David "Butch" Chaltas serves as the Camp Commander. He served previously as the Lt. Commander. David is also the Chaplain of the Kentucky Division. He has authored many works, some of which you may view on our Presentations and Articles page, or purchase one of his publications in our Regimental Store. David is an ordained minister and is the creator of the Chaplains of the Confederacy where one may view his lessons. David serves his community as a teacher and is the director of a branch of the Letcher County High School.

David is known around the South as "The Old General", (and affectionately by this kinsman as "BobbyLee") as he appears often in the persona of General Robert E. Lee. Many can and do testify to his ability to portray this singular hero of the South, not only in appearance, but in demeanor.

There is not enough room on this page to even begin to laud all the accomplishments our humble Camp Commander. Let us suffice it to say that his brothers do appreciate his leadership and sacrifices for the Camp and for the Cause.

In closing, I submit to the reader David's own testimony:

Lesson 65: Why General Lee?

While at a recent dedication/memorial service I was asked the question. "Why General Lee? Why did you choose to portray him?" Well the simple truth of the matter is that I didn't choose to represent him. I was chosen! I was first introduced to the idea when we were dedicating a soldier's grave and I was in line as a private ready to obey the commands of, "Ready, aim, fire!" with no thought of anything else except honoring a man that had gone before. After the volley and taps was offered, I heard a lady talking on my right flank. I dared not look over in that direction for the dismissed command had not been given nor the benediction. "When is Lee going to speak?" I heard her say. That was confusing since I knew Lee was not amongst us. I wondered what she was talking about. After the dedication I heard that familiar voice beckoning in my direction and I turned to see her walking towards me. She said, "Sonny, why didn't you speak as General Lee". I explained that I was but a lowly private slow of tongue and was not worthy to speak for him. She looked at me with a glare that puzzled me and then from her mouth came a wonderment: "You have been given a gift of representing the Christian Lee and it is your duty to discover who you really are!" and simply turned and walked away. I must say I was quite taken back but her words haunted me.

A few weeks later I was yet at another location wearing my kepi and private's attire when a lady came up to me and said, "General Lee, will you honor us with some words?" I was quite embarrassed as I did not know what to say nor did I feel knowledgeable on the subject of Lee's Christian character. I declined the offer but felt poorly for my slowness of tongue and reluctant nature. But I thought to myself that I needed to prepare myself just in case this happened again and I started studying what turned out to be the fascinating life of Lee. Some time expired but a wonderful lady that I refer to as my second mom approached me. She matter-of-factly stated that she was having a reunion and that I was going to be the guest speaker in the form of a persona. Since I possessed his features I was to speak. Now this is the first dawning that I resembled the general! What could I say but yes and I began to panic before even leaving the room. I prayed for deliverance. "I am unworthy," I protested but yet a stronger voice persisted. I am slow of tongue," yet an inner voice said I shall give you the words. Well the night came, and to my horror there were over 200 people assembled and all of them were kin. Strangers I don't mind but kin! I spoke and within 30 seconds I noted that I had a stirring of the spirit that I had never experienced and found myself sharing not only the words of the general but also what I felt were the emotions that he possessed. My eyes filled with tears, my voice quivered and I spoke from a spirit that I will never fully comprehend. The crowd was mesmerized and I was in a state of shock. It was upon that night that I vowed that if I was to portray the man, I must become the man.

The more I studied the more I realized that God was doing for me what I could not do for myself. Moses had made his excuses but God persisted. Jonah had made his excuses but God persuaded. Sometimes the voice of God cannot be heard in our lives but must be felt and then we are to step out of faith in order to find the will of God in our lives. I am so humbled by the honor of representing the Christian man known as R E Lee and had it not been for a few ladies and gentlemen encouraging me I do not feel that I would this day be in the will of God. God works in mysterious ways. Won't you listen to that inner voice as He guides you? Won't you do His bidding even if you think you are not worthy? Whenever you follow God's will, the path will not always be smooth but when you stumble, you will have the touch of the Master's Hand in yours.

I am humbled by the honor of being your obedient servant in Christ, The Old General



Respectfully submitted by Cousin Mark