Announcement

**Huntzman** · 05-18-2007, 10:53 AM

Surely there must be other collectors who share this interest.

Andrew

**Stroodle** · 05-20-2007, 07:08 AM

Huntzman:

Email sent regarding re-enacting units.
Stroodle

**Huntzman** · 05-20-2007, 07:29 AM

Stroodle

Thanks, I had also sent you a PM after seeing your re-enactment photo thread. I am waiting for the e-mail to come through.

Andrew

**JPhilip** · 05-20-2007, 07:43 AM

Hello Andrew,
you reached retirement and you want to reenact ?
No disrespect at all, but you are retired from some kind of special job or from the army and you're still quite young i guess...?

**Huntzman** · 05-20-2007, 08:12 AM

No disrespect taken.

I know that probably does sound strange. But yes, I am still fairly young and can still go head to head with my two teen boys so I figure I still have a little "fight" left in me.

Andrew

**JPhilip** · 05-20-2007, 08:17 AM

Hello again,
Why not reenacting as an officer or an "Alte" experienced NCO ?
good luck to you and your sons for the battles to come !

**Huntzman** · 05-20-2007, 08:36 AM

Well, I'm honestly not sure how it works, but I wouldn't think that you can start as an officer. Even in re-enacting there must be some criteria for "enlistment & advancement". Otherwise, I could see the battlefields streaming with 75 Generals & Feldmarshalls and a handful of Obersch******252;tze's.

That is why I was hoping that some others who are already involved in re-enacting would be able to help with some information and suggestions.

Andrew

**JPhilip** · 05-20-2007, 08:46 AM

yes, i once heard that some reenactors units had a system of advancement based on "how long you've been reenacting in the unit" and "how serious was your involvement during your reenacting time", something like that. But, if you don't choose one of these WSS Elite reenactor group, advancement should be fast. Personaly, i think that someone who wants to reenact as a general or generalfeldmarshall would be totally wrong, as those stayed at the rear, while Obersch******252;tzen were on the line. i guess this is the same for the reenactors groups.

**Ardennes** · 05-20-2007, 08:58 AM

Hello Andrew -

Sorry for not replying earlier - I've been swamped.

I'm a member of an FJ reenacting unit that spreads from Kansas to Indiana, with the bulk of our member from Illinois. We have a fair spread in ages from 22 to 54...with a running joke that someday soon one of our squads will have to change from FJ to Volkstrum.

Most units have no problem with age and adjusting an impression to better represent the individual..this is easier as most events are late war in theme. As a collector, there is no doubt you'll bring some information to the unit as well as a basic understanding of the WW2 era German history. This is very helpful to both the new recruit and the unit.

Physical demands vari with the event with public displays being low and easy going, to tacticals with more demands placed on the individual. If you can keep up with 2 teenagers, you'll do just fine in the field. Several of the best and most hard-charging reenactors I know are "around" retirement age.

Unit and event wise you are in an excellent location. Stroodle's unit is one of the best organized units out there with a long history and established structure. There are also various Heer and Luft units as well. Luftwaffe wise in Illinois, there is FJR1 (fallschirmjager - my unit) throughout the state - a Herman Goring Flak unit up north - and a newer forming FJ unit around St Louis. Heer wise there's the 352 ID in the St Louis area; 2nd Panzers up North (lots of cool toys), and a GrossDeutschland unit somewhere in between and in Iowa. THere are also several other SS units around the midwest in addition to LAH.

I'd contact the various units and see what their requirements for new members are, maybe visit them at a public event (lots during June and July), and solicit help here, then make a decision of which direction fits you and which individuals were best to hang out with. Reenacting is a lot of fun...I've met some great friends from all over through the hobby..for example, one is in Stroodle's unit and lives 15 minutes away; the other is an FJ and lives in Springfield, IL - and we are as close as brothers - it's a great hobby for those with similar interests.

I'd also like to stress waiting before you buy anything. See what the unit recommends before you spend any money. I've seen guys come us and want to join up after buying a ton of stuff off of ebay because it looks cool and not need half of it and the rest no up to par.

I hope this is helpful - please don't hesitate to ask or pm any questions...I can put you in touch with the other units if you'd like.

Mike

**Huntzman** · 05-20-2007, 09:28 AM

Mike

Thanks so much for the information. That is a great help, and I have actually been in contact with Stroodle off list as well.

I was fortunate enough to retire early (42) and I figure I still have a lot of fight in me. Besides, I figure that towards the end of the war everyone able to carry a rifle was OK, so I should fit in well.

I have been collecting German insignia (predominantly WWII & Post War Police) for over twenty years, and have always been interested in 3rd Reich history, at least as it applies to the police. So I thought this might be a great way to sort of immerse myself. It makes collecting a whole lot more exciting, when you know the meaning behind things.

It was my intent to try and make it to a show. I understand I missed a good one recently down in Jefferson Barracks. Since I don't have much knowledge, I think it is probably a crucial aspect to actually visit a re-enactment.

Oh I know what you mean about the uniforms and I have no intention of buying anything before I know what is requried. There's the "cool" factor, and then there is reality...... and often the two rarely mix. Although I will admit that it is nice to see how most of the units seem to take the authenticity to heart. If your gonna do it, you might as well do it right.

Andrew

**Ardennes** · 05-20-2007, 09:35 AM

Crap Andrew - 42? That's the mean age in our unit!

There's an airshow in Davenport, IA next weekend that should have a good mix of reenactors - one of our guys is going to be there with an airborne display. Also, you can check this site for a semi-complete list of events..

http://www.atthefront.com/events.htm

**Huntzman** · 05-20-2007, 09:39 AM

Mike

Yeah, well I got that retirement from working in NYC for twenty years. I fled west to try and re-connect with my sanity.

I will go and check out the ATF site and see what is coming up. Unfortunately I think my wife has a big Memorial Day bash planned for next weekend, and I'm the chef.

Andrew

**Ardennes** · 05-20-2007, 10:00 AM

oops - got my weekends mixed up, the Davenport event is June 2!

NYC will age you quicker than the midwest, that's for sure!

Good Luck

M

**Huntzman** · 05-20-2007, 10:09 AM

I'll have to look into the Davenport event then. I know Evansville Ind. is having their D-Day even that weekend as well. I was thinking about going to that one.

Yeah, I grew up in NYC, so I was done. I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere out here. Just wish I could get decent pizza !!

Andrew

Announcement

German WWII Reenacting Questions - Central Illinois Area

German WWII Reenacting Questions - Central Illinois Area

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Users Viewing this Thread