Meet Buddy S. from Stafford, VA

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

Buddy: In 2013, my first introduction to the American Battlefield Trust and the amazing mission was in the form of a photo contest that I sent some of my photos to. I was blown away when I won that contest, and my photos were featured in the Hallowed Ground magazine and for other media use. I did not know the organization well at that time, but my friends at the National Park Service told me what an amazing organization it was, and all the great work that they were doing. I was able to attend my first conference in Vicksburg. I was very impressed with the event, the history, the people and the mission. The more I learned, the more I was impressed with the focus and dedication of the staff towards the protection of this nation’s battlefields.  I started to contribute not only funds, but an extensive amount of my time and talents to help in the form of my photographic passion, as a volunteer. The Trust put me to “work,” and the more I helped in my volunteering, the more I’ve become impressed with the dedication and mission of the organization.

What do you enjoy most about being a Color Bearer?

I certainly love the events and special tours, and I especially enjoy meeting other history-minded members that have the same passion for helping preserve history by protecting the battlefields.  I believe that through my contributions, that I am personally leaving a legacy for generations to come.

What is your favorite battlefield you’ve visited?

While I am located in Virginia and have ready access to many battlefields, and with a short drive, many others including Gettysburg, I very much love visiting Vicksburg. The history, the terrain, the scenic beauty, and the many stories are amazing.

What would you like to pass on to future generations?

My desire is to do my part to the greatest extent that I can. By gifts or by talents of photography, I want to feel that I contributed in part to the mission of the Trust to preserve, educate and inspire. I want to leave a legacy of preservation that means something by protecting history, and helps future generations with the key principles of the mission to preserve, and with my photography to educate and with great hopes to inspire others to help in that mission.

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

I would love to have met Abraham Lincoln on the day he gave the Gettysburg Address.  I would have loved to have seen, felt, and heard the words given that day. I would have loved to feel the emotion of the crowd.  I would have loved to have told him how inspirational those great words meant to me.

Anything else you want to share?

While I contribute to church and other important causes, I especially feel my giving to the Trust is meaningful and will be a long-lasting legacy.  I feel that it is patriotic and important to America.  My passion of photography also allows me to capture modern high quality imagery that can be used to educate, inspire and motivate. I feel that I am part of something much bigger than myself, and am proud to help in every way I can towards the great mission of the American Battlefield Trust.