February, 20005

NCO's and Officers of the 2nd Needed for "School of the 
Soldier" Event at Mukwonago High School 

Gentlemen:

On Friday, April 29th, the Mukwonago High School students 
taking the American Civil War class have been offered the 
opportunity to engage in drill out on the school's practice 
fields for about two hours rain or shine. The event has been 
approved by the Mukwonago Area Schools and will actively run 
from 11:50 AM until 1:50 PM that day,provided I can find a few 
drill instructors. The active drill would be canceled only in 
the event of severe weather that threatens the welfare of 
participants. Otherwise, we will drill even in a steady rain. 


What we are lacking are two or three officers or enlisted 
personnel of the 2nd to assist us in conducting the basic 
drill. The event will conclude in time for any soldiers to 
travel to and attend an event in the region scheduled for that 
weekend. 

What is contemplated is for the three classes of 20 or so 
students to receive instruction in drill just as new recruits 
would (without muskets). They have been conveniently divided 
into three companies: A, B, and C for their instruction. I 
have a gentlemen who will do a Provost Marshall impression. I 
would be out there in period dress. It would be great to also 
have three or four muskets available so that we could also 
have a station where the manual of arms could be reviewed with 
three or four students at a time hefting a real musket. No 
firing of firearms will be permitted however. This is a 
modest event that is geared to having students get a brief 
taste of the life of a soldier. NCO's, officers, or enlisted 
men with a desire to command are wanted. You can also bring 
your gear and give a talk on how soldiers lived in the field. 
I am thinking of having students boil some coffee and eat a 
little hardtack and salt pork too. If you so desired we may 
even be able to have you make camp the night before on school 
grounds. 

If you are interested in participating in this living history 
event, with very enthusiastic students who have elected to 
study the Civil War Era, please let me know as soon as 
possible.
Your presence there would be greatly appreciated. The 
students are all 11th and 12th graders

Thomas Sobottke AKA Smlin' Sam Wilkeson
Mukwonago High School

P.S. You can contact me at the high school at 262-363-6200 or 
simply e-mail me at home at ekttobos@sbcglobal.net 
February 7th, 2005

Hey Gary,
Little bit of a news flash.  I've been transferred to a unit out of the
Carolinas in the 81st RRC, the 391st Engineer Battalion B Co. this is a combat
light unit so it looks like I'm goanna be humping my stuff everywhere.  I'm
headed to Afghanistan in the mountains someplace, with the 17th Airborne
Division.  right now I'm in the Carolinas waiting to go to Fort Bragg to
prepare for my trip.  

No body knows what we will be doing, (which means they
probably know but wont tell us.)  I'm really going to miss everybody and the
skirmishes.  if I don't get my orders extended I should make it home for
Boscobel 2006.  They have me put up in a Microtel for now but in a couple
days we're moving to Fort Bragg.  I'll try to keep you posted with what's
going on the best I can.
essayons
Spc. Barbour, Matthew T.

PS hopefully I can cash in on that $27 million bounty on Bin Ladens head!!!
doubt it but I'm trying to stay optimistic!