Happy Holidays

Well folks, it's difficult to believe that another year is almost over and look at what we have accomplished. We have successfully fielded our second gun - both men and horses are now trained! Gone are the days of having a second gun detachment in "training".

Our ladies have provided real, not realistic, demonstrations to the public on basket weaving and  sidesaddle riding. And, as usual, they have maintained a great impression and have supported us around camp. Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your support, it could not have been possible without you.

The Colfax Event was great! We had around 50 cannoneers and their families in attendance. Thanks for bringing the great food and thanks to Chris Moose for cooking the turkey yet again. I want to publicly thank Sandy Horvath for the basket weaving class - what a great time those ladies had while we drilled. If you haven't noticed, we moved the section down the road like it was meant to move - officers, guidon and chiefs of the piece were all mounted. The third gun and team will be reality in the next 18 months…or sooner.

The Minutemen Cannoneer's "Saint Barbara's Celebration" was a great success. We placed a section with the supporting limber and harness in the National Guard Headquarters for all to see - we received our fair share of compliments for the effort. Sgt. Mike Rhyne is our latest recipient of the Order of Saint Barbara and Joyce Stanley was the first of our ladies to receive the Molly Pitcher Award. The meal and the fellowship was again outstanding. We had fourteen members and their ladies attend.

You can see the calendar has started to develop for next year. We will solidify it further at our business meeting and discuss the level of support for several of these events.

Finally, in closing, I want to take the time to thank all of you for your continued support of this unit, without your attendance and support we would have a nice artillery park.

Joyce, the kids and I want to wish each of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and wishes for a happy, healthy, safe, and successful New Millennium.

Joyce, Leah, Lindsey and Capt. David Stanley