Regimental
DispatchRegimental
Dispatch
August 2003 Sic Semper Tyrranus Richmond, VA
Gentlemen, this has been one of the strangest reenacting seasons I have ever had. My schedule has been messed up with work and business travel. Gettysburg is postponed due to weather. I have never heard of an event being postponed but here we have it. I am looking forward to getting back out there, but it seems like it has been a very long time coming, probably because it has. The events this year have been sparse and like the stock market, it has to just be a cyclical thing. Maybe everyone is saving up for the 150ths for the biggest blowouts ever seen. Things seem to be picking up now that the really hot weather is behind us, NOT. We will all suffer together. If you have not started to hydrate yourself for this coming event, you better get going right away. It does make a difference in these past few years when we have had zero heat causalities after the infamous first Recon event of many years ago. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, I cannot stress it enough.
***Captain Jones
Well, it only took a little over a month and the BIG weekend is just about to arrive. There should be no excuses for not having everything prepared. Just like every other event throughout the year, make sure you have your checklist. It’s a long ride back home to forget your essentials. I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing my friends. I think that’s what I’m looking forward to more than the event itself. Most of us have been through the monster battles before, but it’s always our time in camp that stands out the most for me. That & wood to burn.
140th Gettysburg Anniversary
1st Lieutenant’s ReporT No report
1st Sergeant’s Report No report
Preparing for Gettysburg
First, and most importantly of all, Hydration and bring full canteens. I’m sure there will be adequate water buffalos, but start out by bringing a full canteen. By the time you arrive, put on all your gear, and find our camp, you’ll probably have half your canteen drained. I won’t promise you cool temperatures. Whether you
are in North Carolina, Virginia, or Pennsylvania....it’s HOT in August. As far as meals go, Mr. Talbert will be providing the bacon, and I will be in charge of the balance of meals. Don’t expect any extravagance, but be sure to bring your frying pans. There should be enough bacon for a couple meals, so if you wish to cook it all, bring suitable packaging.
Our schedule could be busy at times, and I’m a firm believer in taking advantage of down time to rest and to cool down. I’m planning to hand out rations for each member. I hope we will work towards a camp mess to share a Kodak moment I will leave it up to each individual as to the amount of rounds you wish to bring. Pickett’s Charge on Sunday will probably only utilize a handful of rounds at the most, but all other battles will be pretty much a fire fight, so check your supply and don’t forget the percussion caps. There will be tons of Sutlers, so there’s always that back up plan if needed. I will be arriving on Friday afternoon with JC Alexander. Once we’ve either established our camp or have found a camp already set up by early arrivals, I will go to S&S Sutlers to leave a map or directions to our camp. Just look for one of our recruitment flyers on the outside of their tent. I will hand write how to find us. Just be patient, it’ll be a large scale event and if we’re a little lucky, we’ll find each other without too much difficulty. Yeh, right, and we’ll win Sunday’s battle, too.
Gettysburg’s Schedule
The schedule of events for the weekend is pretty much the same as listed in June’s Newsletter, however, the abbreviated version is as follows: Friday:
Camp opens at 8:30 a.m.
Battle at 11:00 a.m.
Battle at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday:
Camp opens at 8:30 a.m.
Longstreet’s Attack at 11:00 a.m.
Thundering Hell Battle at 4:00 p.m.
Cavalry Battle at 6:00 p.m.
Sunday:
Camp opens at 8:30 a.m.
Cavalry Counter Attack at 11 a.m.
Pickett’s Charge at 2:00 p.m.
From the Treasurer
A sincere thanks to all that attended the Cold Harbor event in early June. We just received a $50.00 donation for our participation in making that Annual Event a success again this year. The NPS salutes F-Company.
