Battalion Meeting 2023 Recap
Greetings Staff & Battery Commanders,
Hope all returned home safely and with no incidents.
Below is a recap of our Battalion meeting.
Battalion Meeting convened Approx. 8:30am on January 14th,
2023, Location: Williamsburg VA
Batterys in attendance were: 4th MD, Hart’s
Battery, Penick’s Battery, Cunningham’s Battery, Bedford Light, Striblings
Battery & Reilly’s Battery
Batterys Absent: Washington Artillery, Botetourt Artillery
& Peninsula Artillery
Col. Alex Swain (Battalion Commander) addressed the
battalion in his first role as commander and thanked the battalion for their
confidence in him as commander. Other than the change in leadership the
battalion will function as the well-oiled machine it is. Col. Swain also paid
tribute to Gen Douglass for his leadership and the knowledge he gained in the
positions he has held over the past seven years.
Major Hunter Freed Chief-0f-Staff) was introduced as the
battalion Chief-of-Staff. Major Freed (Penick’s Battery) having gotten to know
most of the battalion stated he will do his best to keep things running
smoothly. If there are any problems, please come and see him.
Lt. Col. Tim Fogarty (Battalion Adjutant) discussed the
lack of AAR’s for 2022. These reports are read by our staff, they are useful and
are passed up to General Staff. He also discussed the use of the battalion
website to be used as a tool for promoting and recruiting for the batterys.
Spoke on the Charles Hillsman College Fund, encouraged battalion
members to apply to it for any immediate
family member. For a trade school or college. The award amount is $750.
A show of hands vote was taken for the
major events to see what attendance will be for each.
Major Roland Meiers ( Provost) offered his apologies for
not attending much in 2022 due to medical issues. Will try to be at the major
events this year. He also spoke for Bob Henry (Battalion Webmaster) reenforcing
the need to use the battalion website. Captain Henry due to health issues has
stepped down from his battery command.
Major Steve Peddycord (Battalion Chaplain) Quoted verses
for Deuteronomy. Offered prayers for those in the battalion that have lost
family and have had health issues over the last year. Spoke of Kevin Menzel’s
battle with his cancer and how prayer has helped him heal. Hoping to see him in
the field this year.
Col. Swain had all battery commanders, stand, and introduce
themselves and speak a bit on and about their battery. Even though we know each
other well, it was a nice way to relearn about them and keep in touch as to
what’s going on in their batterys.
The Cav/Artillery event, Brandy Station was discussed.
Capt. Steve Dunn (War Dog) of our Cav came it to speak on this event. It is on
the original battlefield, with five battles occurring over the two days. Bounty
of $250 per gun and usual amenities. This was the largest ever Cav battle in any
war. As of this time, the battalion has six guns interested in attending.
The Gettysburg PCWA event was discussed, as of now, six of
the battalion guns will go. The registration coordinator is Capt Rick Gist of
our Washington Artillery. Kevin (Tiny) Dawson is Artillery commander. Chris
Anders is overall CS commander. The drill to be used at this event is the Patten
Drill. Our guns will be camped together. This will be an absolute period correct
camp. $250 Bounty up to 16 guns.
The battalion will have a new set of By-Laws drawn up by
Gen. Douglass, Capt Titus and Capt Jason Cohea. The reason for this is the
currents don’t reflect artillery as used in today’s hobby.
Also a new drill manual will be assembled showing many more
up to date pictures and the most dangerous parts on the gun. Capt Dan O’Brian
and Capt Harry Titus will help putting this together. The manual may be
available by Cedar Creek for handout and will try to have it for electronic
download by years end.
Chaplain Peddycord gave a closing prayer.
Battalion meeting adjourned approx. 11am
We thank all battery representatives for their efforts and
long drives to attend this meeting as it’s always a pleasure to see one another,
especially for our friends from Oklahoma
Respectfully Submitted By
Lt. Col. Tim Fogarty
Battalion Adjutant