'Tis the Season

We all have much for which to be thankful, some of us moreso than others. Most of us have our health and our families, upon which we may rely and, God willing, our future days, filled with the blessings of a bountiful harvest, rendered by a loving Father.

Now let's travel back nearly 15o years, to a war-torn yet optimistic Confederacy. Nashville, New Orleans, Vicksburg and Mobile already in Federal hands, and Atlanta soon to fall, our forebears clung tenaciously to Richmond, Petersburg, Raleigh, Tallahassee and other cities, towns and hamlets throughout the South, facing long odds and short provisions.

They could not have been blamed for being pessimistic, even fatalistic. Yet, even up until the last grim days, when the major forces of Southern liberty were smitten, the troops and the folks at home hung onto grim hopes that their cause might yet prevail, and that peace might still be attained, at the earliest hour. Amidst all the foreboding signs of defeat, starvation parties were held in that last winter, as if to mock those Northern cousins who were poised to end the grand experiment.

Make no mistake; we are not them, not in any way or shape, as we try to keep alive their memory and their courage. Even in the darkest of days in this dying recession we now endure, have we come close to their privations, their despair and their pathos. We will continue to complain about gas prices, registration fees and the like, as being impediments to enjoying the hobby we love; the hobby that compels our presence. Yet we need to pause upon our Christmas season and reflect upon all that is good in our hobby.

Longstreet's Corps is as strong as ever, with new friends and new units joining our ranks, every new year. The vision of ours and brother organizations is forging higher callings and newer horizons than many of us ever dreamt of. With willing hands, patience and cooperation, we will take our hobby further into the future. The coming five years are exciting times for all of us.

We have many to thank for our continuance in this hobby, this love affair with the past which so consumes us. Certainly our families are to be thanked, for all their tolerance and patience with us, especially when we get that far-off wintertime look, waiting for the first event of the new year. Our co-workers need to be thanked for not snickering too loudly, as we try to describe for them, some grand and glorious charge we participated in, at the last event; even though they secretly brand us as crazy, for what we do.

Don't forget to thank the father of seven kids, and his wife, as they trapse through our camps and our battlefields; they are the ones for whom we passionately labor, though many of them spend exorbutant amounts of needed family money, so that we might teach them what happened during the birth throes of one country and the death throes of another.

Lastly, and most prominently, let us all pause to reflect upon the birth, tumultuous life, passion and death of the One Who Came To Rid Us of Sin and Death. Let us also, in this joyous season, thank our God, for His omnipotent beneficence which allowed that same Son of Man, to rise triumphantly from the grave, to sit at His Father's Mighty Right Hand. Without that gift, so long ago, nothing we do would even be possible. As I like to tell my students, "Let's get our priorities straight."

'Tis the Season.

Hallelujah!!!

Readers,

Some of you who have followed this blog site for the last few months, will kindly forgive my changing the promised title of today's entry. I had planned to use "Friends Are Friends."

I have astounding news to share with you! Our pal, Captain Les Switzer arrived home today, around lunchtime, discharged from Duke University Hospital, this morning. He and Karen are glad to be home, following July 15th's successful surgery for esophageal cancer.

The very best news, however, is that all the pathology reports indicate he is 100% free of any cancer!

A mutual friend remarked recently, that just a few years ago, such a diagnosis would have resulted in the death of our brother. Look how far the craft of medicine has come, in our lifetime, saving lives with routine success. When the time is right, Les will tell you all about his journey, to the brink of death, and back.

But, let's take a moment to acknowledge a very salient fact; prayers are answered. I don't care what you say, prayer is not only free, but also fruitful. Ask Les; he'll tell you that he actually felt people praying for him and his situation. He's told me several times in the last few weeks that those prayers, many no doubt from people whom he does not even know, are not only evident, but truly palpable.

Draw your own conclusions. I'm not here to debate theology. I'm here to lift up praise to God, who guides and directs all healing, and to Him who has spared us our brother.

Last night, Les took solid food for the first time in over two months. No leaks in his new stomach. No more nausea, which had for so long tortured his system. No more hospital room. No more wondering about the outcome, and oh, did I mention, no more cancer?

Now, here is the important thing, as I see it; never once, from the time he was diagnosed, until the present, have I heard Les ask, "Why me?" The Word of God says that we "shall be known by our stripes." Les has some stripes. I'll bet you can see where I'm going with this, as I ask you if you've heard of another who possessed the same.

