Valley Division

Brothers & Sisters,

As we discussed at the business meeting, we are looking at a different affiliation to replace Granbury's.
Afyer looking around, the sanctioning body that appears to be closest to us philosophically is the Valley Division. As an introduction, this is from their website:
Division Policy Statement
Ø Strive to be safety oriented at all times
Ø Strive to be non-political
Ø Strive to use the Military structure set in place
Ø Strive to maintain a quality of authenticity with reality
Ø Strive to promote a family-oriented atmosphere
Ø Strive to take in to account that Re-enacting has different meanings to various people
Ø Strive to stay together, camp together and fight together - ALL branches and function as a division at all events both large and small
Ø Strive to utilize all branches of service simultaneously in actions of any size
Ø Strive to guarantee Event Standards and Battlefield Standards before sanctioning
Ø Strive to utilize the branch of service in the branch for which they are designated
Who We Are
** Rule number 1 - We will not have politics in our outfit !!!
** Rule number 2 - We are happy to have you if you abide by rule number 1.
We are the Army of Northern Virginia - Valley Division. ** We are NOT ANV **.
The membership is an association of independent Soldiers, Companies, Battalions, Period Civilians and 1st Persons with the same goals on what reenacting should be. Re-enacting should be fun while showing the true life experiences of the past.
Our Motto is : *Trust, *Respect, *Honor and *Loyalty to the Division.
If you can abide by rules 1 and 2, and believe in the same purpose, come join in the fun. We would enjoy having you in our association.

Granbury's Brigade

Brothers & Sisters,

I have made several attempts to contact Granbury's. I have received no response from either Colonel Sharkey or General Volner. I have voiced our concerns to the Brigade Adjutant (Chris Hansen). He has been unable to get a response from the Brigade Command structure.
Per our decision at the January business meeting, Captain Kateman & I will resign our commissions with the Brigade, & we will dis-affiliate ourselves on Sunday.
I am still working on the insurance issue, & will keep you posted.

Y.O.S.
Duke

Oconee Event

Brothers & Sisters,
The Oconee event (Westminister) has been postponed. As soon as I have details/ New dates I will notify you.

Y.O.S.
Duke

Broxton's Bridge

Brothers,

As Broxton's draws close (Well, kind of close) let me remind you that the faux fighting will be intense. Those who are serving as Infantry will need 150-200 rounds per man.

For you who will be crewing the gun, you may have to defend the piece... it would be prudent to carry 40-50 rounds.

As a reminder, Dennis let me know when you have some info on caps...

Regards,
Duke

Broad River Event

Brothers & Sisters,

Broad River has posted event information. Their web address: http://2ncmi.org/brg.html

I have already registered us (so please don't).

Chaplain, this event is fairly close. If you can make it, I would very much like to have Sunday worship.

Regards,
Duke

Work Drill/Round Rolling

Brothers,
With the Furman Camp of Instruction fast approaching, it is imperative that we get prepared. As such, we will roll rounds, Saturday 24 January at 6PM. Meet at the Kateman Farm.

Regards,
Duke

New May Event!

Brothers & Sisters,

We have an outstanding event to replace the canceled reenactment at Central. Captain Kateman has arranged with a local Southern themed business to have us as a weekend draw. The business will reimburse us for all artillery ammunition fired & for hauling the gun. Further, we will be fed & (for those who partake) there will be free cigars.

Further, the business will advertise our presence, and is securing live bluegrass music. This will be a superb chance for us to recruit from like minded Southrons. Additionally, we can train our new crew with live fire, & no pressure from advancing Federals.

The event will be held on May 22nd. As this is a recruiting event, Battery dress uniforms are to be worn (Grey frock or shell, White pants, Kepis with Havelock’s). If any member does not have the Battery Dress uniform, wear your best impression. Whatever you are wearing, make sure it’s clean.

We will plan recruiting activities (Obviously, details to come). I will get more detailed information & update y’all as it becomes available. Meanwhile, change your calendars- New May event 22 May.

May the Road Rise to Meet You!
Duke

Central Cancelled

Brothers & Sisters,

I have just received a dispatch stating the Battle of Central Has been cancelled. We will try to find another May event to put on the calander.

Regards,
Duke

On New Baby's...

