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Time Periods => WWII => Tacticals => Topic started by: Antonescu on August 12, 2007, 01:45:05 AM

Title: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on August 12, 2007, 01:45:05 AM
There seems to be a growing issue with behavior at events. Several individuals andor/ units are discussing these issues, not attending certain events due to them and so on. Some of the issues that have been circulating around include:

1)  individuals that appear (some people are 21 but do look 17) to be underage drinking at events and sometimes heavily to the point of falling down drunk

2)  individuals "hitting" on underage participants

3)  units attending events coming to have a frat party, begin drinking heavily Friday then going out into the  field the next day in only what only God knows what type of condition.

4)  it now seems that the use of illegal substances openly is becoming an issue

5)  it also seems that there were strippers at an event on a military establishment

6)  discharging firearms at events, after drinking, late at night on military establishments

Of course some might be rumors but some are also going to be true as well. If any of the above are true what actions should the hobby take to curb this behavior? All it would take is one person saying/doing something and the wall will come crumbling down on all of us. Almost all of us like to party and have a good time but shouldn't there be some sort of consequence for going beyond the norm? Any ideas?
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Heinz Varner on August 12, 2007, 08:36:02 AM
It's simple, people are pussies and won't take a stand against these type of people.
 >:(  :O>@
Maybe if the cops  :police: show up on scene and the hobby suffers, maybe then someone will stand up. oh wait then it's too late. ???
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: tleve on August 12, 2007, 12:13:47 PM
i guess i have been lucky any event i have attended or held i have never had any problems with the people there. Well , we could always all band together and come up with some sort of "Black List " . this would let poeple know that the groups on the list showed poor behavoir at an event. maybe when they stop being invited or allowed to jion an event because of their behavior it might stop .

just my thoughts.
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Heinz Varner on August 12, 2007, 02:22:52 PM
Good luck with that. No one has the balls to say "you can't come or you are not welcome.
Hell the event coordinators are the ones with the power to do this. But they seem to think if they do their events will suffer.

I think just the opposite would be true. Ban the idiots, regardless of who they are, and more will come.

Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: tleve on August 12, 2007, 02:47:31 PM
i have truned people way , not for behavior but because we didn't have any more room ,  and it just made them wanted to came the next year. if your event is a good event the "good : groups will came back and in the end be thankful for the kind of event you are running.

i think every one has to stop thinking and saying "if you say no , others wouldn't came " i agree with Frundsberg ban them and others , hopefully more true reenactors will take their place.

Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on August 12, 2007, 08:26:17 PM
Yes, most likely they should be banned but like Frundsberg stated no one has the nerve to do so. Why not? Maybe due to number of members or the type of toys they bring. Some of the toys are rented by units from individuals so maybe the person owning them should take them away as well. If you do a "Blacklist" should it be open or public? If you make it public then they would most likely come after or start trouble with the units/individuals who are doing it. It seems this behavior is more common in WWII with certain individuals and units. Another option is for like minded units to ban together and boycott the events that the individuals/units in question are attending which might send a message to the Event Coordinators.
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: tleve on August 12, 2007, 11:01:23 PM
so true . people have to start banning together . otherwise it makes us all look bad. Poeple will not respect the reenactoring / living history communty if there are groups or indiviuals who are showing bad taste. as for the list again , if you can't take some heat for makeing your events better , then why do them . I know " easier said then done " . :)
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on August 13, 2007, 07:58:22 AM
Exactly, if like minded units stick together then events will change. Of course some things might be rumors but some are most likely true. No one is saying not to have a good time but somethings have really gotten out of hand in the last couple of years in some locations. It might actually take something bad to happen before 90% of reenactors take action.
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Poilu on August 13, 2007, 10:18:58 AM
I dunno. I like to drink at events -- I don't get sit-faced falling down drunk, but it can be fun. Also, why not have fun at the party after the battle -- no one get's hurt right? What's the problem. I agree about illegal drugs, but really... aren't we all adults?
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on August 13, 2007, 11:13:28 AM
I dunno. I like to drink at events -- I don't get sit-faced falling down drunk, but it can be fun. Also, why not have fun at the party after the battle -- no one get's hurt right? What's the problem. I agree about illegal drugs, but really... aren't we all adults?

I drink as well plus do most reenactors but to the point of falling down drunk ??? Plus people have seen underage drinking as well. Saturday night is fine to party but some units start as soon as they arrive before they have pitched the first stake for their tents.

