Photo By Senior Airman Jason Wiese | Dr. Doug Helgeson, American Civil War surgeon re-enactor, talks with Col. Stephen...... read more read more
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An Airman from the 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron took part in the re-enactment. Master Sgt. Amy Leavitt, 90th LRS Personal Property and Cargo Section chief, dressed up in Civil War-era women’s clothing and portrayed life during the Civil War. Her affinity for re-enacting the Civil War started at a young age.
“It’s a hobby I started when I was 13,” she said. “I grew up near a battlefield. It was the only battlefield that far north, west of the Mississippi and was literally in my backyard.”
After living near the historic location of the Battle of Athens, the history buff was excited to be stationed at F.E. Warren, she said.
“It’s amazing that I get to be here and be part of the open house,” she said. “It’s amazing to have this much history here.”
The Civil War predates the base’s establishment in 1867, so some may wonder why it is included in the open house. Paula Taylor, 90th Missile Wing Warren ICBM & Heritage Museum director and Fort D.A. Russell Days project lead, explained the open house is intended to show all U.S. military history, which is why the American Revolution and British Army dragoons also have a presence.
“We really enjoy being able to answer people’s questions and being able to show what life was like in the past,” Taylor said.
Although the base was established shortly after the Civil War was over, it has no lack of historical involvement in U.S. military history. F.E. Warren Air Force Base is the oldest continually active military installation in the Air Force, and members of the Mighty Ninety are proud of this heritage, Leavitt said.
Soldiers and Airmen stationed here served during the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom and other conflicts. The base can even boast that it had three regiments of Buffalo Soldiers in its ranks, who celebrate their 150th anniversary this year.
The leader of the re-enactors, Dr. Doug Helgeson, stopped re-enacting at the open house after his wife passed away four years ago, he said. However, this year he was in full character as he portrayed a Civil War surgeon. He covered his outfit in fake blood and gave mid-1800s medical advice, recommending leeches for bloodletting and warning of syphilis outbreaks.
“I will cut off arms and legs. My goal is to make you upchuck,” he said cheekily, then his tone took a serious turn. “My goal is not to show that war is a good time. My goal is to show the other side of war — that it’s dangerous and people do die.”
It takes preparation and passion to make re-enactments a success, Helgeson said, and he’s glad to be back doing what he loves.
“This is my first time back, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 07.24.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 07.25.2016 18:57 |
| Story ID: | 204998 |
| Location: | F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WY, US |
| Web Views: | 86 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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