Sharpshooters Up!

Our first annual Berdan Camp of Instruction is fast approaching.  This event is $25 for the weekend and will be at a great site in Goldendale, Washington.  It's a popular location for WWII reenacting and we'll have full run of the place with water, firewood, and port a potties provided.  We'll be doing lots of drill, skirmishes and night firing is permitted!  It will still be chilly at night so for our Sharpshooters who have already RSVP'd come well prepared and bring plenty of ammo.  We're working on little workshops to improve impressions and battlefield tactics, if you have an idea that would be interesting be sure to let your commanders know.

If you are interested in participating or would like the address of the venue please email the Skipper.

Our next big Berdan only event will our 4th of July weekend event at Fort Stevens so be sure to mark you calendars!

Recently, the Skipper and I visited Bennett Loomis of Company G, 2nd USSS (Wisconsin) who is buried in Tenino, WA a few miles from my home.  This coming year we would like to make a tradition of visiting Mr. Loomis to honor his service during either the Chehalis Museum event or the Battle of Chehalis.  At our first formal visit, we hope to lay a Civil War veterans medallion and a wreath followed by a cleaning of his headstone.  If you're interested in participating in the honoring, let us know.

Battle of the Chehalis River, 2015

     Another exciting event for the 2015 season.  For one battle, 13 sharpshooters took the field including our very own Berdan bugler!  We also welcomed new recruit Pvt. Tyler Severson to our ever growing company.  With this enthusiasm and attention, he quickly showed himself to be an excellent new recruit who performed well during his first reenactment.  He also helped to film one of our increasing number of Company D YouTube videos.  To check them out visit our YouTube channel Company D 2nd USSS. You can also click on the YouTube icon on the homepage! We noticed that filming YouTube videos at events, while farby, draw our largest audiences for demonstrations.  I posted a detailed series on cleaning the Sharps rifle.  Expect to see more videos on uniforms, gear, and impression tips.
     In addition to our largest military presence in many years we were also very happy to see our biggest civilian camp this season!  So many thanks to everyone who could make it! 
     With so many Berdans, our squads really put the heat on the Confederates who often had a difficult time dealing with so much fire from so many positions.  On Saturday we also had a squad of Oregon dismounted cavalry fall in under Captain Whitehall's command.  Our effectiveness was increased by the battlefield scouting of privates Reaper and Coffee.  Helping our squad work was our very own runner who performed very well delivering messages from the Captain to the different squads all while under Confederate fire.  There were so many exciting moments but some that stick out for me was when one of our privates, got tangled up during a retreat from a company of secesh.  With a man down, Corporal Spiekerman and myself drew pistols, ran out, grabbed him and laid down a wall of pistol fire covering our retreat!  The secesh were so stunned they didn't fire a single shot!  We also really upset the Confederates when we charged a visiting Idaho group and took half of them prisoner, marching them off the field in front of the spectators!  We were so fast the nearby companies didn't even have a chance to respond.  On Saturday, we charged the South Carolina unit and made them scatter and run.  Both were great units to play with and we told them to let us know when we can repay the favor.
     We really hope to get some time during the battle of Snoqualmie to learn skirmish drill by bugle! Ethan, from the 20th Maine, has been so kind in his willingness to work with us.  He hopes to post some skirmish bugle calls for us to start learning before Snoqualmie.  Ethan is also a direct descendent of someone who served in Co E, 2nd USSS and already had a complete Berdan uniform including Sharps!  If we have the chance to learn bugle calls during Snoqualmie all sharpshooters should expect lots more drill time.  Private Edwards brought up the important point that with so many sharpshooters now, we need to expand our drill routine to include more of the school of the company including such things as deploying in fours.  We all agreed that was an excellent idea.
     This has been such a special year for the company and we couldn't have done it without so many wonderful people.  We continue to spend time meeting and hanging out with battalion staff, building positive relationships with other soldiers and commanders, and building our reputation.  A good example of putting a smile on battalion's face was how each morning, Pvt. Coffee provided a unique Berdan reveille that who camp could hear.  It was great!  Thanks again to all our amazing civilians and soldiers.  We'll see you in Snoqualimie!

