1st Battalion staffing changes

Birney's Division -

 As a result of my promotion and commission as the new 1st Battalion Commander back in late August I would like to announce a couple of staffing changes that will take effect immediately and be in place for the start of the 2016-2017 season:

First, I would like to announce that I have selected Jeffrey Blanc to fill the role as my Battalion Adjutant. His experience in this hobby in the various enlisted roles he has filled over the years makes him a... perfect fit for this job as well as his attention to detail and administrative expertise that will be vital to maintaining the communication and organization of our battalion. Jeff has served this past year as the Battalion Sergeant Major and has performed amazing in that capacity as the senior enlisted member and liaison to the battalion command. With this appointment, Jeff is hereby commissioned and promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant.

Second, as recommended by Lt Blanc and approved by myself and Division Command, I have asked Sgt Nick Gruse of the 105 PVI to fill the role of Battalion Sgt.Maj. to which he understands the responsibilities and has accepted. Nick also brings a wealth of enlisted experience and knowledge to the position as well as his familiarity and interaction with the various companies to fill this role. Now that his schedule has lightened up he will have the availablitiy to be engaged and be with us on the field this next season.

PLEASE join me in congratulating Lt Blanc and Sgt.Maj. Gruse in their new battalion positions and in wishing them good luck and extending your support to them as they learn and perform in these new capacities for the battalion.

v/r,
COL R. BOUWHUIS
Commanding

Division Chief of Staff

ATTENTION TO ORDERS: On behalf of General Maffei, Birney’s Division Headquarters would like to congratulate Major Neil Shivelle on his appointment to the position of Chief of Staff for the organization. With this assignment, Major Shivelle is promoted to the rank of Colonel.

Colonel Chris Smith stepped into the Chief of Staff role last year until another qualified officer could be assigned to the post permanently. Last month, Colonel Smith made the recommendation to General Maffei that Major Shivelle would be an outstanding choice for the Division Chief of Staff position because of his attention to detail and leadership knowledge. Colonel Smith is returning to his post as the Birney’s Division Adjutant General (a staff officer performing a variety of roles as needed). Colonel Shivelle will help General Maffei oversee all operations within the organization on the field and in the real world. He will be making staff assignments to Division Headquarters in the next few months as required.

Congratulations Neil!

Birney's Division assembles at Cedar Creek

Birney's Division troops will be assembling for the 152nd Anniversary Cedar Creek reenactment in Virginia on October 14-16. Colonel Bouwhuis will be in command of Birney's companies as part of a consolidated battalion. If your unit, or any of your personnel plan to attend, please contact the Colonel at USricAF@verizon.net.

Please send the following informatiion if your unit is going to attend:
- How many military (Officers, NCOs, enlisted) and civilians you are bringing
- Billeting requirements (tents, to include number and types of tents.)
- Please also include tenting requirements for commissaries and messes as appropriate

Responses are needed from all company commanders, 1st Sgts or POCs with this information by FRIDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER 2016 to pass to the Division Engineer for planning.

Please note that negative attendance replies are also required. Colonel Bouwhuis needs to hear from ALL units either way. Thank you for your timely response to this call.

You can register for the event at the following link: http://ccbf.us/?page_id=997

Beaver Creek this weekend!

This weekend (Sept. 10-11) Birney's Division troops head to the reenactment at Beaver Creek State Park in East Liverpool, Ohio (near the site where John Hunt Morgan was captured). Colonel Baltzer is the overall Federal commander. If you have not registered but what to attend, PLEASE do so. Walk-ons are permitted. You can get information at www.beavercreekcivilwar.com.