Introduction: Who we are can shape what we will become, but who we are now shapes today. Major General Joe Way, Commander of Cleburne’s Division, is today’s exemplar of what the reenacting hobby requires of those who strive for leadership and eventual command. He leads by example, hard work and the application of intelligence, flexibility, organization and vision. There is a distinct focus on the best interests of every reenactor and especially privates and their family members. Cooperating with other reenacting organizations that share Cleburne’s Division values is also a high priority. However, above all, MGen Way eschews politics – there are none in Cleburne’s. There is leadership, respect for the chain of command, and swift, decisive, solution based action when required. Overlaying this is a focus on enhancing education and Civil War knowledge for all division members. This article offers a glimpse into the hobby’s fastest growing organization and one of the best managed.
Mission and Values: Cleburne’s Division of Reenactors, Inc is a non-profit (503-C) organization incorporated in the State of Alabama that was formed to bind together “like minded” reenactors who were tired of the politics of the national and regional organizations that were in existence. The membership of Cleburne’s coexists and promotes Civil War reenactments across the country with recent participation at the 145th Anniversary Gettysburg and Chickamauga events in 2008.
Cleburne’s believes that all facets of reenacting should be welcome at ALL events. Each camp, at every event, should include, but not limited, to Family Garrison, Campaign, Modern, Modern/RV and off site accommodations for those who wish. By offering each of the respective camps to each segment of reenacting we believe that we can build the hobby back to the impressive levels achieved in the recent past. Offering concessions for each camp is one way to work to stem rifts occurring in our hobby today.
There must be a brotherhood with a “we” mentality, not a dictatorship with a “me” mentality as has been seen in the past. The most important people in Cleburne’s Division are the privates who fill the infantry, artillery and cavalry ranks. It is the responsibility of the officers of Cleburne’s Division to provide a quality event for the privates and their families. Without the support of our families, and the hopes that our young ones will one day reenact with us, there is no future for this hobby! General Way believes that every participant, whether accompanied by their family in a period or modern camp or falling in with their “pards” with a knapsack and a musket, should be welcome at every event.
Cleburne’s Division Organization: General Way’s Division Staff has a traditional structure with hand-picked officers. {Be aware and don’t sell your musket, if you don’t do your job, you will soon be reassigned!}. The Division includes additional departments such as quartermaster, wagon master, provost department and division musician.
