After a long pandemic separation, Company D got together again vaccinated and ready to drill.  With everyone vaccinated it was also time for us to finally break in our new Maine-style walled Sibley tent.  We had a great time learning how to set it up and certainly look forward to using it in the future.  We were joined in camp by two new recruits who were an absolute pleasure to welcome and spend time with.  We certainly hope to see a lot more of them in the future.
     We had our usual plans for more involved bivouacing but we heard from the land owner at the last minute about a burn ban.  Luckily we were able to adapt pretty quickly but certainly felt the struggles of trying to use tin ware on propane.  In honor of the famous chicken story, I had the junior NCOs work with enlisted to cut up and prepare whole chicken with potatoes, onions, and bread.  Most had never cut apart or cooked a whole chicken, so their end result was even more impressive.  The Captain and I honored another aspect of Maine tradition by steaming lobster tails in our Berdan mess kits which worked out great.
     Drill time was focused on a lot of marching, getting used to the Sharps, and supporting our junior NCOs in their training skills.  Pvt. Severson drilled the company in manual of arms and Cpl. Soderling drilled the company in skirmish drill for a substantial amount of time.  While both performed excellently, Capt. and I were impressed to see Cpl. Soderling train the new recruits in some of our most challenging skirmish maneuvers. The whole team's skirmish work was exceptional!
     In addtion to the wonderful time spent reconnecting we shot quite a few new YouTube videos.  Speaking of shooting, Cpt. Whitehall brought his Henry for even more late afternoon fun.  The pandemic has certainly effected our hobby, but we're busy at work coming up plans for more opportunities for us to live history.

     This Memorial Day weekend was full of training, bonding, and good times.  Camp was great even with the early burn ban and Private White and Severson made a big shebang to stay warm during the cold nights.  They cut branches and made tent stakes, button three whole tents on end, and Captain Whitehall added his lanterns for ambience.
     Saturday morning started with a nice long NCO meeting and training session followed by hours of drill in manual of arms, skirmish, and tactics.  Lunch was followed by Captain Whitehall and Private Severson having a boxing match refereed by Private White.  Captain Whitehall came out hot but Private Severson managed to stay in the fight and even a good swing or two in himself.  The afternoon included more marching, deployments, and time in camp.
     Sunday included lots of firing drills to get used to shooting on the move, from different positions, and under stress.  We practiced speed loading and firing where Cpl. Hardway shined consistently with her trusted rifle, "Deadway."  Pvt. Severson wasn't far behind, either.  We drilled in the differences between shooting prone and loading from the cartridge box and loading from a loose arsenal pack.  We also spent a good amount of time experimenting with wearing and using our gear including readiness practice.  Or, how quickly could we get into and out of our gear ready for battle or to take a break.  Private Glasgow and I had lots of great conversations about translating modern military practice and tactics in to Civil War tactics.  Its was great.  Sunday evening was full of fun singing and sharing stories.
     Of course, no trip to Goldendale would be complete without a foxhunt tracking down Capt. Whitehall.  The hunt was long with squads working methodically led by Cpl. Soderling and Cpl. Hardway with me falling in as private for the training exercise.  I had a blast "bunker busting." The area is also used by WWII reenactors so we had to clear trenches and bunkers where Cpt. Whitehall could be hiding.  Eventually, it was Pvt. White who fired the first shot at Cpt. Whitehall as his team mates, Cpl Soderling and Pvt. Severson gave pursuit in a running gun battle.
     Monday wrapped up shooting a YouTube video and planning more for the upcoming season.  All things going well our next event should be the end June.  Until next time, stay safe everyone.

     This year's School of the Sharpshooter went great with lots of time spent on camp and field craft in preparation for the upcoming season.  The bulk of our time was spent learning and developing traditional skills.  We spent lots of time using our mess gear and experimenting with period recipes and camp fire cooking.  Soldiers learned how to make a tripod, gather tinder, make fires with natural tinder bundles, and build a cooking fire.  To keep the fires going all night, Pvt. Severson led excellent firewood details where the detail used period lumber tools and learned or improved on traditional wood processing skills.  Pvt. Cook really showed his love of lumber work by bucking a big portion of wood by hand with an axe.
     After breakfast Saturday morning, we packed up camp and went on our longest march yet, drilling along the way.  Drill focused on tactics, deployment, using the terrain, and scouting with battle buddies.  Everyone showed great improvement in marching endurance.  After a lunch break, we engaged in a very special and never before seen activity which you'll just have to hear about around the camp fire at Cheney.  Evenings were spent swapping stories and singing songs around the campfire.
     We really enjoyed the time spent learning how to use our gear and develop camp craft.  It's low key events like this that provide not only bonding time but opportunities to develop skills and leadership.  It was also great to see how we are approaching near 100% authenticity by leaps and bounds.  We were so proud to see everyone was able to live entirely out of their knapsacks or bedrolls all weekend. We're so thankful to everyone who could make it and we can't wait to see everyone again at our next event.
      Until our next event, stay safe, keep studying, training, and working on your impression.

