Organization to honor vets

Brownwood resident Carole Speck won the UDC's laptop giveaway.

The Southern Cross of Honor and Crosses of Military Service are considered to be the most prized awards conferred by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

These crosses are an outgrowth of the Southern Cross of Honor which was given to actual Confederate veterans, oldest living descendants of Confederate veterans and widows of Confederate veterans.

The UDC now bestows Crosses of Military Service to eligible servicemen and servicewomen who are lineal blood descendants of a Confederate soldier or sailor who rendered military service.

Vickie Knuth, president of the Texas Division of UDC, has chosen military service awards as her president's project.

The Colorado River Chapter United Daughters of the Confederacy is seeking active duty service members and retirees to honor their Confederate ancestors.

Branches of military recognized by the UDC are the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Merchant Marines.

UDC members can assist in obtaining proof of ancestors' service through a Confederate muster roll or a military record. Also required is the proposed recipient's record of service in World War I (April 5, 1917-Nov. 11, 1918); World War II (Dec. 8, 1941-Dec. 31, 1946); Korean War (June 27, 1950-Nov. 11, 1955); Vietnam conflict (July 6, 1964-March 28, 1973); or wars and conflicts since then, including Iraq. Medals also are awarded posthumously.

Bestowal ceremonies may be held at chapter meetings, the Annual Texas Division UDC Convention, the Annual General UDC Convention, Memorial Day ceremonies or other appropriate times. Awards are presented using ceremony recommendations listed in the UDC handbook.

The Colorado River Chapter UDC sponsored a fall fund-raising raffle to raise money for the project. A laptop computer was raffled, and chapter members sold tickets in Brown, Llano, Lampasas, San Saba and Mills counties.

They participated in booth sales at Heritage Day and Christmas on the Square in San Saba and the Hunter's Dinner in Goldthwaite.

Proceeds will be used to buy Military Service Crosses and lapel pins and for educational projects.

Winner of the raffle was Carole Speck of Brownwood. The drawing took place Dec. 8 in San Saba.