Alan R. Loomis of Valparaiso, Indiana was elected Commander in Chief of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War at the 115th National Encampment, at Columbus, Ohio on August 11, 1996.

CinC Loomis has served the National Order in several capacities including Senior Vice Commander in Chief, Junior Vice Commander in Chief, Program and Policy Committee Chairman and National G.A.R. Highway Officer. In addition, he was the General Chairman of the 110th National Encampment held in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1991. When Brother Loomis served as the Junior Vice Commander in Chief, in cooperation with the Departments of Michigan and Wisconsin, he worked with local state legislators to name US 12 the "Iron Brigade Highway" by the Indiana legislature. Indiana was the first of the three stated to so name this highway. In addition, he raised $1,260 to fabricate an Indiana State Historical Marker commemorating "The Iron Brigade" which was dedicated July 1, 1995.

Brother Loomis served the Department of Indiana, SUVCW, three terms as Department Commander. He also served as Department Secretary-Trreasurer, member of the Department Council, Patriotic Instructor and as Department G.A.R. Highway Officer. In 1988, with the assistance of local state legislators and the Indiana Department of Transportation, G.A.R. Memorial Highway signs were placed at each intersection of US 6 and intersecting federal and state highways. In addition, between the fall of 1994 and spring of 1996, CinC Loomis organized Co. William Hardy Link Camp #12 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

CinC Loomis served tow terms as Camp Commander of David D. Porter Camp #116, SUVCW, Valparaiso, Indiana. In addition he served as Camp Secretary-Treasurer, Senior Vice Commander, Chairman of the Memorial Day Program and served on several committees that deal with camp projects.

CinC Loomis served as Commander of the Central Region Conference at Kokomo, Indiana in October of 1995. In addition he served as Senior Vice Commander, Junior Vice Commander, Patriotic Instructor, and served on several conference committees as a member or chairman. In 1990 he served as the site chairman of the Central Region Conference that was held in Chesterton, Indiana.

Brother Loomis traces his SUVCW eligibility to four Illinois veterans through his maternal ancestry. They include his great grandfathers James A. Latimer of Co. K, 39th Illinois Volunteer Infantry and John L. Barber of Co. L, 15th Illinois Cavalry. In addition, great granduncles Cicero and Alden Barber served in Co. K, 39th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Both lost their lives during the Bermuda One Hundred operation against Richmond, Virginia by the Army of the James under Major General Benjamin Butler. Additional footnotes to history includes the attendance by John L. Barber and presumably all of the Barber family at the first Lincoln-Douglas Debate in Ottawa, Illinois on August 21, 1858. Additionally the 39th Illinoois Volunteers were recognized and visited by President Lincoln when the Army of the Potomac was reviewed April 24, 1862. At the close of the war, James Latimer was the only ancestor still on active duty with the 39th Illinois, 24th Corps, which in conjunction with the 5th Corps blocked Lee's attempt to break out at Appomattox Court House.

CinC Loomis is a graduate of Ottawa High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree (1956) from Millikin University, Decatur Illinois. Additionally he reseived a Master of Science in Education degree from Northern Illinois University (1966) and a Master of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame (1971).

Brother Loomis is a retired Junior High Science Teacher with thirty five years experience. He is presently assistant Curator of the "Old Jaim Museum" in Valparaiso. He has served as Secretary of the Board of Directors and as Treasurer of the Historical Society of Porter County which operates the above mentioned museum. In addition, he organized and chaired the first committee that attempted to raise funds for restoring the G.A.R. "Memorial Opera House" in Valparaiso. He later served on the board of directors of the Memorial Opera House Fjoundation that eventually secured funds for the restoration. Brother Loomis is a member of Occidental Lodge #40 of the Masonic order in Ottawa, Illinois.

August, 1996