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Carolina Legion Staff Officer Biographies
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General Jeff Stepp Capt. Dick Armstrong 1st Lt. Jimmy Benson Capt. Harold Majors Capt. Brad Bush
Sgt.Maj. Allen Garris Maj. Richard Pittman Maj. Mike Wenger 1st Lt. Van Seabock Richard Kingston
Capt.Graham Flynt 1st Lt. Jim Taylor Maj. Paul DeSessa 2nd Lt. Keith Sawyer Maj. Dennis Williamson
they were providing a living history weekend at Sharpsburg Maryland, later joining that unit and rising to the rank of Corporal. Tiring of having to keep his mouth shut all the time since a Tarheel could never master nor aspire to cultivate a proper "Brooklyn" accent; he founded, with six others, the 26th Regiment North Carolina Troops in 1981 and became that unit’s first commander, but a passion for the War had already infected him early in life. Jeff’s father, Horace J. Stepp, was a life long student of the Confederacy and a well known collector of Civil War arms and accoutrements. Jeff literally grew up surrounded by relics of the war and tagged along with his Dad on many a jaunt to gun and military shows throughout the South and east coast. Those trips were always interspersed with stops at the great battlefields he had so often heard of and read about. Horace Stepp never missed a chance to share stories with his son of his own great grandfather, Benjamin Taylor, whom he had spent time with when Benjamin was an old man. Taylor had served in Co.F of the 26th NC during the war and had been wounded in the left Achilles tendon at the close of the first day’s fighting at Gettysburg. His company sustained a 100% casualty rate there, but Benjamin lived on until 1929 outliving two wives and all but one of his children. Traveling with his Dad, Jeff has fond memories of attending several Civil War Centennial events - First Manassas in 1961 and Gettysburg in 1963 - proudly wearing his mail order Sears & Roebuck Confederate uniform, and armed with a wooden cap firing three band musket. Even so, the later proved a better impression than most of the participants, many of whom wore gray polyester service station attendant uniforms and shouldered postwar trap door Springfields, or worse yet M1 Garrands! In 1986, with the coming of the 125th anniversary of the war, all infantry units came together in NC to form an organization capable of fielding a battalion. Jeff served as the North Carolina Battalion’s first Lieutenant Colonel, functioning as such during that year’s First Manassas event. Jeff subsequently rose to the command of the North Carolina Battalion serving as its Colonel during the 125th series events at Gettysburg and Chickamauga. At the Gettysburg event he had his first opportunity to serve under General, King in a brigade that represented, respectively, the Texas Brigade and Pettigrew’s NC Brigade during scenarios appropriate to those historical commands. Between 1986 and 1988 he engaged in successful campaigns to obtain federal and state funding to restore the North Carolina monument at Gettysburg and to erect two regimental monuments for the 26th NC on that battlefield as well.
By the end of 1988, the NC Battalion had grown to over 22 units from all over the nation and several foreign countries. Due to the administrative difficulties presented by such a far flung command and concerns from several of the component units who desired more concentration on mastering period drill and protocol, a second battalion was formed with Jeff as its Colonel. With the coming of additional infantry, a section of horse drawn artillery, cavalry, medical and musical components, the 2nd NC Battalion renamed itself The Carolina Legion in 1998. Jeff has commanded the "Legion" since its beginning with subsequent promotion to Brigadier General in 2000 enjoying the opportunity of exercising brigade and divisional commands at a number of large eastern events.
In addition to his reenacting duties Jeff serves on the advisory board of the NC Civil War Tourism Council and as editor of the North Carolina Confederate Burial Locator Project. The later effort has thus far recorded the final resting places of over 24,000 CS soldiers and veterans buried within the State of NC representing men who served in units from every Southern state. When not engaged with "War" business, Jeff is a self employed insurance investigator who, along with his wife Phyllis and their faithful Redbone Coon Hound - General Pender, reside near Hickory, NC enjoying time spent with their three grandsons and the many friends who share their admiration for that remarkable generation of Southerners that answered the call back in 1861.
