The 2nd Federal Battalion

My first foray into the world of Civil War Reenacting was, a few years ago while living in Ohio, with the 2nd Federal Battalion (Reinforced). Made up primarily of the 1st Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Co. D and the 4th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Co. B. It was a great, great experience for me... and after we made the move here to Southeast Michigan in January of '05, after getting the utilities turned on and the kids enrolled in school, our next priority was to find a local CW reenacting group. All four of us now are happily and much involved with the 21st Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Co. H. Be sure to check out our website at http://21stmichigan.org/

I joined the 2nd as a battalion staff officer, their chaplain - a 1st Lieutenant. Major Steve Reincke, Captain Shawn Farkas and 1st Sergeant Rick Williams, pictured here, were wonderful mentors and good friends. These images were taken at my very first event in late summer of '04, at Caesar's Creek Pioneer Village, between Dayton and Cincinnati. If you can't see their ranks, Steve is wearing boots, Shawn has the long dark mullet and mustache and Rick the long blonde hair and goatee (he also portrays a wonderful General George Custer).

Captain Erv Rock is the military commander of the 21st. The 21st is a member of the Cumberland Guard... an umbrella organization of regiments from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin. The Cumberland Guard is a brigade... made up of battalions... there is a Cumberland Guard battalion, as well.