By 1st Sgt. Koepp
​     It was another great weekend at our Fort Stevens living history event.  A big thanks to everyone who could make it and for all of their participation working with public each day.  There was a lot of visitors for all of our many demonstrations and presentations.  This weekend included bayonet drill, target shooting, drill led by Sgt. Spiekerman, shooting YouTube videos, capture the flag, photo shoots, and of course our annual tradition of visiting the battery tunnels late at night.  This year, our trip to the cave-dark tunnels included a reading of Edgar Allen Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado.  Corporal Hardway's team won at capture the flag, but I managed to get a delightful surprise bayonet "kill" before losing.  This weekend also saw the reveal of my prototype of a portable winter quarters that Private Cook got to call home making this the first event his tent didn’t fall over.   Private Glasgow provided great public entertainment not only with his presentations, but also his demonstrations at the targets on the range.  I managed to “shoot” him once and even “shot” his cup out of his hand, winning me a $5 bet from Corporal Soderling. 
     The weather was ideal all weekend and the park took wonderful care of us.  As usual at Stevens, we got some interesting public comments and questions.  This year’s top comments went to Abby who was thought to be an animatronic doll.  The other happened when Corporal Hardway was napping under that fly and a child asked, “Is that a real person?”  Aside from the silly, the public was wonderful, curious, and working with the Fort continues to a pleasure and an honor.
     It’s hard to believe our regular reenacting season is already over, but I’m sure we’ll be working on private events to keep bringing us together over the off season.By

     The Battle of Chehalis turned out better than expected.  Even with a temperature spike, Co. D dominated the field.  We welcomed new recruit Private Tiller who performed admirably on a very technical battle weekend.  Saturday's drill ended up a bit of a wash as battalion didn't seem to know what was going on, except they wanted us standing around aimlessly until they were ready for a brief instruction almost an hour after the scheduled time.  Sunday's drill was very fruitful since it was company drill.  We got down to business focusing again heavily on tactics and deployment.  Our NCO corps has really found its groove as we thoroughly began to shine as platoons.  Sunday's morning battle saw us swinging out into three L shaped ambushes on the secessionists.  First, we locked down a Confederate company so tight, they had to be relieved and reset.  Later in that same battle, we sent out 2nd Sgt. Spiekerman's 2nd platoon on another L formation which led to the easy capture of a squad of unsupported Confederates.  During one of my more epic death scenes, Private Glasgow took a great opportunity to roll my body over and use me as a sandbag. Our platoons have really coalesced into cohesive and independent fighting units.  Our NCOs did an amazing job with Corporals Hardway and Soderling being true professionals on the line.  Also during drill on Sunday, we practiced advancing at the low the crawl and Private Cook did a wonderful job instructing the company in proper technique.
     When not defending the Union on the battlefield, we caught up on local newspapers from home and even shared a spare copy of the Rockland Gazette with fellow Rockland man, Captain Keene of Company F, 20th Maine.  Everyone was on top of things with camp duties and we had plenty of time to socialize.  Company D hosted the joint battalion social as we continued to build friendship across lines.  Private Severson worked on perfecting his burgoo recipe each morning, cooking over the camp fire, and Private Ternan continued her excellent instruction on Sharps maintenance and cleaning.  It was great spending time with everyone during our last battle event of the year.
     Our next event will be our annual living history weekend at Ft. Stevens, August 2-4 and we look forward to seeing everyone there for a great weekend of drill and demonstrations for the public.