Chesapeake Library
As I’ve stated before, this event was brought up at the Annual Meeting, but no one has really seemed to have taken the initiative to come forth with any concrete information. It is a Living History event, but I really haven’t gotten the vibe that anyone seemed that interested in attending. We can discuss this further at Gettysburg, should anyone still wish to go. The event is schedule for September 6-7th weekend. They do have a web site, so any information or times, registration forms, etc…that you all need can be downloaded at: http://www.chesapeake.lib.va.us/CivilWarDays2002/cw_default.htm
Cedar Creek
Just around the bend in the valley is the October 18-19 Cedar Creek 139th Anniversary. If you enjoy getting off of the I-95 experience, and traveling on I-81, plus camping and fighting on the actual grounds, PLUS…cooler temperatures, PLUS PLUS…your last chance to get a good bargain from Sutler Vice with his Skunk Hat, you don’t want to miss this event. Despite the ongoing conflict between Belle Grove Plantation and Cedar Creek Battlefield, they always have treated the reenactors very well. Cedar Creek is also a great opportunity of getting any last needed items for next season or to cover your butt for our last event of the season, Fort Branch. Remember, we still have powder and caps in inventory. Contact Mr. Gammon, in advance, if you wish to purchase any. All other items for sale through the Company Quartermaster need to be directed towards Mr. Ward. And, no, Mr. Ward does not own a Skunk hat. It just kinda smells like one. Members that will be registered for this event based on confirmation and prior requests to attend are: Gregory, Schirmer, Talbert, Pearson, Ramsey, Gammon, Powell, Harris, Wilson, Lawrence, and Stafford. The Lt. is in the process of trying to juggle his schedule to also make this event and to be at the helm.
As each year comes and goes, we gain more experience in the trials and tribulations of what it takes to make do with what you have. Remember to bring only what you’re willing to carry, but don’t leave behind your essential needs. All of our time together throughout the years will leave lasting memories. Believe me, this is true. From your first event until you hang up your brogans for good, there are endless occurrences that will be permanently etched into your soul. We have seen good members come and go. Never take for granted the friendships that you shape out there in the woods or fields. As a hobby, we are all just a breath away or a paycheck away from passing the torch to the next generation of fellow Virginians. There are just as many reasons why people are interested in joining this hobby as there are for people to leave this hobby. Enjoy every minute, rain or shine, that this hobby and all the wonderful experiences that come with it have to offer. I know that one day I, too, will be sitting at home wishing that I were a few years younger. “Just give me one more season,” I’ll say and my wife would say, “Please give him ten more…he’s driving me crazy.”
Believe me, this is not some kind of send off for the Woodburner. Heck, you guys will probably be begging for me to quit before this stubborn fool decides this on his own. The every day stress is completely erased out there when I’m with you guys.
***On a different note, Mr. Eastman has sent me my old brogans and an extra pair that he is offering to anyone needing them. He purchased a new pair, hopefully for next season, and his old ones are up for grabs. Mr. Lawrence finally received his new brogans and Mr. Harris has taken me up my offer to borrow one pair, if they fit. Mr. Harris is hoping to fall in with the unit at Cedar Creek. He is also attempting to meet us at Gettysburg. Anyone else needing to borrow brogans…it’s on a first call, first loan basis.
***Editor-at-Large: Cpl. Pearson
IMPORTANT
DIRECTIONS TO GETTYSBURG
(Reenactors
should follow the signs on Shriver Corner/ Goldenville Road to the Reenactor
Registration Barns
From the North: PA. Turnpike to US Route 15 South (Turnpike New Exit 236 - Old Exit 17). Follow US 15 south to Shrivers Corner/Hunterstown Road Exit (Pa. Route 394 west). Turn right at top of exit ramp and follow Pa Route 394 west approximately one mile and turn left (South) on Good Intent Road. Follow signs to spectator parking areas.
From the East: Route 30 West toward Gettysburg. Go North on US Route 15 to Shrivers Corner/Hunterstown Road Exit (Pa. Route 394 West). At top of ramp turn left and follow Pa Route 394 west approximately one mile and turn left (South) on Good Intent Road. Follow signs to spectator parking areas.
From the South: From Interstate 70 at Frederick, MD, follow I-270/US Route 15 North toward Gettysburg. Follow US 15 North to Shrivers Corner/Hunterstown Road Exit (Pa. Route 394 west). At top of ramp turn left and follow Pa Route 394 west approximately one mile and turn left (South) on Good Intent Road. Follow signs to spectator parking areas.
From the West: Route 30 East toward Gettysburg. Turn left (North) on Herr's Ridge Road, then left (North) on Biglerville Road (Pa. Route 34) then right (East) on Goldenville Road to Shrivers Corner Road, then right (South) on Good Intent Road. Follow signs to spectator parking areas.
From Gettysburg: Pa. Route 34 (Biglerville Road) North, then right (North) on Table Rock Road. Follow signs to spectator parking areas.
There is now an awesome overview map on their web site located at:
http://www.gettysburgreenactment.com/location/eventsite.htm
It may be to your advantage to print out the overview map and keep with you as a guide for landmarks.
