AFTER ACTION REPORTS
Gentlemen of the Guard;
The 150th Anniversary of 1st Manassas/Bull Run is now a memory. The single most common foe everyone had to fight was the all-consuming heat. The actual tempature on Saturday was 104 but the Heat Index was 126. Despite those conditions, our Brigade had few heat casualties and none that were of a serious nature. That is a testament to the abilities of the officers and NCO's since they were determined to care for their men as best as they could.
The preparation of the site was amazing. They had running water piped throughout the area, a massive police (not security guards, police force to keep traffic flowing, a huge medical tent they kept at 50 degrees and an EMT staff that seemed to be everywhere. Their emergency plans were activated Saturday when FEMA took over the event and declared it a National Emergency because of the heat. Their command and control helicopters were 24/7 but high enough not to be intrusive. I saw an average of 14 ambulances waiting on site if needed. The number of bottles of water they gave out must have numbered in the hundreds of thousands. (That is not a typo) and the bottles of Gatorade they handed out easily numbered in the tens of thousands.
Several organizations joined us to show what a Brigade of westerners can do. The Black Hats, the 2nd Wisconsin, the Military Department of the Mississippi and the Indiana Brigade and the 1st Illinois Brigade combined with us to put a great Brigade in the field. Commanded by Will Eichler and Craig DeCrane, the two battalions looked like they had been drilled for hours when, in truth, the only pre-battle drill was firing a volley in camp before the Saturday morning battle. Otherwise, you would have never known how they were amalgamated for the first time when the formed up for battle. That is another testament to the NCO's, the Officers but, perhaps, especially for the men in the ranks. All of the brilliant commands in the world would not have made up for the determination and spirit of the men that composed that Brigade.
From my viewpoint, the staff work done by Keith Harrison (who arrived Wednesday and set up the camp) cannot be praised enough. He consistently demonstrates the honor and devotion one man can have to serve the men.
The other staff officers were vital and performed their tasks better then anyone could ask. Actually, the Brigade staff had a higher percentage of heat casualties then any of the battalions. We lost 3 of the 7 staff members.
The battles were very good and it was fun to see the 8700 troops on the field on Saturday. There were moments of confusion and the portrayal of the actual battle was better on Sunday then on Saturday. It was great to see the specialty impressions such as our 1st Battalion under Will was the 1st Minnesota with their red shirts and the color company with their blue shirts. Craig's men portrayed the 5th Massachusetts but also filled the role of the 11th Mass. They wore battle shirts and all of the Wisconsin guys had on their gray battle shirts.
The largest negative to the event was parking and getting out of the event site. It was not a pleasant task and led to many guys leaving on Saturday night to avoid the Sunday exodus. The entire National Regiment left, except for 6 guys who fell in with us.
Enough cannot be said regarding the hospitality we received from the Eastern command staff. Now that you have awakened from passing out, let me say that again. The commanding General, Tony Daniels and his immediate staff of Jon Sirlin and David Childs were as cooperative and supportive as anyone could have been. I will march under General Daniels any day of the week.
The civilians who camped with us, due to the event rules, were generally very quiet and an asset. The only incident or confrontation of the event involved a civilian group that wanted to pack up and leave but the volume of what they brought caused them to have their vehicles in camp after the stated deadline. Many thanks to the Civilian Coordinator who took on the thankless job but did exceptionally well.
Thanks especially go to all of the privates, corporals and sargents who traveled a long way, knowing it would be hot, and presented an excellent representation of an early war Union soldier. Everyone pitched in and got every job done and demonstrated the true spirit of the Cumberland Guard.
Thanks to all
Colonel (although I was a General at the event and will be at Jackson)
Dave
Gentlemen of the Guard:
The 26th annual event at Jackson, Michigan is in the history books. You did much to make the event a success. Jim Newkirk commanded the 14 Union guns with precision and efficiency. The first battalion of infantry was commanded by Rob Van. Rob did a great job and only threw his hat on the ground once. My personal record is 7 times. His battalion was a true force to reckon with. The second battalion was under veteran Craig DeCrane. His steadiness in battle and aggressive tactics makes any force under his command a dangerous foe.
Thanks to the other impressions such as the 8th Michigan Medical and the embalmer impression by Craig Malone. Both were well received and needed.
