Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW)

Series of 2005-2006

Department Order No. 9

Headquarters Department of Maryland: April 21, 2006

The Commander of the Department of Maryland, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, takes pleasure in commending Colonel Andrew Martin Johnson for exceptionally meritorious lifetime achievement in service to his country, his community and to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

Brother Johnson has distinguished himself by loyal and dedicated service to this Order for many years. A proud descendent of a Union soldier, he joined the order to carry on the work so nobly advanced by his ancestor Wesley Bennett, Company A, 112th New York Volunteer Infantry. Private Bennett enlisted in September, 1862 and served in South Carolina, Florida and Virginia before he died of typhoid fever on October 26, 1864 while still in the service of his country.

Brother Johnson spent over thirty years with the United States Army as a civilian employee and as a member of the Army Reserve. He served on active duty during the Berlin Wall Crisis of 1961 and for two years in Viet Nam, 1967-1969. He retired as a Colonel in 1989 after completing 30 years of service. He has been very active in many patriotic, hereditary, civic, and veterans organizations, including the Sons of the American Revolution, the American Legion, the Society of the War of 1812, Our Saviour Lutheran Church, the Lions Club and many others.

As a member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, he has served in all elective offices at the Camp and Department levels. Brother Johnson was the Commander of the Department of Maryland, SUVCW, for the year 1993. He also served on the National Council of Administration for three years and in the Sons of Veterans Reserve attaining the rank of Colonel. After serving as Chief of Staff, National Junior and Senior Vice Commander he was elected to serve as the 112th Commander-in-Chief of the SUVCW for 1998-1999. His tour of duty as Commander-in-Chief was marked by outstanding progress in all areas under his leadership and direction.

He currently serves as the Order's Washington D.C. Representative and has recently participated as a member of a camp research team to compile and publish a listing of some Union veterans buried in the cemeteries of St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C.

At all levels, as both a member and an officer of the Order, he has continued to demonstrate the finest qualities of patriotism, leadership, managerial expertise, and concern for the well being and future development of the SUVCW. He is a friend and mentor to many other members of the SUVCW and his wise counsel is valued highly. His untiring efforts on behalf of his Camp, the Department of Maryland and the National Order have truly helped to "perpetuate the Memory of the grand Army of the Republic and of the men who saved the Union in 1861 to 1865..."

The Department of Maryland offers this small token of appreciation and comradeship to Andrew M. Johnson in recognition of his leadership, service and dedication to the principles of the Order on this 22nd Day of April in the 2006th Year of Our Lord and the 125th of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

In Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty,

James R. Hanby, Sr. Maryland Department Commander