Col, This trip was a lot of fun. I learned a lot about the Civil War in a fun + interesting way. You are great at doing this. I will gladly take my Kids and others here in the future. Thanx for the trip. Love, Kevin (Haversacks) 
Col - I don't know what to say at this moment. This has been one of the greatest weekends of my life. I will never forget any of this. You have made a difference in my life that you will ever know. The feeling this whole weekend had is haunting and historic. I hope this is the first of Hundreds of Campaigns I will be able to take. Thank you again. - Brian M. (regimental trivia)
Col., Thanks for everything you did for this trip, it was great. The weather was beautiful and all the sites were interesting. I was worried about not having as good a time at Antietam as I did at Gettysburg. I'm glad I was mistaken, and most of the fun was due to you. You were very relaxed and made the whole experience enjoyable. The jokes and fun were great and everyone had a great time. I'm sure I will become better friends with all the people that I've met on that troop. Thanks again - I'll see you at Gettysburg in the Fall. Love, Sue D. (hoops and bonnets)
Col, Thanks for another great Campaign. I hope that I will be going back to both Gettysburg and Antietam next year, to help with all of the raw recruits with Cold Paddies. Col, I have to admit, that I just realized that I didn't sign this earlier when I wrote it at breakfast, so I guess I deserve 12 you-yous. Love, Staff Sgt. Lora (Supply sgt) 
Col. Shay and the 93rd - The battle at Antietam was a long and hard four days. Throughout the battle, I learned many things and met many interesting people. During the day, we viewed + learned strategies and tactics. At night, especially at chow, the troops conversed + laughed freeling, even though they all knew there was more fighting ahead the next day. After the battle was over and we were all returning home, some were sad + some were happy to leave, but I knew in my heart that I would return some day with or without the 93rd! Love, CPL Marci (The Polish Rifle) 
Col. Shay, Well this has been my frist campaign with the 93rd. This has been an unforgettable experience and one that I always will cherish. Thanks for such a great weekend and hope to see you on many more trips to come. Pvt Matt K. (horse and mule harnesses) 
Col. Shay, It has been a great pleasure serving in your regiment. The night before we left on our voyage I was having second thoughts, but now I am very happy that I came. I will be unable to go to Gettysburg in the Fall due to Football, but if you ever need a Road Guard on another trip just give me a call. I have really enjoyed myself on this trip and I hope I made it a little bit more fun for yourself. Thanks alot Col. Shay. - Cpl. Chris F. (road guard)
Col. Shay, After being to Antietam and the cemetary, it really hit me. I got all choked up when I was walking around the cemetary. To think that theses people gave their lived for this country. Now I look back and think that I almost didn't come on this trip. Even though I've never seen you catch a fish I know you must be a good fisherman Because you've hooked me. My mother told me that I should take one of your courses and I'm glad I did Because you truely are a teacher. I wish all my teachers were like you because you make learning fun. The world could use more Cols. Thank you for everything you have taught me, not only about the civil war but also life. - Derek B. (mule feed) 
Col. Shay, To put my feelings of this weekend's experience, w/ you leading us into battle, into words that can actually justify the intensity of it all, is a feat that cannot be accomplished. I feel as if I came here as a boy & left as a man full of wisdom & passion. I cannot explain it, for it is larger than understanding will allow me to know. The rush I got from being at the sites of the Cornfield & bloody lane were greater than any rush on the football field. The empty, deafening silence from the cemetery has left me confused, yet knowledged, and leaves only the question of "why." I cam this weekend to learn something about the Civil War. I never knew what you could teach me. The memories of singing "Cecilia" on the tower, walking the lane, and storming the bridge will never be forgotton - only spread to other so you may touch their lives also. The influence & knowledge you brought to me is second only to that of my father, and the respect & thanks I extend to you for this moment shall remain unparalleled. You accomplished your task, sir. You hooked this soldier. God bless & carry on, Col. With Honor & Respect, Corporal John K. (binoculars and cadence) 
Col. Shay, Gracias para invitandome a in a Antietam. Yo toni un buen tiempo. Espero que yo podria in a Gettysburg el ano que vengo. Don't worry Col. I did not say anything cruel or rude in Spanish. I said that I enjoyed the trip and am thankful that I was invited. I hope that I may be invited to go to Gettysburg again next year. It was a great experience to see the acttual battlefield and the cemetary was quite an eye-opener surrounding the Civil War. I hope that I may come back and visit other sites of the War. Thank you again. Your foreign observer, Lt Col. Pedro (observer - court of Spain) 
Dear Colonel Shay - I would just like to say thanks for the time and effort that you put into these trips. It means a great deal to me. I've had a great time this weekend and will always remember it. I have a love for the Civil War, and listening to you talk about it makes me love it even more. You truly are a great teacher! Well, next semester there better be a seat for me on the wagontrain to Gettysburg. Thank you again for all you do, it really does mean so much! - PVT Gail J. (songs and poems) 
Dearest Col. Shay, For the first time I find myself choked for what to say. This was a wonderful experience that will be with me for the rest of my life. An experience that made me laugh, made me cry, but most of all I learned. You are an extrodinary man Colonel. If everyone could make learning the great experience you have and truly care about the kids that they are teaching, it would change the world. It's a gift you have that I'm glad I got the chance to experience. Most of all its great to be surrounded by those who love history, especially the Civil War. For w/out a past we have no future! Thank you once again for the experience + the chance to kick some rebel butt. Love, Melissa P. (boots and saddles) |
