Issuu

The Skirmish LineTM is the quarterly publication of The NorthSouth Skirmish Association, Inc. Non-member annual subscriptions are available for $24 per year (U.S. Funds) Editor & Publisher: Allissa N. Weber | skirmishline@n-ssa.org Emily Scanlan | Junior Editor National Photography Officer | Lis Cole Contributing Photographers | Niki Bethke, Walt ‘JR’ Zdon, Brittany Cole, Allissa Weber Visit our website at: www.n-ssa.org

The N-SSA Corporate Seal and the magazine title, The Skirmish LineTM, are registered trademarks of the NorthSouth Skirmish Association, Inc. Reproduction in any form or manner without the expressed written consent of the N-SSA Board of Directors is strictly prohibited. All pages are copyrighted by the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. and The Skirmish LineTM magazine. Text and images in this publication are the property of the original owners (Authors). Text and images may not be published separately, in hard copy or electronically, without the expressed written permission of their owner(s). The authors and advertisers are responsible to secure the proper permissions and right to publish articles, photos, and illustrations not created by them. The NorthSouth Skirmish Association, Inc., The Skirmish LineTM, and its staff are not responsible for copyright infringement. Please contact the Editor for questions relating to any matter, including but not limited to permission to copy materials herein. Disclaimer: The North-South Skirmish Association does not guarantee, warrant, or endorse any product or service advertised in this publication. The publisher also does not guarantee the safety or effectiveness of any product or service illustrated, mentioned, offered, or advertised herein. The publisher does not assume responsibility as to whether or not products or services advertised in this publication comply with all state or local laws which may be applicable in regard to the purchase or usage of such products or services. Warning: The author(s), The Skirmish LineTM and its staff, and the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. cannot accept any responsibility for accidents or differing results obtained using techniques, products, and combinations thereof that will make results vary. Firearms should be checked before firing and periodically thereafter by a competent gunsmith and all manufacturer’s instructions and warnings must be followed.

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

IN THIS ISSUE

FROM THE OFFICE OF The N-SSA National Commander

FROM THE OFFICE OF

The N-SSA National Deputy Commander

THE ENGINEER MUSKETEER

Or, Science on the Field

NORTHWEST TERRITORY SAVES ANOTHER HISTORIC BATTLE FLAG

MAYNARDS, REVISITED

Curious truths and irreverent takes

MAYNARD OUTLIERS

True stories, turned sideways

32ND ANNUAL ALEXANDER WAINWRIGHT ARTILLERY SKIRMISH

IN THIS ISSUE

21 JUNE 2026 BOD MEETING MINUTES

FROM THE EDITOR A New Look and Style

2027 - NEW N-SSA EMAIL ADDRESSES

AUGUST 2026 BOD MEETING MINUTES

RECRUITING NUMBERS

THE VETERAN'S SKIRMISH

41 TAPS 42

JOIN THE ADVANCE GUARD

n the last issue we stated

Emily and I welcome any and

that the 3rd installment of

all ideas for improving this

the series on Spencer Rifles

communication vehicle for the

would be published in this

Association.

next issue. Unfortunately, life happens, as we all know - and

Please note the NEW N-SSA

there will be a delay.

Email addresses that are included in this issue!

We will publish this as soon as we can. We have not forgotten

These emails will transfer from

about this series, that I know

person to person - and stay

many have enjoyed.

with the office that email is

related to.

SOCIETY OF COLOR BEARERS

If you have any questions, comments, ideas, or want to

Please reach out to us at:

contribute - please look me up

skirmishline@n-ssa.org

FRESH FISH

The N-SSA Recruiting Report

at the Nationals.

Allissa N. Weber ALLISSA N. WEBER

EDITOR, THE SKIRMISH LINE The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

From the Office of The N-SSA National Commander

By: Dave Cole

reetings and hoping everyone is having a great summer. Fall Nationals are almost upon us.

We had a very good Board of Director’s meeting in August. Things look good in the Association thanks to the people we have on committees, as staff officers and as Regional Staff members. We would not be able to exist as an Association without them. Please considering donating your talents on the Team, Regional or National level. Several members of the Association

Better to fail a courtesy inspection, rather

took part in the recent World Muzzleloading

than a formal and lose the target or take a

Championships, held in Austria this past

penalty during a team event.

August. The US Team is always looking for talented shooters to compete. I will be preparing a separate article for the Skirmish Line on this. I am looking forward to this Nationals, seeing old faces and meeting new members. Please remember that when the IGs are conducting inspections during the weekend, take advantage of them and have a courtesy inspection done to make sure your triggers are legal.

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

Keep preparing for Nationals and see you soon.

-Dave

From the Office of

The N-SSA National Deputy Commander

By: Rick Clements

reetings! I can’t believe the fall Nationals are just a few, short weeks away! I suspect many of

us are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to see old friends & familiar faces during the Nationals. Let’s remember not to take our time together for granted. Regrettably, several of the usual vendors will not be in attendance this fall within Sutler’s Row and their presence will be missed by many of us. During the most recent Board of Director’s meeting, the Budget presentation revealed the Association is currently in good

through his outreach program. If possible,

financial shape by virtue of the growth in our

consider lending him or your Regional

investments and financial donations from

Recruitment officer a helping hand!

the membership. Several of our investment funds have exceeded expectations while the Association needs your help by continuing to provide financial donations that will help offset the cost of scheduled upgrades & other projects. One example worthy of note was the recent tractor acquisition! Throughout 2026 multiple Recruit Skirmishes were held within several regions that I’ve heard were well attended. The

I look forward to seeing everyone again soon. But until we meet again at the Fort, I want everyone to be safe, enjoy good health, and do whatever you can to promote our sport of skirmishing!

k c i R

National Recruitment Officer remained actively engaged in promoting our sport The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

Episode #1: The Pursuit of Percussion Perfection By: Christopher Krecidlo, 149th New York Volunteer Infantry

usket caps are like spark plugs in your pickup truck; inexpensive, small, and essential

to get things going. Sometimes caps are a

not meant to be the absolute authority on

little hard to find though, which has at times

which cap brand is better, they are meant

compelled me to purchase different brands.

as a simple gauge of effectiveness. As many

I often hear skirmisher scuttlebutt in the

skirmishers seem to suspect the CCI caps

ready area about caps. Something like brand

currently available are “weak”, I used them

X aren’t any good, brand Y are hotter. When

as the basis of the test. All other brands are

I hear these conversations, I wonder if this

compared against the CCI cap. A description

is skirmishing’s version of debating whether

of the testing method and results are show

Ford or Chevy make a better truck?

below, as follows:

My mechanical engineering mind wants to not only know which caps are better, but how much better are they. The purpose of the following tests is to determine which brand of caps is most likely to achieve percussion perfection.

PSI gauge affixed to the end of an Enfield rifled musket. Photo by Chris Krecidlo

A. Detonation pressure: Pressure generated by detonation of the cap

I came up with a few inexpensive methods

drives the flame forward into the powder

to quantify and compare several brands

charge. To test this, I devised a way to affix a

and types of musket caps. These tests are

0-30psi pressure gauge to the end

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

Table 1: Observed detonation pressure

of an Enfield rifled musket. For this test I specifically selected a gauge with a lazy hand, making it easy to record the results. B. Temperature: Using a FLIR EX Pro Series Thermal Imaging Camera, I attempted to record the temperature upon detonation. I found that the shutter speed of the IR camera was too

Thermal Image of cap at moment of detonation. Photo by Chris Krecidlo

slow making it very difficult to get an image at just the right time. I therefore decided to run the temperature test by snapping 25 caps in a 300 second period. I chose 300 seconds because it is the length of a musket or carbine event. Table 2: Nipple temperature after 20 shots

C. Sound Pressure Level: While firing so many caps in the previous tests, I noticed an audible difference between

D. Firing Line Testing:

Perhaps the most important test is actual performance testing on the skirmish line.

some of the brands. I initially found that

Accordingly, I fired 20 shots in 3 commonly

the duration of the sound was so short my

used small arms, a Euroarms 2 Band Enfield,

digital sound pressure level meters was not

a Pietta Smith Carbine, and a IAB 1863

fast enough to accurately record the sound

Sharps Carbine (which has not undergone

pressure level. I had to break out a vintage

any breech block modifications). Over the

analog meter to accurately record the results.

course of fire for each small arm, I recorded

Using the analog meter, I observed the

the number of misfires and hang-fires, as

following:

follows:

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

CCI Caps were reliable enough that I would purchase them again, I just won’t use them in a Sharps or anything else that might have Table 3: Sound Pressure in decibels.

a little trouble with ignition.

