The Skirmish Line - Winter 2016

THE MAGAZINE OF THE NORTH-SOUTH SKIRMISH ASSOCIATION, INC.

Winter 2016 This issue features:

Volume 62 ~ Issue 1 Spring National Schedule Team Classifications

Spring Work Day Regional News & Results

Volume 62 ~ Issue 1 Winter 2016 Covering the News & Happenings of the N-SSA from November 2015 to March 2016 Visit Us At www.N-SSA.org

On the Cover Washington Blue Rifles, Co. A 130th Fall Nationals - October 2014 First Place A-1 Musket Team William Francis Keys Trophy

In this Issue 2016 National Work Skirmish ......................................................................... 3 National Commander’s Column ...................................................................... 4 Deputy Commander’s Column........................................................................ 6 Small Arms Chairman’s Column..................................................................... 7 Application for Arms Approval Form............................................................... 8 Unsung Skirmisher Award .............................................................................. 9 National Officer, Staff & Commanders Contact List .................................... 10 133rd National Staff Officers ......................................................................... 11 2016 Approved Skirmish Dates & Locations ............................................... 12 133rd National Skirmish Schedule ........................................................... 14 Team Classifications .................................................................................. 16 50 Year Membership Award Form ............................................................... 17 New Recruits.................................................................................................. 18 TAPs............................................................................................................... 19 Recruiting Wrap Up ....................................................................................... 20 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes ............................................................. 22 Auction - Sutler Contents of Moe Marcey’s Estate ...................................... 28 Memorial Park Update .................................................................................. 29 SCV & UDC Southern Social ........................................................................ 29 Charitable Giving Helps the N-SSA.............................................................. 30 2015 Donor List ............................................................................................. 31 Doc Chambers Memorial Golf Outing .......................................................... 32 Tidewater Region News ................................................................................ 33 Time Tripping: N-SSA Fall Skirmish......................................................... 34 37th Georgia Volunteer Infantry Winter Blast .............................................. 36 44th Georgia Deep South Skirmish Resutls ................................................ 37 Powder Recall Notice .................................................................................... 38 N-SSA Board Approves Marketing Plan ...................................................... 40 From the Editor .............................................................................................. 40 International Muzzleloading Team ............................................................... 41 Statesville, NC “Homecoming” Skirmish ...................................................... 42 July 2016 Veterans Skirmish Donations Needed ........................................ 45 A Skirmisher’s Gift of Life .............................................................................. 46

Change of Address Requests Please send all address changes to: Judy Stoneburner, N-SSA Executive Secretary PO Box 218 | Crozet, VA 22932-0218 If your household receives multiple copies that you’d prefer not to receive, please email execsecretary@n-ssa.net.

You must include your Zip+4 to receive The Skirmish Line Skirmish Line

Winter 2016

The Skirmish LineTM is the quarterly publication of The North-South Skirmish Association, Inc.

Non-member annual subscriptions are available for $24 per year (U.S. Funds) Editor & Publisher Editor, Chris Branch ~ skirmishline@n-ssa.net Assistant Editor, Marketing Liaison ~ Ellen Mulligan National Photography Officer ~ Ericka Hoffman Visit our website at: http:\www.n-ssa.org

The N-SSA Corporate Seal and the magazine title, The Skirmish LineTM, are registered trademarks of the NorthSouth Skirmish Association, Inc. Reproduction in any form or manner without the expressed written consent of the N-SSA Board of Directors is strictly prohibited. All pages are copyrighted by the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. and The Skirmish LineTM magazine. Text and images in this publication are the property of the original owners (authors). Text and images may not be published separately, in hard copy or electronically, without the expressed written permission of their owner(s). The authors and advertisers are responsible to make sure that they have the permission and right to publish articles, photos, and illustrations that they did not create. The NorthSouth Skirmish Association, Inc., The Skirmish LineTM, and its staff are not responsible for copyright infringement.

Please contact the Editor for questions relating to any matter, including but not limited to rights, if any, to copy materials herein.

Disclaimer: The North-South Skirmish Association does not guarantee, warrant, or endorse any product or service advertised in this publication. The publisher also does not guarantee the safety or effectiveness of any product or service illustrated, mentioned, offered, or advertised herein. The publisher does not assume responsibility as to whether or not products or services advertised in this publication comply with all state or local laws which may be applicable in regard to the purchase or usage of such products or services.

Warning: Neither the author(s) nor the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. can accept any responsibility for accidents or differing results obtained using techniques, products, and combinations thereof that will make results vary. Firearms should be checked before firing and periodically thereafter by a competent gunsmith and all manufacturer’s instructions and warnings must be followed.

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**ANNOUNCEMENT**

Work Skirmish Saturday, June 18, 2016 Fort Shenandoah, Virginia The 2016 National Work Skirmish will be held on June 18. General maintenance and cleanup work will include painting, carpentry work, fence installation and repair, tree and brush cutting, and some demo work for those destructive minded people.

All teams with members able to volunteer, please respond to Jeff Hall at jchall23@verizon.net, and/or Tim Scanlan at nssapropertymgr@aol.com so we can properly plan the work and obtain the required material.

Thanks for your help.

Jeff Hall, Property Management Committee

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Marketing, Recruiting and US! During the January 2016 Board of Directors meeting, one of the most important actions in the recent history of the N-SSA was taken when your Board of Directors approved the association’s first ever marketing budget in the amount of $20,000. This approval came after a very professional presentation to the Board by Marketing Committee Chair, Chris De Francisci, and National Recruiting Officer, Melinda Shaw. Details on the scope of both our Marketing and Recruiting programs can be found elsewhere in this issue, but I would like to discuss what this means to you, the individual members, member units, and regions of our great association.

With the new marketing program in place, coupled with a rejuvenated, aggressive recruiting presence, it is my hope that we can stop the downward slide in membership and start to sustain, and then grow our membership. I feel that the BOD, through its actions of the last several years, has provided the necessary tools and support system to enable our members, member units, and regions to launch their own recruiting programs. Remember, in the end, the most effective and successful recruiting tool we have is the individual member or member unit of the N-SSA. With the results of our last membership survey showing that almost 60% of our membership is over 50 years old, the time for action is now.

Recruiting is hard work. It takes much effort and time in the process of setting up at events, talking to prospective members, and then following up with those people who seem to be interested. But do you realize that we all tend to underutilize our own events as recruiting opportunities? Think on this a bit. How often at a regional skirmish has the host unit or region generated a press release promoting the event? And, at our skirmishes, how many of us have an easy-to-find point of contact or area for someone interested in learning more about the N-SSA? Most of our time is spent with our backs turned to those interested in what we are doing, immersed in our own activities. Often, we put the burden on spectators to initiate the contact with us, most times while we are in a ready area. We really need to become more “recruit friendly” at our events. It is imperative that every region have both a regional recruiting officer or contact, and a public information officer (PIO) in place to promote skirmishing in their respective regions. The time for this is now. And remember, sometimes recruiting is not about getting a prospective member to join right away, it’s about planting the seed for a person to join in the future.

Earlier in this article, I mentioned some of the “tools” that we have available for use in the recruiting process. I believe a rundown of those items might be very useful.

For starters, there is our National Recruiting Officer, Melinda Shaw. Melinda is a tremendously enthusiastic resource, and will help with advice on display setups and items (recruiting brochures), etc. Melinda can be contacted at: annieoak13@gmail.com.

Recruiting materials can also be picked up at the Executive Secretary’s office during office hours at our National Skirmishes.

(Continued on page 5)

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(Continued from page 4)

Next are a couple of items from our rulebook that pertain to holding recruiting events or having a guest shooting position at one of our skirmishes. (How often have you heard the following: “All you have to do is put a firearm in their hands and let them shoot. That will set the hook!” Now N-SSA units and regions have a “tool” that enables them to do just that!

2.12 RECRUITMENT EVENTS (adopted 01/2012, amended 01/2014) a. Regions may conduct recruiting events at which prospective recruits may fire N- SSA-approved small arms and artillery at paper and/or breakable targets. b. Such firing must be conducted under the supervision of experienced skirmishers, and the region commander or his/her designee must direct all shooting activities. c. Prospective recruits must be taught N-SSA loading and other range procedures before being allowed to load and fire small arms by themselves.

National Commander Phil Spaugy

d. Prospective recruits may, under supervision, serve on artillery crews, but shall not use the thumbstall or the rammer. e. Approval and insurance must be obtained in the same manner as for regional skirmishes. f. These recruiting events shall not be held in conjunction with official skirmishes.

16.2.2 NON-MEMBER FIRING AT REGIONAL SKIRMISHES (added 01/08) a. At regional skirmishes only, non-member guests of the Association may be allowed to fire official targets, using N-SSA approved arms only, under the supervision of a regional officer and a sponsoring member in good standing. b. A target fired by the guest shall not be scored by skirmish staff and shall not be eligible for awards. c. A guest may fire no more than one relay in each class of individual competition: musket, carbine, revolver, breechloader, and smoothbore, and may not participate in artillery competition or company matches. d. The decision to allow non-member participation and to charge or not charge a fee for guest targets, shall be made by the Region Commander and skirmish staff With the above in place, the only missing ingredient is a membership with a willingness to work hard on the recruiting process, fueled by the simple desire to give back, and help ensure that the association that has provided so much pleasure and value to them, endures. I have stated it many times before, but will again. The time is now. There is no time to waste, or to depend on others to do the work to ensure our future. It is simply up to US! In closing, I ask that you keep our friend, Tidewater Region Commander, John Malarkey, in your thoughts and prayers while he recovers from a sudden debilitating illness. John has served the N-SSA long and well, and his presence most certainly was missed at the January Board of Directors meeting.

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Putting Our Best Foot Forward Last year, the N-SSA Regional Commanders and the National Officers made a hard decision on the future direction of our organization. At the time, this decision was not considered landmark in nature, but it was. It was made after recognizing that the accumulating information and predictions over the past six to eight years showed our organization was in serious peril of becoming nothing more than a memory due to falling membership numbers. Would we take the easy road, doing nothing different than had been done in past years that ultimately would lead to the N-SSA fading into obscurity? Or do we follow a harder path, one that, while full of obstacles, had the potential of making the N-SSA a stronger, more vibrant organization? I’m glad the board, and more importantly the membership, have come to recognize that dedicating reasonable amounts of the organization’s modest resources (both money and time) to market and expose our unique and exciting sport to a generally unaware public is our best option.

Actively marketing ourselves and our strengths does not come easily to a lot of us. Many of us have participated for decades and love the camaraderie, sense of family, and the competition the N-SSA offers. We’re proud of our sport, wanting to share it with others and get them involved, but most of us don’t necessarily know how to go about it other than just talking to our friends about how great the N-SSA is. That is why we are working to create the tools and resources that will help everyone tell the story of the N-SSA. Parts of those tools revolve around the establishment of a dedicated Marketing Committee, chaired by Chris De Francisci, and a National Recruiting Committee, led by Officer Melinda Shaw. More important to just putting together a committee to study a problem or identify issues, Chris, Melinda and their teams have developed a comprehensive marketing and recruiting plan to help move the N-SSA forward. That plan is not cheap in terms of the money and time needed to fully implement it. I’m proud the membership has agreed to fund this plan.

Now the hard part begins, with each of us “Putting our Best Foot Forward”. Each of us can help promote the N-SSA in our own way, whether it be by volunteering at one of the numerous outdoor and gun shows where the N-SSA exhibits; or by engaging curious spectators that attend our skirmishes who are interested both in what we do and in discovering why we love it so much. Help them catch the skirmishing bug that bit all of us so many years ago. Also, remember that we are much more than just shooters, we are the educators, the historians, the story tellers that remind the public of this great country’s turbulent past. I know it means moving outside your comfort zone a lot of times, but every journey starts with that first step.

To bend the downward arc of our membership numbers in an upward direction, each of us needs to commit to helping the N-SSA grow so that, by the year 2020, we can erase the losses of the past decade and get back on a path to a healthy, growing membership. If we all work together, growing to 3,600, or even 3,800 members, is a very realistic and achievable goal.

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Newly Accepted Richmond Carbine Variant This is the story of how one competitor followed the rules and got his then unrecognized Richmond Carbine approved for use in the N-SSA’s competitive matches.

For the purposes of anonymity, the individual shall be called “Ray”. Ray was a fairly new member of the N-SSA. He really enjoyed the competitive shooting, and wanted to have a carbine that was a bit more unique than what he was seeing on the line. First, Ray sat down and read the N-SSA’s rules, something I would encourage more of our competitors to do! He paid special attention to the Small Arms section of the rules, Section 19. There, it states that if you have an arm for which the Small Arms Committee has no information or documentation, the burden of proof is upon the person submitting the arm for approval. Being an enthusiastic student of Civil War arms, Ray had acquired a copy of the book “CS Armory Richmond” by Paul Davies. Paul is not only a member of the Washington Blue Rifles, but is also a long-time and highly respected member of the Small Arms Committee. Paul’s book is regarded as the “Bible” for arms built at the Richmond Armory. Ray read the book, showing special interest to the Richmond Carbines section. And there, on pages 80-88, a rarely seen Richmond Carbine caught Ray’s attention …. and said “Build Me!” For an arm to be accepted for use in the N-SSA, there must be documentation that a minimum of 100 of them were originally produced during the Civil War. To Ray’s credit, he contacted the Small Arms Committee ahead of time saying that he was going to build the arm and felt confident that he could properly document it when he submitted it for Individual Approval. The arm Ray chose to build is the Richmond Carbine as made from parts captured at the Harper’s Ferry Armory. This particular Richmond Carbine uses a low hump Richmond 1862 dated lock, with an iron patch box mounted in the stock. When the time came to submit the arm to the Small Arms Committee at one of the Nationals, Ray was every bit the gentleman and presented his case for approval very well, using Paul Davies’ book as reference. The arm was very well executed and caused a flurry of interest among the Committee members present, as it was the first example of a Richmond Carbine they had seen submitted with an iron patch box! The arm was quickly approved because the documentation was impeccable and properly presented as per the rules of the N-SSA. As Ray was waiting for his Small Arms Individual Approval card to be completed, I asked him if he would like to meet Paul Davies. He answered, “Sure, but like that is ever going to happen!” Pointing across the table at a smiling individual in a well-worn straw hat, I replied, “Ray, meet Paul Davies!” When Ray left the Small Arms office, he not only had his new Small Arms Individual Approval Card, but his copy of “CS Armory Richmond” was now personally inscribed and autographed!

For those of you who may wish to build a Richmond Carbine like the one in the above story, I have included the Small Arms Inspection Sheet for your convenience. Do not be daunted by the dimensions listed in decimals because they all convert to common fractions. You’ll note that the dimensions are quite forgiving in the allowable +/- tolerances listed. In addition, when your newly built arm is inspected, it will only be done with a tape measure, not Micrometers and Vernier’s!

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Created: 04-03-15

S.A.C. # APPLICATION FOR ARMS APPROVAL NORTH-SOUTH SKIRMISH ASSOCIATION

NAME: _________________________

DATE OF REVIEW _____________

ADDRESS: ______________________

N-SSA ID NUMBER ____________

CITY: __________________________

UNIT # _________ REGION ______

STATE: _________________________

SINGLE ____ PRODUCTION ____

ZIP CODE: _______________________

DATE CARD ISSUED ___________

TYPE OF ARM: C.S. Carbine

MODEL: Richmond Carbine, New Prod./Harper’s Ferry Captured Parts/with Iron Patch Box (See “CS Armory Richmond”, Paul Davies, pages 80 – 88) O R I G

R E P R

I R O N

B R A S

Dimensions Overall Length

41.0

Tol+/ ­1.0”

Barrel – Made by: Breech - Made by: Lock – Must be Richmond, Low Hump, Dated 1862 Stock -

Barrel Length

25.0

.5

Rear Sight Loc

2.75

.375

Front Sight Loc

24.0

.250

Trigger Guard Assembly - Iron

38.5

.5

Patch Box – Iron, 1855 Rifle/Rifle Musket

Overall Stock Length Front Band

18.63

.375

Butt Plate – Iron or Brass

Middle Band

N/A

Bands – 1855/61 Rifle Musket Flat Bands

Bottom Band

9.87

.375

Nose Cap – Brass, Rifle Musket

Drop in Stock

2.5

.5

Rear Sight – 1858 Rifle Musket, 3 leaf

Trig to Butt Plate Sling Swivel Mtd. on butt stock Caliber

13.5

.5

Front Sight – Must be C.S. pinched Sling Swivels – 3 sling swivels required, Upper band, Trigger guard, Lower butt stock at 1.75” from end of trigger guard strap to center of swivel.

