The same reasoning was used for membership in the GAR. Even those impressed into service (CSA) were not allowed membership in the GAR because they could have refused to fight.

Mahlon, thank you so much for your offer to join the SUVCW. I have received the same offer from a gentleman here in Ohio after posting on the board, thanks again. While my ancestor was a nurse in the United States Sanitary Commission, I feel his service was as valuable as many of the men in the ranks of the US Army, not only him but the other women and men in the USSC. I of course understand that every organization has to have rules, maybe I can find that long lost ancestor in Ohio...lol...thanks again.

One other point, I'm not trying to argue with you about the GAR, you're SUVCW, not me. However I know there are many men in Eastern TN with a GAR tombstone. Union soldiers, I'm sure some had been in the Confederacy, but hey, maybe they didn't or their family didn't bring it up. Thanks again for being willingly to help me, I honor the boys in blue...gray too, but one sides with his own kind, eh? lol...thanks again.