Conclusion:

I hope you found this simple investigation

My inexpensive testing methods seem to

CAP-tivating!

indicated that Schuetzen and RWS Musket Caps are at least 10% and probably not much more than 20% more energetic than CCI Caps.

In future episodes of the Engineer Musketeer, I will test powders, lubes, cleaning methods, etc. If you have an interesting item or idea you would like

I did not observe a noticeable difference in

tested, or have questions, comments or

energy between RWS 1081 and RWS 1218

feedback regarding my testing methods,

caps. I did find that the RWS 1018 caps stuck

please feel free to reach out to me at

to the nipple and were at times difficult to

recruitment@n-ssa.org

remove. I did not experience this with any other cap.

Until next time, keep your powder dry, your musket clean, and your excuses well engineered!

Table 4: Misfires/hang-fires out of 20 shots

I called Schuetzen, as their caps have been hard to find lately. I was informed that they no longer sell Schuetzen branded caps, they only offer RWS caps now.

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

Chris K

149th New York

Schuetzen

SWISS

Black Powder

BLACK POWDER

THIS IS WHERE BLACK POWDER RULES

Schuetzen Powder Energetics, Inc. Arlington TX USA 866-809-9704 info@schuetzenpowder.com • HUNTING • COMPETITION • SHOTGUN • RIFLE • PISTOL • CARTRIDGE • MUZZLELOADING

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

Northwest Territory Saves Another Historic Battle Flag By Bruce W. Miller, N-SSA Public Information Officer

very year the unit commanders of the North-South Skirmish Association’s Northwest Territory (NWT) identify

a historically-based 501c3 organization and donate $1,000 to that cause. Past donations have gone to the Gettysburg Foundation, Civil War Trust, American Civil War Museum at Tredegar, Ohio Historical Museum and Detroit’s Historic Fort Wayne where many Michigan regiments were mustered into service. For 2026, the NWT again approved the State of Michigan’s Save the Flags project. Based on unit seniority, NWT commanders selected a flag of the 1st Michigan Veteran Volunteer Infantry for adoption. Those adopted flags are honored in a special ceremony. The State Director and Curator of the Save the Flags project, Matt VanAcker, attended the regional skirmish at Laingsburg, Michigan on July 26, 2026. A Legislative Tribute signed by the Governor along with a photograph of the adopted battle flag was presented to 1st Michigan commander Bruce Miller. The NWT will again be added to the Roll of Honor plaque 10

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

National battle flag of the 1st Michigan Infantry.

displayed in the flag exhibit area at the Michigan Historical Center at the capitol complex in Lansing. Previously, the NWT has adopted flags of the 4th, 5th, 19th and 24th Michigan Infantry regiments and Battery C, 1st Michigan Light Artillery. The ceremony also included a special guest, Adam Betz, the Command Historian of the Michigan National Guard. Betz presented

Left to right: NWT Commander Ed Walters, Army Command Historian Adam Betz, Save the Flags Director Matt VanAcker, 1st Michigan Commander Bruce Miller

NWT Regional Commander Ed Walters with

display of the flags by “adopting” flags in the

a Department of the Army Certificate of

collection. To date, over 150 flags, mostly

Appreciation. He spoke about how many of

from the Civil War, have been adopted,

the units the NWT regiments can trace their

providing the project with much needed

Civil War formation to today’s Michigan

funds. Adoptions also help preserve history

Army National Guard.

by commemorating particular regiments and

Save the Flags is Michigan’s project to preserve, research and display 240 battle flags carried by Michigan soldiers in the Civil War, Spanish-American War and World

individuals. Adoptions are often made in the name of the original regiment which carried that flag into battle or adopted in the name of a veteran by his descendants.

War I. One of the projects great successes

Please visit the Michigan State Capitol Battle

has been its “adoption” program. For a

Flag News page for more information.

donation of $1,000 individuals, families, organizations, schools and communities help with the preservation, research and The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

Maynards: Revisited Curious truths and irreverent takes. By: Jim Van Eldik, 4th Tennessee

s we all know, the Maynard carbine in its various configurations is one of the most

popular short arms in the N-SSA. Much has been published and many discussions around the campfire have inflamed strong

1816 .69 cal Wurfflein smoothbore conversion. Photo by Jim Van Eldik

opinions about the little gun both pro and con. Obviously, there isn’t much that could

pusher type. The first version with its neat

be added to the discussion in a forum such

little cogwheel was the original used in both

as this. Well, maybe there is. In my own

the Model One carbine, and the Maynard

case I have three distinct facts I had been

revolvers. The U.S. Army, always game for

completely ignorant of up until about a year

the newest invention not only wanted the new carbine, but also wanted to retrofit the Maynard roll tape primers on everything else. The cogwheel system was too difficult to retrofit, so Maynard came up with the pusher type mechanism shown on my 1816 Wurfflein conversion. This latter primer required little more then a modified hammer

Pocket pistol with access door open. Photo by Jim Van Eldik

to function properly. It was this design that

ago. I will extrapolate on these nuggets after

guns produced since 1945.

a brief review.

was incorporated on the fifty-two billion cap

However, it turned out that when the Brits

Mechanically the Maynard was produced

got hammered so bad in the Crimea using the

in two versions, the cog wheel type and the

Maynard primer (doesn’t like the dirt/rain),

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

Another discovery involved reliable ignition. The Maynard always produced a surplus of misfires. My gun still retained the original nipple in good shape so for years I didn’t mess with it. Finally, I decided to try one of those super-duper gold colored things S&S sells. As the saying goes, the gun “wouldn’t Cap gun with modified design shown. Photo by Jim Van Eldik

the subsequent Model Two went without it.

fire hardly at all.” It turns out the Maynard nipple seats itself right at the bottom of the nipple cavity.

Turning now to the new lessons learned,

Meanwhile, the flash channel to the cartridge

how to hold the little gun has always been

is 90 degrees to the left. The only escape for

a bone of contention among skirmishers.

the primer flash to reach the cartridge was

I eventually found success imitating a guy

through irregularities in the nipple bottom.

named Bubba at a Brierfield, Alabama,

I came up with the brainstorm, cut a groove

skirmish. His technique involved placing

in the bottom of the nipple perfectly aligned

one’s left had far out near the end of the

with that little port leading down to the

barrel. That day the clay pigeons died like

cartridge. Eureka! Not a misfire since.

flies (I know, an awful mixed metaphor).

As for the last discovery, it appears that Dr.

Then, the next skirmish, I couldn’t hit a bull

Maynard’s first wife, Sophia Ellen Doty,

in the a** (a better metaphor). What went

and my wife are like third cousins, both

wrong?

descended from the same Mayflower dude.

Eventually I discovered that in addition to placing one’s left hand next to the muzzle, you must also get your left elbow away from your chest, lest every heartbeat, every hiccup, every thoracic spasm, every chest malapropism be transferred directly to the

My wife and I are still in the middle of researching all the dividends and royalties and commissions Dr. Maynard's dozens of patents would seem to entitle us. It appears, however, that a free Romano carbine is not in the cards.

muzzle of the gun. Subsequently, moving

~ No facts were harmed in the making

that left elbow out away from the chest

of this piece, though a few had their

produced great success.

feelings hurt! The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

Maynard Outliers True stories, turned sideways. By: Jim Van Eldik, 4th Tenn.

y guess is most skirmishers can tell you the difference between a Model I and a Model 2 Maynard

carbine. While most are likely not that familiar with the revolvers, the Maynard priming mechanism is a giveaway. But what about the Sharps Maynard? Or what about the Greene Maynard? Now here I believe we have entered some unfamiliar territory. The popularity of the Maynard priming mechanism was wide spread, even spilling over to sunny England. By the early 1850s the English were busy with their French and

Sharps Maynard with primer door open. Photo from Tim Prince, College Hill Arsenal - used with permission

adopted to use standard British paper or linen cartridges, and of course the marvelous Maynard primer.

