SASS Convention and GAF Color Guard

US Scout · December 11, 2007, 05:47:55 AM

Our GAF Color Guard at the 2007 SASS Convention was well received and we received many compliments - and a request to return next year!

The Color Guard consisted of Bvt Lt Col Mustang Gregg, Lt Col Scratch (National Colors), Sweetwater Jack (SASS flag), Mud Marine (GAF flag), and Bvt Col Dusty Tagalon. I was in command.

We marched to the opening music of "Gettysburg." I'm sure most of you are probably familiar with it, though some at the Convention were not aware of it and wanted to know where we found such moving music.

I marched off first and the color guard followed about thirty feet behind me. We marched straight out to the dance floor, wheeled, and presented the Colors, and then marched off to the same music.

On the dance floor I stopped and did an about face which allowed me to see the Color Guard approaching, as well as observe the reaction of the audience. I can say that they were impressed.

Afterward, I had several people come up and compliment the color guard. Most said they enjoyed seeing a color guard in period uniform and made up of SASS members. Of course, this gave me a good opportunity to discuss the GAF! A few people said it was the best part (or at least the most moving) of the evening.

Bvt Lt Col Mustang Gregg was in the uniform of the 1st Volunteer Cavalry during the Spanish-American War.
Lt Col Scratch, a new member, wore the uniform of a CW New York Volunteer regiment.
Sweetwater Jack wore a (white) naval officer's uniform of the Spanish-American War.
Mud Marine, a new member, wore the uniform of a Marine Sgt Maj ca. 1875. He also placed 3rd in the Uniform competition.
Bvt Col Dusty Tagalon wore the uniform of a CW US cavalry sergeant.
Bvt Brig Gen US Scout wore the uniform of a Marine general, ca. 1867.

We have been asked to repeat our performance next year.

My thanks to Bvt Lt Col Mustang Gregg, Lt Col Scratch, Sweetwater Jack, Mud Marine, and Bvt Col Dusty Tagalon for taking time out of their busy schedule this weekend to participate.

US Scout
Bvt Brig Gen
GAF, Commanding

Bull Schmitt · December 11, 2007, 08:23:14 AM

A hearty WELL DONE and congratulations to all who participated!

Col Bull

River City John · December 11, 2007, 08:33:55 AM

A great line-up, I hope images will be posted.

US Scout · December 11, 2007, 10:07:04 AM

RCJ-

I know photos were taken - lots of them to be exact - though of course none of us was in a position to take any. I suppose that now we need an official GAF photographer to attend events and take photos.

I've been told I'll get copies (eventually) and with a bit of luck we'll be in the Cowboy Chronicle. If and when I get them in a format that I can post, I will most certainly do so.

We also managed to pick up several new recruits. I know of 3 for sure, and two real possibilities.

US Scout
Bvt Brig Gen

Pitspitr · December 11, 2007, 11:42:01 AM

I have the honour to report that to the best of my knowledge there were no lapse of discipline during your absence

QuoteI know photos were taken - lots of them to be exact - though of course none of us was in a position to take any. I suppose that now we need an official GAF photographer to attend events and take photos.

I've been told I'll get copies (eventually) and with a bit of luck we'll be in the Cowboy Chronicle. If and when I get them in a format that I can post, I will most certainly do so.

We also managed to pick up several new recruits. I know of 3 for sure, and two real possibilities.

Outstanding!
I'm looking forward to photo's too.

I wonder if anyone got any video.

Wish I'd have went. With the ice storm, I ended up not doing any of the 3 things I wanted this weekend. My daughters game got postponed, and my dad and brother didn't end up going to the gun auction at Rock Island. It's just as well they didn't the gun they were going to see brought $1000 more than was expected aand was about that much more than we were prepared to spent.

Trailrider · December 11, 2007, 01:16:11 PM

My heartiest congratulations to all who represented us. I regret being unable to attend. Maybe next year...

Happy Holidays to all!

Your obedient servant,

Mustang Gregg · December 12, 2007, 12:13:37 AM

There are 2 images posted over on the SASS Wire that show our Color Guard.
Crooked River Bob started the post. He wrote a nice post.

MG

Pitspitr · December 12, 2007, 09:37:53 AM

Here's some pix I found from the wire.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/561732086hiLJrb?start=36

Sagebrush Burns · December 12, 2007, 10:36:31 AM

Many thanks for a job well done.

Dr. Bob · December 12, 2007, 03:21:16 PM

Great JOB! You were all in step. A wonderful sight indeed!

Lou Graham · December 12, 2007, 04:44:22 PM

You fellers look smashing. Great job!

Silver Creek Slim · December 12, 2007, 11:08:03 PM

Looking good.

Slim

US Scout · December 13, 2007, 05:55:40 AM

Quote from: Mustang Gregg on December 12, 2007, 12:13:37 AM
There are 2 images posted over on the SASS Wire that show our Color Guard.
Crooked River Bob started the post. He wrote a nice post.

MG

Here is Crooked River Bob's post. Summed it up rather nicely I thought.

US Scout
Bvt Brig Gen

Well, there I was at the Cattleman's Ball at this last convention, sitting at my table, enjoying a shot of bourbon and the company of some new friends. Our table was well off to one side, sort of at the edge of the crowd. There must have been a thousand people in attendance there at the Ball, all milling around or seated at tables, and just talking up a storm.

I was aware of the flags at the back of the room, but all of a sudden they started to move. If the announcer said a word about it, I didn't hear him. However, no announcement was necessary; it was as if Old Glory just projected some sort of aura that spread through the room and touched every person in turn. One by one, conventioneers stood and took off their hats as the Color Guard marched down the center aisle, and the room went silent. The only sound I remember hearing as the Color Guard made their march was the sound of their footsteps, and to the best of my recollection it was only after they had settled in their positions in front of the stage that the announcer broke the silence and called for the National Anthem to be sung.

I'm here to tell you, this simple, respectful presentation of the colors was more impressive and more powerful than any kind of fanfare or fireworks I have ever witnessed.

Many thanks to the members of the Color Guard and to the SASS Convention organizers for this brief but dignified ceremony.

Crooked River Bob

Steel Horse Bailey · December 15, 2007, 09:45:48 AM

Outstanding!

And a great write-up by Crooked River Bob, as well.

Thanks for posting this and the photos.

US Scout · December 21, 2007, 06:28:44 PM

I just received the following from Ellsworth Kincaid, who organized the SASS Convention ball this year. Again, we are receiving many positive comments from those who witnessed the Color Guard.

The Cattlemen's Ball and the presentation of the colors were among the most impressive acts I have ever seen in more than 20 years as a SASS member. Everyone who had a hand in the production are to be commended.
Billy Dixon

US Scout
GAF, Commanding