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Dick Armstrong began his life as a reenactor in October 1987. In August of 1987 he made his second trip to Gettysburg, Pa. with his young 
son Jeremiah. There he learned of the 125th Anniversary of the great battle to be held in 1988. A few weeks after returning home, he found a recruiting poster for Co. D, The Wake Guards, 26th North Carolina reactivated; in his local bookstore. He soon found himself in the ranks as a private soldier. 1988 came and the events grew larger and larger with Gettysburg being the largest that year. What a great time for a father and son to become involved in this great endeavor. After a year or so Dick moved up to Corporal and truly enjoyed that rank better than any he has held. Another couple of years found Dick as the Regimental Ordnance Sergeant. He served in this capacity thru the 90’s; and when the Carolina Legion (of which the 26th NCT was part) was formed he was also the Ord.Sgt of that group. For a few events, he held the rank of Brigade Sgt.Maj. under Brigadier General Jeff Stepp. Finding staff work to his liking and forming a good working relationship with the “General”; Dick was appointed the rank of Captain of Ordnance of Stepp’s Brigade; and has served there to this day.
Through the years Dick has come to love his State and be very proud of the men and women from North Carolina who lived in those perilous times. He has several ancestors who were in the war. Henry W. Armstrong was a private in Co.C, 8th NC State Troops, David A. Buckner was Captain Co. D, 44th Tenn. Inf., Henry D. Ecklin was a 2nd Lt, 14th Regiment NC Militia, Richard A. Cratch was a private in Co.C, 40th NC Troops (3rd NC Artillery). Dick’s father was in the 41st Division in the South Pacific in WWII and his grandfather Joseph A. Buckner was in the 81st Division in France in WWI.
His fondest memories are of watching his son Jeremiah progress from an 8 year old orderly to a fighting private in the ranks of the 26th NCT. Also marching with the regiment from Harpers Ferry to Sharpsburg in one day back in the early 90’s is a proud memory. He will never forget how the whole regiment stood by his son at the 125th Anniversary of Appomattox. He carried Stepp’s Brigade Colors on the third day of the 135th Gettysburg during the Pickett, Pettigrew, Trimble assault. And on several occasions his teenaged daughters Liza Jo and Amanda were able to attend and also found a love of their heritage.
Dick now lives on Roanoke Island, NC, and is employed by Embarq as a Cable/Fiber Optic splicer. He is a long time member of the Colonel William F. Martin Camp, SCV.
He volunteers at schools, the National Park Service, and Roanoke Island Memorial Park. He lives amid his books, firearms, and relics he has dug; rides his Harley and is involved in Cowboy Action Shooting. He is thankful for his reenactment family and for the life long friends he has made. He looks forward to the 150th Anniversary of the War. Hopefully, we all will make it.
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Jimmy Benson was born and raised in Hickory, NC. He attended his first Civil War event at the insistance of his friend, Kip Little. The first 
event he went to was a small, one day affair in March of 1990. Even though the number of troops at the event were minimal, the impact that day had on Jimmy would change his weekends and the majority of his spare time, for the next 10 years.
He immediately enlisted in the 26th North Carolina Troops as a private. In May of 1992, he took the NCO exams and became a 2nd Sgt. For the next few years, he then served as acting 1st Sgt.(the rank he favors the most) until early 1995 when he was asked to be the Sgt.Maj. for the 26th N.C.T serving with then Colonel Jeff Stepp. He served in that capacity until February 2000. Jimmy attended all the major events in the 1990s.
After doing some research of his family tree, he discovered that he had several ancestors that fought in wars thoughout U.S. history. Starting with his ancestor, William Carroll Benson, who served in the N.C. Militia during the American Revolutionary war, he later found William Jones Benson was a 1st Lt. in Co. I, 30th Tennesse Inf. and Joseph Washington Benson was a private in Co. I, 27th Tn. Cavalry. But it was the war record of his great-great grandfather Christopher Columbus "Lum" McClanahan, a private in the 11th TN. infantry(part of the Confederate Irish Brigade), that he joined the Sons of Confederate Veterans. More recently, his maternal grandfather, Clyde Hefner, served with the 82nd Airborn division in WWII.
Jimmy joined the Brig.Gen. James Johnston Pettigrew S.C.V.Camp #1401 based in Lenoir, N.C. and published the camp's newsletter "The Picket Line". After a few years of membership, he became Adjutant, Lt. Commander, and finally Commander of the camp.
In 1993, he started doing WWII reenacting and joined the 1st Infantry Regiment(The Big Red One) based out of Georgia, a unit that he served with during the 50th Anniversary of D-Day, in June 1994. It was at this event, the he and several other North Carolina "boys" wanted to start a WWII unit based out of The Old North State. It was decided amongst those present, the only unit that they should portray was the 30th Infantry Division, nicknamed the "Old Hickory" division, after Andrew Jackson. This division was originally made up of national guard units from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, the three states that General, and later, President Andrew Jackson made his homes.
