Lt. Col. Phil Matteson, 161 Linwood Ave., Tonawanda, NY 14150 (716) 694-0947

Major Craig McCann, 146 Laura Dr., Rochester, NY 14626 (585) 225-8984

Captain Ron Lutz, 19 Monroe St., N. Tonawanda, NY 14120 (716) 692-1320

1^st Lt. Mike Karnitz, 36 Woodstock Lane, Brockport, NY 14420 (585) 637-9069

The Yankees are here! Are you combattin’?????

$30.00 individual – Includes insurance

50% is due immediately with the balance due by 9/1/01.

Payment in full is acceptable.

Lt. Colonel’s Concerns:

Gone to Gettysburg to fight for the cause. Remarks to follow if alive after the battle.

Major’s Minute:

Gone with the Lt. Col.

Captain’s Corner:

No comments yet. Still in conference.

1^st Lieutenant’s Observation:

Please remember that dues are due. If you haven’t yet paid, please do so as soon as possible. As stated in the March meeting, ½ of the dues were due by June 1, and the other ½ are due by Sept. 1. Any event money is due immediately.

I have the following registered for Gettysburg and Hamlin Beach.

Gettysburg
Phill and Karen Matteson
Craig and Sandi McCann
Ron and Joanna Lutz
Mike and Melayne Karnitz
Paul Speich
Jim Baker
Roland and Andrea Meiers
Barry Hoffman and Linda Maher
Mike Curvin and Millie Hecht
Tom, Kim, Dawn P., John, and Thomas Grote
Lauren, Chris, and Carter Chapman
Charles and Tristan Lindberg
Ford Best
Jim and Dawna Miller
Kyle DeWalt
Frank and Barb Cutler
Mitch Landin

Hamlin Beach
Phill and Karen Matteson
Craig and Sandi McCann
Ron and Joanna Lutz
Paul Speich
Jim Baker
Roland and Andrea Meiers
Barry Hoffman and Linda Maher
Tom, Kim, Dawn P., John, and Thomas Grote
Lauren, Chris, and Carter Chapman
Charles and Tristan Lindberg
Rick and Sharon Musialowski
Terri Eanes
Bob & LuAnn Henry

The event in Gettysburg, P.A, was one of much excitement. Those that attended drove home quite pleased.

The campgrounds were very satisfying for the most part. The weather also cooperated--sort of.

Friday evening's weather was pleasant, giving us plenty of time to set up our tents. A man from Taylor's Battery took my father and I on a ghost walk through many of the sites on the battlefield. He also told us some very frightening ghost stories. It was very enjoyable all the same.

Saturday morning brought lots rain. Finally, at about 8 o'clock a.m. it stopped. But it had turned the area where our guns were supposed to be into a mushy mess. An alternate spot was found however, and so we moved the guns there.

Our first artillery demonstration went smoothly, with us loading and firing by detail. Though a large crowd did not show up for that firing, those present were awe-struck.

By our second demonstration, a larger number of people had gathered around. I believe that our performance level increased with every demonstration. The spectators were amazed at what kind of projectiles were fired, the different gun positions, and the history of the Bedford Light.

At our third firing, a huge number of people came. It was the best demonstration that day.

After we were done, it was time to retire to our camp. It felt good to relax after a long day. That night however, was a different story.

I hardly slept because of the extreme cold. I was huddled in my sleeping bag trying to keep warm. 1 felt like putting on my entire wool uniform though I knew I'd never be able to sleep in it.

The cold continued through much of the morning. Then, when it was time for the ceremony it finally warmed up.

The ceremony at the Angle was very good. It was nicely organized and there were no misfires at all.

After that it was time for more demonstrations. At our first one, a funny thing occurred. As Lt. Colonel Phil Matteson was explaining the Bedford Light history, a strange ring was heard. The Lt. Colonel reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. After answering it he explained to us that it had been the wrong number.

Our last firing drew the largest crowd. It sounded awesome at the end with the battery fire.

Then it was time to pack up. I believe none of us really wanted to leave. Well, this is where I must end my article. I hope that it was of some interest to you.

And with that, good-bye.