Turkish buddies plotting mayhem against

The British thereupon purchased two unique

those dastardly Russians. Their target was

designs from American manufactures: a

the Crimea, the Russians’ one outlet to warm water. While the Russians were essentially a smoothbore outfit, the English were all in with their 1853 rifled musket. However, the musket was obviously too long for cavalry or dragoon use, so they began looking for something shorter, preferably of breech loading persuasion, for easier loading on horse-back. They also wanted whatever was 14

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

Greene carbine design, with the primer cap open. Photo from Tim Prince, College Hill Arsenal - used with permission

modified Sharps carbine with push style Maynard primer mechanism added, and a newly designed Greene carbine from Maynard’s own company, the Massachusetts Arms Company.

exactly.” Army records seem to be lacking. Anyway, the design he came up with is one of the most interesting someone will likely encounter in the evolution of breech loading firearms. In addition to the original Maynard cogwheel primer, the carbine had a unique breech-barrel relationship. The barrel was attached to the frame by two giant locking lugs. To load the gun these lugs were first disengaged by a second trigger located forward of the firing trigger, the barrel being turned slightly to disengage

The Greene model, shown with the barrel open. Photo from Tim Prince, College Hill Arsenal - used with permission

the lugs. The barrel was then slid forward, and the whole assembly then rotated to the right for loading. Once loaded, the process

In the Sharps case, the American ordnance

was reversed. A cone shaped extension to

gurus could not resist the temptation to

the flash hole punctured the paper or linen

add a supply of this special model to its

cartridge for firing once the breech was

own inventory, so in addition to the 6,000

closed.

carbines ordered by the British, the U.S. War Department added its own order for 600

The British ordered 2,000 Greene carbines,

Sharps for the Army, and 101 for the Navy. Meanwhile Maynard and his Massachusetts Arms Company were seeking greater access to the gravy train, or in this case, the fish and chips train. The Maynard Carbine was unacceptable to the British because of its brass cartridge cases. So along came a new design by one Lieutenant Colonel James D. Greene. Historians today are still wrestling with question, ‘lieutenant colonel of whom

The Greene model, close up showing the fastening lugs and the pin that punctures paper cartridges. Photo from Tim Prince, College Hill Arsenal - used with permission

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

the U.S. Army piggy backing for 300

Civil War use by both arms is problematic.

more. For some reason they were made in

It’s speculated that the 6th Ohio Cavalry used

a nonstandard British caliber, .54. Strike

some of the Sharps, and it’s likely that during the war a wholesaler sold an additional fifty Greene carbines of anonymous identity to the U.S. government. Where the bulk of the other 300 Greene carbines went is still a mystery. Although rare (the British sold most of the Greene carbines for parts shortly after the Crimean War), both guns do appear on the

Shows the butt stock and marking on the Kings Dragoon Guards Sharps. Photo from Tim Prince, College Hill Arsenal - used with permission.

one against adoption by the general British military. While the bulk of the Sharps order was sent to the Kings Dragoon Guards in India, and the Greene's put into storage, it’s fairly certain both Sharps and Greene samples were shipped off to the Crimea for testing, and it’s likely both saw action at the siege of Sevastopol. While in both cases aspersions were cast at the ammunition, there can be little doubt that the root cause for the bulk of ignition failures in the wet and muck of the trenches surrounding Sevastopol was the fragile Maynard primer tapes. Whatever the cause, by 1860 the tape primers were out of favor everywhere.

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

antique market now and then. The examples shown here are all of British extraction I believe current rules would prevent either of these fascinating guns from appearing on an N-SSA skirmish line, but perhaps an inspired lawyer might find a loophole. My guess is that if nothing else, your social life will probably improve if you produce either one at a skirmish. ~ We express our regrets to anyone who may have had his/her feelings hurt.

~JVE

32nd Annual Alexander Wainwright Artillery Skirmish By: Rob Bethke, 3rd Maryland Artillery. All photos by Rob Bethke.

he Alexander Wainwright Skirmish

contested. We

is an all Artillery Skirmish. This

have the pig in

year’s skirmish started Friday

a jeep. This is

August 14th and concluded on the 15th.

a three shot for

This year we had nineteen teams attend the

score target. The

event. Several of the teams in attendance

goal is to hit the

entered multiple events and entered multiple

flag attached

different artillery pieces.

to the jeep. Hit

The Wainwright Skirmish fields competition in four Cannon classes and in mortar. There are multiple events available for entry for each class. Cannon events contested with eight shots are a bullseye target, counter battery, flying pigs (five pigs on a backer to be shot in order) and hanging drywall tiles. There are a couple of truly unusual events

the pig, you get penalized 25 points for each hit. For some,

The Alexander Wainwright Trophy.

acquiring the largest negative score is their goal. The last target is our turkey target. The turkey target is an open class target. The winner is the cannon who hits closest to the center of the target. The winner wins a turkey. Mortar events are a key to the Wainwright Skirmish. There are five available events for mortar, all seven shots and five for score. We offer the traditional 100 yard event, a 190 yard event, a random yardage event and two unique options. At the Wainwright we offer a blind mortar event. The event is at 100

7th Virginia Infantry - Turkey Target Winners

yards. A covered frame is placed in front of The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

Picnic dinner attendees at the Wainwright.

the mortar to block traditional aiming of the mortar during the course of fire. The second wild card event is our “Gunners Match.” This match also is at 100 yards. After the course of fire, the Gun Captain can move their stake into a position that gives them the best score for their group. The Alexander Wainwright Skirmish has an open competition trophy. The trophy was created & dedicated by the 15th Ohio. The basic formula to win the trophy is that every event at the Wainwright Skirmish is awarded points for 1st, 2nd & 3rd. Only three events from each team competing are tabulated into the award process(highest points earned). The most points earned is the winner. Tied points share the award. The 2026 Winners of the Commander Trophy for the Alexander Wainwright Skirmish was the 1st Pennsylvania Rifles Bucktails. (Shown at right with the trophy and their medals!) 18

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

32nd Alexander Wainwright Skirmish Winners Place

Event

Team

Rifled Cannon 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3

Flying Pigs Flying Pigs Flying Pigs Counter Battery Counter Battery Counter Battery Tiles & Bull Tiles & Bull Tiles & Bull Pig in Jeep Pig in Jeep Pig in Jeep

1st Valley Rangers 110th Ohio McGregor’s 2nd Battery 110th Ohio 1st Maryland Cavalry 1st Pennsylvania Rifles - Bucktails 110th Ohio 1st Valley Rangers 1st Pennsylvania Rifles - Bucktails 1st Pennsylvania Rifles - Bucktails 3rd US Artillery 110th Ohio

Smoothbore Cannon 1

Flying Pigs

1st Pennsylvania Rifles - Bucktails

Counter Battery

1st Pennsylvania Rifles - Bucktails

Tiles & Bull

1st Pennsylvania Rifles - Bucktails

Pig in Jeep

1st Pennsylvania Rifles - Bucktails

Rifled Howitzer Cannon 1

Dixie Artillery

Howitzer Cannon 1

Bullseye

Maryland Home Brigade

Bullseye

Hardaway’s Battery

Turkey Target Winner 1

7th Regiment Virginia Volunteers

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

32nd Alexander Wainwright Skirmish - Mortar Event Results 100 Yard Event 1 2 3

1st Pennsylvania Rifles - Bucktails Washington Greys 15th Ohio - Mortar #1

100 Yard Blind 1 2 3

3rd US Artillery 1st Tennessee - Mortar 1 1st Pennsylvania Rifles - Bucktails

Gunners Match 1 2 3

15th Ohio - Mortar #2 1st Tennessee - Mortar #1 30th Virgina Sharp Shooters

Random Range 1 2 3

1st Pennsylvania Rifles - Bucktails 3rd US Artillery Washington Greys

190 Yard 1 2

3rd US Artillery Washington Greys

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. - Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, June 18, 2026 via Zoom Minutes approved by Board vote August 1, 2026 Commander Cole called the meeting to order at 7:00. The following members of the Board of Directors were present: David Cole, National Commander Richard Clements, National Deputy

Edward Walters, Northwest Region

Commander

John Defilippi, Inspector General Bette Shepherd, National Paymaster Sharon Myers, Executive Secretary Douglas Walter, Allegheny Region Commander Robert Hicks II, Central Virginia Region Commander Steve Sheldon, Deep South Region

E.R. Mike Davenport, Tidewater Region Commander John Mark, Western Region Commander Finance Committee Chair Lance Walter and Property Manager Tim Scanlan were also present.