From the Secret Diaries Of Private Gregory
I realize that for the beginning of the season it seems as if it has rained at every event we have been too. Wait a minute it has. But, it is a long road that has no turning and I am sure that we will be blessed with the abundant sunshine we have come to expect in the south. With that in mind let’s address the issue of heat casualties.
A simple definition of a heat casualty is when you have engaged in physical activity to such an extent that the heat production within your body exceeds your ability to lose heat adequately. This causes a rise in your inner body (body core) temperature to the levels where normal bodily functions are interfered with. This can lead to temporary or permanent (define as dead) disturbances in bodily functions.
Heat casualties fall into three categories. They are in the order of severity; heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
· Heat cramps are the result of excessive mineral and water loss due to profuse sweating. It is usually manifested as cramps in the legs.
· Heat exhaustion is a more severe injury. It means you have lost a significant amount of fluid from your body ( See Magnum Opus on Hydration; hereafter referred to as MOoh )
The symptoms of heat exhaustion are:
A. Weakness & Exhaustion
(I know you are you are getting ready to say “Duhhh”)
B. Headaches
C, Dizziness
A. Profuse sweating (generally this is a clammy-type sweating. The clammy feeling is from the disparity in temperatures from your sweat (cooler) than your skin temperatures (warmer)
Heat stroke is the most serious form of a heat casualty. Simply put if your body core temperature is greater than 105 degrees YOU ARE HAVING A HEAT STOKE. The first symptoms are usually confusion; followed by a comatose state which is followed by death if not treated. I cannot state this any plainer. HEAT STROKE IS A MAJOR MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
In case you didn’t watch the Discovery Channel this week, reenactors are humans. Humans as mammals are warm blooded. This gives us a decided advantage over our reptilian cousins, as we are able to stay warm when the weather is cool. However, like all gifts of nature there are some drawbacks.
This very same ability to keep warm in cooler weather means that as the air temperature increases, your body temperature, which is usually 98.6 more or less, will rise if you cannot lose heat quicker than you gain it. When your body core temperature starts to rise, the brain starts to take action to save itself. It tells your lymphatic system to start pumping out sweat. You breathe faster in an attempt to lose heat. Your heart will beat faster in order to circulate your blood quicker and help cool the body.
If your temperature continues to rise, the brain will start shutting down bodily functions in a final effort to save itself. Unless the person receives medical attention the eventual result is death (or we can use the term permanent nap for political correctness).
How do we gain all this heat? Well the human body continuously absorbs from various sources. In hot weather your skin transfers heat from the sun to your body. You sit on the hot ground and heat from the ground transfers into your body. You eat a hot meal and as the food sits in your stomach, it transfers heat. In addition, to all these factors as you move about your muscles generate heat.
Okay, remember in the MOoh I showed you a simple formula to understand how you become dehydrated? Well, here’s another formula to help you understand how heat accumulates in your body.
where;
M = metabolic rate or heat production of a man.
R = radiative heat gain to
C = convective and conductive heat gain
E = evaporative cooling
S = heat storage
Okay; lets discuss this formula.
M = your internal heat. This heat is produced by the fact you are alive. Your metabolism produces heat. So until you are dead this number is always a positive number.
The next factor is (R) in which heat transfer by radiation (sunlight, fire) can either be a positive or a negative number. If we are using a Pierson fire we can accumulate enough heat to boil water forty yards away.
The same goes for (C); convection or conduction.
Evaporation is a negative number no matter what the outside weather is. An Eskimo does not dare sweat or he will soon be an ex Eskimo.
Right now you probably think you have generated more heat than the Human Torch. But as you gain heat your body comes up with some ingenious ways to cause that heat to go away. As your sweat evaporates it starts to cool your skin. Your blood will circulate the heat to your skin and your breath will pull hot air out of your lungs and pull cooler air in. Environmental factors have a great influence on your
ability to deal with heat.
The ambient air temperature dictates the direction of heat flow either to or from the body. When air temperatures are below normal body heat, heat loss to the surrounding atmosphere is very rapid. (there will be an upcoming article on cold weather reenacting), and of course when it is higher the body tries to dissipate the heat by sweating where it is hoped the heat is carried away by evaporation.
Humidity affects the ability to dissipate heat because the more moisture there is in the air, the harder it is for your sweat to evaporate. So not only do we have to pay attention to the air temperature; we also need to pay attention to the relative humidity. If it feels like you are breathing water, it might not be a bad idea to cut back on the physical activity.