     This weekend we had a fantastic turnout with 9 sharpshooters and 1,300 park visitors on Saturday!  Drill, demos, leadership, and team building were the main goals this weeked.  Saturday included cleaning and repairing gear in preparation for the grand review at Chehalis, 4 hours of drill a day including our first squad drills and skirmishes.  Guide sheets were given to squad leaders Cpl. Spiekerman and private Soderling who drilled in small groups for an hour after an hour of company drill.  Cpt. Whitehall and I observed the squad leaders as we encouraged leadership, teamwork, and cross training.  After squad drill, we pitted the squads against each other in a skirmish capture the flag.  Squads and leaders were graded based on number of shots fired, number of correct commands given, and deducted points for improper command or execution.  The winner was Cpl. Spiekerman's squad who won with a last minute flanking maneuver and dash to the finish line.  Everyone did a great job and we look forward to putting everyone in the squad leader position for these drills and exercises.
     The greatest attention to detail went into drilling with accuracy.  Several times we pulled out the manuals to double check commands or a procedure. Most of us now have collected quite a few manuals leading to several "well, actually..." moments. A perfect example of our commitment to military accuracy was spending nearly three hours this weekend learning the manual of arms by the numbers.  We are starting to look and sound like a drill team.  Also part of our drill this weekend was company PT as you can see in the pictures.
     The public presence was huge and often required us to break from exercises to work the crowds gathering around the company fly.  Everyone stepped up and led discussions with the public.  Some groups visited for over twenty minutes. Visitors asked some great questions but two thought Melissa was a mannequin.
     Saturday night being Independence Day, we asked permission for night firing and had the rare and exciting chance to drill and fire at night.   Did I mention we drilled?  We drilled a lot! After that,  we lit the lanterns and played Cards Against Humanity while listening to fireworks.  
     Sunday started with rifle cleaning and repairs,  PT, drill, manual of arms, and a two hour long tactical training exercise.  Cpt. Whitehall and I were referees.  The Cpt. took out Cpl. Spiekerman in command of our newest recruits to set up an ambush.  His crew consisted of privates Cook and Amuchastegui from Struve's Marines.  Pvt. Soderling commanded privates Hardway and Ternan.  Observing Soderling's command was impressive as they meticulously paroled sectors of the battlefield and trails for Cpl. Spiekerman and his team.   Most impressive was watching everyone's commitment to following period manuvers, commands, and patrol formations.   The Captain and I were so happy to see everyone avoid the desire to get all "Call of Duty" during the exercise. Even though pvt. Soderling's group engaged first,  there was no clear winner on our first tactical but everyone performed great.  The real victory was watching everyone learning to follow orders from each other,  problem solve,  and support each other. 
     After the park was closed,  we started filming instructional videos that are now posted on YouTube and on our media page.  We hope to continue making these short videos to encourage recruits,  grow as a resource to other reenactors, and provide training to new and old recruits. 
     We really look forward to making this a yearly team building training weekend.   We also got $200 closer to our fundraising goal of buying company colors!  So many thanks to all who could make it.   We can't wait to see you at Chehalis.  

     A note from Captain Whitehall:  Thank you to all the sharpshooters who came this weekend and made the biggest turnout yet for our living history.  So much was accomplished this weekend and I am proud of each and every one of you.  Keep up the good work and we will be the stars at the Grand Review in a couple of weeks.

