Dear Staff, Officers, members and friends of the Independent Guard Battalion,
Greetings!
This past weekend we attended the event at Jackson, Michigan and I believe all had a good time. Drill went as expected as the 4 companies present had not drilled together for a year, but were pulling together by the end of the weekend. The cost of travel and the 150th events had taken their toll on the regional events. The I.G.B. had a total of 49 troops take the field. Medich's Battalion, always large at this event, only had 65 take the field. The battles were unique as we had a 1st half and 2nd half to each days' battles. It was nice to have a break in the action and it did extend the time the spectators had to see the action as we had time to rest and re-group at half time. On Sunday we had our Annual Battalion Staff Elections. This year Colonel, Lt. Colonel and Major positions were up for election. The proposed slate was Dave Julian for Colonel, Duane Clark for Lt. Colonel, and Russ Judge (1st Tenn.) for Major. As per the battalion by-laws, these were the only people who submitted requests to run for staff positions by the end of July deadline. We had proxy votes from the 44th Tenn., 9th Ky, and 5th Ky. Present for the meeting were members representing 1st Tenn., 50th Vir, 12th South Car., and 14th South Car. The candidates were introduced and members given time to ask questions of the candidates. After a short time and no more questions asked, the Sgt. Major Len Kizer made a motion to accept the slate of officers as presented, 2nd by Capt. James Lemon of the 50th Vir. and all Co. voted yes.
Next on the agenda was short discussion about who was going to Antietam. One co., 5ky., is going to the one in which Gen. Gesuero (PACS) is in command, not the B/G Alliance. A few other battalion members are going to fall in with the 5th Ky.
We have also been asked by two organizations to fall in with them at 150th Gettysburg next year. Huckabee's Division asked us at Shiloh to register with them and the B/G Alliance. We have also been asked by the Gettysburg Anniversary Committee (GAC) of whom Gen. Gesuero and PACS are in charge. After debate it was decided that the battalion would go to Gettysburg with PACS, GAC and Gen. Gesuero. All present were in agreement that this would be the best choice for the battalion. With no other business, the meeting was adjourned and the Battalion went back to drilling. Have a safe Labor Day weekend and I'll see you at Ft. Recovery in 2 weeks. Lastly, I thank all of you for voting me to another 2 yr. term. It is still fun!!!!
I remain your obedient servant,
Dave Julian, Colonel, Independent Guard Battalion
