The Goldendale tactical was an event for the history books. The location was terrific, the scenarios fun, and the camaraderie uplifting. Of course, the Sharpshooters took on numerous challenging and late-night missions to keep pressure on the Confederates and stack up incredible points. Activities that counted for points included capturing a cowbell, taking prisoners, engaging in activities in town, and finding caches hidden around the event site. I must own up to how hilariously obsessed I became with finding the burlap sacks filled with root beers, money, and store script. The obsession paid off as not only did our unit find most of the sacks, but our leadership corps were the ones that found all of them. Of course, we shared the bounty with the unit who had fun shopping at the incredible town impression throughout the weekend.
The high heat kept battles spaced out, but the Union army stayed busy on picket duty, standing watch, and building fortifications. Our most impressive mission during the event was a daring night infiltration of the Confederate headquarters, including Sgt. Spiekerman, Pvt. Moore, and Pvt. Chistiansen. After Company D, supported by the 20th Maine, had already captured the valuable cowbell from the enemy earlier in the day, Colonel Struve visited the camp and offered us even more points if we could sneak into the Confederate camp and return it without being caught. Beginning at dusk, the intrepid Sharpshooters began their successful mission, which took at least two hours, including lots of low crawling before successfully completing their mission and returning to camp. Everyone in Company D performed outstandingly. I want to make an additional note commending Brevet Corporal White, who dropped his gear and made a mad, sacrificial sprint into Confederate camp during the last battle to earn us one more round of points for accomplishing another raid.
While Confederate participation in this event was sadly small, those who did attend were so much fun to play with and absolutely contributed to the event's success. The leaders of the two armies found many ways to keep the weekend fun. On the last day, the Confederates organized a great Alamo-style last stand.
We would be remiss if we didn't also share ample praise to the civilians who created such an immersive and fun experience for all of us soldiers. Everyone in Company D would say it was the best, most worthwhile, and most enjoyable interaction we've ever had with the civilian township. They really outdid themselves.
We look forward to this event again and hope the experiences of this event influence the mainstream events for the better.
The high heat kept battles spaced out, but the Union army stayed busy on picket duty, standing watch, and building fortifications. Our most impressive mission during the event was a daring night infiltration of the Confederate headquarters, including Sgt. Spiekerman, Pvt. Moore, and Pvt. Chistiansen. After Company D, supported by the 20th Maine, had already captured the valuable cowbell from the enemy earlier in the day, Colonel Struve visited the camp and offered us even more points if we could sneak into the Confederate camp and return it without being caught. Beginning at dusk, the intrepid Sharpshooters began their successful mission, which took at least two hours, including lots of low crawling before successfully completing their mission and returning to camp. Everyone in Company D performed outstandingly. I want to make an additional note commending Brevet Corporal White, who dropped his gear and made a mad, sacrificial sprint into Confederate camp during the last battle to earn us one more round of points for accomplishing another raid.
While Confederate participation in this event was sadly small, those who did attend were so much fun to play with and absolutely contributed to the event's success. The leaders of the two armies found many ways to keep the weekend fun. On the last day, the Confederates organized a great Alamo-style last stand.
We would be remiss if we didn't also share ample praise to the civilians who created such an immersive and fun experience for all of us soldiers. Everyone in Company D would say it was the best, most worthwhile, and most enjoyable interaction we've ever had with the civilian township. They really outdid themselves.
We look forward to this event again and hope the experiences of this event influence the mainstream events for the better.
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