I would like to begin by thanking the Dixons for letting F Company use their farm for this year’s Camp of Instruction. They have a huge farm in Hanover County. The particular site for our camp was far enough back off the road and behind the woods that there were no modern Day amenities in sight, not even telephone or utility poles. Thanks again to the Dixons.

I would also like to thanks all those who worked hard in preparing for the COI especially the Lieutenant, the 1^st Sergeant, Private Pate and those who did things that I might not know about. Thanks to Everyone who attended. We had a good turn out, twelve people in all. We did some things that we hadn’t done in a while – loading while kneeling and lying down, and bayonet drill. Thanks to 2^nd Sergeant Firth for giving instruction in those areas. Thanks to everyone for whatever they did.

I was pleased with how smoothly everything went a COI, again thanks for everyone’s efforts. I thought it was productive but at the same time enjoyable. If anyone has any suggestions on how to improve the camp for next year please let them be known.

While I am thanking everyone let me take care of some unfinished business. About a year and a half ago at the end of the year meeting in December 2005 I was presented with a black powder pistol by the membership of F Company. I was one of the nicest and most surprising things that has ever happened to me. While I thanked everyone at the meeting I neglected to do so formally in the newsletter. I would like to do so now.

F Company, thank you so much for the pistol. I hope you noticed that I did use it during the 2006 reenactment season and will be using it again this year and for as long as I keep reenacting. I appreciate it very much but you really shouldn’t have although I’m glad you did! It’s an awesome pistol. I apologize for taking so long to acknowledge it please excuse my thoughtlessness. Thank you again.

Now for the month of April we have three events coming up. The first is an afternoon living history at the Midlothian Campus of John Tyler Community College. We did this event last year and it is a good recruiting opportunity. It is Thursday, April 19^th at 5:30 PM.

Second is the Confederate Heritage Day Parade. This is Saturday April 21^st. It starts at the downtown DMV and ends at Hollywood cemetery. This may be followed by a muster at the Worsham House (Yes, THE John Worsham) if we can work it out.

The third event is Richmond Civil War Day at Tredegar. This is Saturday, April 28^th. We have done this before but it has been several years. The good thing about all of these events is that they are just one day or afternoon and don’t require any registration. So even if you did not sign up you can still participate. Please support you unit and make used of the training from the COI. F Company needs your support. See you at this month’s events.

Respectfully Submitted,

Captain T. Lee Turley, 21^st Va. F Company

Gentlemen,

I would like to thank everyone who was able to attend our COI. For those who were unable to attend you were missed. The weekend was a busy one to say the least. I would like to thank Capt. Turley, 1st Sgt Gammon, and 2nd Sgt Firth for their drilling and direction to make this COI an excellent outing. Many members helped to make this weekend happen and their efforts are greatly appreciated. 

I want to remind everyone that we have a busy events list for the month of April. If anyone is able to attend any of our events, please contact the 1st Sgt. Unfortunately, I will be out of action for most of the month of April, with a little minor surgery. I hope to be mobile by the Tredegar event. Gentlemen it is essential that you keep in contact with your corporals. Please make every effort to do this. 

I would like to thank Mr. Ward for setting up our muster with Mr. Worsham after the Parade. Gentlemen, please make every effort to attend if possible. The chance to see some of John Worsham's original gear is incredible. 

Remember our servicemen and women overseas. May GOD protect them and watch over them. MAY GOD BLESS THEM AND BRING THEM HOME SAFE!

Respectfully

1^st Lieutenant J. Thomas Stafford

Gentlemen,

                 I would like to start by thanking everyone that attended the C.O.I. on the 24th and 25th of April. I think it was a very productive weekend and we got a lot accomplished. If you could not attend, you missed a great camp and we missed you. I would also like to thank everyone who helped with the cooking and the chores, you make my job a lot easier and I appreciate it greatly. Congratulations go out to our marksman for the year, 2nd Sgt. Firth. Sgt. Firth out shot everyone else in the live firing competition to take the title. (Nice shooting Sarge)

                 I would also like to thank Captain Turley, Corporal Hughes, and Private Pate for coming out for the Southside, Va. Heritage Days this past weekend. It was a beautiful weekend and we had a great time.