Around 1995, he also joined a unit portraying a German regiment, and for the next five years, he reenacted 2 wars with 3 different units. So, there was a time that he held the ranks of Sgt.Maj., Sgt., and Panzerobergrenadier at the same time!
Being an avid militaria collector and relic hunter, Jimmy amassed uniforms, helmets, and other acoutrements from all theaters of wars. Eventually he traded most of it off, but kept all of his Civil War gear for that is what is near and dear to his heart. And, in early 2000, he retired from reenacting all together.
After a 3 year courtship, in early 2001 he married the "only woman on the planet that can put up with him", Michelle, a displaced yankee that has adjusted quite well to the beloved South! Several years later in early 2007, he contemplated rejoining the 26th N.C.T. Ironically, it was in that same time frame, that he received an email from General Stepp, asking him if he would once again serve on his staff, this time on that of the Carolina Legion. Jimmy graciously accepted and now has the rank of 1st Lt., Acting Assistant Inspector General for the Carolina Legion. He has also developed and maintains the Carolina Legion website.
Jimmy still lives in NC with his wife Michelle, stepson Josh, and dog-ter Banjo. Jimmy is employed as a Computer Numeric Control (CNC) programmer in Hickory.
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Capt. Harold Majors
Assistant Quartermaster Officer
My interest in the Civil War started when I was a small child. I accompanied my family on many trips to Gettysburg. I can remember looking at all the monuments and wondering what happened here. While I don’t remember all the details of the day, I was present at the 78th anniversary of the 
Battle of Gettysburg. If there’s anyone else who can equal or better that, I’d like to talk to them.
My re-enacting career started with a trip to Camp Marshall in December 1990 with the 26th North Carolina. I officially became a member of the unit on this trip. The first battle I participated in as a re-enactor was at Waxhaw, N.C., in 1991.
Positions and ranks I have held include:
1990-1997 - Private
1997 - Corporal and Camp Guard
Jan. 11, 2000 - Promoted to Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant of the 26th North Carolina and was on the staff of General Stepp.
During 2001 – Also served as administrative commander of Company A of the 26th North Carolina.
Feb. 2003 - Promoted Captain of the Quartermaster Department of the Carolina Legion and continued to serve on the staff of General Stepp.
I addition to my service with the 26th North Carolina, I’ve been a member of the Western North Carolina Civil War Roundtable for the last 10 years.
Highlights of career include marching across the field at Gettysburg along the same route the 26th North Carolina took on the third day of the battle. During part of that march I was honored to carry the flag. I also consider my time as a member of the color guard for the 26th North Carolina an honor and a highlight. Finally, I’m pleased to be able to continue my re-enacting career by serving on the staff of Gen. Stepp.
I’m originally from Washington, D.C., and currently live in Jackson County, North Carolina. For the last 15 years I’ve worked part time as a small engine repairman, in addition to being a full-time husband, father and grandfather and an occasional dog sitter. Family means everything to me; I’m very proud of everyone in my family.
Brad Bush developed an unquenchable interest in the War Between the States at an early age. Although a North Carolinian by birth, as the elder son of two Virginians, he accompanied his parents on many a trip to Virginia battlefields while on side trips to visit relatives that lived in the Old 
Dominion. His overall interest in history was constantly fueled by good-natured debates with one of his Aunts, his mother’s eldest sister, who taught elementary and middle school grades in Virginia for over 30 years. The debates always centered on which state, North Carolina or Virginia, had more history.
Although his interest waned somewhat during his pre-teen and teenage years, it was rekindled again during his undergraduate years at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he majored in history, and throughout his three years in law school at South Texas College of Law. As a law student he had very little free time, but what free time he did have was spent reading histories of the War, beginning with Shelby Foote’s classic three-volume, The Civil War, a Narrative. From then on, he was hooked.
Brad’s interest and participation in reenacting began when he responded to an invitation to attend the Piedmont Civil War Roundtable in his hometown of Charlotte, NC, in 1984. The invitation was sent to local subscribers of Civil War Times magazine. A local reenactor announced during the meeting that there would be a reenactment at Cane Creek Park in neighboring Union County, NC that upcoming weekend. Brad had never heard of reenacting and was fascinated that grown men actually participated in such activity. A trip to that reenactment that following Sunday was all it took.
