Candidate Announcement – Lauret for Lt. CiC, 2026
I, Charles E. Lauret (pronounced law-ray), am officially announcing my candidacy for the position of Lieutenant Commander in Chief of the Sons of Confederate Veterans at the 131st Annual Reunion which will be held next year in Lexington, Kentucky. I am excited at the prospect of serving you and the Charge on the SCV national level and at a time when the man in charge of recruiting and retention is so vitally important in the face of dwindling numbers. Stepping up to take charge in these times when many historical and genealogical organizations are suffering similar membership issues is no small task. I am eager and excited to take on this challenge. I am asking you to put my experience and knowledge to work toward this goal as your Lt. CiC. I feel confident that with the men and talent we have, that working together we can not only stop this trend, but grow instead.
I am married to my wife of 33 years, Amy and we have three grown children and two grandchildren. I am a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church and serve as Deputy Grand Knight in our Knights of Columbus Council. I am a Marine Corps Veteran, a retired law enforcement officer with over 28 years of service. I am an alumnus of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, having obtained a B.S. degree in Behavioral Science.
I have been a member of the SCV since 2000 and have since become a life member of both the SCV and the Louisiana Division. I originally joined as a member of the Bernard Eble HQ Camp in Louisiana and went straight to work helping to form the Gen. Alfred Mouton Camp #778 of Opelousas, La. Upon chartering, I served as 1st Lt. Commander and subsequently Commander, an office which I am currently acting in until elections in the fall. In addition to serving my Camp, I have also served the Louisiana Division. I have served as Commander of the Southwest Brigade, 1st Lt. Commander and then Commander 2008 to 2010. In 2010, I was appointed Chief Aide de Camp serving on CiC Givens’s staff. From 2012 to 2016, I served as Councilman and Commander of the Army of Trans Mississippi. From 2016 to 2020, I had the distinct honor and privilege to serve in the appointed position of National Chief of Staff for Commanders in Chief Tom Strain and Paul Gramling. I also served as Chief of Staff of the Louisiana Division from 2018 to 2022. I served again as ATM Councilman from 2022 to 2024. My previous service on the General Executive Council for ten years was enriching and provided me with vast experience in the operation of our organization. I am proud to say that during my tenures in all of the aforementioned positions, I have cultivated and always had positive working relationships with fellow GEC members and members across the Confederation.
In choosing to run, I want to bring to the table a positive solutions-based approach to challenges we face, develop plans to continue the making of a larger footprint in the digital landscape, improve upon the efforts that increase visibility and fundraising for the Southern Heritage Center and all of its facilities. I have some great ideas that I look forward to sharing with you in the coming months. Just remember, the Lt. CiC is one person and one person cannot and should not fight this fight alone. It’s going to take all of us and I want to be the man in that position to work with you and for you to capitalize on the promotional successes and programs we have seen over the last few years and to implement new and more successful ones.
If you want someone with the success of the SCV and its future in mind, someone with a proven resume of dedication to service on all levels and someone ever mindful that all we do is for the honor of our illustrious Ancestors, I ask for your support in electing me as Lt. Commander in Chief in 2026.
Website: www.LAURET4DIXIE.com
Contact: clauret.scv@gmail.com