My brief trip to the hospital was unfortunate. I am fine and thanks to all the well wishers, including Nick Medich, our worthy foe. The "lady friend" placed in my tent during Saturdays drill was a hoot. I am told she left me for another, and another and another, and so on after I went to the hospital. A real hussy.
Three new members were inducted into the Napoleon Club. That called for lifting spirits in honor of the Club. So, we lifted spirits.
Gentlemen, without you, the event would not have been nearly the complete success it was. Thanks for all you did. My Brigade staff including Keith Harrison and Chris Kubacki made my life easy. Ron, I hope your knee heals soon.
150 ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
We met at Jackson and the Manassas event was the clear concensus. There was much discussion regarding wearing battle shirts but nothing firm was decided. Make your plans now to attend this July 18-22 event. We will be joined by the Black Hats and the Great Lakes Battalion. Right now, it appears we will be about 400 strong.
Hastings/Charleton Park, MI. -- 2010
This event used to be a "don't miss" then the politics got in the way and it declined into oblivion. For the last couple of years, guys like Jim Newkirk and Marty Walker have worked to revive the event. Backed by the complete support of the locals and of the Board of Directors for Charleton Park, an amazing transformation is occurring. I believe it has regained that original "don't miss" status.
This year, we were camped back out in the field like in the past. While spraying for mosquitoes never happened, the spraying for poison ivy was evident and effective. The mosquitoes are a problem but a little precautionary measures go a long way.
We had two battalions, one commanded by Craig DeCrane and the other by newcomer Rob Van. Both handled their troops without incident and did a magnificent job. Their staffs performed their tasks and it was rare that the Brigade staff had to get involved. When I say Brigade staff, I mean Keith Harrison who has the stoic, reliable Chief of Staff down to a science.
The tacticals both days ended in a draw but the guys had a good time and demonstrated great tactics and response to orders. More judges are needed for the tacticals so give that some consideration for next year.
There were really no negative occurences other then a scene involving a former reenactor whose vehicular visit to the camp resulted in a lot of hard feelings toward the only vehicle that made it into our camp for the entire weekend. I have never seen so many bridges burned without the Engineers present.
Paul Davis and his Great Lakes Battalion were there in force and were a very welcome addition.
On Sunday, the men were taught "Street Fighting" then proceeded to use it to perfection against our adversary, Nick Medich. It was great to see Nick and even better to watch that rolling column move up the streets in the village.
All in all, it was a great event. We could use more Yanks next year as well as some that will volunteer to act as judges for two hours each morning.
Thanks to all for their efforts.
Atlanta, GA --- 2009
This was a pretty dandy event. The Union fielded four battalions, including the Guard battalion led by Chris Kubacki. BTW, Chris awoke Sunday morning to a kidney stone, was rushed to the hospital, passed it and was back in camp by 9 am. It brings to mind an old Army commercial that talks about they do more by 9 am then most people do all day....kind of applies here, too.
The 1200 confederates battling our 450 conducted themselves well and even galvanized one battalion for one of the four battles. Ask Rob Van and the 49th, who were there in force, about the swamp....turns out the secret flanking route they were sent on included a waist deep swamp.
Keith Harrison, Tom and Tom (another inside joke) and Carl did an excellent job on Staff. It was great to see Marvin, the Division flagbearer from Gburg, Earl Zeckman, the overall commander and true friend of the Guard and the many friends who ventured to the event. Steve Smith of the 30th Indiana and a bunch of the 3rd Michigan under Marty Walker and Dave Baughman were there.
All in all, it was a great way to honor the men who fought on that very field, 145 years ago...to the day.
Thanks to all who supported the efforts of the Guard.
Jackson, Michigan---2009
This is an easy review of the Jackson event...everything went fine once the weather cleared on Saturday morning.
Done
Seriously, it is difficult to recall any event that went as smooth and on schedule as this past Jackson.
The two battalion commanders, Tom Emerick (in his first large battalion command) and Craig DeCrane, the seasoned veteran, did a fine job. Jim Newkirk managed the artillery with his usual finesse and the cav. folks did their usual expert task on Sunday when they were blue.
The 8th Michigan Medical was their typical efficient selves, even providing a bandage to my poor heel after puncturing it with a nail that went through my shoe.