Note – Orig. Richmond Ram Rod is straight shank, no swell

Number of Grooves

Original

Repro

N/A

.375

1.75 from Tgd. strap

.375

.58

.010

3

COMMITTEE USE ONLY: APPROVED_____ DISAPPROVED_____ CONDITIONAL _________ REMARKS ON BACK OF SHEET: YES____ NO ____ AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: ____________________

8

INSPECTOR’S COMP. # ____________

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The Unsung Skirmisher Award By: Wayne Jordan Our second recipient of the Unsung Skirmisher Award is David Gilley of Chiswell’s Exiles. David is one of those guys who always does more than his share of work for the benefit of his team. But that’s not what makes him the winner of this award. It’s the way he goes above and beyond the call of duty to help out several of the teams whose campsites are close to the Chiswell’s campsite. David brings his riding lawnmower and weed-whacker up to camp throughout the year and once he finishes mowing the grass for his team, he then starts on the neighboring campsites. This is something that he does for no other reason than to be a good neighbor.

David Gilley, you are the second recipient of the Unsung Skirmisher Award.

This is a new feature for the Skirmish Line. I will need the help of the membership to make it work. In each edition of the Skirmish Line, I would like to highlight at least one of our members who has done something special for the rest of us. This could encompass a wide variety of actions, but the common thread will be that this person (or persons) has made a special effort to do something above and beyond the call of duty for the benefit of the N-SSA and its members. It can be large or small. It can be a guest or family member. I need our members to be on the lookout for such an individual and his/her good deeds and send me the information about the person and what he/she did. If possible, send me a photograph as well. It could even be a pair of people or a group of people. And it will be published here.

The purpose is to recognize those people who do more than their share to help make our experiences in the N-SSA the best they can be. We may even help to motivate others to make that extra effort on behalf of their teammates and fellow N-SSA members.

Now, who can nominate someone else for our next issue? Do you know someone who has given selflessly of their time for the benefit of others? Contact me at wvjordan@aol.com, or call me at 703-407-2445.

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2016 National Officer, Staff, and Committee Chair Contact List National Officers & Board of Directors

Staff Officers

National Commander - Phillip L. Spaugy 937-454-1846 PSPAUGY@AOL.COM

Artillery Officer - Robert T. West 757-508-3007 CANNONEER@COX.NET

Deputy Commander - Francis B. Kapper, Jr. 571-283-9958 fkapper@verizon.net

Bivouac Officer - Robert E. Gorsky 410-795-2677 GORSBOB@AOL.COM

Adjutant - Carlton Layne Personnel Review Committee Chair 770-426-1918 cpllayne@aol.com

Corporate Relations Officer -Allen Minneman 937-272-7520 allenm@mtmcase-gard.com

Inspector General - Wade O. Huffman 410-916-4387 stroker38370@gmail.com Executive Secretary - Judy O. Stoneburner 434-823-4772 execsecretary@n-ssa.net Paymaster - James G. Baird paymaster.nssa@verizon.net

Historical Center Staff Officer - Bruce A. Allen 703-966-9277 SOUTHERNSHOOTER1@VERIZON.NET IT Manager & Sutler Officer - Linwood L. Mc Mahon 757-536-5187 linwood.mcmahon@verizon.net

Regional Commanders & Board of Directors

Judge Advocate / Solicitor - Brian G. Appelt 540-220-7707 BGAPPELT@VERIZON.NET

Allegheny - John V. Doyle 540-455-7909 trapdoor1888@yahoo.com

Judge Advocate/Solicitor - Lars E. Anderson 703-967-1789 lars.anderson@ofplaw.com

Carolina – James Rogers, III jjjrogers@abts.net

Living History/Re-enactor Officer - Robert L. Hodge 703-944-6970 robertleehodge@yahoo.com

Central Virginia - Robert Hannula 2016 Election Chairman 571-221-2415 BOBBYHANNULA@JUNO.COM

Logistics - Todd H. Hess 717-398-5678

Chesapeake - David T. Booz 717-338-9379 dtbooz@yahoo.com Deep South - Lawrence E. Gibson 423-364-7157 LAWRENCE5650@GMAIL.COM

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Ft. Shenandoah Emergency Coordinator - Chester T. Lauck 540-336-3938 lauckc@yahoo.com

Media Advertising Officer - Vicky L. Rowe Oversight Committee-Bulletin Board vickylrowe@gmail.com

National Photography Officer - Ericka L. Hoffmann

Mid-Atlantic - Roger A. Gray 732-280-8159 rgray@njng.com

National Registration Officer - Michael J. Bodner Visitor Committee 980-235-2342 mbodner@chemringds.com

Midwest - Eric S. Schuessler 216-990-5903 ESCHUES@AOL.COM

National Safety Officer - Brian J. Evans 540-662-8976 ICEMO@COMCAST.NET

New England - Paul R. Morgigno 860-302-2870 PAUL14CVI@ATT.NET

NRA Liaison Deputy - CWO-2 Frederic A. Behrens 804-598-2868 REDBARON13@VERIZON.NET

Northeast - Ronald J. Barvian 585-652-9625 bbarvian2@rochester.rr.com

NRA Liason Officer - Craig Stanley 717-649-9461 cws11@ptd.net

Northwest - Charles L. Kindle, Jr. 419-346-6768 CLK111@ROADRUNNER.COM

Ordnance Officer/Medical Liaison - John Venskoske, Sr. 540-888-3349 BCGSI@hughes.net

Potomac - Davy Crockett, Jr. 570-888-8686 NANCYC@STNY.RR.COM

Program Staff Officer- Michael H. Jordan 540-533-2818 mj4936@live.com

Tidewater - Linwood McMahon 757-536-5187 linwood.mcmahon@verizon.net

Property Manager - Timothy D. Scanlan 540-888-4334 NSSAPROPERTYMGR@AOL.COM

Western - Yancey Von Yeast yvonyeast@yahoo.com

Property Management & Finance - John Scott Lynch 304-582-3977 SCOTTNSSA@AOL.COM

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Protocol Officer - Charles L. Kindle, Jr. 419-346-6768 CLK111@ROADRUNNER.COM

Costume Committee - Sharleen Mullins 757-868-7844 SLWCARR@YAHOO.COM

Provost Marshall - Robert S. Klutas 717-921-8660 stonycrick61@gmail.com

History Committee - John P. Zebelean, III 410-747-4161 REBSHOOTER@AOL.COM

Public Information Officer - Bruce W. Miller 248-258-9007 SPARTAN70@SBCGLOBAL.NET

Insurance Committee - John W. Richardson 781-545-3926 JRICHARDSON@HISTORICFIREARMS.COM

Range Officer - William H. Jordan 540-888-3970 BJ1502@WILDBLUE.NET

International Muzzleloading Committee - Errol W. Mc Lean

Recruiting Officer - Melinda C. Shaw 215-913-0329 Annieoak13@gmail.com Revolver Range Officer – Chris De Francisci Marketing Committee Chair 540-840-2707 chris@washingtonbluerifles.com Sanitation Officer - Charles J. Wager 910-326-4833 WAGERL@SOC.MIL Signal Officer - David Cole 703-362-7836 cole84_89@verizon.net Small Arms Committee Chair - John D. Holland, Jr. Traditional Musket Match Chair 716-824-5542 JH44NY@VERIZON.NET Statistics Officer - Matthew R. Bennett 540-869-2494 MBENNE1@MSN.COM Youth Program Coordinator - Frederick J. Schell 410-687-4173

Committee Chairpersons Awards Committee - Daniel Stedman 518-495-6382 dstedman@nycap.rr.com

Membership Committee - Kenneth L. Stiles nssa.org.membership@gmail.com Publications Committee - Sharon A. Myers 724-258-4807 sharon.a.myers@comcast.net Recreation - Joseph M. Fisher 717-614-0214 joe@wolfcustoms.net Rules - John S. Robey 937-399-3081 ROBEY1861@AOL.COM Uniform Committee - Mark E. Latham 603-382-7014 BALCHISS@HOTMAIL.COM Veteran's Committee - George J. Schell 410-461-1670 GSCHELL516@CS.COM

Publications Skirmish Line Editor – Chris Branch Skirmishline@N-SSA.net Skirmish Line Assistant Editor – Ellen Mulligan Emulligan00@gmail.com Webpage Administrator - Tony Ebersole tony@madcrayfish.com

Charitable Giving – Wayne Jordan 703-407-2445 wvjordan@aol.com Community Relations/Property Mgmt - Gary J. Crawford 540-869-2896 USIMLT@HUGHES.NET

133rd Nationals Staff Officers Skirmish Director - Phil Crabill, 11th Virginia Cavalry pdcrabill@shentel.net

Range Support Officer - Ron Evans, 7th New Jersey Volunteers 908-369-1802 r.d.evans@comcast.net

Adjutant - Bill Tate, 11th Virginia Cavalry 540-278-1234 billtate52@gmail.com

Registration Officer - Harry Jackson, 1st Regt. Engineer Troops 540-967-1910 cssjackson@peoplepc.com

Chief Announcer - Joe Heatwole, 11th Virginia Cavalry 540-271-2476 jheatwole8174@yahoo.com

Revolver Range Officer - Emmerson Miles, 2nd Virginia Cavalry 804-306-2802 milesauto@aol.com

Individual Match Officer - Bob Peloquin, Harris Light Cavalry 201-691-9145

Sanitation Officer - Donald Rollette, Sr., Div. of Marines 410-859-3555

Logistics Officer - Tim Scanlan, 1st Maryland Cavalry Artillery Officer - Tim Scanlan nssapropertymgr@aol.com

Statistics Officer - Gary Crawford, 1st Florida Cavalry 540-869-2896 usimlt@hughes.net

Ordnance Officer - Ron Beeman, 1st Stuart Horse Artillery 410-247-4261 Skirmish Line

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North-South Skirmish Association

2016 Approved Skirmish Dates and Locations Winchester dates were board approved August 1, 2015. All other dates approved January 30, 2016.

Date Jan 15-17

Event

Team

Snowball

PT

Jan. 30

Board of Directors Meeting

Location Winchester, VA Chantilly, VA

Feb. 19-21

37th Georgia

DS

Brierfield, AL

Mar. 4-6

24th Georgia

CR

Eatonton, GA

Mar. 11-13

Early Bird

AL

Winchester, VA

Mar. 18-20

Palmetto Sharpshooters

CR

Statesville, NC

Mar. 18-20

Dismal Swamp Rangers

TW

Capron, VA

Mar. 18-20

44th Georgia

DS

Brierfield, AL

Apr. 1-3

April Fools

CR

Statesville, NC

Apr. 1-3

Chesapeake Regional

CH

Winchester, VA

Apr. 1-3

Southampton Greys

TW

Capron, VA

Apr. 15-17

Spring Potomac

PT

Winchester, VA

Apr. 15-17

Tucker’s Naval Brigade

TW

Capron, VA

Apr. 22-24

14th Mississippi

DS

Brierfield, AL

Apr. 22-24

69th New York

MA

Springtown, PA

Apr. 23-24

114th Illinois Vol. Infantry

WR

Loami, IL

Apr. 29 - May 1

27th North Carolina

CR

Statesville, NC

CV

Winchester, VA

EN

Hopkington, MA

DSR 38th North Carolina

33rd

Co. D, VA & 1st Valley Rangers

Apr. 29 - May 1

Central Virginia Regional

Apr. 30 - May 1

10th Massachusetts Battery

Apr. 29 - May 1

Tidewater Spring Regional

66th North Carolina

TW

Capron, VA

May 6-8

1st US Artillery

Info: 585-652-9625

NE

Franklinville, NY

May 18-22

12

Region

Spring Nationals – 133rd

Winchester, VA

June 3-5

Durrell’s

MA

Springtown, PA

June 10-12

20th Georgia

DS

Brierfield, AL

June 10-12

Cockade Rifles

CV

Winchester, VA

June 10-12

8th Heavy Artillery

NE

Erie, PA

June 10-12

Sherman’s Bodyguards

MW

Centerburg, OH

June 11-12

120th New York Vol. Inf

EN

Saratoga, NY

June 18

Work Skirmish

All

Winchester, VA

June 18-19

1st Eng.& Mech, 19th MI

NW

Laingsburg, MI

June 24-26

Mason-Dixon

CH

Winchester, VA

June 24-26

19th Indiana

MW

Batesville, IN

June 24-26

118th PA

MA

Fort Ross, PA

June 25-26

Frank Matuszek Memorial

1st Ill. Light Arty.

WR

Streator, IL

July 8-10

McNeill’s Rangers

McNeill’s Rangers

CH

Winchester, VA

Info: 585-590-6762

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Date

Event

July 8-10

44th New York Vol.

July 8-10

Team

Region

Info: 585-638-7308

Location

NE

Dansville, NY

111th Ohio Vol. Infantry

NW

Defiance, OH

July 9-10

14th Virginia Cavalry

EN

Saratoga, NY

July 15-17

Veteran’s

July 16-17

Joint ACWSA-Bristol WI

July 22-24

1st

July 29-31

Midwest Region

July 29-31

3rd

July 30-31

34th

July 30-31

7th Tennessee

August 6 Aug. 12-14

Allegheny Regional

Aug. 12-14

Terry’s Texas Rangers

Aug. 12-14

110th Ohio Volunteer Inf

Aug. 19-21

Alexander Wainwright

Aug. 19-21

9th

Aug. 20-21

46th

Winchester, VA

US Artillery

WR

Bristol, WI

Info: 585-457-3878

NE

Franklinville, NY

Harris Light

MW

Centerburg, OH

MA

Fort Ross, PA

EN

Reading, MA

NW

Laingsburg, MI

AL

Winchester, VA Winchester, VA

NE

Fulton, NY

MW

Pleasant Hill, OH

U.S. & Winslow’s Virginia Cavalry Board of Directors Meeting

Info: 315-592-4901

Winchester, VA

New York Cavalry

Info: 716-467-8557

NE

Erie, PA

Illinois

WR

Streator, IL

Aug. 20-21

Huron Rangers

NW

Carleton, MI

Aug. 20-21

67th & 73rd New York

EN

Middletown, NY

Aug. 26-28

Gator Skirmish

CV

Winchester, VA

Aug. 26-28

Region Commanders Shoot

MA

Fort Ross, PA

Aug. 26-28

Union Guards

MW

Pleasant Hill, OH

Aug. 27-28

3rd

DS

Brierfield, AL

Sept. 2-4

Carolina Fall Region (Tent)

CR

Statesville, NC

Sept 9-11

Fall Potomac

PT

Winchester, VA

Sept 9-11

Old Dominion Dragoons

TW

Capron, VA

Sept. 9-11

149th

NE

Dansville, NY

Sept. 9-11

11th New Jersey Volunteers

MA

Springtown, PA

Sept. 10-11

4th Virginia Infantry

EN

Hopkinton, MA

Sept. 10-11

Battery C

NW

Columbiaville, MI

Sept. 16-18

Shoot the Byrd

CR

Statesville, NC

Sept. 16-18

2nd

MW

Centerburg, OH

Sept. 17-18

NSSA/ACWSA

WR

Bristol, WI

Sept. 23-25

Tidewater Fall Regionals

TW

Capron, VA

Sept. 23-25

Stonewall Brigade

PT

Winchester, VA

11th Virginia Cavalry

Georgia

New York Vol. Inf.

