Friends,
 I would like to take a few minutes to express some thoughts for the month of May, and beyond.
This month we had the event at Chancellorsville last weekend. I want to thank all of you that came out and supported the Regt. and the event.  I think the it went exceedingly well. God blessed us with about as perfect of weather as we could get-not a bit of rain. It was nice to fold up dry canvas for a change.
 It was quite a treat to have the opportunity to portray the 1st day's battle of Chancellorsville on the very ground that it happened. This may very well be the only time we get such an opportunity.
But, perhaps with all the positive feedback that we got from spectators, and by the number that came out, perhaps the County supervisors will see that this could be a good thing for the County to do again. We can only hope.
 There are some people I would like to thank here. John Cummings for orginizing this event. John was very good to work with, and put on a good event. I would like to thank Troy, and the rest of the Brigade staff, y'all did an excellent job and made the weekend go very smoothly. The gentlemen from Longstreet's Corps that attended and leant their support to this event did and fine job, and were a pleasure to work with. I hope we can work with them again in the future.
 Lastly and most importantly,  the 3rd Regt. Y'all did a great job as always. Everything that was asked you did, and you once again showed all the characteristics that make you the best in re-enacting. The 3rd's staff did well working without a few of us regulars, and having Tony Meadows and Bill Graham stepping up to fill in, and never missed a beat.
 Now, for the beyond May part. Gettysburg is coming up in the first part of July. It will be hot, there will be boatloads of people there, and there will be chaos to one extent or another, so plan on it.
Make sure if you have newer folks that they look for 3rd Regt., 1st Division ANV. It will help them get in a lot easier than just the Company designation alone. Also, bear in mind there will be a lot of folks coming out that haven't been in the field in quite a while, so make sure everyone is SAFE on the field. That includes drill/safety, and physical conditioning. Make sure your folks are hydrated. Preach taking fluids days before the event, and continuing the fluid intake after y'all get there.
Please take time to either send Doc Peterson an e-mail, or get with him Friday as to any medical conditions you have in your companies. That way he has some background to better assist if the need arrises.
I will not ramble or preach any further, I want to thank you all for your support this season. It has been my pleasure to work with all of you, and I eagerly look forward to our next meeting in the field.
 

Regards,
TJ Bartel
Adjutant 3rd Regt.