Update for two 150th National Reenactment beneficiaries

The Gettysburg Anniversary Committee had previously announced that $5 of every Reenactor registration fee will be donated to five local beneficiary's on behalf of the 150th Gettysburg National Civil War Reenactment. They are the Adams County Historical Society, The Gettysburg Museum At Seminary Ridge, Land Conservancy Of Adams County, The SGT MAC National Wreath Project and Preservation and Improvement Of The Eisenhower Iron Bridge and Sachs Mill Covered Bridge. Even thought the event is still six months away we are proud to provide an update and progress on two of these projects. Within the next month the unique and historic 1886 Eisenhower Iron Bridge will be re-opened again to foot and bicycle traffic. In a public/private partnership trees have been trimmed and all new oak planks have been installed. Painting will be done this spring. Approximately $4000 for the materials was donated by The Gettysburg Anniversary Committee and The Tim Shields Family.


The SGT MAC Foundation, National Wreath Project and Scholarship has been supported consistently by GAC since local Marine Sgt. Eric McCollley was killed in a helicopter crash off the coast of Africa in 2006. GAC Operations Manager knew Eric well. He was an Eagle Scout in Randy's scout troop, was on the high school swim team with Randy's daughter and lifeguarded at the local pool. SGT MAC board member, and local veteran's advocate Marine Stan Clark, facilitates the very popular Patriotic Area at the event each year. Visitors write comments of appreciation on numerous banners and the banners are delivered to appreciative combat troops. Included are photos of the almost completed Eisenhower Metal Bridge, combat unit displaying their banner that was taken into battle, a scene from last Friday's distribution of 1800 wreaths in Gettysburg's Soldiers National Cemetery and GAC Operations Manager Randy Phiel pausing last Saturday beside Sgt McColley's gravesite after helping to distribute and place 5400 wreaths at Quantico National Cemetery. Over 150 volunteers at Gettysburg, and 500 volunteers at Quantico participated in the placement and commemoration on November 30 and December 1. Despite Giant Food providing wreaths at cost and ABF Freight donating transportation the cost the year was $56,000. There is no overhead or administrative fees. Every penny goes to the project. The goal is 10,000 wreaths by the 10th anniversary in 2016. If you would like to consider donating to or participating in this patriotic project contact Stan Clark at scmb@embarqmail.com or go to http://www.sgtmac.org We urge your contribution and participation. If you have the opportunity in the next six weeks to walk through the Soldiers National Cemetery or drive through Quantico and see the results - it will be a visual and emotional experience. The photo collage documents: Improvements at the Eisenhower 1886 Iron Bridge - The National Wreath Project at Gettysburg Soldier's National Cemetery, Friday November 30, 2012 - Sgt Eric McColley Gravesite, Quantico National Cemetery, December 1, 2012 - Patriotic Area Banner, Combat Unit of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment in Marjah, Afghanistan.