Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
In This Issue:
After Action Report: C.A.F. Airsho HRS Unit Updates 20 Years: 2nd Panzer Division After Action Report: A Day on the Farm HRS 2011 HRS Scholarship Organization Recognition Update Scuttlebutt After Action Report: New Lennox, IL Board of Directors Election 2011-12 Term Events Bulletin Treasurer Report Board Meeting Minutes
Spartacus.3@juno.com Treasurer
Sheri Tabor, Chicago Homefront Helpers 4249 E 2551st Rd Sheridan, Il 60551 815.685.4015 richandsheri@gmail.com
Allied Representative William Sheets, 505th PIR, 82nd Abn 6817 Everglades Court Indianapolis, IN 46217 317.788.1836 jan@netdirect.net Commonwealth Representative Elliott James, No.11 Group RAF 497 Wagner Street Roseville, MN 55113 651.489.1623 elliottwjames@comcast.net Axis Representative Scott Atchison, 6 SS "Nord" P.O. Box 61 Ossian, In 46777 (260)-622-9153 ssnord1943@yahoo.com WWII HRS Staff Webmaster John Olsen, 9th Infantry Division 9N130 Muirhead Rd. Elgin, IL 60124 847.464.4067 john.e.olsen@wheaton.edu Assistant Webmaster Joshua Olsen, 167th Signal Photo Co. P.O. Box 246 Maxwell, NE 69151 wolfiejo@yahoo.com Edge Staff
The Edge is the official publication of the World War Two Historical Reenactment Society, which is a 501 c(4) non-for-profit corporation registered in the state of Illinois formed for the purpose of preserving and remembering the sacrifice of the men and women in WWII. Our website is http://worldwartwohrs.org. Cover Photo Credit: A Sherman tank with the 30th Infantry Division at Rockford carries troops of the 90th Infantry Division to battle at Rockford. Please send your photos and article submissions for consideration to publish in the Edge to jstevensww2@sbcglobal.net. Articles may be edited for content and length.
ecently I met a Tarawa Marine at the St. Charles, IL VFW post where I had set up a USMC display along with two other 9th Infantry Division reenactors for a WWII veterans breakfast. The Marines name is Art Blindt and he was with the 2nd Amtrac Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. Like most WWII veterans he does not seem to dwell on the past but is glad to chat with his buddies and recount a few things about the war. For example his amtrac sank from too many holes in it during the Tarawa invasion while waiting to pick up more Marines from a transport. As he was sinking he tried to activate his life belt but it would not inflate and he did see his life pass before his eyes. Suddenly he Art Blindt, USMC realized two things: He wanted to live and he was grabbing his cartridge belt not his life belt. With a quick inflation he was heading for the surface but realized that he was now heading for the ships screws. He was quickly saved by another amtrac fortunately. I listened carefully to the stories and when it seemed like he was finished he looked over some of my USMC paraphernalia. I knew that was my chance so I tried to ask a few leading questions. The one that caught his thoughts was when I asked about the officers of the outfit. In the book Bloody Tarawa I showed his a list of the officers for the 2nd Amtracs. He started to talk about a couple of them he remembered. One guy was a real nice guy and well liked. Another
time is Short
he did not care for. I also told him when my dad was heading to the beach at Tarawa in an amtrac; it stalled out and was beginning to float out to sea. Art thought for a moment and said that his amtrac did the same thing and at almost the last moment they got the thing started and went into the beach. When they were stalled they tried calling out to other amtracs for a tow but the other Marines just waved back not able to hear what they were yelling about just like my dad had said. The event was coming to a close and Art along with his ride who was a B17 bombardier left. Art asked if I would come back to chat some more at the VFW Saturday morning coffee. The next couple weekends I was gone on vacation and then attended Rockford shortly after that. Well, Art had an accident and broke his hip. Within that week he died. I guess I am writing this for a couple reasons. Time is short. I regret not being more proactive in communicating with Art. As reenactors, we have a way to connect with these veterans through our uniforms, artifacts, and knowledge about WWII unlike the general public or even their families. Preservation of their stories should be one of our primary goals. I am sure for many reenactors this is the case however; I would still like to challenge all of us for the next year to seek out these veterans and preserve these memories. Before we know it they will be gone. Like my neighbor, Mr. Garsch, 5th Marine Division, wounded in action at Iwo Jima. The Japs couldnt get me but these doctors will! And they did. Semper Fi Art and Mr. Garsch. My thoughts on an Indian summer evening.