These issues are not being held to just the private tactical like Odessa. They are being seen more often at the Gap and apparently at some of the living history events as well. Rumor or truth? Who actually knows but the issues are floating around and are needed to be discussed instead of keeping mum and hope it goes away.
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: HeinzVarnisher on August 13, 2007, 02:51:44 PM
Well, what is one to do exactly?

Drinking and reenacting seem to go hand in hand.  Me, I don't drink much, but I have seen others that do like to tip the bottle back and get hammered.  I don't understand it, but then again, there isn't much I can do about it, especially if they are not in my unit. 

Individuals hitting on underage participants?  Is there a pedofile problem in the hobby?  If so, then there needs to be some serious police involvement.

Underage drinking should not be allowed or encouraged, but its hardly like reenacting is the cause or the only place that it happens.  I read in the local paper all the time in the Police Blotter section about kids underage getting arrested for drinking.   I remember back to when I was a kid, we drank a lot of times underage.  Certainly, when kids are away from their folks, they will push the limits.  Alcohol needs to be kept away from them, thats for sure.  But I don't think reencating is the cause of it.

Drugs of any sort have no place at a reenactment.  I would have serious issue if their use was "open" at an event.  Who is doing this and where is this taking place?

Strippers at a military base?  Oh, heaven forbid!  Jeez, when I was in the service, we had strippers and worse on a regular basis.  While I would not enocurage this, I don't think this is that big a deal, really.

Firing of weapons after drinking is dumb.  But that is the problem you get when you combine al lot of drinking with weapons, and guys all pumped up on testestone I guess.  They can't control themselves.

Where are these activitis taking place at?  What units allow this kind of stuff to happen?  I have to figure that eventually, their actions will catch up to them, and they will be caught/penalized.  The best thing you can do is avoid them, don't bunk or camp near them, and keep your distance.  Water seeks its own level, and eventully, this kind of stuff will either make the guilty units move on, or clean up there axe.  You are right, talking to event organizers is pointles, they don't want to turn anyone away, it means less money in their pocket.  So, I guess the best thing to do is expose these units for everyone to see, and then shun and blackball them as much as possible until they get the hint.

Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: tleve on August 13, 2007, 04:32:31 PM
I dunno. I like to drink at events -- I don't get sit-faced falling down drunk, but it can be fun. Also, why not have fun at the party after the battle -- no one get's hurt right? What's the problem. I agree about illegal drugs, but really... aren't we all adults?

but isn't that the piont ? are these poeple really acting like adults??  No one might haave been hurt yet doesn't mean that it wouldn't happen , reenacting has enough problems , we really don't need something to happen and get bad press .
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: HeinzVarnisher on August 14, 2007, 05:12:10 PM
So, which units are engaging in this kind of stuff?  I want to know, so I can avloid them.  Let's air it out, and put the heat on them.  Anyone?  Antonescu, are there specific units you are talking about?  If so, do us all a public service and let us know who the bad appels are.
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: strangepair03 on August 14, 2007, 08:11:08 PM
So, which units are engaging in this kind of stuff?  I want to know, so I can avloid them.  Let's air it out, and put the heat on them.  Anyone?  Antonescu, are there specific units you are talking about?  If so, do us all a public service and let us know who the bad appels are.

As a newbie to this hobby, I think this is the right thing to do.  We are all adults and as someone looking for a unit to join, this is the kind of info I need to make a good choice.  I am an Officer and need to make sure the unit I choose will not get me "jammed up" in my professional life. (As I am sure none of you do either)
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on August 14, 2007, 08:24:11 PM
So, which units are engaging in this kind of stuff?  I want to know, so I can avloid them.  Let's air it out, and put the heat on them.  Anyone?  Antonescu, are there specific units you are talking about?  If so, do us all a public service and let us know who the bad appels are.

As a newbie to this hobby, I think this is the right thing to do.  We are all adults and as someone looking for a unit to join, this is the kind of info I need to make a good choice.  I am an Officer and need to make sure the unit I choose will not get me "jammed up" in my professional life. (As I am sure none of you do either)

Yes, I do have an idea on the units in this area who participate in such behavior. However unless you are doing German it will not affect you per say as an individual looking for a unit to join. If you have been to events here in the NY, NJ, PA area then pretty sure you have seen these units/individuals. As for listing them, I am going to see about the concensus from others as well. Proof is there but who else is going to speak up?
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: strangepair03 on August 14, 2007, 08:47:04 PM
Fair enough.
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Heinz Varner on August 14, 2007, 10:22:46 PM

Underage drinking should not be allowed or encouraged, but its hardly like reenacting is the cause or the only place that it happens. 
 But I don't think reencating is the cause of it.

