July is upon us, this the time when we honour our founding fathers, but they are rolling over in their graves following the attacks on the honourable Confederate Soldier, our history and our government. The politically correct want to rewrite history and make all who owned slaves or even lived in that time evil. They ask you to be diversified but they don’t recognize us as a people who are proud of OUR heritage, My folks did not own any slaves as many of your kin. George Washington our first President has schools and roads named after him, now being considered for renaming to Mohammad Ali, just because he was black? I believe we had many Black heroes and that should be recognized but not to replace a name because he lived 100 years ago. Gentlemen if we do not band together and start fighting we will have nothing left to fight for. Alabama passed a monument protection bill, but in Florida, this Occupation held territory, the bill has been tabled, I doubt it will ever see daylight, much the same as our gun rights. OK, I’ll step down from my soap box and let you get on to the “Florida Cracker.”

I pray ya’ll a safe journey as you enjoy summer.
PLEASE KEEP US INFORMED OF YOUR CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESS. John is trying to keep everyone’s address, up to date, so you can get the “Florida Cracker.” If you change ISP servers and don’t tell us, we cannot provide you with the current copy.

Thanks. God Bless ya’ll, love ya my brothers and sisters.

Keep the flag flying and support the SCV and the Mechanized Cavalry.

Enjoy another issue of the “Florida Cracker,” see ya’ll next month.

Editor’s Note: Many of you submit your photos to John directly, I keep an archive of the Cracker so please copy me with your pics and articles, as what goes in the Digital Copy is not saved and we lose many good articles that way, I also ask that you try to identify the event and names as best you can. Many times I see pictures of say, Ga. boys and I have no clue who they are or why unless they stand in front of a sign which ID’s the event. This newsletter is read by Cav members and SCV IHQ, and also non SCV members, so the more info the better, everyone likes to see their photo and name in print.

Just a few words, we are back from the Annual in Maggie Valley.

I would like to thank the Highlanders Crew for a good time. Many things were discussed at the meeting on Wednesday night and the state of the Mech. Cav. is good.

 We are growing every month across the country. Always good to see old friends and meet new members
 

IN LOVING MEMORY:
June 8, 2017
My mother (93 years old) died today, please pray that her soul rest in peace. Thanks.
John Polo
SCV Kirby Smith Camp
Overseas member
Cracker’s webmaster

Gentlemen we have the loving Memory section in the Cracker for many years, April we had Jim Davis, last month was, John Adams, but this is our brother and Web Master. Pray for John as he says good bye to his Mother and continues to be the best webmaster ever, if we were a camp we would win the National Newsletter competition at Reunion. Thank you John for your dedication and I pray God gives you the strength you need.

Florida Division Commander Donald Young
June 21,2017
All,
It is my sad duty to inform everyone that Cmdr. Young has suffered a stroke. He has been in the hospital for a few days and will remain there for a few more days.
Thank you,
Lee Ann Phillips for Commander Don C. Young
Cav brothers and sisters, Pray for Commander Young.

Passing

The Orphans have lost a Brother #611 Steve Cain he has been sick a long time . May he ride in peace.
CSA Rolo

Greetings Mec Cav brothers I would like to talk about the fight to keep out monuments and history alive. I believe God is on our side and that we should put on the full armor of God when we battle with the enemy. I also believe that we should pray for our enemies. That is pray that they come to their senses and turn from their evil ways. Let's not stoop to their hatred and violent actions because we are better than that. Our ancestors were men of faith and God fearing so let's follow their example and be the christians that they were. The bible says to love your neighbor as thyself and that means our enemies too. So keep up the fight and I pray for victory in our struggle, Amen.

  FFLORIDA

by Jimmy Edwards

Ed note: May 27, 2017 the Saturday before Jeff Davis’s birthday June 3.

Florida’s 3rd Battalion, Company D, Northeast area Mech-Cav members enjoyed another great annual weekend BBQ & Campout, hosted by Georgia Mech-Cav, Troop 4, at President Jefferson Davis’ Capture Site in Irwinville, Georgia. Departing early Saturday morning, May 27th, from Florida and lead by LT Joe Davis (Jacksonville), Mech-Cav members Tommy Whitcomb (St. Augustine), Ryan Cox (Gainesville), and Jimmy Edwards (Middleburg) followed along, as they made their journey to Irwinville, GA, stopping along the route to observe various Confederate historical sites. The weekend consisted of shared Mech-Cav brotherhood between Georgia and Florida members, awesome food, and a group ride, lead by Georgia CPT Tim “Trigger” Hawkins, to Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald, Georgia for Confederate gravesite flagging. Our return ride home on Sunday was also rewarding. (These Georgia boys know how to host a cookout. We thank you for inviting us and look forward to another yearly event.)

The below pictures pertain to a weekend BBQ & Campout done by FL/GA Mech-Cav members at Jefferson Davis' Capture Site. I'll describe the pics below and then send you another email with 6 additional pictures and a paragraph describing our weekend event.

Group photo GA/FL Mech-Cav members at Jefferson Davis' Capture Site in Irwinville, Georgia.

Beginning in the back row from left to right the names are: LT Robert "Road Dog" Ballard (GA), Herman Williams wearing cavalry hat (GA), Larry Daniels (GA), CPT Tim "Trigger" Hawkins (GA), Jarvis Ballard (GA), Wayne Scarborough (GA). Next row: Jackie Dillion (GA), Tommy Strom (GA), David Guest (GA), Corey Harrelson (GA), Ryan Cox (FL), Tommy Whitcomb (FL). Front row kneeling: LT Ken "Sarge" Arvin (GA), and Jimmy Edwards (FL).

Missing from photo: LT Joe Davis (Northeast Florida Boss).

Florida LT Joe Davis swearing in new Florida (northeast) member Tommy Whitcomb in front of the President Jefferson Davis' Capture Site monument. Tommy's SCV Camp is in St. Augustine.

Florida members LT Joe Davis and Tommy Whitcomb standing in front of the Jefferson Davis Capture Site marker with their Mech-Cav cuts.

 Georgia CPT Tim "Trigger" Hawkins (yellow shirt) swearing in all three new members in a pavilion at President Jefferson Davis' Capture Site. Three new members are L to R: Larry Daniels (GA), Ryan Cox (FL), and Tommy Whitcomb (FL).

GA/FL group ride to Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald, Georgia.

our Florida boys at the SCVMC 2017 annual in Maggie Valley, NC

front row from left to right: Frankie Marjenhoff and Jimmy Edwards. Back row: Florida State CPT David King, Larry Carpenter (both wearing Army cavalry hats), MAJ Johnny Strickland, and Jason Montes

Friday Night Cookout June 2, 2017
Reporter Greg Shell, Photos by Karon Shell

Tom Fyock, Charlie Hickman, Kay& I attended the cook out sponsored by the Mech. Cav. Great food, Great comrades!