The last time I wrote, I said you were invited to dance. Now there is even more reason for you to lace up those shoes. You might even feel like putting on your tux. The opening number is a waltz, because your partner is still pretty sore from his surgery, but stay on the floor long enough, and you're likely to be swept off your feet, at a fast gallop, with a schottish or a reel. He feels like partying, and he'll probably tell you, that life is a gift; one that is neither promised nor earned.

There is a Christian musician I still listen to, who probably says it best, even though he was called home in 1997. In one of his first songs, on his very first album, Rich Mullins exhorted us to "Live like you'll die tomorrow. Die knowing you'll live forever. Live right." Les could have written those same lyrics.

Have you placed your life in perspective, considering the here and the hereafter? Les has, and he's glad to have you as his friends, in this journey called life.

Until next time,
Colonel Greg Gallion

"Earl" meets his Waterloo

Captain Les Switzer has emerged victorious from his cancer surgery, and his opponent, which he ruefully named "Earl" is no more. The prayers of countless friends and comrades, have once again prevailed over the scourge of this ravaging illness. Les' surgery was yesterday, at Duke University Hospital, and was variously predicted to be somewhere between six and ten hours. In reality, the whole procedure took just over three hours, thankfully sparing Les from a more gruelling operation. His physicians, guided by the hands of God, were able to excise all of the cancer from his esophagus, and his prognosis for continuing his normal life, is very promising.

Les is not out of the woods yet, but he came out of surgery yesterday, feeling as good as a man could, having gone through such a procedure. Karen is breathing a little easier today also, with most of this crisis having passed. She has been a rock for Les and their family during all of this. Both of them have asked me to please convey to all of you, their profound thanks for your prayers, calls, gifts and well-wishes. They realize where this outcome came from; you and your faith have invoked the presence of God and the Holy Spirit, in every phase of this ordeal.

I'll leave the details to Les, to tell you as he sees fit, when he can rejoin us around the campfire. That is his goal, to be with us at least one day, at Cedar Creek. But for now, please take a moment to write him a letter or card, to join in the joyous outcome he has been given. He will be in recovery for about seven-to-ten days, at Duke University Hospital. If all goes as planned, he will hope to go home around July 25. In any event, the hospital will forward his mail to his home address, once he returns.

Captain Les Switzer
C/O Duke University Hospital
Room 3116
2301 Erwin Road
Durham, North Carolina 27710

Just before leaving them last evening, to return home, they both were so conscious of the fragility of life and the reality that none of us are promised tomorrow. Even in their most tenuous hour, they preach to you and me, the gratitude we should all have for this precious gift of life, friends and family.

The Word of God teaches us that there is a time for mourning and a time for dancing. I'd like to invite you to put on your dancing shoes, and take a turn around the dance floor with Les and Karen. They're both waiting for you, and the music never sounded so good!

Respectfully,
Colonel Greg Gallion

Next time: "A Friend is a Friend"

It's Not A Race

Think back to your first few events. When your Captain got the command to close on the foe, did he let you and your comrades break formation and go in at the double-quick, losing elbow contact? No matter how controlled the juggernaut sometimes esprit and chances of carrying the heights gets the best of an attack. Let's face it; we've all "broken western" a time or two, and so did our honorable ancestors, but often at the risk of losing cohesiveness and breaking the irresistable wave. It was that martial spirit, even parade ground marching that so un-nerved and intimidated our foes, in past events and in the real war we seek to re-create.

Les knows this battle he is in, is not a race. He knows he cannot afford to break step and get too far ahead of his pards, for at such moments it is in his best interests to keep comrades to his left and right, watching and assisting his every move. Right now Les has all kinds of comrades and pards, from various walks of life. Some are nine-to-five workers, some are businessmen, some are educators, some are doctors, nurses and medical specialists. They (we) are all there in the ranks with him. trying to provide the elbow contact to assure him (as he assures us also) that he is not alone in this epic struggle.

Many attacks, even the most carefully designed ones, fail because someone becomes impetuous and surges ahead, confident of victory, regardless of the well-drilled tactics that are proven for success. Les' doctors and nurses are the most prudent of comrades right now. They know that there is nothing he would rather do than go home, to rest prior to his pending surgery. Yet because of recent setbacks, including a compromised immune system, it is best to have him in the hospital for awhile, rather than let him surge homeward. As I have written in previous entries, cancer is a living, consuming beast that has a ravenous appetite. Les will tell us all about his "hand-to-hand" combat with this beast, as soon as he is able to rejoin us, but for now he realizes that he is where he needs to be - in ranks, with all of his pards, including those who now confine him for his own good.

