442ndRCT Soldier's Forum

M14MSgt wrote:awesome video Dave. Interesting that it was a public event, where folks could watch. I don't know how many times I get asked by friends/co-workers that know I do this if they can spectate.

I hear that too. On that note, this year's Chino AirShow will be something bigger and better for the public. For one thing the Sherman will be there in working order. Plus the Germans will have several halftracks and the Hetzer. Also the static display areas and battle area will be on on piece of real estate. Finally the battle area is larger.

M14MSgt wrote:awesome video Dave. Interesting that it was a public event, where folks could watch. I don't know how many times I get asked by friends/co-workers that know I do this if they can spectate.

Thats pretty much how ACW works in my part of the country. Even a tactical (then again almost every event goes from planned to tactical anyways) is usually a public event.

At this last Chino Airshow, a big reason for all of our turning out was the potential of putting on a good recruiting display. We did a great job, and other than the Sherman tank our set-up; hands down drew the largest and most consistent crowds on the allied side. Other than 2nd Armor, Russian and the Brits, no other CHG units really showed up or stayed for the weekend. We passed out lots of our Unit cards, and there was enough guys with serious interest, that this could be a sucessfull event.

But that being said, "WW2 Reenactors" don't grow on trees, and you don't find them on every corner. It takes a special mix of "ingredient interests" to create a WW2 Reenactor. The guy has to have a few of these special interests, otherwise no matter how cool the "show looks" he isn't going to invest his time and money, or explain to his friends he going to start dressing up as a soldier and go play army.

For starters in order to become a WW2 Reenactor you have to be one or both of these:
1. Civil War Reenactor
2. WW2 History Buff

I'm sure there other factors such as an interest in military weapons or ownership of an M1 Garand or other WW2 era rifle. But without one of these as a base, the won't go into reenacting.

Agree with you Dave. It was a combination of love of WW2 and ownership of WW2 weapons that made the choice obvious for me.

man....is it Fall yet? i am itching to get back to some trigger time with you fellas! Can't wait till the next battle!!!

Here is another video, it involves the folks from Colorado with the Panzer III and some American and British units as well. It's from the Akron Colorado Air Show called the National Radial Engine Exhibition. It's similar to our Chino Airshow, in the sense it has a lot of old WW2 planes and a static WW2 Reenactors Camp with a Public Reenactment. This video covers the whole show, but if you wait for the 1:40 minute mark, the reenactor part starts. Great commentary amd protechinics, one of a guy fire a bazooka

I love this line

"One teacher told us, that she had two days scheduled for studying World War II, she said thanks to us we're on our second week because of the questions generated in their visit"

This is another reason why we reenact.

This is of Sgt Robert Noody of Fox Company, 506th PIR. It him expressing his thanks to the 101st Airborne reenactors for having him out to thier event in October of 2008, together with five other of his fellow veterans also from the 506th



The song is "May you Always" by The Mcguire Sisters. Robert is singing the longer version with an extra verse at the beginning

These are the lyrics I could find, which miss his open

May you always walk in sunshine
Slumber warm when night winds blow
May you always live with laughter
For a smile becomes you so

May good fortune find your doorway
May the bluebird sing your song
May no trouble travel your way
May no worry stay too long

May your heartaches be forgotten
May no tears be spilled
May old acquaintance be remembered
And your cup of kindness filled

And may always be a dreamer
May your wildest dream come true
May you find someone to love
As much as I love you

(May your heartaches be forgotten)
(May no tears be spilled)
May old acquaintance be remembered
And your cup of kindness filled

And may always be a dreamer
May your wildest dream come true
May you find someone to love
As much as I love you

davep wrote:This is another reason why we reenact.

This is of Sgt Robert Noody of Fox Company, 506th PIR. It him expressing his thanks to the 101st Airborne reenactors for having him out to thier event in October of 2008, together with five other of his fellow veterans also from the 506th

Wonderful capture. Bob did an awesome job singing, and Don too!

But don't quote me but Ed Pepping answered back about re-enactors. He related to us that he does go around and talks to many schools and organizations about his experiences but carries pictures of us re-enactors with him as well and mentioned that we, "...are one of the most important organizations in America." I didn't get the full notes down but I believe he mentioned because we kept the memory of their fallen comrades and themselves alive and he thanked us greatly for that.

To be honest I never felt so great about re-enacting until now. Ed's words were just the dose of medicine I needed and I'll never forget them.

barcelonablom wrote:
But don't quote me but Ed Pepping answered back about re-enactors.

Here is that clip that Rich is referring to.....