The Brigade staff, from Keith Harrison, Matt Merta down, were supurb. Never did I ever have to intervene to get something on track or correct a situation....a delight in the eyes of all who command.
And then there is the men...the men who tolerated amazingly heavy rain on Friday to perservere and the resulting mud throughout the weekend. The men who shivvered in the mornings and sweated in the afternoons. And all without so much as one complaint. That's the stuff us westerners are made from.
The rebs were numerous and did a great job of keeping to the scenarios and being great sports in portraying Saylor's Creek and their resultant surrender on Sunday.
My heartfelt thanks to the 7th Michigan for the honor they bestowed upon me on Friday with a plaque thanking me for 25 years of service at the event. It took me to tears.
What a glorious reunion it was too. Chuck Peterson showed up after 20 years!!! Think about that, kind reader.
The spirit of cooperation and support given by all of the participants was beyond reproach. That event could be used as a model for all events, east, west, north and south.
In closing, I am certain I have overlooked some folks who deserve mention. I beg their forgiveness and trust they know of my gratitude for their contribution to an extraordinary experience.
I will see many of you at Atlanta this weekend, others at Hartford City and many of you at the Annual Cumberland Guard meeting in November at Conner Prairie.
Yours in service,
Colonel Dave
by Dave Shackelford
This is a difficult after action report to write. So many people contributed to the success of the event, so many made sacrifices that went above and beyond the call of duty. I hesitate to mention any names because I will fail to mention some very worthy folks who deserve to be named for their efforts.
But.....here goes:
Planning-this was a well planned event. Attending three meetings prior to the event (including the trip when Jim Dedman and I drove in a blizzard on a police-closed I-70), the planning was extensive and contingency plans existed for every possibility. It paid off during the event!
Registration-This was effortless for me and I heard no complaints from anyone.
Campsite-WOW!-It was, in my opinion, the best location possible. I regret the 1st Brigade encountered some poison ivy in portions of their camp. My walk through their area in the early spring did not reveal any problem...probably because it was too early for it to bloom. My apology to anyone who was affected. (On the other hand, the field we drilled in was covered with milkweed, the juice of the plant cures the effects of poison ivy. Nature always provides our needs.)
Camps-They sure looked like an army on the march. No company streets and lots of shebangs reflected a Division who was told to halt and pitch their camp. Good job, lads. I personally saw few modern items and thought everyone pitched in to maintain a military appearance.
The 3rd Division-Smaller than planned due to various causes, the 3rd had nothing to apologize for. The two brigades functioned well and it was difficult to tell that they had never done this on such a scale before.
3rd Division flag-That beautiful flag that flew at headquarters and on the battlefield was provided by Keith Harrison, at his own expense. The brigade commanders were asked to take up a collection from volunteers to help offset the cost. Hopefully, some of you felt the pride that flag stirred inside you and gave a little donation. If you still wish to chip in, send it to me and I will get it to Keith. Thanks goes to Marvin who carried the flag without faltering. He really demonstrated unfailing loyalty.
Division staff-You guys would be amazed to know the details Keith, Stan and Jim had to deal with. Granted, it was all military oriented and mostly authentic, but the volume and the never ending reports were burdensome, though necessary. They really did a great job. Jim had tire troubles on the way home and it took 20 plus hours.
Old/new friends-Did you know we had troops from England, Germany and Sweden in the ranks? Men traveled from 14 states to march with the 3rd. Many new friendships were created and old ones renewed. The 2nd Wisconsin arrived enmass by bus. Boy, when they walked into camp it was a sight to behold. It seemed like there was no end to the column of new arrivals.
Ticks-I pulled 6 off of me and many folks had to deal with the little critters. I am not aware of any major problems-but they were a constant threat and nuisance. Mobile dandruff.
1st Michigan Engineers-these guys never cease to amaze me. As you know, they built the Dave Shackelford Memorial Bridge and the Alan Baldwin Memorial Approach. It really made it much easier to cross the creek for the two Brigades to interact. They also brought a field forge and was seen using it to make metal items that were needed at the time. Their conduct in the battles was flawless and reliable.
