How do you become a  member of the

5th Regiment New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry?


Click Here for Special Recruit Newsletter December 2006 Edition
 

 

We are always seeking people who seek an authentic, campaign-oriented reenacting experience to join our ranks.  Membership is open to any male at least 16 years of age. Those interested in joining the “Fighting Fifth” should contact one of the following members to inform us of your interest:
 

Bill Shea, Chairman
Recruiting Coordinator
(603) 595-8699 
wjshea99@gmail.com
 

Tom Dodge, Treasurer

   (603) 210-5247  

thdodge@comcast.net
 

Jim Feindel, Secretary
(603) 232-5478
 jfeindel@aol.com 

 

Chris Benedetto At-large member
(603) 343-1407   
    chrsbenedetto@yahoo.com

 

Marc Vallee, At-large member
 (603) 472-3383     

valleemp@comcast.net
Paul Parvis, 1st Lieutenant
Authenticity Committee Chairman

(203) 773-1497
pbparvis at sbcglobal.net


Dave Nelson, Authenticity Committee Chairman Emeritus
(603) 654-9437
danelson.in.nh@comcast.net


 Standards:   The 5th Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers authenticity standards ARE upheld in the field. Only through maintaining a high standard of authenticity may the member's collective desire to achieve the proper look and appearance  be achieved regarding the soldiers we attempt to portray. New members are given twelve months to  conform with the regiment's standards. At its discretion, the Board may grant an extension of six additional months depending on the individual's circumstances.

 

Physical Fitness:   To the greatest extent possible, the Fifth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers seek to portray Union soldiers as they actually appeared in the field.  All of our men should be ready to take the field in their issue wool uniforms in full marching order (including fully packed knapsack) for lengthy periods of drill, marching, and "battle" scenarios during all weekend events. It goes without saying that our members should engage in regular programs of physical training and exercise to stay in shape for events that are physically demanding.   Those who are incapable of undertaking the physical rigors described above, or do not enjoy good health per se, please do not consider applying for an active membership.  However, should you wish to participate in parades, living-history presentations at schools or historical societies or act as a clerk for the Quartermaster, etc., then we highly encourage your application to join us.

You may join as an Associate Member.  Associate members must comply with the standards set forth by the regiment in historical dress and action.  Associate members dues are $20, which entitles one to the Regimental newsletter.  Associate members do not have voting privileges and may not hold an office within the regiment.  

Honoring the 5th New Hampshire Volunteers who fought during the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1,2,3, 1863.  Remembrance Day, November 2006 - 5th New Hampshire Volunteer monument near the Wheatfield.

Attendance:   Members of the Fifth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers have attendance requirements. We request that those who join our ranks for an event remain with us for the entire weekend schedule. Attendance at the annual drill/training weekend is highly encouraged and is considered a MAXIMUM effort event. You are required to attend a minimum of two regimental functions; one of which MUST be a maximum effort event, to be considered a member in
good standing. 

Dues:   Annual membership dues are $25 U.S. and include liability insurance coverage at unit events, registration costs and a subscription to the Fifth Regiments bi-monthly newsletter, Charge Bayonets.  Each issue is typically 7 to 12 pages of news, event notices, educational articles, reenacting "how-to" articles, event reports, and authenticity articles. 

Governance:   An Executive Board of Directors, elected at the unit’s annual meeting, governs Company A, Fifth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers. At events, field command consists typically of Captain Mike Mantini, 1st Sergeant Greg Chase, 2nd Sergeant Dave Nelson or Quartermaster Sergeant James Feindel.  When numbers warrant the field command will brevet positions as needed.

Officers, sergeants and corporals are voted on by the membership.  Should a vacancy exist, members are encouraged to submit a “Letter of Intent” to the Executive Board.  Following preliminary approval, the membership will discuss and vote on the nominees typically at the annual meeting in January.  Rotating officers at events allows us to have an officer on an event-by-event basis. This approach is intended to reduce "officer burnout." It also provides officers with the chance to occasionally serve in the most honored and desired role of all -- that of the common, private soldier. 

Additional information may be found in the Membership Booklet, which is sent to all new recruits. Included in this booklet are the Regimental History, Bylaws, and Guidelines for Historical Accuracy, a list of Uniform and Equipment needed by members and a Vendor List. Contact Jim Blake, chairman, for a copy of the booklet.
More questions?   Answers may likely surface elsewhere on this website. We recommend you browse the Frequently Asked Questions page; the Authenticity Standards page, the Approved Vendors list and Potomac Legion web site potomaclegion.org  or please contact the above individuals. 
Thank you!

Order Arms!
Musterfield Farm - Fall 2008

Photo by George Hall

 

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