The 2007 Reenactment Season is quickly coming to a close with only the Civil War Show at the Fairgrounds and the Remembrance Day Parade in Gettysburg left. I first want to recap the month of October.

It began with Bill Ward’s Gravestone Dedication at Hollywood Cemetery on October 6th. This is always a moving and what I consider to be an almost sacred occasion. Unfortunately, Wes Catlett and myself were the only ones (besides Bill of course) from F Company to make it there to be part of the honor guard. We did have enough reenactors from various other groups to be able to fire muskets. Despite the small crowd the ceremony was very nicely done with over forty gravestones dedicated. I especially enjoyed putting Confederate flags on the graves after the service.

Bill is to be commended for his tireless work in this endeavor. I have told him that when he gets to heaven each one of these men will personally shake his hand and thank him for marking their graves. Thanks Bill and God Bless You. Keep up the good work. Also thanks to Wes for coming out.

On Thursday afternoon/evening, October 11th, we had another living history program at the Midlothian campus of John Tyler Community College. We have done this a couple of times before but I think this was our largest crowd of students and visitors. I want to thank Tom Stafford, David Gammon, and Ryan Hughes for helping out. Yes, our numbers were small but that didn’t dampen the interest and attention of the crowd. I’m sure we will be asked back to do it again.

The last reenactment of the season was Cedar Creek on the weekend of October 20th and 21st. Again our numbers were low. Saturday morning we consisted of David Gammon, Ryan Hughes, Nate Pate, Mike Vice, and myself. Our usual campsite had been taken so we moved in some but still along the creek. As we formed up for battle we were met by some late arrivals, 2nd Sergeant Firth and Private Clements. Also the 33rd Virginia was there and they too had small numbers so they asked if they could fall in with us. Having past experience with them from our old Jackson Division days, of course I said yes. With these numbers we had a decent size company.

The battle went well. I think I even saw some Yankees take hits. We fell in under the command of Colonel Tim Smith of Longstreet’s Corp. After the battle we withdrew to camp for a quiet and relaxing evening. Some of the guys went into town to eat. Eldridge unfortunately was summoned to work so he would be leaving in the morning. During the night, which was rather cold, Private Vice’s allergies flared up and he was given medical leave.

For Sunday’s battle the 33rd VA fell in with us again. Jonathan Dachos and his friend, Todd, more late arrivals, fell in too but Jonathan was not able to participate due to a defective musket. Sunday’s battle began on the left of camp (from the road) then we marched through camp and commenced the second phase of battle on the right. I stuck with the unit until there was a long pause in the action. The only ones left from F Company were the 1st Sergeant and myself. Having to work later that night I made my excuses to Colonel Smith and departed the field of battle.

On a sad note: Some of you who have been with the unit long enough to remember our Jackson Division days will probably also remember Colonel Tom Cummings and his Adjutant Ken Mink. Well, I was shocked and dismayed to learn from talking with the 33^rd VA. That Ken Mink passed away this past February. It seems that he had a heart problem. The way it was put to me was that Ken went to sleep that night and woke up in Heaven. Praise God that he is in a better place, but I do want to send my condolences to Ken’s family on behalf of F Company and myself and especially to Ken’s son, Eric Mink, who works with the National Park Service in Fredericksburg.

Now, in November we will be doing the Civil War Show at the fairgrounds on the 17^th and 18^th. The hours are 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 9am to 3pm on Sunday. Right now it looks like it will be Tom Stafford and myself there on Saturday and David Gammon, Eldridge Firth and Wes Catlett there on Sunday. We can only get two passes so if anyone else wants to help you will have to pay the admission fee. The parade in Gettysburg is looking doubtful but that is not for sure at this point. Please check your e-mail for updates on both the parade and show.

Well, that’s all for now. Until next time take care and God bless.