Waiting on the Storm

It was not long after I had joined Cooper’s that they became a second family to me. They are a close-knit unit that is ready to help at the drop of a pin. I like this picture of my Lieutenant and I because it shows the other side of reenactors that many people do not see. Yes we do go out and make our noise and blow out a bunch of smoke, but as soon as we return to camp, it’s like a vacation. At that point, we are a bunch of friends talking, laughing, and having a good time. When night comes, we all sit around a campfire and tell stories of past events, old friends, and funny stories. Sometimes a few of the musicians in the group will get together and we will play songs in the background. This is why I love reenacting. People on the outside can see a bunch of guys that go out and play with their “fake” guns and shoot “fake” rounds, but few can really see the camaraderie that we really share. Not many people outside of the reenacting community can understand the bond that we share, even with reenactors that we do not know. If there is one thing that I really wanted to express by this picture, it is a hope that you will one day go to a reenactment and not only enjoy the sights and sounds of the battle, but also wait around and visit the camps. Trust me, reenactors love seeing spectators walk through the camps, and when you do, you will be able to see everything that we do outside of fighting that is period correct. This photo was taken at the McClure Bean Soup Festival just before the battle began. I was to portray a scout and was ready in full uniform, while the Lieutenant was going to command the gun and had some time to get ready yet.