Reflections

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Corps;

As we enter this Holiday Season, let us pause a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this time of year. For if it were not for the arrival of our Lord and Savior, none of us would enjoy true peace and happiness within our souls. Many things of this world detract from our taking time to remember and reflect upon what the Christmas Season means to each of us personally. My Christmas wish for each of you is to find the time to share a moment with your Redeemer on this, His birthday.


As I reflect back on this past year I have mixed emotions. First, whew...what a year! Trying to fulfill the expectations that you have of your Corps Commander is a tall, all-encompassing task. I feel that we have made some progress in the morale of the Corps, but we still have much work to accomplish in making the Corps the best that it can be. I look forward to working with each of you and the Staff in the coming year to take the Corps where you want it to go. I would solicit from each of your Company Commanders ideas and suggestions on how this goal can be accomplished.

I have my own thoughts and ideas on what I think will enhance our portrayal in the field and as well our own learning experiences as Confederate soldiers. I would challenge each of you as I am challenging myself to answer two important questions that I think will motivate each of us to look to the new year in a more serving way:

• Why am I doing this? What purpose do I serve in being a Confederate re-enactor?
• How can I do my utmost to demonstrate and educate the public on what it is we do and why we do it?

I think that if we all can give an honest assessment to these two questions, we can enhance our own dedication and enthusiasm to giving Honor to our ancestors while enjoying the hobby that we love and giving the public the best possible historical portrayal that we possibly can.

This upcoming year presents opportunities to better ourselves and the Corps. I know there are some areas where I and the Staff need to attend to - and they are on my wish list, if you will. There are many things that I would like to accomplish and we must assess which tasks take precedence and work on one at a time. New challenges face us in the coming years and we must look to the future of our Corps, but let us not forget to look to the past on occasion lest we forget why the Corps was formed and what the Corps stands for! I remain,

Your Most Humble Servant,

Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett

Longstreet's Corps

Looking to the Future

Gentlemen of the Corps;

It has been a some time since I last addressed you through this communique, and I apologize for the absence. The preparations for our recent Gettysburg and Chicamauga campaigns have left me a little worn for the efforts. However, there is a hint of fall in the air and I seem to always get invigorated with the coming of fall.

I have had an opportunity to study the AARs from the Gettysburg campaign that some of you have supplied - some good comments were made as well as some concerns. I encourage your participation in these AARs as I assure you that they are read and I use your comments to improve our enjoyment of this hobby that we all share a passion for.

The overall issues that seemed to have been expressed the most in the Gettysburg AARs include:

• SAFETY - a reinforcement of safety procedures, ie: loaded weapons at the half-cock, ensuring that the NCOs are properly training the new recruits in basic skills, reminding soldiers not to take hits or "charge" the enemy with loaded weapons, reminding the NCOs to instruct proper weapons safety procedures such as the proper way to clean, inspect, and load weapons. It is easy to become complacent with the simple tasks, but we should remember that we are constantly adding new people to our ranks and we must not take it for granted that they know what we know. Company commanders should be ensuring that their NCOs know what their respective "job descriptions" consist of.
• CAMPS - overall, many were pleased with the way the camps were laid out. Keep in mind that this is not a perfect world and we cannot have the camps always as we would like them, but understand that the efforts are there to ensure that adequate space and amenities are available - the key word here is ADEQUATE. We will strive to provide the best that we possibly can at each event. One concern that was brought to my attention is the possibility of having multiple entrance and exit points from the camps to help alleviate traffic congestion. This is a concern that we will look to address in future events where the Corps is in overall command. Another concern that was shared was the amount of participants in the camps who were not in period attire throughout various times of the day and the amount of "above average carousing" after dark. As has been the practise for the most part (which I admit probably needs reinforcing) once you have set up your camp and parked the wagon, participants should place themselves in period attire form that point on to the conclusion of Sunday's battle. We all participate in this hobby for the love of the American Civil War and an opportunity to experience in a small way what our ancestors experienced. It is difficult to do in shorts and T-shirts. After a hard day of drilling and fighting we all like to kick back and revel in the day's events. However, we must remember to respect our fellow comrades and limit our activities to a respectable hour. If you read the event rules they publish a "Lights Out" time for this purpose.
• REHAB STATIONS - while you were pleased with the ice and water deliveries during and immediately after the battles, suggestions were made that these rehab stations be placed a little more off the travel paths back to camps to avoid congestion on the roads. This is an excellent suggestion that we can implement.
• STAGING for BATTLES - soldiers seemed to be pleased with marching from the camps to the battlefields and having little time to wait before engaging the enemy. This is something that was discussed in the planning stages and agreed upon by members of the staff.
• MAIL CALLS - the soldiers seemed to enjoy the mail call that was prepared by many of the ladies of the Corps. Some concerns were expressed that some units who did not support the efforts benefited from the rewards while those that did received none of the rewards. These activities are planned by many of our ladies for the benefit of the soldiers in the ranks and in order for it to work properly all should participate.

