ACWA Canidate statemants
for 2011 positions
 Richard Gray for ACWA Vice President, 2011 Greetings Ladies and Gentlemen of the ACWA, My name is Richard Gray and I would like to announce my candidacy for the position of ACWA Board Vice President. Throughout the years of my involvement with the ACWA I have seen the ebbs and flows of numbers within the different battalions and the civilian corps of the ACWA. It is my intent, if elected to continue to foster the love of history, with the family environment and fun that has been and continues to be the guiding spirit and attraction to so many of our members. As a direct result of the efforts of past board members, we are amongst the elite in our hobby. If elected, it is my desire to assist the 2011 board members in expanding on our past achievements in order to maintain our coveted position in the forefront of this wonderful hobby. My family and I have enjoyed our involvement with the ACWA and continue to meet new friends every day. It is because of our desire to preserve and protect this unique asset of ours that I here-in announce my candidacy. Although I may not have met you all, I will continue to strive to do so. Thank you. Your Comrade in Arms Richard Gray |
 Charles Rhodes for President , ACWA 2011 Greetings All: My name is Charles Rhodes and I am candidate for the office of President. First, my apologies for not being at the Nevada City event to do my "stumping" in a more traditional manner. A death in my family required my presence elsewhere that weekend. For the past five seasons I have been better known as the Map Maker for the Confederate Brigade, Kindly Ole Major Rhodes. Most of my maps have been done for the Brigade and my re-enactor buddies. Occasionally, I have been known to do one or two for my Yankee brethren here and there. In other service, I have served as Adjutant to Colonel Bowman for two seasons, and at the same time as Assistant Safety Officer. It's been a distinct honor for me to serve in both capacities. I have always had a keen interest in our nation's history in general, and more specifically in the Civil War. In recent years, my wife Donna and I have traveled to Mechanicsville, Gains Mills, Cold Harbor, Yorktown, the Shenandoah Valley and Gettysburg to see the actual places where this conflict took place. Whether by design or by coincidence, our events take place in areas that very faithful to those original battlefields. Do we get it right, our battles? As one who has "seen the elephant" in Southeast Asia , I can tell you unequivocally, yes we get it right. The clubs' Civilians, the Union and the Confederates all combine their talents and impressions to make an experience that is almost palpable. For me this something I would like to see grow and expand, and would push for at every opportunity. So with your permission and your vote, I would like to continue my service to the Brigade and the entire club as well. I shall be at Fresno , and welcome you all to my tent. Please feel free to stop by to say hello, share your thoughts or ask me a question. I also plan on wandering around our camps and doing some belated "stumping". I look forward to seeing you there. Respectfully submitted, Charles Rhodes |
 Robert W. Garbisch for President , ACWA 2011 Greetings to one and all members and friends of the ACWA. I have been asked to once more step up to serve this fine organization as your elected President. I welcome this opportunity to serve our club. As one of the original Founders, my wife Linda and I have witnessed the growth and setbacks that our club has experienced over the years. We have been truly blessed with many fine, outstanding members who share a true love and devotion for honoring our American Heritage, especially for that very challenging time for our young nation ~ the American Civil War. It is my sincere desire to enlist the talents and skills of other Board members who share with me the concept of working all together as a team for the greater good of our membership. I believe it is our Board's duty to work towards that common goal of insuring that all of our events are made a safe and enjoyable environment for reenacting our personal passion for Living History. Your continued support and active participation are so very vital to the continued success and future growth of this club. We need to encourage other clubs to please feel welcome to come join us at any of our sponsored events. In return, we should strive to return the favor by going to their sponsored events and thus give active support for the success of their event whenever possible. I wish to THANK YOU for your vote and trust in me to serve you and this club as best as I can. Robert W. Garbisch |
 Mary Bowman for Secretary , ACWA 2011 I, Mary Bowman, have been the Secretary of this wonderful club for the past year as well as the membership Co-coordinator. In this position I have attended every board meeting to take the minutes of actions taken by the 2010 board. I did make a motion to change the policy of when the minutes are released to the general membership. This change has made it possible for you to know what will be discussed at the next meeting. I have worked very hard to keep all members paperwork up to date and quickly return their cards once the application is completed. There has been some concern that my actions of questioning the club's ball expense as not supporting the club. I wish to answer this concern from other board members point blank. When the club spends 6 thousand plus dollars for an event, and only 100 plus or minus members of a club with a 745 attendance, this appears to be a possibly unwise expense. We should research to discover why this event has become a club loss. I think the attendance speaks volumes of the membership’s wishes. If the majority of the membership wants changes, so that more people will attend, then we as a board need to address it. I would be honored to represent the club on the board for the 2011 season. So at this time, please remember my name when you vote in the coming elections for next year, Mary Bowman for ACWA Secretary. PLEASE REMEMBER TO REGISTER EARLY FOR THE NEXT YEAR! It will make the membership and card process smoother for the next year. Thank you, Mary Bowman ACWA 2010 Secretary |
