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Department Officers

99   dept. officers elected and appointed   with scinc
Leadership in Service 

The elected officers of the Department of Texas and Louisiana provide the leadership, guidance, and dedicated service essential to carrying forward the Department’s mission. These officers are elected by the membership at the Department’s Annual Encampments, ensuring that the Department remains accountable and responsive to the members and Camps it serves.

Each elected officer serves a one-year term, beginning at the conclusion of the Annual Encampment at which the election occurs and continuing until the conclusion of the following Annual Encampment. This annual process not only provides continuity of leadership but also creates opportunities for dedicated members to bring their knowledge, experience, enthusiasm, and talents to the service of the Department.

The Department also relies upon appointed officers who perform specialized duties essential to its success. Together, these officers support the Camps, encourage membership, preserve historical records, coordinate commemorative activities, promote patriotic education, and advance the principles and traditions inherited from the
Grand Army of the Republic.

The 2026–2027 Department officers represent this continuing commitment to service. Their collective responsibility is more than administration - it is stewardship. Through their leadership, they help preserve the memory of the Union veterans who defended the nation, strengthen today's Camps and membership, and ensure that the ideals of Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty continue to inspire future generations. The Department’s officers lead by serving - and through their service, keep the Union legacy alive.
 

2026-2027 Officers of the Department of Texas and Louisiana.

Elected Officers 

Commander
John C. Vander Meulen, PCC
Lea Camp #2

Sr. Vice Commander
Clifford F. 'Butch' Durham, PCC
Byrne Camp #1

Jr. Vice-Commander
David Rediger, PCC
Ellsworth Camp #18

Secretary
Michael L. Lance, PDC
Lea Camp #2

Treasurer
John E. Schneider, Sr., PDC
Ellsworth Camp #18

Council Member 1
Dr. Stevenson T. Holmes, PDC
Lea Camp #2

Council Member 2
Blair G. Rudy, PDC
Ord Camp #3

Council Member 3
Donald L. Gates, PDC
Byrne Camp #1 and Ellsworth Camp #18

Appointed Staff Officers 

Patriotic Instructor
Timothy M. Phillips, PDC
Byrne Camp #1

Chaplain
Stephen D. Schulze, PDC
Lea Camp #2

Historian
Michael L. Lance, PDC
Lea Camp #2

Eagle Scout / JROTC Coordinator
John E. Schneider, Sr., PDC
Ellsworth Camp #18

Civil War Memorials Officer
Charles W. Sprague, PDC
Ellsworth Camp #18

Graves Registration Officer
Terry T. Sutton
Lea Camp #2

G.A.R. Records Officer
Michael L. Lance, PDC
Lea Camp #2

Webmaster
Michael K. Schneider, PCC
Ellsworth Camp #18

Counselor
John E. Schneider, Sr., PDC
Ellsworth Camp #18

Signals Officer
John C. Vander Meulen, PCC
Lea Camp #2

Camp Organizer
Blair G. Rudy, PDC
Ord Camp #3

Registrar
Daniel B. Pourreau, CC
Lea Camp #2

Newsletter Editor
Michael L. Lance, PDC
Lea Camp #2

Assistant Secretary
Paul Ridenour
Ellsworth Camp #18

 

  FRATERNITY 

 CHARITY  

LOYALTY