Awaiting Orders

Credit Where Credit Is Due

2011-05-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the improvements in our Corps website, since Lieutenant Perkinson took over as webmaster? Like anything worth having, this site, in its newly re-designed format, is nothing short of wonderful, in my humble opinion, and it has been worth the wait. He has taken many hours out of his already busy schedule, to create pages, links, posts, add photos and other visuals, all for the benefit of you and me. There are many more exciting things to come, some of which haven't even been thought of yet. Stay tuned. When you get a chance, drop him a line and express your own gratitude. I know he'll appreciate hearing from you.

A staff is only as good as the people who make it up, and I am blessed to have a very dedicated and hard-working staff, who place you and our Corps ahead of self. From the Senior Aide on down to the newest additions, all are kindred souls, who are willing to not only share the load, but also to help keep us all loose and laughing, as we tackle together, myriad problems and concerns, to make the Corps look good. For many years, before joining staff I found myself wondering from time to time, just what a staff does at a reenactment. Now I know. As Chief-of-Staff, I see firsthand, just how many hours go into planning an event,not to mention all the fires that have to be put out, during events themselves. I'd like to thank all the members of our staff, for their dedication and hard work. Folks don't always get to see what you do, but they benefit from every moment of your involvement. Thanks.

Every camp has its cooks, and we have ours. Stinky Vannoy has been around a campfire since Christ was eating oatmeal; even he can't tell you just how many fires he's started (No, I don't mean inside our guts!). Skeeter Davis, the country singer perhaps said it best back in the sixties, when she penned, "To know, know, know him is to love,. love, love him." He'll remind you that he is not a cook, but that he does "a cook's impression." Well, I'll tell you, I've eaten some swill in my life, as I criss-crossed the south on more athletic team buses than I can count, but I don't mind telling you, I've had much worse than Stinky's cuisine. I'd like to thank him as well, for his affable sense of humor and his quick wit. He's almost as quick as me. Now if I could get him to lose those dominoes of his and fix me a sandwich.......... Oops, I said too much. Stinky, thanks. You are truly one of a kind.

Who have you thanked, lately? The guy who rolls your rounds? The woman in camp who sews on your buttons and chevrons? The NCO who keeps you from embarrassing yourself in drill and battle? Your company commander, for making you care to be a great soldier? Your maker, for allowing you to do what you love? You get the point. Before the sun goes down, today, thank someone.

Until next time,
God Bless Longstreet's Corps.

Colonel Gallion

Colonel Gallion unleashes his assault on technology, by using technology!

2011-05-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

Greetings to all,

It has been awhile....... yes I know, I seem to say that every spring. It is good to be back in my lonely writer's garrett, dispensing wisdom (harrumph!) and fomenting things as yet nebulous and undefined. As followers of this blog know, last year's entries were devoted to our Corps Quartermaster, Captain Switzer, as he fought for his life, against esophageal cancer - a battle that he is still winning. Almost a year has passed since he had surgery and follow-up treatments, with the removal of "Earl" on July 19. A week ago, he was given a clean bill of health by his Duke University doctors, and he has never felt so good. The joy is back in his voice, he's learning to eat again, and he is working full time. To put it mildly, he is glad to be alive. I'll keep you posted from time to time.

As for me, my middle school baseball season is now over, fresh hostas have been planted in the garden, my student teacher has moved on to better things and we are now in the midst of the early phases of the 150th anniversary events for our War Between the States. Endview (Battle of Big Bethel) was quite a success and now we're poised for the second year's action at Spotsylvania, next weekend (May 20-22). Manassas looms on the horizon and Gettysburg (in an off-year) will be the first weekend in July. Okay, Colonel, you're digressing. What's this "assault on technology?"

Sorry. You know how I can be when I have a captive audience. At my school, like many of you at your workplace, I have to use technology, mostly in the form of computers, but often with other mechanical beasties that vex and annoy me. You see, it wouldn't be so bad if all I had to do is to write reports, handle e-mails and grade and save evaluation data. That I can do with ease. What gets me is when our well-meaning tech support people send us fists-full of new sites, tricks, gadgets and updates for our updates, all with very little time to practice a few, much less all of what we receive. I know a bunch of educational sites and applications very well, like Moodle, E-Grades, Google Docs, NBC Learn, Pearson, and a plethora of sites geared to my students' sussessful quest for knowledge. Then, along comes my student teacher, having been fully trained in the philosophy of teaching and armed to the teeth with even more technological skills tahn one person should be allowed to possess.