Union Gap, WA

     Sharpshooters continue to make history this year as we had two sharpshooters on battalion staff Sunday.  I was requested to fill in as battalion Sgt. Major and Captain Whitehall was once again requested to be acting battalion adjutant.  In other exciting news, pvt. Ron Guwick joined us!  We had a wonderful time catching up with our favorite Canadian.  His stories and company are still wonderful and his recruiting talents second to none.
     Saturday was a long one beginning with battalion's participation in the Old Town Days parade.  We had a fun time cruising to the event with the colors and hanging on while on a flat bed trailer.  Including the parade, we had a 2.1 mile march from the parade straight to battle.  It was a lot of fun but left a few sore and blistered feet.  The battles were alright.  While dynamic, they were not particularly exciting.  Once again, our shooting range was a hit and now being looked forward to and requested by battalion and other reenactors who appreciate joining some firing practice.  It's a magnet for the public.  We have carefully designed the range from lots of documentation but we continue to fool other reenactors who actually think we're firing lead down range!  Saturday we had a visit from east coast Sharpshooter, Joseph who fell in for second battle.  He was good company and pretty awesome on the field, too.  Captain Bright from the cavalry had a new recruit fall in with us for second battle, too.  For having zero reenacting experience he did a fine job.
     I enjoyed being Sgt. Major during 1st Sgt.'s call but the position isn't particularly exciting especially when you're a sharpshooter used to sending rebs to their maker.  During the battles, the Sgt. Major is essentially the safety monitor but Captain Whitehall put me to work for a very exciting maneuver during Sunday's second battle.  Captain Whitehall did an ammo check and had me rush to deliver more ammo to our heavily engaged sharpshooters.  The captain called me in for additional support crushing the heavily exposed confederate flank.  The South Carolina boys were backed up right in front of the pubic.  The captain seeing the opportunity signaled to Captain Struve to join in the attack who, with lighting speed, rushed over to support Company D.  Once we were in place we opened up a wall of fire and the Captain led a charge that completely broke the rebs.  I had never seen a company scatter and run in complete disorder like a spooked flock of birds.  Company D took five prisoners including two officers and three privates which I detained under armed guard in front of the public while Captain Whitehall, supported by Captain Struve, chased the rebs almost off the field to end the battle capturing a Confederate cannon!
     Our speed in shooting is growing in intensity each event through our diligent practice in drill and on the range.  I've noticed we're often going through twenty five or more rounds a battle.  Speaking with other units while acting Sgt. Major, quite a few other reenactors maybe fire 6 to 10 rounds a battle!  Our new field clean technique is proving itself fast and very effective as we have yet to have a single rifle malfunction or stuck block this year. 
     With Company D's leadership on battalion staff Sunday, Pvt. Hardway (Aurianna) did a great job as acting 1st Sgt.  It says so much about our company's commitment to cross-training our soldiers to handle every position and supporting them for success and confidence.  We also have to commend Pvt. Ternan, who for the first time marched the company back to camp, halted, fronted, and dismissed them with perfection.  Company D, continues to be the battalion's go-to company for support and leadership.  Sunday morning we provided the battalion escort to board the U.S.S Tahoma and then to Confederate camp for battle planning.
     Battalion did some good things for all of us this weekend.  Rather than waking up at o-dark-thirty for the pancake feed, Col. Geho gave everyone Schwann's ice cream sandwiches Saturday.  On Sunday, the Colonel had me distribute two pounds of black powder to every company.  Saturday's movie night also seemed to be a hit with a number of the reenactors.
     We are looking forward to a record turn out at our Ft. Steven's living history event on the Fourth of July weekend.  Ethan's carpool is fully loaded already as is ours.  With such a large turnout expected and with three new recruits we are considering planning the first Berdan tactical at Ft. Stevens.  We will have the hours from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. to pit squad against squad in a battle royale.  I will also have a competition shot clock ready to dial in our speed shooting and to measure shot splits.  We will also be drilling, building leadership skills, and planning for Chehalis.  We will also be expecting a huge turn out for Chehalis and will be planning for a Company museum display.  I expect to have at least one period correct heavy rifle case completed by then to continually up our impression.
     Thanks to everyone who could make it and thanks to everyone's dedication and hard work.  We hope to see you at Ft. Stevens!

1st Sgt. Koepp

Deep Creek, WA
Sharpshooters Wipe Out 3 Companies, Capture Major
Captain leads division into battle
In short: We kicked butt and had fun.  For more detail read on!
     This Memorial Day weekend was one of many firsts for Company D and one for heart pounding battles.  The Tahoma Marines fell in with us this weekend giving us nine men on the field.  In addition to promoting Colt to corporal, we picked up an energetic new recruit, Bryce Cook who is our new man on the target rifle.  Corporal Spiekerman quickly proved his skill as second squad leader as the Berdans annihilated three confederate companies on Saturday.  Our squad work on Saturday was effective and deadly in part to Captain Whitehall's excellent battlefield map and our pre-battle scouting.  Corporal Spiekerman led second squad consisting of the Tahoma Marines.  I led first squad including Pvt. Hardway (Aurianna), Pvt. Ternan, and James from the Marines.  On Saturday we held the left flank while jumping logs, sliding down hillsides, hiding behind trees and laying down a wall of fire.  The one poor survivor from South Carolina met his maker  in vain to defend himself against the Captain's sword. Captain Whitehall actually slayed two rebs with his sword this weekend.  A few rebs tried to sneak up on the the trail leading to our position.  After one bloody volley killing off the remaining threat to our front, I pulled off 1st squad reset the line and sent the threat to an early grave allowing the Captain to sweep down with 1st squad and capture Major Harriman and his sword.
     All our efforts in drilling really paid off this weekend as we were often the last company to leave the drill grounds and the only company drilling while firing.  Our excellence in drilling and safety led battalion to easily approve our company's request to engage the enemy while prone.  Eight sharpshooters hitting the deck in front of the audience made for a great show.
     Corporal Spiekerman did an excellent job bearing the colors this weekend which were quickly posted on the field before we set to our deadly work.  Due to battalion's need to have us hitting hard we ended up only have to march the colors out half of the time before posting them.  Captain Whitehall also did an exceptional job as temporary adjutant for battalion.  We were the go to company for all sorts of duties.  In addition to our daily fatigue duties we were also employed as battalion escorts to confederate camp.
     Another exciting first was Captain Whitehall commanding three companies on Monday's surprise attack on the rebel forces.  While Captain Whitehall, along with Corporal Speakerman, led the 79th New York on a long surprise rear assault on the rebels. Captain Whitehall:  “After reaching the battalion staging area above Deep Creek Cpl. Spiekerman, myself and the 79th double-quicked along the ridge and crossed the fence on the far side. From there we entered the woods on a knoll overlooking both rebel cavalry camp and the main body of the confederate battalion. For the next hour the 79th and us laid low, Messages were sent by runner (Cpl. Spiekerman) back to the Colonel informing him the Rebs were in camp drilling and having parade with no clue of the battalion intentions. Once they moved from camp and deployed from column of companies onto the field,that is when the 79th led along trails by the Corporal and I sprung the trap, bursting from the trees and forming a firing line behind the Rebels. As planned two companies were pulled off to face the new threat to their rear as our Cavalry screened our rear. While the 79th pushed the rear of the rebels and began a flanking fire maneuver, Cpl. Spiekerman and I ran a small trail through the woods and to our surprise found a Private from the 20th Maine as well as our own Private Ternan.After a quick volley we came from behind the two rebel companies who fired a poorly executed and poorly timed volley into the 79th, who charged them after seeing us smash into their flank, capturing them before the battle ended.”
     While the Captain was marching the 79th to the Confederate rear, I led the Berdan's first as a screening force for the battalion.  Here we kept throwing ourselves out in a skirmish line to cover the advance of the Colonel, the 20th Maine, and 3rd Michigan as we swept down the hill.  After zigzagging from the top of the hill, we rushed to cover the battalion's right flank as the Jasper Greens crept up the trail behind union camp.  We fell back in skirmish line to cover the right flank.  When the Jasper Greens marched up the main hill trail to sweep down and pressure the right flank, we crashed through the woods on the lower trail, rushed up the hill, threw out a well covered skirmish line and kept the Jasper's not only entirely off the field but out of view of the entire public.  Our Sharpshooters performed with valor, fighting with bravery, accuracy, and mass volume of fire.
     Our unit was also honored when battalion chose one of us (the 1st Sgt) to be part of the firing detail as part of Monday's Memorial Day service.
     Some other key things to quickly review:

