To: General U. S. Scout
Col. Jerry “Pitsptr“ Davenport
Headquarters Grand Army of the Frontier
Copies to: The ladies and gentlemen of the GAF at large
Sirs:
I have the honor to submit my report following the second 2014 Illinois State Muster of the Grand Army of the Frontier. The division of Illinois held a local ceremony to commemorate the change in command and to honor the hard work and dedication of Lt. Colonel Shamrock. The following proclamation was read to the troops assembled.
Attention to Orders!
Be it hereby known that (Bvt) LTCol Shamrock be retired from command of the Division of Illinois, Department of Missouri, Grand Army of the Frontier. During LtCol Shamrock’s tour of command he was instrumental in bringing GAF musters to Illinois. Specifically to the cowboy action clubs, personally enlisting 26 troopers to the GAF, and insuring that all who participated had a time to remember.
It is with great pleasure that we honor LtCol Shamrock with this ceremony. LtCol Shamrock will assume the permanent grade of Lt Col Chief of Scouts, Division of Illinois, GAF until such time that he renders his service to the GAF completed. LtCol Shamrock can take great pride in his accomplishments which reflect credit upon himself and The Grand Army of the Frontier.
Dated this day of 31 August 2014.
cc: Gen U.S. Scout, Commander, Grand Army of the Frontier
(Bvt) Col. Pitspitr, Commander, Department of Missouri, GAF
Upon the completion of this ceremony the Division of Illinois was besieged by forces unknown. I am pleased to report they successfully defended the wilds of Winnebago county from these invaders. The division of Illinois was reinforced in strength with soldiers from the division of Wisconsin.
This defense required all present to man the gatling gun to provide covering fire while the troops headed to Fort Sackett. After the ammo of the Gatling Gun was exhausted the troops divided into two squads and worked together to provide simultaneous volley fire at the enemy. Just before reaching the fort, the enemy were thick on the ground and soldiers and scouts alike were faced with a target rich environment which required them to use both rifle and pistol to complete their journey to the fort. Upon gaining the fort all soldiers were needed to man the walls and fire from each and every shooting port. In the end the enemy retreated and soldiers again faced large numbers of enemy and a wily enemy commander who was difficult to hit. Each of the troopers conducted himself with valor and honor in the campaign.
The following are the results the campaign:
Results of 2014 GAF-IL Muster
31 August, 2014
Milspec Repeater (Marksman)First: Bill "Charles Goodnight" Mayes GAF #815
Mil Spec Single Shot (Rifleman)First: Jim l “I.M. Portly” Zinkel GAF #794
Second: Doug “Lt. Col. G.W. Strong” Strong GAF# 774
Cadet First: Charles “Moose Wrangler” Strong GAF# 787
Staff OfficerFirst: Rob “T.K. Sackett” Arntzen GAF#622
Henry RifleFirst: John “Johnny Popper” Clint GAF #801
Second Pat Gannon “Lt. Col. Shamrock” Gannon GAF# 447
Scout First: Bob "Traveling Troubleshooter" Gifford
Second: Joseph “Cornbread Lawman” Knaak
Third: Mike "Whiskey River Mike" Cummings GAF#814
Fourth: Kevin “Snidely Whiplash” Goebel
Fifth: Sean "Marshal Cummings" Cummings GAF#810
Sixth Bill "Sergeant Pizano" Scuderi
Buffalo ScoutFirst: John "Johnny McCrae: Saffran GAF#644
Second Don “Major S.H. Long” Long GAF#700
Regards,
Lt. Col. G. W Strong GAF# 774
Commanding, Division of Illinois