TheCleburne
Newspaper of the 33rd Alabama Volunteer Infantry Regiment

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2008 In Review

           

   Father Time has again claimed a year, and Baby New Year has arrived with hope renewed.  Here is a quick look at 2008 taken from memory and AAR’s.  January held the Unit meeting, officers and NCO’s were elected.  T-shirts went on sale, and another successful raffle was held.  Most of all it was good to see all our friends and some feel as if they were family.  We were annoyed that Thomas Bowers would miss Selma by a few days, but were excited that he would return from his tour in Iraq. 

 

   February came and brought Olustee, FL.  All had a good time, and we learned a few things too.  We learned that Col. Zeckman of the 125th OVI realized what great singing voices we had.  We learned that some could not sit on their stools and that eyeglasses will break if you fall face first to the ground off said stool.  We also learned how many bottles a 13-gallon trash bag can hold. 

 

   March brought us to Gainesville, AL where we were posted in defense of BBQ Headquarters.  Our illustrious Captain was detailed out on other duties, and the Lieutenant was nowhere to be found, so command went to our new 1st Sgt. Aaron Parsons.  Hasn’t even done 1st Sgt. duties yet and already commanding us.  Aaron did a wonderful job even with the “advice” of some yahoo that was out to take over the entire battle and made himself eligible for the Useless Mess in one fair swoop.  We had rain, we had snow, we had BBQ, we had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun.  Oh yeah, Jason picked up another son in the process, at least I think he was Jason’s since he hung around Jacob so much. 

 

   Some say April brings showers, but to us it brings Selma.  A great time is always in the works for Selma.  This year a school day presentation was given to the men in the way of geography.  An in depth lesson on the better parts of Scotland was given by our own Daryl Masters.  I missed it, but saw the aftermath and know it was a very informative class.  The best was yet to come that same evening in the unveiling of the first cannon shipped from the Selma munitions factory in front of city hall.  We were told it was a great ceremony.  Mr. Fred’s is always a good time and is not complete without a rendition of the Logger Song.  The battles went well, the ball was awesome, and the cemetery ceremony as always was touching. 

 

   I missed Resaca, but the best thing about it was the return of Thomas Bowers.  A low country boil was made and enjoyed by all.  That seems to be the biggest thing that happened in Georgia that weekend. 

 

   Off for the summer since those uniforms are hot. 

 

   September brought us Chickamauga.  I think most of us thoroughly enjoyed this event even if the “Blue Fairy” made his revenge; thank God I was pulling guard duty.  Great weather, good friends, wonderful scenery, what more can you ask for.  We got to do a night fire and see and execution, good stuff.  Yankee Dave joined us from Chicago-land; it’s always nice to see him. 

 

   Next the big tractor show in the sprawling metropolis of Shelby, Alabama.  What can you say about Shelby?  It is so laid back it is beyond words. Not that it isn’t a good time; it’s just laid back.  Great vittles made just for us.  A shadow movie show on the side of a tent, a dram or two taken in, what fun! 

 

   Tallassee is usually a good time.  Numbers this year were very low; maybe due to the change in date, it was Halloween after all.  Pukin’ McPumpkin made an appearance, as did Mini Rambo.  An amazing chili was made by the Useless Mess, another Scottish geography lesson given and an appearance by the Old One completed a great weekend. 

 

   Franklin as usual was the last event of the year.  Andrew wasn’t able to make it but I’m sure will be there next year.  Since I’ve never been able to make this event I don’t have a lot to report.  I’m disappointed to miss the Pig and the big show in Nashville. Maybe next year, eh? 

 

   A lot gets accomplished by us few.  We do our best to make history come alive for those who will listen.  Somewhere out there we touch people’s lives.  It may be one of us who changes a young person’s life by what we say or the time we take to bring authenticity to our hobby.  Our future lies within the children, keep that in mind.  Use that as a driving force when you consider not coming to an event.  You never know what opportunity you may miss by not going.  That is the year in review.