Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
Richard C. Schlenker
Commander-in-Chief 1982 / 1983

Richard Schlenker

Brother Schlenker has distinguished himself by service to the Order for more than 30 years. A proud son of a member of the Sons of Union Veterans, he joined the Order in 1974 to carry on the work so nobly begun by his ancestor, Daniel B Schlenker, Co G, 167th Pennsylvania Militia, who served in the defense of the constitution and the Union, 1861-1865. Comrade Schlenker’s service in the European Theater of Operations in World War II culminated at the Battle of the Ardennes, the major battle for final victory on the western front.

CITATION honoring the service of Commander-in-Chief Schlenker that was presented to him at the Department Encampment held in Manassas, Virginia in April, 2004:

The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War to
Richard C. Schlenker
for a lifetime of service to his community and to the SUVCW.

Brother Schlenker served at a critical time in the rebirth of the Lincoln-Cushing Camp No. 2 of this department and served in all officer capacities of the camp. His service as Camp Commander led him to positions of influence and responsibility in the Maryland Department becoming Department Commander from 1977-79. The rebuilding of the National Organization of the SUVCW called next directing Comrade Schlenkers attention and services to positions of National prominence culminating in his election as Commander in Chief, SUVCW in 1982 at the 102nd annual encampment at Portland, ME. Continuing his national service, Brother Schlenker served from 1989 through 1990 as Commanding General of the Sons of Veterans Reserve.

His continued, selfless and devoted leadership was a critical element in the rebuilding of this great Order. From his service and inspiration, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War enjoyed a new birth of patriotic zeal and dedication to our founding duty “to keep green in our minds the memory of those who sacrificed so much that the life of the nation might be preserved.”

The Maryland Department offers this small token of appreciation and comradeship to Richard C Schlenker in recognition of his dedication, leadership and embodiment of the principals of the Order on this 24th Day of April in the 2004th year of our Lord and the 123rd of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

Richard Carl Schlenker was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War at the 101st National Encampment held in Providence, Rhode Island, August 15 - 18, 1982. Afterwards, he served as the Order's Washington D.C. Liaison until 2002, when he was granted emeritus status. He also served as Public Information Officer and Commanding General of the SVR. In 1995, he completed an extensive review of Past National Encampment proceedings and published a collection of notations on each.

He was a veteran of World War II and active in the Wheaton, Maryland Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion.

He joined the Order by descent from Private Daniel B. Schlenker, Company G, 167th Pennsylvania Regiment, and later member of Hermany Grand Army of the Republic Post #606, Pennsylvania Department, of Steinsville, Pennsylvania.

He was active in the Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Revolution, Society of Colonial Wars, Descendants of Colonial Tavernkeepers and Society of the War of 1812.

Brother Schlenker was a strong believer in service to God and country. He was active in many community projects including a number of years leadership in the Boy Scouts of America. He also was an ordained Presbyterian Elder.

In 1946, he married Dorris R. Weidner and together they were proud parents of four daughters and two sons.

Dorris R. Schlenker was elected as the National President of the Auxiliary to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War at the same National Encampment. This was the second time in the 101-year history of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and its Auxiliary that a husband-wife team would served in the top National Offices.

PCinC Schlenker passed away on August 20, 2004.


August 1982 (updated August 2004 - KAP)


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