He and I made a deal; I would transform him into a dynamic teacher who can handle anything and everything related to middle school, and he would teach me some of this dangerous technology he so readily called upon each day, while teaching my students. So, your faithful correspondent tackled the likes of Prezi, Edmodo, Sporcle, and several others, with the curiosity of a first grader, the awe of one very old seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time, and the commensurate skills of Russia's 1914 Army confronting the German Army at Tannenburg. To say the least, my gaskets were blown, quickly, and I leaked oil all over the North Atlantic, while maintaining a smile and a pleasant, though mis-guided demeanor, as he schooled the teacher.

Now friends, one has two options in a case like this; one can seek refuge in the Wilderness like Old Joe Hooker or he can have Colonel Alexander lob a few shells, then signal the general advance. I have chosen the latter course, as being more honorable. You see, some of the technology my student teacher used, really delighted and challenged the kids; and if you can do that with seventh graders and keep them enthralled, you can pretty much dictate terms, even during a fire drill or thunder storm. I have latched onto a few of his more successful strategies, to get kids to interact, by learning about such sites as WallWisher.com. Though it sometimes has its glitches (what computer site doesn't eventually?) it is a way for students and teachers to communicate with "electronic sticky notes", about anything going on in the classroom and its learning routines. His students (Now again mine) left him and each other questions and answers about all our topics and lessons on the WallWisher page he created for them.

Lightbulb! Lightbulb! Lightbuld!!!!! Guess what? I've created one for Longstreet's Corps, so that you can post me comments and questions, about our shared hobby. I hope you will agree that this is one way to enhance our communication, with your help. All I ask is that you keep it strictly professional, to what we do - NO POLITICS. I will be moderating, and will read your posting before it goes public. If you are using it the way it is intended, no problems. I will ask that for each potential posting, you use your initials and the unit you belong to, as part of the Corps. Anonymous entries will not be posted.

I will check this site with as much frequency as I can, and will be glad to handle any topic or concern, such as interpretations of Gilham's Manual, staff work, period paperwork, the day-to-day history of the Army of Northern Virginia, tactics, officers, books - just about anything that you and I might engage as gainful interaction. Lieutenant Perkinson is already working to post this bit of technology on our website, Longstreetscorps.com . I'll look forward to your posts. One caveat to the format: those of you who are familiar with Twitter know that such a format limits you to a pre-designed character limit (140 for Twitter). The same is true of WallWisher, with a limit of 160 characters.

Please go to this url: (It is case sensitive - please enter it just like this) http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/rOGakSlj9p

I look forward to hearing from you.

Until next time,
Colonel Gallion

'Tis the Season

2010-12-15T11:32:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2010-07-24T17:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

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"

A Legacy

2009-08-23T17:56:00.000-07:00

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

Camp of Instruction II

2009-04-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

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

Camp of Instruction

2009-04-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

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

Some good reading

2009-01-25T16:36:00.000-08:00

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

What a Year!

2008-09-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

Fellow Longstreet's Corps Comrades,

First, allow me to apologize for not having posted anything new in a long while. I will do better. This has been a whirlwind year for me, as your Chief-of-Staff, with many demanding and challenging turns. Nothing really eart-shattering has come my way, but as many of you know, taking on new and larger responsibilities, can be a gradual process.

Gettysburg was a watershed event for "Getting me over the hump" in handling the logistics of not only Longstreet's Corps, but also in creating new friendships and alliances, and trying to make smooth cooperations with our brother organizations. I must say, this is all very exciting, and I tend to do my best work when I am run ragged, between juggling these responsibilities and duties with those of home and the workplace. I have now seen firsthand, just how well units and parent organizations of disparate backgrounds can come together, to deliver a quality event, with a minimum of snags.