Iredelle Blues

Info: 315-593-6302

Palmetto Guard, 2nd SC

Ohio Volunteer Infantry

Oct 5-9

Washington Grays

Fall Nationals – 134th

Oct. 21-22

Cancer Skirmish

Oct 21-23

Skirmish

Oct. 22-23

Winchester, VA TW

Capron, VA

PT

Winchester, VA

Commander’s Shoot

EN

Saratoga, NY

Oct. 28-30

Halloween Skirmish

PT

Winchester, VA

Nov. 4-6

FEC

DS

Eva, TN

TW

Capron, VA

CR

Statesville, NC

Dulany Troop

Nov 4-6

Last Chance Skirmish

2nd

Nov 11-13

Homecoming

Carolina Region

Skirmish Line

Virginia Cavalry

Winter 2016

13

14

Winter 2016

Skirmish Line

Skirmish Line

Winter 2016

15

16

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Welcome New Recruits Allegheny Region Allegheny Region Lewis Orion Lloyd ...................................................2nd Virginia Volunteer Infantry Carolina Region John L. Barker .........................................................Iredell Blues Peter Malone ...........................................................Palmetto Sharpshooters George F. Martin, IV ...............................................Iredell Blues Jackson David Miller, Jr. ........................................Palmetto Sharpshooters Frank L. Poetzsch ...................................................Buncombe Rifles Matthew D. Sanders ...............................................24th Georgia Volunteer Infantry William K. Sanders..................................................24th Georgia Volunteer Infantry Andrew S. Totter .....................................................24th Georgia Volunteer Infantry Central Virginia Region Bryan Buck ..............................................................1st Tennessee Volunteer Infantry. Regt.

Tilden J. Crisman ....................................................11th Virginia Cavalry William L. Hayes .....................................................1st Tennessee Volunteer Infantry Regt.

David B. Jaeger ......................................................1st Regt Engineer Troops, Anv David Murter............................................................Harlan's Light Cavalry Aaron L. Orndorff ....................................................1st Tennessee Volunteer Infantry Regt.

James Allen Thompson ..........................................Company D, 33rd Virginia

Chesapeake Region Perry A. Craine .......................................................Wheat's Special Bttn, Louisiana Tigers Joshua L. Holmes ...................................................15th Indiana Battery, Ohio Light Artillery Amanda M. Kemp ...................................................1st Maine Heavy Artillery Nicholas Lyons........................................................1st Maine Heavy Artillery Deep South Region Luther W. Guy, Jr. ..................................................Forrest's Escort Company Jason Hill .................................................................4th Louisiana Infantry Delta Rifles Michael T. McAlpin, Jr. ..........................................4th Louisiana Infantry Delta Rifles Mid-Atlantic Region Rachel Ewing ..........................................................15th Regt. New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Luke Olshefsky .......................................................3rd U.S. Regular Infantry Jarod Patton M ........................................................Hampton Legion, CSA John B. Person, Jr. ................................................7th New Jersey Volunteers David Pinkerton .......................................................15th Regt. New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Olivia H. Zablocky ...................................................1st New Jersey Light Artillery Midwest Region Michael T. Potier .....................................................19th Indiana Infantry New England Region Michael E. Clark ......................................................4th Virginia Infantry Gregory G. Schutte, Jr. ..........................................67th New York Volunteer Infantry 18

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New Recruits (continued) Northeast Region Shaun M. Carney .................................................... 44th New York Volunteer Infantry Michael A. Ceracchi ................................................ 63rd New York State Volunteer Infantry Northwest Region Brett S. Jankowiak .................................................. 111th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Gregory Schultz ...................................................... 15th Regt., Virginia Volunteer Cavalry Trevor J. Snyder ..................................................... 111th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Potomac Region Charles D. Borromeo .............................................. 12th Regt. U.S. Regular Infantry Victoria L. Bracy ...................................................... 7th Regt. Virginia Volunteers Thomas S. Clements .............................................. Dulany Troop, 6th Virginia Cavalry Emily H. Ferry ......................................................... Division Of Marines, CSS Virginia Craig S. Goheen ..................................................... 49th Virginia Infantry, CSA Sean M. Pettitt P ..................................................... 7th Regt. Virginia Volunteers William Schooley..................................................... McGregor's 2nd Battery Margo Weathers ..................................................... 7th Regt. Virginia Volunteers Tidewater Region Michael A. Noble, Jr. .............................................. 3rd North Carolina, Lenoir Braves Michael A. Noble, Sr. ............................................. 3rd North Carolina, Lenoir Braves Western Region Duncan S. Von Yeast ............................................. Co. G, 114th Illinois Infantry

TAPS Daniel D. Bohrer, Jr. ............................................. 12th Regt. U.S. Regular Infantry Gregory A. Corliss ................................................. Washington Blue Rifles James B. Gossett .................................................. 37th Georgia Jerry L. Harmon, Sr. .............................................. 110th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Frank L. Hocker ..................................................... White’s Co. 35th Virginia Cavalry James A. Jones, Jr. .............................................. 1st Virginia Cavalry Regt.

Joseph Leisch, Jr. ................................................ 5th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Frederick L. Reed.................................................. 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Michael V. Seymour .............................................. 3rd North Carolina, Lenoir Braves William N. Welch ................................................... 21st Virginia Infantry, Maryland Guard

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Recruiting Wrap Up: Laying the Groundwork for New Membership By: Melinda Shaw, National Recruiting Officer, Harlan’s Light Cavalry

On February 6th through 14th, the N-SSA was represented at the NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show for the first time. Held in Harrisburg, PA, the GAOS was 650,000 square feet of exhibition space with 1100 different organizations recognized. The NRA boasts that it’s the World’s Largest Outdoor Show and from the sight of it, it would be hard to argue against. Fitted with rooms dedicated to hunting, fishing, outdoor supplies, boats, firearms, archery, and more, this 9-day show was packed with over 200,000 visitors walking through the doors.

Our small but very visible 10x10 booth was in the non-profit section of the show, an adjunct of the hunting area. In our section were other historical and non-profit organizations such as the MLAIC, Virginia Tourism, American Sniper.org, and The National Civil War Museum. We were also directly next to Lee and Tiffany Lakosky’s booth. Lee & Tiffany star in a hunting program on the Outdoor Channel called, “Crush with Lee & Tiffany”. Their set up brought hundreds and hundreds of visitors wanting autographs directly by our booth.

The NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show drew over 200,000 visitors!

And boy, did we have a way to stop them. Charlie Smithgall graciously lent a “small gun” from his collection for the length of the GAOS: a reproduction 1862 brass barrel Confederate Mountain Rifle. If parents didn’t see the cannon from the crowd in front of our booth, they had to wait for their children that wiggled their way in to admire its beauty.

Our set up also included a new gun rack made by Erick Shaw displaying 16 different rifles, a reproduction Union mortar, and a television playing a variety of videos from American Rifleman, Shooting USA, and go pros of skirmishing. (A new recruitment video is slated to be filmed at the Spring Nationals.) A new branded backdrop was also used to attract and inform visitors about the important factors of the N-SSA: History, Competition and Camaraderie. Thank you to Tony Ebersole for designing a great representation of skirmishing that we used at this show. Along with the TV and new gun rack, the N-SSA purchased these supplies for future major recruiting events such as the NRA National Convention, Baltimore Antique Gun Show, and the Gettysburg Reenactment.

Thirty-three members of the N-SSA worked long hours and drove from many states to help recruit. I sincerely thank each and every one for their efforts. We collected names of over 50 people that were extremely interested in attending a skirmish or joining a unit. Follow up emails were sent and these people, along with those that contacted us through our website, were invited to a recruitment event during the Chesapeake Skirmish on April 2nd. Information was given to over 800 guests of the show, and lead bullets donated by our members were given out as souvenirs to kids of young and old.

The most impressive moments I noticed during the show were from the children. One 9-year old boy was so fascinated by the history and timeline of the firearms we shoot, that he made his dad come back twice. At one point, he pointed to a single shot pistol, and said “didn’t that used to be flint?” Wow! A 9-year old! I immediately began to speak to him and his father about our BB gun program and how both could participate and learn about our historical association. Intrigued and interested, the boy made his dad promise they would visit a skirmish.

Events like these are the easy part, but the job is far from done. How many members we gain from the work put forth so far is yet to be determined. Follow up and contributions from other members are still necessary. Of course, we hope that these prospective members will join right away but most likely, it will take some time and convincing that skirmishing is the hobby where they should invest their time and money.

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This is where you come in. We need your help to recruit, not just at shows but at skirmishes as well. It’s a lot more convincing for prospective members to join if they can get a gun in their hands. If you see prospective members or visitors at a skirmish, talk to them! Share your passion for skirmishing, show them the guns you shoot, and explain your ammo.

They want to learn, so we have to teach. If you have some extra ammo with you, work with them to shoot during regional individual matches. It would be silly to assume that someone would join a sport without trying it first.

In the next year, there will be a significant increase in marketing and recruiting efforts. There will also be plenty of opportunities to volunteer and to increase your team’s membership if you are in need. Please check the bulletin board, Facebook, and our new Blog for updates on such opportunities. Or if you see myself, skirmish directors, or members with visitors, introduce yourself. If you would like to volunteer or have ideas of events you would like to set up for recruiting events, please contact me at Annieoak13@gmail.com.

Special thanks to those who volunteered their time at the Great American Outdoor Show.

Bruce Allen ............................7th Regiment VA Mike Boley .............................Harlan’s Light Cavalry Don Bowers ...........................Cockade Rifles Jim Burgess...........................15th CVI Chris De Francisci.................Washington Blue Rifles Dave Durff .............................1st PA Bucktails Trena Durff ............................1st PA Bucktails Tony Ebersole .......................Harlan’s Light Cavalry Harry Gaul .............................3rd US Artillery Jeff Hall..................................Washington Blue Rifles Bobby Hannula......................1st Valley Rangers Larry Hoover..........................Lancaster Fencibles Frank Kapper.........................5th VA Cavalry Dan Keener ...........................Wheat’s Tigers Mike Klinepeter .....................Dulany Troop Bob Klutas .............................1st PA Bucktails Chris Litvinas .........................Harlan’s Light Cavalry Kara Litvinas..........................Harlan’s Light Cavalry Dick Milstead .........................Hardaway’s Alabama Battery Jesse Painter.........................5th VA Cavalry Joe Platkis Sr. ......................56th PA Joe Platkis .............................149th PA Infantry Jason Rexode .......................Jeff Davis Legion Erick Shaw ............................Harlan’s Light Cavalry Charlie Smithgall ...................3rd US Artillery Craig Stanley .........................Cockade Rifles Jeremiah Walsh ....................2nd MD Cavalry Lynn Warner ..........................6th PA Cavalry Nancy Weber Tom Wiegand ........................Durell’s Kenny Winklepec ..................Dulany Troop Walt Zdon ..............................2nd MD Cavalry Skirmish Line

Winter 2016

N-SSA booth at the Great American Outdoor Show. Photo courtesy of NRABlog.org

21

North-South Skirmish Association

Board of Director’s Meeting Saturday, January 30, 2016

Chantilly, Virginia Minutes were electronically approved March 2, 2016.

Commander Phillip Spaugy called the meeting to order promptly at 8:00 a.m.

Commander Spaugy led the Pledge of Allegiance and Deputy Commander, Frank Kapper offered the invocation.

Adjutant Carlton Layne called roll and the following were reported as present:

Commander, Phillip Spaugy Deputy Commander, Frank Kapper Adjutant, Carlton Layne

Paymaster, James Baird Inspector General, Wade Huffman Executive Secretary, Judy Stoneburner

Region Commanders Midwest – Eric Schuessler Allegheny – John Doyle New England – Paul Morgigno Carolina – James Rogers, III Northeast – Ron Barvian Central Virginia – Robert Hannula Northwest – Charles Kindle Chesapeake – David Booz Potomac – Davy Crockett Deep South – Lawrence Gibson Tidewater – John Sharrett, III (Deputy Cmdr) Mid-Atlantic – Les Flint (Deputy Cmdr) Western – Yancey Von Yeast The national commander opened the meeting by thanking everyone for attending the meeting in addition he thanked everyone for their service to the association both past and present. He recognized the past commanders that were in attendance, John Sharrett, III, John Robey, Dick Corrigan and Gary Crawford. Commander Spaugy announced that John Malarkey, Tidewater Region Commander was absent due to illness. Targets were placed in the back of the room for attendees to sign for John.

Commander Spaugy introduced and welcomed the new board members. Dave Booz has returned as the Chesapeake Region Commander, Roger Gray as the Mid-Atlantic Region Commander and James “Doc” Rogers as the Carolina Region Commander. Dave and Roger are both returning to the board, while this is Jim’s first time sitting on the board. Jim has been a fixture at many of our previous meetings. With the arrival of the new board members, the departure of several who have served the board and N-SSA as well, were recognized, Scott Lynch (CH), Gordon Bailey (CR) and Joseph Plakis (MA). All three gentlemen rendered long and excellent service to our association. Commander Spaugy expressed his appreciation for not only their service but also their friendship.

Ron Barvian moved to approve the Board of Director’s Meeting minutes of October 2015. The minutes were approved as presented.

Ron Barvian moved to approve the Membership Meeting minutes of October 2015. The minutes were approved as presented.

Commander Spaugy reported that as he enters his final year as commander, his primary focus continues to be on developing a strategy to halt our declining trend, and to start the N-SSA on a path of growth to ensure that the association continues well into the future. Commander Spaugy presented his recommendations for new staff appointments.

Paul Morgigno moved to appoint Dan Stedman, 14th Virginia Cavalry to the chair of the Awards Committee. Appointment approved.

Wade Huffman moved to appoint Jim Strang, Sherman’s Body Guard, as a member of the Awards Committee. Appointment approved.

Davy Crockett moved to appoint Chris De Francisci of the Washington Blue Rifles to the position of the National Revolver Range Officer.

Appointment approved.

Ron Barvian moved to appoint John Holland, 44th New York Volunteer Infantry to the position of the National Traditional Match Committee Chair.

Appointment approved.

Davy Crockett moved to appoint Robert “Bobby” Hannula as the 137th National Skirmish Director. Appointment approved.

Davy Crockett moved to appoint Michael “Beaver” Stoneburner as the 138th National Skirmish Director. Appointment approved.

Ron Barvian moved to appoint Tony Ebersole to the Website and Bulletin Board Management Oversight Committee as the N-SSA Webpage Administrator. Appointment approved.

Wade Huffman moved to appoint Vicky Rowe to the Website and Bulletin Board Management Oversight Committee as the N-SSA Bulletin Board administrator. Appointment approved.

Davy Crocket moved to appoint Robert “Bobby” Hannula as the Elections Committee Chairman for 2016. Appointment approved.

The Winchester Climatologically Report compiled at Virginia Tech and submitted by Ken Stiles Membership Committee Chair was reviewed. The report suggested moving the spring nationals to another timeframe. The request died for a lack of a motion. The national dates stand as currently written.

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Deputy Commander, Frank Kapper reported that the 2015 Young skirmisher awards 2016 dues were paid for by donations from Chiswells and Mosby’s Rangers. Commitments and donations have been made for all of 2016, which will cover the winner’s membership fees. In October of 2015, we had to cancel the BB match due to the weather. We are now looking for a core group of six to eight members to run the BB matches each nationals. The Deputy Commander also reported on the NRA Civil War Championship match that was held during the fall 2015 Nationals for the first time. The medals are still being corrected and that the medals would be distributed as soon as the corrections were made. The matches went very well and he thanked Judy Stoneburner, the IT staff and Barry Ranney of the NRA for making the match such a resounding success.

Adjutant, Carlton Layne had no items to report.