By 1st Sgt. Koepp

     Our first battle of the year began with a lot of well earned recognition for old and new members.  We were pleased to honor Sgt. Spiekerman with his very own and expertly made vintage Berdan knapsack.  We also held a ceremony to issue NCO warrants to recently promoted Sgt. Spiekerman and Cpl. Soderling.  After our first day's battles, we were pleased to also issue corps badges to our newest members including company bugler Ethan Lane, private Chandler White, private Marshall Knapp, and private Ron Glasgow.  The issuing of corps badges is a long standing Company D tradition to recognize the performance of our new privates after their first battles with us.  We were also happy for the return of private Moore.
     The new Cheney event site could very well turn out to be the best event of the WCWA.   Layout was chaotic and the battlefield was only a fraction of what it should have been, but we managed to carve out an amazing camp for ourselves.  
     Everything seemed to run excellently.  Everyone stepped up with work details, training, and gave their best effort every day.  With a more complete NCO corps, our unit was able to maneuver and fight with even more effectiveness and efficiency.  Private Lane's work on the bugle helped train us to the schedule of the day and our movements on the field.  Private Lane and Mrs. Soderling kept the company well fed with their excellent cooking.
     We are so thankful to the great turnout we had.  We look forward to seeing everyone again at Union Gap.

By 1st Sgt. Koepp

     Captain Whitehall, Mrs. 1st Sgt, and I spent spring break researching Company D in the great state of Maine.  We saw and learned so much and only a portion of what we saw is here in the slideshow.  Many once in a lifetime experiences like holding Edgar Crockett’s buttons, an original target rifle, and numerous artifacts belonging to the 20th Maine that belong in a private collection and we want to honor their privacy.  Most of what we did and saw will be posted on an ongoing basis, like the hundreds of pages of original Company D paperwork.
     We started our trip in Portland where we visited Captain Fessenden’s grave and stood in the place where his recruiting office once stood.  Leaving Portland, we stopped in Brunswick to visit Bowdoin College, Chamberlin’s house, and grave.  We then visited the Maine maritime museum in Bath to learn about the vast maritime culture that would have been so familiar to those in our company.  After Bath, we a day and a half in Augusta researching in the Maine State Archives.  We also met the legendary Company D historian, Captain Sulin who guided us through our experience and helped us get our researcher credentials.  After spending the next morning back at the archives, we visited the state history museum to learn more about Maine culture, history, and commerce.  We also got to see the 20th Maine’s Gettysburg battle flag.  Leaving Augusta, we carpooled with Captain Sulin through the Maine woods down to Cherryfield to visit the graves of the Tucker twins.  The Captain is an amazing tour guide and pointed out places like the building where James Matthews worked as a newspaper man, forts, and so many wonderful stories.
     We spent the rest of the time in Rockland which was the home to many of the company.  We researched original newspapers, spent time in the Rockland historical society, visited the graves of more fellow Sharpshooters, and was invited to an amazing lobster dinner with Captain Sulin and his wonderful wife.  We can't thank the Captain enough for sharing his time, his knowledge, and hospitality.
     The trip was overwhelming in all the right ways.  We learned so much, touched so much of history, and learned we definitely need to return to further our research!  Reading books and diaries is important for a better experience in our hobby, but visiting your unit’s home towns, and holding the very items they held is inspiring.  There is so much more to be learned by doing on site research and being moved by paying respects at the graves of soldiers we portray.

By 1st Sgt. Koepp

     Wednesday and Thursday, several of us began scouting new locations for future bivouacs starting with a site in Eastern Washington.  For our first scout, Skipper took us about an hour and a half north of Spokane where we spent several hours driving around the forest and stopping to march a washed out mountain road.  While it was in the mid to upper 90s and hazy from wildfires, the area was beautiful.  The several mile uphill march took its toll on Pvt. Severson but he powered on much further than he thought he could.  After a cool down, he recovered well for the long march down.
     After our march, we settled on a nice, small camp near a creek for our bivouac site.  Once the arms were stacked and the bedrolls laid out, we dug into our haversacks and began trading MREs.  With fire danger so high across the state, fires and cooking were out of the question, so we decided on modern soldier rations.  We used a water filter to refill our canteens with clean drinking water.  After supper, we settled in for a relaxing night of sharing stories.  With the weather so hot, no one got cold that night.
     Waking up with the sun the next morning, I explored with Pvt. Soderling and did a photo shoot near the creek.  Afterwards, we hit the trucks again and continued exploring to the top of a mountain where we shot a new YouTube video and took some great pictures.  On the way down, we checked out another camp site before heading back to Spokane.
     In all, our first scouting expedition went very well.  With our reenacting organization still struggling to secure event sites and our ever increasing closeness as a unit, finding places to reenact throughout the year is of increasing importance to us.  We hope to get a short of list of locations in Eastern and Western Washington to accommodate people's availability and transportation.  With our summers warmer and wildfire seasons so severe, finding places near water and with the ability to do some live-fire target practice is high on the priority list.
     Prior to this scout, I attempted to scout an ideal location in the central Cascades only to find all the roads closed due to a wildfire.  When I got home from that, the state announced a state-wide shooting ban on all state-owned public lands.  This underscores the importance of having two or three site on each half of the state to choose from.  For all of those who couldn't make this trip, don't worry.  While we did have fun, this, like future ones are working trips with quick turn around to accommodate work schedules.  We were considering a get together in the mountains over labor day but with extreme fire restrictions, shooting bans, high temps, and poor air quality, we're most likely going to postpone until rain returns.
     One other thing to keep in mind as we continue to explore state and national forests, is there are parking permits for all of the sites we are considering.  When these sorts of bivouacs become more regular be sure to look in to getting any applicable passes or planing to carpool.

