Hello,

I am interested in Federal infantry mainstream-progressive. I don’t really want to get in the mix with politics, just good folks with good mindset. I am located in Eastern Ky, and I am looking for a unit in that area or close in Ohio or W.Va.


I hope this is the right place to put this. A friend of mine sent me here because he said there is little to none of the us vs. them mentality here. From what I have been reading he was right. This seems to be a great place to start. I have been reading on other forms and the Mod Squad here seems to be on the ball.

Thanks,
Robbie Weiss

Robbie, thanks for the kind words. Hopefully someone here can help you out, I am sure that there are any number of units in your neck  of the woods that would fit the bill. I'm in Florida so I am not able to help but wish I could. Anybody out there have a suggestion?

Quote :

cwjunkie1969 wrote : Hello, I am located in Eastern Ky, and I am looking for a unit in that area or close in Ohio or W.Va. Thanks, Robbie Weiss

Oh Ken.

Are you out there?  

Of course I am!  

Robbie, though I don't participate with them as much as I use to, you can click on the link on my signature for the 6th Ohio.  It is primarily based out of Cincinnati.  I am still the recruiting officer for the unit, so if you have a question let me know. It's a fine group of people who lets the politics just float on by.

Quote :

I am interested in Federal infantry mainstream-progressive.

Robbie,

Just to be a rivet counter for a moment, the term "mainstream-progressive" is nice, but it tends to leave out the the two steps between mainstream and progressive. These would be "authenticist" and "campaigner."  Truthfully, "progressives" have graduated from one of these two (or both) before moving upward.  

Considering your geography, don't forget to take a glance at Tennessee. Good luck in your search.

Robbie,

Where in E. Ky? I live in Morehead and have a farm in Fleming County. I would say your best bet would be the 6th OVI as posted by Ken. Most of the units in Ky are Confederate. Not sure about W.Va., but there is the 6th OVI, 51st OVI, and 7th Ky. They are, I think, considered mainstream. There are also campaigner type messes in the area, Lexington being the closest. As Charles suggests there is a Fed infantry unit in Tenn, but cant place it right now.

As an aside, Ken is a great guy; he will help you all he can, as I am sure most on this forum will.

Hello! Glad to have the help guys. Thanks Ken and all. Charles, sorry I am still learning the lingo. I want to start out mainstream and progress to the campaigner/hardcore type (if I can cut the musturd). Chris, my email is cwjunkie1969@yahoo.com, shot me an email. I live out side of Flemingsburg on 32 on the Morehead side. I was thinking west Virgina would be closer or Ironton. Cinci is so damned crowded it takes an hour to drive around once you get there! But I am open to anything right now.

Thanks,
Robbie

Robbie,

Some sage advise if I may. If you are wanting to atend the more campaign type events, plan that from the start. Even if you start with mainstream events, build your impression based on what you want to do. Begin with a lot of research, know what it is you want to portray, read soldiers accounts, know your history and the history of the event. I would advise you to look in the C/P/H folder at the C/P/H 101 thread from a month or two ago. if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

The 6th would be good if you want to head west, while the 91st OVI has members in Southeastern Ohio.

Bernie, is that you?

Welcome to the Outpost...I'm your oderley  .  

--Last edited by Ken Cornett on 2007-08-14 16:36:14 --

For goodness sake, don't buy anything until you fing a unit!!!!!!

"Fing," my God "fing." Can I spell or what?

FIND

Freaky-Deaky Dutch

I believe if you plan to eventually go the campaigner side, then DO NOT start with the mainstream side. I realize most of us started that way, but it only delayed the inevitable for us.  Plus, you may be brainwashed and your mind poisoned by the mainstream unit you join. They will tell you what a bunch of stitch nazis we are and lure you in with cold beer and pop tarts.
I know I am joking here, but I am really not.

Jim

Jim,

There is more truth in that than most realize, and a number of good folks tend to opt out of the FMA world and plunge right in.

Quote :

Ken Cornett wrote : Bernie, is that you? Welcome to the Outpost...I'm your oderley  .

I'm really, really hoping you mis-spelled "orderly"....
John Buker will be coming with me for his first campaigner; the sucker has been marching better than ten miles a day to get ready.

Why yes I did.  That can happen just before bedtime.  

When I received the Outpost registration update, it had John listed as Bukes.  I did not put two and two together.  Great, I'm glad to here it.  Mess No.l needs as many fellow Ohioans in our company as possible!  And maybe a lad or two from King of Prussia, PA.  

With the spelling on this thread, Robbie will figure we aren't qualified to discuss the weather, let alone reenacting!

As the resident "Streamer" around here, I've got a different take on picking an unit. First of all, CPH reenacting isn't for everyone. Some people really enjoy a beer around the campfire with their friends at the end of the day. Not everyone in the Hobby wants to live the life of a Civil War soldier for an entire weekend. Nothing wrong with that and nothing to be ashamed of. The only shameful thing is to lie to yourself or others about your style of reenacting. By the same token, I think every reenactor should at least try an authentic event. The "Stitch Counters" won't bite and you just might find you actually enjoy living on what you can carry for a weekend.

If I were looking for a unit today, I'd look for one that allows you the opportunity to try a mix of events. Either because they attend a variety of events themselves or have no problem with their members attending events as individuals. You'll notice that most CPH events require individual registrations anyway, so your unit membership usually isn't a major problem.

I would also recommend you look for a unit that requires a high level of authenticity in their member's individual kits. First, because it suggests the unit is serious about the Hobby. Second, a reasonable kit and a good attitude will get you accepted at almost any event you'd like to attend, anywhere on the authenticity spectrum.

Last, and most important. It's your Hobby and your weekends. Take some time and figure out what works for you. Oh yeah, and like everybody else said, don't rush out a buy a bunch of stuff you'll regret later.    

Thanks for the help guys. Don’t worry about the spellin Bill, as I ain’t no gennis myself. I did WWII for a few years. Politics was a bitch. Chris and I have been emailing and I am thinking about the 6th from what he says they have a little for every one. I was impressed that they have guys from both sides. I did some reading on the AC and I don’t know about thet stuff. Not to knock it but Bill I like the idea of sitting the fence and playing where I see fit. Chris told me the same as you guys… don’t by a thing! I thought that getting my WWII gear was expensive! I guess it is all relative. It seems that I have a bit more thinking about to do but I am still highly interested.

Thanks for your help and bear with me.
Robbie

Robbie,

Just to reaffirm what Ken has already said I joined the 6th Ohio in January of this year (2007) and I've enjoyed the comradery that doesn't make the new guy feel like the new guy or stick out as the a fresh fish.

At 56, I'm considerably older than most of the members (although I'm only an hour older than our Captain I've discovered and there are a few of us older guys)but everyone has been great.

My only regret is that I didn't start doing this when I was a whole lot younger and in much better shape.