Commander

National Adjutant Erick Shaw,

Joseph Plakis III, Middle Atlantic Region

Past Commander Chuck Kindle,

Commander

Chesapeake Commander David Booz,

Mark Killeen, Northeast Region Commander

Carolina Commander Tom Wareham, The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

New England Commander Lou Ruggiero, Midwest Commander Eric Schuessler, and Potomac Commander Walt Zdon, Jr. were all

2027 New N-SSA Email Addresses

absent.

Board of Directors:

The meeting was held to discuss the need for

commander@n-ssa.org

a new main tractor. Tim Scanlan has found a

deputy_commander@n-ssa.org

Kubota with only 44 hours on it that meets all

adjutant@n-ssa.org

of our requirements. It comes with the front

ig@n-ssa.org

loader and bucket. We have received approximately $30,000 in designated tractor donations. That, along with the $57,000 in the budget for Replacement Reserve will more than cover the cost. Motion was made by Mike Davenport to make an offer of $52,500 with a maximum purchase

paymaster@n-ssa.org execsecretary@n-ssa.org Website/Forum:

contactform@n-ssa.org calendar@n-ssa.org

price of $56,000 with the money coming from

forumhelp@n-ssa.org

the budgeted Replacement Reserve fund.

itmanager@n-ssa.org

Motion carried unanimously.

admin@n-ssa.org

Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

webmaster@n-ssa.org

Note: Tim Scanlan contacted the owner immediately after the meeting adjourned. Our

Other Addresses:

offer of $52,500 was accepted and the tractor,

skirmishline@n-ssa.org

bucket, and front loader were purchased.

recruitment@n-ssa.org historycenter@n-ssa.org pio@n-ssa.org itmanager@n-ssa.org sac_chair@n-ssa.org sac_cochair@n-ssa.org

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. - Board of Directors Meeting Saturday, August 1, 2026 - Gainesboro Fire & Rescue Social Hall Approved by electronic vote held August 31 -

Robert Hicks II, Central Virginia Region

September 9, 2026.

Commander

Commander Cole called the meeting to order at 0800. Deputy Commander Clements led the

David Booz, Chesapeake Region Commander Steven Sheldon, Deep South Region Commander Joseph Plakis III, Middle Atlantic Region

invocation.

Commander

National Adjutant Erick Shaw called the

Commander

roll and reported as present the following

Mark Killeen, Northeast Region Commander

members of the Board of Directors:

Edward Walters, Northwest Region

David Cole, National Commander Richard Clements, National Deputy Commander Erick Shaw, National Adjutant John Defilippi, Inspector General Bette Shepherd, National Paymaster Sharon Myers, Executive Secretary

Eric Schuessler, Midwest Region

Commander Walter Zdon, Jr., Potomac Region Commander E.R. Mike Davenport, Tidewater Region Commander John Mark, Western Region Commander Past Commander Chuck Kindle and New England Region Commander Lou Ruggiero

Douglas Walter, Allegheny Region

were absent.

Commander

The minutes of the June Zoom meeting were

Tom Wareham, Carolina Region Commander

approved after motion by Joe Plakis. The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

Commander’s Comments Dave Cole opened by thanking the staff of the

approved until improvements have been made and the range reinspected.

153rd National for a job well done. He also

The Work Skirmish was a success and the

reiterated with the region commanders that

project for 2027 will be re-decking the main

they need to pass information down to their

bridge.

teams with instructions for them to pass it down to their members. Fewer questions are being asked, but they are still arising.

Deputy Commander Rick Clements began his report by stating that the pledged donation from Goex has yet

One issue that keeps happening is the

to arrive and our Corporate Relations Officer

ignoring of tower commands. When the

will follow up with Goex soon.

command is given for line judges and team captains to go downrange to check targets it

We received a generous donation of John

means exactly that – line judges and team

Deere stock that has offset the cost of the

captains only.

new tractor and will take care of other designated projects.

The position of Emergency Coordinator has been open since the unfortunate passing of

Inspector General

Chester Lauck. Gary Orndoff has agreed to

John Defilippi reported that 213 firearms

take the position. Mike Davenport made the

were inspected at this national with only 4

motion to approve the appointment and the

total failures. Thirty courtesy inspections

motion carried.

were also done. It seems that half-cock failures are increasing.

The position of Firearms Symposiums Coordinator has been created to facilitate

John was assisted by 6 regional inspectors

live fire exercises by members of the historic

and 3 assistant national inspectors, and

media under the supervision of the N-SSA.

is requesting that a few more regional

Motion was made by Joe Plakis to approve

inspectors step up to volunteer at national

Phil Spaugy and carried.

skirmishes. It’s not about covering all matches, but every little bit helps relieve the

Concerns were raised by conditions at

burden on everyone.

the newly approved range in Attica, Ohio. Further use as a skirmish range is not

Two teams stood inspection at the 153rd National – Wilmington Horse Artillery and

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

1st Wisconsin, Madison Guards. Both passed with flying colors and have been approved as full member units of the N-SSA. Wilmington Horse Artillery has been assigned the permanent number of 277-CR and 1st WI, Madison Guards will be 278-DS. He reminded everyone that all sighted smoothbore muskets must inspected by the Small Arms Committee and given a SAC card. Also, the stocks on any and all single shot smoothbore pistols must be finished

Sutler Officer So far this year three sutlers have passed away. Charlie Hahn passed in May, while Mary Lou Scoone of Rebel Trading Post and John Zimmerman the Harpers Ferry Gunsmith both passed in June. Paul Stoneburner is working with Vern Scoone on dealing with the contents of Rebel’s booth and Mike Klinepeter is working with the Zimmerman estate.

smooth and to appropriate dimension.

Executive Secretary

Oversize or rough stocks are unacceptable.

Sherry Myers stated that membership as of

Paymaster

July 31 stands at 2650, which is 33 below

Bette Shepherd reported that we are currently exceeding the budget for income and are on budget for expenses. A donation of 175 shares of John Deere stock valued at approximately $103,000 was made. Fund balances have been updated as of June 30, with Replacement Reserve being down by

this time last year and 94 below where we ended 2025. The Northeast Region’s Camp of Instruction netted 4 new members, the New England’s netted 1, and fall recruiting events are on the schedule for the Deep South, Middle Atlantic, Potomac, and Tidewater regions.

$15,000 due to the purchase of the new

The board approved the 2027 Fort

tractor and will be replenished as donations

Shenandoah schedule after motion by Eric

continue to come in.

Schuessler.

We have approximately 10 months of

See next page for the table of dates.

unrestricted cash and the investments are doing well. Bette is recommending no changes to Fort Shenandoah range rent for 2027 as we are ahead of projections on income. The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

2027 Fort Shenandoah Dates (Approved)_ Dates

Event

Region

January 15-17, 2027

Snowball

January 30, 2027

Winter Board Of Directors

N-SSA

March 12-14, 2027

Early Bird

April 2-4, 2027

Chesapeake Regional

April 16-18, 2027

Spring Potomac

April 24, 2027

CV Region Recruit Skirmish

April 30-May 2, 2027

CV Regional

May 19-23, 2027

155th National

N-SSA

June 12-14, 2027

Cockade Rifles Skirmish

June 19, 2027

Work Skirmish

N-SSA

June 25-27, 2027

Mason/Dixon Skirmish

July 9-11, 2027

McNeill’s Rangers

July 16-18, 2027

Veteran’s Skirmish

N-SSA

August 7, 2027

Summer BOD

N-SSA

August 13-15, 2027

Allegheny Regional

August 19-21, 2027

Wainwright Artillery Skirmish

N-SSA

August 27-29, 2027

Gator Skirmish

September 4, 2027

PT Region Recruit Skirmish

September 10-12, 2027

Fall Potomac

September 29-October, 2027

156th National

N-SSA

October 22-24, 2027

Halloween Shoot

Bivouac The N-SSA will be losing two teams at the end of this year. Knap’s Battery (129-AL) and Chesapeake Artillery (228-PT) have notified the Executive Secretary of their intent to fold by November 30.

