N.J. Department Sons Of Union Veterans Of The Civil War Elects New Officers

By Dave Hann · Originally published October 2016 · p. 9

At the 133 Department Encampment of the New Jersey Department Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, the following Department Officers were installed. Commander: Fred Mossbrucker of Col. Francine Camp #7, Senior Vice Commander: Robert Meyer of Custer Camp# 17, Junior Vice Commander Gary DeSiver, Lincoln Camp #100 and Secretary/Treasurer Dr. David Martin PDC, also of Lincoln Camp #100. In his speech, Commander Mossbrucker said: “I can honestly tell you that I am humbled by your decision to bestow upon me the reigns of leadership one of the finest organizations I know and one of the best-kept secrets in the state. I look forward to working with you all in changing that status. As many of you may or may not know, I am a school teacher, a special education teacher. No matter what kind of flowery prose the politicians or politically motivated educators may wrap our profession in, the bottom line is, we teach the three R’s: Readin’, Ritin’, Rithmetic. In keeping with that train of thought, I’d like our job, the Sons of Union

Veterans, to be the three R’s as well. I would like our job to be one of Retention, Recruitment, Remembrance. Let us strive to keep the brothers we have today. Let us foster the feelings of fraternity, charity and loyalty that we are charged to practice and make them VERBS…words of ACTION…not just a salutation or closing of a letter or email. Let us work hard to increaser numbers and see if we can’t reach a goal of an increase of 10% two years from now. Pretty high? Maybe, but not impossible. Not when you consider who is in this room today. We can do it! I see potential for growth in this room! Finally, let us impress upon our newest brothers just how important remembrance is to us. As we approach the 150th anniversary of the Grand Army of the Republic, let us improve our communications within the individual camps and get more brethren participating in our activities. Let’s take the lead inner communities to keep green the memory of the GAR! Let’s pitch ideas to the leaders of our various towns and when we pitch our ideas, let’s not forget to add, …and how can I help?

I am excited to be where I am today, brothers! May GOD bless you, your camps and our Order. Thank you for your confidence!” The New Jersey Department was founded on November 12, 1882, and has 8 camps throughout the state. For more information about the New Jersey Department SUVCW you are invited to visit the Department’s website at