Wreaths Across America!
Author Archives: clarksvillecivilwar
December Holiday Party!
November Meeting!
Saturday, November 15, 2025
10:00 am
We will be meeting at the Montgomery County Republican Party Headquarters:
Montgomery County Republican Party
1817A Madison Street, Suite 1
(There is additional parking in back.)
If you plan to attend please RSVP to Corinthia Elder by noon on Thursday prior to the meeting so we know how many chairs we need. You can reach her at 931-624-0898 or email at cpelder70@gmail.com (Text is best, just be sure to tell her who you are in case she doesn’t recognize the number). Meeting starts at 10:00 but many people come early to socialize.
Please bring a canned or packaged food product to donate to our neighbors in need this month!
SPEAKER INFORMATION
Dean Wegner
Founder and CEO of Authentically American
Dean is the Founder & CEO of Authentically American, a Veteran owned, American made premium apparel brand that was founded in 2017. They are a company that celebrates patriotism, believes in the American worker, and honors our American heroes by intentionally donating 10% of profits to Veteran and First Responder charities.
A West Point graduate, Dean served 7 years as a helicopter pilot and Army Ranger. The majority of his business career was spent in business development, marketing, and strategy with Mars and
Procter & Gamble.
Dean and Authentically American are riding a wave of national media exposure having been featured in Forbes, Inc. Magazine, FOX News, MSNBC, Nasdaq, Newsmax TV, and SiriusXM Radio. In 2024, Authentically American was selected by the Small Business Administration (SBA) from 8000+ businesses in the state of Tennessee as the Veteran Owned Business of the Year.
Dean is happily married to his bride of 31 years and they have 4 children, with the youngest being adopted from Ethiopia. As a former Division I ice hockey player, Dean is highly competitive, possesses a tireless work ethic, and he still plays in a Men’s “Beer League” every week. Dean is active in his church and has served on the boards of many for-profit and non-profit companies and organizations.
October Meeting Notice
Our October Meeting will be Saturday, October 25, 2025, 10:00 am
We will be meeting at the Montgomery County Republican Party Headquarters:
Montgomery County Republican Party
1817A Madison Street, Suite 1
(There is additional parking in back.)
If you plan to attend please RSVP to Corinthia Elder by noon on Thursday prior to the meeting so we know how many chairs we need. You can reach her at 931-624-0898 or email at cpelder70@gmail.com (Text is best, just be sure to tell her who you are in case she doesn’t recognize the number). Although the meeting begins at 10:00 am many people arrive early to socialize.
SPEAKER INFORMATION
Mackenzie Prather
President and Founder of TPUSA at Rossview High School
Mackenzie Prather is currently a Senior at Rossview High School and the Founder and President of Rossview’s Turning Point USA Chapter. Mackenzie was inspired to start a TPUSA Chapter after observing the lack of reverence for God and country among faculty and students at her school.
As a kid, Mackenzie began listening and learning from prominent conservative commentators, like Charlie Kirk, everyday after school. Over time, she developed a strong passion for all things politics. Mackenzie has put this enthusiasm into action, not only by starting a TPUSA Chapter, buy also by testifying at the state capital, volunteering for Republican campaigns, and attending numerous conferences across the country centered around studying Government and Policy.
Mackenzie hopes to attend Auburn University next Fall, where she plans on continuing her involvement with Turning Point USA and pursue a career in Law.
September Meeting Notice
Saturday, September 20, 2025
We will be meeting at the Montgomery County Republican Party Headquarters:
Montgomery County Republican Party
1817A Madison Street, Suite 1
(There is additional parking in back.)
If you plan to attend please RSVP to Corinthia Elder by noon on Thursday prior to the meeting so we know how many chairs we need. You can reach her at 931-624-0898 or email at cpelder70@gmail.com (Text is best, just be sure to tell her who you are in case she doesn’t recognize the number).
SPEAKER INFORMATION
Mark Riggins, General Manager
Clarksville Gas & Water
In his own words, “First and foremost, I am a child of God, saved by His grace and mercy. My wife, Cathy, and I are the proud parents of our son, Lane, and daughter, Mayson. We are members of Lone Oak Baptist Church, where I have served as a deacon for 10 years. I have worked for the City of Clarksville for 29 years. For 28 years, I have been with the Gas & Water Department, where I have worked in various roles, ranging from construction and heavy equipment operations to engineering plans review and project management to management of the gas division. I have served as the General Manager of the entire department for the last 6 years. I do not view what I do as a job, but a mission and ministry. I have stated from the time I started in supervisory/management roles, my employees are my number one priority. I am committed to treating all of my employees and customers with respect and fairness in all matters.”
Mark served as a County Commissioner, and is currently the Interim General Manager at Clarksville Gas and Water. Please join us on Saturday, the 20th, for what promises to be in interesting meeting.
August Meeting Information
Our August Meeting
Saturday, August 16, 2025
We will be meeting at the Montgomery County Republican Party Headquarters:
Montgomery County Republican Party
1817A Madison Street, Suite 1
(There is additional parking in back.)
If you plan to attend please RSVP to Corinthia Elder by noon on Thursday prior to the meeting so we know how many chairs we need. You can reach her at 931-624-0898 or email at cpelder70@gmail.com (Text is best, just be sure to tell her who you are in case she doesn’t recognize the number).
SPEAKER INFORMATION
Carsyn Smiling
Carsyn Smiling graduated from the University of Alabama in 2023 with a Bachelors in Political Science and Public Relations. Since she was in high school, Carsyn has worked to elect strong conservative leaders in the local, state, and federal government. She is the chair of the Empower committee for the TNFRW and currently serves as a Legislative Assistant to the Majority Whip, Johnny Garrett. Prior to this, she had the privilege of serving on Senator Blackburn’s re-election campaign in 2024 in East Tennessee. She is a proud member of the Sumner County Republican Women.
