1st Sergeant
Dear Member of the 15th Alabama;
First let me say that I hope all had
a great Holiday Season. Now that the winter furlough is coming to an end there
are a number of things I wish to bring up to the membership.
The summer campaign has been set at four
"scheduled events" along with our special unit "Cobweb Camp Out
and General Membership Meeting" to be held in April 25th &
26th more on this event will be covered in our next Company
Letter. However I want to strongly urge ALL to plan to attend, as we will
be presenting for unit approval a New Revised set of Bylaws and Unit Code of
Conduct. If you don't attend, your vote and your input will have no
weight. This will also be an opportunity to renew old friendships and get
to meet and know our newest Co. members. Yes there will be some
"Company Drill," but what a better way to get this chore out of the
way. But remember the primary propose of this event will be social and fun
based with an opportunity to "Live Fire" your weapons.
As your new 1st Sergeant there are a
few things I wish to bring to the attention of the ranks and membership.
First and foremost is the matter of dues. Both W.C.W.A. and the Company
Powder Dues. Single membership (W.C.W.A.) is now twenty dollars ($20),
Family dues are forty dollars ($40) and our 15th Alabama Powder Dues
are thirty-five dollars ($35). I know that for some of you younger members
this is a fair amount, but if you consider all the enjoyment we all get out of
this hobby, the cost is small. Without everyone's cooperation the W.C.W.A.
will not have the funds to cover the much-needed insurance costs or be able to
finance our scheduled events. And of course with out our powder dues our
rifles will be silent. NO ONE will be allowed to set up or field at an
event until all dues are paid and have been issued his or her W.C.W.A.
membership card. For those who have not taken their "Safety
Test" you will be given one at the Cobweb event. This will also
insure that members will be getting their Dispatch. I wish to thank all
those who have already sent in their dues. You will be given your W.C.W.A. cards
at the April "Cobweb Camp Out." If anyone who has already paid
and is not getting their copy of The Dispatch please contact me at (360)
398-2965.
UNIFORMS and EQUIPMENT:
Per our Bylaws All members must be fully
uniformed within one year after joining our unit. This is to include the
following: Pants, Period shirt, Jacket, Belt, Cap box, Cartridge Box, Period Hat
or Cape, canteen, "Serviceable period looking Shoes" (preferably CS or
Federal issue brogans), and an acceptable period Rifle. The preferred
rifle being a three banded Enfield or a two banded Enfield. Recommended
"optional" equipment: Haversack, Bayonet and Scabbard,
Knife (period), Plate, Cup, Period Eating Utensils, Blanket (wool) , and a
Small Sewing kit with black - white - and gray thread. We also recommend
you purchase your own "cleaning rod" and accessories. Cleaning
solution and patches will be provided by the Ordnance Sergeant. Last but not
least the purchase of a tent. I realize that the purchase of your rifle
and a tent are your most costly items but having your "OWN" equipment
makes your re-enactment experience more enjoyable. Again anyone having questions
can call me at the above listed number.
The coming year will have some new and we hope
exciting changes. With the election of a new Union Commander we will be having
several changes in our Battles, with a greater emphases on tactics and
maneuvering. Also we, "the right side", will be using skirmish
and scouting tactics at the start of each battle. I have been asked by the
Colonel to form two "Skirmish Platoons", one from each company.
If you wish to become part of this platoon YOU MUST have attended the upcoming
training drills. The first will be held, weather permitting, this Sat.
March 15th at my house. The second and Most Important drill will be
held March 22 &23rd at the Soldiers Home in Orting, WA.
NOTE: I will be calling all members the week prior to the 22nd to
confirm your attendance; those needing directions can get them from me at that
time.
The Orting Drill will also be a "camp
out" event. Those wishing to come on Friday are welcome. Time: Sat.
morning will be available for those wishing to come in and stay Sat. night.
Along with our drill there will be a "live fire", (powder only),
skirmish with our Union "Brothers" Sat. afternoon; followed by a
general social camp get together.
Our third drill will be held at our "Cobweb
Event" in April. It will be at that event that I will select my
"NEW" Scout and Skirmish Platoons. So start getting out your gear and
cleaning your rifles, it's going to be a great year.
One final thing. As always there is the matter of
"rolling cartridges"; I know that this is one of the least liked jobs
in re-enacting BUT it is essential. Without cartridges we will have nothing to
load and shoot. To that end I will require each person who fields with a
rifle to roll and present at the Cobweb Event, or sooner, 400 Tightly rolled
paper cartridges; more if you have the time or simply wish to "help
out;" several have already donated more than their share and I wish to
personally thank them. And while you are rolling remember to take the time at an
event to thank Sergeant Major Chris Moran who last year rolled over eleven
thousand rounds for the 15th. Thanks to him much of the burden
was taken from many of us. It's now time for all of us to step up and pull
our own weight. Anyone needing pre-cut papers please let me know and I
will provide you with a packet of 400.
Well until next month's letter I'll sign off for
now. Remember my phone is always "open" if any member of the 15th
has a problem
Best Regards: