• We'll start offering our optional morning runs on the battlefield on Tuesday 03 May at 0530, meeting 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 David or Eric along Cemetery Ridge; and
• 3 for those who would rather walk, we'll provide directions for an early-morning stroll unless Pete or Craig heal up by then or we find another volunteer to guide the group.
• On Tuesday Evening after the icebreaker 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.  O'Rorke's website 
• 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 1" 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 (someone we learn more about on our Little Bighorn Staff Ride). Too often we are overly influenced by film images of the movie "Gettysburg" with Sam Elliot playing Buford.  It's good to look at the actual faces of those who operated on this field, and remember that they were ordinary people just like us who were called to extraordinary action.

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.