After Action Report: Staunton River Bridge

Dragoons,

Myself (along with my mount) and new recruit, Trooper Jonathan, proudly represented the 2nd US for the one day event. Friday night we were privileged to camp at the fort above the bridge where so many "old men and young boys" held off union cavalry from taking it June 25, 1864.

Once again, being on an actual battlefield was surreal and the fact that 158 years ago the battle occurred on a Saturday was even more of an impact. The irony was that we two were the only Federals present and camping among Confederate infantry and artillery, but we still were able to gain access to the fort that, 158 years ago, the 2000 troopers of the Federal Cavalry could not.

Our day's event included attending the metals and wreath laying ceremony at the fort monument, talking to people as they came into camp, as well as a demo. Even with a cavalry of two, our demo consisted of talking about tack, weapons, and guidons. We showed mounted and dismounted firing at the same time. I even got a saber charge in.

Mentioned in this dispatch is my horse, Mystery. It was the first time being on the line overnight by himself and he called out only once, perhaps hoping the artillery guys brought a horse with them. And before the demo when people were arriving, he neighed out several times as if to say "FORM COMPANY". "WHERE IS EVERYONE" ! Just doing his duty.

Until we meet again on the fields of honor, I remain, Your Obedient Servant,

Brad E. Thomas

Captain, Commanding

2nd U.S. Cavalry Company A/9th Virginia Cavalry Company D

After Action Report: Gettysburg NPS

Attention Company,

It's with great pride and respect that I relay this report of our recent exploits on the field of honor at Gettysburg, Memorial Day weekend May 27-29, 2022.

What started out to be the possibility of 22 horses in the ranks ended up being less than half that number; ten to be exact. That number decreased even further, to six, during the last demo on Sunday. If you do the math, that's a 73% casualty rate. But those that survived the weekend trudged on and made it noteworthy. It was a collaboration of the 2nd US Co A, the 17th PA, a detachment of Liberty Rangers, and a lone rider that seemed to appear out of the annals of time that gave us our ranks.

Since our honorable Sergeant could not be with us due to something called "the Covid”, or if you are from West Virginia, "the ‘Rona", our esteemed president accepted a field promotion and served as the company's Brevet Sergeant for the weekend. He warned us that he had not led the drill demo in many years, but would do his duty as any good Dragoon would. As the demonstrations progressed, troopers found that a new drill tactic beyond Poinsett or Cooke was in place. In this new version, the trooper had to decipher right from left according to what the Sergeant meant, not what he said, as well as a new command of "sachet" into position for the saber charge.

When all was said and done, it proved to be a very successful event. Comradery and devotion to the hobby prevailed as many visitors enjoyed and were educated on the life and tactics of the 1863 U.S. Cavalry trooper. The demonstrations were well attended and the camp was bustling, especially on Saturday. Topped off with a trail ride to the location of Farnsworth's ill-fated cavalry charge of July 3, 1863 ["worst ground I ever saw"], great food, and excellent discussions around the campfire; Gettysburg NPS did not disappoint.

Mentioned in these dispatches are Lieutenant Scott Womack and Trooper Sam Womack who arrived early to set up the picket line. Trooper Mark Sopko for taking charge on the drill field. Trooper Hank Happy and his eldest daughter Emily who kept us well fed as always. Trooper Dave Mize for his narration talents, and Trooper Norm Hoerer for directing traffic on a busy section of RT 15 near Leesburg so that Trooper Sopko could change a trailer tire on the way back home. I also want to give three Huzzahs to Park Ranger Tom Holbrook for arranging for us to come back year after year to this hallowed ground. Ranger Holbrook announced to the unit that he will be retiring this year. It has been a pleasure to know and work with such a fine public servant.

I look forward to riding with you in the future.

Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant,

Brad E. Thomas

Captain, Commanding

2nd U.S. Cavalry Company A/9th Virginia Cavalry Company D

After Action Report: Sailor's Creek/High Bridge Living History

Dragoons,

 I would be remiss if on the first event of the season, I failed to give you my first AAR as the unit's newly elected captain.  But as the saying goes, the cavalry arrives just in the nick of time. 

Even with its sparse number of mounted troopers we made it up with boots on the ground.  In fact, we had more boots on the ground then we had in the saddle.  Sailor's Creek had a mild attendance during the day, but we made due and were able to muster up small crowds for two demos.  Mentioned in these dispatches is a heartfelt gratitude to Dave Mize, Mike Riggleman, and our new recruit hopeful Jonathan Betancourt for carrying out the narration for the demos with tag team precision. Thank you gentlemen for your expertise in making living history special for the park guests.

 At High Bridge on Sunday, our ranks whittled down to two; Corporal Frankie and yours truly.  However, a crowd (estimated over 30+) were waiting for us when we arrived.  One guest was even at Sailor's Creek the day before and asked "where are the rest of the troops?"  At which I duly responded, "We've been driving Bobby Lee since Petersburg and it was a hard fight yesterday.  Some of our numbers were pulled to the rear to recoup and recover."  Which is not too far from the truth.  We gave one in depth demo that was entertained with some very intriguing questions.  Those in attendance were engaging and interested throughout.  After the demo, Corporal Frankie headed home, but I stayed on another hour riding the trail to the high bridge interacting with park guests there and back again.  All the while Mystery was neighing to his buddy Eagle realizing he was accomplishing this final mission on his own.  

It's been an honor serving as your captain on the field. Looking forward to Gettysburg NPS memorial day weekend. 

Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant

Brad E. Thomas

Captain, Commanding

2nd U.S. Cavalry Company A/9th Virginia Cavalry Company D