Wind plays it own part as well. I don’t mean the wind from Joe, just our regular wind. The higher the wind velocity the more your sweat can evaporate. Sustained wind can cause windburns. Windburns will affect your body’s ability to dissipate heat.
Enough of the physics let’s get on with it.
Believe it or not, your skin has the most effect on how well your body regulates heat. If your skin that is damaged; (read sun burnt) it does not allow your body to regulate heat effectively. So if you are coming off a bad case of sunburn you might want to skip some hot weather activities until you heal up. This info also applies if you have rashes; such as poison ivy.
Here’s another bit of medical
advice you want to consider. Drugs that are used to control allergic reactions also affect how well you can regulate heat. Let’s say you are allergic to bee stings and you carry an epinephrine injector. You get stung and you use your injector. Even though the epinephrine provides immediate relief for your allegoric reaction; the residual effects of the epinephrine can cause you to become more susceptible to heat related injuries.
As long as you can lose heat faster than you gain it you are all right. What can you do to help deheat yourself? You need to get some rest in a cool or shady environment. As you are doing this, get some water. (MOoh). Take that jacket off. Doff those wool trousers (hopefully you have some drawers on). This will help to remove heat by allowing air to circulate around your skin.
Let’s talk for a moment about the macho man look where you remove your shirt to reveal those Schwartzeneger-like pectorals and a rippling six pack of abs. Try to resist it. It’s actually not helping. Have you noticed on ESPN when they are showing Triathlons that you never seen any of the runners/bikers without their shirts? Well this is not only because it is hard to pin a number on the front and back of man whose is port d'une chemise (French for going without a shirt, who says you can’t learn anything from my articles.), but that shirt is actually doing an important job.
One problem with being out in the heat is that as your body sweats, the outside air temperature/humidity can work to evaporate the sweat before it has a real chance to help cool your body. As your shirt soaks up sweat, it slows the rate of evaporation down; helping to keep your body cool.
A side impact of the trend for greater authenticity has been the development of more authentic weights of wool that are used in uniforms. It has been noticed that the lighter weight of the more authentic uniforms tends to make them cooler to wear.
The more research I do into subjects like this the more amazed I become at the ability of the human body to protect itself from its owner. Did you know that once you have been a heat casualty the chances are you more than likely to experience it again?
If you have been a victim of the heat, the brain takes action to prevent it from happening again. It will actually reset it’s own internal mechanism to a lower temperature threshold so that you do not get the opportunity to overdo it again. This means that you are more likely to become a casualty even though the air temperature may be lower than the time before. Therefore it behooves you to avoid becoming a heat casualty the first time.
Alright, enough of my nagging. Lets get on with some first aid for heat casualties:
Injury Type……...….….First Aid
Heat Cramps……….Drink water
Replace Electrolytes-(Refer to the MooH, you might want to try bottles with 1/3 sports drink and 2/3 water) Stop Activity
Heat Exhaustion….Cool & shade,
Drink Water, Fan & spray with water.
***(something we use to do in
my old group was that everyone carried one of those instant cold packs in their haversacks. We would wrap them in a cloth and place them on the major arterial sites; arm pits, side of neck, and in the groin.)
Stop Activity, Loosen or Remove Clothing-Cool Skin (an excellent tool for this are alcohol prep pads. Wipe the skin and the quick evaporation of the alcohol does wonders for cooling a person.)
Heat Stroke
IMMEDIATE PROFESSIONAL CARE
While we are waiting:
Immediate Cooling Fan or Spray with water. If conscious get them to drink.
In conclusion, a heat injury is a preventable occurrence. We need to watch each other for signs for heat injuries. Most of all it requires that YOU have the moral courage to say “I’ve had enough and I am not going out there.”
The Bottom Line
for Gettysburg
After the smoke has cleared, all of us have loved ones at home waiting for our return. Throughout the entire weekend of the 140th Gettysburg, take heed in all the time that has been spent on this newsletter by alot of caring members who place the safety of F-Company, first. A good time will be had by all, but on the hot weather events: Why stand, when you can sit, why sit when you can lie down. Dress down immediately after each battle, find the shade, and drink plenty of water.
*Personnel attending Gettysburg are: J.C. Alexander, Pearson, Talbert, Schirmer, Turley, Jones, Stafford, Gammon, Lawrence, Firth, Gregory, Ramsey, Ward.