My belated thanks go out, not only to all the hard working members of Longstreet's Corps Staff, but to every man and woman of the Corps, regardless of your rank or station. Everyone saw the Rubicon and crossed it, with great zeal and skill. Well done to all! I'm sorry these well-deserved words are tardy, yet they are sincerely felt .

I like the direction we are heading; words that are no doubt trite, yet far from cliche. The spirit of the Corps, our Corps seems to be quite good. As I made my way through the camps and formations, at Gettysburg I was taken with how positive everyone I encountered was. Though some logistical barriers presented themselves, all whom I spoke with, bore their lot with good humor. I'd have to say it was the best Gettysburg I have been to, since the 125th, in 1988. You, my friends, are the largest reason for that sentiment. Your willingness to be led and your professionalism of arms, were noted by many from outside our ranks. You may think no one notices your great deeds, but you are highly visible and keenly regarded, by many whom you may never meet.

As we prepare our kits for Cedar Creek, may we all travel with God's grace, to join in yet another of what I like to call, "magic moments" in re-enacting. Until we meet in camp and upon the battle line I remain,

Your Obedient Servant,
Colonel Gallion

"What Corps Are We?"

2008-05-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

How many times over many years have we marched to those words, while passing in review or returning to camp on a Sunday, the event about to end? Those martial words ring as true, and cause us to quicken our step with pride, just as they must have similarly done for the boys in gray, whom we honor. And, isn't that why we do this, ultimately - to honor those whom we deem worthy of our praise and adulation?

Indeed, what Corps are we? Are we the same group of stalwarts who harken back to those early days, when our General Hillsman formed the Corps? Are we those veterans who saw the continuation of that dream, upon his passing, under the guiding hand of General Maupin? Are we the men of General Shoemake's command, with whom we shared many arduous campaigns? Are we the rank and file and officers who bear witness to General Cornett's leadership? And, where shall we be in ten years, nay, twenty and beyond, when we shall be too feeble to stand our posts?

The Corps is a living, breathing thing, full of heritage, honor, devotion, and comraderie. You see, the leadership of this Corps has always understood that we belong to a timeless, tireless assemblage, whose face is ever-changing, yet absorbed in the mirror of memories, a thing which cannot really be described, except by those of us who have helped shape it. We are the Corps. It is us. Its essence cannot be adequately conveyed to any but those who share its facets and its goodness. It is, as General Jackson might have said of it, "a providential thing." We are blessed to call it our home, our inspiration.

As we near the six-month anniversary of this new command, let us all vow to rally around the history, the hopes and dreams, and the true meaning of what we experience together, and to each renew our zeal for what we value most - each other, and what we bring to this sacrament table we call Longstreet's Corps.

I'll see you around the camp.

Colonel Gallion

Where has the time gone?

2008-03-04T11:20:00.000-08:00

It seems like yesterday that I was a rifle-toting groundpounder, following Captain Ray Oakes into mischief and battle. Those were some good days with the Danville Grays and all our brother units that comprised the Corps. A lot of events have come and gone in the twenty-two years since that sojourn began for me, and for us. In that time I have made some of the best and most steadfast friends a man could hope to acquire.

More faces have vanished into the abyss of time, than I can recollect. Gone are the days when Privates Mike Philyaw, Dave Cornett and myself were young bucks, inseparable and irrascible, in camp and in battle. The world was ours and only work and family got in the way of our, and countless others' martial hobby. To borrow words from General D. H. Hill, "We were lavish of blood in those days...." We thought little of the future of re-enacting, only living for the thrill of the moment, whether it was charging with Captain Frank Webber through tick-infested fields at Staunton River Bridge, or watching Sergeant Vic Middlekauff teach us all how to do skirmish drill at Petersburg.

Little did we know that one day some of our pards would not return to ranks, for various reasons. Like leaves from a tree, the scythe of time reaped a harvest of our friends and comrades, leaving our hearts sad and our camps and ranks delolate. I think it must have been like that, for all those stalwarts of 1861, who making it to Appomattox still alive, must have looked back upon those halcyon years of carnage with chagrined memory over those never again to be heard from or seen. I feel like a lost child, over twenty years later, and I miss all the fellows who helped make me welcome and proficient in this hobby.

