Commander's Corner

It is my sad duty to inform you that General Charles H. Hillsman died on Sunday, December the 17th. His burial will have occurred by the time most of you see this issue of the Rolling Thunder. If you wish to send cards or notes the address is: Ms. Charles H. Hillsman, 25931 Sayler's Creek Rd. Jetersville, Va. 23083. The hobby will miss this great man.

The year 2000 has been a great year - made great by each and everyone actively participating, supporting this organization. Thank-you for making it fun!

Colfax was a great event - even with the rain. We had over 60 soldiers and family members present and I know we all enjoyed the training and the fellowship.

At the Minutemen Cannoneers Annual Saint Barbara's Day celebration in Washington, DC we had 17 members in attendance. 1st Lt Stewart, 1st Sgt. Slifer, Cpl. Moose and Pvt. Glaze received the Order of Saint Barbara. Mimi Stewart, Geanie Slifer, Danyel Moose and Alys Glaze received the Molly Pitcher Award. Congratulations to these very deserving recipients.

Last weekend Sgt. Rhyne, Cpl. Moose Pvt. Hayer, Pvt. T. Helms and Pvt. D Helms provided an honor guard for a Saint Barbara's Event in Charlotte. I received a note from the Battery Commander commending them on a job well done!

I want to direct your attention to the schedule on the right - the Hunley interment has been moved - to when we don't know! There is an event here the weekend before on the original battlefield at the original ford - we may want to consider doing this event. This is just a schedule of events we may participate in - it will be your decision.

You have recruited 14 new members this year, giving us a total of 46 military members on the books. We will need 30 men at each event where we hope to field 3 horse drawn guns - I want to target the 140th Manassas as the first event to field this third piece in 2001.

Our Rowan Chapter of the Field Artillery Association has also grown. We started the Chapter last year with 27 members and have grown to 30 members for 2001. If you are not a member, I encourage you to join this professional organization.

During this holiday season please remember the contributions of those we seek to honor - for anyone separated from family and home it is truly a lonely time of the year. This time of year is also hard on the horses - Dr. Robinson describes their suffering on the Rommney Campaign in his book Stonewall Jackson, "Icicles of blood hung from the horses."

To each of you and your families Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Joyce, David, Leah and Lindsey

Capt. David L. Stanley, Cmdg.