Military Impressions, etc...........

Honoring Veterans Through Living History

May 19, 2007 (Armed Forces Day) -                             "Military through the Ages."                            Conecuh River Depot Military Museum.

I've been a military living history re-enactor since 1982, portraying several periods of American history. I started in the hobby of reenacting with 1st Florida Infantry, commanded at that time by Ray Giron.  In 1985, I joined 2nd Florida Cavalry, Inc., a mounted cavalry unit and a Florida non-profit corporation, then commanded by Roger Ragland. With 2nd Florida Cavalry, I began as a private, was promoted to sergeant, then first sergeant, and served as second-in-command as a lieutenant and as a captain until Col. Ragland's retirement in 2003. I was ultimately awarded the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, but often ride as a private at events where I don't have a command position. As a member of 2nd Florida Cavalry, I participated in most of the 125th anniversary War Between the States events around the country, as well as many of the 130th, 135th, and 140th anniversary events in subsequent years.

I took part in the filming of ABC's North & South mini-series, portraying U. S. Army soldiers of the Mexican War in Part I, and Union, Confederate, and civilian, in Part II. In 1987, I took part in the filming of "Alamo: The Price of Freedom," portraying the Texas War for Independence, both as a Texian and as a Mexican soldier. I have participated in a number of other movies, including the award-winning movie "Glory" in 1989. I have also been active over the past 20 years in events portraying the Seminole Indian War period of 1835-1842. I've been active in living history at Westville, Georgia since 1985, portraying Mexican War period (1846-1848) for several years. In recent years, I've coordinated an 1836 Creek Indian War event at Westville over Memorial Day weekend. Westville provides a unique living history experience, as it is a completely rebuilt town of original buildings from southwest Georgia in the mid-1800s. I also portray a mounted rifleman of the Creek Indian War/War of 1812 period.