Commander's Corner

The current, updated, evolving, probably will be changed some, schedule is posted on our Event Schedule 2000. I'll attempt to clarify what some of our focus will be relative to that schedule in this article. The business meeting went well. We had over 20 members present and signed up three new members (Harold Caldwell , Scott Foster (yes Matt has a brother, but he's normal), and Daniel Helms). I wonder if they realize what they've got themselves into. The two major issues discussed were: Increasing the annual dues by $4.00 from $26.00 to $30.00 and a major uniform change, from wool to jean cloth - more to follow at the Camp of Instruction. See the Feb 2000 issue of the Rebel Boast Online for more information about the business meeting.

Our schedule begins with one limber and the caisson, supporting the CSS Hunley event. The Sailor's Creek event will also involve the 26th going Federal at least one day to support us. Take a look at your calendars, the May 25th live shoot at Fort Pickett (30-40 miles south of Petersburg off I-85) is on! The 111th FA Battaion will support us with lodging and we will fire at the same moving target that their 155mm towed guns will fire at - I know it's a weekday but it's close (mileage) - with enough support we will shoot a Parrott and the 6-pounder. If possible, we will shoot a couple of canister rounds. Let me know at the Camp of Instruction if you can attend. The Peninsula Campaign is a new event and the Legion will support it. We are working a living history in August at Gettysburg to do as Federal - perhaps as Battery D, 5th US. The 26th will also attend as Federals. Chancellorsville will be a major event, but to date few details are available. If we go to West Point we may miss Fort Branch. I want to discuss the details of the proposed West Point trip with you at the Camp of Instruction to determine how much interest we have within the unit to go this distance.

The Colonel John R. Lane award I received at the business meeting is YOUR award - your recruiting efforts last year made receiving this award possible - thanks for your efforts - keep it up - that 3rd gun is waiting! Please make every effort to attend the Camp of Instruction - we want to accomplish a number of things that weekend and without your attendance - that will be hard to do!

Weekday Events

We will be doing three weekday events this year. On 3 May a couple of us will be at Gettysburg doing a live TV shoot for PBS (I think its PBS). It will involve one team, limber and caisson. We have enough people to support this.

The second event will be on 25 May at Camp Pickett. Camp Pickett is about 30-40 miles south of Petersburg just off of I-85. My concept would be to arrive Tuesday evening, the National Guard will billet us and get up the next day and do the firing. I will go down in late March to coordinate this with the Battalion Commander. This is a payoff for three years of support to the Saint Barbara's Day Celebration in D.C. every December.

The third event will be West Point. If we can arrange it, this will occur in November. We would arrive at West Point (probably a 12-hour drive from Charlotte) on Thursday. We would provide a living history for over 900 cadets on Friday, get the grand tour of the facilities on Saturday and drive back to Charlie Tarbox's that evening (4-41/2 hours). Everyone could depart for home the next morning.

I need everyone to look at your calendars and tell me what you think you can support. I know this is asking a lot - but to fire live and to visit West Point and be a part of their Civil War history program are both once in a life time opportunities. Let me know at Camp Burt what you want to do.

See you at Camp Burt!!!

David L. Stanley, Capt. Cmdg.

Unit Dues are Due!

Send your $30.00 (yes they were raised at the business meeting) to Sam Prestipino, 5007 Brookstone Drive, Durham, NC 27713, ASAP.