Inspector General, Wade Huffman reported that the nationals were uneventful for the IG corps. The trend continues to be few to no failures. He requested that everyone take some time and think about his or her procedures for loading, firing, and discharging firearms as it has become an issue that continues to get worse every year. We as individuals and as an association as a whole are responsible for our actions. We need to make sure we are loading our arms correctly so that we are taking every precaution to prevent injuries to our fellow teammates and ourselves. We need to pay attention of where the muzzle of the arm is at all times, and when discharging an arm it needs to be an aimed and shot between the frames into the back stop, we need to insure that we are keeping our bullets on the range not over the backstop. He reminded everyone that on muzzle loading arms once the loading procedure has begun the procedure must be completed.

Executive Secretary, Judy Stoneburner reported that the registration for the Civil War Championship event when smoothly. She reported that there were 193 participants, with a total of 433 target entries with 99 in the revolver category, 152 in carbine category and 182 in musket category. The profit for the association from entries totaled $866.00. The Individual Membership program registered six members during 2015 with five of the six members being placed in existing units. The monthly membership gain/loss report was reviewed. The ending membership for 2015 was 3,072 members. It was reported that nine units renewed with less than eight members.

The following units notified the Executive Secretary that they had disbanded. They are 20 th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry 174-EN, 4th Virginia Cavalry 028-TW and 56th Virginia Infantry, Co E 247-WR. Davy Crockett moved to approve the 2016 Skirmish dates as corrected. Motion approved.

John Sharrett moved to approve the 133rd Spring Nationals 2016 patch design. Motion approved.

Ron Barvian moved to approve the 134th Fall Nationals 2016 patch design. Motion approved.

John Sharrett moved to accept the 133rd National Program as a working document. Motion approved.

The request for the consideration of using the Courtesy Cancelation form died for lack of a motion.

Paymaster, James Baird presented the budget for 2016. The report included the Statement of Income for the period January 1 thru December 31, 2015, Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015 Statement of Restricted Funds as of December 31, 2015, Statement of Cash Balances as of December 31, 2015, Budget vs. Actual for the period January 1 thru December 31, 2015 and the proposed budget for 2016.

The paymaster reported that there were some minor over expenditures in 2015; however, we came out ahead overall. Commander Spaugy inquired as to where we were on the payoff of the land purchase and Jim reported that at the end of 2015 we owe $199,736.00. The paymaster will be making a payment of $50,000.00 in a lump sum in addition to the monthly payments this year. In addition, he stated that the association should have the land paid off within five years. Commander Spaugy inquired that when we reach a certain point, would it be possible to pay off the loan with funds from the money market and CD accounts. Jim responded that if we keep the budget balanced, it is possible and that it would save a great deal in interest. Commander Spaugy requested that Jim report to the board in August with a proposal to pay off the loan in 2017.

The budget vs. actual shows that we took in $7,164 more than budgeted and expended $70,646 less than budgeted. Actual income that contributed the most to the excess income was from donations, dues and Sutler fees. Income from Nationals was down $10,000.00 from budgeted amount and that was primarily from the fall nationals. Our savings on expenditures came mainly from the Skirmish Line, Operating and Maintenance expenses and the delay on the maintenance of the footbridge. Although we were within the overall budget, we went over on some expenditures by very minor amounts. He proposed certain adjustments within the approved budget expenditures for items where we exceeded the budget. These proposed adjustments will zero them out.

Jim presented the proposed conservative budget of 2016. Going into the meeting, the proposed budget was $13,620 over budget. There was discussions regarding increasing proposed donations, however it has already been included in the proposed income and is not new to the submitted budget. Last year we took in $20,448.10 in donations and he estimated that this year the donations might reach $16,000.00. The final 2016 budget will be presented at the end of the day for approval.

At the end of the meeting, the paymaster presented his 2016 budget for approval. He reported that with the adjustments from the day there was still a deficit of $330.00. John Sharrett moved to increase the donations by $330.00. Motion approved. The budget balanced at $370,590.00 and was approved.

The Adjutant, Judge Advocates and Rules committee were to review the lead mitigation procedures for the association. It was determined that the association will continue current procedures. The logbook (reporting form) will remain at the tower. Members that are removing lead from the range are required to sign in using their competitor number.

There was a proposal to hold the August 2016 board meeting at the Kernstown Battlefield as offered by Past Commander, Gary Crawford. The meeting room is being offered at no cost to the association. The meeting will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2016 with a possible tour of the

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Battlefield during the day on Friday, August 5, 2016. Upon motion by Ron Barvian to hold the meeting at the Battlefield, the motion was approved.

Carlton Layne made the motion for the N-SSA to become a NRA CMP affiliate. The motion failed.

Commander Spaugy introduced Chris Branch, Skirmish Line Editor and Ellen Mulligan, assistant editor. Mrs. Branch reported on the first issue and the challenges of publishing the Skirmish Line. She reported that she has had good material submitted for future editions. She reported on the advertising and the artwork. Mrs. Branch reported that the cost is pretty much on target. Jim Baird reported that the mailing cost was acceptable.

Commander Spaugy announced that the national musket match winners from 2015 would appear on the Skirmish Line covers in 2016 as well as the 2016 winners. Mrs. Branch announced the publication deadlines: for the January/February/March issue, advertising deadline is February 10, 2016. All articles for this issue must be submitted by March 1, 2016 and skirmish results, photos, etc. by March 30, 2016.

Commander Spaugy thanked Mrs. Branch for her work on the Skirmish Line and stated that it was a good issue.

Bivouac Officer, Robert Gorsky reported that Manly’s Battery had moved into their new location in Area 3, Site 21. Bob presented his recommendation for campsite changes.

Davy Crockett moved to switch the 5th Battery Michigan Light Artillery (94-NW) to Area 3, Site 37 and move the 29th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry (213-WR) to Area 2, Site 9. In addition, the motion includes annexing a portion of Area 2, Site 9 to the 1 st Maryland Infantry, CSA (025-PT).

Motion approved.

Bobby Hannula moved to annex Area 3, Site 47 to enlarge the campsite of the Cockade Rifles, Co. E, 3 rd Virginia Reg., CSA (011-CV). Motion approved.

Charles Kindle moved to annex Area 4, Site 55 to enlarge the campsite of Hardaway’s Battery (236-CH). Motion approved.

Charles Kindle moved to assign the 4th Louisiana Delta Rifles (189-DS) to Area 5, Site 22. Motion approved.

Commander Spaugy spoke on the Charitable Giving report submitted by Wayne Jordan, Charitable Giving Committee chair. The latest edition of the Skirmish Line contained the first of a series of regular columns regarding charitable giving. The Skirmish Line will also include the annual solicitation for donations with a return envelope to encourage a quick positive response. The last issue of the year will include this donation envelope for end year donations, which are tax deductible. Davy Crockett moved to approve $2,000.00 be allocated to the Charitable Giving Committee for use in promoting the N-SSA in regard to both charitable giving and estate planning programs. With 16 yeah votes and 1 nay vote the motion was approved.

The Provost Marshall report was acknowledged. The request to assign the golf cart to the Provost did not require a vote. The golf cart was previously allocated to the provost staff for their use during the January 2015 board meeting.

National Statistics Officer, Matthew Bennett spoke to the board and he thanked Jeff Knauss for his assistance in the transition. He commended Jeff and his staff for the success that they achieved while working in the stat house. He asked for any volunteers that would like to work in the stat house and asked regional commanders to pass on the message to their members.

Program Committee Chair, Michael Jordan commended Gary Bowling, skirmish director and the staff of the 132 nd for the outstanding job that they did. He stated that they came to Fort Shenandoah well organized and very prepared to host a national skirmish. The staff officers had read the skirmish manual and had copies with them while performing their duties. This without a doubt was one of the best if not the best-prepared staff during my term as program chair. The process works with good leadership and dedicated people.

Michael discussed the possibility of changing to two- two relay musket matches. It is feasible at this time with some drawbacks. He explained several logistical items should this change occur. We would need to move 35 teams from phase 2 to phase 1. With the top ten teams needing to be on phase one as well as the property manager’s team because the property manager has to be available during the exiting during phase 2. This would mean that every team in the Potomac, Chesapeake, Allegheny and Central Virginia regions would have to move to phase 2. This is the only way it would work. The other drawback is that puts us with four relays that are within 30 teams of needing to go back to five relays. We would not know for sure until all of the registrations were in. Obviously, if the organization grows it would put us back to what we currently have. Commander Spaugy requested that region commanders to take this information back to their regions and explain it to them. He believes that what we have now is the best plan.

In addition, Commander Spaugy requested that Michael create a mock up schedule using the spring numbers and then present this at the August board meeting for review.

Michael stated that we continue to try to make the schedule as good as we can. To free up the schedule on Friday we are looking at conducting the single shot match and the traditional match on the right end of the firing line while the artillery match is being conducted. Before decisions can be made, a detailed range layout must be approved by our insurance and the board. The other possibility is to move some of these smaller matches to Thursday. Michael asked the region commanders to speak with their units and get their thoughts on moving some of the smaller matches (Traditional Musket, Single-shot, and Breechloader) to Thursday afternoon. There is a great deal of logistics involved with any change to the program.

Rules Committee Chair, John Robey presented the following items for board action.

Notation: Original rule is printed in regular font and changes are printed in italics.

James Rogers made the motion to amend rules 4.10, 22.7, 25.1.5, 25.1.6, and 25.1.7 to reduce the distance between spectators and ready area 24

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contents from eight feet to three feet. Items omitted remain unchanged.

4.10 SHOOTING EQUIPMENT, SHOULDER ARM COMPANY MATCHES During the company matches, ammunition supplies, cleaning equipment and equipment boxes must be kept at least 10 feet behind the firing line and 8 feet 3 feet from the nearest spectator. f.

At Fort Shenandoah, arms may not be leaned against the ready area fence.

John Sharrett moved to amend motion by leaving “F” in section 4.10. The amended motion was approved.

22.7 EXTRA AMMUNITION IN THE READY AREA c.

25.1.5 25.1.6

25.1.7

Extra ammunition in the ready area must be at least eight feet three feet forward of the spectator area.

READY AREA c. The ready area must be configured so that shooting boxes and equipment are no less than 10 feet behind the firing line and no less than 8 feet 3 feet forward of the spectator line.

SAFETY LINE The safety line is a line marking the rear of the ready area, and must be no less than 3 feet in advance of the spectator line.

If space requires, the safety and spectator lines may be the same, but only if arms and equipment are kept no less than 8 feet 3 feet in advance of the line. (See Figure 25.1) SPECTATOR LINE The spectator line is a line behind which spectators may view the skirmish.

It must be 8 feet 3 feet behind the safety line, or placed so that spectators are no less than 8 feet 3 feet from arms and equipment in the ready area. (See Figure 25.1)

Davy Crockett moved to approve as written with no amendments to 22.7, 22.1.5, 25.1.6 and 25.1.7. The motion approved.

John Malarkey moved to add a rule 5.10.7 in August of 2015.

From August 2015 Board meeting: John Malarkey made the motion to change the Traditional Musket Match to take place during the Single Shot Match and change the Single Shot Match to five minutes. Bobby Hannula amended the motion for the time to be three minutes. The main motion was approved and the amended motion failed. The traditional match will be held on Friday as scheduled for the fall 2015 nationals. The change will take effect for the spring nationals in 2016. John Malarkey moved to change the targeting for the traditional match starting spring of 2016 to clay pigeons on a backer (50 yards), hanging 4-inch tiles (50 yards), hanging 6-inch tiles (50 yards) and 24-inch drywall puffer board (100 yards).

Motion passed.

5.10.7

TRADITIONAL MATCH RULES Time limit shall be five minutes per event.

Targets shall be: 15 clay pigeons on a cardboard backer, 50 yards 7 four-inch ceramic tiles, 50 yards 10 six-inch ceramic tiles, 50 yards 1 twenty-four inch drywall square, 100 yards. (Each competitor will fire five shots at will, and will be allowed only six rounds in his/her cartridge box. Scores shall be taken from Table 28.1a, with a maximum of 25 hits scored.)

Dave Booz moved to approve 5.10.7. Wade Huffman moved to amended the motion that the100 yard event be limited to five rounds shot per competitor. The amended motion was approved with 1 nay vote and 16 yeah votes.

John Sharrett moved to rescind Policy 2015.2, which requires all August Board of Director’s meetings be held at Fort Shenandoah. Motion approved.

Davy Crockett moved to adopt Policy 2016.1-, which states, The Board of Directors may authorize, and establish procedures for, recruitment events to be held at National Skirmishes. Motion to adopt policy was approved.

Davy Crockett moved to adopt Policy 2016.2-, which states, the committee positions of Program Chairman, Property Management Chairman, Rules Chairman, and Small Arms Chairman are hereby re-designated as Staff Officers. Motion to adopt policy was approved.

John Doyle introduced a possible By-Laws change. John would like to bring up a special membership for those of who are unable to actively

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skirmish because of age and/or medical condition. The suggestion is to offer a reduced membership fee.

ARTICLE X (DUES), Section F (new) Individuals who are already members of member organizations, but who can no longer shoot due to age and/or infirmity, may maintain membership by paying reduced dues (in an amount to be set by the Board of Directors) for a non-shooting membership. Such membership status shall maintain all privileges of membership EXCEPT: Holding regional or national office, or Participating in individual matches, or as members of small-arms companies, as members of artillery crews (including mortar).

Non-shooting members shall have membership cards distinctly different from shooting members.

After discussion, Commander Spaugy requested that John Doyle work with James Baird, Paymaster and Judy Stoneburner, Executive Secretary on this further and bring it to the board meeting in August for review.

The Chesapeake Region submitted a request to change the Artillery rules 10.2, 10.3, 10.3.g, 10.11.e and add rule 3.9.2. No action was taken, as there had been no involvement of the National Artillery Officer.

Chris De Francisci, Marketing Committee and Melinda Shaw, Recruiting Officer presented the Marketing report. Chris and Melinda provided the board with a power point presentation on the Marketing Plan for 2016. Chris and Melinda stressed that the association needs to invest in marketing to attract new members, create awareness of the N-SSA, in addition to attract and increase our membership particularly in the 20-40 year age range. To do this the following is needed to promote the organization (1) social media (2) a video (yet costly can be reused indefinitely) and (3) print media (which is important to reach specific audiences). Each area, social media, video and print media were discussed in detail. In summary, the N-SSA needs to bolster its public presence to keep us in the public view and gain new recruits. Failure to invest in our future will mean we may not have one. Three video production companies were presented for review. The board accepted the recommendation of Chris and Melinda to hire Kim Corrigan (production company number three) to produce the video for the association. Chris added that the association needs to build a brand and develop a common theme. We need to stress the history, the competition and the camaraderie in our advertising. We need to show that the N-SSA blends all three facets and that there is a lot here for many different people. We want to keep the image consistent.

A complete budget was presented for each category. The total requested budget was for $26,000.00. It was anticipated that from discussion of the board that donations would make up any shortfalls on the cost of the video. Carlton Layne moved to accept the marketing budget at $26,000. After discussion, Carlton Layne amended the motion to budget the Marketing Committee with $20,000.00. Amended motion was approved.

Recruiting Officer, Melinda Shaw presented the recruiting report. Several recruiting strategies were reviewed. Recruiting is a multifaceted campaign to gain new members. Marketing and advertising will be used to recruit new members and gain presence and notability by the general public. The Marketing committee is also presenting a strategy in coordination with recruiting in order to build the best overall plan to grow our organization. Specific methods and ideas to recruit new members were presented but are not limited to on-site recruiting, field recruiting which would encompass professional, consistent and updated presence at three major events. These events are the Gettysburg Reenactment, NRA National Convention and the Great American Outdoor Show. Budget items were included in the report. The requested budget was for $3,040.00.

Bobby Hannula moved to accept the recruiting budget. Motion approved.

Melinda Shaw and Judy Stoneburner presented the proposal to hold a two event combined carbine/musket match Friday after the mortar match at the 2016 fall nationals to honor the 25th anniversary of Women shooting in the N-SSA. Bobby Hannula moved to approve all the motions presented.

Approve the 25th Anniversary of Women in the N-SSA event for Friday after the mortar match at the 2016 Fall Nationals.