This edition of The Edge is the election issue for the 2011-2012 term. Please find the ballots and candidates in the following pages. Your quick reply with your choices for the WWII HRS representatives will be greatly appreciated. The deadline is December 7. Please read on for more details on the election. I would also like to put a call out for a new chief editor for the WWII HRS publications and for other interested members to join as staff. The vision for the Edge is to be more than just a newsletter and to develop into a reenactors venue for products, reviews, events, vehicles, vendors, publicity, history, and more. In any case, the chief editors job is important. Send your qualifications for the position to the HRS board. See you in the field! Jonathan Stevens, Vice President WWII HRS
he Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has been collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has approximately 9,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation. The AIRSHO is an annual sponsored by the Commemorative Air Force. This year the aerial display included Fifi the CAF B29 which has not flown in an air show since 2006. There was a variety of flying WWII aircraft to include a B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, B25 Mitchell, and several P-51s as well as other vintage combat and training aircraft.
Able Company Troopers beside C-47 The Black Sparrow Photo credit: Timothy Clauss
In addition to aircraft reenactors also attended the AIRSHO. Reenactors from the 426th Airborne Quartermaster Company, 12th Armored Division, Army Air Corps Living History Group, and Arizona Ground Crew Living History Unit, as well as Able Company, 502 Parachute Infantry Regiment representing the WWII HRS. The 426th Airborne Quartermaster Company, headed my 1st Sgt. Bill Still operated a field kitchen which provided more than enough quality chow the entire weekend. The ground and air crews added to the authenticity of the event, although the CAF is still somewhat apprehensive about letting reenactors too close to the aircraft. Reenactors participated in the Tora, Tora, Tora show which included six Japanese aircraft and several US aircraft in an interpretation of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Reenactors are not frequently offered the opportunity to engage hostile aircraft, however Able Company did not participate in the show as the appearance of the 101st Airborne Division at Pearl Harbor would have been too farby to tolerate. Throughout the weekend, Able Company engaged the public at their encampment explaining uniforms, equipment, and weapons used by WWII Paratroopers. The highlight of the display for most that visited the encampment was the opportunity for parents to photograph their children behind a M1919A4 in a makeshift machine gun position.
Best Unit award presented to Able Company by the CAF for AIRSHO 2010. Photo credit: Timothy Clauss
Able Company was by far the smallest unit in attendance with only three Troopers in attendance. Despite Ables small size, their authenticity and interaction with the public earned them the AIRSHO Best Unit award from the CAF. Additionally, CAF awarded an Able Company Trooper the AIRSHO Best Male Impression award. AIRSHOW 2011 is already in the planning stages and next year will surely have more greater reenactor involvement after the success of 2010. For more information regarding planning for AIRSHO 2011 visit the CAF AIRSHO website http://www.airsho.org/ or contact the AIRSHO Chairman Gena Linebarger at iblast4fun@grandecom.net
E/2/2 USMC 5/DCLI 26th Regt., 1st Infantry Division 7/FJR 6 IR Plt, 180th Rgt, 45th Infantry Division 709th Infantrie Division 7th Panzer Division 5th SS Pioneer
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2nd Panzer sets up a PAK gun ready to ambush Allied armor. Lowell, IN
Scuttlebutt
Yann Bandy is still interested in forming a French unit. Contact him for more details at yannbandy@comcast.net. You probably saw him at Rockford with his 1940 impression. Update on the Illinois Reenactors SBR bill, SB2578, that will allow reenactors of a nationally recognized reenacting organization to possess short-barreled rifles should be on its way to becoming law according to Representative Jim Sacia in November when the motion to recede filed in June which will remove the C&R requirement in the bill will be voted on. Both houses have passed the bill and after a successful vote with the motion to recede it will be sent to the governor to sign. A k98 rifle, some German field equipment, and several reproduction crates were stolen at Rockford from a vendor. Please contact Tony Kelly at waffenampt@hotmail.com with any information.
Organization Recognition
2nd Rangers Inc. 5th Ranger In Battalion, (RS) Tri State Living History Association California History Group LAH Kampfgruppe Hasse Texas Military Historical Society
Members of the 401st GIR prepare for battle at the National Railroad Museum WWII II event in Greenbay in July. Photo courtesy of the Green Bay Press Gazette.
