School of Instruction AAR

The Birneys School of Instruction was held this past weekend at Camp Markle, West Newton PA. This was our (105th PVI) first attempt at hosting an event and I must say guys I was impressed!

Our day started on Saturday with a hearty breakfast after which we went to the field for a day filled with drill and instruction conducted by Lt Col Smith and staff. The school was enjoyed by all and many said they would sleep well that night. We had our live fire competition after drill and as advertised the winner walked away with $100.00. The evening started off with an excellent prime rib dinner followed by a trip to the Markle home for a look at original artifacts and photos of Camp Markle.

An early morning rain on Sunday gave our troops a much needed rest with reveille being held back a bit, but soon we had clear skies. Dress Parade was held and the Battalion was formed
for our march into town giving the position of color guard to Frank and Howie Markle who proudly walked in their ancestors footsteps. The march ended at the original train station where
we received bibles and sewing kits from the citizens, and the local scouts presented us with a Sewickley Rifles flag.

To sum it up the food was great all the amenities were on hand, and the School of Instruction was superb. Mixed in with an unbeatable touch of living history. Thanks to the Markle
family and especially Sgt Roebuck who did most of the work. I can honestly say it was a profound experience to walk that close to history. See you next year.

YOS,
Capt Rob Towarnicki
105th PVI, Co. E

My thanks to Gen Kelley, Col Maffei, Col Sever, Col Meyer, Lt Col Freeman, Capt Rob, Lt Penix, Lt Andrews, and most especially Sgt Roebuck and Sgt Maj Donahue, for all of their help and hard work to pull this weekend off. The location was historic and enjoyable. I hope all of you will consider an event there next year.

Sincerely,
Lt Col C.L. Smith, Commanding
2d Battalion
Birney's Division

Directions to Camp of Instruction

From the North:

Take I-79 South to PA Turnpike. Go East on I-76 to New Stanton exit. Take I-70 West To PA Rt-31. Go West to PA Rt-136. Make a right and travel East approximately 2-1/2 miles. Camp is on the right.

From the West:

Take I-70 East to PA Rt-51 North to PA Rt-136 East. Go through the town of West Newton to top of the hill. Rt-136 turns left. Camp is approximately 2-1/2 miles on right.

From the East:

Take I-76 West to New Stanton exit and follow the directions from North.

Beaver Creek update

One of the Birney's 2d Battalion max-effort events this year is Beaver Creek (Sept 13-14 in East Liverpool, OH). As many of you remember, last year was the first year for the event and everyone agrees it was a fantastic reenactment.

More improvements are in store for this year so make plans to attend. The registration for is now available. Click here to download it.

Numbers for School of Instruction

All,

The date for the school of instruction is fast approaching the staff along with Col Baltzer have been busy getting ready for the the get together. They along with Sgt Major Donahue and the 105th Pa's Pvt. Roebuck have put together a dynamite program loaded with perks for all attendees. They have managed to put together a really interesting weekend for all that attend. Do your best to send anyone you can it will be a great experience for all.

Please provide your projected numbers for the school so they can prepare the proper logistics for all of you. Send your numbers to me asap. genedkelley@comcast.net.


Your Servant,

Edward L. Kelley
Major General Birney's Division
Commanding

Event updates

The registration forms and updates for two Birney's events have now been posted on the web site.

1st Battalion events...

June - 27, 28 - Shippensburg (web site link has been added.)
July - 21, 22 - Funkstown, CLICK HERE for registration.


2d Battalion events...

May - 23, 24 - Civil War Days (start getting your numbers together!!)

July - 25, 27 - Argus Park, CLICK HERE for registration.

Thunder Valley roast Friday night

On Friday evening, 8/15, from 6-8 pm, there will be a Pig Roast with all of the fixins, free of charge, for all preregistered re-enactors at this year's Thunder Valley event.

Just one more reason to attend Civil War Days at Thunder Valley Stables in McKean, PA on August 15-17, 2008.

Registration forms can be obtained through the event link on the Birney's Website.

May School of Instruction fast approaching!

Please be advised that the registration deadline for the May School of Instruction is Friday, May 2nd and is fast approaching. This event will be an excellent chance for your company to work on the School of the Soldier, Company, and Battalion. There will be during the weekend a live firing competition, training on skirmish drill, as well as bayonet exercises.

A twenty dollar gas card (Get Go) will be giving to everyone that participates in the Sunday march to town. Food will be available for a $10 fee (see registration form on website for details). Proceeds of the event fee will be used towards a needy monument at the Gettysburg National Military Park. This event has been planned and expanded into a School of Instruction for the Division's benefit. Please make every effort to attend.

Sincerely,
Paul D. Baltzer, Colonel
Infantry Brigade Commander
Birney's Division