Reenacting isn't the cause and that is not the issue. The issue is the commanders and nco's of these units supplying the booze to the minors at the events and encouraging them to keep up with them. 

BTW, What's your name and unit? Nothing in your profile.
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: HeinzVarnisher on August 15, 2007, 08:30:55 AM
I agree, if a unit CO is getting into drinking competitions with underage kids, thats bad and should be stopped.  There is no place for that.

I don't understand why this has any baring to this topic, but, I am not with any unit at this time.  I am looking to join one down the road, possibly.  Still not sure if my finances will permit it.

Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on August 15, 2007, 09:39:56 AM
Each part of the country has units who are not doing the right thing which is using your head and behaving like adults.

The strippers might not be an issue but when someone is paying the military to use a part of the base then I am sure that having civies dressed up in WWII doing this on top of heavy drinking, shooting firearms in the barracks, etc. might leave a bad taste in the base commanders mouth if he'she ever would find out.

If you would like to join a unit take a look at reenactor.net's WWII section to see what is out there
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: HeinzVarnisher on August 15, 2007, 01:36:29 PM
I agree, could be bad news.  How often is this kind of thing happening?

Thanks for the list, but that listing does not tell me who the better or worst units are. 
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Sturmkatze on August 15, 2007, 01:56:20 PM
It doesn't happen that often -- a few bad apples spoil it for everyone else. Anyway, Rob and Harry are on a crusade to nip it in the bud before it ruins the hobby! Kudos to them!  ;)
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Oskar_2ndChev on August 15, 2007, 03:12:51 PM
From my experience, incidents such as underage drinking and the like, public intoxication and the like have been handled pretty quickly and the offending parties dealt with. There's a big incentive for event organizers to deal with this sort of thing since they have the legal liability for the consequences of such behavior. No group is going to want to expose themselves to lawsuits and other legal action so when it comes down to it, the choice is pretty easy- eject and ban the offending parties.

Fortunately, there are only a few bad apples and they don't last too long.
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on August 15, 2007, 11:22:09 PM
I agree, could be bad news.  How often is this kind of thing happening?

Thanks for the list, but that listing does not tell me who the better or worst units are. 

Where are you located first? That would be helpful.
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on August 15, 2007, 11:29:03 PM
From my experience, incidents such as underage drinking and the like, public intoxication and the like have been handled pretty quickly and the offending parties dealt with. There's a big incentive for event organizers to deal with this sort of thing since they have the legal liability for the consequences of such behavior. No group is going to want to expose themselves to lawsuits and other legal action so when it comes down to it, the choice is pretty easy- eject and ban the offending parties.

Fortunately, there are only a few bad apples and they don't last too long.

Well it must work totally opposite here. Over the last 5 years have seen the same individuals/units who might be part of the problem still coming around. It seems that the event organizers are afraid to say no to them for some reason. Not on a crusade but would like to see some more adult behavior at certain events. Like I already said that 90% of us drink and have a good time but after a certain point we know when enough is enough. Some of the issues have been going around through emails and I was just lucky enough to be on one of the lists to receive them. Some have been confirmed by people at the events besides the person who is informing others. It was after the illegal substances one that I decided to see what other reenactors think should be done.
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Oskar_2ndChev on August 16, 2007, 03:32:08 AM
All it takes is one incident where the police are called and it's all over real fast. If the event organizers won't do anything, then they either are very stupid or very rich (or all of the above) and it's clear that they don't really care about the long-term health of the hobby. Unfortunately, in those cases, sometimes a wake-up call is necessary.
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on August 16, 2007, 07:22:57 AM
All it takes is one incident where the police are called and it's all over real fast. If the event organizers won't do anything, then they either are very stupid or very rich (or all of the above) and it's clear that they don't really care about the long-term health of the hobby. Unfortunately, in those cases, sometimes a wake-up call is necessary.

You are absolutely correct. One incident and it will be bad. Its ashame that these units are allowed to attend events at all just because of what they might be able to bring. 5/6 years ago it was about the quality of those attending but lately it seems that quality can be overshowered by quantity. Once something happens and the hobby takes a severe blow then they will wake-up but it will be too little too late by that point.
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: HeinzVarnisher on August 16, 2007, 12:19:50 PM
I agree, could be bad news.  How often is this kind of thing happening?

Thanks for the list, but that listing does not tell me who the better or worst units are. 

Where are you located first? That would be helpful.

I am in the southeast, but will probably be moving back up north to be with my folks. 
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on August 16, 2007, 12:37:56 PM
I agree, could be bad news.  How often is this kind of thing happening?

Thanks for the list, but that listing does not tell me who the better or worst units are. 

