that fought in the War for Southern Independence.
It is my duty, to do my best, to keep the memory of our Confederate heros alive.
E-Mail 2nd Lieutenant Commander
E-Mail Division Adjutant
William T. "Ted" Crockett
Division Adjutant
188 Melody Lane
Lynchburg, VA. 24504
Phone: 434-993-3099
Addicus Chamberlain Crockett enlisted at the age of 15 as a private in Company I, 32 Infantry Regiment Virginia on May 27, 1861. After the Battle of Cold Labor he became sick with "The Fever" and died on September 8, 1864 Richmond, VA.
I was born in Norfolk but grew up in York County. I retired from the Amoco oil refinery after 28 years as a process operator. After retirement I attended American Sign Language classes at Gallaudet University in Washington D. C. and worked in the Newport News and Norfolk public school systems interpreting classes for various deaf students. I held this position for 5 years till my wife, Sharon, retired from NASA.
After Sharon retired we moved to Rustburg in Campbell County. I joined the SCV after moving and I have been very active in various SCV and other Confederate functions ever since. I am a charter member of the Pvt. Napoleon Bonaparte Ponton camp #2179 in Nelson County.
I am very proud that I have Confederate ancestors who served in every Confederate branch of the military except the Marines. They served in the infantry, cavalry, artillery, navy and the Georgia Militia.
I also enjoy re-enacting with a Confederate artillery unit.
Sharon and I have two children, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
E-Mail Division Treasurer
William J. "Bill" Graham, III
Division Treasurer
P.O. Box 605
Orange, VA 22960
Home: 540-672-4816
Dr. Ausbert George Lewis VanLear of Augusta County, Virginia enlisted March 15, 1862 as a private with 5th Virginia Infantry Company F (West View Infantry part of the Stonewall Brigade) Wounded at Chancellorsville May 2, 1863, and his leg was amputated. He went on to become a physician and dentist after the war.
Bill is from Augusta County, Virginia, but grew up in Fauquier County. After graduating from Roanoke College in 1969, he worked in manufacturing for three years before joining the Virginia Department of Taxation as a field agent. Bill eventually became an auditor and spent thirty eight years with the Tax Department before retiring in 2010. Along the way he learned to play the five-string banjo and in his spare time built banjos, gave lessons, and played in a bluegrass band. He is married to Nancy Napier of Albemarle County. In 1989, Bill joined SCV with the Trevilian Station Camp in Louisa. Two years later the Kemper-Fry-Strother camp was formed in Madison, VA, and he transferred there and has served as Commander for five years, in addition to being First and Second Lt. Commander several times, and Newsletter Editor for twelve years. In 2011 Bill was elected to the position of Fourth Brigade Commander, holding that position until becoming Division Treasurer in January 2015. In his spare time he served as Major in the Third Regiment, Army of Northern Virginia Reenactors, but recently retired from that position. Bill has been a reenactor since 1988. In July 2016, Bill was again elected to the position of Commander of the Kemper-Fry-Strother Camp #19 in Madison.
Benjamin Barrett (Ben)
Division Quartermaster
1770 Gosee Road
Carson, VA 23830
Home: 434-430-0042
Benjamin Barrett is a native of the Petersburg area, raised primarily in Prince George County where he graduated high school. He discovered his passion for southern history at a young age of 16. Benjamin started reading about the American Civil War after discovering he was a descendant of several Confederate soldiers, which would lead him to eventually join the Sons of Confederate Veterans A.P. Hill Camp 167. He is also a Confederate re-enactor in the 12th Virginia Infantry and a relic hunter. Benjamin has also been a career first responder since 2015. He is excited to honor his ancestors in his new position and looks forward to helping the Virginia Division as Quartermaster.
E-Mail Division Inspector
James R. Shirley, Jr. (Bob)
Division Inspector
608 Copper Kettle Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23464-1923
Phone: 757-424-4590
Born in Portsmouth, Virginia. and raised in Norfolk County. Bob attended the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary and the VPI School of Engineering. He worked 3 years in the civil engineering dept. during construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. He joined the U. S. Air Force and served from 1964-1968 during Viet Nam, first in Ground Communications and then in Airborne Communications with the Tactical Air Command. After the A.F. tour of duty, Bob spent 30 years with the DOD, U.S. Navy as a aviation electronics technician. After retiring from the Department of Defense He worked as a civilian contractor in Avionics at Oceana NAS. Now retired, Bob is a "Gentleman Farmer" with a farm, Walnut Grove Farm, in Halifax County Va. Bob is Currently Commander of the Norfolk County Grays Camp 1549 in Chesapeake Va. and is a member of the Princess Anne County Partisan Rangers Honor Guard, associate member of the Stonewall Camp 380 in Portsmouth, Va. and Life Member of the Virginia Division. He has been married to his wife Diane for 34 years and has 2 daughters: Kim, Oak Hill Florida and Kristy, Virginia Beach., Va.