These are the main comments garnered from the AArs that will be taken into account. Other suggestions were made as well that will also be taken into account that deal with improvement of Artillery and Staff operations. Gentlemen, I hope that we all can see areas of improvement for your Corps - not that we are in "bad shape", but if we become content with where we are then we cannot grow. We should strive to improve ourselves and our Corps in order to enhance our learning experiences.

We are about to enter into the Cedar Creek Campaign. The numbers from the Corps look like we will have a good turnout. I hope to have a breakdown of our command structure very soon along with general information which will come from our Adjutant. I know you all will give your best to the Corps! I am constantly impressed with the dedication and professionalism that each of you demonstrate - from the Privates all the way to the Officers who lead them. Your hard work has given the Corps the reputation that it has and that it deserves! God Bless the men and officers of Longstreet's Corps! I remain,

Your Most Humble Servant,

Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett

Longstreet's Corps

"To Your Post"

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Corps;

I have just completed a finalized report solicited from your After Action Reports (AAR) submitted from the Endview Plantation campaign. Your comments and concerns have been shared with the Corps Staff as well as the Staff at Endview in hopes of making next years event more enjoyable. Your comments and concerns are taken seriously by your commander and the Staff. As an example, due to the recent unfortunate fire incidents, the Staff has discussed these concerns and Major Nick Syropolos, as your Corps Safety Officer, has implemented a directive that no camp fires remain unattended and that an adequate supply of water be maintained near all campfires for emergency use.

I envision the responsiblity of this Staff as one to provide the rank and file the most enjoyable experience at each event while lending a hand to make that experience do Honor to his/her ancestors. To that end, much planning and preparation has gone into the scenarios for the 145th Gettysburg. Our focus has been to not only portray specific units for these scenarios, but to also enter the field of combat much as they did in July 1863. We will try to employ multiple routes to the battlefield which will call for great coordination between commands. Each soldier must be willing to follow commands without fail. commanders must be prepared to move when the order is given. Timing is everything.

I have served for more than twenty years with the men and women of Longstreet's Corps. I know the meddle of which you are made. No task is too difficult for you to accomplish. You consistently rise to the occasion - no matter what it is. To that end, I am asking each of you, in the days ahead - prior to the Gettysburg campaign - refresh your memories as to the accounts of the actions around Willoughby Run and McPherson's Ridge on the First Day. Remember the fight of Early's and Rhodes' Divisions at Cemetary Hill on the Second Day, as well as the struggle at the Klingle Farm and the Peach Orchard by Barksdale's Mississippians, and relive the hell of Armistead, Garnett, and Kemper as they assault the Federal line in what has become infamously known as Pickett's Charge on the Third Day.

From my own experiences, I have found that as you re-read accounts prior to a recreation of the event, you enhance your opportunities to experience what your ancestors must have felt as they experienced the actions first hand. You have a deeper respect and admiration for what they did. I challenge each of you now, make this Gettysburg the best of your re-enacting experience! "Up men, up and to your post!"


Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett
Longstreet's Corps

Gentlemen of the Corps;

I have just received from Colonel Zusman the anticipated numbers for the Chancellorsville event in Isle of Wight County next weekend. Quite frankly, I am a little disappointed in the numbers. This was voted as a Corps Sanctioned Event which means a good showing on behalf of the Corps. In my humble opinion, a poor showing at such an event does nothing to the enhance the image of Longstreet's Corps. We must be cognizant of the fact that what we do collectively or individually reflects on the Corps as a whole - we are one.

I would encourage you to take more seriously the voting process for events. I would hope to see a good turn out for Corps Sanctioned Events and a maximum participation for Corps Events - that is the way the process was established. We also need your assistance with getting the numbers in to Colonel Zusman as soon as practicable (when you mail you're unit registrations in, send a copy to Colonel Zusman) so we can in turn establish battalions and appropriate the necessary camping grounds. I trust that you can understand my position as you're Corps Commander and appreciate that I am looking to the deportation of the Corps as a whole. In the short time since our Corps meeting, great progress has been made to show that Longstreet's Corps is still a very viable organization and I need your support in numbers at events to solidify our position. Remember - this is your Corps, make of it what you wish it to be. I remain, Your Most Humble Servant, Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett, Longstreet's Corps

Western Theater

Gentlemen of the Corps,

The Corps Adjutant, Colonel Tony Zusman has recently supplied an avenue for you to assist the Staff in deciding whether or not a trip to the West is warranted. I am not here to influence your decision - this should be the decision of the Corps. The Staff and I will support your decision. However, I believe that you should have as many of the facts at your disposal as is possible.

First, as long as we can send a minimum of 200 troops, WE WILL BE UNDER OUR OWN COMMAND. Secondly, WE WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO GALVANIZE. Thirdly, I have recieved a personal invitation on behalf of the Corps from the event organizers requesting Longstreet's Corps. As it was stated, "During the original battle, it was Longstreet's Corps who came to the rescue of the Confederate Army, riding on a train. Well, we have a train, but we need Longstreet's Corps".

