I would appreciate your input and opinion regarding the event for 07 and then again in 09. Fellows, this may be the national event we were looking for. what do you think? the event is in November.
Colonel Dave
 

From: Earl Zeckman
To: 'Dave Shackelford'
Cc: 'Walter Compton' ; 'Walter McCannon' ; wphill2929@aol.com ; John Nash
Sent: Thursday, November 30, 2006 10:36 PM
Subject: Atlanta Event


Dave,



Thank you for speaking with me last evening and thank you for the e-mail you sent. Would you please post the following on your web pages?



Members of the Guard the Atlanta Campaign Inc. wishes to thank you for your support of our event in the past years. You have been a huge part of our success. We want you to know that the location of the reenactment will be different the next three years. Instead of using the Georgia International Horse Park we will be holding the reenactment on original battlefield. The location of the land is near Lovejoy, Ga. It is land on which two engagements were fought. One was a cavalry battle and the second was the very last action in the Atlanta Campaign. The event will be held the first weekend in November in 2007 and 2008 and the 145th Anniversary event will be held Labor Day weekend 2009. Please watch our web site for updates and pictures. We are very excited about this move and believe it will make us work harder to give you a great event.

Again, thank you for your support. Our toll free number is 1-877-206-4044 and our web address is www.atlantacampaign.com Registration will begin in January of 2007. Thank you for allowing us the time and space on your sites.



Your most obedient servant,

Earl Zeckman

125th Ohio

Atlanta Campaign Staff


As most of you know, we have an opportunity to conduct a weekend of living history on the battlefield at Gettysburg. Having spoken with the gentleman in charge, he stated he addresses the scheduling after the first of the year. He did say, however, the only open dates are in April and October.  With that information:

1. Is there still interest by your group?

2. When would you prefer to conduct this living history, April or October?

3. April or October what?

Please contact me by email or phone ASAP to let me know your unit's feelings about this.

Colonel Dave

Gentlemen of the Guard

The annual Cumberland Guard Leadership Meeting was held November 18th at Conner Prairie. It was, again, a success with a great turnout and participation.
To summarize the discussions:

1. The schedule for 2007, while not solidified, appears to be;
A. Conner Prairie, May 18-20
B. Jackson, MI, August 25-26
C. Hartford City, IN, Oct. 12-13

The gap in the events are attributed to the cloudy issue of Billie Creek, Antietam and Gettysburg.

As to Billie Creek, it was agreed that individual units will decide what they intend to do about the event. If enough decide to go, it will become a Guard event.

As to Antietam, there is mixed feelings about which one to attend, if any. More as developments occur.

Gettysburg-there was much excitement regarding the Guard conducting a living history weekend on the battlefield. More details will be posted as they are acquired.

Other significant topics;

Scott Cummings of the 5th Michigan, a longtime loyal member of the guard, proposed an email chain so information can be sent out to the masses. Will Ott is in charge of creating this so we can get data out to the individual soldiers as well as to the unit leaders. Everyone is urged to check the Guard websites on a regular basis but this technique will speed up the information highway. First, though, Will, or Wont as he is called, needs your email address. It will not be sold or revealed to anyone else. Send it to Will now at will46229@yahoo.com.
Dave Downing announced the annual Michigan Reenactors Roundtable is January 20, 2007, at 1:00 PM in Lansing, Michigan. This is where nearly every unit in Michigan sits down and discusses the upcoming year. I plan to attend and urge you to consider it as well.

Historic Fort Wayne in Detroit, Michigan will be the site for a drill weekend on April 21 and 22 and the annual reenactment is July 7 and 8. The Michigan contingent of the Guard is an important element to our success and I urge you to support their efforts to save the beautiful, 5 sided, Vauban fort in Detroit.

Other topics included the creation of a Military Artillery camp near the non-military artillery camp. This would facilitate those artillery folks that want a camp that has a military atmosphere. It is recognized that a great many artillery folks camp and eat with their civilians. But, the current situation prevents a purely military enviroment. So, at events wherein the Guard has direct input, there will be a military artillery camp and a civilian artillery camp.

Hartford City was discussed and it was announced that I am the overall Union commander for the 2007 event. While it has somewhat fallen off the "radar screen" for some units, I urge you to support the 2007 event. There is a likely chance of moving the date in 2008. But, that would be more likely if they hosts see support from Guard units. Please give this event your sincere consideration. Things that occurred in the past that may have led to the event being dropped from your schedule will not occur again. This will be a great event and even greater with your support.

The meeting included my heartfelt personal thanks for the overwhelming contributions to my new uniform and to the personal sacrifice and exertions of each and every member of the Guard. An update on the improving health of Jim Dedman raised everyone's spirits.

The meeting concluded with my closing remarks that seem to always include my amazement about how this wonderful organization seems to operate a smoothly as any in the hobby. The greatness of the Guard is directly attributed to the greatness of the men and their leaders. I just happen to have the honor of saying, "Forward, march". It is the rank and file, the company commanders, the battalion and brigade staff officers, that make it work.
And, boy, does it work.

To the Guard

Colonel Dave

Thanks from the Colonel

As the days pass after receiving my new, completely authentic uniform, information is trickling in that many, many of the Guard units and individuals made a significant financial contribution to the project.
 
Not having the privilege of knowing who contributed to the uniform, I want to be certain that you know I am forever grateful to those individuals and units that generously gave to the fund. There are no words that can express my thanks.

But, I will try...........THANK YOU  . . .  Colonel Dave