Approve to purchase additional target material for the event and eight gold medals and eight silver medals for 1 st and 2nd place teams of the commemorative event.

Approve acknowledgement of women that joined the N-SSA in 1991 & 1992, female skirmishers and winners at Opening Ceremonies.

Approve purchase of Anniversary T-Shirt to be purchased and sold of Doc’s place beginning spring of 2016.

All motions were approved.

Property Management Committee Chair, Scott Lynch reported that the Fort Shenandoah outbuildings and the N-SSA vehicles were maintained in serviceable condition through the year. There was continued general upkeep of the ranges including repairs to the fences, gun racks, firing line, safety line system and cleanout of the frame poles. The roads throughout Fort Shenandoah were maintained on a regular basis including pothole repair up to the budgeted amount.

As described during the report to the board during earlier meetings, the Property Management Committee has been conducting the Adopt a Project to assist with the maintenance of Fort Shenandoah. Currently twelve units have adopted specific projects and these have been of great help to the association. Include within those projects, this committee wishes to recognize and specially thank the Middle Atlantic Region and Joseph Plakis, III for the repainting of the entire Sutlers Row complex. We invite more units to adopt additional projects to greatly improve the upkeep of Fort Shenandoah. Scott reported and gave a presentation on the derelict campers at Fort Shenandoah. He explained that letters were sent out regarding the identified derelict campers. Both Scott and Robert Gorsky, Bivouac Officer spoke of the need to enforce the association’s rule of 26

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having both the competitor number and competitor name on any camper left on the property. See rule below.

37.7 CAMPING VEHICLES AT FORT SHENANDOAH d. All camping vehicles left on N-SSA property must have their owner’s name and competitor number clearly and legibly affixed in an easy-to-read location near the entrance door. Failure to comply shall result in a fine of $50 per unmarked camper being assessed by the Board of Directors against the member organization of which the owner is a member or on whose campsite the camping vehicle sits. The Property Management Committee shall report violations each January and August.

Davy Crockett moved to have rule 37.7 posted at Fort Shenandoah and allow members to have until the close of fall nationals to comply with the rule. Motion approved.

Bobby Hannula moved to approve the Property Management Committee 2016 budget as presented.

Approve the maintenance and operating cost budget figure of $56,700.00.

Approve the Capitol Improvement budget figure of $15,000.00.

Approve the Reserve Replacement budget figure of $4,000.00.

Approve the Property Manager budget of $13,500.00 All motions approved.

Commander Spaugy introduced Barry Ranney, NRA Black Powder Shooting Coordinator of the NRA. Mr. Ranney spoke to the board and guests regarding the Black Powder Civil War Championship match held during the 2015 Fall Nationals. He thanked all the board member and staff that were involved in making the event such a success. The match will be held again during the fall 2016 nationals. The registration will remain the same and the awards will be handed out during the Saturday awards ceremony.

Commander Spaugy introduced Dennis Willing, Director NRA Competitive Shooting Division. Mr. Willing has requested the association’s assistance in establishing the largest firing line event ever known to exist (1,000 shooters). Paul Morgigno made the motion to approve the concept and send to committee for evaluation. Concept approved A committee was formed to evaluate the possibility of the event. The committee will meet with the board of director’s during the spring 2016 nationals to review the findings to present for final decision.

Commander Spaugy presented the Living History Officer Report. Robert Hodge reported that there presently exist a sizable number of potentially motivated individuals currently participating in Civil War-centric adjacent events. He proposed to host a targeted recruitment event at Fort Shenandoah and inviting a number of quality Living History participants from the reenactment community. Commander Spaugy will be asking for volunteers to help with this event. These proposed items were covered under the rules committee special events proposal.

At the conclusion of this report, the board of director’s went into executive session. Upon return to the general session, Ron Barvian moved to approve all actions taken during the executive session. Motion approved.

Commander Spaugy acknowledge the following reports, IT Manager’s, Public Information Officer, National Safety Officer, Sutler, Youth Coordinator, Costume Committee, History and Education, Small Arms Report and the 132 nd Skirmish Director’s Report. There were no questions or comments by the board in regards to the submitted reports.

Region Commander, Ron Barvian of the Northeast Region presented targeting material for possible approval to be used. The motion to accept the targets as national targets failed for the lack of a second.

Region Commander, Charles Kindle, of the Northwest Region moved to allow the 111 th OVI and the 1st Pennsylvania to adopt and maintain the Area 4 latrine across from their respective campsites. This proposal falls under the Adopt a Project program and did not require a vote by the board of directors.

Final Comments by the board of directors Bobby Hannula – Thanked the board, recruiting officer and marketing committee on their efforts so that he still will be skirmishing with the N-SSA when he becomes our age.

Eric Schuessler - no comments John Doyle –no comments Charles Kindle- No comments Jim Rogers – No one can have my son to shoot.

Les Flint- Les thanked everyone for having him and allowing him to sit at the adult table.

Lawrence Gibson- I think there needs to be more education at the region level. Drill it in about the proper powder and the bad practice of skying firearms.

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Yancey Von Yeast – Ditto on Hoot’s statement. Being over familiar with things tends to bring on too much carelessness.

Paul Morgigno - We are all volunteers and I have noticed the negative tone being taken on the line. Do not be yelling at others speak to each other in a civilized manner.

Ron Barvian – People are still dumping out powder on the ground and this should be addressed.

Davy Crockett – No comments Dave Booz – No comments John Sharrett – Passed around the memo on the Tidewater Region cancer fund. We have raised $32,800.00. It has been a nice project. It has been 32 years since I sat on the board and I really have enjoyed the day.

Judy Stoneburner – Thanked everyone and stated it has been a great pleasure to serve the board and the members of the organization and I look forward to another good year.

Carlton Layne – No comments Frank Kapper – Thank you to the marketing committee, you did a great job.

Phil Spaugy – Thank you for pushing the edge of the envelope and thinking outside of the box. I am glad we are getting some new, young faces involved. Finally, let us keep John Malarkey in our thoughts and prayers. He is a good man, a good board member and we just want to see him get back to his chair soon.

Wade Huffman – Ditto on Ron’s statement regarding dumping powder. He is also noticing more people discharging blank rounds. We have all been around and let’s get back to some common sense. Look at your teammates and your neighbors, it is there sport too so do not mess it up.

Jim Baird – No comment Davy Crockett moved to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 3:50p.m.

AUCTION

Respectfully submitted, Judy O. Stoneburner Executive Secretary

AUCTION

AUCTION

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Basement of Historical Center Doors Open – 6:30pm Auction Begins – 7:00 p.m.

The N-SSA will auction off the sutler unit contents of the late Moe Marcey of the 1 st Florida Cavalry.

Contents graciously donated by Moe Marcey’s estate.

Bring a chair, bring a cooler for an evening of entertainment and great bargains. There is something for everyone!

Everything must go. The list below is just a sample of the numerous items to be sold.

Over 450 items total, many one-of-a-kind. Terms: Cash or Check Assorted lights Assorted watches Belt buckles Belts Boots Collector Items Fans Flasks Golf bags, shoes Hats Jewelry Knives of all kinds Lionel train music boxes (in cartons) Padlocks and keys Records 33 1/3 Shooting accessories Stoneware

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Telephone Tools Torches & Lighters Uniform items Canteens John Paul Strain numbered prints Mort Kunstler numbered prints Schmehl numbered prints Robert Summers prints P. Casteels (London) Victorian Botanical prints Ortega WW II matted prints WW I Artwork Railroad Artwork Misc. Civil War subject artwork Firearms illustrations (posters) American Indian subject artwork Framed antique aircraft prints Misc. Artwork

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Memorial Park Update March 7th, 2016 As you might be aware, we are in the process of updating the Memorial Park stones for deceased members. We would first like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding in regards to the matters at hand. With the help of many individuals we have accumulated a list of names that will be engraved on the stone prior to the Spring Nationals.

With this being said we are aware that there are more names that are still not engraved on the Memorial Park. Rest assured that we are taking all steps necessary to ensure that every member that needs to be memorialized is given their rightful place on that stone. As of March 7, 2016, the list has been closed to names that will be engraved prior to the 2016 Spring Nationals. All names received after this date will be placed on the list to be engraved prior to the 2016 Fall Nationals. If you have any questions, please email JosephPlakis1@gmail.com or execsecretary@n-ssa.net.

Yours in Skirmishing, Joseph Plakis III

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CHARITABLE GIVING HELPS THE N-SSA

By Wayne Jordan, Chiswell’s Exiles Over the years, the N-SSA has received donations from many of its members and supporters. As a 501(c)3 organization, the IRS allows donations to the N-SSA to be deducted on the donor’s income tax returns. Many non-profit organizations like ours rely on such donations to keep afloat. The N-SSA has been run in a responsible manner by many people who care deeply about the organization, and we have been able to balance the budget based on dues and some other miscellaneous income sources. But with the help of donors, we can build an even stronger organization and secure our long term future. We can also make it easier to recruit and retain members by keeping the dues low while still making improvements to Fort Shenandoah.

Donors can be members, non-members, or even corporations and other charitable organizations.

Since our last land acquisition, the following donations have been made to the N-SSA: Land Fund General Purpose 2008 $12,471.00 $513.89 2009 8,800.35 836.99 2010 3,500.00 100.75 2011 3,870.00 937.30 2012 1,100.00 291.20 2013 1,000.00 5,525.75 2014 750.00 18,321.90 Total $26,527.78 Some donors gave $25.00, and some gave thousands of dollars. There have been 171 individual donations since 2008, mostly from our members, totaling nearly $60,000. Any size donation helps and is appreciated.

I would like to start listing our donors, probably on an annual basis, much like most other non-profits do. Some donors have specifically asked to be kept anonymous, and the N-SSA will respect that. The rest of you will be listed by categories based on ranges of giving during any calendar year.

Private .................................................. up to $99.99 Bugler ..............................................$99.99 - 249.99 Corporal ....................................... $250.00 – 499.99 Sergeant ....................................... $500.00 – 999.99 First Sergeant ........................ $1,000.00 – 2,499.99 Ordnance Sergeant ................ $2,500.00 – 4,999.99 Sergeant Major ............................. $5,000.00 and up Between 2008 and 2014, each category has had the following number of donors (some donors have contributed in multiple years and therefore are listed more than once): Private ..................................................................85 Bugler ...................................................................41 Corporal ................................................................11 Sergeant ...............................................................12 First Sergeant .......................................................11 Ordnance Sergeant ................................................8 Sergeant Major .......................................................3 Please consider contributing to the cause this year. It will be tax deductible in the year you donate. Every little bit helps. Can you imagine the impact this would have on our budget if everyone sent in just a $20 donation each year? You can donate via check, credit card, or PayPal. Make checks out to N-SSA and mail to N-SSA, c/o Jim Baird, National Paymaster, 31 Dogwood Ln., Christiansburg, VA 24073. Please note the type of gift you are giving (general donation, land fund, etc.) To use a credit card or PayPal, go to www.n-ssa.org, scroll to the lower right of the home page, and click on the blue “Donate To The N-SSA” button. You’ll be redirected to the page that asks for your information.

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding charitable giving to the N-SSA, please feel free to contact me at (703) 407-2445 or wvjordan@aol.com.

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2015 N-SSA DONOR LIST This is our first annual listing of those people or organizations who have made cash donations to the North-South Skirmish Association, by category: PRIVATE 1st Virginia Cavalry Anonymous Edward J. Boyd James Burgess, Jr Rex A. Cockerham John T. Conway Norman G. Home Brenda Lehr Darleen Martinek Steven Nelson Gil Tercenio John Venskoske, Sr BUGLER 21st Virginia Infantry Amazon Smile Richard Dodd John Doyle Greater Shore Circuit Band Group of Board members Guy Mazzarella Shirley A. McCarty G L Mears Midwest Region, N-SSA Peter Mowat

CORPORAL 8th Regt. Virginia Inf John F. Brown, Jr. John E. Estok

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(up to $99.99)

($100.00 - $249.99)

SERGEANT Anonymous Laurence D. Funk Wayne Jordan Northrup Grumman Corp.

RSQ Assist, Inc Tidewater Group LTD

($500.00 - $999.99)

First Sergeant Steve Light John Maas Estate of Moe Marcy

($1,000.00 - $2,599.99)

ORDNANCE SERGEANT Allegheny Region, N-SSA Anonymous

($2,500.00 - $4,999.99)

SERGEANT MAJOR Potomac Region, N-SSA

($5,000.00 and up)

IN MEMORIUM - Some of the donations listed above were given in memory of the following skirmishers: A.C. Baird Denis Reen Arthur Henry Bill Welch

($250 - $499.99)

This list includes 52 donations totaling $20,303.60. Some donations were directed toward specific purposes and the rest were for the general fund. There were also several collections taken up at Board meetings for a specific purpose, and proceeds from the donation jar at the Executive Secretary’s office. Most donors were N-SSA members. Others included outside individuals, organizations, and corporate matching gift funds.

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ATTENTION N-SSA GOLFERS “DOC” CHAMBERS MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING HELP KEEP DOC’S DREAM ALIVE! Thursday, May 19, 2016, 1pm, Shotgun Start Bowling Green Country Club, NORTH Course $35 per Person Includes Greens Fees, Cart, Awards Men! Women! Young golfers! Come Join Us! Shoot all day Wednesday AND Thursday morning then relax and unwind Thursday afternoon. Open to N-SSA Members, their immediate families and/or significant others. Form teams or come as an individual player. Scramble format. Two flights.

Attire: Collared shirt, shorts, or slacks - no cut-offs. Jeans are permitted.

Directions: Take I-81 South to Stephens City Exit.

Turn left off exit and follow to US 522 Turn right onto US 522 (At dinosaur) Turn left onto Fairground Road, 3 miles Take 1st left after the Stop Intersection for the NORTH Course.

Pre-Registration Required!

Contact Bob Klutas before May 15th or see him at the 1st Pa. Rifles Bucktails’ campsite Call: 717-921-8660 | Call or Text: 717-514-8325 | Email: stonycrick61@gmail.com

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Tidewater Region News Submitted by: Judy Stoneburner, Region PIO Region elections were held at the Last Chance Skirmish in 2015. Following are the 2016 Tidewater Region officers: John Malarkey, Commander – Old Dominion Dragoons Linwood McMahon, Deputy Commander – Nansemond Guard Gilbert Garcia, Adjutant & Quartermaster– Dismal Swamp Rangers James Wilkinson, Jr., Inspector General – Old Dominion Dragoons John Sharrett, III, Historian – Dismal Swamp Rangers James West, Artillery Officer – 1st Regt. Virginia Volunteers Mel Insley, Medical Officer – Old Dominion Dragoons Judy Stoneburner, PIO – Mosby’s Rangers In the interim while John Malarkey is recovering from a recent illness, Linwood McMahon will be acting region commander and John Sharett will be acting Deputy Commander.

The Tidewater Region has been raising money for cancer research since 2009 through donations, one-one shot matches, raffles, silent auctions, and an annual Cancer Skirmish. The region has donated a total of $32,800.00 in seven years.

2009 - $1,000 to Virginia Relay for Life 2010 - $1,000 to North Carolina Relay for Life 2011 - $1,800 to Cancer Treatment Center of America, Sloan-Kittering Hospital 2012 - $5,000 to King’s Daughter of Virginia, St. Jude Children’s Hospital 2013 - $6,000 to VA Relay for Life, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Sloan-Kittering Hospital 2014 - $8,000 to NC Relay for Life, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Sloan-Kittering Hospital, Huntsman Research 2015 - $10,000 – Recipient(s) to be selected.

