The honor guard for the Alexander H Stephens Camp was organized in Nov 12th, 1992 by Compatriot and Past Commander of Camp 78, Walter Stapleton. The members selected to portray the local wartime unit the Muckalee Guards which became Co A of the 12th Georgia Volunteer Infantry, Army of Northern Virginia. The Guard portrays a mid-war impression of this unit (1862-63), wearing a Richmond Depot II shell jacket for the privates, made of Richmond Gray wool, and a kepi trimmed in French blue. The jacket bears nine Georgia buttons. Officers and NCO's for the honor guard were elected on Dec 12, 1992.
Our primary mission is to assist the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Camp 78 with all Camp functions where a Confederate honor guard is needed.
The original members of the honor guard were: Capt. Walter Stapleton, 1st Lt. John Carroll, Sgt., Roger Griner, Cpl., Danny Ross, and Privates, Carl Gaffe', Mark Carter, Vann Powell and Rich Merrit. Joining later were Trey Smith, L.T. Curry, and Ray Williams.
The Honor Guard performed its first official function for the camp at the 1993 Confederate Memorial Day service. In June of 1993 the Guard had a Muster Day Celebration at the home of Walter Stapleton where the Guard was presented with its first colors and the Captain Stapleton was presented a sword from the men.
Two flags were presented to the Honor Guard in its early years. The first one was made of maroon colored silk trimmed with gold fringe, with a hand painted Georgia Seal on one side, and a motto "Liberty or Death" surrounded by 7 stars on the other. The second flag was based on the Confederate 1st National Pattern and had several Valley Campaign battle honors painted on it. While both of these flags were beautiful, neither of them were based on any documented evidence of the original Muckalee Guard flag, but flags that was representative of early war Company colors in general. Both of these flags at present have been retired from use. The Honor Guard now marches under a third issue, Battle Flag of the Army of Northern Virginia.
The honor guard has participated in living history presentations for various groups, memorials, headstone & monument dedications, re-enactments, color guards, and marched in parades.
The Honor Guards supports two main events of the camp each year. Those are the Annual Confederate Memorial Day service in April and the Annual Capt Henry Wirz Memorial service.
Several Guard members participated in the re-interment services for Capt. Ike Turner in Milledgeville Georgia in 1994. (see pictures) Before the War, Ike Turner lived in Sumter County with his parents when he was a child.
Several Guard members also participated in the 1997 re-interment & burial of Pvt. William T Overby in Newnan Ga. Overby was a member of Mosby's Rangers and was hung by order of Union Gen G. Custer when he refused to reveal the headquarters location of Colonel Mosby. His remains lay buried near where whe was executed for over 130 years when his body was brought home to Cowetta County by the SCV.
One of the more memorable events we participated in was the funeral and burial of the third crew of the CSS Hunley in Charleston in 2004. This was truly an event of a lifetime. We will never forget the funeral procession from Battery Park to Magnolia Cemetery. Those attending were Walter Stapleton, John Carroll, Beau Carroll, Andrew Carroll, Jimmy Whaley, Kyle Hendrickson, Carl Gaffe and LT Curry. Ladies attending were Debbie Smith and Beth Carroll
The Camp Honor Guard was contacted and requested to assist with the rededication of the Michigan Monument by the Michigan Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War at Andersonville National Park in 2004.
The Camp Honor Guard participated in the re-interment of a Confederate veteran and his wife near at Cairo, Georgia in November 2006. (see video)
The Camp honor guard has been called on to perform military funerals for several of our SCV Compatriots. This is a service which we take great honor in performing. Those members whom we have help to lay to rest are; Jack McCrary, Bobby Bradley, Ray Williams, Buford Waddell, Frank Pilcher and Carl Gaffe'.
We have also participated in the wedding of Guard member Jessie Wilson and his bride P.J. in 2008.
The Guard has participated in re-enactments at Olustee Florida, Selma Alabama, Franklin Tenn, Atlanta Georgia, Resacca Georgia, Natural Bridge Florida and Gettysburg Pennsylvania.
Current members are: Capt Walter Stapleton, Lt. John Carroll (bugler), Mark Carter (chaplain), LT Curry, David Greene, Trey Smith, Jon Kimbrough, Rick Hanley, Jessie Wilson, Jonathan McElroy, Lanier Harrison, Tommy Lawrence, MikeGurley, Dan Bray (Piper), Jeff Burcaw (drummer).
We encourage any SCV member who wants to join the Muckalee Guard to please consider doing so. I promise you will gain a more profound sense of pride in your heritage and a connection to your ancestor when you become a member and wear the Gray.