Modern History of the Chesapeake Signal Detachment |
The Chesapeake Signal Detachement was founded by Captain Robert Stecker and his faithful traveling companion, Corporal B. A. Stuart (the Corporal has a sister, Beth Ann, who, oddly enough, shares the same initials as the corporal) and is an extremely active signaling unit that enjoys participation in more than a dozen events every year, including re-enactments as well as educating the public in the use of signals (predominantly wig-wag) during the War for Southern Independence and Northern Aggression during Living History Events (write the Webmaster if you would like for us to help you out at an event - our members are primarily from Maryland and Pennsylvania, but are willing to travel, in general, a few hours on occasion).
In 1997, Captain Stecker and Corporal Stuart, after years of service with the Maryland Signal Detachment, were in search of an appropriate place to hang their hat, so they were approached by Captain Ron Paull of the Signal Corps of the Susquehanna to see if they wanted to join his unit. Being dedicated to the Confederate cause, they desired to remain active as Confederate signalists. Captain Paull, after discussion with the Susquehanna, worked with the Captain and Corporal to set up a sister unit to the Susquehanna, which they named the Chesapeake Signal Detachment. The Chesapeake first saw service on the field at the 135th Anniversary of the Battle of Sharpsburg in September of 1997. When PACS was founded, Captain Paull also was the one who hooked the Chesapeake up with General Bair, which commenced our long association with PACS. So, in addition to Captain Stecker and Corporal Stuart, it would not be inappropriate to also list Captain Ron Paull as a founder of the Chesapeake, since he did so much to help get us going.Our officer and NCOs
Our Captain, Robert Stecker, is an easy-going (he leaves the hollering to his sergeant) man who is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the Civil War. His re-enacting career dates back to the early 1960s, so there are precious few in the hobby with more experience than him. Our Sergeant, James W. Nichols (civilians can call him Jim), is also a seasoned re-enactor with over 11 years of experience, which accounts for almost half of his life. He, too, is very knowledgeable and generally easy to get along with (he's the sergeant, so he naturally has to yell at us from time to time). Our Corporal, B. A. Stuart (who is also the unit's Secretary and Treasurer), started re-enacting before any of us (including the captain), being a second-generation re-enactor. The Corporal's level of organization ensures that we're always properly registered at events and that chaos is kept to a minimum (at least that part of Chaos that the Corporal has any control over). Webmaster: 
Private Lee A. Taylor, C.S.A.
