Annual 2d Wisconsin
Regimental Meeting
Allenton WI
January 28^th 2006

Presiding: Gary Klas starting time: 10:18 a.m.
Conducting: Pete Seielstad
Invocation given by: Scott Sonntag
Pledge of Allegiance led by: Gary Klas
Administration of Oath for new members: 4 members took oath
Oath administered by: Pete Seielstad
Welcoming of new members by Gary Klas
Scott Sonntag nominated to chair the meeting
(Did not get the person who made motion, nor the person who 2nd the motion)
Motion passed
Those in attendance are:
Charles Bagneski Co. E Robert Bobinger Co. A
Terry Brown Battery B Brant Doty Battery B
David Co. E John Dudkiewicz Co. B
Scott Frank Co. A Ed Golemme Co. E
Jeff Grochowski Co. E Walt Hlaban Battery B
Gary Klas Co. G Tom Klas Co. A
Lyle Laufenberg Battery B Jerry Letcher Co. E
Pat Lynch Co. K Bob Mann Co. K
Rick & Conner Metz Co. E Craig Mickelson Co. K
Victor Penman Co. K Steve Peterson Co. E
Doug Pettit Co. K Rich Propp Co. A
Doug Rasmussen Co. E Pete Seielstad Co. B
Dave Sielski Co. E Andrew Seymour Co. A
Scott Sonntag Co. A Gary Van Kauwenbergh Co. G
Pete Van Steen Co. E Wayne Vawter Co. K
Bill Warren Co. E Jerry West Co. E
Roger Wisinger Co. K Drew Young Co. E
Jim Johnson Co. E Pirocanac Ugljesha Co. K
Jay Neary Co. A
(If you are not listed, then you didn’t sign-in, please contact me so I can add you to the list, thank you)
Scott Sonntag announced that Gary Klas was stepping down as President of the 2nd W.V.I. Association.

The Association was re-started in 1989 by Gary Klas after contacting Ernst Van Frankenberg (the founder of the 2nd Wisconsin in the early 1960’s) for permission to start up the 2nd after it had folded.
The 2nd W.V.I. Association is the oldest reenacting group in the state of Wisconsin and one of the oldest in the Nation.
A special plaque was then presented to Gary by Scott on behalf of the members of the Association.
Gary Klas received a standing ovation by those in attendance.

Gary then spoke.
He stated that the strength of the Association lies in the group, that if we stay together as a group we can honor the
men from the 2nd. We need to put aside our differences, we can solve any problem that comes up, and we need to
continue to work together to keep the spirit and memory of the original 2nd alive.
Motion made to accept the 2005 minutes as recorded:
John Dudkiewicz made motion
2nd by Craig Mickelson
Motion passed
Minutes accepted as recorded

Secretaries Report:
Report made by David
As of 12/31/05 the Association has 190 members
2004 had 187 members
This includes 7 companies and 1 battery and a marksmen team.
Dues are $20.00 for full military members and $8.00 for each family member,
Dues are due by April 1st and need to be sent in to the Secretary for recording.
Application forms need to have a company affiliation, if no company is designated, then person will be put into a reserve company until said person is assigned to a company.
Treasurer’s Report:
Dean Tillema (given by Scott Sonntag, by proxy)
Beginning balance as of 1/1/05 was
$4,004.85
Ending balance as of 12/31/05
$5,062.22

Motion made to accept report:
Motion made by Doug Pettit
2nd by Terry Brown
Motion passed, report accepted