Time, illness, divorce, bankruptcy, even death itself, have all caught up with many of our pards, and I now think I have at least a glimmer of how the old boys in gray must have felt. Don't get me wrong, we could never do what they did, no way, no how. It's just the pathos I understand a little better now. The old ranks can never again be reassembled. The trails of two hundred campaigns have left ragged the once youthful visage of my bright-eyed comrades, and in the words of the poet, Yeatts, "I grow old. I grow old. I shall wear my trousers rolled."

We will not see each other very often once we hang up the tunic that last time, just an occasional visit to the camps, no longer seeing many familiar faces. There shall be for us no "old soldiers' home" where we will while away the hours, regaling each other in tales of glory and hilarity. Yet in each other's minds, we shall be young, fervent, and happy, each of us our own sleeping Merlin, to be awakened by some future generation that needs some sort of heroes. We may some day no longer be able to march in step, or even keep time, yet we will have the memories that will keep us forever young, reminding us of the magical seasons we spent together.......once upon a time.

To the sacred memory of all our comrades whom we shall see on the other side.

Colonel Gallion

February Update

2008-02-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

Comrades,

This week's blog is designed to give you all some updates on how things are shaping up for upcoming events. I have begun dialog with event organizers, for next month's Endview. Details are still being worked out, for logistics, bivouac, and Corps involvement. It would be very helpful to know from each company, how many military personnel and how many civilian dependents will be in attendance. A rough idea of your tentage will also help in determining our quota of acreage for our camps. Please get this to me at colgallionCOS@longstreetscorps.com as soon as possible.

Chancellorsville is still a work in progress, with nothing to report at this time. Contacts will be made soon, and when there is news for this event, it will be posted in a subsequent blog, on this site.

Gettysburg is well under way, for planning purposes. Senior staff accompanied General Cornett to Gettysburg, for a February 2nd and 3rd, planning summit with event organizers. Basic camps for all three branches have been laid out, and logistical matters are being dealt with, daily. I know many of you have registered for this event already. It will be most helpful to hear from company commanders of each branch, how your numbers are looking, so the most efficient military camp may be designed for our use. Use the same link above, to report these numbers.

At this point I can report that there will be a minimum of two battalions for Longstreet's corps. A third may yet be implemented. General Cornett has already inherited command of all Confederate forces (a fact established long before Corps Meeting, as most of you already know). The Corps will be under the direct command of Brevet Brigadier General Terry Shelton, with battalion commands being assigned to Brevet Colonels Jerry Markham and Tim Smith.

Much more information is in the works, for future correspondence. Do not hesitate to contact me, regarding any assistance I may be for your company's affairs. Again, I look forward to working with each of you, in the furtherance of our Corps.

What Corps are we!!!!???

Your Obedient,
Colonel Gallion
Chief-of-Staff

Attention To Orders

2008-02-05T13:53:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blogsite. This page will be used to communicate with officers and men of Longstreet's Corps, on a variety of subjects. Primarily, information about events, requests for numbers and registrations, and orders transmitted for the Corps will be found here. Along the line I will post topics of interest for the good of the Corps' personnel.

I look forward to the task before me, as your new Chief-of-Staff. With your help we will advance the Corps into its bright future, with an eye on those who have guided it thus far. An e-mail account has been set up, by which you may contact me with Corps business. To e-mail me for such purposes please go to: colgallionCOS@longstreetscorps.com

If I may assist any of you in any way just get in touch with me. I'll respond in a timely fashion. These are exciting times, to be shared with good comrades. With troops such as you no commander could fail to achieve his objective.

As my first official duty, I will appreciate anticipated numbers for Endview (March 14-16), Chancellorsville I (April 4-6) and Gettysburg (July 3-6). Please include your tentage for all ranks in your e-mail report (listed above). Those of you who wish to register for the Battle of Liberty (Bedford) can either contact me directly, or by contacting: http://www.livingliberty.org/

Until we meet upon the field of honor, I remain,
Your Obedient.
Colonel Gallion