Brothers,
 Got some issues, i won't be able to make gun work this weekend. let's scrub it 7 I'll get up with y'all to re-schedule.
Duke

Carrot & Hammer

First, the hammer (I always have believed in getting bad news out of the way 1st)

 Having witnessed the fiasco with Chris Givins, having seen the expense & trouble that both he & the mounted cav guys have went through... I will not take the field without insurance coverage. Further, as several of us own houses, land & property that would be lost in a lawsuit- I won't allow you to take the field (at least as part of our unit) without insurance. This is the best deal I could find- take it or leave it...
 Now, the carrot-
  I have found us a good deal. Through the Living History association, for around $25-$30 per year (exact cost will depend on total number of participants) we can give every member both personal injury coverage & general liability coverage. We will have to band together with 2nd NCMI & 3rd US as a "battalion" to get the numbers to make this affordable.
If you have already paid your insurance/Dues for this year- your money is safe in the treasury & will cover most (very possibly all) of the insurance costs.
What, specifically, I need from each of you is:
Your Name & Address. Individual or Family coverage (family covers listed people in your immediate household & will cost an additional $15.00). Once I know how many people we are covering for the battalion, I can give each of you an exact cost.
Send you information via e-mail to screbelyell@yahoo.com
YOS
DUKE

Without Comment...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqBFRMGLoB0

Insurance

Brothers,
 The liability insurance carrier that has covered us through 2nd ncmi the past 3 years has stopped carrying club insurance. Until we find another carrier, we have no coverage. Our insurance funds are safe in the unit treasury...
Even a small accident in the field can cost thousands.
 As such, I am suspending all field operations (read: events) until liability insurance is secured. Both Smitty & I are focusing on the problem & I anticipate an early solution. However, times have changed & our options are much more limited than they were 4-5 years ago. As such, unless one of you can point me to an underwriter- live with whatever I find.

Y.O.S
Duke

Unit Musket Purchase

Brothers,
 I am considering making a Unit purchase for Muskets. Any interest?
Duke

Gun Work

During Saturday's Work Drill, separations (Cracks) was found on the Trail. These required filling & sealing. As such, Painting was not accomplished. Next round of work 1400hrs Saturday 23 June, with a follow up day Sunday 25 June.
Duke

On Cabins & Camp

Gentlemen,

 I am writing this as a brother among brothers. This is only my opinion. It carries NO weight of command; No direction towards the membership.

  Over the last couple of months, there has been a great deal of discussion amongst us vis-à-vis staying off site at events. I have “hoteled” it in the past, & would certainly consider it again if the conditions called for it (read: Statesville in August or Augusta in October). Further, I understand members desire for modern sleeping, hot showers, & flushing toilets.

  However, having given this a lot of thought, & a lot of discussion with my son- it occurs to me, that a lot of the experience I enjoy is staying on site (even if it means sleeping in the Volkswagen). This holds especially true @ Hot Springs (at least in November). As such, with great respect, I will politely decline to participate in any cabin or hotel activities.

YOS

Duke