We spoke for about ten minutes yesterday, before his strength began to wane. His voice was so strong and confident that I told him how impressed I was, with his good sound and positive talk. He will tell you this is not a race. He will tell you he is winning, despite the setbacks. He will tell you he is not ready to give in to this foe. He will tell you he is glad you are in his life. He will tell you he is going to visit your campfire and drink alot of coffee with you and his other pards, and when it is all in the rear view mirror, he will tell you how lucky he is to have you as his comrade and that if he can do it, you can too.

Now that he is in the hospital, finished with his required radiation and chemotherapy, he is no longer in the Caring House as he was before, as an out-patient. You can write him at Duke University Hospital, Room 9306, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, North Carolina 27710. He can also be reached by phone at (540) 366-2828. If he is feeling well enough to answer you, he will. Otherwise, leave him a message, as all those he has received have warmed his heart and lifted his spirits.

Remember, it's not a race that wins a battle; it is instead, a strong relentless advance. There's first call. Take arms!! Fall in!! In each rank, count! Twos! Attention, Company. Shoulder, Arms! Forward, March!

Steady now.

Bravery and Determination

It has been awhile, due to technical troubles, since I've gotten to write about our comrade, Captain Switzer, as he battles cancer. The vast majority of us know precious little about just how vicious such an illness can be; we know only what folks tell us, and what we can learn from the media, for the most part.

Ask Les and he will tell you just what a determined foe he is facing. It does not care if it devastates your body. It has no shame at robbing you of your dignity. It cares not that your whole being is transformed from robust health, to uncertain existence, and it has no compunction at all, of making you wonder if you will be able to escape its wrath.

Having just finished today, his fifth week of pre-surgical treatments, to shrink the tumor in his esophagus, Les has one more week of chemotherapy and radiation. Then a couple of weeks of rest at home, and a battery of tests, before he will travel back to Duke, to have his surgery, at the end of June. Throughout all of this, he has maintained his sense of humor, and is determined to help his doctors defeat "Earl", as he has named his cancer. Ask him, and he will tell you grimly, that "Earl must die."

It has been difficult to watch my long-time friend endure this ordeal, yet at the same time, how he is handling his situation and his uncertain future, has inspired me and others who know him. Several of us spend much of our conversation, marvelling at how matter-of-factly he is going about his battle. Each one of us has asked ourselves, "Why him? Why not someone else?" More importantly though, we ask ourselves, "Could I endure such an assault on my body, on my very life, with such grim resolve and strength of character, as Les is doing?"

Frankly, Les has become (and he would slap me for saying this!) a tangible hero to more than a few of us. He could not possibly have known that through his dilemma, he would be ministering to all of us, with his astounding courage and desire to survive this onslaught. In a world that thumps its chest and demands that we pay attention to "how big and bad" folks try to be, Les walks the walk and talks the talk. I dare any of the young punks in today's tough-talking world, to show one percent of the manhood that Les is trying to teach them. Frankly, they could not possibly hope to live long enough, to soak in all the lessons he is teaching.

Les says he's going to beat this, and I know he will. Why don't you write him a line at switz2@cox.net and let him know that you believe his vow of life. Don't be surprised that he writes you back, when he feels strong enough to do so. That's the kind of man he is, and just knowing that you believe his vow, will both inspire you and bless him.

Until next time, keep the faith.
Colonel Greg Gallion

So far, so good

Since last we spoke, Captain Switzer has gotten some relief from the nauseous effects of his chemotherapy, with a new medicine that lets him tolerate the treatments a bit better. He is sounding good on the phone, having spoken with him both last Thursday and again on Saturday (April 22 & 24).

His spirits are good and he is still upbeat that he and his doctors will beat this thing. He says to be sure to thank everyone who has written to wish him well, and additionally he acknowledges that he feels your prayers on his behalf. As many of you have attested to me in the past, the power of prayer is not to be denied.

Also, he sends thanks to his small company of grass mowers, who have been manning the yard implements to keep Karen from having to deal with any of that. Some of you may remember Karen, as she briefly served as a trained nurse, following the 28th Virginia into battle, while Les was still an NCO. As you might imagine, she is the next in a long list of underappreciated spouses who gives selflessly for a spouse's treatment and healing. Without persons such as her.........

While on the way back from the Spotsylvania planning trip on Saturday, General Cornett and I decided to take in the two-mile walking tour of the site of General Gordon's flanking attack upon Union troops on May 5 & 6, 1864. As we walked and talked about the carnage, we both decided that General Lee was right, when he said, "It is well that war is so terrible, lest we grow too fond of it." That musing of course, led to the reality of the cancer that now attacks Les. In the midst of our walk, we decided to call him, knowing that he should be at home, between treatments for the weekend.