Brad immediately joined the 11th NC, which at that time was a small unit whose members were primarily located in the Mecklenburg/Gaston County area of North Carolina. That unit later changed its name to the 49th NC as it grew in size and attracted members from other areas of the state. By that time, Brad had discovered that his great grandfather, Matthais Milton Bush, had served during the War in Company I of the original 26th NCT. Although Brad continued with the 49th NC for a number of years, serving in all ranks from private to 1st Lt., he ultimately responded to the pull to be a part of the unit that portrays the unit his great grandfather served in. As a result of continued family genealogy, Brad has also learned that one of his great, great grandfathers, Cicero McAmy Prestwood, also served briefly with the 26th NCT, for approximately 90 days following the Battle of Gettysburg, and was killed in action at the Battle of Bristoe Station, Virginia on October 14, 1863. Other ancestors that served during the War include his great grandfather, John O. Bradner, Company I, 53rd Virginia Infantry, and great grandfather James Carlmore Powell, Company G, 22nd NCT.
In 1990 Brad joined the 26th Regiment North Carolina Troops and has continued as a member of that unit to the present day. Brad took and passed the unit’s officers’ examination in 1991 and served as a line officer until he resigned his commission in 2003 for reasons related to his employment, health and age, having obtained the rank of captain. He was contacted in the summer of 2006 by General Jeff Stepp and, when asked, consented to join General Stepp’s staff.
Brad, corporate counsel for a nationwide mortgage brokerage company headquartered in Charlotte, currently participates in reenacting on a more limited basis, but looks forward to fulfilling his duties on the staff of the Carolina Legion. His other hobbies include photography, hiking and wine tasting. He is still active with the Piedmont Civil War Roundtable and continues to tour WBTS battlefields with friends several times a year, ranging all the way from Pennsylvania to the far reaches of the Trans-Mississippi.
He has been married to wife, Carolyn, for 25 years, has one step-daughter, Catherine, and two Peke-a-poo dogs, Sophie and Logan (a/k/a the "Poopies").
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My name is Allen Garris; mostly I am called “Pop.” I began reenacting in 1988 and I was at that time a fresh faced kid of 46. I started and 
remained a private soldier in Company F of the 26th NCT reactivated for many years. I have burned many pounds of powder, slept on the ground many nights, done lots of drill, and marched many a mile. I am now Sergeant Major on the staff of the Carolina Legion.
As for myself, I like good horses and mules, good guns, and good food; and family, of which I have large one, five daughters, one wife and seven grandchildren. I work in a chicken processing plant as a welder-fabricator. I have worked in that job for over 20 years. Almost ten years in the processing plant. Before that I was a farmer for over 20 years. My wife and I raised crops and children.
I started, as small child; with my love for history and attended my first Civil War reenactment event back in 1996. Shortly afterward I met fellow 
staffer Harold Majors in 1998 and started my re-enacting career at the battle of Blue Springs Tennessee as private in the 26th N.C.T. reactivated.
In January of 2000, I was appointed as a 1st Lt. on the Carolina Legion staff and in
2002 I was promoted to Captain and Provost Officer. In 2004, I received a promotion to Major as the Legion’s Assistant Commissary of Subsistence and Provost Officer.
Some of the highlights of my reenacting career include marching in the C.S.S Hunley Funeral in Charleston and as always seeing Gen. Jeff Stepp commanding the legion in the field. One vivid memory was seeing our Maj.Wenger leading a charge of the brigade, in Gen. Stepp’s absence, at the last reenactment of Franklin, Tennessee. I also proudly recall taking the surrender from a Federal Captain, of himself and his men, in the Cornfield at the 135th Battle Sharpsburg.
I live in Bryson City N.C. and work as a security officer and a part time professional photographer. I also volunteer with Swain County Rescue Squad and National Park Service.