2016 Skirmish Dates March 18-20, 2016..................... Dismal Swamp Rangers ................. Capron, VA April 1-3, 2016............................ Southampton Greys ........................ Capron, VA April 15-17, 2016........................ Tucker’s Naval Brigade .................. Capron, VA April 29-May 1, 2016.................. Tidewater Spring Regional ............. Capron, VA (BB match for the kids) May 18-22,2016 ......................... Spring Nationals 133rd ................... Winchester, VA September 9-11, 2016 ............... Old Dominion Dragoons ................. Capron, VA September 23-25, 2016 ............. Tidewater Fall Regionals ................ Capron, VA (BB Match for the kids) October 5-9, 2016 ...................... Fall Nationals 134th ....................... Winchester, VA October 21-22, 2016.................. Cancer Skirmish.............................. Capron, VA November 4-6, 2016 .................. Last Chance Skirmish..................... Capron, VA

Pack you rain gear, stocking caps, sandals, and sunscreen because your team has been called up to host future nationals!

133rd Nationals – Spring of 2016 2nd Virginia Cavalry 137th Nationals – Spring of 2018 York Rangers, 7th North Carolina Volunteers, 3rd North Carolina Cavalry 1st

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138th Nationals – Fall 2018 Regt. Virginia Volunteers, Mosby’s Rangers, Washington Grays, Southampton Greys, Tucker’s Naval Brigade 33

Time Tripping: N-SSA Fall Skirmish and NRA Civil War Championship

By: John Parker, Managing Editor, Shooting Sports USA (Reprinted with Permission)

Ever fire a cannon as part of an artillery team, at a bullseye target 100 yards away? Now I can say yes, after attending my first North-South Skirmish Association (N-SSA) Fall National Skirmish this past weekend.

Skirmishing is a shooting sport focused on team competition with individual firearms, as well as artillery and mortars. The N-SSA Fall Skirmish is truly a spectacle to behold, with black powder lingering on the ground from competitors shooting Civil War-era firearms and replicas, decked out from head to toe in period garb.

Skirmishing is unique because of its historical basis rooted in the Civil War. Skirmishers relive history through competition with the firearms of the period.

They do this by forming groups (usually geographically) and taking a name and uniform from a historically documented unit that served during the war years.

This year’s Fall Skirmish was special because it saw the revival of the NRA Civil War Championship. This

historic NRA match was shot at Camp Perry for decades but because of reduced participation, it had been retired a few years ago. In conjunction with Dennis Willing, Director of NRA Competitive Shooting, the N-SSA has brought this historic match to a new home at Fort Shenandoah, Virginia.

As in previous years, the NRA Civil War Championship has musket, carbine, and revolver matches with first, second, and third place medals being awarded for each firearm. The grand aggregate winner was also awarded the first place Grand Aggregate National Champion medal.

The beauty of this match was that additional targets did not need to be fired by the competitors. Skirmisher scores for their normal individual musket, carbine and revolver targets were used concurrently as entries for the NRA Civil War Championship. Each skirmisher signing up for the NRA Civil War Championship received a NRA participation pin that has been custom designed for this event.

(Continued on page 35)

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Skirmishers relive history through competition with the firearms of the period.

Artillery teams range from five to eight members, with each role critical for match success.

(Continued from page 34)

My visit to this year’s Fall Skirmish was rainy and cold, marred by remnants of Hurricane Joaquin meandering its way into the Shenandoah Valley. N-SSA nevertheless went out of its way to show me a good time, and I did not see any competitors let the rain get in the way of their fun. Match staff were extremely accommodating and gracious and no one complained about me invading their range control tower to get pictures, which I used to properly cover the team company events.

year in the N-SSA’s 13 regions, this comes in handy.

The most unique (and my opinion, the coolest) competitions within N-SSA are the artillery team matches which are broken down into rifled and smoothbore artillery divisions. However, there are also howitzer and mortar matches too.

There were three artillery relays this year, each lasting for about one hour with a maximum of 12 shots fired.

Each artillery company consisted of five-to eightmember teams shooting from 200 yards at both a bullseye and a counter-battery target. These teams use either a traditional fuse or a rope-pulled friction fuse to Consisting of musket, carbine, revolver, breech-loading fire their cannon. So as you can tell, there is rarely a rifle/carbine and smoothbore team matches, these dull moment. events form the core of N-SSA Skirmish competition This historical competition is situated at Fort and are shot from 25, 50 and 100 yards at ceramic tiles, Shenandoah which is the N-SSA's home range. It is clay pigeons and pot silhouettes. However, N-SSA rules located 15 minutes north of Winchester, Virginia on 400 allow for regional matches to use substitute targets, acres in the rolling hills of the lower Shenandoah Valley. such as 12 oz. soda cans and 2 liters full of colored Two National Skirmishes are held annually in the Fall water, and with nearly 60 regional skirmishes held each and Spring, and facilities include a well-maintained rifle range a quarter-mile long, a separate revolver range, and several support buildings.

To learn more about N-SSA Skirmishes please visit their website, n-ssa.org.

This team was able to get two shots down the cannon bore of their counter-battery target, as you can see in this picture.

The cannons used in the artillery matches start at $8000, and only go up from there.

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37th Georgia Volunteer Infantry “Franklin Rangers� Winter Blast Submitted by Robert Propst, 44th Georgia Fortune favored the 37th Georgia with great weather for the first Deep South Region Skirmish of 2016 held February 20-21st. Brierfield Ironworks State Park near Montevallo, Alabama has often had weather reaching the sixty and seventy degree mark in February, or alternatively snow, sleet, or ice. This was one of the good years, and shirt sleeves were the order of the day.

Individuals opened promptly at 7:30 on Saturday morning, and sales of targets competed for the skirmish dollar with the coffee, pastry, and sausage biscuits from the snack bar. Unlike the targets, every biscuit was a champ.

Individual winners (competition is unclassified in the Deep South) for the weekend were: 50 yard Musket: 1. 45 Jason Hill 2. 44X Kevin Herrick 3. 43 Steve Sheldon

25 yard Smoothbore: 1. 48XX Charlie Bondurant 2. 46X Kevin Herrick 3. 44 Roger Hansen

100 yard Musket: 1. 44 Steve Sheldon 2. 42 Jason Hill 3. 41 Larry Kerschner

50 yard Smoothbore: 1. 46 Charlie Bondurant 2. 44X Bob Propst 3. 43 Kevin Herrick

Musket Aggregate: 1. 87 Steve Sheldon 2. 87 Jason Hill 3. 83X Kevin Herrick

Smoothbore Aggregate: 1. 94XX Charlie Bondurant 2. 89X Kevin Herrick 3. 86XX Bob Propst

50 yard Carbine: 1. 45X Kevin Herrick 2. 44 Roger Hansen 3. 43X Hoot Gibson

50 yard Repeater: 1. 37 Jim Van Eldik

100 yard Carbine: 1. 47X Steve Sheldon 2. 36 Kevin Herrick 3. 33 Jim Wood Carbine Aggregate: 1. 81X Steve Sheldon 2. 81 Kevin Herrick 3. 74 Jim Wood

Dave Kennard and Mike Channin of the 44th GA hang the dreaded juicers.

100 yard Repeater: 1. 45 Kevin Herrick Repeater Aggregate: 1. 45 Kevin Herrick Grand Aggregate: 1. 168XX Steve Sheldon

Six five man teams competed in Carbine.

1. 666.5 Forrest Escort CO 2. 685.7 3rd Georgia 3. 975.6 20th Georgia

Five four man teams competed in Smoothbore.

1. 347.8 Forrest Escort CO 2. 503.7 14th Mississippi 3. 505.1 3rd Georgia 1.4 seconds separated the 2nd and third teams

The moment between the horn and the smoke. Jim Van Eldik, Charlie Bondurant, and Eddye Lawley of Forrests Escort Company

Bob France and Don Furlong of the 20th GA take aim.

For the Musket team event, six five man teams participated.

1. 888.3 14th Mississippi 2. 912.7 Forrest Escort CO 3. 915.3 44th Georgia 4. 917.4 3rd Georgia 4.7 seconds separated the 2nd from the 4th team. A close race.

Thanks to Skirmish Director, Brad Sullivan and 37th Georgia Commander, Brian Glankner for a well planned and executed skirmish.

Brierfield Ironworks State Park has a very convenient covered range and ready area 36

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44th Georgia Deep South Skirmish Results Submitted by Robert Propst, 44th Georgia Brierfield Ironworks State Park near Montevallo, Alabama was the site for the 44 th Georgia Deep South Regional Skirmish from March 18-20, 2016. Alabama had a lengthy visit of “Shenandoah Sunshine” to mentally prepare Deep South shooters for the Spring Nationals in Virginia. Brierfield Ironworks Park’s sheltered ready area and firing line made a big difference in being able to compete at all for the individual shooter. Overcast and drizzling on Friday afternoon, the clouds opened up for several hours on Saturday morning, and then moved on and out through the afternoon. Sunday morning was among the finest skirmish weather the Deep South has to offer, clear, cool, and sunny.

21 individual shooters chose to compete throughout the weekend, and target sales were brisk among some fierce competitors. Individual winners included: 3rd Place 100 Yard Carbine: Charlie Bondurant 39 2nd Place 100 Yard Carbine: Josh Sasser 42 1st Place 100 Yard Carbine: Steve Sheldon 42 3rd Place 50 Yard Carbine: Steve Sheldon 41X 2nd Place 50 Yard Carbine: Jason Hill 42 1st Place 50 Yard Carbine: Jim Van Eldik 43X 3rd Place Carbine AGG: Jason Hill 77 2nd Place Carbine AGG: Charlie Bondurant 78 1st Place Carbine AGG: Steve Sheldon 83X 3rd Place 100 Yard Musket: Steve Sheldon 44 2nd Place 100 Yard Musket: Larry Kerschner 44 1st Place 100 Yard Musket: Jason Hill 48X 3rd Place 50 Yard Musket: Larry Kerschner 44 2nd Place 50 Yard Musket: Charlie Bondurant 44 1st Place 50 Yard Musket: Steve Sheldon 46 3rd Place Musket AGG: Larry Kerschner 88 2nd Place Musket AGG: Steve Sheldon 90 1st Place Musket AGG: Jason Hill 90XX

1st Place Musket/Carbine AGG: Steve Sheldon 173X 1st Place 25 Yard Revolver: Steve Sheldon 43X 1st Place 50 Yard Revolver: Charlie Bondurant 42 1st Place Revolver AGG: Charlie Bondurant 88 1st Place Grand AGG: Steve Sheldon 246XX 1st Place 100 Yard Breechloader: Charlie Bondurant 42 1st Place 50 Yard Breechloader: Charlie Bondurant 46 1st Place Breechloader AGG: Charlie Bondurant 88

Steve Sheldon of the 4th Louisiana works his carbine

3rd Place 50 Yard Smoothbore: Jim Koch 41 2nd Place 50 Yard Smoothbore: Steve Sheldon 44 1st Place 50 Yard Smoothbore: Charlie Bondurant 46XX 3rd Place 25 Yard Smoothbore: Jim Koch 42 2nd Place 25 Yard Smoothbore: Charlie Bondurant 42 1st Place 25 Yard Smoothbore: Hoot Gibson 43X 3rd Place Smoothbore AGG: Jim Koch 83 2nd Place Smoothbore AGG: Steve Sheldon 83X 1st Place Smoothbore AGG: Charlie Bondurant 88XX

Richard & Nancy Hill of the 14th Mississippi

Five Gun AGG: Charlie Bondurant 416XX

Team Events were not hotly contested for the First Place Medals, as Forrest Escort Company left the competition behind in musket, carbine, and smoothbore.

Carbine: (5 person team)(5 teams) 1st: Forrest Escort Company: 591.6 2nd: 3rd GA: 918.5 3rd: 4th LA: 1171.4 4th: 14th MS: 1327.2 5th: 20th GA: 1355.8

Musket: (5 person team)(5 teams) 1st: Forrest Escort Company: 915.8 2nd: 4th LA: 1263.2 3rd: 14th MS: 1482.0 4th: 3rd GA: 1594.5 5th: 20th GA 1838.3

Smoothbore: (4 Person Team) (4 teams) 1st: Forrest Escort Company: 280.6 2nd: 3rd GA: 465.8 3rd: Forrest Escort Company “B”:775.0 4th: 14th MS: 784.0

Forrest's Escort reminds absent team members from Texas they are missed

In the three gun demonstration event (one musket, one carbine, and one smoothbore), Forrest’s Escort Company won the award of “faintly scattered applause”, as there were no medals for that event.

The 14th Mississippi Infantry will host the next Deep South Skirmish at Brierfield Ironworks State Park, April 22-24, 2016.

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Charlie Bondurant of Forrest's Escort 37

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N-SSA Board Approves Marketing Plan By: Chris De Francisci, Washington Blue Rifles

Discussion of an N-SSA Marketing Plan has been ongoing for several years. Despite the media attention that the association has received over the years, it appears that we are not as well-known as we might expect. At the Fall National, Commander Phil Spaugy convened a meeting of skirmishers with various backgrounds in publishing, web content, social media, and video to discuss the creation of the marketing committee. A number of ideas were presented at that first meeting and the Marketing Committee was created. Over the next months, ideas were presented, collated, adjusted, and finally coalesced into a three-fold plan.

That plan was presented to the Board at the January meeting. The Marketing Committee and Recruiting Committee Chairs presented a three-fold plan with the theme of History, Camaraderie, and Competition. The three areas emphasized in the plan the committee presented covered social media (Facebook, Instagram, Google, YouTube, and Blogs), a new professionally produced N-SSA video, and traditional print media. After discussion and questions, the Board unanimously approved the plan for the coming year.

The first steps have been taken. If you have not checked out the N-SSA website lately, take a look and read the first Blog posts now available (look under Dispatches). Video filming is currently planned to begin with the Spring National. Other efforts are in the works.

If you are interested in helping to promote the N-SSA through writing, pictures, video, or just want to assist the Marketing Committee, please let me know (Chris@WashingtonBlueRifles.com).

Be sure to thank your fellow skirmishers who have put forth a tremendous effort in getting the marketing plans off the ground: Melinda Shaw, Mike Howell, Tony Ebersole, Vicky Rowe, Bruce Miller, and Robert Hodge.

From The Editor ...

Beginning with the next edition of the Skirmish Line, we are making some changes as to the publication schedule so that you will get the information you need in a timely manner. Because of skirmish dates, Nationals, etc., a strict quarterly publication schedule just won’t work well. Note that the timeframe is very tight. Once the printer receives approval, it takes 6 business days to print and mail. Following is the new schedule, with deadlines, for the Skirmish Line.

Spring Edition: Formerly the “Apr-May-Jun” edition, this issue will contain Skirmish information through the May Nationals, including results and photos. Advertising deadline: April 15th; Standing article deadline: May 31st; Skirmish articles & photos deadline: May 31st. Draft to Commander - June 5th; Final upload to printer - June 10th; In the mail by June 20th (Color cover, black & white interior, color photos for Nationals coverage only.)

Summer Edition: Formerly the “Jul-Aug-Sep” edition, this issue will contain Skirmish information from after the May Nationals through July 31st. Advertising deadline: July 15th; Standing article deadline: July 15th; Skirmish articles & photos deadline: August 15th. Draft to Commander - August 20th; Final upload to printer - August 22nd; In the mail by August 30th, in time to distribute last minute Fall Nationals information. (Color cover, black & white interior.)

Fall Nationals Edition: This issue will only contain results, photos & information from the Fall Nationals; Advertising deadline: September 1st; Standing article deadline: 5 days following end of Nationals; Skirmish articles & photos deadline: 14 days following end of Nationals; Draft to Commander - Approx. October 20th; Final upload to printer - Approx. October 25th; In the mail by October 31st. (Full color edition.)

Winter Edition: Formerly the “Jan-Feb-Mar” edition, this issue will contain all remaining Skirmish information from the previous year (post Fall Nationals) through mid-March. Advertising deadline: February 1st; Standing article deadline: March 1st; Skirmish articles & photos deadline: March 15th; Draft to Commander - March 20th; Final upload to printer - March 25th; In the mail by March 31st. (Color cover, b&w interior.)