With Knap’s Battery folding at the end of they year, Bivouac Officer Bob Gorsky recommended that their campsite in Area 1 merge into the adjoining site occupied by 2nd Maryland Artillery. Motion to permit the campsite merger was made by Doug Walter

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

and carried.

Program Officer

Information Technology

George McDowell presented the lists of

Ernie Wood presented his proposal for printing a QR code on the membership cards beginning in 2027. This will aid the Registration staff by eliminating the need for manually writing member info that is then entered into the computer. During the registration process, staff would use electronic readers (donated by Ernie) to scan the membership cards. That information would then periodically be dumped into the computer. The codes would be generated by the Membership Database and be unique to each member. The information in the QR code is the same as what currently appears on the membership card – member name and competitor

host teams for the 159th (Spring 2029) and 160th (Fall 2029) National Skirmishes. After motion by John Mark, it was approved that Eric Schuessler of Sherman’s Bodyguard direct the 159th and Kevin Herrick of the 46th Illinois direct the 160th. Mike Davenport asked what is the current interval between national hosting assignments. George stated that while he has been trying to keep it between 5-1/2 and 6 years, it will need to contract to between 4-1/2 and 5 years. Motion to approve the 154th Program with the deletion of the Goex logo was made by Rick Clements and carried.

number, along with the team name, number,

Property Management

and region. No other information would be

Mark Fleet opened his report by stating that

contained in the code.

the lower parking lot is so full of campers

Motion to implement as a test at the 155th National with full implementation for the 156th was made by Rick Clements and carried. The Board took a break at 9:20 and reconvened at 9:35.

that it cannot be used for parking. We have an individual willing to donate equipment to regrade the lot, but the campers need to be moved. A multipurpose motion was made by Mike Davenport. 1. That the teams owning vehicles currently in the lot that they are to be moved.

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

2. That we follow the Virginia Department

at 10:20 and reconvened in open session at

of Motor Vehicles process to deal with

11:00.

abandoned trailers and assess all fees to the team. 3. If the N-SSA needs to move a trailer, a fee will apply.

Motion to approve all actions taken in Executive Session was made by Joe Plakis and carried. The Board broke for lunch at 11:05 and

Motion was tabled to January 2027.

reconvened at 12:05.

History Center

Youth Competition

Gary Crawford presented the prototype of

Travis Keener reported that the Senior Pellet

the new Scott Harris Memorial Trophy and

Pistol competition for 12-13-14 year olds has

is asking that it be awarded to the team with

gone well, but parents as well as he would

the lowest aggregate time of the Smoothbore

like to see the program expand to encompass

Musket and Smoothbore Pistol team matches

all senior competitors. Motion to expand the

beginning with the 155th National. Motion to

program to all Youth Senior Competitors was

rescind the action taken in January 2026 in

made by Mike Davenport and carried.

favor of this presentation was made by Doug

Recruiting

Walter and carried.

In his report, Chris Krecidlo is requesting the

Gary reported that the History Center

appointment of a Social Media Officer and

Committee would like to take a proactive role

video budget. Item was tabled to October.

in growing the association, and any and all suggestions are welcome. This fall’s national the Center will host a book trade (leave some, take some), along with a display of Civil War era inventions as well as a display of N-SSA member authors. There is also a committee to come up with and schedule living history displays at each national skirmish.

The Board convened in Executive Session 28

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The coloring book is a hit and 100 copies will be available in the Executive Secretary’s office this fall.

Registration John Gaskill requested that the speed bump approved last year be provided. Mark Killeen will donate one for Registration use.

Website Steve Sheldon noted that Mackmedia, our

Pets must be kept on a leash and

under control at all times.

current website provider, costs us $3200

per year and their technical support is not

assigned camp area, on the roads, or in the

good. By going with vbulletin we would only

spectator area. Pets and comfort animals

be charged $900 per year and keep the same

are not permitted in the ready area or on the

level of service. For the email forwarders

range. Pets exhibiting problematic behavior

we could use Google Workspace, which is

may be asked to leave the spectator area by

free and would also supply us with email

the skirmish director or his/her designee.

They must be kept in the owner’s

addresses with the n-ssa.org suffix. c. He also stated that all skirmish applications

Owners must clean up after their pets/

comfort animals.

must be approved before invitations will be posted to the bulletin board.

Rules 1. AMENDMENT TO RULE 37.11 AND SUBSETS 37.11 ANIMALS AT FORT SHENANDOAH (amended 08/2026) a.

Pets and Comfort Animals

Service Dogs

In accordance with the Americans

With Disabilities Act, Guide dogs and other trained, working service dogs are welcome at Fort Shenandoah at all times and may go anywhere their owners are permitted, with the exception of in the ready area or on the firing line where the animal may create a safety hazard.

Pets (except for the Property

Manager’s pets) and other comfort animals are prohibited on Fort Shenandoah from noon Tuesday to noon Monday at National Skirmishes. 2.

Pets and other comfort animals are

permitted at other times under the following conditions:

Motion to approve new rules to this point made by Robert Hicks and carried. 2.

Members who bring ADA Certified

Guide/Service dogs must file a copy of the Certification with the Executive Secretary and answer the two questions required under the ADA. The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

Is the animal required due to a

disability? b.

Motion to approve #2 made by Steve Sheldon and carried. Owners are required to keep their

Guide/Service dog under control at all times and are expected to clean up after them. 4.

become 32.5 and subsets)

What work or task has it been trained

to perform?

4. Addition of Rule 32.4 (current 32.4 would

It is recommended the Guide/Service

dog wear a vest to eliminate any undue or unreasonable demands of the handler. Motion to approve items 3 and 4 was

32.4 DISTINGUISHED 7-GUN SHOOTER AWARDS To recognize distinguished marksmanship achievement with seven skirmish arms (musket, carbine, revolver, smoothbore, breech-loading rifle/carbine II, single shot breechloading rifle, and single shot pistol) a Distinguished 7-Gun Shooter Award is established. a.

These recognitions shall be awarded to

skirmishers who qualify under these rules in

made by Doug Walter and carried.

the 7-gun aggregate match.

2. CREATION OF RULE 29.5.1.E

32.4.1 ELIGIBILITY

Protests for carbine company matches shall

The eligibility criteria for the D7 Award are:

close Saturday, 30 minutes after the final results are posted. Motion to approve made by Doug Walter and carried.

The skirmisher must be a member in

good standing of a member organization of the N-SSA. b.

The Distinguished 7-Gun Shooter

3. CREATION OF RULE 20.2.H

Award represents the highest standards

Cleaning or other handled rods are

a broad spectrum of skirmish arms. The

prohibited from being used as ramrods in all

recipient must demonstrate the qualities

N-SSA competition.

of Honesty, Dedication, Sportsmanship,

Motion to approve made by Doug Walter and carried. 30

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of sportsmanship and shooting ability in

Competition, and Desire for Excellence. c.

The skirmisher must earn a total

of 25 points in competition in the 7-Gun Aggregate match under rule 12. 2(l), which shall consist of the combined aggregates of the musket, carbine, revolver, smoothbore, breech-loading rifle/carbine II, single shot breechloading rifle, and single shot pistol matches. Such aggregates must be fired at national skirmishes only. Additional awards shall be given for accumulating 100 and 200 points d.

