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Post by ohionewbie on Oct 10, 2013 9:38:07 GMT -5
I have been thinking about getting into reenacting for a while but I am not sure what impression I would like to do. I have had a passion for the 82nd airborne since mom and dad bought me 21st century action figure when I was a kid and have research the division ever since but I don't want to be made fun of because I chose AB ""like all the farbs"
The other options would be one of my grandfathers units. Grandpa joe was a B17 crewman until he became a guest of the 3rd Reich (POW) and grandpa mark was a Combat engineer (late war) I don't know his outfit. My question is are there units that do either of those impressions?
Thanks
N
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speidy
Corporal
Manchus!
Posts: 120
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Post by speidy on Oct 10, 2013 11:08:38 GMT -5
I take it you're out of Ohio since that's part of your name. I'm also from the Midwest and I gotta say I have seen a good number of groups that portray the 82nd very well, I can't think of any group websites off hand. I highly doubt that you'll be made fun of for choosing Airborne, what I would recommend, before you start to buy anything, is to go out to a couple local WWII reenactments and look around at the airborne groups. Find a group of reenactors you think you can get a long with, find the group commander and ask him any questions you have about the group, if anything else ask for contact information. You should also ask, ask their authenticity officer if they have one, what period do they portray. Since the 82nd was in N Africa, MTO, and on. Find out if they do early or late war too, this will help with finding the right uniform and gear. Also, see if the group recommended or requires things from a certain vendor, this will help in the long run with not wasting money. If able to buy used, if you have Facebook there's alot of groups for reenacting trading supplies. That's about it, just look around and find a group you like, don't be afraid ask questions, and know what to get before you start spending.
As for USAAF and engineer groups I can't think of anything off hand, but I have seen and do know a couple reenactors that have a secondary polit impression.
Another thing I forgot to add, see if you can borrow gear, uniform, boots, loner gear in the group, ect. and see if you could sit in for an event or two before you decide if the group is right for you. It might sound blunt, but it'll help you save money if you decide it's something else than you originally thought. Kevin
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Post by ohionewbie on Oct 10, 2013 11:25:01 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice...I am out of south west Ohio. One issue I have run into is finding out where units are actually based out of and who to contact about getting involved. I don't mind traveling but I also don't want to drive all the way to Illinois for every event. Are there typically dud groups with in the larger units for guys that are closer together geographical? Sorry if there is already a thread about this but I thought I'd ask:)
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william03
2nd Lieutenant
Meadville
Posts: 859
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Post by william03 on Oct 10, 2013 12:11:55 GMT -5
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Post by redjoshman on Oct 10, 2013 12:45:55 GMT -5
Ohionewbie, A great and very authentic unit is 90th IDPG out of Ohio.
If you want to do 82nd Airborne and not be called a farb all you have to do is research it. Luckily they're are plethora of books on not just the 82nd Airborne but on all the various sub units of the 82nd. My recommendation if you do airborne is to buy every book on your unit that you can, read them, and only then start assembling your kit, with advice from more experienced reenactors on who makes the best product x.
But seriously check out the 90th IDPG.
-Josh
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speidy
Corporal
Manchus!
Posts: 120
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Post by speidy on Oct 10, 2013 14:32:25 GMT -5
I would also recommend the 90th IDPG if you decide to do a leg impression, just didn't mentioned them since you were asking about the 82nd. I would also recommend what Josh said, get a hold of all the books you can and read them.
Kevin
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TarawaJon
2nd Lieutenant
Issue in doubt!
Posts: 990
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Post by TarawaJon on Oct 10, 2013 16:16:01 GMT -5
There is the 505th PIR out of the Indianapolis area, Bill Sheets is the unit commander. There is a 101st outfit in Ohio as well with a Ranger unit in Ohio and one in MI.
Nothing wrong with traveling to IL for events! Oh well, there are several events in Indiana, MI, and Ohio that would be of interest. In any case, do not be afraid to travel a little bit for some events.
Report back with anything you find.
TJ
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Post by Kirby on Oct 10, 2013 20:00:21 GMT -5
Do whatever impression you want and do it correctly like stated above. Screw what others say. Those types are everywhere. As long as you're authentic and knowledgeable, screw the haters...
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Vudu
1st Lieutenant
Posts: 1,476
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Post by Vudu on Oct 14, 2013 23:51:34 GMT -5
Josh and Speidy- thanks for the thumbs-up! @ Ohionewbie: please feel free to check us out at www.90thidpg.us/If you like what you see, PM me or contact Chris Guska (he's linked from our site), our unit leader. We most likely have some loaner gear that will help to get you started. Welcome to the hobby!
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lowrdrbird
2nd Lieutenant
Yeah yeah Im getting the oil off of it DARN!!!! Where did this come from???
Posts: 882
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Post by lowrdrbird on Nov 10, 2013 23:22:10 GMT -5
Sent you a PM about our group
Ken
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