Dear CofC Members,

Thank you for electing me as your President General. I am honored to be the third President General from the state of South Carolina. In the words of Mrs. Eva Long, I "have big shoes to fill," and I look forward to the opportunity to do my best as your President General.

Our Creed says "the Children of the Confederacy's strength, enthusiasm and love of justice can exert its influence." These are key and vital characteristics of this Organization. As President General, I would like to devote this year to Southern fun! Our Creed will come alive with greater strength, an all-time high in enthusiasm, and many opportunities to exert a greater influence in our families, in our communities, and in the CofC.

When you hear the song Dixie playing, how do you feel? I hope you feel some of the same things I do: enthusiasm, pride, honor, and patriotism. This year, I have chosen the theme of "Whistling Dixie" to encompass a year centered on the arts! I will ask our Historian General to focus our monthly historical programs on the arts. We will dive into the history of the War Between the States in music—like Dixie turning 150 years old in 2009—and in photography, poetry, architecture, and the culinary arts. Did you know that when coffee was scarce, the soldiers used acorns as a substitute?

I would like to thank the Virginia Division UDC and CofC for hosting a great 2008 General Convention. A big thank you to Mr. Will Myers, CofC Convention Chairman, and Mrs. Devin Miller, UDC Convention Chairman, for all their hard work. It was an awesome convention and filled with memories that will last a lifetime.

Last, but not least, a HUGE thanks to Mrs. Pam Trammell, Director General, for all her support and to my family for never letting me give up on my dreams.

I ask you to please join me this year as we bring the arts alive by "Whistling Dixie."