                Next up for April we have the John Tyler Community College living history on the 19th of April. It is for a history class and it only takes a few hours on a Thursday evening so if any of you local guys can spare an evening please come out and help us out. Time and directions will be forthcoming. Please bring about 10 blank cartridges and some caps.

We have the parade in Richmond on the 21st of April and we will meet about noon on DMV Drive. We will be taking a couple of large vehicles down to the cemetery and leaving them for a ride back to the parking area. Remember, we need to have our shoes clean, kepis (no slouch hats), no haversacks, and our buttons shined. Please bring about 20 blank cartridges and some caps in case we get a chance to show these people how to fire a volley.

                 We have Civil War Days at Tredegar Iron Works on the 28th of April. It is from 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. with program setup from 7:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. We should arrive between 8:30 A.M. and 9:00 A.M. (NO LATER THAN 9:00). Please bring about 30 blank cartridges and some caps, as there will be firing demos throughout the day. Directions will be in the newsletter.

Here is what I have for these events so far:

Turley, Gammon, D., Hughes, Gammon, M., Baird, Parzych, Pate

Turley, Stafford, Gammon, D., Firth, Hughes, Gammon, M., Alexander, Baird,

Catlett, Clements, Dachos, Pate, Schirmer, Ward

Turley, Stafford, Gammon, D., Hughes, Alexander, Catlett, Clements, Dachos,

Pate, Ward

   Please let me know if there are any changes in your attendance status. Please help us out wherever you can. We can build this unit up again but it's going to take commitment and dedication from each and every one of us. Let's get out there as often as we can and make our ancestors proud. Let's also keep our service men and women in our prayers. Mat the LORD guide and keep them and bring them home safe to us when their VICTORY is won.

Respectfully,

1st Sergeant D. E. Gammon

After the heritage parade on the 21st, we are cordially invited to meet with John Worsham and his family at the same house where John Worsham of F Co. fame lived from 1914 - 1921.  Among other things that he is eager to show us, he has his great grandfathers F Company uniform, his canteen, haversack, ground cloth, and what is left of the pre-war goatskin knapsack!  All were found in a trunk that was in the attic.  He wants to see all of us in uniform, so no changing before you get there please.  Please make every effort to attend this incredible, maybe once in a lifetime, special event! Details & directions will be provided after the parade.

Please congratulate Roger Mitchell AKA (Tater Tot) yes Ore-Ida. He has now officially been placed in charge of the F Company’s inventory. If there are any items you need from the inventory please contact Roger.

• From Interstate 64, take Interstate 195 to the Downtown Expressway.

• Take the Downtown Expressway through the toll plaza (50 cents).

• Get off the expressway at the Byrd Street/2^nd Street exit, and go straight.

• Turn right on S. 5th Street.

• Go to the end of the street and turn right onto Tredegar Street.

• Turn right into parking lot at Richmond Civil War Visitor Center sign.

• Take Interstate 64 West to Richmond.

• Get onto Interstate 95 South.

• Take the Downtown Expressway exit (74A).

• Take the first exit, Canal Street (20 cents).

• Turn left onto S. 5th Street.

• Go to the end of the street and turn right onto Tredegar Street.

• Turn right into parking lot at Richmond Civil War Visitor Center sign.

• Get on Interstate 95 South.

• Take the Downtown Expressway exit (74A).

• Take the first exit, Canal Street (20 cents).

• Turn left onto S. 5th Street.

• Go to the end of the street and turn right onto Tredegar Street.

• Turn right into parking lot at Richmond Civil War Visitor Center sign.

• As you cross the river, get in the right-hand lane, and take the Downtown Expressway exit (74A).

• Take the first exit, Canal Street (20 cents).

• Turn left onto S. 5th Street.

• Go to the end of the street and turn right onto Tredegar Street.

• Turn right into parking lot at Richmond Civil War Visitor Center sign.

Ode to Joe