What a Year!

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