Change of Command

As most of you know by now, the beginning of this reenacting season has seen a number of changes for the 5th Ohio. It has been close to a month since I received a call from General Ed Kelley of Birney's Division asking me to take command of our 2d Battalion. With some trepidation, I did so.

At first, my plan was to do both command jobs as I didn't want to let the men of the 5th down just because I have been tasked with additional responsibilities. After some welcome discussion at our meetings, I realize that doing so would not serve the 5th or the Battalion in the best capacity. Another course of action would be needed.

One of the reasons the 5th has continued to grow into one of the best reenacting units in our area is the careful thought and consideration given to our group decisions. At our two consecutive meetings this month, ideas, solutions, and just plain brainstorming were brought to the table. Everyone had a voice and the teamwork resulting from these discussions would set a fine example to any other organization.

The support and encouragement from all of you as I attempt to tackle the running of our 150 plus man battalion is greatly appreciated. The fact that General Kelley called me to take the job says a lot about how the 5th is viewed in our hobby. It is a feather in our unit's cap to be sure.

The decision to turn the company command over to another 5th Ohioan so I can focus on the larger task at hand is the result of the discussions over the last few weeks. This will also give the 5th a full-time company commander. It is so very important as the unit looks to field 25 to 30 men at events this year.

Despite all of this, I am certainly not leaving the 5th. I am, and will remain a member. I have been in the hobby and in the 5th for 11 years now. This is my home no matter what coat I am tasked to wear, or what location my tent is placed. You guys and the families are not just fellow members of our organization, but close friends that I would sit around a fire and chat with even if Civil War reenacting disappeared tomorrow. As a Private, Corporal, Sergeant, 1st Sergeant, and Captain, I thank all of you for your camaraderie, encouragement, and support. Can many people in our hobby say this: I feel blessed to be part of my group.

I wish the best to our new Captain, Brian Hercheck. Brian has what is takes to lead the Company. The personality and enthusiasm Brian has shown since he became part of the unit is key to this post. I know all of you will be there to help him do his best for the unit, and support him as you have me. Brian, you have a great 1st Sgt and Corporal to help you keep the Company motivated and squared away. Most of us are so old right now that we can't stay up past 10 pm anyway (so there shouldn't be any late night brawls).

Thank you all and here is to a great season of sweating and shooting!

Your pard,
Chris Smith

Birney's Divison 2d Battalion news

One of my goals as the 2d Battalion Commander for Birney's Division was to put together a news page and blog for activities going on in our larger organization. For those of you who wish to keep up to date, bookmark www.5thohio.com/Birneys

Cheers,
Chris

1st Federal Division newsletter

Army of the Ohio's Jim Ruley has passed on to me the first issue of the 1st Federal Division newsletter (of which the AAO is a part). I thought it was good reading.

Click the file below to download and print out.

FFDNewsletter1-1.pdf

Army of the Ohio NCO School

Fellow Army of the Ohio members,

I talked with Jim Workman about using his tavern for the Army of the Ohio (AotO) NCO school on Friday 4/21 and Saturday 4/22. He said it was available and there would be no problem in our using it. Here's some info regarding the tavern

#1) Jim does not normally charge a fee for reenactors using the tavern
#2) He does however accept donations to help with it's upkeep
#3) He would like us to leave it in the shape we find it (clean, tidy, etc)
#4) For sanitation purposes, there is a functional outhouse
#5) For heating purposes, there is a functional fireplace (wood is already on-site)
#6) For lighting purposes, there is the fireplace and kerosene lanterns
#7) There is no on-site water so we would need to bring what we need
#8) For sleeping purposes, there are 8-10 old style beds on the second floor
#9) The tavern has tables and chairs that should accommodate 20-25 people easily

Jim asked me if we were going to allow non AotO reenactors to attend the school. I told him that I was not sure how many AotO members would be attending and if there were any extra openings I would find out if other reenactors could attend.

Jim said he would "pencil us in" for those dates and asked that we let him know as soon as possible if we are going to use the tavern.

If you need any more information regarding the tavern, please let me know.

YOS
Joe McMahan (41st OVI)