Re-Elect Larry McCluney 

Army of Tennessee Commander 2016

Growth! Unity! Progress!

Let’s address Growth:

• RECRUITING

 We are a 19th Century organization that is progressing into the 21st century by embracing new ideas and technologies. We need to continue this path if we are to be successful in recruiting younger members. The Army needs to continue exploring more ways of promoting and advertising the SCV. This has always been an issue for us and we must search out new ways that are productive and beneficial. We need to establish grassroots programs in our communities. Participate in community programs with other civic organizations that will promote us and thus create a new source of membership. We need to promote our organization in other fraternal groups or civic organizations that are like minded.

• RETENTION

 I feel as though retention is our largest obstacle to overcome, but has anyone ever asked a delinquent member why he has not renewed his dues? As Army Commander we have started to reach out to these old members and find out why they did not renew so that we can offer opportunities to bring these people back into the fold. New ideas of retaining members and bringing old members back are being explored on the army level.

 We have created a new member’s handbook that will help in retaining new members once they have joined us. Many times we have talked to new members and they have no idea of the history, hierarchy, and functions of the SCV. This is not excusable since it is each Camp’s duty to educate its members. Such a handbook will help in this indoctrination of new members to the SCV.

 SCV Headquarters has a system in place to collect dues in an orderly fashion - the MRS (membership renewal system). As Past Mississippi Division Commander, I supported and put into place this system which has benefited great rewards for our Division. It has enabled each division involved to gain lapsed members, as well as collecting funds for special projects. I endorse this system of collecting dues and as a result, since October of 2011, we have seen a significant growth in the SCV as our new memberships have increased old members have come back. It is my hope that ALL divisions within the Army of Tennessee have this system in place since it has proven itself as a huge fundraiser and a way to retain membership.

Let’s Discuss Unity:

• COMMUNICATION

 It is also not just important to educate our youth but we need to educate ourselves to prepare for coming battles through the use of social internet media. The Army of Tennessee is the largest army in terms of membership and in geographic area. Often Divisions in our Army feel left out because of our vastness. Thus, I want to continue our efforts to encourage our Army to use social internet media, update our websites, and continue to use other internet outlets to bring us closer together as a “Band of Brothers.”

• HERITAGE VIOLATIONS

 June 17th, 2015 was our Pearl Harbor, and we need to take this negative and continue to make it our positive. We have been put on the front side of American media and we should continue using this publicity to our advantage as more and more new members and potential members are flocking to our banner. We have seen a steady growth in our Army and it has pulled past delinquent members back into our folds. We should continue using this opportunity to get our message out and increase and unify our members under the charge given to us by our ancestors.

 We have composed a form letter that can be sent to any level of government, from anywhere in the army, regarding the attacks on our heritage. This letter is available to our membership. Nothing scares a politician more than knowing that they are being watched by their electorate. If we can reach these politicians , then we can stop most of these attacks.

 Let’s Discuss Progress:

• CONFEDERATE MUSEUM AT ELM SPRINGS

 I support the construction of the Confederate Museum at Elms Springs and the enhancement of our Headquarters. It should be a place that personifies the message we want to convey to the general public, to educate, and preserve the Cause that our ancestors fought and dies for. With my experience on the Combined Boards of Beauvoir overseeing the reconstruction of the house and now the building of the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library, I believe I can contribute to the building of the Confederate Museum.

• EDUCATION

 We must enhance our efforts in recruiting and educating our youth for they are the future of any organization. We currently have the Sam Davis Youth Camp in operation and it is doing an excellent job in educating those young people in attendance. I want to continue educating our young people so that they can be exposed to the TRUTH. We should enhance our efforts to work with youth programs such as the Boy Scouts of America, 4-H, and other organizations to expose young people to our organization. Let us remember, “The youth is our future.”

 We also need an Army scholarship program that will give the opportunity for our young people to further their education.

 We have a plan to reach out to our college students. These students have been indoctrinated with lies about their ancestors, their cause, and their symbols. Many of these students are tired of being told to be ashamed of their heritage. These students are looking for an organization whose goal is to preserve their heritage. This is where we need to step in. We have a plan to start small camps on college campuses to serve as a “SCV: 101”. The ultimate goal is to guide these young men to become active, productive and knowledgeable camp members for the future.

     In closing, I would like to thank you in advance for your consideration to re-elect me as your Army of Tennessee Commander. I feel that my experience over the past eight years as Historian-in-Chief, your Army Councilman, and as your Army Commander has given me the experience to lead our Army into the future. With Growth comes Unity, with Unity comes Progress!

Thank you and God Bless our Southland.