Awards

Governor John Albion Andrew Award for Individual Recruiting

This award will be presented to the Brother who recruits the most new Brothers in one year defined as the period of time between Department Encampments. If there is a tie between Brothers, each of the Brothers will be presented the award. In addition to the award recognition, the awardee will also receive a one-year print and online subscription to “The Civil War Monitor” magazine.

Governor John Albion Andrew. Except from the Biography of Governor Andrew at the National Park Service Website https://www.nps.gov/people/john-albion-andrew.htm

According to his obituary, "At a period when the State required its wisest and best man at the head of the Government, John A. Andrew was selected." Known as the "great War Governor" John Albion Andrew's leadership during the Civil War and commitment to anti-slavery in his legal and political career earned him widespread admiration and respect. Andrew led the efforts to enlist African American men as soldiers and organized the famous 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. As a friend and champion of "the poor, the wretched, the sick, even the vile," Andrew's earnest and sympathetic character proved to be his strongest asset.

Despite his limited experience in politics, Andrew ran as the Republican nominee for the seat of Governor and won the 1860 election. Sensing a war on the horizon, Andrew made it a priority to prepare the state for war. As a result, Massachusetts became one of the first states to answer President Lincoln's call for troops to defend Washington, DC at the outbreak of the Civil War. He also organized one of the first African American regiments in the North, the 54th Massachusetts whose actions at Fort Wagner helped inspire the enlistment of roughly 180,000 African American men in the Union Army. His leadership proved popular with the people of Massachusetts as he won the following annual reelections for his position.

After the Civil War, Andrew chose not to run for reelection and returned to his legal practice. He continued to advocate for social causes until his death in 1867. Buried in Hingham Cemetery, the Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Memorial located across the street from the State House in Boston stands as a testament to the long-lasting legacy of Andrew's achievements.

PDC Stuart H. Chambers Award for Camp Recruiting

This Award is named in honor of past Department Commander Stuart H. “Chip” Chambers passed away while in office serving as Department Commander. After taking office as Department Commander, Chip challenged all Brothers to recruit one new member. This award will be given to the Camps that report a net positive gain in members over the previous year defined as more gains than losses from the previous year as reported on Form 27. The award will be a special flag streamer that can be flown from the Camp’s colors.

Stuart H. Chambers (October 9, 1946 - February 3, 2021). Stuart “Chip” Chambers passed away 3 February 2021 of COVID 19 related health problems at his home in Framingham, MA. At the time of his passing, Chip was serving as the Commander of the Department of Massachusetts SUVCW. Chip, a US Navy Veteran, beloved husband and father, was a mentor to many in the SUVCW and devoted many years of service to the order. A musician, Chip played the banjo in the “Shades of Gray” a Civil War Era Camp Band. His good humor, quick wit and positive attitude was infectious and chip was well loved and highly regarded by all who knew him.

Roger L. Olsen Award for Most Outstanding Brother of the Order for the Year

The Roger L. Olsen Award is given by the Department Commander to the Most Outstanding Brother of the Order for the Year. The award was created in 2005 to honor Roger L. Olsen’s life of service, leadership and excellence.

Roger served as Department Commander of the Sons of Unions Veterans of the Civil War for both the Department of Connecticut and Department of Massachusetts. He was an avid Civil War reenactor and was an extra in the civil war movie Glory. Roger devoted many hours as a volunteer, not only with the SUVCW but also with the Red Cross. He also taught NRA gun safety courses to the public as well as to police departments throughout Connecticut for over 20 years. In 2001, Roger received a public service award by the Connecticut Secretary of State for 25 years of service to the Town of Enfield. He has also received numerous awards and commendations from the Red Cross for his 50 years of volunteer service. Roger served in the US Army as a medic during the Korean War.

Past recipients of this award include:

2024 John Wilder
2023 Matty Sargent
2022 Roderick Fraser
2021 Kevin Tucker
2020 Dan Murray
2019 Roderick Fraser
2016 Kevin Tucker
2015 Kevin Tucker
2010 Edward Norris
2007 Edward Norris