What thoughts whirl through my mind, when I think about where many of us have been in the last few decades with Longstreet's Corps. I used to have a fairly accurate count of how many events I have attended, but alas, those numbers are quite nebulous now. Faces, names, jokes, camp and field stories all have a way of dissipating into the fog of time; even the details of so many battles, once vivid are now relegated to the backwaters of memory.
It is sad to ruminate upon those early days, with so many comrades having passed from the stage. Some simply have decided that the hobby took up too much time and precious money. Others had to make home and work come first, putting the hobby as a secondary importance. A few, I'm sure, just tired of the rigors and sought other pursuits. More than a few have left us for an eternity that we can only wonder about. Scarcely a unit in our Corps has been spared the ravages of death in its ranks. No rank has been immune to the final rollcall.
We have now lost two former Corps commanders. General James Maupin, friend to all in our hobby left us just days ago, a victim of a heart attack. I would like to think that he is, right now sitting with General Hillsman, kicking another log onto that fire which never burns out, going over strategy, hulling peanuts, and wondering what all this fuss back on Earth is about, over him and our other comrades. He would have to admit that his was a very special gathering of friends, as funerals go. Many old soldiers were there, especially from Jim's old 44th Virginia, many seen for the first time by some of us present for the first time in many years.
Those old faces, even if some had to be asked their names, were good to see again. In speaking with one old comrade I was reminded that this must have been how it was for the boys of '61-'65, with funerals becoming all too common. It is all in God's plan though. He knows what He is doing, and we are all on that rollcall, in His own good time.
So please, friends, don't be too sad when this happens with more frequency as we all get older. Let's keep each other in our prayers and enjoy the good times and good friends God gives us, while we still can. We are not promised tomorrow, only eternity, if we are true and faithful to His calling.
And as I've said to so many over the years, I'd like to think that a merciful and kind Father will allow us to be together again, in that great camp in the sky. Until that time comes for each of us, let us be reminded of what the pastor said at General Maupin's graveside, when he admonished us to bury our hatchets and our disagreements now, while we can still embrace one another in this life, and to dedicate ourselves and our efforts to the memories of those whom we love and have loved - not bad advice at all.
But for now, let us close ranks and carry on as we have been taught as soldiers and as men. And at the end of the day's march, let us lift a glass to the memory of our friend, mentor and General, James Maupin.
We must now devote our efforts to each other, as he devoted his to us. If we can do that, I know he will be well-pleased. Rest in Peace, General, and may God bless you in your new home.
Respectfully,
Colonel Greg Gallion
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Camp of Instruction II
Welcome back from the Camp of Instruction,
What? You couldn't attend? That's too bad, because you missed a good time. Though we only had a small turnout we had a good time and alot of learning took place. We even found an opportunity to have a tactical down in the woods below camp, Sunday morning.
We had some interesting classes Saturday; Captain John Douglass (our gracious host) gave a talk on the safety and usage of artillery, Rick Miller and Paul Pessagano spoke on and showed example of uniforms and period textiles and leather goods, Captain Barry Woods and General Cornett clarified some misconceptions from Gilham's, Stinky gave cooking demonstrations and shared tricks of the trade. These are just a few of the programs that were put together for our benefit.
Saturday night there was a fine pig roast with all the fixings, followed by games, entertainment, singing and all-round revelry. I'm really sorry you couldn't make it. The good news is that we are already talking about doing it again, next year. Maybe you can attend, because it just wasn't the same without you.
No, it wasn't all about drill, though units did some of that, too. Honestly it was all about being with your pards and all that entails. We think we're onto a good set of ideas for next year's COI, but we need to hear from you, because you might have just that right idea that none of us has thought of yet. Drop me a line at colgallioncos@longstreetscorps.com and I'll see that our planning committee gets your input. After all, it is your Corps.
Did I mention how good those sweet potatoes were? And those boys in the 5th! I didn't know they could sing! I guess you'll just have to experience it for yourself, next time.
I'll see you at New Market, next month. Are you registered yet? It's only $15.00 until April 30. It sounds like we're going to have a good turnout.
Until next time,
Colonel Gallion
What? You couldn't attend? That's too bad, because you missed a good time. Though we only had a small turnout we had a good time and alot of learning took place. We even found an opportunity to have a tactical down in the woods below camp, Sunday morning.
We had some interesting classes Saturday; Captain John Douglass (our gracious host) gave a talk on the safety and usage of artillery, Rick Miller and Paul Pessagano spoke on and showed example of uniforms and period textiles and leather goods, Captain Barry Woods and General Cornett clarified some misconceptions from Gilham's, Stinky gave cooking demonstrations and shared tricks of the trade. These are just a few of the programs that were put together for our benefit.