I want to thank those of you who have been sending me articles and photos. If your submission didn’t make it into this edition, rest assured I have it and will put it first in line for the next edition. As a reminder, the best way to submit articles is to email them in text form (Word, Word Perfect, or a simple text file will work). Please be sure to include the author’s name within the text itself so that proper credit can be attributed. When submitting photos, please be sure that they are high resolution, at least 300 dpi. I hope you enjoy this edition of the Skirmish Line.

Chris Branch, Email: skirmishline@n-ssa.net 40

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Turn Lead Into Gold with the International Muzzle-Loading Team The U.S. International Muzzle-Loading Team (USIMLT) is looking for shooters good enough to win at the World Championship level – and has begun the qualification process to select the team that will compete at the 2018 World Championships in Austria.

Why try out for the USIMLT? If you’re a serious competitor, you already know. It’s the chance to try your skills against the toughest opponents in the world. It’s also an opportunity to travel - previous World Championships have been held in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, as well as the USA.

International Competition – Playing In the Biggest League in the World: International muzzle-loading events are governed by the rules of the Muzzle-Loading Associations International Committee (MLAIC). Organized in 1971, the MLAIC now has 28 nations that are full members.

while the MLAIC rules don’t set a minimum trigger pull, they do require that the sights be of original pattern, and prohibit glass-bedding of barrels. And yes, the arms are inspected prior to each major competition.

An additional five rifle events are shot at the World LongRange Championships, all with percussion target rifles.

Ranges vary from 300 to 1,000 meters.

Try out for the USIMLT: So you want to see if you measure up? The current tryout process has two stages.

The first stage is a set of preliminary tryouts. A competitor will shoot at least three qualification targets and turn them in. More would be better. This establishes whether or not an aspiring team member has the skills to make it to the next stage.

The second stage is a final shoulder-to-shoulder tryout.

This is normally held concurrently with the Can-Am portion of the Pacific Zone Championship. Since these are held on the odd-numbered years, the final tryout match for the 2018 There are ten rifle, six pistol, and two shotgun events for World Championships will be held in 2017. This match is individuals at the World Short-Range Muzzle-Loading tentatively scheduled for Barrie, Ontario, Canada in August Championships. Each event has separate divisions for of that year. This means that a Skirmisher interested in original and replica firearms, and there are events for three- making the 2018 team has all of 2017 and half of 2018 to man national teams. get his equipment in order, shoot some competitive Arms used range from the familiar percussion arms used in qualification scores, and get invited to the Final Tryouts.

Skirmishing, through flintlocks, and even include matchlocks Information Sources: The current MLAIC rules are – a particular strength of the U.S. team. available at the MLAIC site, www.mlaic.org. The U.S. Team Of particular importance to Skirmishers, two of the rifle events are for rifle-muskets, and two of the pistol event s are for revolvers. A properly set up musket or revolver can be used for both N-SSA and MLAIC competition. However, the rules are different, and interested shooters should note that

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site is www.usimlt.org. But the best source of information are the Skirmishers who already shoot for the USIMLT – and who man the fundraising booth at Nationals. Come visit and learn more about the USIMLT.

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Statesville, NC “Homecoming” Skirmish, November 13-15, 2015 By: Jim Rogers, Homecoming Skirmish Director The week of November 8th through the 15th started with a couple of damp, dreary days, but the forecast had prospects of good weather toward the end of the week. The weather report held true with absolutely perfect weather for skirmishing frosty cold mornings, but warming to the mid 60’s by mid-day with beautiful, clear blue, Carolina skies every day. We had 30 to 40 out of region guests who were ready to take advantage of the great weather. The last official skirmish of the year has been a big draw for the last several years and this year was certainly no exception. In addition to the 8 Carolina region teams, we had 9 or more out of region teams present throughout the weekend including Tim Scanlan and the 1 st Maryland Cavalry, Wade Huffman and the 5th Virginia Volunteer Infantry, Dan Mastin and the 11 th Indiana Zouaves, Dave Booz and the 2nd US Sharpshooters, Scott Harris and the 1 st Florida Cavalry, the Linton brothers and Tammy of Chews Battery, Chester Lauck and Hazelwood Volunteers, Melinda Litvanis Shaw and Harlan’s Light Cavalry, and of course our buddies from the 8th Virginia. I also remember enjoying the company of Tom Cutright and Don Branch.

The cannon match was truly the neatest competition I’ve ever witnessed. Tim Scanlan suggested playing Tic Tac Toe with the cannons, but left it up to me to figure out the details. When all was said and done, the cannons fired 2 separate rounds. In the first round, each team fired 10 shots at their Tic Tac Toe board. 3 hits in a row (8” squares) scored 10 pts with a maximum score per board of 80 points. The 1st Maryland and 5th Virginia tied on the first round and had to shoot a bullseye target to break the tie. The second round pitted 1 st and 2nd place cannons against each other on the same Tic Tac Toe board.

The 3rd and 4th placing cannons also played to determine the final 3 rd and 4th place. When it was all said and done, 1st place went to the 1st MD, 2nd place to 5th VA, 3rd place to Hazelwood Volunteers, and 4 th place to 23rd NC.

Wade Huffman & Tim Scanlan’s Tic Tac Toe target.

I need to take a moment here to praise all of our great skirmishers for their willingness to help out with time and safety duties for the smoothbore match. We had 15 smoothbore teams shooting and in order to get this match done in one relay, we had over 15 skirmishers willing to help out with these duties. Saturday was an extremely full schedule with individuals, mortar, revolver, smoothbore, carbine, and cannon matches. Without the ability to hold the smoothbore match in one relay, the cannon match would have carried over into darkness.

We very possibly set a record for our Statesville range with the number of teams. We had 15 smoothbore, 16 carbine, and 17 musket teams participating. Following is a list of individual medal winners and the placing of all teams. Thanks again and we of the Carolina region look forward to next year!

Individual Results 50-Yard Musket (Class 1) Results 1 12592 BRANCH, D 47-01X 2 10496 HARRIS, S 46-01X 50-Yard Musket (Class 2) Results 1 11143 ANDERSON, M 44-01X 2 9863 WETZEL, J 44-00X 50-Yard Musket (Class 3) Results 1 10696 COUMES, J 44-00X 2 11556 BROWN, J 41-00X 50-Yard Musket (Class 4) Results 1 12993 MOJICA, J 41-02X 2 1447 CUTRIGHT, T 37-00X 100-Yard Musket (Class 1) Results 1 10496 HARRIS, S 47-02X 2 12592 BRANCH, D 45-00X 100-Yard Musket (Class 2) Results 42

1 12775 MOORE, K 43-00X 2 9863 WETZEL, J 43-00X 100-Yard Musket (Class 3) Results 1 11556 BROWN, J 44-00X 2 10696 COUMES, J 42-00X 100-Yard Musket (Class 4) Results 1 12993 MOJICA, J 40-00X 2 12263 HOLLIFIELD, R 36-00X Musket Aggregate (Class 1) Results 1 10496 HARRIS, S 93-03X 2 12592 BRANCH, D 92-01X Musket Aggregate (Class 2) Results 1 9863 WETZEL, J 87-00X 2 11143 ANDERSON, M 85-01X Musket Aggregate (Class 3) Results 1 11556 BROWN, J 85-00X Winter 2016

2 10315 MOSLEY, R 77-01X Musket Aggregate (Class 4) Results 1 12993 MOJICA, J 81-02X 2 1447 CUTRIGHT, T 66-00X 50-Yard Carbine (Class 1) Results 1 10496 HARRIS, S 46-01X 2 12592 BRANCH, D 45-00X 50-Yard Carbine (Class 2) Results 1 9863 WETZEL, J 44-01X 2 9996 BODNER, M 43-00X 50-Yard Carbine (Class 3) Results 1 10187 WETZEL, R 44-00X 2 1832 BOOZ, D 44-00X 50-Yard Carbine (Class 4) Results 1 12993 MOJICA, J 40-00X 2 10315 MOSLEY, R 40-00X Skirmish Line

Individual Results (continued) 100-Yard Carbine (Class 1) Results 1 12775 MOORE, K 47-00X 2 12592 BRANCH, D 43-00X 100-Yard Carbine (Class 2) Results 1 9996 BODNER, M 45-00X 2 2072 HANNA, S 43-00X 100-Yard Carbine (Class 3) Results 1 12263 HOLLIFIELD, R 40-00X 2 10187 WETZEL, R 39-00X 100-Yard Carbine (Class 4) Results 1 10315 MOSLEY, R 40-00X 2 8816 KERN, W 39-00X Carbine Aggregate (Class 1) Results 1 10496 HARRIS, S 89-01X 2 12592 BRANCH, D 88-00X Carbine Aggregate (Class 2) Results 1 9863 WETZEL, J 86-01X 2 7391 WAREHAM, T 83-00X Carbine Aggregate (Class 3) Results 1 11143 ANDERSON, M 80-01X 2 5489 SHUCK, R 76-00X Carbine Aggregate (Class 4) Results 1 10315 MOSLEY, R 80-00X 2 12993 MOJICA, J 72-00X 25-Yard Revolver (Class 1) Results 1 12592 BRANCH, D 48-01X 25-Yard Revolver (Class 2) Results 1 12775 MOORE, K 43-01X 2 5282 SCANLAN, T 38-00X

25-Yard Revolver (Class 3) Results 1 9863 WETZEL, J 48-01X 2 5489 SHUCK, R 42-01X 25-Yard Revolver (Class 4) Results 1 8816 KERN, W 36-00X 50-Yard Revolver (Class 1) Results 1 12592 BRANCH, D 42-00X 50-Yard Revolver (Class 2) Results 1 12775 MOORE, K 26-00X 2 5282 SCANLAN, T 19-00X 50-Yard Revolver (Class 3) Results 1 9863 WETZEL, J 27-01X 2 5725 SHAW, E 7-00X 50-Yard Revolver (Class 4) Results 1 8816 KERN, W 30-00X Revolver Aggregate (Class 1) Results 1 12592 BRANCH, D 90-01X Revolver Aggregate (Class 2) Results 1 5282 SCANLAN, T 57-00X 2 1447 CUTRIGHT, T 32-00X Revolver Aggregate (Class 3) Results 1 9863 WETZEL, J 75-02X 2 5489 SHUCK, R 42-01X 50-Yard Breech-Loader Results 1 5282 SCANLAN, T 49-01X 2 5725 SHAW, E 45-00X

100-Yard Breech-Loader Results 1 5282 SCANLAN, T 47-01X 2 5725 SHAW, E 45-01X Breech-Loader Aggregate Results 1 5282 SCANLAN, T 96-02X 2 5725 SHAW, E 90-01X 25-Yard Smoothbore Results 1 5725 SHAW, E 46-01X 2 5489 SHUCK, R 46-01X 50-Yard Smoothbore Results 1 10696 COUMES, J 45-00X 2 12217 NEWMAN, J 44-01X Smoothbore Aggregate Results 1 12217 NEWMAN, J 90-02X 2 10358 LITVINAS, M 88-00X Grand Aggregate Results 1 12592 BRANCH, D 270-02X 2 9863 WETZEL, J 248-03X 3 5282 SCANLAN, T 207-02X Five-Gun Aggregate Results 1 5282 SCANLAN, T 379-04X 2 5725 SHAW, E 379-03X

Team Results # Musket Team 1 HARLAN'S LIGHT CAVALRY CO. A 2 1ST MARYLAND CAVALRY, CSA CO. A 3 1ST FLORIDA CAVALRY CO. A 4 8TH REGT VIRGINIA VOL. INF CO. A 5 5TH VA. VOL. INF. CO. A 6 11TH INDIANA ZOUAVES CO. A 7 CO. C, 2nd U.S. SHARPSHOOTERS CO. A 8 1ST MARYLAND CAVALRY, CSA CO. B 9 HAZELWOOD VOLUNTEERS CO. A 10 PALMETTO SHARPSHOOTERS CO. A 11 IREDELL BLUES CO. A 12 BUNCOMBE RIFLES CO. A 13 38TH NC VOLUNTEERS CO. A 14 CO G 23RD NC STATE TROOPS CO. A 15 PALMETTO GUARD CO. I, 2ND SC VOL. 16 24TH GEORGIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY 17 27TH NORTH CAROLINA TROOPS CO. A

Event 1 60.7 94.8 65.3 112.5 85.5 173.2 109.6 176.9 242.6 197.6 150.9 256.2 139.7 253.7 263.9 284.4 360.0

Event 2 142.6 164.3 171.3 227.0 279.9 252.9 287.5 330.0 258.3 360.0 330.0 345.0 300.0 390.0 420.0 465.0 450.0

Event 3 63.0 79.7 75.2 81.3 111.4 105.0 172.0 108.2 156.7 153.8 133.6 117.5 143.1 184.2 125.6 256.3 217.2

Event 4 105.4 107.6 74.1 100.7 94.8 91.5 94.4 135.2 149.1 98.9 180.4 198.0 330.0 246.7 157.6 330.0 199.0

Event 5 105.5 58.3 148.6 113.2 119.9 87.5 121.6 136.6 170.5 202.6 169.5 242.1 201.0 295.5 288.6 273.7 360.0

Event 6 Total Time 62.7 539.9 103.6 608.3 84.5 619.0 103.1 737.8 110.3 801.8 154.6 864.7 146.3 931.4 168.3 1055.2 131.8 1109.0 186.2 1199.1 342.0 1306.4 219.6 1378.4 297.1 1410.9 270.7 1640.8 471.0 1726.7 190.5 1799.9 242.2 1828.4 (Continued on page 44)

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Team Results (continued) # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Carbine Team 1ST FLORIDA CAVALRY CO. A 5TH VA. VOL. INF. CO. A HARLAN'S LIGHT CAVALRY CO. A 1ST MARYLAND CAVALRY, CSA CO. A IREDELL BLUES CO. A 8TH REGT VIRGINIA VOL. INF CO. A 11TH INDIANA ZOUAVES CO. A HAZELWOOD VOLUNTEERS CO. A CO. C, 2nd U.S. SHARPSHOOTERS CO. A PALMETTO SHARPSHOOTERS CO. A 1ST MARYLAND CAVALRY, CSA CO. B CO G 23RD NC STATE TROOPS CO. A IREDELL BLUES CO. B PALMETTO GUARD CO. I, 2ND SC VOL. 24TH GEORGIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY 38TH NC VOLUNTEERS CO. A 27TH NORTH CAROLINA TROOPS CO. A

Event 1 140.2 180.4 197.9 153.5 173.0 205.4 197.0 330.0 345.0 360.0 390.0 360.0 390.0 405.0 330.0 420.0 480.0

Event 2 73.0 90.5 59.7 96.0 86.6 49.6 100.7 109.0 179.8 109.7 101.2 220.7 212.1 210.8 158.3 248.9 330.0

Event 3 56.1 66.8 86.7 83.4 86.6 79.6 95.1 169.3 131.4 166.4 199.8 151.4 181.3 225.6 223.6 300.0 318.0

# 1 2 3 4 5 6

Revolver Team IREDELL BLUES CO. A IREDELL BLUES CO. B 1ST FLORIDA CAVALRY CO. A PALMETTO SHARPSHOOTERS CO. A 1ST MARYLAND CAVALRY, CSA CO. A CO G 23RD NC STATE TROOPS CO. A

Event 1 85.5 102.4 116.8 125.2 138.1 131.3

Event 2 19.2 43.1 89.2 82.0 81.4 150.4

Event 3 Total Time 67.5 172.2 99.8 245.3 48.2 254.2 125.3 332.5 125.4 344.9 102.4 384.1

# 1 2 3 4

Breech Loader Team IREDELL BLUES CO. A HARLAN'S LIGHT CAVALRY CO. A 1ST MARYLAND CAVALRY, CSA CO. A PALMETTO SHARPSHOOTERS CO. A

