Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes

-          The meeting was called to order by Maj Gen Kelley at around 8:00 PM at the Gettysburg Fire Hall.

-          1^st item discussed was the early retirement of commanding General Ed Kelley. Brig Gen Maffei presented Gen Kelley with a plaque of appreciation and ALMOST had a tear from Gen Ed. Until he fired back with a usual “Edism”. We appreciate Gen Ed’s service and dedication for making Birney’s Division one of the premiere reenactor organizations in the country and we will carry that reputation and distinction forward.

-          With the retirement of Gen Ed, Brig Gen Maffei will step in as overall commander of Birney’s retaining his current rank. Other promotions were as follows:

o   Col Rohrbaugh – Chief of Staff

                  o   Col Josh Freeman – Commander, 1^st Battalion

 

-          It was noted that with Birney’s being a member of the Army of Potomac, Middle Division, is only a change in name only and will not affect our structure or status in any way, shape, or form.

 

-          Col Baltzer talked about an NCO/Officer school to be conducted at Perryopolis in early May (See schedule). With that school he is asking that all company commanders and units send him any ideas for topics to be covered at the school.  The school was last done about 5 years ago and was a general success overall. Gen Maffei noted that Perryopolis does have the capability to house soldiers without the need for canvas, with period barracks and other buildings on site.

 

 2014 Birney's Division Schedule

12-13 April: 1^st Battalion Muster, Chambersburg, PA (1^st BN)

3-4 May: Officer and NCO School, Perryopolis, PA (Division Event)

17-18 May: 150^th New Market Anniversary, New Market, VA (1^st BN)

14-15 June: Old Bedford Village, Bedford, PA (Division Event)

26-27 July: Argus Park, Canfield, OH (2^nd BN)

9-10 Aug: Hale Farm, Bath, OH (Division Event)

6-7 September: Beaver Creek State Park, East Liverpool, OH (2^nd BN)

4-5 October: Perryopolis, PA (Division Event)

18-19 October: 150^th Battle of Cedar Creek, Middletown, VA (Division Event)

14-15 November: Remembrance Day, Gettysburg, PA (Division Event)

Optional Events:

5-6 April: 150^th Battle of Cloyd’s Mountain, Dublin, VA

1-4 May: 150^th Wilderness and Spotsylvania Courthouse, Spotsylvania, VA

21-22 June: Shippensburg, PA (Col Rohrbaugh)

4-6 July: Battle of Gettysburg, Gettysburg, PA

12-13 July: Lee’s Retreat, Williamsport, MD (Col Rohrbaugh)

19-20 July:  Lee’s Retreat, Funkstown, MD (Col Rohrbaugh)

6-7 September: Luray Caverns, Luray, VA (Col Rohrbaugh)

Major General Kelley retires

Later today, Captain Murphy will be posting the full minutes from the 2013 Annual Birney's Division Meeting held in Gettysburg this past weekend. However, the biggest news to come out of the meeting came from Major General Ed Kelley. The founder and commander of the Birney's Division organization announced his retirement from the hobby. General Kelley also promoted Brigadier General Mike Maffei to command of the organization.

Other staff changes announced included the appointment of Dennis Rohrbaugh as the organization's Chief of Staff. Colonel Josh Freeman will be taking command of 1st Battalion.

During the Remembrance Day Parade in Gettysburg Saturday, the formation of Birney's troops stopped to render a salute to General Kelley in the gallery in front of the Regimental Quartermaster store. A great debt of gratitude is due to the General for all of the hard work and sweat he has put into Birney's Division. His partnerships with some of the leaders in the reenacting community has enabled the organization, and its members, to play a key part in Civil War history events throughout the eastern United States.

Best wishes to Ed. Remember sir, there is always a seat around the campfire for you!

Birney's Division Annual meeting next weekend

The 2013 planning meeting for all Birney's Division members will be held in Gettysburg the weekend of the 150th Anniversary of Remembrance Day. All are welcome to attend as we set our event schedule and discuss plans and programs for the 2014 season.

The meeting will be held Friday, November 22nd at 8 pm. The location will be the Gettysburg Volunteer Fire Hall located at 35 N. Stratton St. off of York.

Other Birney's Division activities this weekend will be our Masonic Service at 10:30 am on Saturday the 23rd at the Friend to a Friend monument near the national cemetery. This is also open to all.

Following the Masonic service, we will be forming up behind the high school for the Remembrance Day Parade. Please look for a Division staff member to find out where to form up.

Safe travels to everyone.