By 1st Sgt. Koepp

      CO. D SKIRMISHES BY THE BUGLE!  That's right, folks, we finally did it!  With the Captain on the bugle, we managed to hold off the secesh for the first 15 minutes of our last battle with only bugle commands.  It's so fulfilling to finally have this important element of Sharpshooter history an increasingly regular part of our routine.
     In other news, the weather was hot but not as terrible as was originally predicted so our health and spirits were with us.  After the hot day's battles, several of us went to the nearby river for a quick cool down and some fun.  This weekend's drill focused mostly on tactics and battlefield training.  As always, we spent a lot of time scouting the battlefield prior to battles which allowed us to direct battalion on good routes for better battle scenarios.  The battles were alright but most notable was acting Corporal Soderling's excellent performance filling in for Cpl. Hardway.  Cpl. Spiekerman brought along a new recruit who we hope will join us regularly next year.  He was a quick study, hard worker, and great fit for Co. D.  Cpl. Spiekerman had his work cut out for him since it seemed that in every battle his flank was pushed the hardest.
     Camp life was good with Quartermaster Severson doing an excellent job issuing and caring for equipment.  He also proposed using company funds to invest in some needed items like trousers from Milk Creek at $75 each and some more shirts.  The skipper and I bought the loaner kit a shirt, cap pouch, belt buckle, and some other odds and ends.  With more of us interested in campaign impressions, Severson also recommended a knapsack or two for loaner gear.  We'll keep you posted  as we get shopping in this off season.
     As usual, no one seemed to want to be the battalion color guard which made battalion drill and parade a bit interesting.  So, of course, we volunteered.  What's better than having battalion form on our Nationals and Regimentals?  
     This was a weekend with lots of Berdans involved in the film-making process.  A small crew from Seattle's Cherry Street Films joined us to film a short scene with us in camp.  Acting Corporal Soderling had a fun time teaching them how to play Euchre.  Shooting and extra time for b-roll ran us right up to battle time, so those of us involved had to sprint right into battle and start shooting.  A very special thanks to Logan from the 3rd Michigan for connecting us. This event also included another viewing of the film "Vivandiere" which includes cameos of Cpt. Whitehall, Severson, and yours truly.  A painter looking to do some Berdan Shapshooter pieces wanted some poses from Cpt. Whitehall, so our company photographer, Private Ternan spent some time taking some nice portraits to send the artist.  
     This weekend also included an early birthday celebration for our Captain organized by his amazing grandparents.  Along with delicious cupcakes, the Captain received the gift of the last Trionni Berdan painting to complete his collection.
     I also had the pleasure of delivering our battalion Sgt. Major his new field desk which is featured in our latest YouTube video.  
     With our season ending sooner than usual this year, everyone is really committed to spending more time together in the off season.  We were considering rushing a bivouac for next week but we might be looking ahead to Labor Day weekend, so if you're interested be sure to let the skipper know.  We'll also have to come to some consensus about where to meet.  Either in the wilderness near the captain or the central Cascades.  I'm also sure people will be interested in a Christmas party, so keep in touch.  The Captain and I can't push everything along and still maintain sanity.
     Next year, if you use ANY of the company cleaning kit you must bring funds to reimburse our master of arms, Private Ternan.  She has graciously contributed out of pocket this year.  If you don't bring money for events next year, you will be left with a dirty rifle and ineligible to take to the field.  You will also not be issued a loaner rifle unless your small fee is submitted.  
​      Thank you to everyone in our company who worked hard to make this another amazing year.

