Alan “Al” Peterson is a life member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), having joined up in the Department of Rhode Island when he was just a boy. His mother was a 55 year member of the Auxiliary to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (ASUVCW), the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic (LGAR), and the Women’s Relief Corps (WRC). Al is also rightfully proud of his uncle who was a 71 year member of the SUVCW in Rhode Island.

Brother Peterson has served the Order in a variety of ways and at all levels of the organization. He served three terms as Department Commander of the Department of Rhode Island and is a Past Commander of the New England Regional Association, SUVCW. Al has served on numerous committees, including, but not limited to, the National Committee on Civil War Memorials, and also performed the duties of National GAR Highway Officer for five years. Al is also a Past Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Order.

Al has been associated with the Eagle Scout Certificate Program from its very inception, being the author of the Certificate itself, and having served as the Eagle Scout Certificate Coordinator of the New England Regional Association.

He has also submitted a number of important resolutions to National Encampments, including a resolution to have the job specifications for each office posted on the National website, and another to have the burial services for late Brothers included in the SUVCW Ritual book.

In April 2000 Al moved from New England to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he became the organizer and a charter member of the William B. Keith Camp No. 12. He is a Past Camp Commander and currently (2015) serving as Camp Secretary-Treasurer, Newsletter Editor, and Chairman of the Camp’s Memorial Day Services Committee. He also serves the Camp by sending out letters of thanks to homes and businesses that are observed flying the American Flag. At the National level, Al is the Chairman of the National Restore Memorial Day Committee. His wife, Charlene, is also a member of the Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

Al Peterson derives his membership from his ancestor Rufus Miller of Providence, Rhode Island. On February 22, 1862, Miller enlisted and was mustered in as a Private in Battery M, 3rd Rhode Island Heavy Artillery. He was wounded August 30, 1863 at Morris Island, South Carolina and remained hospitalized until he was discharged for disability nearly a year later on August 1, 1864.