D7 Award points shall be awarded to

the 10 highest placing skirmishers in the 7 Gun Aggregate Match who are not enrolled in the Masters Class. The highest-placing

the same as for the D-SSA (see rule 31.1.2). 32.4.3 RECALL OF AWARD Provisions and procedures for recall of this award shall be the same as for the D-SSA (see rule 31.1.3). 32.4.4 THE AWARD DESIGN The design is similar to figure 32.2. Motion to create the DSCA 7 Gun Award was made by Mike Davenport and carried. 5. Addition of Rule 33.8

non-Masters Class competitor shall receive 10 points, on down to the tenth non-Masters Class competitor, who shall receive 1 point. (Masters Class qualifications shall be the same as for the D-SSA (see rule 32.1.4€). e.

D7 Award points shall be awarded

after verification by the Information Technology Manager, and after the normal challenge period is over. f.

D7 Award points are permanently

awarded and shall remain as long as the shooter remains a member in good standing as in (a) above. 32.4.2 ELIGIBILITY RECORDS The use and maintenance of records shall be

33.8 SEVENTY YEAR VETERAN AWARD a.

A medal to recognize seventy years of

N-SSA membership shall be made available to those who have attained that number of years of membership. b.

The medal may be worn on the left

chest beside the 50 Year Veteran Medal. c.

The Awards Committee shall send all

verified 70 year nominations to the Board of Directors for their approval. Motion to create the 70 Year Award was made by John Mark and carried . 6. RESCISSION OF POLICY 1999.1

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

Current policy: “Seniority numbers of

Ohio just won a long range match in New

probationary organizations will be in the 900

Mexico.

series.

Dave Cole – The rule for relaxed uniforms

Motion to rescind was made by Robert

means shirts and hats, not just street clothes

Hicks and carried.

and to please abide by the rules. It is the responsibility of the competitor to read and

7. CREATION OF POLICY 2026.1

understand the rules and publications.

Proposed policy: “Any team wishing to

Motion to adjourn was made at 1:40

transfer out of the region they currently

p.m. by Walt Zdon and carried.

belong as defined in Article VI, Section 8 of the Bylaws must have 50% of its membership residing in the region they are requesting to be transferred into.” Motion was withdrawn. 8. Amendment to the Number of Individual Medals Awarded at Nationals Motion was made by Joe Plakis to amend National Individual Medal places as below and the motion carried with one no vote.

Around the Table Joe Plakis – He has wood blocks and trapezoids available to the regions for use in recruiting skirmishes. Doug Walter – The Ordnance Manual is in the works and will be presented for approval in January. Eric Schuessler – Michael Rouch of the 110th

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

New Recruits 3/1 to 9/7/2026 AL

Current Individual Awards

Approved

Classified Matches

50-yard Musket

100-yard Musket

Musket Agg

Musket Aggregate

50-yard Carbine

100-yard Carbine

Carbine Agg

Carbine Aggregate

25-yard Revolver

50-yard Revolver

Revolver Agg

Revolver Aggregate

50-yard BR/C2

100-yard BR/C2

BR/C2 Agg

BR/C2 Aggregate

25-yard Smoothbore

50-yard Smoothbore

Smoothbore Agg

Smoothbore Aggregate

Unclassified Matches

12.5-yard SB Pistol

25-yard SB Pistol

SB Pistol Agg

50-yard SS BR/C2

100-yard SS BR/C2

100-yard SBR/C2

SS BR/C2 Agg

M/C Agg

50-Yard Agg

Grand Agg

5-Gun Agg

7-Gun Agg

Table goes with number 8 at left: Proposal by Joe Plakis on changing the number of medals awarded at National Skirmishes

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

The 2026 Veteran's Skirmish! Christmas in July By: Rob Bethke, 3rd Maryland Artillery & Veteran's Corps Chair

Baseball has the mid summer classic, skirmishing has the Veterans Skirmish. For the past 55 summers, the third weekend in July, the Veterans Skirmish has taken place at our home range. This skirmish is unlike any other skirmish held in the organization. The main difference, you cannot enter a team from your own unit. Individual skirmishers sign up as an individual for the skirmish or

Skirmish Director Mike Linton, R. Preston Chews Battery

skirmishers sign up as a pair. We call pairs, buddies. Oh, and just bring your musket,

Friday. The welcome picnic takes place at the

it’s the only firearm competed with at the

14th Virginia’s campsite on Artillery Road.

Veterans Skirmish.

This year's picnic was a great experience.

This year the skirmish was held on July 17th, 18th and 19th. Michael Linton was our Skirmish director and he chose ‘Christmas

While not all of the participants for the skirmish are able to arrive for Friday’s festivities, those who have arrived, attend

in July’ as the theme for the Skirmish. The weekend is a mixture of musket events (both individual & team) and social events. It’s a proverbial family reunion atmosphere. Friday may be the best day of the whole Skirmish. Individual competitions start late in the morning and they wrap up by 4PM. The true experience starts at 6PM on 34

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

A view of the Friday Welcome Dinner at the 14th Virginia's campsite

the picnic. Dinner, as always, was a pot luck

but the caravan of vehicles heading from

dinner. Skirmishers were asked to bring

campsite to campsite appeared to number

a side dish or dessert. Here we spent time

in the twenties. The mixture of younger

breaking bread with old friends and began

skirmishers to veteran skirmishers covered

spending time with new friends. The picnic is

more than six decades of skirmishing. Most

always an opportunity to slow down the pace

of the participants stayed at the final stop

of a traditional skirmish. We all gathered

for more than an hour. The Campsite Tour

together to break bread. This dinner is in

was truly a unique experience for everyone

direct contrast to a traditional skirmish.

involved.

Traditionally, skirmishers head back to their own respective team campsites to eat dinner. The picnic dinner is a great chance to spend time together.

Scott Harris (memorial) Pigeon Elimination Special Event Tent

During the past year, the Veterans Committee created a special honor for a Campsite Touring! Making new friends and visiting new places!

fallen friend. One of our special individual events at the skirmish is the Pigeon Elimination. Each member gets a ticket for

A new event added in recent years is the

the event with the skirmish application.

Campsite Tour. It is an added event to help

Additional opportunities to participate in

grow skirmisher friendships. The Campsite

the elimination can be purchased at a dollar

Tour is an event consisting of a select

a chance. The rules are simple, shoot until

number of Units offering to host our merry

you hit and then shoot until you miss. The

skirmishers for a brief period. This year, five

competitor with the most consecutive hits is

units signed up for the mission. We didn’t

your winner. Scott Harris was well known for

take a census of everyone who attended,

his ability to win this event more than most The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

anyone else in our modern era. The event is now named in honor of Scott and a special challenge coin was created for the winner and second place finisher. In true Scott Harris fashion our winner, Colin Scanlan, ran fifteen pigeons on the last relay available. He broke his two way tie for second and jumped ahead of the previous leader, Eddie Schneeman, who finished second. A third challenge coin was awarded to Dan Bethke for entering the contest the most times. The Scott Harris Pigeon Elimination was a well received event.

Doing some "Creek Sittin" on a hot July day

creek social. This event has been held down near the revolver range bridge for many years. In a tribute to baseball, this year we had a thirty minute rain delay. There

Individual events are concluded at noon on

was a severe thunderstorm. The storm

Saturday. This only ended the day's shooting

was extremely loud, fast and strong. The

events, Saturday’s activities had only begun

thunder cracked louder than any have ever

to start. The afternoon continued at 1PM

heard at Fort Shenandoah. Once the storm

with the Annual Veterans Corp meeting.

passed, the creek social moved into full gear.

At the meeting the individual special event

Attendees spread out into multiple groups

awards are presented. This included this

with people bouncing between and around

year’s Pigeon Elimination Challenge Coin

the different parties. The conversations

and Smoked Ham’s to all those who broke

went on for hours. The topics were ranging

a weighted string at 50 yards. The Veterans

from basic catching up to sharing old

Chair, offered up the State of the Veterans

memories. One by one, skirmishers left the

Corp. It is similar to the State of the Union,

creek in order to get ready for dinner. Our

with the exception of shorter and far less

Saturday night dinner was a production from

applause. After a brief open forum, the

the Ruritan. Skirmishers who sign up to

Musket competition teams are selected.

participate at the Veterans Skirmish have a

Once the business portion of our Skirmish was completed, we moved into the additional social events. First on tap was the mandatory 36

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

dinner ticket included with their registration packet. Additionally dinner tickets are available by preregistering. The Ruritan pavilion was filled with N-SSA Veterans and

family. The overflow of people spread all

firing line with new people, make new friends

along the memorial park on the surrounding

and memories to last a lifetime.

benches.

