First up in April we had a small living history program at the Midlothian campus of John Tyler Community College on Thursday April 19^th. This was for Steve Bailey’s Civil War History Class. We did this program about the same time last year. Once again, I would like to thank David and Matt Gammon, Ryan Hughes, and Nate Pate for helping out. We did a short demo for the class and talked with some potential recruits. Because of the Tragedy at Virginia Tech earlier in the week, we did not fire our muskets.

On Saturday, April 21^st we marched in the Confederate Heritage Day Parade. We had and excellent turn out with 13 members in attendance. They included 1^st Sergeant Gammon, 2^nd Sergeant Firth, Corporals Hughes and Gammon, and Privates Alexander, Baird, Catlett, Clements, Dachos, Pate, Ward, and Wilson. It was good to see Scott Wilson back in the ranks after a couple years’ hiatus.

We did the entire parade in step and heard several complimentary remarks along the way. We were even applauded as we entered the cemetery.

After the parade we visited the current John Worsham and his family at their home on Brook Road. This is the house where F Company’s own John Worsham spent the last years of his life. Former Captain Floyd Bayne joined us for the muster…

I also think that F Company has had some really exceptional events, musters, and meetings in the last several months. In August of last year, Mike Vice treated us to a tour of the Petersburg battlefield where the infamous former Fighting Company Clerk, Bruce Wood, joined us. In December, former Captain Ken Jones and his son, Tim, joined us for a muster at Hollywood cemetery after our End of the Year Meeting. In February we reestablished relations with former Captains Floyd Bayne and Bob Wilburn when they addressed us at our Annual Meeting. In case you did not know Bob has agreed to be and is now an honorary member of the uniform committee. Most recently we reestablished our connection with the past with this muster at the Worshams. In addition I would like to say that judging from the reaction of spectators along the parade route and at the cemetery that we, F Company, must be doing something right. This should be an encouragement to each and every member of the unit and give you a sense of pride for being part of F Company. I honestly believe that we are the best and most unique reenactment unit in the field today. If you have not been able to take part you are really missing out.

I would like to thank F Company’s Public Relations Director, Bill Ward for setting up the Worsham muster and making it possible. He did an excellent job. THANKS BILL!

Last but not least for the month of April, we took part in Richmond Civil War Day at Tredegar. This was Saturday April 28^th. It was coordinated through Ed Sanders and the National Park Service. Thanks to those who attended. They included 1^st Sergeant Gammon, 2^nd Sergeant Firth, Corporal Hughes, Privates Alexander, and Pate. The day consisted of two demos and talking to the public.

Because we were the best looking unit there, the period photographer at the event asked to take our picture, of course we agreed. It looked good and we hope to be able to order copies. This was another nice laid-back event and a good recruiting opportunity. It was also good to see some former F’ers who were there. They included Jimmy Price, Mike Powell, and Greg Harris.

Next up for the unit is the New Market Reenactment on May 19^th and the 20^th. This will be our first actual reenactment for the season. I am looking forward to it.

Now, in case you didn’t know, 1^st Lieutenant Stafford has had knee surgery. He has just gone back to work after being out for about 3 weeks. He seems to be recovering nicely but understandably is experiencing a lot of soreness and is moving a little slower than normal. Hopefully he will be recovered enough to attend New Market.

Please remember to keep our soldiers in your prayers, especially Tom’s daughter Kim and Jack’s son Jonathan. I pray that the Lord will keep them safe and that they will come home soon in victory.

Until we see each other again, I remain…

Your Humble Servant,

Captain Tony Lee Turley

I would like to thank everyone who attended the John Tyler event, the Heritage parade and the Civil War Days at Tredegar. The Tyler evening was small and short but it was enjoyable and the class looked like they enjoyed it as well. The parade was also a great time and I felt rejuvenated after hearing the comments from the crowd about how sharp we looked. We received an ovation as we entered the cemetery. If we looked that sharp after the little bit of practice we've had, think how sharp we'd be if we practiced just a little more. Let's make every effort to get to as many events as we can and get that edge back. The muster at the Worsham's afterward was a once in a lifetime opportunity… We got a peek at his original manuscript for his book. Captain Turley presented Mr. Worsham with an honorary membership in F Co. and a company hat and shirt. We had a nice BBQ dinner afterwards and then went on our merry way. The Tredegar event went very well also. The public was very receptive and seemed to enjoy themselves. Our recruiting officer, Mr. Alexander, worked the crowd in a way that would make a baby-kissing politician proud.

Next up is New Market on May 19th - 20th. Please try to be there by 8A.M. Directions will follow in the newsletter. Please bring 80-100 rounds as we will have a tactical battle on Saturday and a battle on Sunday. Here is what I have for this event. (Turley, Stafford, Gammon D., Hughes, Alexander, Clements, Dachos, Parzych, Pate, Ward, Wilson).

We also have Cold Harbor on June 2nd - 3rd. Please try to arrive by 8:30 A.M. Please bring about 30 rounds, bagged with your caps and with your name on the bag. We have to turn in our rounds to the park service and they issue them to us for the demos. Please do not have any rounds or caps in your cartridge boxes. Here is what I have for this event. (Turley, Stafford, Gammon D., Firth, Hughes, Gammon M., Alexander, Baird, Catlett, Clements, Mitchell, Parzych, Pate, Ward). 

You may bring whatever rations you will need for both weekends. There will probably be food vendors at New Market but there usually are none at Cold Harbor. I look forward to seeing you guys at these events. Please, please, please make every effort to attend if you are signed up.

                                                                        Respectfully,

                                                                     1st Sgt. Gammon    

Worsham Visit

Wow! For anyone unable to attend the Heritage Parade and the muster visit to the Worsham house, you missed a good one. The house was a picture out of the past and the story behind the purchase and building of the home was almost as good. Mr. & Mrs. Worsham were the gracious hosts that you would have expected from a southern family and opened their home to us as if we were family. I don’t want to give away all the things we heard and saw, but you can ask any of the attendees from F Company and I am sure they will have a great story for you. A group photo was taken including the Worsham’s that will be posted on our website. We hope to continue the relationship with the Worsham family and we were told one of his sons would like to join the company when he is old enough. We also plan to visit again in the future, so be on the lookout for news of this special event.

Private Alexander

From Interstate 81:

Take Exit 264 onto Rt. 211 West.

Take immediate Right onto Rt. 305 (George Collins Parkway).

Continue one mile until you see the circular, distinctive Hall of Valor.

From the North or West:  Take I-95 South toward Richmond, Take I-295 South toward Norfolk. Take the second Creighton Road Exit 34 A.           
From the East and South:  Get on I-295 North toward Washington. Take the 1st Creighton Road exit 34 A.
Proceed to the first stoplight (Cold Harbor Road).  Take a right. Go about 3 miles and the park will be on the left. You will clearly see the small visitor’s center building.  The designated parking area changes slightly from year to year, but it is always down by the visitor’s center, usually by the fence on the left (as you come in).