• Our guests from the Tahoma Marines were excellent company and fit in and fought amazingly well alongside us. 
  Adding electrolyte products to our canteens greatly improved our performance and ability to control heat exhaustion.

• Company "bath time" at the hose also kept us cool and comfortable in the high heat.
• Ballistol aided greatly in creating an effective field clean of the rifles.  Our developing field clean technique resulted in zero jams for the first time in my memory.
  
• Military/civilian protocols and farb control were excellent though we are still training other units of our high standards.
  
• Company officer meetings, company meetings, and civilian meetings seem to be working very well.
  
• Company speed shooting/drilling while firing before battle "warms up" the rifles ready for battle.
  
• I'm still fast on the sharps with 3 shots in 28 seconds but I'm under new stiff competition from Pvt. Cook (2nd) and Pvt. Hardway who came in an impressive third so soon.
  
•      We now have a company battle prayer:  Ezekiel 25:17 : "The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he, who in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who would attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee"
  
• So many thanks for those of you who could make it! We can't wait to see you all again at Union Gap!
  

1st Sgt. Koepp

Pvt. Ternan and 1st Sgt. Koepp spent the afternoon improving their marksmanship and having fun with their Sharps rifles.  While still far from meeting the original Berdan qualifying requirements, overall marksmanship seemed better the further back the target went.  Pvt. Ternan shot consistently and had better accuracy than the 1st Sgt.

Early mornings made for long days this weekend at Union Gap.  The company was up at 4 a.m. Saturday to send Capt. Sturgill and 1st Sgt. Koepp off to help feed the Battalion pancakes for breakfast and help with clean up.  Saturday afternoon, Company D did a full run of their target shooting range attracting curious public and battalion staff.  Before Sunday morning's battle the Sharpshooters were requested to accompany the battalion Sgt. Major in working with the public.  Company D speed shooting competitions continued with Pvt. Coffee now firing 3 palmed rounds in only 50 seconds!  In the competition for first to shoot to fire three rounds from the cartridge box, Pvt. Siler came out the fastest in the company.  For timed speed, 1st Sgt. Koepp fired three rounds in 33 seconds.

Company D, were leaders in the battalion all weekend.  By unanimous decision, Co. D will be color guard for the rest of the season.  Under Capt. Sturgill's leadership, the sharpshooters showed how the color guard can actively rally the troops and provide a heavy rate of fire.  It is our goal to restore the color guard's tradition of honor and prestige within the battalion.  After suffering a massive defeat from the Confederates, Capt. Sturgill and Pvt. Whitehall made a valiant and successful dash to preserve the colors from capture!

June 7th and 8th the Sturgills, Pvt. Ternan, Melissa and I participated in living history demonstrations at Fort Stevens state park.  Here you see us demonstrating our rifle range.

April 12, 2014, Captain Brown and Amber, 1st Sgt. Koepp, private Coffee, private Siler, private Ternan, participated in the Veterans Memorial Museum living history day.  Everyone took a shot at speed shooting even our ladies!