By 1st Sgt. Koepp

     Our Ft. Stevens living history was another wonderful time full of demonstrations, training, and squad on squad tacticals.  Pvt. Hanks and his friend joined us this weekend to try out our unit, share some laughs, and get trained in using multiple firearms.  In all, we had a good turn out and we were all very to happy to see Cpl. Spiekerman again.
     The height of fun for everyone were the tactical competitions that were carefully planned and ref'd by our amazing corporals.  Privates Severson and Cook were squad leaders and the battles that ensued around the fort were entertaining for the public, too.  Fighting across the grounds of a historic fort really gave a tantalizing glimpse of how exciting reenacting can be when not stuck on "football field" battlefields.  We even got in some hand to hand combat and bayonet charges.  If you listen quietly, you can almost hear a mainstreamer yell, "safety violation!"  Many event organizers like small, boring fields because "it's better for the public."  Well, in our experience this weekend, families would pull over on the side of the park road and walk over to watch us shoot around buildings and the deuce and half tour truck routinely passed by full of visitors.  It is possible to have mixed terrain, buildings, and even trees to provide an even more engaging viewing experience. The squad leaders did a good job and each one won a battle.  The skipper and I fell in with each squad as either a person to guard or as a wild-card private.  We had fun keeping everyone on their toes.
     Camp life was quite relaxed with Severson working hard to get a jump on his new role as company quartermaster.  Since the 4th of July fell mid-week this year, fort attendance was down but we still worked with some good sized crowds.  During the lulls, we shot some more YouTube videos and I worked on figuring out our new audio recording gear.  Private Cook and the Skipper enjoyed loading the target rifles as if they were light artillery.  It certainly drew in the crowds.
     The Battle of Chehalis is coming up soon so be sure to watch the weather forecasts and prepare yourself accordingly.  Pvt. Soderling will be filling in for Cpl. Hardway, so we'll be doing extra drill to get the company ready for lots of movement.  You still have plenty of time to stock up on rounds and caps on your own.  The company ordnance stores are running low so feel free to visit a sporting good store and at least purchase some caps.
     Lastly, let's all be sure to keep in touch for a bivouac/live fire camp out.  The more everyone is curious and willing to help coordinate, the more likely it will happen.  I've ordered sixty more rounds and will be selling them if we have the event.

      Thank you to all of our Berdan's who were able to make it this last weekend and an extra thanks to all of their hard work.
     As usual, Union Gap was a relatively ho-hum event though we got very lucky with favorable weather.  While no one got over-heated, the pock mark covered battlefield took its toll on a number of us.  Camp life was comfortable with lots of down time to chat, rest, and socialize with our fellow reenactors.  Well, socializing and maybe some plotting with our friends in the 79th New York.  With a little extra planning and communication work, duty delegation in the company worked out smoothly.  We look forward to supporting and educating our soldiers who have added to their daily duties the specialization of specific responsibilities like master of ordnance, master of arms, and quartermaster.  While unofficial titles, the work is highly valued and appreciated by everyone.
     Saturday morning including a "parade."  While simply a slightly longer march to the battlefield for the public, Company D pulled out all of the stops going in full campaign gear, white gloves, and with flags flying.  Enjoying the sight of our two flags flying made up for an otherwise underwhelming parade. The battles were alright.  Not much to complain about but not much to write home about either.  For those of you who haven't been, the battlefield is the size of a football field with waist high grass.  Saturday evening included a nice dinner hosted by Confederate battalion.  From the end of second battle and for well over an hour, the Captain and I spit polished our uniforms with precision and cleaned ourselves up pretty good, too.  After being told no swords for the dinner, we finally agreed that uniform dress regulations matter, dang it! If no one does it, no one is going to know about Civil War uniform dress regulations.  So, we did it right and didn't make a big deal about it.  In a similar vein, both battalions have agreed to adopt our period correct and well documented resting on arms for taps.  After getting the "stink-eye" from enough reenactors, people started asking questions and we jumped at the opportunity to educate.  It's inspiring to learn just how many reenactors are eager to learn the proper ways of doing things and to adopt them when they learn.  Sometimes, people just don't know what they don't know.
     We're still learning some of the battalion's often unspoken or under-communicated management agendas.  After the Captain returned one afternoon with the disappointing news that my very period correct morning report was rejected, I nearly burst a blood vessel!  After lodging a complaint with the "higher ups" and asking to be informed explicitly when farb was required we learned that period morning reports don't matter to battalion.  They only need a modern check list of unit members and a rifle count.  Our unit takes maybe too much pride in period correct clerking and paperwork, so naturally it made me twitch to obey this modern accommodation for our dedicated battalion staff.
     Our next event is our living history weekend at Fort Stevens where we'll be filming a bunch of new videos, taking inventory and repairing loaner gear, drilling, training, offering project activities, and of course putting on a good, informative show for the public.  We hope to see you there.

