Cavalry and Scout Club

Thanks ...

The Club would like to thank the following for their help on the recent Staff Ride:

LTC(R) James Ryan. LTC Ryan provided personal assistance to the club by identifying and coordinating for local historians and hosts at each of the Club’s stops. LTC Ryan not only placed us in contact with historians, but personally volunteered to escort the Club on the first day of the staff ride. As a PhD and historian himself, he added significant depth to the interpretation of events. Additionally, LTC Ryan generously donated Civil War books and memorabilia to the Department of Military Instruction’s Library. 

Mr. Chris Calkins. Mr. Calkins, the National Park Service Historian for the Petersburg National Battlefield, volunteered over 12 hours of time during the preparation and execution of the staff ride. During the preparation phase, Mr Calkins recommended routes, stops, and script editing to ensure learning objectives were met. On the 22nd of April, Mr. Calkins provided 5 hours of detailed analysis and commentary as the Club traveled the route from Petersburg to Five Forks Battlefield. Additionally, Mr. Calkins coordinated to have a full cavalry horse and weapons demonstration for the Cadets at Five Forks. 

Mr. Douglas Powell. Mr. Powell, a historian and member of the Board of Directors for the Staunton River Battlefield Commission, was instrumental in coordinating our visit to South Boston Virginia, and the battlefield. He coordinated restaurants, meeting rooms, press coverage, as well as serving as our host and guide in South Boston. Mr. Powell took it upon himself to conduct reconnaissance of our route, as well as provide detailed directions and scripts for each stop on the route. Mr. Powell knowledge of the battle and Civil War history was a significant contribution that greatly enriched the Cadets’ experience. If we had any problems on our trip, Mr. Powell was there to fix them.

MG(R) Carroll Thackston. General Thackston is the former Adjutant General of the Virginia National Guard and currently Mayor of South Boston. On behalf of the people of South Boston, he welcomed the cadets to his community. At every stop, they were graciously welcomed and included. At both the dinner on the 22nd and breakfast on the 23rd, he, along with numerous community families and veterans were present to thank the Cadets for their service. They did not have to do this, but did so to make the Cadets’ stay warm and friendly.