Wenger’s first event was the Cloyd’s Mountain tactical in New Berne, Virginia, and it was with great pride that he wore the blue. It was at that event that he first met Jeff Stepp, Greg Mast, his company commander Dennis Williamson, and a host of other individuals. It was not until the fall of 1991 that Wenger first donned his Confederate uniform with the regiment at the Battle of Cedar Creek in the Shenandoah Valley. Very early on, he displayed an intense interest in cartography, and it was at that event that he performed his first scout and mapmaking venture with the kind approval of Colonel Mast and General Stepp. After a year in service, Wenger’s desire to become an officer was met with an opportunity to serve as a signal officer on the staff on General Stepp on occasions where he commanded a brigade. Thus, it was at the "Sewer Plant" Gettysburg event in July of 1992 when Wenger first wore his Lieutenant’s bars, following up quickly with the Perryville event that fall. However, as the Signal Corps seemed to be of less military utility at events than he had envisioned, Wenger eventually pursued his passion for mapmaking, eventually transferring into the Corps of Engineers. However, at a regimental level, Wenger aspired to the rank of Sergeant, and passed the NCO exam the following summer in 1993. However, following the exam at Cartersville, Colonel Mast presented an option to Wenger which changed the latter’s career path in the Army. He was given the option of accepting the Sergeant slot or voluntarily taking the rank of Corporal, whereupon unspecified opportunities might arise. It was quite clear that Colonels Stepp and Mast wished that the Corporal’s spot be filled, and Wenger acceded to their wishes. The reasoning for these matters became clear shortly thereafter, as the Battalion Adjutant’s position came open. Wenger graciously accepted that appointment. It is no exaggeration to say that, in many ways, the adjutant’s position in the 26th North Carolina ranks among the most satisfying service that Wenger has tendered to the Army. It acquainted him with the critical administrative duties associated with command, and it enabled him to become familiar with the men of the regiment in ways that would have been impossible had he remained in the ranks. This service also initiated a longstanding and cordial relationship with the Field Music. However, the most critical aspect of this service was that his career path now diverged almost entirely away from the rank and file and into a staff officer environment. In the succeeding years, Wenger eventually commenced service with General Stepp at brigade and divisional levels, holding the positions of Assistant Adjutant General, Engineering Officer, and ultimately (with the resignation of Col. Robert White) Chief of Staff of the Carolina Legion. It is fitting that Wenger’s most memorable service came at the Bentonville events in 2000 and 2005. The former event featured the bridging of Mill Creek during the tactical, an activity which was absolutely unique in the experience of most of the reenactors present. It required a vast amount of planning and immersion into the engineering role and operational details that Wenger relished. In many ways, he regards this event as the pinnacle of his service. Then, in 2005, upon the untimely illness of General Stepp, Wenger found himself brevetted to command one of two Confederate divisions at that Bentonville event, thus fulfilling a perhaps not-so-secret ambition to lead a major command in the field. However, as Wenger’s career in the Army "descends from the crest," he finds greatest fulfillment, not in the micro-managing of the staff, nor in the great Napoleonic vistas availed by the mega-events. Rather, he longs for the quiet, but sometimes ribald, company of his comrades on the staff, and for evenings in camp at the headquarters. His chief ambition now is to cherish his friendships among the staff that have now evolved over the span of a generation.
Mike Wenger enlisted in the service of the Confederate Army in June of 1991. His interest in reenacting goes back to the influence of Mr. LutherSowers of Salisbury, N.C., who was Wenger’s teacher during his years at Ralph L. Fike High School in Wilson. 
Originally contacted by the 26th North Carolina Regiment in the spring of 1988, Wenger delayed a decision to enter service for three years, a matter that he greatly regrets. Captain Ed Mauldin and Sergeant Courtney Johnston were both instrumental in convincing Wenger to join the hobby.
Should Auld Acquaintance be Forgot…
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attending an event at Murray’s Mill in Catawba Co. and became its 48th member. During the beginning of the 125th anniversary events, he rose to the rank of 3rd Sgt. Serving in that capacity through the 125th Gettysburg and Chickamauga events.In 1989, he joined Col. Stepp’s staff as Aide-de-Camp (ADC). He served on staff through the formation of the 2nd North Carolina Battalion and the 130th anniversary events. He periodically served with the 5th North Carolina Cavalry as courier and trooper.
He was involved with the initial formation of the 1st North Carolina Artillery at Appomattox in 1996, but took a furlough due to a heart attack in August of 1996. Inactive until February 1998, he became a member of the 1st North Carolina Artillery, serving as an outrider, driver, and guidon through 2007.
He also served on the staff of General Stepp at 135th Sharpsburg and Gettysburg events, as well as the 140th Appomattox event. In the fall of 2007, he returned to staff duty with the Carolina Legion as ADC and Forage Officer.
Van has been interested in the War since he was a seven year old at Gettysburg and told his father that he was going to shoot a cannon there. One day during a living history at Gettysburg , he got to fire a couple of rounds from a Parrot rifle. Van had two g-g grandfathers that served in the 28th NCT of Lane’s Brigade. Both fought at Gettysburg on the 1st and 3rd days. One was killed during the Pettigrew-Picket assault while the 28th was in support of the 26th.
