We have 6 conference groups this year with over 100 participants from various federal, state, and local agencies. On Tuesday evening at 1800, we'll gather at the Firemen's Pavilion at the Gettysburg Community Park on the east side of Seminary Ridge (walking distance from the 1863 Hotel). Once we gather, we'll enjoy a catered BBQ meal from Hoffman's BBQ (possibly with a special culinary surprise), and each conference group will link-up with your faculty advisors.
If you're looking for bios on any of the OMNA folks, they're listed in the back of the Introduction Package we sent in our first e-mail. - We'll start offering our morning runs on the battlefield on Tuesday 06 May at 0600 in the lobby of the 1863 Inn at Gettysburg. If you miss the first morning...no worries...we'll do it again Wednesday and Thursday. We normally have three groups:
- 1 for those who like to run, go with JD along Seminary Ridge;
- 2 for those who don't like to run, go with Eric along Cemetery Ridge; and
- 3 for those who would rather eat breakfast, meet Craig at the diner at a more reasonable hour.
- On Tuesday Evening after the BBQ and introductory remarks, We'll adjourn meal to O'Rorke's Family Eatery (Pub), for those who'd like to continue discussions -- again within walking distance of the hotel. Ororke's website is back up this year, but you can see all our favorite supporting locations on our webpage.
- One of the first significant actions we'll discuss on this staff ride will be those of Cavalry Division Commander John Buford, the "Initial Attack IC" who has vision, great situational awareness, communicates well both up and down the chain of command, and takes decisive action while transitioning incident command to a "Type I" team. Here's a good assessment of Buford's actions by one of his Captains at Gettysburg:
"Buford despised the false flourish and noisy parade of the charlatans of his service. He avoided too, perhaps, the proper praise due his glorious actions, his bravery and dash, without ostentation or pride, his coolness and able management and above all, the care of his men endeared him to all." Theo. F. Rodenbough Here's a good photo of John Buford with his staff in 1863. Standing at the left is Myles Keogh. If you have a chance to view the movie Gettysburg either before or after the staff ride (or both), we think you'll find value in it. |