July Meeting!
Our July Meeting
Saturday, July 19, 2025
We will be meeting at the Montgomery County Republican Party Headquarters:
Montgomery County Republican Party
1817A Madison Street, Suite 1
(There is additional parking in back.)
If you plan to attend please RSVP to Corinthia Elder by noon on Thursday prior to the meeting so we know how many chairs we need. You can reach her at 931-624-0898 or email at cpelder70@gmail.com (Text is best, just be sure to tell her who you are in case she doesn’t recognize the number).
Speaker – Chelsea Rose
Chelsea Rose is the proud wife of Congressman John Rose and mother of two young boys, Guy and Sam. Together, with her husband, she owns and operates the Rose Family Farm in Smith and DeKalb Counties comprised of more than 2,000 acres, primarily raising beef cattle. The farm was settled in 1790 and is recognized by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture as a Pioneer Farm, predating the founding of the State of Tennessee. The Rose’s sons represent the ninth consecutive generation in the family to live and farm there.
Chelsea was raised in Rutherford County in the Eagleville community. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Communications from Tennessee Tech University and earned a master’s degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She was State President of the Tennessee Future Farmers of America (FFA) Association and was National Vice President for the National FFA Organization, the only female to ever be elected from Tennessee.
Chelsea formerly worked in Government Affairs for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, which represents the electric co-ops that power homes and businesses in rural and suburban Tennessee. She went on to spend 10 years as Executive Director for the non-profit Tennessee FFA Foundation. As the leader of the FFA Foundation, she led fundraising to all-time highs, enabling FFA members across Tennessee to receive more scholarships and experience more special events and recognition than ever before.
Now, she and her family are busily working to elect her husband John as the next Governor of Tennessee. Chelsea is a founding member and former officer of the Tennessee Federation of Republican Women chapter known as the Republican Women of the Upper Cumberland.
Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser
RRRW April Meeting
Our April Meeting – Saturday, April 26, 2025
We will be meeting at the Montgomery County Republican Party Headquarters:
Montgomery County Republican Party, 1817A Madison Street, Suite 1
(There is additional parking in back.)
If you plan to attend please RSVP to Corinthia Elder by noon on Thursday prior to the meeting so we know how many chairs we need. You can reach her at 931-624-0898 or email at cpelder70@gmail.com (Text is best, just be sure to tell her who you are in case she doesn’t recognize the number).
SPEAKER INFORMATION
Dr. Ken Berry
Dr. Ken Berry is a board-certified family physician, renowned speaker, and passionate advocate for improving human health through nutrition and lifestyle changes. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Berry has dedicated his career to empowering individuals to take control of their health by questioning outdated dietary advice and embracing the power of proper human nutrition.
As the author of the best-selling book Lies My Doctor Told Me, Dr. Berry has helped countless individuals uncover the truth about common medical myths and misconceptions. His evidence-based, no-nonsense approach to health has earned him a devoted following, with over 3 million subscribers on YouTube and millions of views across his videos.
Dr. Berry specializes in teaching the benefits of a low-carb, ketogenic, and carnivore diet to address chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and inflammation-related conditions. Through his engaging and relatable content, he inspires audiences worldwide to challenge the status quo and prioritize real, whole foods.
When he’s not speaking at events or creating impactful content, Dr. Berry enjoys life on his farm in Tennessee with his wife, Neisha, and their children. Together, they are dedicated to helping others find sustainable health solutions and build a better future for their families.
Dr. Berry’s mission is simple yet profound: to empower people to live longer, healthier lives by embracing their body’s natural design for optimal health.
January Meeting Notice
Saturday, January 18, 2025
We will be meeting at the Montgomery County Republican Party Headquarters:
Montgomery County Republican Party
1817A Madison Street, Suite 1
(There is additional parking in back.)
If you plan to attend please RSVP to Corinthia Elder by noon on Thursday prior to the meeting so we know how many chairs we need. You can reach her at 931-624-0898 or email at cpelder70@gmail.com (Text is best, just be sure to tell her who you are in case she doesn’t recognize the number)
SPEAKER INFORMATION
Terry Minton
Monument Cleaning & Preservation
We are honored to introduce this month’s speaker, Terry Minton, the owner of Minton Monument Cleaning & Preservation. Terry’s journey is a testament to a lifelong commitment to service, community, and history.
Before founding his current business, Terry served with distinction for 34 years in the Clarksville Police Department, retiring as a Sergeant. During his career, he took on numerous vital roles, including Field Training Officer, Hostage/Crisis Negotiator, Shift Supervisor, and Crime Scene Unit Commander. His dedication to protecting and serving the community has made a lasting impact.
In retirement, Terry channeled his passion for helping others into a new venture: preserving and restoring historic gravestones. Many of these markers, some 75 to 100+ years old, require specialized care and materials to repair and protect them. Terry’s work includes leveling leaning stones, resetting keystone monuments with historic lime mortar, and repairing broken tablets with precision using two-part epoxy. He also restores gravestones that have separated from their bases, ensuring they are securely reset with modern setting compounds.
Terry primarily works in the Clarksville-Montgomery County area of Tennessee but is willing to travel up to two hours for cleaning projects and 1.5 hours for repairs, depending on the complexity of the work. His dedication ensures that families, churches, and communities can restore the beauty and dignity of these cherished memorials, preserving history for generations to come.
In addition to his business, Terry is a proud member of the Association of Gravestone Studies and serves as a consultant to the Tennessee State Historical Commission and Middle Tennessee State University’s Center for Historic Preservation.
Red River Republican Women 