,By 1st Sgt. Koepp

     Deep Creek was a weekend of some of the best battles the organization has seen in years.  Co. D performed brilliantly, sharpshooting and defending the flanks.  Shooting was exceptionally heavy as we defended "Berdan Hill" for another year.  Battalion really let us put our training and tactics to full use with lots of movement and prone firing.
     We were very fortunate to meet a wonderful new recruit, Pvt. Moore, who jumped in feet first and quickly distinguished himself as an excellent soldier and certainly Berdan material.  He was able to join us Saturday and Sunday and we hope he can join us for Union Gap.  Pvt. Soderling did an excellent job filling as acting corporal.  As always, Cpl. Hardway excelled at keeping the camp running smoothly and the soldiers always ready for a fight.  Pvt. Ternan was a great help with taking photos and participated really well with her medical demonstration.  Pvt. Walker was a steady and reliable addition to the line and it was fun to watch his amazement at how many rounds he fired each battle.  Lastly, it was great to catch back up with Pvt. Teacup and his ever improving impression.  It seems with each event, we're looking more and more campaigner.
     Camp life was full of activity with Mrs./Pvt. Soderling cooking a delicious dinner for the company, card playing, song singing, and spending time with our friends and brothers in the 79th New York.  We also had lots of fun with Pvt. Slug of the 3rd Michigan, who due to goofy camp layout, ended up camped right next to our fire.  We had plenty of fun messing around with our new bugle, though I can't say the rest of the camp would agree.  We were able to shoot several new YouTube videos, take lots of photos, educate the public, and ample time admiring our new flag.
     It was great to have everyone together again and in good health and good spirits.  Everyone contributed so much passion and hard work.  Before the end of the event, we were able to share our love and good wishes to our dear friend, Pvt. Melendez of the 20th Maine who will be moving to Texas.  We hope to see you all at Union Gap.

By 1st Sgt. Koepp
​
     Company D had the largest attendance of any Union unit at School of the Soldier this last weekend.  One can easily say this company is committed.
​      School of the Soldier is always a good way to dust off from the off season, work on drill, and learn new drill.  This year we began learning bayonet drill which will now become routine at every event.  It's fun, and really draws attention.  When we weren't drilling, we were studying manuals, goofing around, and catching up with old friends.  With the help of private Soderling, Company D began playing Euchre.  Euchre was a very popular game in Company D during the war and it's great to bring it back.  Though, it would have been better if privates Soldering and Ternan didn't beat Severson and me so badly.
     We also managed to shoot a couple more videos for our YouTube channel that will be coming out in the coming weeks.  Cpl. Hardway did a wonderful job leading drill.  I learned that reading five different manuals two weeks before an event is probably a bit more confusing than it's worth.  Cpl. Hardway also helped raise some company funds with her excellent and well known tailoring skills.  We also had a nice surprise when private Cook was able to join us.    
     We're expecting a big turnout for Deep Creek, so don't waste any time reserving loaner tents, calling dibs on a loaner rifle, or other loaner equipment.  We'll have more Hainsworth to show off at Deep Creek and our new National flag.  A special thanks to private Ternan for her wonderful pictures.

That's right, folks we're #sponsored!  Cary Davisson has been so kind to work with our company and our YouTube channel on what he hope is a great and lasting partnership.  Those of you who are in our unit, or know our unit know we only set the highest standards for gear.  Cary makes high quality kits and gear at reasonable prices.  If you're not already subscribed to our channel you might want to do so now as Company D, 2nd USSS will be your only readily accessible source for kit assembly reviews and how-tos.  We've already uploaded our first ACWkits.com review video covering his cap pouches.  You can easily spend $100 or more for a quality pre-made cap pouch or you can make your own for about $30 with one of Cary's kits and a few basic leather tools.  We have the video down below for you check out and let us know if you have any questions.  When you decide to buy one of Cary's kits, be sure to let him know Company D, 2nd USSS sent ya'.