 Doug Erickson for Federal Battalion Commander , ACWA 2011 Greetings Ladies and Gentlemen of the ACWA, My name is Douglas Erickson and I am running for the position of Union Commander. I have been an active member of ACWA for 6 years . During my tenure I have been a proud and loyal member of the 69th New York Irish Brigade. Since joining the 69th I have held the rank of Cpl., 1st Sgt and have been the Captain for the last 5 years. As captain I have worked diligently to recruit and increase the ranks. I have participated throughout California in many reenactments, and school programs to increase the awareness of our amazing hobby! I also had the honor of participating in the 145th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. I am particularly interested in helping people to understand that our hobb y is one in which everyone is welcome. I have appreciated how accepting everyone is of everyone else, small children are called into the cadet corps, and those who may have other challenges are always provided a place in the ACWA. It is truly a family oriented hobby thatI am proud to be a part of. I have learned much during my time with the Union Brigade. I have had the honor of serving under our esteemed Colonels and learned many things. I also have many ideas to continue improving the Union Brigade. I have always had an open door policy when it comes to decision making, I would bring that same form of communication to the Union Command. Everyone’s ideas should be heard; not all will always be implemented but through continued collaboration and idea sharing we can proceed forward, making the Union Brigade strong! Many people make up the Union Brigade therefore; many people should have the opportunity to have their input recognized. I desire to do that. Thank you for casting your vote for me, Douglas Erickson, for that of Union Commander. Your Most Humble Servant Capt. Douglas J Erickson |
 Chris Bowman for Confederate Brigade Commander , ACWA 2011 Greetings to the members of the ACWA Confederate Brigade; I’d like to take this opportunity to announce my intention to run for Colonel of this fine Brigade. Over the last few years we have experienced a huge growth not seen in the history of this Brigade, which now stands at 345 members. With this growth we have been able to still keep this command as it should be one of family, friends and good times. If I am elected to return as your commander, know that I pledge to always have the members of the ACWA Confederate Brigade best interest in mind, whether it be on the battle field, around a campfire or at a board meeting. I have had the honor to command this brigade for the past 2 years and I humbly ask for your vote in the upcoming election to continue commanding this Brigade. Regards, Colonel Christopher A. Bowman Commanding ACWA Confederate Brigade |
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Richard Gray for Federal Battalion Executive Officer, 2011 My name is Richard Gray and I would like to announce my candidacy for the position of Federal Battalion executive officer. In filling this position for the past year under the leadership of Lt. Col. Thomas Bispo, I have learned many things and I believe I have contributed in some ways to a very successful 2010 season. I feel that due to the efforts of all the staff and participants this year, we (ACWA) are the standard by which other clubs will be measured. I hope to work with the incoming commander and offer him benefit of my past years experience. In a time of ever-declining enlistments, we are bringing on new members at every event. My family and I have been involved with the ACWA and loyal to the Union cause since our initial enlistment and will continue to do so. I wish to continue to foster the family spirit which is one of the principals that makes the ACWA unique in an ever- changing field of reenacting clubs. We are very fortunate in that we are amongst an elite few that offer this opportunity to learn, play and educate people as a family. Although I may not have met you all, I will continue to strive to do so if elected, either on the field or as I walk the line of companies each night. Thank you. Your Comrade in Arms Richard Gray |
 Brian O'Rourke for ACWA Vice President, 2011 I have served the ACWA as President. Vice President, and briefly Secretary. I have represented corporations for most of my 25 years of legal practice. In addition I have served in all the ranks and commanded a regiment in the Union Brigade. I helped start the Roaring Camp School Days and have coordinated numerous events. I believe we need to have one more event in the mid-July to med-August time frame and will work towards that goal. Brian |
 Bob Preston for Treasurer, ACWA 2011 Greetings to all members of the ACWA. My name is Bob Preston, the current ACWA Treasurer. I have been with club for over seven years in the Confederate Brigade. I have retired from my job as a Deputy Sheriff after 26 years and from the Army Reserve after 35 years. I have served the club as an Event Coordinator for Knight’s Ferry, and as the Treasurer. It is my intent to run again for the position of ACWA Treasurer for 2011. During this last year as the Treasurer, we have updated our accounting software to meet the current demands of our club. This has helped with past issues of the old software. I’m also working with an accountant to improve our record keeping and to correct problems from the past. This process will also make it easier to maintain records and file taxes in a timely manner. I will continue to provide a Treasurer’s report, as seen in the club newsletter for the membership to review. I have worked to have all the units aware of unit funds and have made the funds available. I would like to see all units take control of unit funds. I will continue to look for ways to improve our club and keep the membership informed. I have the honor in serving the membership, and will continue to do so if re-elected. Thank you for your support and your vote! Respectfully, Bob Preston ACWA Treasurer |
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Pictured to the left is Private Jon Colburn who will be counting the ballots for the officers, 2011! |