How often in your re-enacting career do you have the opportunity to ride a train to the battlefield, disembark and fall into ranks, and pitch into the fight to save the day? I would encourage you to look to the 145th Chickamauga website for more information before making your decision on whether or not to attend. I remain,


Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett,
Longstreet's Corps

Looking Forward

Gentlemen of the Corps;

This past weekend, the Staff and I attended several meetings regarding the 145th Gettysburg event. We have developed a good working relationship with General Allen Baldwin, the Federal commander, and his Staff, as well as the Gettysburg Anniversary Committee. A great deal of work and progress has been made to make this event a memorable one for the rank and file. The scenario details are just beginning to come together and we (and the Federal command) hope to implement some things that will enhance your enjoyment of the event. At this time, it appears that we will be having two battalions from the Corps, but it is possible that we may have three. I think you will enjoy the camping area - it is good ground.

The Staff has been in constant contact with the event organizers for Endview and this should be a good event as always. This will be a good chance for us, as the Corps, to knock the rust off and be ready to show what has made the Corps what it is today. I look forward to our first event together and share in the work of Honoring our anscestors who have shown us the way.

I trust that you have recieved and shared the information Colonel Zusman recently dispatched concerning the Chancellorsville event. Knowing of the past endeavors of Colonel Billy Smith and the 16th Virginia with the Endview event, I have no doubts that the Chancellorsville event will be worth the trip. With the Corps voting this a Corps Sanctioned Event I know we will make a good showing.

This brings up a point I would like to share. During my fire service career I have found that accurate communication is vital to any operation. That is why I have encouraged open communication links within the Staff, the Corps, and the event organizers that I and the Staff come in contact with, as well as any other organizations. I would encourage you to contact the Staff with information that you may have concerning events and let us act in confidence with factual information. Again accurate information is vital to the success of any operation.

As you can see, the Staff and I have been busy working on behalf of the Corps. I would like to take this opportunity to "introduce" you all to the Longstreet's Corps Staff for 2008. I apologize for the tardiness of this notification, but your concerns for the size of the Staff was taken into consideration and we wanted to make for an efficient Staff. After much consideration and reviewing of duties and functions, I have decided on the following:

• Chief of Staff: Colonel Greg Gallion
• Assistant Adjutant General(AAG): Colonel Tony Zusman
• Inspector General (IG): Colonel George Miller
• Assistant Inspector General (AIG): Major Mike Grudzinski
• Senior Aide-de-Camp: Colonel KC Meadows
• Aide-de-Camp: 1st Lieutenant Les (JR) Switzer
• Aide-de-Camp: 2nd Lieutenant Bill Brown
• Quartermaster: Major Tim Fogarty
• Ordnance/Safety: Major Nick Syropolos
• Chief Engineer/Topographer: Major Donnie Wilson
• Chief Medical Officeer: 1st Lieutenant Waverly Adcock
• Sergeant Major: Johnny Glazebrook
• Courier/Colorbearer: 1st Lieutenant Steve "Cuz" Dicarlo
• Courier/Colorbearer: Sergeant Cindy Dicarlo
• Chaplin: Reverand Buddy Wheat
• Commissary: Ralph "Stinky" Vannoy

A great deal of thought and discussion went into the selection of the Staff positions. Each position has a specific set of duties, a "job description" if you will and these are documented as to what each of these duties and responsibilities are. I feel that each of these positions are vital to the operation of Corps business, both on the field and off. Most of the work that these Staff people do goes on well in advance of any event. I know from first hand experience that these people are dedicated to the ideals of making Longstreet's Corps the best that it can be and they give many hours each day to that task. I do not intend to take any credit away from the rank and file, for it is they that take these same ideals and put them into motion before an appreciative public. So, you see, that it is indeed a joint effort between the Staff and the rank and file that make Longstreet's Corps what it is! It is my distinct Honor and privilege to be associated with such a Noble and dedicated people and I remain,

Your Most Humble Servant,

Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett,

Longstreet's Corps

Endview

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Corps;

The Staff and I have been diligently working at getting up to speed on the many projects at hand. Good progress has been made thus far working with the Federal Staff and the Gettysburg Anniversary Committee towards the 145th event. Much more remains to be done. The planning for the Endview event is well under way.

I hope you are as eager to take the field as I am. I am looking forward to Endview and hope you are as well. I believe many eyes will be upon the Corps when we take the field at Endview. Let us resolve to show all, that the Corps is strong and eager to do her duty! Having served with you in the ranks, I know that we will pass muster. Until we meet again, I remain,


Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l. D. H. Cornett,
Longstreet's Corps

Greetings

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Corps;

It is indeed an Honor and a privilege for me to serve as your Corps commander. We are on the threshold of advancing the Corps into the next millineum. As your Corps commander, I have strong ties to the past foundation of our beloved Corps while looking to the future. We have a dedicated group of ladies and soldiers that I have served with on many campaigns and I know your meddle. There is no task too challenging and no foe that cannot be conquered. As we venture into the future, let us stand together and carry the banner of our forefathers to new heights. While advancing into the future, let us never forget the trials and tribulations of those who so nobely went before us. May God Bless the Corps! I remain,

Your Most Humble Servant,
Maj. Gen'l Dave H. Cornett,
Longstreet's Corps