First Sergeant & Mrs. Creely,

I tried to post this on your "Baby Blog" but I am not allowed to post- apparently I'm not a "team member" (Once again that "Does not play well with others" rises to bite me on the butt)
In any event, I hear that "Duke" is a very popular name for babies these days (and it can be used for boys OR girls!)
:)

Regards,
Duke

Furman

Gentlemen,

Colonel Price informs me that we are to expect between 25-30 Cadets for the Camp of Instruction.

Regards,
Duke

Chivalry

Brothers & Sisters,
While I was researching for my Medieval European History Class, I cam upon this list. I know we don't consistently live up to this (at least I don't) but for those of us who give honor to a distant & fading past, these are ideas to stand by...


Live to serve King and Country.
Live to defend Crown and Country and all it holds dear.
Live one's life so that it is worthy of respect and honor.
Live for freedom, justice and all that is good.
Never attack an unarmed foe.
Never use a weapon on an opponent not equal to the attack.
Never attack from behind.
Avoid lying to your fellow man.
Avoid cheating.
Avoid torture.
Obey the law of king, country, and chivalry.
Administer justice.
Protect the innocent.
Exhibit self control.
Show respect to authority.
Respect women.
Exhibit Courage in word and deed.
Defend the weak and innocent.
Destroy evil in all of its monstrous forms.
Crush the monsters that steal our land and rob our people.
Fight with honor.
Avenge the wronged.
Never abandon a friend, ally, or noble cause.
Fight for the ideals of king, country, and chivalry.
Die with valor.
Always keep one's word of honor.
Always maintain one's principles.
Never betray a confidence or comrade.
Avoid deception.
Respect life and freedom.
Die with honor.
Exhibit manners.
Be polite and attentive.
Be respectful of host, women, and honor.
Loyalty to country, King, honor, freedom, and the code of chivalry.
Loyalty to one's friends and those who lay their trust in thee.

May the Road Rise to Meet You...
Duke

On Ben Butler...

You know, General Butler reminds me of several senior reenacting officers... I guess some things never change... Bye the way, I "borrowed" this from the N-SSA Bulliten board.

"The story of the captured Rebels who appeared before General Ben Butler to take the oath of allegiance to the United States: One of them, a wag in his way, looked at the General, and with a peculiar Southern drawl, said: "We gave you hell at Chickamauga, General!" The General was furious at the man's familiar impudence and threatened him with all sorts of punishment, but again came that drawling voice, repeating the first part of the statement, but he was stopped by the General, who ordered him to take the oath of allegiance to the United States at once or he would have him shot. After some hesitation, looking into General Butler's fierce eye, he reluctantly consented to take the oath. After taking the oath, he looked calmly into General Butler's face, and drew himself up as if proud to become a citizen of the United States and a member of the Yankee Army, and said: "General, I suppose I am a good Yankee and citizen of the United States now?" The General replied in a very fatherly tone, "I hope so." "Well, General, the rebels did give us hell at Chickamauga, didn't they?"

May the road rise to meet you.

addendum to meeting

I almost forgot-
6) By vote of the membership, adding the CSMC impression was approved with the following provisions:
a) The Marines were to be a secondary impression
b) The battery will continue to fuction primarily as the CFA-The marines will only be used as support for the battery

January Business Meeting

Brothers & Sisters,

Please find a brief rundown of the January Business meeting.

Members in attendance: Harve Kateman, Joe Kateman, Scotty Creely, Chris Creely, Dennis Gardo, Duke Bohland

1) The following event schedule was approved:
February 1st, 0730-1200 hrs Semi-Annual Camp of Instruction Furman ROTCFebruary 27-March 1 Broxton's Bridge (Federal Impression)
March 7-8 Oconee (Westminster) SC
April 18-19 Battle of Broad River SC
May 15-17 Battle of Central SC
June 5-7 Battle of Hot Springs NC
August TBA- Gun Maintenance
Sept 11-Wilson Creek
Sept 19-20 Allison Woods
Oct 16-18 Wildcat Kentucky
Oct TBA Furman ROTC Cadet Camp of Instruction
Nov. 09 TBA Green River Plantation

2) Liability Insurance: The Commander reported that the promised coverage from Granbury’s Brigade had not been forthcoming. He further said that he was investigating securing coverage from several other sources.
Brother Joe Kateman pointed out that the entire purpose of affiliating with Granbury’s was to relieve the battery of the burden of self insuring. Further, he suggested that if the unit had to, again, self insure that the battery should withdraw its affiliation & again function as a purely independent battery. This motion was seconded & passed by a majority of the membership.
The membership instructed the commander to investigate possible sources of liability insurance & report his findings ASAP.

