Gettysburg National Military Park Living History After Action Report
/Submitted by Scott E. Womack, Captain, Commanding
2nd U.S. Cavalry Company A/9th Virginia Cavalry Company D
July 17, 2015
Dragoons:
Nine intrepid troopers of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry Company A, four from the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and one from the 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry braved the heat and thunderstorms of July at Gettysburg National Military Park for our annual living history demonstration. The event was well attended; in particular the flow of visitors in camp, and the unit did an excellent job of interpreting Civil War Cavalry to the GAP (Great American Public).
Mentioned in dispatches:
- Trooper Doubt received a safety award from Ranger Holbrook on behalf of the unit, which has earned a great reputation with the National Park Service. The award is rarely bestowed to reenactors, especially mounted ones, so it is a great honor and a tribute to the hard work of each and every one of you. Bravo.
- Sergeant Barry led the drill and schooled the captain on how to maneuver on the drill field that seems to get smaller every year.
- Hank Happy provided our meals this weekend, so naturally we ate well. He also rode in the ranks in an amazing feat of 19th Century multi-tasking.
- Dave "Chappie" Chapman served as photographer and logistics support when he wasn't keeping us abreast of the latest developments from the Bureau of Military Information.
- Dave Mize did a great job, as always, with the narration. Huzzah, Dave!
- Last but not least are the troopers that are backbone of the unit: they pitched in with wall tent/fly/picket line setup and tear down, firewood collection, dish washing, etc, and this made camp a pleasant and efficient place to be. FARB stuff was at a minimum and the weekend was a "negative wave free" zone, which made it a great experience in spite of the heat.
Lessons Learned:
- Humidity and heat are implacable enemies: pay attention to yourself and your mount!
- Trailers with air conditioners are great assets in the event of heat injuries.
- Execute what the Captain meant to say, not what he says. Just learn to read his mind.
- Remain flexible with schedules: what was planned was changed and the SOB that didn't get the word (with apologies to JFK) was yours truly.
Very Resp'y, Yr Obt Svt,
Scott E. Womack
Captain, Commanding
2nd U.S. Cavalry Company A/9th Virginia Cavalry Company D