It was as if, during the conversation, he was there walking with us, and I suppose in a way, he was. I came away thinking that the call did at least as much for me as it might have done for him. One other profound thought came from that afternoon, uttered by our General, that we all need to slow down and enjoy life while we can, not just for our own selves, but also for the sake of those whom we hold dear.

I think he was right, just like so many other times in our long association with each other. Life is ours for the taking, and we do need to sometimes make time for the mundane and ordinary moments; those that over time, will escape our memories. So I'll issue you a challenge, not just to hold Les in your thoughts and prayers; I know you'll do that. I challenge you to spend one of those precious fleeting moments with a member of your family or one of your friends, for as Les realizes, we are not promised tomorrow.

Have you taken a walk in the woods lately?

Until next time,
Colonel Gallion

Send Captain Switzer a Note of Encouragement, Please

In my last blog I told you I would like to get you in touch with Captain Les Switzer, our Corps Quartermaster, as he is away from us for cancer treatments and later, surgery.

Should you wish to send him and Karen a note or card through snail mail, you can write them directly at: Mr. Les Switzer (or Captain Les Switzer) - C/O Caring House - 2625 Pickett Road - Room 204 - Durham, North Carolina 27705.

Their e-mail can be contacted as well, at: switz2@cox.net

For now, these are the preferred methods of contact. Perhaps later a phone number might also be made available, but not at this time. I will be listening if you need to contact me, on behalf of the family.

Again, I'd like to express the Switzers' gratitude for your prayers and well-wishes.

Until next time,
Colonel Gallion

Trigger Time

Well, I had planned to write next, about the good powder burn the Corps had at Bentonville, when last we shared this page. Since then, and by now I know many of you know, the focus of the blog has changed. I'll keep the title, but this "Trigger Time" refers to a very different kind of powder burn.

Our Corps Quartermaster, Captain Les Switzer is battling Stage III Cancer of the esophagus, having been diagnosed about two weeks ago. Right now, he is at Duke Medical Center, being radiated and treated with chemotherapy, to shrink the mass, prior to an expected June surgery.

It seems that cancer is no respector of person, and this is not the first time our ranks have been visited by this foe. Captain Switzer is given a good prognosis for survival, and by now you have hopefully read the letter the family asked me to send to all units in our Corps, concerning his condition.

I heard from him last night, after his first radiation and four hours of chemotherapy, and he sounds confident and strong, through his initial treatment. He wants you all to know that he feels your prayer and your concern for him and his family. Also, he says he has given his foe a name; he says he has always disliked the name "Earl" - no offense to any of you so named. So he has Earl in his sights and is set to meet him in mortal combat. He assures me that there is no overt link to this name and the Dixie Chicks song "Earl Must Die."

Any way, this will be the first of several posts, to give you updates on his condition. I hope you will join me in holding up our brother in prayer and thought. Like many of you before him, he is determined to beat this foe. Let's help him do just that.

Next time: How to contact Captain Switzer

Thanks from the Chief-of-Staff

Alas, your Chief-of-Staff is still alive and kicking. I shall endeavor to be in more constant contact with you, concerning our Corps and its business.

Bentonville was quite an event. Ask anyone who was there, and you will get, probably, both of the following comments. Everyone had to haul their gear into camp from quite a distance, and Longstreet's Corps burned alot of powder. All with whom I spoke, said they endured the aggravation of not having a road into camp, with a grim sort of resolve. A steady stream of our men, women and children were in motion all weekend, moving the flotsam and jetsam of an army, reminding me of what September, 1939 must have looked like to Poland.

Wood, water, straw and hay for the camps, were not well-martialed by event organizers. Neither were water and ice properly provided during battle. My first thank-you, goes out to the soldiers who dealt with such hardships on the field, as well as to the dependents they left behind in camp. My next thank-yous, though I am sure I will leave out someone, go to Corps Quartermaster, Captain Les Switzer, Coordinator of Vivandieres, Laura Brandt, and to Surgeon Major Ransom Autry and his staff.

Without these folks, the simple fact is, we would all have had a worse time than we did. Captain Switzer pushed , prodded and labored to get needed supplies of all necessary items, even by going straight to the top. Vivandiere Laura Brandt tirelessly worked in the field, to make sure all troops were properly cared for, in terms of water, scarcity of ice and a general eye for our welfare. Major Autry and his staff dealt with medical exigencies, for real and potentially real medical emergencies.

I cannot begin to convey the depth of my gratitude, to all of these folks, for their dedication to duty. When you get the chance, be sure to thank themselves. Without comrades like them, we cannot succeed at what we do.

Next time: "Trigger Time"