Van resides in the Dudley Shoals community in Caldwell Co. with his wife, Debbie, and his dogs Rhett and J.E.B. He rides, raises and trains horses as a hobby. He also collects antique and period saddles and tack. He is employed as a fire protection service technician in Lenoir, NC and has recently reopened his photography business.
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Richard Kingston began reenacting in 1998. He was originally recruited to sound bugle commands for a company of 
skirmishers within the Carolina Legion. That effort led Richard to begin research into the role of the bugle in military history as well as seeking ways to make the sounding of bugle commands easy to understand and useful to commanders and troops while conducting military operations at reenactments. He also collaborated with J.H. Stepp to create the official bugle prelude for the 26th N.C. Infantry Regiment. The prelude was presented as a gift to the regiment from Col. J.H.Stepp in 2000, at ceremonies honoring his service and retirement from the regiment. Since 2000, Richard has served on staff as bugler and Principal Musician for the Carolina Legion.
Richard's interest in the American Civil War comes from his father, Richard Sr., a career military man and combat veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He can remember visiting battlefields with his dad as early as age four. In 1957, while stationed at the Army Records Center in St. Louis, Richard's father had the floors and tables at home covered with actual campaign ribbons of units from the American Civil War that were going to be destroyed. Richard Sr. rescued them, and spent untold hours on letter writing and phone calls getting those precious treasures in the hands museums, historical societies, and, oftentimes, the original units as they existed in 1957. During that time, every night was a history lesson. Richard attended his first reenactment with his father in 1958, at Fort Monroe, VA.
Richard has hand made over three hundred harpsichords. His harpsichords are prized for their quality, and he is the recipient of an international award for excellence in his work. He was also presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at Duke University in 2004. He is now retired, and lives in Cleveland County, NC.
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Well, after twenty plus years in this hobby the old memory gets a bit hazy, due in part, I think, from the unavoidable 
ingestion of black powder. But, I do believe it was in the fall of 1986 that I ran across a big spread with color pictures (a real novelty at the time) in the Sunday edition of the Asheville [NC] Citizen-Times about a group of Civil War reenactors occupying Zeb Vance's Birthplace (a state park memorializing North Carolina's Civil War governor). I was intrigued, given my long time obsession with the Civil War.
It was late Sunday afternoon when I arrived at the Birthplace, just about the time a small clutch of Confederates were winding up their last drill of the day before heading home. Sounds strange to think it now, but I was awestruck. Really, truly awestruck! History came to life for me just that quick, and I knew I wanted to be a part of whatever this was. I managed to corner a couple of them as they were heading off to their cars to drive home. They patiently answered my barrage of questions, gave me this thick sheath of papers entitled "The Society for the Preservation of the 26th North Carolina Troops, Incorporated: Standard Operating Procedures "(I had no idea what that was) and told me to call if I had any more questions. I didn’t know it at the time, but I had just stumbled upon one of the finest reenactment organizations in the country made up of some pretty serious historians (who also happened to be a great bunch of folks), that was founded and commanded by Jeff Stepp.
My first event was a living history at Appomattox Court House sometime in early 1987. It was cold, wet, and glorious! We drilled!! I learned how to say, "Here, First Sergeant!, and which way to turn when you right face. My uniform parts had mostly been backordered, so I had to borrow bits and pieces from my new comrades. Most everything I borrowed was several sizes too large, which made me look like an 1860s hobo. But once I figured out the trousers (why are they split in the front AND back?, what does this buckle thing do?, where’s the zipper?, why do they itch?) and how to use the latrine while wearing suspenders, I considered myself a veteran and was now ready for my first big mega event--the 125th Anniversary of Shiloh.