     Snoqualmie turned out to be a great end to another amazing reenacting season.  It began with opening our Maine care package from Cpt. Sulin.  The box contained so many wonderful treats enjoyed by everyone.  Items included lobster chowder, baked beans, sardines, salt, jams, maple syrup, books, pancake mix, and more!  The maple syrup was loved by all with all of us tasting it from our spoons or the palms of our hands.  The books on Maine lingo entertained us for hours and we've already started using it.  The book is titled, "Maine Lingo" by John Gould and probably is a must have for anyone portraying a unit from the state of Maine.  Some of our favorite words or phrases included, Methodist hell, salt through a goose, beamie, gormy, bar room, odd bastard, and of course, ayuh.  We can't thank Cpt. Sulin enough for all of support and generosity.
     As always, Co. D drilled more often and for longer than other unit in the WCWA and it continues to show.  On Sunday we drilled through church call all the way up until battle.  Keep in mind, for some absurd reason Sunday drill has now somehow become optional.  Not for Company D, where we have higher standards.  We started having our corporals leading drill for their individual platoons which paid off greatly during battle.  While battalion was looking the other way and being generally passive, 2nd Platoon took the initiative by sprinting across the right flank to capture a cannon and its artillery crew while 1st Platoon continued to hold down the flank with withering Sharps fire.  Our corporals and our privates remain unparalleled in their enthusiasm and dedication.  We also had the pleasure of having Logan from the 3rd Michigan join us this weekend on the target rifle.  It is always nice to welcome such knowledgeable and friendly guests into our reenacting family.
     The weather cooperated until the end of our last battle when the rain finally came.  It was a bit disappointing to see so many reenactors bringing cars into camp and packing up long before the rain came.  The constant breeze kept us cool but unfortunately made making videos out of the question.  We do have many exciting new videos coming up including several from our new channel sponsor!  I'll leave you with the tease on that one.
     It's hard to believe another season is over.  We have all sorts of projects for this off season and hopefully we'll be able to organize a get together.  We're also hoping the winter is mild so we can have a spring bivouac.  During this event we mapped out our company Hainesworth wool buy, so if you are interested be sure to email Cpt. Whitehall.  Bulk wool purchasing means we get increased discounts.  Until next time, keep checking in on the website and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for all of our upcoming videos.
     Finally,our company treasurer's report shows that we have now raised enough money for our National Colors!  Next year we'll have the pride of flying both flags in camp and on parades.
     It was a pleasure serving with you all!

The always elusive Sharps arsenal pack is no longer a mystery.  Capt. Whitehall and I have been researching these for some time now.  After re-reading Bill Skillman's detailed article on making these, I thought I'd put the Company D spin on it.  Armed with my cartridge tin, I hit the craft stores.  Pasteboard boxes are commonly discussed and the Skipper had been talking about using jewelry boxes recently.  I quickly gave up on the bulkiness of pasteboard boxes that never quite fit and hit the jewelry section of Michael's.  In just a few minutes, I found a four pack of jewelry boxes that fit my tin perfectly.  The boxes were also paper-wrapped much like the originals and cost only $3.99.  If you pull up your 40% off Michael's coupon on your phone, they're even cheaper!   Here's what you'll need:

• A brown paper grocery bag/lunch bag for your hinge.
• Sharp Xacto knife
• White glue 
• Sharps cartridge box label
• Ruler
• That's it!

Here's how to do it:

1. Cut one long side off of the lid.  Removing the bulk off the back of lid helps the box slide in and out of the tin much easier.  Cut carefully and don't try to cut all the way through at once.  Multiple passes make for a cleaner cut.  Then put the lid back on and check the fit.  You want the lid to fit flush against the back.
2. Using a large Popsicle stick, like I do, or using a ruler, cut a roughly 3/4" strip off of your grocery bag.  If you're making several, cut a long piece.
3. Butt one end of your strip up against the inside of the back of the lid and using your Xacto knife cut the hinge to length on the inside of the other side of the lid.  You're going for an inside diameter fit.
4. Fold your hinge length-wise taking care to make a very crisp fold.
5. Using white glue (or glue stick, or other gluing method) use just enough to evenly coat the inside of the hinge.  Spread evenly with your finger.  You don't want any puddles or squeeze out.
6. Put your lid on the your box and apply the hinge.  Aligning it carefully, smooth the hinge to remove any air bubbles that may have snuck in.
7. Let dry.
8. Apply Sharps cartridge label and enjoy!