Brigade commanders- Will Eichler and Craig DeCrane did such a fine job, it was tough to remember they had never been Brigade commanders before. I apologize for any impatience on my part...I simply forgot that was your first time because of the fine manner you handled your troops. Will had to leave early Sunday and Tom Downes took over 1st Brigade and it was his first time as well. Craig, You were right regarding that bet we made on Sunday and I owe you a beer.
Division drill-You guys made reenacting history with your three Division level drills. Never before has that been done. Division reviews and parades, yes. But the drills you did were the first for the hobby and will set the standard for other organizations. The square on Sunday was simply awesome. As I told you, there were at least 13 squares formed in the real war and that drill showed you the time it takes to get one formed. Now imagine a couple of thousand cavalry galloping at you.
The massed volleys were beyond description and demonstrated what a real regimental volley would have sounded and looked. It certainly gave me a...um, uh,.....typical male response to a stimulating experience.
Battles-well, we had our share of action, that's for sure. All in all, they went well and without serious problems or injuries. I am told the counter-attack on Sunday was to simulate the success the 8th Ohio had in pushing the Confederates back....but because they overlapped the position of our 8th, we had to make the attack as we did. Sometimes the effort to replay historical events have to be more by concept rather than literally. I notice on the reenacting forums that everyone is trying to take credit for burning the Bliss Farm prior to Pickett' Charge. Rest assured, it was our 8th Ohio and the entire venture under the command of Tom. The other units were there to support the 8th because they were there historically.
The road-a rough and rutted road outside our camp caused at least two debilitating injuries. Our Division clerk, Don Everett and the captain of the 2nd Wisconsin both were hurt when they fell on the road. The organizers response was to bring in a bulldozer, a front end loader and several loads of gravel. It looked like a major road construction project and within an hour of bringing it to the attention of the army commander, we had an interstate-like lane running to the battlefield.
My second star-many laughs were the result of several good-natured folks providing several versions of stars to play along with my indignant demand for my second star as a result of promotion to Major General. Thanks for the pranks and laughs.
General Baldwin-I am telling you guys, this man went out of his way to make us "westerners" feel welcome and comfortable. On Friday night, when a TP shortage struck our 11 portajohns, he pulled a 20 out of his pocket, gave it to one of his staff and ordered them to go to Wal-Mart and buy some. He called me at 10 PM that night to tell me the purchase had been delivered to our camp. Think about that...the Army Commander taking the time and effort to address our problems personally. He is a good friend and deserves your thanks...he certainly has mine.
Army Staff-these fellows did an exemplary job of providing support to the various Divisions in the course of the weekend. I was even able to convince one of them that battalions have spaces between them. Thanks, fellows, for all that you did.
Guard duty-everyone chipped in and pulled their weight in providing guards for Division Headquarters. Many fell prey, though, to the question of "Will a guard surrender his weapon if asked by a Division staff officer or commander?". Let's just say that many learned not to relinquish their weapon to anyone while on duty. My apologies if anyone was embarrassed by their blunder..it was an effort to test their resolve and meant to be somewhat good-natured training. Probably the most amazing incident was when the Sergeant of the Guard emphatically told the guards to not give up their weapon to anyone, including the General. While he stood there and within a minute of his speech, the guard gave me his musket upon request.
RJ Samp-bugler extraordinaire-This man moved and motivated the Division with his bugling all weekend. It is one thing to move a Division but another to have such a talented man to move it by bugle! Thanks, RJ, for your efforts, injured knee and all.
Authenticity-Personally, I never observed any blatant violation of the authenticity standards of the event. While far from perfect, I feel like it was a dramatic improvement from the past and a good sign for the future. Most, if not all, seemed to appreciate the prevalent attitude of the hobby of improving your impression. All are urged to never cease your efforts to improve your personal impression.
Personal sacrifices-The most moving story came from a member of the 19th Indiana, Company A who learned his father passed away. Efforts to obtain a rental car or a flight were unsuccessful. After consulting with his family members, this unselfish man refused to make the other 8 men who drove out to the site to have to give up their experience. Please keep his loss in your prayers. I still tear up when I think of his anguish.
Summarizing the AAR, I am sure I have left out some folks who deserve much praise. There is likely to be a supplemental report issued soon. Thank you for all that you did. Never forget the pride in our hearts as the 3rd Division marched onto the field.
Former Brevet Major General, now just plain old Colonel, Dave.
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