3) Recruiting- Brother Creely stated that he had a possible member interested & would follow up. Brother Harve Kateman said that he also was aware of a potential member & that the commander needed to e-mail this person appropriate information.

4) The new gun- The members were in general agreement that a second gun was a viable project. The commander was tasked with finding carriage plans. All members were tasked with looking for wheels in any condition.

5) Dues- As the 08 powder levy exceeded unit needs, the membership decided to apply the funds to covering all dues except direct liability insurance costs.

May the Road Rise to Meet you!
Duke

Furman Camp of Instruction

Gentlemen,

Furman Camp of Instruction is scheduled Sunday 01 February. Instruction to start 0800. We need to be on the ground 0730.

Off General Topic-Fuel for thought

HIGH SCHOOL -- 1957 vs. 2007
Scenario 1:Jack goes quail hunting before school and then pulls into the school parking lot with his shotgun in his truck's gun rack.
1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.
2007 - School goes into lock do wn, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for trauma tized students and teachers.

Scenario 2:
Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.
1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2007 - Police called and SWAT team arrives -- they arrest both Johnny and Mark. They are both charged them with assault and both expelled even though Johnny started it.

Scenario 3:
Jeffrey will not be still in class, he disrupts other students.
1957 - Jeffrey sent to the Principal's office and given a good paddling by the Principal. He then returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.
2007 - Jeffrey is given huge doses of Ritalin. He becomes a zombie. He is then tested for ADD. The school gets extra money from the state because Jeffrey has a disability.

Scenario 4:
Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college and becomes a successful businessman.
2007 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy is removed to foster care and joins a gang. The state psychologist is told by Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has an affair with the psychologist.

Scenario 5:
Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.
1957 - Mark shares his aspirin with the Principal out on the smoking dock
2007 - The police are called an d Mark is expelled from school for drug violations. His car is then searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario 6:Pedro fails high school English.
1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English and goes to college.
2007 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against the state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English is then banned from core curriculum. Pedro is given his diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.

Scenario 7:
Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the Fourth of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle and blows up a red ant bed.

1957 - Ants die.
2007 - ATF, Homeland Security and the FBI are all called. Johnny is charged with domestic terrorism. The FBI investigates his parents -- and all siblings are removed from their home and all computers are confiscated. Johnny's dad is placed on a terror wat ch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario 8:
Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.

Romans Chapter 1 Verse 22
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Proposed Fall Schedule

Gentlemen,

The following is the preposed Fall schedule
August TBA- Gun Maintainence
Sept 11-Wilson Creek
Sept 19-20 Allison Woods
Oct 16-18 Wildcat Kentucky
Oct TBA Furman ROTC Cadet Camp of Instruction
Nov. 09 TBA Green River PLantation

Winter Camps

Brothers, (& Sisters)

A couple of notes as the dreary month of January sets in...

Uniforms: Now is a good time to take stock of you uniform(s). Unpack them, don't let them sit & get moldy. I usually dry clean everything once per year. January is a good time.
As I was doing research for my medeival history class, I came on an article that stated the peopel of medieval Europe seldom washed their outer clothes- wood smoke acted as a type of deoderant. This must have some truth, because as much as I have perspired, my wools smell of only one thing-hardwood smoke.
Further, they say that smell is the strongest prod for memory. This also seems to be true. I get a good nose full of wood smoke, and the urge to hit the field runs through me like an electrical current. I can hardly wait.
As always when I'm thinking about the "hobby", my thoughts turn to y'all. It remains my conviction that we are one of the finest artillery batteries in the hobby. I never cease to be impressed by the loyalty and hard work that so many of you display. I am honored to stand among you.
I have said this before, but it bears repeating. We, or more specifically You, have created something special. To me, our brotherhood is a sanctuary; an island in a sea of cultural madness, where manners, brotherhood, and traditions still matter.
However, we are an association of mere men. Like any association, we have our challenges. We all get different things out of the hobby; and each decision that meets one member's needs misses the mark with another member. We must execute care in our words and actions towards each other. Lord knows, there are enough people in and out of the hobby who want to be rid of us. We should not, and cannot fight among ourselves. Please look towards your brother members with kindness.

As always, I am honored to serve among you.