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The Candidates
Presented by office and alphabetical order. President David Jameson 2nd Infantry Division David has been the WWII HRS President for the last two years and has served on the board of directors for a total of 5 years. His main goals in the next term are twofold: The first to revise the by-laws that were devised for a small club into guidelines that would run our organization more efficiently and effectively as a non for profit organization of 1000 members. The second is to continue to use the organization funds effectively and wisely. Doug Loge 709th Infantrie Division I would like to announce my candidacy for the HRS Board Presidency at this time. I have been an HRS member in good standing for the past 6 years. I have been an active member of the HRS S&A Committee for the past 1- years. If elected I will continue to stress safety, authenticity, and good will amongst all HRS units.
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Vice President
Jonathan Stevens
9th Infantry Division Jonathan has been the WWII HRS Vice President for the last two years and served on the board for a total of 5 years. His goal for the next term is to continue to bring good service for the membership, maintain direct contact with the Unit Commanders, and to continue the revitalization of Safety and Authenticity with the WWII HRS. Secretary Craig Dvorak E Company, 2nd Marines Craig has been the WWII HRS Secretary for almost two years. During his tenure as Secretary, membership card deliveries have become faster and more effective. His innovative work has seen the implementation of durable membership cards and up to date membership rolls available to the Unit Commanders. Treasurer Sheri Tabor Chicago Homefront Helpers Sheri was elected interim Treasurer in 2010. She is dedicated and has done well at her position. Her unit was a first for the WWII HRS that aims at presenting the homefront through living history such as the North Platte Canteen. Sheri will again seek the responsibilities as Treasurer for a full term. Allied Representative Bill Sheets G Co., 505th PIR, 82nd Airborne Bill has been active in many eras of living history and has been the Allied Rep for two years. In addition to his tenure on the HRS board he has sponsored and developed numerous WWII events. He seeks reelection as Allied Representative for a second term. Axis Representative Scott Atchison 6 SS "Nord" Scott has been the Axis Representative for the 2009 to 2010 term. He is unit commander of the 6th SS Nord and has been involved in WWII reenacting for over 13 years. He has helped to maintain our current level of authenticity for the Axis units and has been very responsive to all members with any questions or concerns. Scott once again is running for WWII HRS Axis Representative.
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EVENTS BULLETIN
November December 2010
Courtesy of www.20thcenturygi.com NOVEMBER
19-20 November 2010, Battle of Peru VII, Peru, KS
DECEMBER
3-5 December 2010, Christmas at the Barracks, 1826 - Present, Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, MO 3-4 December 2010, Stille Nacht WW2 RETO Tactical Battle at Fort Harrison, Indianapolis, IN 11 December 2010, Christmas on the Ghost Front Sommer Park, Peoria, IL. 10-11 December 2010, Eastern Front Event, Mansfield, OH 10-12 December 2010, Western Front Tactical, Tullahoma, TN 10-12 December 2010, Hurtgen Forest Tactical, Enfield, NC 18 December 2010, River Battle, Ft Bellefontaine, MO FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LISTED EVENTS, PLEASE GO TO THE HRS WEBSITE OR TO 20TH CENTURY G.I. www.20thcenturygi.com http://www.worldwartwohrs.org/Events.htm
Note: Gary Adkins of the First Special Service Force has agreed to supply the Edge with his exhaustive list of events from his extensive website, the 20th Century GI, however please continue to send your event notices to the HRS Secretary to be included on the HRS website. For additional exposure for your event th send the information to the 20 Century GI as well.
Rockford September 2010 Safety and Authenticity Formation with 900 troops.
Credit Troy LaFaye, 167th SPC
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Balance:
$3866.00 $426.43 (Secretary expenses: Craig Dvorak) $100.00 (2009 Refunds) $16.00 (Cert of Good Standing, Il Sec of State) $3323.57
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Insurance Questions: Can the amount be raised to $2 million since some event locations require a $2 million policy? We are waiting for a reply on from the broker on costs. A discussion ensued on insurance. Insurance for WWII reenacting is generally nonstandardsurplus. The difference from other types of events is that in WWII reenacting has modern weapons and vehicles. Also we are shooting at each other with blanks. The insurability rating is important since that shows stability of the organization. A possible rider for minors would not come from our current insurance provider Nautilus but could be possible from another vendor. Currently we are covered for the 48 states and all members 365 days/year. There is a per-claim deductible. The cost is approximately $5 per member. The insurance indemnifies the spectators. Open Comments: None. A motion was made to close the meeting and seconded. The vote was unanimous. At 8:10 the meeting was closed.