Commander’s Report:
Pete Seielstad
Goals for the upcoming year;
To maintain the standard of the Association’s handbook, to work on uniforms, if uniform is in need of repair or needs replacing then said person will be asked to do so. Need to keep up authenticity, and strive to do the best as possible.
Communication is a must, without it we become stagnate.
All companies need to keep there sister companies informed of activities, and to help each other out.
Drill is very important, and all companies need to strive and work on it.
Need to be the best on the field, and to look as military as possible.
All Company Commanders/Officers and NCOs will be responsible for maintaining a high standard of authenticity, to check for non-period items, to keep out of camps, things need to be entirely hidden in period containers, or removed from camp altogether.
Be sure to check for postings (website or newsletter) make sure you read them carefully.
A schedule was sent out to all companies that need to be followed at reenactments to help the soldiers maintain a sense of military decorum (example, revile, roll call, company drill to be done by 9 am so those items are out-of-the-way by the time a reenactment starts and the men are in the proper state of mind)
Keep military decorum on the field.
Soldiers need to respect the Officers and NCOs
Co. A:
Scott Frank
Company A has 29 members on the roll, and of those 16 is active.
Scott gave an update on the past year’s events.
They have had a problem with NCO burn-out.
In 2006 they will work out of a pool for positions; they have no assigned military positions. NCOs will be chosen out of a pool.
Scott Frank designated spokesperson for Co. A
Co. A implementing a mentor program for new members.
A person(s) will be assigned to a new member to help them with equipment and military life.
Co. B:
John Dudkiewicz
Company B 21 military members, of those 14 are active
Jeff Blakely has been voted in as new Captain and President of Co. B
Co. B will once again be involved with the Venture Scouts which does participate with Co. B at reenactments.
Co. B in the process of raising money for a plaque for the original Captain (didn’t get his name) of Co. B that was killed at South Mountain
They have had 2 new recruits this past season.
Co. C:
Bill Acheson (Davidgave report by proxy)
Company C reported the passing of Paul Eschobach (founder of C)
Bill Acheson took over for Paul as Sgt. of Company
Co. C has 12 members.
They are in the process of re-organizing.
Recruiting very difficult, lots of competition for recruits out East.
Would like the Association to make 1st Manassas National Event.
Co. E:
Doug Rasmussen
Co. E has 47 members of those, 37 participated in at least one event the past year
Co. E has 8 new members
Change of Command structure
New 1st Lt. David
New 1st Sgt. Steve Peterson
New 2nd Sgt. Ed Golemme
E has 3 drills scheduled, 1 in February/ 1 in March and 1 in April.
Doug extended an open invitation to all Association members to join E in any of there drills. Co. E has 4 school events scheduled in May.
Co. G:
Gary Klas
Still taking memberships.
Hoping to be organized by Wade House.
Main objective, to give older members or those unable to participate in drill and battles anymore,
something to do. Living History, to watch camps while others are away doing military activities.
To talk to spectators.
Co. H:
No report submitted
Co. K:
Craig Mickelson
Co. K has 44 members
Craig Mickelson voted in as new President
Bob Mann new Vice President
Talked about a huge school event at Mt. Horeb in May in which they hope to get help from other members of the Association.
Battery B:
Terry Brown
Involvement with other Association members (company members) on the piece has helped a great deal. Several company members attended school-of-the-piece this past year.
This involvement has helped build an overall knowledge of the working of the piece which has led to better safety and working with other companies during reenactments.
March 4th is there meeting. Election of positions will be held at that time.
Battery has made a down payment on a brand new trailer; the total cost of the trailer (with the proper modifications) will be $2500.00. The title of the trailer will be in the name of the Association.
National safety school will be May 20th-21st, and all Association members are welcome to join in, and possibly earned there safety certificate. It will be in general knowledge of the workings of the piece, and safety.
Contact Terry Brown for more information.
Marksmen Team:
Gary Van Kauwenbergh
The team has 38 members
5 new members this past year.
The team had a very busy year.
The musket team finished 5th
Carbine team finished 2nd
Revolver 3rd
Smooth bore musket 1st
Cannon 2nd
Mortar 1st & 3rd
The team will be meeting February 4th at Johnson Creek.
(A complete report will be issued from Gary at a later date)
Election of Offices:
Scott Sonntag reported:
Doug Pettit will not seek re-election for Major of Infantry
Doug cited many reasons for not being able to continue in the major’s role.
Mainly just not enough for him to dedicate to the position

