With the Veteran's Day just past, there is with some of the veterans in the 77th Pennsylvania. Jake Marlin, a.k.a. "Hossifus," is alive and well after the tragic shooting at Fort Hood, Texas. For those of you unaware of it, Jake is in the army, stationed at Fort Hood with his wife, Amy. To the relief of his pards, he reports that he is unscathed from the shooting, but has been busy nonstop since the tragedy.

There is even more good news from Iraq. Our own surgeon, Jimmy Langley, has returned from the desert whole and intact (except, of course, for all the weight he has recently lost :>) Like Santa, he is bringing gifts for the men of the 77th and, "hopes they will have them in time to hang on their Christmas trees." Jimmy is VERY happy to be home and looks forward to being with his pards again soon.

And there are opportunities to be together again, beginning this Saturday, November 21. The Tulsa chapter of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War will be holding a Remembrance Day ceremony beginning at 10 AM Saturday and has invited all members of the 77th to attend. Held at the Monument to Union Veterans at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tulsa, it is a simple ceremony to remember the Union Veterans. The Memorial is tucked away in the northeast corner of the cemetery, which itself is on the northwest corner of the Admiral and Yale intersection. The Ladies' Auxiliary will provide light refreshments.

That evening, around 6 PM, the 77th has been invited to take a starring role in Claremore's yearly celebration of Dickens on the Square. Claremore closes off several city streets to hold a sort of period street party, with dances and celebrations and fun living histories. Former Confederate Major Bill Griggs has asked the 77th to participate in a local gun battle by helping the local sheriff apprehend some gun-toting bandits. For this battle, period pistols and post-Civil War rifles are acceptable. As always, they should be clean and unloaded and ready for inspection. Bill said he could use some help Friday in setting up the event, and requested to know how many of us plan to participate. If you want to participate, please let me know ASAP.

Jim Trent and the Second Colorado have also invited us to participate with them in their presentation of Civil War soldiers' living history at Honey Springs battlefield park that same Saturday. Those that want to participate with them should contact Captain Trent, though they would undoubtedly welcome any drop-ins from the 77th.

In December, the Elmore City Tactical is on for the first weekend, December 5-6. Everybody said last year's event was a lot of fun and we are looking forward to an even bigger event this year.

Fort Gibson will be holding its Candlelight Tour on Saturday, December 12. It is to be a one-day show this year. All those interested need to contact Chris Morgan or Omar Reid before the event.

We will likely close out 2009 with a Christmas Party, but the details are still a little hazy. Stay tuned.

Finally, don't forget that nominations for the Board of Directors (President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer) are open. Send nominations to any of the current Board members, which include the Captain and Town Mayor.