Where are you located first? That would be helpful.

I am in the southeast, but will probably be moving back up north to be with my folks. 

Well there are some good units down there and where in the North? Also, Allied or Axis?
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: HeinzVarnisher on August 16, 2007, 02:00:14 PM
Well, I think I wouldl do axis. 

My folks live in New Jersey. 
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on August 16, 2007, 02:59:54 PM
Well, I think I wouldl do axis. 

My folks live in New Jersey. 

You want to come back! Thats a shocker since most here who reenact would like to get out. Where are you now? If you do Axis then German, Hungarian, Romanian? And if German Luftwaffe FD, Heer, Waffen-SS, Kreigsmarine?
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on August 16, 2007, 09:43:49 PM
HeinzVarnisher

How did you choose this name? Weird because I know someone (only a handful of people actually know ) who for the last 5 years has used Heinz Varner for his impression and he too is in NJ.  ???
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: HeinzVarnisher on August 17, 2007, 07:51:22 AM
My father used to work with a guy, named Heinz Stroh.  He was in the German army in WWII.  The guys at the shop used to call him Heinz Varnisher because one day, he spilled a can of varnish on the shop floor, or so Im told.  Not sure if that is the real reason, just everyone called him Hienz Varnisher. 

I just picked his name because I couldn't think of anything esle to use.

I am thinking of doing axis, probably regular german army.  I have to see, depends of my finances.  Going through a rough financial time.  I have some stuff that I have picked up through the years, but I am not ready to take part yet.  Once I wrap things up in my current situation, I will most likely have to move, and will be poor for some years to come.  So, at this point, its all just up in the air.

See you in a week or so, off to a neaded vacation, hope the fish are biting.
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on August 19, 2007, 10:05:02 PM
HeinzVarnisher

The administrator would like you to check your email. He is saying that for the forum it is dead. Please check and if needed change it so he is able to send each member information pertaining to the forum.

Thanks
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on August 28, 2007, 05:43:04 PM
Ok, well maybe for the Axis side this might be more doable. Units that feel the same could create KG's for events. This way it is seen by others that the units/individuals who do this type of behavior are not going to be tolerated. A bundle of sticks is stronger than one.
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Chris Pittman on September 21, 2007, 04:50:25 PM
I've been reenacting in the Northeast since 1999. I've seen all the questionable behavior mentioned in this thread, and a lot more. In none of these incidents have I ever seen the possibility that the police might be called. With rare exceptions, every reenactor I see at events (even the intoxicated people) acts like an adult and understands that he is making a choice either to take part in these activities, or to seek different company elsewhere. I don't think there is anything new going on here to warrant this type of discussion. It seems to me that drunkenness (and all the rowdiness and ungentlemanly behavior that goes with it) has been a fact of life in this hobby for a long time. It seems like the major concern being expressed here is that we might lose the ability to have events at certain places if some of this behavior came to the attention of the parties in charge of these sites. I doubt that that might happen. Money talks... It seems to me that if something like underage drinking came to the attention of these authorities, it would most likely be sufficient to expel the guilty unit. I mean, if an event site is comfortable with having people wearing Nazi uniforms and vendors selling racist propaganda, one would think that they might be a bit lenient with some other social norms as well. Some of the people in units that might be involved in this behavior might be really good, quality reenactors, especially in large units that might have all kinds of people. I think it is possible that after some of the things that have happened at events, the units involved may have disciplined their own people quietly, which seems fitting- certainly better than broadcasting rumors about this behavior, that might attract negative attention. I don't think event organisers WANT to ban such units because they may not percieve the allegations as serious or they may not think it is a big deal. Lots of rumors out there, I suppose proof could be provided- but has there ever been a formal complaint filed? I think not. No criminal charges, nothing really serious. I can sympathise with the people who want to curb this behavior. I can understand those who are concerned about the effect this may have on underage people and the potential negative consequences that could perhaps become a reality (though this possibility seems, to me, extremely remote). However, I don't feel like making all these allegations public is a good idea. If something bad happens, and no one finds out about it, how is it a good idea to say "Everyone should know, something bad happened, and no one found out, but what if the bad thing happens again, and someone finds out?" Reenactors who do not want to attend events where this type of thing takes place should work to put together events with other like-minded reenacting units. I am seeing a trend towards smaller, invitation-only events with an emphasis on first person impressions and authenticity, and I think this is a great thing. At the same time, I do enjoy tearing it up at Saturday night parties at events from time to time, most reenactors do. I'm not endorsing illegal activities at events, nor do I condemn anybody. Large-scale events will always have a wide variety of people and some of them are sure to be drunk. This goes for Germans, GIs, Commonwealth troops, and Russians too. It is a fact of life, I fear. And I am OK with that.
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on September 21, 2007, 11:42:25 PM
Chris,

See your points in there. However, the illegal stuff has happened since we've all seen the behavior. When I got into the hobby 6 years ago from a 14 year leave from reenacting, the units all seemed to have things under control. Now it appears that the quality units (which are becoming rarer at events) have taken control of the situation in their units while others have looked the other way.

