Re-enactor Serves in Iraq

Defend America News ^ | Spc. Cassandra Groce

[SandRat]

U.S. Army Spc. James Burnett, a military policeman, patrols with the Iraqi Police in Hawija, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cassandra Groce
U.S. Army Spc. James Burnett
Re-enactor Serves in Iraq
By Spc. Cassandra Groce 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment HAWIJA, Iraq, April 25, 2006 — While most families pass on traditions like grandma’s famous recipe, some households participate in something more unique. Spc. James Burnett, a soldier in the 1st Brigade Combat Team’s Military Police Company, 101st Airborne Division, shares Civil War re-enactments with his family. “My mom got us into it, my little sister, me and my step dad,” said Burnett. “It’s a big family deal.” Burnett has been re-enacting for 17 years now and has started sewing his own clothing. The soldier had fabric and patterns shipped to him, in hopes the sewing project would occupy his free time. However, the project only took him 17 days to complete. “It didn’t take me as long as I thought it would, but I’m really proud of it,” said Burnett. “It’s the first project I’ve done like this, and it turned out pretty well.” Handcrafted costumes are highly regarded in the re-enactment world because they are considered more authentic. Because authenticity is important for the living history actors, this hobby tends to be costly. Historically accurate weapons can run as high as $600 depending on what a person chooses. Because of the costly investment, re-enactors like Burnett’s family invite people to join them at an event. “We’ll take people to events and lend them clothes and weapons just to see if they like it,” explained Burnett. “If they don’t, then they didn’t waste a lot of money on trying it out.” In addition to cost, there is a lot of research involved in being a re-enactor. “I love history,” said Burnett. “I’m a big history buff.” Burnett’s re-enactment unit is the Kentucky Orphan Company, based on a Civil War company that was comprised of stragglers from leftover units. Ironically, the military policeman is a provost marshal in his re-enactment battalion. The provost marshal is basically an MP of the 1860s. Burnett joined the Army in June 2002.	U.S. Army Spc. James Burnett poses in his Civil War uniform. It took Burnett 17 days to make the outfit. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cassandra Groce “I have a lot of family that is military,” said Burnett. “It was always my childhood dream to go to the military, be a big war hero and say I served my country.” When Burnett returns to the states he plans on going to a re-enactment in Perryville, Ky. “I tell everyone all the time I have three families - there is my real family, the military family, and my re-enactment family,” said Burnett.

[SandRat]

ALERT FROM THE LEFT:

Proof there is a Civil-War in Iraq right here!!!!!!!

OOPS!!!

That's Proof there is a Civil-War Re-enactor in Iraq.

The left is still wrong!!!

[Donald Meaker]

So did the Kentucky Orphan Company fight for the rebellion, or for the Union?

[singfreedom]

Kudos and a big thanks to this young man. Not only an effective modern soldier, but, obviously, a great tailor!

Being an amateur seamstress, I find his efforts particularly admirable!

[SandRat]

That's a good question, bet the folks over on VetsCOR could tell ya.

[vetvetdoug]

There were Orphan Brigades from Kentucky and Missouri. When the North took control of those states, the men of Kentucky and Missouri that were fighting for the South became "Orphans" and therefore Orphan Brigades.

[vetvetdoug]

The sleeve badge of the uniform that Burnett is wearing is that of a cavalry captain. The cuff is black which could be used for several branches but his hat has a yellow braid which would indicate cavalry. Kentucky's Confederate Cavalry were noted for their attention to duty and efficiency; many were with Forrest.

[SandRat]

You know more than I.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Kentucky went Union from the beginning, although there were southern units from Kentucky, just like there were Union units from Tennessee.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

And check out this page:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~orphanhm/

[alarm rider]

Reenactor Ping!

To get on my reenactor list, freep mail me.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

I didn't know there was a reenactor list! I need to be on it!

[Paleo Conservative]

Kentucky went Union from the beginning, although there were southern units from Kentucky, just like there were Union units from Tennessee.

I think Lincoln's sending federal troops to Kentucky, Missouri, and Maryland had something to do with their not seceding from the union.

[Donald Meaker]

Ah, what a pity. Confederate unit.

[Donald Meaker]

There were 56 regiments who fought from the Union from Tennessee.

rather a lot!

[Knitting A Conundrum]

I think, without dragging out my history books, that there was a small preference for the Union in Kentucky, and Tennessee, also a split state, had a majority that favored seccession, but a large section that favored the Union - at least at first.

Had lots of ancestral connection to the confederacy...and one multiple great grandfather who lived first in northern TN, then KY, then southern IL, and ended up as a Lieutenant in the Union army. Only one of the whole lot to do that.

[Liberty Valance]

LOL!

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[stand watie]

one wonders if he has gotten a "opposing force member" in the sights of his 1853 Enfield????

if he HAS, BRAVO for HIM!

free dixie,sw