Vol. V. October 2006 Issue 9.

1st Lieutenants Report

 I would like to begin by thanking everyone who helped with Goochland’s Field Day of the Past September 15th, 16th, and 17th. Thanks goes to Chet Parzych for getting the ball rolling, and Tom Stafford for following up and scheduling, and those who helped man our tent: Tom Stafford, Jack Alexander, Ryan Hughes, Bob Baird, Nate Pate, and David Gammon.

I especially want to thank Skip and Dottie Schirmer. They came down and actually camped out at the site both Friday and Saturday nights and were there virtually for the whole event. This was above and beyond the call of duty but their time and effort in helping out the unit with this recruiting opportunity is very much appreciated. They are a great asset to F Company.

In addition we want to thank them for all their hard work in helping the unit acquire the material, and actually getting it physically produced. We want to thank them so much for all that they have both done for the company.

I think it was good that we did Field Day of the Past. I am told that lots of people came by even with out somewhat questionable location. Having done it once, now we know more of what to do next time.

I would like to thank the members who attended the Stanardsville Reenactment September 23rd and 24th. Those in attendance were Eldridge Firth, Matt and David Gammon, Ryan Hughes, Tom Stafford and myself. Also in attendance was one of F Company’s original members (the reenactment unit of course), Mr. Ed Paris. Ed was with the unit when I joined back in ‘89/’90. He apparently has been bitten by the bug again and has rejoined the unit. It was good to see him back in F Company colors!

Speaking of former members, Travis Clements made it to the event for Saturday. Travis was a member back in the mid 90s. He too has been bitten by the bug again. He was also in attendance at the 1st Manassas event in July. It is great to have both Travis and Ed back in the ranks. Welcome Back Guys!

Stanardsville was a very laid back, small-time event. We formed up the 5th Battalion under the command of a 1st time Major. The other unit in the battalion was the 4th Virginia under the command of a 1st time Lieutenant. They were both very easy to get along with and they were competent enough to give commands and have them executed. The Federals were heavily outnumbered but they did a good job of making it seem like there was more of them. They were under the command of our own Colonel Carver from the Fighting First Regiment.

The battles were actually fairly well done. We had enough down time to get some much needed rest and relaxation. The weather was very nice and the evening meal for the reenactors was excellent. My only complaint for the weekend would be the "yahoos" in the neighboring camps would be a little more respectful of their brothers in arms and know when to keep the noise down. Overall it was a very nice event, just what I needed to get away for the weekend. I would like us to go back next year.

Now, for the remainder of October, we have Cedar Creek on the 21st and 22nd. We will be camping at our usual spot. This is always a good event. Please do what you can to support the unit. One simple way to do this is to just be at events. Remember, we are all recruiters so be on the lookout for prospective members. That’s all for now. See you on the field!

 

Respectfully Submitted,

1st Lieutenant Tony Turley

 

1st Sergeant’s Report

Gentlemen,

 

 October has come up on us quickly. We had a busy month of September with the Field Days of the Past and the Stanardsville events. We had quite a few visitors to our display during our initial outing to this event. I would like to thank our members who were able to help out. A special thanks to Skip and Dotty who set up a small camp and stayed all three days.

   The Stanardsville event was also a first time outing. It was a small reenactment but was an enjoyable one. Unfortunately, there was not a tree line within a half a mile of the camps, so we braved tent city. I now remember why we normally don't camp with the tents. I would also like to thank the members who were able to attend. We had an old F Company member return to the ranks. Ed Paris has rejoined the unit and it was a pleasure to have him back with us.

    To start off the month of October we had the American Civil War Center opening, which we attended just recently. The Center was well done and is a nice tribute to the history for which we represent. I would like to thank the members who attended the Saturday event. Unfortunately, the weather made it impossible to do a demo outside, but we were able to perform inside for the public. We were well received by the public as well as the Director of the Museum.

   Also, later this month we have the Cedar Creek Event coming up on the 21st and 22nd. The map and directions will be located further down in the Newsletter. Don't forget, the weather can be unpredictable this time of year so come prepared for anything. We will be meeting at the same spot as last year right near the creek around 8 am. I look forward to seeing you there.

   Remember our men and women in the Armed Forces who are overseas. May GOD watch over them and their families and protect them. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

 

Respectfully

1st Sgt. Stafford

 

 

 

 

Driving Directions to Cedar Creek

From I-81: Use Exit #302 Middletown. Turn West. The Registration Tent is on the Right. After Registration, get on Route 11 South to the main battlefield entrance. Parking is behind the Cedar Creek Battlefield visitor’s center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reenactor Schedule of Events

       Friday, October 20, 2006

Noon

Registration Open

Midnight

All vehicles out of camps. All quiet in camps.

       Saturday, October 21, 2006

7:00 - 10:00 am

Registration Open

8:00 am

All Vehicles out of camps, no re-entry until after Sunday's Battle.

9:00 am

Camps open to Public

10:00 am

Battalion Drills

10:30 am

Victorian Ladies Aside Side-saddle Demonstration

11:00 am

Cavalry Demonstration

12:00 pm

Signal Corps Demonstration

1:00 pm

Artillery Demonstration

2:00 pm

Formation

2:30 pm

Battle of Third Winchester

3:30 pm

Hospital Demonstration

6:30 pm

Candle Light Tours of Union Camps

8:00 pm

Civil War Ball

Midnight

All quiet in camps.

       Sunday, October 22, 2006

6:30 am

Dawn Tactical

9:00 am

Gates open to Public

10:00 am

Church Services
Catholic Service in Event Tent
Non-denominational in Camps

11:00 am

Victorian Ladies Aside Side-saddle Demonstration

12:00 pm

Artillery Demonstration

12:30 pm

Field Music Demonstration

1:00 pm

Formation

1:30 pm

Battle of Cedar Creek

3:00 pm

Hospital Demonstrations

5:00 pm

Camps Close