World War II Federation Battle of the Bulge

Axis Kampfgruppe 2009

Deutschen Wehrmacht Lebender Geschichte Truppen,

I am honored to serve again as your Commanding Officer. Thanks to your commitment to excellence and dedication to living history, we have enjoyed success in resurrecting this event to the forefront of reenacting. We continue in 2009 by employing new and innovative techniques to assure an exciting WWII experience unparalleled elsewhere.

Hard times have befallen many of you. The stress of the economic crisis has helped fuel tension throughout our society and we as reenactors are not immune. Remember that and aspire to be the better people that I know you all are.

Planning for the 2009 event actually began during the 2008 event. Countless meetings and communications took place amongst all members of both command staffs. One of the results of those meetings was the increase in the event registration fee. That idea was born amongst the reenactor command staff for the purpose of supporting the hope of an increase in heavy armor participation. While I must regretfully report that the owners of many pieces of heavy armor have elected not to attend, you can rest assured that an increased reimbursement schedule is still in place, funded by a portion of the increase in your registration fees. It remains our hope that, through a dedication to this project, Allied and Axis armor will be attracted to this event now and in the future.

Your living history environment should be better than ever. I encourage every participant to live the part for as much of the event as possible. It is you, individually and by unit, who create the famous "time bubble" we all strive for. If an authentic WWII experience is not what you're committed to...stay home. But, if you believe as I do, come and put forth the effort and live it while you're there.

Work on your impressions. Your barracks impressions are as vital as your personal impressions. Hide or eliminate as much 21st century paraphernalia as possible. Your barracks' WILL be inspected. Respond to this inspection in a military manner. Unit and individual pride should all but eliminate inappropriate conduct and paraphernalia. Units who present themselves properly will reap the benefits of better barracks assignments and authenticity reports. Remember that non-period and unauthentic behavior casts shame upon the individual and the unit. ANY anti-Semitic behavior will be dealt with swiftly and severely.

Carry your soldbuch...you might be asked to produce it. Leave non-period eating and drinking apparel at home. Find and use period style bed linen, food, reading material, music and any other enhancements. Live and entertain yourselves as you would have 65 years ago. Salute your superiors and stand when a lady enters the room. Cherish the opportunity to exhibit honor and respect. You will be proud of yourself and wonder why we still don't do such things today.

Make sure to visit and support our treasure, the Cafe Trois. In case you don't already know, the Cafe is already rich in character, history and mystery. Our proprietors work harder every year to give you yet another unique portal into the past.

Lastly, if you wear rank insignia, honor it and those who wore it for real by accepting the responsibilities of your positions. Take ownership of your roles in both your units and the event as a whole. Finally, use the chain of command...it works.

I look forward to working with you all again in making 2009 the best yet!

Lothar Mihlon

Generalmajor

Wehrmacht Lebender Geschichte Truppen Kommandeur

FIG 2009

Armor assistance chart: CLICK HERE