AUGUST 20, 2004

This page will be dedicated to Messages and After Action Reports.   Please submit After Action Report no later than 2 weeks after the event in a format suitable to post on the web page.   Suitable format is a .doc Word document or a report as the text in an email (no .wpd, please).   Submit to Capt. Jeff Walsh, AAG  jeffwalsh8@sbcglobal.net
 
Our Webmaster Doug is recovering from open heart surgery.   He is back to work and continues to heal and grow in strength.   Please keep Doug in your thoughts and prayers.
 
We have been sending out messages to Battalion & Company Commanders on a regular basis and expect them to get the messages to their troops.   We depend on them to communicate Brigade business.
 
We appreciate suggestions members have sent to us and please continue to let us know what is on your mind and what we can do to improve the Brigade.   Col. Prater: stanprater@aol.com or Capt. Walsh: jeffwalsh8@sbcglobal.net

ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY:

Many of our members are currently serving in the military.   We ask that you keep them in your daily prayers.   Former member "Annard" Ltc. Charles Steeves, USAF stationed in Germany was recently deployed to take over air base in Iraq.

GREGG BENEFIEL:

Sent word that he is on hiatus until January 2005 while he builds a new home and moves.   He does plan to attend Franklin.

DR. MERLE HODGES RETIRES:

We received a note from Dr. Hodges stating that after 20 years of Civil War reenacting it is time for him to retire.   We regret his decision but can fully understand and wish him well.   We appreciate his 20 years of dedicated and loyal service in the Frontier Brigade and wish there could have been more.   We will always keep a lantern lit in the Frontier Camp and hope that Merle will stop by and visit with his pards when time permits.   May God bless and keep Merle and his family always.   Happy trails to Merle until we meet again.

COMMANDER BOO HODGES:

Plans to attend Mine & Cabin Creek events.   Mrs. Hodges health is greatly improved.   They send their thanks to all in the Brigade for the many cards, thoughts and especially prayers.   We miss Commander Hodges and look forward to seeing him soon!

July 30-31 & Aug. 01 - Prater & Walsh attended NSA Conference in Brentwood, Tenn. & visited the Franklin sites.   NSA Conference Report will be on the Franklin website.   ALL INFORMATION REGARDING FRANKLIN WILL BE POSTED & UPDATED at www.battleoffranklin.com

REVIEW OF SITES:

Land is flat with rolling hills.   The Frontier Brigade will have a stationery camp a short distance from Federal parking.   As I saw the site, parking will not be visible from our camp.

HOW MANY ROUNDS:

Since there are many battles planned it would be advisable for each man to bring no less than 300 rounds.

BATTLES:

Dates & times listed on Franklin web site.
 
I opted to be in a stationery camp on Friday to provide a base of operation.   We do not have wagons for our supplies and therefore must return to our camp to resupply.   We will be on the march and busy most of Saturday.   BE PREPARED.   We will have a Quartermaster to protect our camp and supplies.

TRAVEL LIGHT:

This will make things much easier.   I plan to sleep on the ground and live out of my haversack.   We will hope and pray for good weather but prepare for the worst.

CIVILIANS IN CAMP:

In accordance with Commander Dolive's Orders - all civilians will be required to obtain passes from DIVISION to enter the Military Camp.

TRENCH WARFARE:

There will be some trench warfare and the trenches have been dug.   However, you will still need a shovel to make them secure, etc.

GUARD DUTY:

There will be guard duty assigned to protect the perimeter of our camp.

SANITARY COMMISSION:

We are pleased to report that Dr. Herschel Stroud and the Sanitary Commission will be located within the Frontier Brigade Camp.   They are there to provide aid and comfort to Brigade troops.   We are most appreciative of their care and concern for the well being of Brigade troops.

CONCERNS:

We urge anyone who has a concern about the long day on Saturday or any other concerns to make them known to Headquarters.   Arrangements will be made to ensure that no one is injured or exhausted.   SAFETY first and the well-being of troops is first and foremost in the Frontier Brigade.

ARRIVAL:

Several Brigade staff and troops will arrive on Wed. to secure our camp.   Col. Prater will arrive late Thursday afternoon.   Please send Headquarters the day and time that Brigade & Company Commanders will arrive on site.

REGISTRATION:
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPT. 15 @ $15/person

Register on-line www.battleoffranklin.com   At the end of July the Frontier had 212 registered.   We usually take a projected number of those registered and deduct 20%.