Election of Military Positions:
Major of Infantry: (3 year term)
Floor opens for nominations:
Roger Wisinger nominated Scott Sonntag
2nd by Scott Frank
Scott Sonntag turned down nomination
Steve Peterson nominated Doug Rasmussen
2nd by Jeff Grochowski
Jerry Letcher moved to close nominations (after 3 calls for any other nominations)
2nd by Terry Brown
Doug Pettit moved that a unanimous vote be cast for Doug Rasmussen
2nd by Jerry Letcher
New Major of Infantry
Doug Rasmussen
Major of Artillery: (3 year term)
Vic Penman nominated Terry Brown
2nd by Jim Johnson
Doug Pettit moved that a unanimous vote be cast for Terry Brown
(After 3 calls for any other nominations were called) (No other nominations given)
2nd by Andy Seymour
New Major of Artillery
Terry Brown
Quartermaster: (3 year term)
Scott Sonntag announced that the Association will elect a Quartermaster for the Association,
(a Quartermaster position is in the handbook with the duties pertaining to such office)
The Association has not had a Quartermaster in quite some time.
The duties were read to those in attendance.
Scott Frank nominated Tom Klas
2nd by Doug Pettit
Doug Pettit moved to cast unanimous vote for Tom Klas
(After 3 calls for any other nominations) (No other nominations given)
2nd by Terry Brown
Main responsibility of Quartermaster Sergeant will be to provide information,
catalogs, prices and other such items dealing with equipment.
Tom Klas will not order powder and caps
New Quartermaster Sergeant:
Tom Klas
Association Officers: (Corporate)
The Association does exist as a Corporation in the State of Wisconsin.
We have a Corporate Charter as a Non-Profit organization.
President: (3 year term)
Doug Pettit nominated Scott Sonntag
2nd by Terry Brown
(After 3 calls for other nominations) (No other nominations given)
Jerry Letcher made motion for unanimous vote
2nd by Scott Frank

New Association President:
Scott Sonntag
Vice President: (3 year term) (position held by Scott Sonntag vacated by Scott upon election to President)
Bob Mann nominated Doug Pettit
2nd by Roger Wisinger
(After 3 calls for other nominations) (No other nominations given)
Scott Frank made motion for unanimous vote
2nd by Wayne Vawter
New Association Vice President:
Doug Pettit
Treasurer: (3 year term)
Announced that present treasurer Dean Tillema would like to step down.
Motion made to accept resignation
Motion made by Lyle Laufenberg
2nd by Bob Mann
Floor open for nominations
Vic Penman nominated Jim Johnson
2nd by Bob Mann
Dave Sielski nominated David
2nd by Roger Wisinger

Doug Pettit nominated Scott Frank
2nd by Tom Klas
Both Jim Johnson and David withdrew there names for consideration.
David  retained his office as Corporate Secretary
(After 3 calls for other nominations) (No other nominations given)
Bob Mann made motion to close nominations
2nd by Terry Brown
Doug Pettit made motion for unanimous vote
2nd by Gary Van Kauwenbergh
New Corporate Treasurer:
Scott Frank

Old Business:
Scholarship
Committee did not meet, no requirement has been decided upon. Does the Association still want to pursue it? (Consensus is yes.)
Award of a $500.00 scholarship to be given to a family member of a member of the Association (could also be an Association member that either is, or will be going to school)
John Dudkiewicz to head up the committee. Dave Sielski joined, along with Pirocanac Ugljesha.
Criteria (made by committee) to be made by the end of March, that way a scholarship could be issued for 2006.
Discussion ensued on proper way of approving the scholarship.
Motion made by Pirocanac Ugljesha (as follows)
Committee to come up with an application form
Report and applicant to be forwarded to Executive Board for approval.
Need a 3 vote system for approval in case of multiple applicants.
In case one board member (or more) absent the President and Vice President (if necessary) will be determining vote
3 person committee to be formed
Amendment to motion
1 scholarship to be awarded per year
Scholarship to be $500.00
2nd by Lyle Laufenberg
Motion and amendment passed
Preservation Project tabled for a latter time.

Fugleman
Jim Johnson
The mailing list is at 220 for the Fugleman, the cost is 14 cent per page.
Looking at an alternate (local) printer to do it in PDF file.
All companies to submit information to be published in the newsletter.
Getting information has been very difficult.
Postage has also increased.
Newsletter costs an average of $213.00 per issue.
The newsletter to be published 4 times a year.
Need to set deadlines so everyone will know when the newsletter will be sent out,
plus a deadline for submitting articles.
Those mailing deadlines are:
February 15th
May 15th
September 15th
January 15th
Articles need to be submitted by the 1st of the month to be included in the newsletter
Amendment made by Pirocanac Ugljesha
Move the May 15th mailing deadline to April 30th, mainly because of the high volume of
school events that Companies are involved in. April 15th would be the article deadline.
2nd by Bob Mann
Amendment passed

Handbook Committee
Scott Sontagg was able to recover the latest updated Handbook.
It should be available by next month for the membership.
Need contact for Companies B & E for the handbook.