Pastor John Collins
Division Chaplain
1384 Webster Road
Glade Hill, VA. 24092
Phone: 540-493-9868
E-Mail Division Chaplain
I have been a licensed and ordained pastor in the Church of the Brethren for over twenty-two years. I pastored Pulaski First Church for ten and a half years (from August 1st of 1995 till January 31st of 2006). I am in my twelfth year at Rocky Mount First Church (February 1st of 2006 until present). My education tract includes an Associate’s Degree in Education from New River Community College in Dublin, VA and a Bachelor’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry from L.I.F.E. Bible College East in Christiansburg, VA.
As far as my involvement in the SCV, it is much more limited. I have been a member of Fincastle Rifles Camp No. 1326 since September 12, 2014 and have served as their chaplain since January 1, 2015. My Confederate ancestry include: Private Richard Abram Puckett, Private James Jackson Collins, Private George Washington Mitchell Jr., and Private John D. Hall.
As I count my role in the Church as pastor, as my calling to defend the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Christian walk of life in this world today. I would also count my role as Virginia State Chaplain, as my calling to defend southern heritage and the southern way of life in the world today.
Travis Toombs
Division Archivist
20402 Templeton Road
Carson, VA. 23830
Phone: 804-720-3647
Bio will be posted as soon as it is available
E-Mail Division Archivist
B. Frank Earnest
Division Chief Heritage
Defense Coordinator
945 Banyan Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Home: 757-474-0624
Cell: 757-652-1861
Captain Eusebius Fowlkes, company A 11th Virginia Infantry (The Preston Guard) killed May 31, 1862 while leading his company at the Battle of Seven Pines.
Born in Norfolk, Virginia and currently residing in Virginia Beach with his wife Billie, who is a UDC member and strong supporter of our Southern Heritage. A Navy Veteran with over 20 years of service during conflicts from Vietnam to Desert Storm. He has been recognized by the UDC for his service and also awarded one of their highest honors, the President Jefferson Davis Medal. Beginning as the Charter Chaplain of the Norfolk County Grays Camp of Chesapeake, Virginia, he has held office continuously for 25 years at the Camp, Division, and Army levels. In 2001, he and his wife organized the 50th Anniversary of the Last Confederate Veteran Reunion. He has attended all major events including, the Flag Rally in Columbia, S.C., the funeral of Mrs. Alberta Martin (The Last Confederate Widow), the burial of the CSS Hunley Crew, and several 200th birthday celebrations honoring General Robert E. Lee. Served in the position of Virginia Division Commander during 2006-2008 and was then elected to the position of the Army of Northern Virginia Commander for a four year term. He brings his experience as International Chief of Heritage Defense to this position as Virginia Division Heritage Defense Coordinator.
Anthony M. Griffin (Tony)
Past Division Commander
111 Berryman Court
Smithfield, VA 23430
Home: 757-357-9238
Cell: 757-617-9985
Private Charles H. Sweeney was born November 5, 1837, in what was then Buckingham County. He followed his brother Robert and cousin Sam Sweeney into the 2nd VA Cavalry Company H. the Appomattox Rangers. He enlisted at Appomattox Court House, 10 March, 1862. Charles was wounded in the shoulder at 2nd Manassas in a charge by the 2nd VA on a Yankee Calvary brigade on 30 August, 1862 and was absent wounded July through December, 1862.
He was present March - April, 1863 and then was sent off sick from Williamsport, Maryland (with measles), July - August, 1863. He was ordered transferred to Shoemaker's Battery of Stuart's Horse Artillery, 2 June, 1863. He spent the rest of the war with this battery fighting in the Valley Campaign of 1864 and then was paroled at Appomattox Court House.
Tony is a native Floridian. He has lived in Virginia since he was stationed here in 1983 in the US Navy. He joined the Stonewall Camp #380 in Portsmouth in 1993 and helped charter the Tom Smith Camp #1702 in Suffolk in 1995. He has been a member of the Isle of Wight Avengers Camp #14 in Smithfield since 2007. He is a Life Member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Life Member of the Virginia Division, Past Division Adjutant and Past Division Lt. Commander. He is currently in his fourth two year term as Commander of Camp #14. Tony is married to Annette and has three sons that are also members of Camp #14.
L. Tracy Clary
Past Division Commander
389 Fleshood Lane
Lawrenceville, VA 23868
Cell: 434-774-4341
Tracy is an eleventh generation Virginian and has lived his entire life in Brunswick County. He has made his career in the insurance and financial services business for the past 16 years. He is an avid historian and has received many accolades for his work in recording and preserving cemeteries in Brunswick County. Tracy joined the SCV in 1998 as a member of the Armistead – Hill – Goode Camp #749 in neighboring Mecklenburg County, VA. Two years later, in 2000, Tracy was instrumental in reviving the old Brunswick Camp #512 in his home county. In April of 2000, The Old Brunswick Camp received its new charter, with Tracy serving as the charter Commander. Since that time, he has served his Camp as Commander, Adjutant/Treasurer, and was the Camp’s newsletter editor for 8 years.
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