1ST FEDERAL DIVISION

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The meal at the annual leadership meeting was a pitch-in. Everyone brought a dish and we had a great picnic. Also, handouts were provided for discounted subscriptions to Camp Chase.

The annual Cumberland Guard Leadership Meeting was held on November 8, 2003 and well attended by 33 men representing 18 units. The pitch-in meal was excellent and resulted in a true feast.

{A Group shot of the Guard Meeting.} {Dave Shackelford and Jim Dedman at meeting}

Thanks to all who attended, giving up their Saturday in the interest of their men. Pat Vogel's discussion of the Black Hats was informative and added a lot to the meeting.

After recapping 2003, the schedule for '04 was discussed. It was the consensus of the group to attend:

May-Fort Wayne, Indiana. A reenactment sponsored by the 30th Indiana. This will be a Camp of Instruction for the Guard units with emphasis on Battalion functions and evolutions. Each and every unit is strongly urged to attend. It is an opportunity to start the year with everyone on the same page.

June-Billie Creek Village, Rockville, Indiana. After much discussion, it was agreed to return to this event with a Guard battalion. The event management and command structure was discussed. The Guard returns with enthusiasm and an open mind.

July-TBA. An odd situation with the demise of the event at Hastings. Well, the event is still possible but the charging of $10 per reenactor was the death-knell for our participation. Likely is an event at Merrilleville, Indiana sponsored by the 9th Indiana.

August-Jackson, Michigan. A tradition of the Guard and sponsored by the 7th Michigan. The battles will no longer be on the hill thus more space is available for the movement of the troops.

September 17-19th. 140th Atlanta, Georgia. An overwhelming show of support for this National event. We anticipate having a 3 battalion Brigade with the support of the Black Hats and the Illinois Battalion. Make your travel plans now for this premier event.

October-Hartford City, Indiana. Interest in this fine event is growing. Everyone that has attended has expressed satisfaction with the site and the activities. I urge your unit to attend in 2004 and see for yourselves.

{Kurt Loew describing the guidons he will make.} {The eating.}

Other items discussed included the camp routine structure and command responsibilities presented by Jim Dedman. Lt. Mike Beck was named Adjutant for the primary Guard battalion for the year. The use of General Guides was discussed, fueled by Kurt Loewe's offer to manufacture 3 sets of new guidons.

The fraternal organization for the nco's and enlisted men, The Young Guard, was discussed. This group will have a lot of fun and contribute to the overall good of the hobby.

The meeting was adjourned with 3 cheers and a renewed enthusiasm for the Guard.

Respectfully submitted, David Shackelford, Colonel, Commanding

----- Original Message -----
From: DeCrane
Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2003 1:57 PM
Subject: Charlton Park

Dear friends,
I have some disturbing news to pass along. I attended the Charlton Park Civil War Muster steering committee meeting today. Unfortunately, the park board and staff had decided before this meeting that reenactors would be charged $10 to attend this event. The members of the steering committee tried to explain why this was a terrible idea. We were told that the co-host units would not be charged, but that did not really address the issue. The decision had already been made. The director was not going to listen nor change his mind. Apparently, the park board and staff no longer respect what we do as reenactors. Therefore, as representative of the 24th Michigan, I withdrew our unit as a co-host of the event. I did not spend 3 hours driving there, 30 minutes in the actual meeting before I walked out, and three hours driving home to be ignored by the park. This is really sad since we have had such a good relationship over the years and many fond memories of the events held there. The event will be missed, but until there is a change in attitude by the park, the event will not be the same. We will find other events that respect reenactors and welcome our participation.

Sincerely,
Craig DeCrane
Pres., 24th Michigan Vol. Inf.

A new fraternal organization for enlisted men is hereby created. It is called The Young Guard. The purpose is to assimilate, in a social setting, enlisted men who have demonstrated a consistent devotion to duty and exemplary conduct in battle. Members will be nominated by their commanding officer. Their goal is to endorse, promote and assert their commitments to the principles of elan in combat. A device will designate their membership in the Young Guard that will be acknowledged by their fellow soldiers. This concept is authentic and with substantial historical precedent. Any serious review of the social history of the period reveals a near-fanatical devotion to fraternal-like causes.