GWA NOMINATIONS
SHAWN ROBERTS For GWA Vice President
My name is Shawn Roberts and I am running for the GWA Vice-President.
Like most of you, I have spent the majority of my Great War reenacting career away from the administrative and political side of our organization. This has changed recently with having entered my name for your consideration to serve as the Vice-President of the GWA. It is my belief that I can bring a fresh perspective, relevant experience, and long-term vision to our organization.
Fresh Perspective
I started Great War reenacting in 1995 at the age of 18. I spent my first years in the German ranks until 2001, when I created the 2nd BTN Border Regiment, BEF. Three years ago I was fortunate enough to be asked to serve the BEF as its platoon SGT; followed shortly thereafter as the British/Commonwealth Company Sergeant Major. It is with this increasing responsibility to our members that I have garnered a growing enthusiasm to help lead and improve our organization in the years to come.
I encourage you to talk with some members of the British and Commonwealth units in order to hear their impressions of my efforts to help augment their living history experience and help create a sense of being in military service (while keeping it fun).
Relevant Experience
I have been reenacting since 1994; and have been leading reenacting units since 1997. I believe I understand how diverse, complex, and difficult it can be to satisfy 400 re-enactors.
I was 17 years old when I joined the United States Army where I served four years as an enlisted infantryman. After college I attended OCS and have been an infantry officer ever since. I have been a platoon leader, company commander, and have served on battalion staff in several roles. I believe I can be technically and tactically proficient at leading a military-style organization such as ours.
I am an executive officer of a small multi-location company that operates in nine different counties, and two different States. I have solid experience in risk mitigation, contract law, state/local government interaction, as well as working with a board of directors.
Long-term Vision
I am excited about the future of our hobby. I get thrilled when I talk about our members, our organization, and our traditions to people whom have never been to Newville.
Our members are unique in the world of military reenacting. They are more passionate, more devoted, and more eccentric compared to our re-enacting counterparts. We need to take advantage of this enthusiasm and channel it into improvement projects and site development.
Our organization is unlike any I have seen in the reenacting world. While I think the GWA needs some significant revisions to the by-laws in order to democratize our administration and protect our assets, we have a very robust and cohesive association that has not splintered or failed us terribly. We cannot forget, however, that we are no longer a few hundred people running around the woods wearing wool. We are an association that has significant assets. We must protect those assets as we continue to strengthen and grow. We must listen to what the memberships wants and act on those desires.
Our tradition, speaks for itself. We are envied in the reenacting community as the most authentic and cohesive organization of its kind. But while I might find it interesting on how we conducted business back in 1999, I will not let it stand in the way of improving our hobby in creative and logical ways. We must protect and grow our hobby by keeping it safe, authentic, and pleasurable.
If elected I will work to help accomplish these goals.
Sincerely,
Shawn Roberts
2nd BTN Border Regt.
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