As with all Skirmishes, we hold an opening ceremony before the Musket match. This year the Veterans Committee awarded The Happy Taylor Service Award, given to individuals for their outstanding service to the Veterans Corps, to Bruce Allen of the 7th Regiment Virginia Volunteers. We were fortunate enough to have our very own N-SSA Commander, Dale Cole present to

Saturday evening's Ruritan Dinner is in full swing!

deliver the award to Mr. Allen.

Dinner does not mark the end of the day. At 8PM everyone headed down Artillery Road to The 3rd Maryland Artillery campsite. The night cap of the evening is the Cocktail Party. The headliner of the party is the Artillery Punch. The punch is a secret recipe that has been handed down from father to son. There are plenty of Hors d'oeuvres available, for those that are still hungry . This year's party wrapped up just after midnight. Other years, the party can go all night.

Bruce Allen, 7th Virginia Infantry - is presented with the Happy Taylor Award by National Commander Dave Cole

The 55th Veterans had a once in a generation

Musket teams for the Sunday morning match

Buddy up by two of our senior members.

are traditional eight person teams. The teams

An improbable duo, Roger Bethke & John

are chosen by a random draw of skirmishers.

Venskoske, have attended every Veteran’s

Skirmishers who sign up with a buddy

Skirmish held. They have attended all 55

remain paired for the team and individual

N-SSA Summer Classics! Together the

members are added to fill out the remaining

pair has 126 years of membership in the

spots. It is a wonderful chance to share the

organization. Both have played an important The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

role in shaping Fort Shenandoah into the

to hanging targets, this is the skirmish to

home range we enjoy today. We got to

get all the tips for the sun to shine on that

witness two legends of our organization

target perfectly. Plenty of instructors are

buddy up at the Veterans Skirmish this past

ready to share their knowledge. Winding out

July. It truly was a special moment for the

the match was the hanging stake at 25 yards.

Veterans Corps.

This is typically a fairly straightforward

The traditional musket match consisted of five events. This year we had sixteen

target, unless you decide to put a minie ball through the B frame stake. For this

teams. The match was fast paced and action packed. The random draw for teams created some interesting conversation on the line and when hanging targets. The pigeon board could be a confusing event with 24 pigeons on the backer hung in six rows. Team captains get up to seven different plans, besides their own, to assign targets, Typewriter, columns, rows and even quadrants are all strategies employed. In the end, there was a bit of a free for all until all the pigeons were shot. The other events seem to require less strategy. When it comes

The brigade event! A fully-loaded board and a tree to cut in half!

achievement, you are awarded the walk of shame in front of more than a hundred of your new friends. With all stakes broken, the team match was concluded. The last event of the weekend , the brigade shoot was on the docket. The competitors divide up into two teams, the North & the South for a final grudge match. This year's match had a pigeon board filled to the brim with pigeons in a Christmas themed pattern and an evergreen tree for stake. The match is an unlimited timed event that traditionally

Travis got excited during the stake event....and had to do the "walk of shame!"

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

starts at the sign of the horn. The shooting was fast and furious, with this years winners

A view of the Firing Line during the Veteran's Skirmish 2026.

more than happy to help the Northerns finish their targets. After a quick clean up, we award our first, second and third place team winners. The Veterans Committee would like to thank Karen Rawls of the 2nd Virginia. Karen has been the Veterans Skirmish Range officer for several decades. She has managed this portion of our program flawlessly. Her constant presence and leadership has helped our Skirmish Directors achieve a successful

A sincere "Thank You" to Karen Rawls!

committee. Thank you Karen for everything you gave to us all of these years.

program. We will miss her and her Toyota

The Veteran’s Skirmish is the Family

pickup truck at the base of the tower.

Reunion/All Star Event for the N-SSA.

Thankfully, Karen will continue to help care

The Skirmish gives our membership the

for our Veterans program as a member of our The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

Make sure to have your dinosaur muskets ready, as our Skirmish Director Alan Spenser leads our merry band of Skirmishers. ~Until then, never be the same!

opportunity to experience the heart of organization. The mixture of social and shooting events creates a perfect experience for members to spend time with familiar faces and new friends. The friendships made at the Veterans Skirmish enhance the skirmisher experience. Hope you can join us next July. The 2027 Veterans Skirmish will be heading into the Jurassic Age. The Yankees get some additional help from the Rebels during the Brigade Event on Sunday

Veteran Skirmishers Katie Witham and Katie Sanders buddied up for this event!

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

Hanging targets on the line.

TAPS

Remembering our fallen comrades Ron Beatty

2nd Virginia Volunteer Infantry

Bruce Clark

1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry

Ronald Collins

1st Connecticut Volunteer Infantry

Betty Cramer

R. Preston Chew’s Battery

Ronnie Fredericksen

Richmond Volunteer Militia

Leo Gerris, Jr.

56th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry

Hannes Hacker

12th Regiment US Regular Infantry

Charlie Hahn

13th Confederate Infantry

Lance Herdegen

Union Guards, 19th Indiana Infantry

Don King

7th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry

John Kuhl

15th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry

Don Mayonado

5th Virginia Volunteer Infantry

Michael Mink

Forrest’s Escort Company

Greg Ogdan

110th Ohio Volunteer Infantry

Gordon Reddick

4th Virginia Infantry

Mac Rutherford

2nd Virginia Volunteer Infantry

Cliff Shipe

1st Pennsylvania Rifles (Bucktails)

John (Stretch) Sterba

McGregor’s 2nd Battery

Stefan Svensson

1st Stuart Horse Artillery

John Zimmerman

Owner/Operator: Harpers Ferry Gunsmith

Mary Lou Scoone

Owner/Operator: Rebel Sutler

Listed in no particular order. Send additional names to the Executive Secretary The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

Join the N-SSA Advance Guard! And help preserve skirmishing for the next generation! Donate and create a legacy that will never go away!

Members of the N-SSA Advance Guard are helping

Yes! I want to join the N-SSA Advance Guard and be

to create a $1,000,000 endowment fund to support

recognized.

the association into the next generation. The principal funds are to be placed into a permanently restricted

I pledge to become an Advance Guard member and

endowment fund to provide a sustainable source of

donate according to the following. I understand the

income for the future. The endowment fund will ensure

principal will remain in the endowment and will only

the long-term viability of the North-South Skirmish

be used to generate investment income to sustain the

Association.

N-SSA.

Members of the N-SSA Advance Guard will receive

Choose one of the following:

One-time donation of $2000 24 monthly payments of $84 40 monthly payments of $50

a custom pin designed to be worn on the uniform. A numbered certificate suitable for framing, and their name on the Advance Guard plaque displayed in the museum.

Name:

The Advance Guard endowment is a great way to

Address:

leave a legacy to the N-SSA, support the future of

City

skirmishing, and ensure a viable organization for

Zip

decades to come. Donations are tax deductible due to our 501(c)3 status. The North-South Skirmish Association is a unique organization that represents a significant era in American history. Preserving this heritage of skirmishing is important in commemorating those brave men and women who were part of the struggle that was the War between the States. Protect and preserve our heritage for the next generation and for years to come, join the Advance Guard today! The first 100 donors will be designated as the Founders Group.

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

State

Phone N-SSA Comp #

Team #

Email Signature Make all donations payable to N-SSA Endowment Fund and send to:

N-SSA Endowment Fund c/o Wayne Jordan 8606 Eagle Glen Terrace Fairfax Station, VA 22039 For more information please contact: Chris De Francisci at (540) 840-2707 or Chris@washingtonbluerifles.com or Wayne Jordan at wvjordan@aol.com

Frequently Asked Questions: What is an Endowment Fund An endowment is a donation of money or property to a nonprofit organization, which uses the resulting investment income for a sustainable source of funds for the organization. Endowments are designed to keep the principal amount intact while using the investment income for guided efforts. The principal is permanently restricted from being spent and is used for investment only. The fund will grow over time as the principal is left in the fund.

