State of FINCOM June 2014

This month’s SOR is a bit wordy, but I wanted to tell you about Henry Alfred Jackson, my great granddaddy and his three nephews.
My great granddaddy, Henry Alfred Jackson, and three of his nephews, Noah, Cornelius, and Bracey Jackson, were Confederate soldiers.  They served with the North Carolina 40th State Troops (Regiment), 3rd Artillery, Company B.  After enlisting and having local artillery training at Fort Hill in Beaufort County, NC, they were detailed to Fort Fisher near Wilmington, NC.  The Federals decided that they wanted to take the town of Wilmington, NC and the only way they could do that was to take Fort Fisher.  The first battle of Fort Fisher occurred during December 23–27, 1864.  Due to winter storms and Federal miscalculations, Fort Fisher held against the naval bombardment and assault.  Confederate losses amounted to five killed, fifty-six wounded, and six hundred captured, while the damage caused by the bombardment was quickly repaired.  On January 13–15, 1865, the Federals came back loaded for bear for the second battle.  They had 40 ships in three offensive lines, 16 ships in reserve and 4 divisions of naval landing parties of which one was the USMC.  After three days of battle, Fort Fisher finally surrendered.  Confederate soldiers started evacuating the fort and dispersing before they could be taken prisoner.  Henry Alfred was one of the evacuees and was later discharged from the Confederate Army on February 10, 1865 by reason of age.  At any time during these battles, if a stray bullet or naval shell had killed Henry Alfred, I would not be writing this report.  He came back home, married his second wife, and they had Henry Augustus, my granddaddy.

Bracey was wounded in the battle at Fort Anderson near Newbern, NC.  Noah and Cornelius were both wounded at the Battle of Bentonville which occurred after the Fort Fisher battles.  All made it back home safely.
Bracey Jackson died on or about January 22, 1902 at 65 years old.  The following is an excerpt from his eulogy that was given during his funeral by B. F. Sugg, a fellow solder. “In 1861 when the battle cry was sounded, he was among the first to respond to his county’s call, and joined Company B, Fortieth Regiment at Fort Hill this county.  Soon his Regiment was ordered to Fort Fisher.  All during the entire war he stood to the front and was never known to flinch from duty.  He, his brothers and Henry Jackson formed the first four in ranks and (Bracey) was right in conduct, brave in battle, loyal to every trust and held in the highest esteem by all who came in contact with him.”

Over 116,516 soldiers died during World War I, 405,399 during World War II, 35,516 during the Korean War, 58,209 during the Vietnam War, 258 during the Persian Gulf War, 4,804 during the Iraq War and 3,441 so far during the Afghanistan War.  Also there was the Revolutionary War, the French and Indian War, the War of 1812, the American Civil War and many more not listed.  These are the guys and gals we should be thanking for keeping our country free during this past Memorial day.
Having said the above, I believe it is much better to thank a present day US war veteran for their service to our country while they are alive than to wait and honor them after they have passed away.  If I see any veteran of any US war, I always thank him on the spot for his service.  You should be doing the same thing.

As stated in my last SOR, the SFMC Quartermaster PayPal account is back up and running.  Please order at will.
The General Staff debated on a new design for a 3 X 5 flag.  We have received a quote and the General Staff will have to decide on the new quote.
Linda is still working on new shoulder patches. The General Staff will have to determine how many to order.
The new design for the Aerospace wings was approved and ordered.  We expect delivery of those pins in the near future.  We will let you know when they arrive.

Opening balance for the month of May is – $4825.53
PayPal transfer -$207.36
PayPal transfer – $5.72 (order for April paid into SFI PayPal account [now reflected on actual bank statement for May)
Counter Credits – $144.67
USPS – QM postage – $85.28 includes postage for shipping SFMC items to R15 Summit
Pinpros – $485.00  – new Aerospace wings device, (has not yet arrived)
WalMart – $10.64 – envelopes for shipping quartermaster items.
Closing balance for the account was $4602.36
Scholarship interest $0.07 .  The current balance $2728.96

I have received no applications for the position of DCOFINCOM.  I do however have a person willing to take the position but I need a clarification of whether this person can hold a General Staff position while holding the SFMC position this person is in now.  I should have a clarification soon.
In Service

BGEN Barry Jackson
COFINCOM