Saturday night there was a fine pig roast with all the fixings, followed by games, entertainment, singing and all-round revelry. I'm really sorry you couldn't make it. The good news is that we are already talking about doing it again, next year. Maybe you can attend, because it just wasn't the same without you.
No, it wasn't all about drill, though units did some of that, too. Honestly it was all about being with your pards and all that entails. We think we're onto a good set of ideas for next year's COI, but we need to hear from you, because you might have just that right idea that none of us has thought of yet. Drop me a line at colgallioncos@longstreetscorps.com and I'll see that our planning committee gets your input. After all, it is your Corps.
Did I mention how good those sweet potatoes were? And those boys in the 5th! I didn't know they could sing! I guess you'll just have to experience it for yourself, next time.
I'll see you at New Market, next month. Are you registered yet? It's only $15.00 until April 30. It sounds like we're going to have a good turnout.
Until next time,
Colonel Gallion
Monday, April 6, 2009
Camp of Instruction
Greetings to all,
Knocking off the rust; something we must all do in this hobby, from time to time. Some of us spend alot of time doing this while others do a bit less, what with buttons to sew, brogans to condition, muskets to maintain, tent loops to mend - the list is seemingly endless of things we should do, to keep a respectable impression. No matter the rank or station, we all have a list of things we should do.
How about your knowledge? Do you maintain that, too? Do you know what to do in the normal evolutions of company and battalion drill? Do you know where to be for your basic footwork? Do you know enough about loading and firing, to teach a new recruit or will you depend on your NCO's to do that? We expect our officers to know these things and more, but do you know the job of the man above and below you in rank, if you are needed to fill a spot?
How about if you find yourself detailed to help in the mess tent, or on a medical assignment? Do you know how to participate in or supervise a provost detail? What would you do if you, as senior Private, found yourself at an event as the senior man? Could you manage a squad of fellow Privates for a weekend? Officers, have you ever found yourself handling a battalion for the first time, because others could not attend an event?
The point is this; if you answered tentatively or uncertainly about any of the above inquiries, then we have just the opportunity for you. We have created a Camp of Instruction for the Corps, April 17-19, to address these and other concerns. The team of Lt. Eric Powell, Captain Jeff Noland and Lt. Tom Place have designed the classroom aspects of the Camp, and General Cornett and Staff are designing the tactical, drill and military essentials of the Camp. The event is being hosted by our own Major John Douglass, Adjutant of Artillery for the Corps. All the details are on the Corps Website, ably posted by Colonel Tony Zusman, easy to find, read and register for.
What's in it for you? A refresher course on diverse topics awaits. It is vital that we have a good turnout, as we kick off this new campaign season. Now, before you decry the economy or simply say, "It's not an event. I'm not coming." let me remind you that this is our Corps. We are only as good as our last performance, and gas is no cheaper for one of us than for another.
I urge you also to attend so that we might all enjoy Longstreet's Corps' 25th anniversary celebration, for which the committee has planned a pig roast, lots of story-telling, skits, singing and general entertainment. Come for the fun. Come for the comraderie. Come for the intrinsic value. Come because we need you. Come because you'll not get another chance to make these kinds of memories. Come so we can all get better at what we do. Come to keep from pulling weeds. Just come. You'll be glad you did.
Someday we all will be too old for this, and we'll wish we had all been there together. The committee and a whole bunch of others have already made contributions of time and talent for the sake of all of us. What will you do?
I'll see you there.
Colonel Gallion
Chief-of-Staff
Knocking off the rust; something we must all do in this hobby, from time to time. Some of us spend alot of time doing this while others do a bit less, what with buttons to sew, brogans to condition, muskets to maintain, tent loops to mend - the list is seemingly endless of things we should do, to keep a respectable impression. No matter the rank or station, we all have a list of things we should do.
How about your knowledge? Do you maintain that, too? Do you know what to do in the normal evolutions of company and battalion drill? Do you know where to be for your basic footwork? Do you know enough about loading and firing, to teach a new recruit or will you depend on your NCO's to do that? We expect our officers to know these things and more, but do you know the job of the man above and below you in rank, if you are needed to fill a spot?
How about if you find yourself detailed to help in the mess tent, or on a medical assignment? Do you know how to participate in or supervise a provost detail? What would you do if you, as senior Private, found yourself at an event as the senior man? Could you manage a squad of fellow Privates for a weekend? Officers, have you ever found yourself handling a battalion for the first time, because others could not attend an event?
