Meet Jim and Pauline C. of Grove, OK

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

Jim: Despite an active interest in the Civil War, I had never heard of the Trust. My brother had lunch with Jim Lighthizer and told me about the group. I attended a function or two and signed on. Pauline and I feel it is extremely important to preserve these historic battle sites so they can be viewed very nearly as they were during the conflicts. You can then imagine the course of great battles and reflect on their impact on American history.

What do you enjoy most about being a Color Bearer?

My wife and I enjoy the sense of participating in the Trust’s commitment to preserving historic sites. Then there’s the great programs offered, the opportunities to interact with people of like interests, and simply learning more about about the battles. By supporting the Trust, we feel like we are making a difference.

What is your favorite battlefield you’ve visited?

We’ll choose Antietam, because you can visualize the whole battle right in front of you. The action and aftermath around the Sunken Road and Burnside’s Bridge were well photographed, which allows for direct comparisons between then and now. You can almost stand there and feel, see, hear and smell the battle raging around you.

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

We are veteran travelers, so it’s hard to narrow down. We have wonderful memories of several trips to Ireland and Sweden, so those would be on the list for return trips.

What would you like to pass on to future generations?

We are veteran travelers, so it’s hard to narrow down. We have wonderful memories of several trips to Ireland and Sweden, so those would be on the list for return trips.

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

I guess we would all like to meet Abraham Lincoln or Winston Churchill, but I’ll take Joshua Chamberlain, a hero of Gettysburg, who (although seriously wounded in the Civil War) survived to become a professor, college president, and four-term governor of Maine. Pauline picks Clara Barton, the courageous Civil War Nurse who went on to found the American Red Cross. Clara risked her life to provide supplies and care for sick and wounded soldiers during the war.

Anything else you want to share?

It’s clear to us that the people who lead the Trust have a passion for their calling and everything they do sends that message. It’s one reason - an important one - for the success of the organization. Let’s have continued vigilance to save our nation’s history through its battlefields.