What is the goal: A $1,000,000 endowment fund goal was set as it will provide an annual income to the N-SSA of approximately $40,000 a year without ever touching the principal. This will be a sustainable source of income independent of other donations for the organization.

Why is this being done: An endowment will help to secure the financial viability of the N-SSA for the future and ensure that the organization will be here for the next generation of skirmishers.

The funds are expected to exist in perpetuity and the principal is not used for expenses. The goal with endowments is to allow the principal to grow without withdrawals so that the underlying investment increases in value over time, and the investment income earned is available every year for the funding of organizational projects.

How will the funds be managed/han-

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dled:

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The funds will be invested in secure instruments

What are the funds used for: Creating an endowment is an important strategy that sets aside funds for the future and is a hallmark of financial sustainability. Endowments may generally be described as assets (usually cash accounts that are invested in equities or bonds, or other investment vehicles) set aside so that the original assets grow over time through income earned from interest, capital gains and dividends on the underlying invested funds.

and managed by an outside investment company. Similar to how an IRA or 401(k) is handled. Investment income will depend on market conditions but 4% has historically been a safe income figure. Over time the fund will grow as the investments increase in value and if income is reinvested in the fund when not needed for projects.

Are my donations tax deductible: Yes, the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. is an IRS designated 501(c)3 organization so all donations are tax deductible.

The Skirmish Line | Spring 2026

Society of Color Bearers and Advance Guard Proud Donors to the N-SSA By Wayne Jordan, Charitable Giving Committee

This year the N-SSA has received an amazing

the main range, and numerous other heavy

outpouring of donations from our fellow

jobs. It would be difficult to run a National

skirmishers. As of August 31 donations have

without it.

already topped $150,000. This money has

Shelter for Heavy Equipment

been applied to major projects, the General Fund, and the Advance Guard Endowment.

The new tractor will be stored in the barn, but we do have other heavy equipment that

We all want to keep skirmishing affordable

needs a permanent storage space. You’ll

for everyone, yet we need plenty of

often see this equipment parked outside the

reinvestment into the Association. Here are

barn during skirmishes as there is not room

some of the things that we still need to raise

for it while running a skirmish. Plans are

money for:

being made to build a permanent shelter for

New Tractor We put out a call for donations back in the Spring, and you responded. Over $31,000 poured in and we were able to take advantage of a great opportunity to buy an almost new, top quality tractor at a deep

this equipment that will be attached to the side of the barn. The lumber alone will cost thousands of dollars. We need your help to finance the construction of this building to help protect this equipment. The Main Bridge

discount. But, we did have to dip into the

The structure is solid but the deck and

general funds to complete this purchase.

railings need replacing before they get too

We’d like to replenish the General Fund

worn and weakened. The total cost will

and need $22,000 to do that. The tractor is

probably be over $10,000, even with all

essential for moving target material, mowing

the volunteer labor that our members will

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

provide. We must stay ahead of potential

We have members from all walks of life.

problems with that bridge. Otherwise, we

We draw skirmishers from about half the

risk some day having to cancel a National at

states in our union. They represent people

the last minute. Again, we need your help to

of all lifestyles, professions, economic

finance this project.

strata, and family status’s. But, we all come

General Fund

together as equals to enjoy the camaraderie, competition and the preservation of our

We always need to keep our treasury well funded for all eventualities. Maintaining Fort Shenandoah and covering all the multitude

American history. For those of you who are in a financial position to help support us with your donations, we ask that you consider

of needs that the N-SSA encounters in

donating this year. For those of you whose

operating this organization adds up.

family and personal situation is already

We’ve managed to keep the National

strained by the many costs of skirmishing,

dues unchanged now since 2013, which is

take care of your family and future now. We

amazing. Costs have certainly gone up. It is

hope that sometime in the future it will be

the donations from our members that have

practical for you to consider donating.

made this possible for all of us.

DONATE DIGITALLY BY USING OUR QR CODE We now have another way to make donations. The QR code can be scanned with your cellphone and it will take you to the official N-SSA website Donations page where you can quickly and easily make a donation by credit card or Paypal. After it takes you to the page, just scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the donate button. Be sure to include your name and mailing address so we can send you a receipt for your tax deductible donation. Or send in a check using the form below. Maybe you still have a return envelope from a recent mailing.

Name Address

Amount of donation City

State

Email Credit Card #

Zip

Phone Exp. Date

CCV

General Fund or Specific Purpose? To send in a donation now, just print and send this form with your donation to:

N-SSA c/o Wayne Jordan, Charitable Donations Committee. 8606 Eagle Glen Terrace, Fairfax Station, VA 22039

All checks should be made out to the N-SSA. All donors will receive a letter of receipt by mail. The N-SSA is a 501(c)(3) organization and donations are eligible for tax deductions.

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

Any size donations are appreciated.

5. Remember the N-SSA in your estate plan,

There are many ways to donate, and

will, or trust. Numerous members have

often that includes strategies that will

told me that they have done that. I have.

benefit you at tax time. 1. New Tax Benefit: Starting this year you

employee donations to nonprofits, or

will be able to deduct up to $1000 per

even gives outright grants to your favorite

year of charitable donations ($2000

charity, take advantage of that benefit.

for married couples) even if you do not itemize deductions. 2. Donate directly from your IRA account if you’ve reached 70 ½ years old. You’ll skip all income taxes on that money that has grown so well over the years and your money will go to a good use. A person can donate up to $111,000 in this way in 2026. 3. Donate highly appreciated stocks, mutual funds, or other securities. The N-SSA is a 501 c 3 nonprofit which means you can deduct donations on your tax return. 4. Donate to the N-SSA Advance Guard Endowment Fund. The principal donations will always be there untouched. We have nearly $250,000 in it now and it is earning investment returns. But, our goal is to build this fund up In the coming years with those earnings being reinvested. Long term goal is $1,000,000 in principal.

6. If you work for an employer who matches

The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

7. Set up a regular periodic donation by credit card, automatic bank transfer, or Paypal.

Augusta Powder Works Colonel George Washington Rains was tasked by Jefferson Davis to find a suitable location for the production of blackpowder, just prior to the battle of First Manassas. Rains designed the factory to minimize disruption, in the event of an explosion. Instead of one large facility, Rains designed the Powder Works to be many smaller, and compartmentalized buildings. The buildings were designed with a distinct look - emulating the look of a crenelated castle, so that it wasn't an industrial eyesore for the town. The Powder Works was producing around 7,000 lbs of powder a day when it closed in April 1865. After the War, the property was sold and the buildings torn down. Col. Rains requested that the smokestack be left as a memorial to those who fought.

By: Chris Krecidlo, N-SSA Recruiting Officer

our regional Recruiting Officers and the Marketing and Recruiting Committee members have had a

very busy summer! Many regions conducted at least one recruit skirmish,and several conducted two recruit skirmishes. We’ve also been attending Gun Shows, reenactments, even marching in parades! This summer’s regional recruit skirmishes have been very successful. A recruit fires an original m.1816 Springfield Flintlock during the North East Region Camp of InstrucWe’ve also been tion recruiting event

working hard to boost our social

Recruits learn how to cast their own bullets following a musket match at a NE Region recruiting event

media presence. You can do the same! Create a page for your team. It doesn’t cost anything except a little time. I started a page for my team last July, and in one year, we’ve picked up several new team-mates that we would not have met otherwise. I challenge each member to do something recruiting related. Invite a friend to a skirmish, put some pamphlets in your favorite gun shop or gun club, start a social media page, set up a table at a gun show! We can get you supplies such as pamphlets, and if you would like to apply for funding assistance for a recruit skirmish, gun show, or other event let me know!

Chris K

149th New York The Skirmish Line | Summer 2026

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