The point is this; if you answered tentatively or uncertainly about any of the above inquiries, then we have just the opportunity for you. We have created a Camp of Instruction for the Corps, April 17-19, to address these and other concerns. The team of Lt. Eric Powell, Captain Jeff Noland and Lt. Tom Place have designed the classroom aspects of the Camp, and General Cornett and Staff are designing the tactical, drill and military essentials of the Camp. The event is being hosted by our own Major John Douglass, Adjutant of Artillery for the Corps. All the details are on the Corps Website, ably posted by Colonel Tony Zusman, easy to find, read and register for.
What's in it for you? A refresher course on diverse topics awaits. It is vital that we have a good turnout, as we kick off this new campaign season. Now, before you decry the economy or simply say, "It's not an event. I'm not coming." let me remind you that this is our Corps. We are only as good as our last performance, and gas is no cheaper for one of us than for another.
I urge you also to attend so that we might all enjoy Longstreet's Corps' 25th anniversary celebration, for which the committee has planned a pig roast, lots of story-telling, skits, singing and general entertainment. Come for the fun. Come for the comraderie. Come for the intrinsic value. Come because we need you. Come because you'll not get another chance to make these kinds of memories. Come so we can all get better at what we do. Come to keep from pulling weeds. Just come. You'll be glad you did.
Someday we all will be too old for this, and we'll wish we had all been there together. The committee and a whole bunch of others have already made contributions of time and talent for the sake of all of us. What will you do?
I'll see you there.
Colonel Gallion
Chief-of-Staff
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Some good reading
What have you read lately, while waiting for the next campaign? Maybe some fiction or historical fiction? Sports? Biography? The culturally popular how-to books? I'll bet you have read a few from these genre, but I'll also guess you stuck with the tried and true history selections that you cut your teeth on, those topics that have allure for the reenactor.
When you read history, is your preference the War Between the States, or do you venture into other time frames as well? I have my favorites, like Freeman's Lee's Lieutenants, especially the final fifty pages of volume three, in which the reader is treated to a pass-in-review of all the ghosts of the Army of Northern Virginia. I'm also fond of Confederate autoboigraphy such as the admittedly flawed From Manassas to Appomattox, by General Longstreet, and the excellent Fighting For the Confederacy, by Colonel Alexander.
When craving tactical studies, I gravitate to a few of the more modern volumes such as Shenandoah 1862, by Peter Cozzens, about Jackson's Valley Campaign, and the solid analysis of Gordon Rhea's fine works on the Wilderness and Spotsylvania. Strategically speaking, I enjoy still, the myriad volumes by Bruce Catton, which I read as a kid. To each his own.
I also enjoy reading Napoleonic works, and have a special interest in the German Army in Russia, 1941-1944. Field Marshall von Manstein's Lost Victories is a particular favorite of mine, as are Paul Carrell's works, Hitler Moves East and Scorched Earth.
For each of these I prefer a good set of maps to accompany the reading and study. I can be found sprawled out on the floor of my library, awash in pulpwood, oblivious to the world and its status. What about you? What do you read? Please drop me a line and we'll compare notes. I'm sure we can recommend some more good reads to each other and our comrades.
Respond to this blog, or e-mail me at colgallioncos@longstreetscorps.com. I'll be glad to hear from you. Until next time.
Respectfully,
Colonel Gallion
When you read history, is your preference the War Between the States, or do you venture into other time frames as well? I have my favorites, like Freeman's Lee's Lieutenants, especially the final fifty pages of volume three, in which the reader is treated to a pass-in-review of all the ghosts of the Army of Northern Virginia. I'm also fond of Confederate autoboigraphy such as the admittedly flawed From Manassas to Appomattox, by General Longstreet, and the excellent Fighting For the Confederacy, by Colonel Alexander.
When craving tactical studies, I gravitate to a few of the more modern volumes such as Shenandoah 1862, by Peter Cozzens, about Jackson's Valley Campaign, and the solid analysis of Gordon Rhea's fine works on the Wilderness and Spotsylvania. Strategically speaking, I enjoy still, the myriad volumes by Bruce Catton, which I read as a kid. To each his own.
I also enjoy reading Napoleonic works, and have a special interest in the German Army in Russia, 1941-1944. Field Marshall von Manstein's Lost Victories is a particular favorite of mine, as are Paul Carrell's works, Hitler Moves East and Scorched Earth.
For each of these I prefer a good set of maps to accompany the reading and study. I can be found sprawled out on the floor of my library, awash in pulpwood, oblivious to the world and its status. What about you? What do you read? Please drop me a line and we'll compare notes. I'm sure we can recommend some more good reads to each other and our comrades.
Respond to this blog, or e-mail me at colgallioncos@longstreetscorps.com. I'll be glad to hear from you. Until next time.
Respectfully,
Colonel Gallion
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