A large group of us rode out to west Tennessee in a disintegrating church bus in the midst of a freak April blizzard and arrived at a cold, wet event site in the middle of the night. I spent a few miserable, sleepless hours wondering what I had gotten myself into. But, by the next day all that had passed into insignificance, because I saw my first companies of cavalry, batteries of artillery, and two armies numbering in the thousands. I don’t think I blinked once that whole weekend because I didn’t want to miss a second of this amazing spectacle. I remember riding home in the dissolving bus tired, sore, and thinking to myself, "This is the neatest thing I’ve ever done." Since then, I have been present at most of the large anniversary events (the most memorable for me being the 125th and 135th Gettysburg), and a host of smaller reenactments and living histories. The 26th North Carolina grew rapidly in numbers over the following year. This happy circumstance gave rise to the need for more officers. In the 26th North Carolina, commissioned and noncommissioned officers are competitively chosen based on proficiency in drill, mastery of tactics, and a thorough knowledge of the history of the original regiment. The exam is rigorous and consists of a comprehensive written component (just like college finals!) and a field component where the hapless creature is placed in command of a squad and subsequently given various battle scenarios that require him to respond using commands and evolutions appropriate to the circumstances. I had always harbored the desire to be a petty tyrant, so I applied for the rank of sergeant. Thus, the studying began. I realized right away that Hardee’s Tactics was complete gibberish. But, after translating the manual into English, I had access to William J. Hardee’s fiendish torments and committed them all to memory. I passed the exam (due in no small part to my facility for languages), and by January of 1988 was appointed 3rd Sergeant by (then) Captain Stepp. This was perfect for me, for, as a file closer, I could now shove people around and scream at them from behind their backs with impunity. But, in the process, I also became acutely aware of the importance of the file closers’ role in maintaining order in the ranks and relaying the captain’s commands in the din and confusion of battle. It has become my conviction that a company cannot function without knowledgeable and experienced file closers maintaining constant vigilance over their charges--otherwise the line of battle devolves into an amebic mob of confused men with guns. It was during this time, too, that I also became singularly fixated on the music of the period. I’d purchased all of Bobby Horton’s tapes and learned just about all the songs. And, because I was the only one brave enough (is brave the right word?) to bring a guitar to events, I became the de facto singing leader for campfire reveries. I began to delve further into the depths of Civil War era music and came away with fiddle tunes and songs that had been hiding in dusty archives for generations. Then I did what anybody with a guitar would do: I recorded them and released my own tapes (now CDs, soon to be downloads). Music has always been one of the great joys for me in reenacting. Besides the fine singings, our regimental Field Musicians are absolutely the best to be found anywhere, and have been consistently so for nearly a quarter of a century. And, as of 2005, we have been enormously fortunate in our association with the Federal City Brass Band, who recently adopted a Confederate impression modeled after the original 26th North Carolina Band (General Lee’s favorite). For a lover of mid-19th century music, this is Heaven. Concurrent with my total immersion (not sprinkling) into period music, I also had it in mind to teach college level American History. I was accepted into the master’s degree program at Western Carolina University where I finally earned my degree in 1998. My thesis was an economic, social, and military history of the 60th North Carolina regiment, organized in 1862 with companies raised from the western mountain counties of the state, and one of only four NC regiments to serve in the Army of Tennessee. I was in the process of applying to Ph.D. programs when I fell in love and got married; thus cutting short a promising career in academia. But, I digress. After a year of being a file closer, my tyranny, apparently reaching heretofore unexplored heights of pettiness, attracted the attention of Captain (or was it Major by this time?) Stepp, and he appointed me First Sergeant. I enjoyed the role of First Sergeant. He is clerk, teacher, weapons inspector, musket stacking instructor, rifle repairman, point of alignment for the company, chief aid to the captain, report-maker at dress parades, company commander in the absence of commissioned officers, and, most importantly, keeper of the roll book. However, after almost a decade of cheerfully bearing the burdens of First Sergeant, I was swiftly reduced to ranks by reason of imbecility, which, in turn, perfectly qualified me to become a staff officer. As a result, Brigadier General Stepp asked me to serve as his AIG beginning in 2006 at the 145th First Manassas event. It has proven to be an enjoyable new aspect of my long reenacting habit, where I find the company of fellow staff officers convivial, my staff responsibilities interesting, and a pencil much easier to tote than a musket.
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Along with his son Matthew, Paul DeSessa became interested in CW reenacting in 1999 after a visit to Bentonville Battlefield Museum. After a conversation with site manager Johnny Goode about Confederate field hospitals, Paul felt Being known to fall in among brigands and thieves, I gathered with some members of the 26th North Carolina Troops at Averasboro Battlefield. After a phone call the next day, from Jeff Stepp, now the commanding officer of the Carolina Legion, we were the regimental hospital. Having turned Chuck Hodges to the dark side of regimental surgeon, we moved on to serve the Carolina Legion. The Carolina Legion Hospital has 8 members and can recreate the most authentic Confederate field hospital east of the Mississippi. Our exploits are documented on our website at www.confederatefieldhospital.org. We are members of the Society of Civil War Surgeons and are featured in their links. We perform sick call, recruitment fitness, field dressing, evacuation, capital surgery under general anesthesia, and have been known to shoot an occasional neer’do’well. We are honored to have among our group several firefighter and paramedics, as well as others trained in skills from first aid to heavy rescue. Paul’s maternal great-grandmother was Charlotte Elizabeth Longstreet. She was the granddaughter of James Longstreet’s brother William. That makes him a 4great nephew. Married to Leslie Jane Sorhagen, they have two sons, Matt 21 and Mark 17, (ask me where Luke and John are!). Paul is an anesthetist at Womack Army Medical Center (Fort Bragg) and at Scotland Memorial Hospital (Laurinburg NC). He is also a registered respiratory therapist, a neonatal and pediatric respiratory care specialist, a registered pulmonary function technologist, and a certified cardiopulmonary technologist. When not working or tending to family, Paul spends as much time as possible with his good friends from the 26th NCT, the 1st NC Artillery (Reilly’s Battery) and the Carolina Legion. 