Event 1 59.3 35.2 22.0 169.7

Event 2 92.5 195.0 187.0 202.0

Event 3 32.5 32.9 28.1 96.1

# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Smoothbore Team HARLAN'S LIGHT CAVALRY CO. A 1ST MARYLAND CAVALRY, CSA CO. A IREDELL BLUES CO. A 1ST FLORIDA CAVALRY CO. B 5TH VA. VOL. INF. CO. A 1ST MARYLAND CAVALRY, CSA CO. B 8TH REGT VIRGINIA VOL. INF CO. A 1ST FLORIDA CAVALRY CO. A HAZELWOOD VOLUNTEERS CO. A CO G 23RD NC STATE TROOPS CO. B R. PRESTON CHEW'S BATTERY CO. A SCRATCH TEAM CO. A PALMETTO GUARD CO. I, 2ND SC VOL. CO G 23RD NC STATE TROOPS CO. A 11TH INDIANA ZOUAVES CO. A

Event 1 60.5 127.0 200.0 131.3 220.0 146.4 150.2 240.0 85.2 200.0 220.0 200.0 220.0 240.0 280.0

Event 2 52.0 56.6 65.4 70.9 45.0 60.4 59.0 53.8 45.0 151.8 75.1 89.0 149.6 168.2 120.3

Event 3 Total Time 60.5 173.0 79.6 263.2 44.7 310.1 130.7 332.9 95.9 360.9 180.0 386.8 180.0 389.2 117.6 411.4 288.0 418.2 117.9 469.7 252.0 547.1 288.0 577.0 252.0 621.6 216.0 624.2 252.0 652.3

Place 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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Mortar Team 1st Maryland 1 Hazelwood 1 5th Virginia 1 Josephine 1 8th Virginia 1 24th Ga 1 Booz - 2nd USSS 1

Ball 1 1' 3" 6' 0" 7' 6" 7' 11" 16' 0" 10' 5" 12' 10"

Ball 2 5' 8” 6' 1.25" 8' 3.5" 11' 9" 16' 6" 14' 5" 22' 11.5"

Ball 3 Ball 4 10' 9.5" 11' 0" 10' 2.5" 10' 9" 5' 3" 10' 3" 15' 7.3" 24' 10" 20' 4" 35' 6" 40' 10" 40' 6" 36' 0.5" 39' 6"

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Ball 5 17' 7" 13' 3" 18' 3" 28' 2" 32' 0" 59' 0" 62' 2"

Event 4 92.1 128.3 80.1 97.0 96.2 122.5 149.6 82.2 137.8 138.6 169.4 360.0 213.1 330.0 265.8 330.0 450.0

Event 5 130.1 40.0 116.5 136.1 162.7 173.7 171.9 118.4 173.3 219.7 141.4 86.2 217.3 245.4 471.0 300.0 342.0

Total Time 491.5 506.0 540.9 566.0 605.1 630.8 714.3 808.9 967.3 994.4 1001.8 1178.3 1213.8 1416.8 1448.7 1598.9 1920.0

Event 4 Total Time 56.6 240.9 69.5 332.6 114.5 351.6 100.4 568.2

Total 46' 3.5" 46' 3.75" 49' 6.5" 88' 120' 4" 165' 2" 173' 6"

Tim Scanlan & the 1st Maryland Cannon Team

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JULY 2016 VETERANS SKIRMISH DONATIONS NEEDED N-SSA members, we need your help to supply the prize table for the 2016 Veterans Skirmish. Any items which you think would be of value to your fellow skirmishers would be helpful and most appreciated.

Do you have a bullet mould that you no longer need? An extra Coleman lantern? Do you have any other surplus skirmishing items (tools, etc.) that are just in the way? Do you run a small business selling products that skirmishers need (lead, lube, powder, etc.) and want to publicize your business to a grateful Just some of last year’s prize table offerings. membership? Would you like to sponsor a gift certificate? Do you know of any local businesses that you might be able ask for a donation? Anything that a skirmisher might make use of at Ft. Shenandoah is fair game (a beer stein maybe?). Of course lead, tubes, caps, lube, etc. are always useful. One item that we are particularly in need of right now is caps (sleeves or tins). No junk, please, only items in good condition.

Our goal is to have one prize for each veteran attending.

We are expecting over 200 registered Veterans, plus the many other members and guests who often attend. For those of you who have not come to a Veterans Skirmish, every registered shooter receives a numbered ticket when they sign up. On Saturday afternoon, the numbers are drawn and the Vets go in that order to the prize table to make a selection. Our goal is to have something for everybody. All donor’s names will be publicized. Many sutlers and N-SSA members have already contributed, but we’re only halfway there.

This is a great way to support the N-SSA. If you would like to discuss a donation, please contact: Wayne Jordan, Prize Table Committee (#9447, Chiswell’s Exiles) cell phone - 703-407-2445 email - WVJORDAN@aol.com

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these two lads burn up the powder and launch the lead, saving allowances and working odd jobs so either one of their dads would drive down to Lodi and buy the necessary

By Valerie Snyder, 110th OVI shooting supplies for them. Kent eventually acquired a Zoli Skirmishing as a sport and hobby can and does lead to Zouave musket, shortly thereafter upgraded to a 2-band many lifelong friendships. If you have been in the N-SSA Parker-Hale Enfield, and the Civil War shooting bug bit them any length of time, you certainly know this. Some both. Around 1975, Teddy was introduced to the Northskirmishers seem to come and go, many stay around for South Skirmish Association through his friend, Dave Gates. decades, but these friendships can long endure even if Teddy joined up with the 5th Ohio Zouaves of the Midwest someone decides to move on to different interests.

Region, where he met now long-time skirmisher, Craig I want to tell you about a rather unique friendship Sutorius. The next year, he went over to the 7 th Ohio between skirmishers that started long before any of the two Sharpshooters General Sherman’s Bodyguards, where he buddies involved ever thought about stepping up to the line shot for the next two years. Kent joined the Bodyguards and slinging lead downrange. This story is about one Teddy around that same year. Skirmishing did not last long for the Parker and one Kent Snyder. Both born in 1959, only four two boys back then; they only shot for those couple years. months apart with Teddy being the oldest, they lived about a High School graduation, military service, college, starting quarter-mile apart in the rural farm area between Amherst careers, and girls (not necessarily in that order) took priority. and Elyria, Ohio. Around the age of four or five, these two Kent was the first to get married and start a family. guys started playing as country boys would back then; Teddy remained single a bit longer. One day around 1985, playing Army, hiking and camping in the woods, GI Joes, while Teddy was over at Snyder’s house, the conversation Hot Wheels, Johnny Wests, chasing and dreaming about about shooting Civil War guns came up again. As Kent the farmer’s daughter, etc. As they got older, their interests distinctly remembers, he said to Teddy, “We need to start turned to shooting guns, military stuff, and the American skirmishing again.” It took them about 30 seconds to agree Civil War. Kent started to gain his Civil War interests by to get back into the sport. Together, they both re-joined walking next door to his Grandpa and Grandma’s house and their old team, the Sherman’s Bodyguards. Teddy’s N-SSA spending countless hours reading through Grandpa’s book: number is 6349V, and Kent’s is 6350V. “The American Heritage’s Book of The Civil War”; a book After one season, both the now-grown men changed that Kent now owns and still leafs through. teams and signed on with the 110th Ohio Volunteer Infantry After the boys had been shooting many different guns in 1987, joining their old friend (and former Junior High growing up, like 22 rifles, shotguns, and World War II School teacher), Craig Sutorius. The rest is skirmish firearms, Ted’s Dad gave him his first Civil War reproduction history. The early years with the 110 th was tough on both of musket as a Christmas present when he was 14 years old; a them. Kent was working long hours and raising a young Navy Arms Mississippi rifle. Not long after that, Kent bought family. Teddy was starting his own business and also his first black powder gun, a Replica Arms 1860 Colt Army married his wife, Rachel. So the guys could not make all the revolver from the Log Cabin Shop in Lodi, Ohio. Man, did skirmishes they wanted to. As time marched on, both were able to attend more. Teddy, at one point, even had his Dad, Big Ted, brother Albert, and brothers-in-law Danny and Timmy shooting too.

A Skirmisher’s Gift of Life

Kent and Teddy were together on the 110 th “A” team when they won their first National Musket Championship (of recent years) in 2001. Ted ended up being on five National Champion teams; musket, carbine, and breechloader, and Kent has been on 24. With the full support of his family, Kent served as Team Commander of the 110 th for several years, and was also the Midwest Region Commander and on the N-SSA board of directors for a while.

Teddy Parker & Kent Snyder, 1974 46

Teddy and Kent have been through a lot with each other in their years of friendship. Always getting in trouble together, having each other’s backs, hanging out, shooting, drinking too much, have all been common during their nearly Winter 2016

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50+ years of friendship. How many people at 56 years of age can say they have been best buds for that length of time? Teddy was always there for Kent, and Kent was always there for Teddy. ALWAYS. Ted was Kent’s best man (twice) and Kent was Ted’s best man when he got married. Teddy is Kent’s daughter’s God-father. The list goes on and on and the bond continues to grow to this day.

Now, an even more unbelievable bond has been set.

Teddy’s health had been slowly deteriorating over the past few years due to issues from his service in the United States Marine Corps. His kidneys had been failing him for several years. When this came to light, Kent instantly volunteered to be checked to see if he could be a living organ donor to his lifelong friend and fellow skirmisher. After extensive testing, the remarkable news came back that Teddy and Kent were a match, and that their kidneys were compatible.

This was the start of a very long, tough journey, with both ups and downs. Once they found out that they were a match, further testing was necessary. CT’s, dermatology tests and procedures, ultrasounds, EKG’s, about bazillion blood tests, you name it.

At what was thought to be the final visit to University Transplant Institute in Cleveland, Ohio, Kent’s doctor did not like his blood pressure numbers and ordered a 24-hour blood pressure monitor be implemented. The results were not good and the surgeon disallowed Kent from being a donor because of the threat of even higher blood pressure after the surgery to remove one kidney. What a let-down!!

Everyone was extremely disappointed - Teddy, Kent, and all the family and friends who were supporting these guys on this venture. However, at this point Kent’s doctor said that if his blood pressure could be controlled with “first line” BP meds, he would be reconsidered to be a living donor. Now a new battle started. Kent was not about to give up the fight that easily. He knew his life-long friend needed his help.

After four months of trial and error with several different medications to attempt to lower his blood pressure, along with working on natural ways to lower blood pressure, eating better, working out harder than he normally does, and Kent feeling like a twice-recycled dog turd the whole time, he was checked again. Still, after all this, Kent’s surgeon would not allow him to donate, saying that he was on “too many meds” to get the job done. Wow, did he go off on that doctor!! All this experimenting with medications, doubling up on his workouts, always feeling like crap, and still turned down?

Everyone thought the war was over and we had lost. Kent hoisted the white flag, figuring it was over, but felt that he had given it his best shot. All those BP meds went in the trash, and he started feeling like his old self again. A week or so later, Kent was visiting his Mom in Elyria, the old Skirmish Line

Teddy & Kent at the Union Guards Skirmish in August, 2015

stomping grounds of these two guys when they were kids.

Jean Snyder suggested her son use one of her blood pressure monitors to keep an eye on his “health problem”.

His blood pressure was checked both morning and night.

To everyone’s surprise, it was consistently perfect. This self -monitoring went on for about three weeks, always with great numbers. The Transplant Institute was informed of this new development. Now, by orders of his surgeon, another visit to Kent’s family doctor was made. The morning of the appointment, the BP reading on the home monitor was a perfect 119/68, checked twice. He walking to his truck, drove to the doctor’s office and walked in. No other activity at all. At the office, his blood pressure was 160/100.

Insane. There it was, plain as day. Kent was having “White Coat Syndrome” during this entire trial: getting all nerved up when he was at the doctor’s office or in the hospital.

Unbelievable for a guy who has routinely jumped out of perfectly good aircraft, hunted some of Africa’s dangerous game, competed on the top level for the National Musket match, and so on. Strange. Now that this “fear” was exposed, another call was made to University Hospital Transplant Institute. Kent Snyder was back in the fight for Teddy Parker. Never give up the fight! Teddy was now on dialysis at this point, and needed a kidney.

Upon hearing this new information, the doctors and RN’s at the Transplant Institute agreed to take one more look at Mr. Snyder. Another 24 hour monitor was ordered, and this time, after much relaxing, no work stress, (and a few beers during that time period), the folks at University liked the blood pressure numbers, reversed their decision, and approved Kent as a donor. A major barrier was breached, and the battle was re-engaged!! More testing for Kent was in store. This fight had already been a year long, but now more. Doctors were now concerned about a hereditary blood condition that his Mom has, a condition called

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Hemochromatosis. This is when there is too much iron in the blood, a problem that can lead to major organ damage if not treated and kept in check. Here we go: round 17 it seemed like of visits to doctor offices, the hospital, and regional clinics. What a pain in the back-side. But never giving up the fight, he plodded through. More needle sticks, blood drawn, specialist visitations and consultations. Great news: Tests showed negative, so Kent finally got the GREEN LIGHT to donate. A couple more doctor visits for Ted, and the transplant surgery was finally scheduled for November 17, 2015. (Kent held off a couple months so he could get his long-planned elk and deer hunts in.)

Now the boys were getting close to the surgery date. On October 29th, they had to show up together at University Hospital for their “pre-op” testing. All went well. Surgery is still a go. Kent left on his Oregon elk hunt on November 5 th.

Eight days later, he returned home. Four days until the big day. Still a go. Everyone is doing well, spirits are high.

November 17, 2015 - the day that the boys have been working so hard for has finally arrived. Both Teddy and Kent had to be at the hospital at 06:00. Both guys had quite a support team assembled: Teddy’s wife, Rachel and sisters, Vicki and Tonya were there along with some of his church friends. Kent had his wife Val, brother Scott, and his daughters, Ashley and Arlie, in house. All is still a go. Kent is taken back for pre-op first. The poking, pricking and prodding starts all over again. Teddy is not far behind. The boys actually got to see each other in the pre-op area before the surgery and chatted a bit before Teddy had to go and get ready. Numerous doctors, nurses, and who knows who else stopped by for examinations. Then Dr. Humphreville, Kent’s surgeon, arrived, gave the final nod, and the anesthesia went in Kent’s veins. Lights out. Same thing with Teddy, we think. He was off in another area.

Sometime around 11am, Snyder began to wake up. The first thing out of his mouth when he could say words that were comprehensible was, “How’s Teddy?” When Teddy’s anesthesia started to wear off at around 1pm, his first words were, “How’s Kent doing?” When the families were finally able to go back and see the guys, they were told that things went unbelievably well. Teddy’s new kidney started to work immediately! The doctors were amazed how well the kidney adapted to Teddy. Things could not have gone any better.

Kent was sent up to his hospital room at about 5pm, and was able to start walking a few hours later. At around 8pm, while Kent was on his first post-surgery walk, Teddy was brought up to his room. The two met in the hall and were able to talk with each other that night. What a miracle!

Through all this, there were two problems the friends were worried about. Teddy was concerned about getting 48

Kent & Teddy at the hospital - November 18, 2015

Snyder’s fat “mumbo” lips, and Kent was afraid he would get Parker’s fat basketball belly. Luckily, these two dreaded side effects didn’t happen. The two friends are now, however, true blood brothers.

Recovery went so well for Kent, that two days later, he was discharged and sent home. Teddy’s recovery, although less painful and with less potential complications, was going to be much more tedious, and more closely monitored. He went home five days after the successful operation. Home recovery went very well for both the boys and within a month’s time, both were feeling pretty much normal, with a few restrictions. The boys are on the road to a complete recovery, and a long, healthy life.

A skirmisher’s gift of life: skirmisher to skirmisher, friend to friend.

So the lifelong friendship continues, with now a new, unbelievable chapter. Both guys are already getting ready for the next Skirmish season and are planning to attend as many shoots as they can. The health problems that were keeping Teddy away from the skirmish line for so many years, are a thing of the past. You should be seeing these guys on the line again at the Nationals and regionals throughout the 2016 season. If you stop by the 110 th’s camp, or see these two mulling around the shoot somewhere, say hello. They would love to see you.

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