In early February, members of Siemering Lodge gathered at the historic Hermann Sons Cemetery in San Antonio to take part in a special day of service and remembrance. With rakes in hand and a strong sense of purpose, our members worked hard to clear debris, trim back overgrowth, and ensure the cemetery remains a place of honor for those who came before us.

This wasn’t just a cleanup—it was a chance to live out the values that unite us. Among the volunteers were Cody Crislip, Mark Lee, Ed Shadrack, Gregory Ripps, Christian Lee, and Airen Burke. While we were hard at work, a surprise guest—a former member who hadn’t been seen in over 40 years—returned to lend a hand and help keep the cemetery moving forward. These moments remind us of the deep fraternal ties that bind us across generations.

One of the faces you may recognize is Cody Crislip. More than just a Life Member of the Hermann Sons, Cody is a historian, reenactor, entrepreneur, and 3rd Lt. Commander of the Texas Division Sons of Confederate Veterans. He’s passionate about preserving history, and his uncanny resemblance to Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith has earned him quite the reputation in reenacting circles. When he’s not in uniform, he’s running his web business, Small Hamster Hosting—if you’ve ever visited SiemeringLodge.com, you’ve already seen his work in action!

Every cleanup, every handshake, and every visit builds on the legacy we’re committed to preserving. Want to join us next time? Check out SiemeringLodge.com, or better yet, come to the next meeting.

📜 Original Article Text

SAN ANTONIO – Siemering Lodge members rolled up their sleeves and got to work at the historic Hermann Sons Cemetery in early February making sure it remains a place of honor and remembrance. With rakes in hand and a little elbow grease, we cleared debris and trimmed back overgrowth.

It wasn’t just a workday – it was a reminder of the strong community we’ve built. Taking part in the cleanup effort were Cody Crislip, Mark Lee, Ed Shadrack, Gregory Ripps, Christian Lee and Airen Burke. While we worked, an unexpected but welcome visitor arrived, a former member from over 40 years ago who offered to help with the mowing and upkeep moving forward. It’s moments like these that show just how deep our fraternal ties run.

One of the familiar faces out there was Cody Crislip. Cody isn’t just a Hermann Sons Life member – he’s a historian, entrepreneur and reenactor known for his uncanny resemblance to Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith. He serves as 3rd Lt. Commander of the Texas Division Sons of Confederate Veterans and helps keep Texas history alive through education and reenactments.

When he’s not in period uniform, Cody runs Small Hamster Hosting, his own web development and hosting business. If you’ve ever visited SiemeringLodge.com, you’ve already seen his work in action. He’s the one keeping our lodge’s online presence running smoothly.

Every cleanup, every gathering and every handshake strengthens our lodge and the legacy we’re committed to preserving.

If you want to learn more or get involved, check out SiemeringLodge.com, or better yet, come to the next meeting.

In Freundschaft, Liebe und Treue.
– Christian Lee