Meet Brian S. from Ohio

American Battlefield Trust: What moved you to first give to our organization?

Brian: I was first moved to donate to the trust as soon as I discovered the organization existed, approximately 1998 or 1999. As a avid and passionate student of the American Civil War, it was gratifying to know that there others out there concerned with the preservation of those battlefields.  It's been wonderful watching how the Trust has grown over the years and it is exciting to see what the future may hold as the Trust expands its focus to other wars and fields that need our help.

What do you enjoy most about being a Color Bearer?

As a fairly new member to the Color Bearers, I have tried to do what I can to help the Trust and to answer as many calls to action that are possible.  It's gratifying to know that I am doing my part in helping to preserve these hallowed grounds and I look forward to advancing to other levels in the near future.

What is your favorite battlefield you’ve visited?

My favorite battlefield would have to be Chickamauga. Its enormity is intoxicating and I find myself looking forward to each visit as though it was my first.  Last fall I had the pleasure of joining Jim Ogden, Chief Historian on a series of battlefield programs and it opened my eyes to so many "nooks and crannies" of the field that I may have otherwise never been aware of.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

If I could travel anywhere in the world it would probably be Mount Everest.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why?

If able to meet with any historical figure, I would choose Leonardo da Vinci.  He was such an imaginative and creative mind with so many ideas and interests. I sometimes wonder what sort of things he would of accomplished had he lived in the modern age.

Anything else you want to share?

Other things that I would like to share about myself are that I am grateful for all the enthusiasm and hard work that goes on "behind the scenes" at the Trust. Thank you to all the other members and to the staff for helping us grow this wonderful organization into what it is today. Generations from now someone will step on to a battlefield that we saved and "catch the bug."

I had ancestors that fought near Petersburg with the 211th PA. Both died on April 2nd as part of the 9th Corp attack. Their monument is literally in the middle of a road at some strip mall near the location of old Fort Mahone, and while that fact does sadden me immensely... it also serves to remind me of our critical mission at the Trust. If we don't save them then the developers will pave them.