Brigade Newsletter

After Action Report - Winter Camp 2004
ATTENTION TO ORDERS:

1. 44 attended and all units of the SWB were represented. It was a busy Winter Camp with several NCO drills, a snowball fight, spirited competitions, reading and sharing letters sent home, a raucous evening of gambling, gaming and drinking spirits and as always, the enjoyment of being with 43 good friends for the weekend, doing what we love to do.
   
   
2. All the Sergeants and Corporals are commended for their effort and participation in the drills. The 1SG, 1Lt and I are very pleased with what we accomplished.
   
   
3. All the men who helped with the Friday evening Guard are commended for their espirit de corps and willingness to provide a valuable service for their pards. The SWB always takes care of its own.
   
   
4. The snowball fight was epic! 1Lt Stiles and 2E were like the Spartans in the pass of Thermopylae as they held their end of the company street against superior numbers of 33E, 33H and a few members of 4A. The 27th Va executed a perfect attack from the rear and swept the two 33rds from the field with two terrific volleys. Church Call was sounded to end the slaughter. The 27th is reminded that their exuberance in firing at the Primary Musician while he was carrying out my order, bordered on being dishonorable. All in the SWB are reminded that we are required to act with honor, discipline and chivalry at all times.
   
   
5. The letters home were very special and added a warm and human element to what we do. It was rewarding to hear the words of the men we try to honor and it was neat to hear them refer to many of the activities we try to re-create; the messes, our pards, the drill, the food, the clothing, the camps and a group of important generals being referred to as "Big Bugs".... The same kind of slang our unit historians research and share with us to help our impressions.
   
   
6. From the laughter, the smiles, the crowds and the great mood of the boys I saw, the Gambling Scenario was well received. We will do it again next Winter Camp. Pvt Ken Popky (2E), Pvt Jason O'Brian (4A) and Pvt Bob Klokis (27D) really helped to make the scenario a success. Jason and Ken ran the popular Chuck-a-Luck games and Bob ran the Poker table. Bump Millet and I didn't do well in the Risk Invitational and had to find our pleasures else where.
   
   
7. 33E got most of their old hut trash burned as they are in the early stages of rebuilding their new hut.
   
   
8. Congratulations to all the winners of the SWB Military Competitions!
   
   Co. E, 2nd Va won the 1st annual Rope Pull. For the third year in a row, 33H swept the 12lb Cannon Ball Toss-2Lt Stidley took first place and Cpl John O'Donnell (33H) took second place. The Lieutenant won with his left arm because the right is still recuperating from the surgery required to fix it from winning last year! For the 6th annual School of the Soldier contest, Pvt Dunham Short (27D) took first place; Pvt Chris Lawrence (33H) second and Pvt Jason O'Brian (4A) was third. 3 1/2 points separated 1st from 3rd place. The 6th annual Stacking competition was won by 27D over 33H. Only one point separated first from second.
   
   
9. The following are "Mentioned in Dispatches" for their service to the Stonewall Brigade at Camp George:
   
   
   1. 1SG Bret Sumner- Great job with the noncommissioned officers and the
      military running of our Camp for the weekend.
      
      
   2. Pvt Danny Simms- Scratch Millet/ Mule Skinner. He single handedly transported the supplies of 4A, 27D, 33E and 33H until the road was too dangerous to travel. His mule was slightly wounded in an encounter with a tree or two.
      
      
   3. Cpl Mike Chapman- Dusty planned, organized and led the letter reading scenario for the SWB which added immeasurably to our experience for the weekend.
      
      
   4. Company H, 33rd Va- On their own initiative, removed the deer from the creek and disposed of it away from the Camp. It was an unsightly safety hazard and the creek is now ready for the Annual SWB Boat Race at Spring Drill.
      
      
10. The next formation is Spring Drill, 27-29 Mar. General Orders have been sent to all the units and the SWB Staff. All soldiers are required to make every, possible effort to attend.
    

By order of,
Cpt. T. Galleher
Cmdg, Stonewall Brigade