Col Kevin Wenker returning from furlough

[K. Wenker]

Greetings and my respects to all. I have reported to active duty once more, returning from a long furlough. I am a bit older than most soldiers here, turning 70 later this year. While I am well able to shoot straight and maintain my place in the saddle, I do need to soak my hardtack before attempting to masticate said substance. I see the War Department has made no improvements to the rations. More scalawags taking advantage of the foot sore soldier, no doubt. I share your privations and seek no advantage due to rank or age.

As to my background, I am an active Lutheran pastor from the Phoenix area in Arizona Territory. Let not my being a clergyman worry any of you, good comrades, for we German Lutherans are not pacifists and our forebears were well versed in training and the use of firearms.

I wish all of you well; good health in the field and may Providence watch over you in battle. As I finish being refreshed in the manual of arms and Hardee's Tactics by both officer and Sergeant, I look forward to joining you on the firing line to put down our rabid Rebel foe and return our beloved Union to its full complement of States.

Respectfully, I remain
Col. Kevin Wenker

[L. Drummond]

Welcome back, from a returning veteran in late February. All officers I had battled against in the early 2000's have since retired. Of course I was in my 40s then. You are correct sir in the change of privations of the army.

[Michael Osborne]

Welcome (back), sir, to the Union Army.

[C. Hecht]

Welcome back Col. Wenker!

[S. Eichelberger]

Welcome back, Colonel! As a fellow man of the cloth, I encourage you to smite them Rebs hip and thigh.