Using this method, you can manufacture your box any way you like.  You can add an additional strip with a string glued inside so you can open the box like it was brand new.  This auction site link: HERE shows how the arsenal packs were wrapped.  There is variety in construction.  Some are stamped with the label, some have pasted labels, some are white boxes, and some wrapped caps in light-weight brown paper. Remember, Sharpshooters used these boxes a lot and there are many accounts from Sharpshooters using these in combat.  In less than 10 minutes, you can really improve your impression and make your life a lot easier while shooting prone or from cover.

After Action Report:  Chehalis, WA 2017

     Fair weather, good battles, good turnout, and of course we finally fired while prone!  Our drill skills and our stellar safety track record allowed us to prove ourselves on the battlefield with great effect.  We had some great young reenactors fall in with us this weekend and one even plans on transferring.  It's hard to go back to line infantry after having ran the field, shot prone, help to capture a company, and drilling like a boss with Company D.  As always, we drilled more than any other unit in the club and as always it shows.  Our corporals continue to improve their leadership and their mastery of Civil War drill and instruction.
     Camp time was fun and relaxing with plenty of camp fire singing with the help of Pvts. Soderling and Cpl Hardway.  Mrs./Pvt./Co. Cook Soderling stayed with our Maine Camp and Hospital Association and with the help of her steward prepared a wonderful dinner of chili, cornbread, and blueberry pie.  The Corporals were on top of every detail and every private performed their work with dedication and quality.  It's hard to believe that the end of the season is only one event away from us.
     During some of our down time we even managed to shoot some more YouTube videos.  We're getting quite a collection of them in the can and they will be continuing to come out every Sunday.  It was a good surprise and a bit sad that Pvt. Edwards was able to join us for our last battle Sunday.  This was his last event with us before moving to the east coast.  We wish his family the best of luck.
     We'll likely not make it to Kennewick in August but will be planning to come out in force for the September Battle of Snoqualmie.  In the meantime, we'll keep working on our impressions and studying our drill manuals.  

     We had another fun weekend at Fort Stevens educating the public, working on our gear, and having fun as a company.  The cool weather made for a comfortable weekend and the interested, engaging public kept us busy during the day.  In addition to shooting demonstrations and our information booth, we also had wonderful tent displays available for the public to enjoy.
     During the day we repaired, cleaned, and cataloged loaner gear and had our first opportunity supporting our new company cook.  It was also great assigning stewards to the cook for extra duty.  We also shot three new YouTube videos that will be coming out soon.  On Sunday, thanks to the help of Pvt. Soderling and Cpl. Hardway, we were able to improve our impressions by filling out enlistment papers based on Company D impressions.
     After the park closed we enjoyed hanging out, having fun, singing, and continuing our annual tradition of going into the tunnels inside Battery Clark late at night to enjoy utter darkness.  
     We are always so thankful to the people of Fort Stevens inviting us every year and we now have plenty of company funds to purchase our own national flag this off season.  We'll see you at the Battle of Chehalis!

Fulbright Park, Union Gap, WA

     Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! Seemed the theme of this year's Battle of Fulbright Park as the Colonel marched the battalion every where while the Secesh marched but paces to each battle.  The battles weren't the greatest but working alongside the 20th Maine is always a pleasure.  It was also nice to have the weather participate with rather mild temperatures for eastern Washington.  
     Camp time was relaxing and we shot another YouTube video that will be coming out soon.  The evenings were cool and a lot of time was spent around candle light catching up and sharing stories.  The days were spent with lots of drill with Company D being the first and last company off the drill field each day.  The corporals did a fantastic job leading drill.  All our drill practice really paid off on the battlefield and earned us accolades from the Union battalion.  
     Perhaps the biggest highlight was holding Cpl. Hardway's official promotion ceremony.  One our company's strongest assets is having such a dedicated and talented corps of NCOs.  Our next battle event will be the Battle of Chehalis River.  We'll see you all then.