challenged to start one. So began the 6th General Hospital of Fayetteville, CSA. 
He considers them all brothers, and counts many of them among his very best friends.
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Graham Bowen Flynt of Stokes County, North Carolina joined the 26th North Carolina Troops, Reactivated in November, 1987. He remained a private in Company E until Color Sgt. Randy Price asked him to serve in the Color Guard of the 26th. He served in this position (most of the time) until March, 2006. Then, General J. H. Stepp asked him to serve as Acting Assistant Adjutant General with the rank of first lieutenant. In the Fall of 2007, he was promoted to Assistant Adjutant General with the rank of Captain.
Graham is a world history teacher at North Stokes High School. He also lives on and operates the family farm raising beef cattle. He is adjutant and treasurer of Brown Mtn. Boys Camp 1540 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He remains single with no children.
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Keith has always been very interested in history, but did not know anything about reenacting until he met Dick Armstrong. 
After many years of joking Dick about " Killing Yankees", Dick finally talked Keith and his bride Pat into attending The Battle Of Plymouth. They both became very interested in reenacting. At Fort Branch, Dick arranged for Keith to participate. That weekend changed Keith and Pat’s life. He became a member of the 26th North Carolina Troops and Pat joined the Soldiers Benevolent Society (SBS).
Keith and Pat helped start The Outer Banks Civil War Round Table. Keith was elected Vice President and Pat became the Treasurer.
Just before the 145th Manassas event, Keith was asked to join the staff of the Carolina Legion as Ordnance Sergeant. In 2007 He was promoted to 2nd. Lieutenant as Assistant Ordnance Officer on the Legion staff.
Keith and Pat reside in Plymouth N.C. They have six children and of this writing they have six grand children. They own and operate Four Gables Bed and Breakfast in Plymouth, N.C.
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Dennis Williamson began reading about the Civil War while in high school in Rocky Mount, NC. His first book was “Chancellorsville, Lee’s Greatest Battle” by Stackpole, followed by Freeman’s “Lee’s Lieutenants” and “R. E. 
Lee”. He began reenacting in 1987 when he met members of the 26th NCT recruiting at a Raleigh, NC gun show. The 26th was small at the time, but very professional with great emphasis on training and authenticity. In addition, the regiment was very attentive to each new member and his reenacting development. With the rapid growth of this regiment during the 125th anniversary events, he was able to rise through the ranks and command a company at the 125th Gettysburg. Due to being very active in the regiment as treasurer; learning and studying under the best field officers in the hobby; attending 8 to 10 events per year; steady growth in membership and the formation of the 2nd NC Battn.; he continued to rise in rank to the level of Lt. Col. Also, with Col. Jeff Stepp acting as a General in many of the larger events, he was fortunate enough to lead the 2nd NC Battn in many of these major events, as well as conduct battn drill on many occasions throughout the next 10 years. This battalion normally consisted of 4 different regiments; 26th NCT, 49th NCT, 6th NCST, and 25th NCT . He usually led an average of 65 to 100 men at the larger events, and as many as 300 at the 135th Gettysburg.
Thanks to the leadership and training by such men as Jeff Stepp, Greg Mast, and Skip Smith, Dennis continued to develop personally and professionally as a leader. This leadership development led to his promotion as plant manager and subsequent transfer to Mexico. Consequently, he was forced to step aside as an active line officer of the 2nd NC Battn, and assumed a staff position at the few events in which he was able to participate each year.
He continues to read and study the Civil War, as well as building a collection of Civil War books and prints. Dennis maintains contact with the 2nd NC Battn., with hopes of one day returning to an active roll, when he moves back to the Old North State.