Web-site Committee
Jim Johnson/Dave Sielski on committee
Jim Johnson reports that 1 to 1 1/5 million hits on the web-site this past year

Family Membership
Questions arose about Family Membership
Confusion about the $8.00 fee
Clarification
There is no definition regarding this matter in the handbook.
The $8.00 is to cover active family members (military) on the field.
The cost is to cover the liability Insurance.
The Insurance covers all 2nd WI and 2nd WI company sponsored events.
The Insurance covers injury to other persons caused by an Association member
(does not cover the actual member themselves)
The reason for the $8.00 and not a full $20.00
$12.00 goes for the Fugleman, in case of more than one member residing in the same household,
it is not necessary to send more than one copy.
As long as one member pays the full $20.00 the other members need only to pay the
$8.00 Insurance fee.

BHB Participation
The purpose for joining the BHB:
For the purpose of forming Battalion at larger (National events)
To help give the 2nd WI status
For the purpose of not getting absorbed by other Battalions at National events.
Members of the BHB are:
2nd Wisconsin
19th Indiana
24th Michigan
104th Illinois
Doug Pettit made motion to continue membership in the BHB
2nd by Roger Wisinger
Motion passed

New Business:
Event Calendar
Discussion on the 4 Max effort events.
Clarification on the Company Max effort event, and the rotation.
The new system was implemented 2 years ago, the company max effort event went to
Co. E at the National RR Museum, and to Co. B at Norskedalen event
(this happened because the National event was voted down)
The official rotation for the Companies began last year, beginning with Co. A,
they chose school-of-the-soldier at Wade House.
Floor open for nominations for event calendar:
Association event
Doug Pettit nominated Wade House
Bob Mann nominated Reclaiming our Heritage VA Hospital Milwaukee WI
Association max effort event
Reclaiming our Heritage VA Hospital Milwaukee WI
(June 3rd-4th, 2006)
National event
Bill Acheson nominated 1st Manassas
Bob Mann nominated Perryville KY
National event
Perryville KY
Battalion event
Wade House
Company event
Co. B deferred to Co. E
Company E deferred to Co. K
Company K chose Mt Horeb school event May12th-13th
They expect around 2500 kids to attend on Friday the 12th
The event would then be open to the public on the 13th
They will be paying a bounty for those that can attend on Friday
Amend section 1:05
A proposal to change the wording for the medical card from “expected” to “voluntary”

Stated because of the privacy act that a person now has the right not to
reveal certain medical conditions if they wish not to do so.
Scott Sonntag pointed out the reason for having the medical card filled out and carried
by the person during an event.
In case of emergency and person is unable to respond, the card provides the necessary
information for medical personnel.
Motion made by Vic Penman to change wording in Association handbook
2nd by Jim Johnson
Motion passed
2nd Wisconsin Grey uniforms
Gary Van Kauwenbergh
Discussion on the grey uniforms that the 2nd Wisconsin wore at the beginning of the War.
Gary passed out a flyer that showed the different uniforms of the time worn by Wisconsin units.
The flyer also listed all the companies and what they wore when they reported to Madison for training.
Will seek the possibility of reproducing the uniform.
There was a sign-up sheet for all those interested in the possibility to see if there is enough interest.
A study will be done on the uniform and to see what direction to go.

Other Business
Bill Christen was introduced. He is the editor of “The Watchdog” a newsletter dedicated to
help reenactors choose the right equipment, to help them better themselves in there impressions.
This is for both, military and civilian impressions.
Jim Johnson mentioned that the Civil War Museum is going forward in Kenosha.
It will be 50,000 square feet and is dedicated solely for those that served and fought in the Civil War.
Ground breaking will take place in spring of this year, and completion is slated for 2008.

Dues
Dues are to be turned in by April 1st, after that, person will be dropped from the Association roster

1) Main roster of all members
2) 2) Civilian leadership roster (this will be sent to all Company Presidents and Association leadership)
3) Military leadership roster, this includes the rank of Cpl on up to the Commanding Officer
(this roster will be sent to all Company Commanders and Association leadership)
The purpose for the 3 rosters is to help better the communication between companies;
this will also help all companies to know who is in charge, and of what, this way they will know who to contact.
The rosters should include this information:
1) Name
2) Position/rank
3) Address
4) Phone number
5) E-mail address (optional, but highly recommended)
No other business submitted before the Association
Motion made to adjourn the meeting
Motion made by John Dudkiewicz
2nd by Gary Van Kauwenbergh

Meeting adjourned 1:17 p.m.


Association/Corporate Secretary