May the Road Rise to meet you.
Duke

Business Meeting

Gentlemen,
There will be a business meeting of the battery membership Thursday, 15 January at 6:30 PM @ Ruby Tuesday's in Easley SC.
Items to be discussed will be:
Schedule
Insurance,
Recruiting,
Continuing Affiliation with Granbury's

Motivational Poster

Colonel Hawkins originally sent this as a Marine Motivational Poster- I though it was worth (at least) a chuckle.

Regards,
Duke

Tools/Ideas...

As a reminder, we do have some publications available...
1) We have period type recruiting posters, I can send you PDF Copies
2) We have the New Recruit Information Packets
3) We have copies of The Banner ot I'll Take My Stand I can send PDF

If you have anything else you would like to see, let me know.

I was thinking... perhaps an "Open House"? We could do a spring or fall drill, invite perspective members, have a cookout....

Let me know what you think.

Duke

Insurance

Gentlemen,
As you are all probably aware, there have been rumors flying around regarding the status of Granbury's Brigade. We have sought to avoid involving ourselves in the rumor mill & will continue to do so.
However, one of the prime reasons we had for affiliating was to ease the burden of insurance. I have sent two dispatches to Granbury's Brigade regarding their insurance program. So far, the silence has been deafening.
I have begun the process of collecting quotes for our own policy. I will keep you informed.

May the Road Rise to Meet You,
Duke

Recruiting

Brothers, I see hard times ahead for our hobby. The great surge of enthusiasm generated by movies like “Gettysburg” & “Glory” has subsided. The economy is shot. People have moved on to more politically correct & less demanding hobbies.
Events, especially the small ones we like to frequent, are suffering from a dearth of reenactors. The fact that we can credibly fight both as artillery & infantry has led to what i.m.h.o. is a bizarre turn of events. We have become the equivalent of a WWII Wehrmacht Kampfgruppe- a combined arms force to be thrown into desperate situations. ( I can't imagine what our 3-4 man squad of Infantry looks like driving whole companies off; if I were paying to see a reenactment I would want my money back).
There is nothing we can do about events. The free market will cull these, some will go away, the others will get stronger. There is nothing I can (or want) to do about other units. My concern is us... What are we going to do to maintain and increase our numbers?
I look forward to hearing from you,
May the Road Rise to Meet you,
Duke

First Post/New Musket for Christmas!

First post to this blog - New Recruits
I spend quite a bit of time thinking about how I can make things better; not for the hobby, (nobody has asked my opinions) but for our battery. I get an awful lot out of being around you guys. I have learned a tremendous amount about our past, myself, & what I can (or can't) do.
I really want this experience to be something special for everybody- something we do not get in our day to day lives. As such, I bounce ideas around in my head. Sometimes, ideas just seem to spring out of nowhere (only to quickly fade back into oblivion).
I am hoping we can use this blog to share these ideas we get & flesh them out. The decisions we make as a team at events are pretty good. I don't see why our long term plans & goals cannot benefit from our collective input.
Also, I see, read, and hear about a lot of cool stuff. I never remember to tell you guys- everyone in the battery has gotten a phone call from me saying, "I called you for a reason, but I'm dammed if I can remember what it is..." I really, REALLY hate talking on the phone anyway. I think I would rather have a molar extracted with no anesthesia. I don't mass e-mail; I hate to get it, so I don't send it. But, this seems to be a grand forum for sharing as our new Pinhead Overlord says, "Spreading the Wealth around".
So sit back, relax, and feel free to make fun of me, because here is the first post: New Musket for Christmas!
My practically perfect wife has once again outdone herself at Christmas. Back in the spring I was trolling the 'Net and saw an interesting item: Loyalist Arms was producing a "Model 1839 Conversion Musket". To those of you who have a real life & don't spend their time keeping up with archaic British Martial Arms, the Model '39 was, basically, a 3rd Model Brown Bess converted to percussion ignition. These & Model 1842 (an evil stepsister musket) were imported in small quantities during the Late Unpleasantness.
I was immediately overtaken by lust. Ralphie & the Red Ryder had nothing on me. I made myself a royal pain in the arse. My wife was inundated by musket spam, poorly veiled hints, etc.
Well, she came through. When I got up Christmas morning- there it was. Let me tell you-the doggone thing is drop dead gorgeous. The fit & finish is excellent (Trigger pull is a little stout but that is common on any repro I've ever gotten). If this is a typical example of Loyalist Arms products- I know where I am buying all of my muskets from now on.
By the way, check them out- They have a huge selection of cool arms: 42 Springfields, Enfields...
I'll keep you posted after I get it out to the range.
Regards,
Duke