$2610.00 $68.66 (Secretary expenses: Craig Dvorak) $434.36 (Rochelle Printing) $5312.85
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6th Naval Beach Battalion: This unit was approved by the S&A Committee and by the Allied Rep Bill Sheets. A vote was proposed and seconded. The tally was 5 votes to approve the unit. The unit was accepted. 250th Inf. Division: Dustin Strong answered some questions on the unit structure. He would have one officer in the unit for living history purposes as a German liaison. Scott Atchison asked about some of the details of the proposed unit and how it would function. Also some changes would be made to the award structure. Pending the changes then an email vote would be taken with the board members and recognized at the next meeting. The S&A Committee did pass the unit pending the changes to the charter. Treasurer Report: Sheri Tabor reported $23,313 in Savings; $5,312 in Checking; $15 wire transfer fee; a $10 NSF fee from a membership dues payment. The checking totaled $5,282 after the fees. Secretary Report: 820 members were reported. Commonwealth Report: None Allied Report: Bill Riesa, COMNAVAIRPAC, reported that his unit was not on the website. Axis Report: No news to report. Open Comments: None. A motion was made to close the meeting and seconded. The vote was unanimous. At 7:56 the meeting was closed.
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New Business Unit Charters: The 250th Infantrie charter was ratified after an email vote between board meetings. A vote was called and seconded. The vote was unanimous to approve the 250th Infantrie Div. charter. The 12th Quartermaster Rgt. Had been approved by the S&A Committee to bring to a vote for the board. A vote was proposed and seconded. The vote was unanimous to approve this unit. Two more possible units had inquired about joining: a company of the 505th, 82nd Abn. and a company of the 508th, 82nd Abn. Treasurer Report: Sheri Tabor reported $23,026 in Savings; $5,225 in Checking; with $2.09 in interest. Secretary Report: 835 members were reported. Commonwealth Report: None Allied Report: None Axis Report: Scott Atchison reported a person with extreme views was applying to various German units. He cautioned that the Axis units should be vigilant. Committee Reports: S&A has been reviewing several unit charters. The Unit Commanders Comm has been discussing insurance issues along with the minors using firearms. The By-Law Review Comm is getting organized. Insurance: A comparison of the products available should be made. More information was needed from Mr. Gallager. We will not change the current policy until it expires in Feb 2011. To allow minors to carry weapons a by-law change is needed. Also there does need to be an enforced consequence to violating the under age rule. Edge: A member from the 2nd Inf. Div. is interested in producing the next Edge. Some discussion about an HRS directory occurred and if it was still needed. It was mentioned to include the directory online however due to privacy concerns that would not be done. Open Comments: None. A motion was made to close the meeting and seconded. The vote was unanimous. At 8:13 the meeting was closed.
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Treasurer Report: Sheri Tabor reported $23,631.36 in Savings; $5,655.14 in Checking; with $5.26 in interest. Secretary Report: 864 members were reported. Commonwealth Report: None Allied Report: No news. Axis Report: No news. Rockford Support: $600 was requested for food for the USO dance. Some way to verify the expenses would be needed. Preferably event support for a meal would be for HRS members only. Edge: A member from the 2nd Inf. Div is interested in producing the next Edge. Membership Directory: Should one be issued that would take the form of a yearbook type publication was asked. A motion to move forward on a directory was seconded and voted in favor. Open Comments: Tim Scherer questioned when the bylaw Art III, Sec 2 was changed? Chris Kissinger reported that this was a vote in the December Edge. Tim Scherer also asked if the insurance accord form was sent out to Mr. Gallager? The reply was yes. A motion was made to close the meeting and seconded. The vote was unanimous. At 7:56 the meeting was closed.
$255.00 $5655.14
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Dateline: May 1, 2010 Lowell, IN Jagdpanzer 38(t) of 2. Panzer heading back to 1944. Photo Credit: Bill D.
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