GWA NOMINATIONS
CHRIS RUFF For GWA President
A little about myself...
I started reenacting in 89 and have since branched out into multiple time-periods. I'm of the mindset that reenacting is a strictly volunteer hobby and should be worth while and fun. For me a major part of the fun is trying to get it right and portray the past to the best of my ability. If I look like I stepped right out of a photo from 1918, then I am happy! A major reason why I am running for President of the GWA is to better shape the world of WWI Reenacting for those that take it seriously.
Some of the issues that I am aware of are:
1. Authenticity: One thing I always keep in mind throughout the course of my Reenacting weekend is the constant presence of non-period anachronisms, one cannot travel either the trench site or the roads behind without encountering inappropriate/FARB Items. I have heard complaints of generators and power tools running during the events as well. Fixing this starts at the individual and unit level. We have the advantage of a great wealth of original photos and extant artifacts from the time. People can do without any modern intrusions for the duration of the event. To do otherwise is disrespectful to everyone else. Bottom line leave the FARB at home, you don't need it!
2. Recruitment: More effort could be made to recruit younger, progressive minded folks into the hobby. WWI is a period that holds great appeal for the Military History enthusiast. Inexpensive and authentic uniforms are more affordable than ever before.
3. Horse and Wagon: There is a motion to bring back the Horse and Wagon as a means to transport supplies from the parking lot to the site. I am in support of this effort! Funds from event registration can be used to pay for this service. This deserves a serious look into because it can really add to the event. The horse and wagon teams, perhaps two to three would encourage the exclusion of non-period vehicles behind the lines and through no man's land. These guys might even consider wearing a cap or overcoat, period attire if we provide it.
4. Event fees:We spend a great deal of time and effort toward this hobby. Some of us spend a lot of money to assemble an impression. We all travel long distances to get to the site so why not get a break at the gate? The current event fee is $25.00. Perhaps this can be lowered to $15.00-$20.00. This could be worth looking into.
5. Site improvement: I think that the site has a great deal to offer and people get out of the site what they put into it. We can all make the effort to clean the site of anachronisms. Non-period trash should be cleaned up to include plastic grenade trash. Defoliation is also a priority. I will look into better ways to burn off vegetation in prepping the site for events.
6. Stability for the GWA: The Newville site has been used for a variety of other events to include WWII and Vietnam. The site has also been used as a setting for film productions. Perhaps we can explore options to bring different projects to the site that would generate revenue to support the GWA.
7. Pyrotechnics: We should also consider the inclusion of pyrotechnic effects and displays to enhance a realistic WWI setting, funding this can be done from within the hobby/in house at cost of supplies. The presence of safe but realistic ground charges and explosions can add immensely to everyones battle event.
I thank you for your consideration as president of the GWA.
Chris Ruff
IR124
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