You are correct on units getting together for smaller invite-only events. Some are discussing other things as well to enhance the experience. The large events really are for the money now and thus have lost that "feeling". The only events that aren't really large are East Front and for once I would like to see that especially at Haydenville.

As for bad influences on minors, I can say first-hand that it is a big problem. See it every school year thanks to gangs, irresponsible parents, etc. Think that adults would have enough since to keep it to a minimum if they have minors in their units. They learn the the right things by people around them.

No one said not to drink. Most people will drink Saturday (I've drank with members of your unit) and they drink to their point of tolerance. I go to the point that I am feeling nice and happy then no more. Like you said, from time to time but there are some that do it at every event beyond a reasonable time and level of intoxication.  :O>@

Partied my ass off in college and looking back realized that though I had fun at the time, the stupidity was embarassing and it really wasn't all that great actually.
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on May 17, 2008, 10:55:10 PM
Well it seems that a lot has happened since this last post. Can someone explain to me what has happened to the hobby?

1) intoxicated guards with fixed bayonets
2) AH bust on table with yarmulke on it
3) intoxicated individuals shooting MG's off in buildings late at night/very early in the morning
4) units dropping water balloons down chimneys
5) units having members being investigated by the Feds on weapons purchased at events

No one else wants to say anything except on the down-low. So putting these out there so it can hopefully be discussed in the open. Not mentioning units is the key so remember that. Just focus on the incidents
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: battlebaby4 on May 18, 2008, 04:21:37 PM
Wow theses units and adults are going crazy! I must have missed this event to be shure.
 Again our hobby is under watch by many,many people who want it banned. Congress has tried to make you return your militray vehicles and even gear to a point sometime ago. The bill failed.
 As started before units who have problems like this should be taken out of the hobby. We can't afford a CNN story on crazy reenactors doing stuff like this. When someone gets hurt or killed we are done.
 I do not wish to invite units like this to any event that I host here in PA.

 Pat
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Sturmkatze on May 18, 2008, 08:26:13 PM
It's more than behavior at events... people are just acting like a-holes all over the hobby. The Internet forums have become especially bad -- I'm not on that many as I just don't have time. My e-mail lists don't have the trouble, but we stomp on people for acting like idiots. That and the e-mail lists have declined in use over the last few years ;-( Or is it ;D I dunno...

And the different Forums don't help by shutting people down -- my feeling is that on a board (where you have to choose to read something) who cares? As long as it doesn't get violent, turn into just a spastic flame-fest or idiots start using racial crap, I don't care. Oh, and modern politics are kind of a bad idea. Yeah, a comment here and there, but fights and arguments aren't why people are here -- 'tis why we have an "off-topic" section (visible only to members of the Forums).

One last thing... it's kind of hard to comment on how reenacting is in a certain country if you don't live there or go to events there. I certainly wouldn't be commenting on the state of the hobby in Germany or some place unless I was familiar with conditions there... some from other countries seem to think they know what's right for the US and reenactors here. Hell, stuff differs BY REGION here, so it's hard to really get a handle on things unless you're "feet on the ground" in a place.
 yoy
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on May 18, 2008, 09:51:11 PM
Well I talked to an individual in the northeast about an event. Told me that they lost the site. When I inquired why (since it was close to me) he told me that a group of reenactors were intoxicated and spray painted swastikas on a barn wall (inside). The landowner was not happy and will not allow an event there. Why would you do such a thing to someone else's property? On top of that, apparently the landowner was Jewish. What the hell was going on in those individuals minds at the time?
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: battlebaby4 on May 19, 2008, 10:46:59 AM
Again WOW I agree what is going on here. Our squad formed over 9 years ago to get away from these same "problem childern" in Civil War. Plus add in politics  and it was time to head into the sunset.
 I hate to say over the last few years maybe alot of them came to the 1940's. I feel we'll have to do something to repair the damage to the hobby.

 Pat
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Sturmkatze on May 19, 2008, 01:08:17 PM
Again WOW I agree what is going on here. Our squad formed over 9 years ago to get away from of same "problem children" in Civil War. Plus add in politics was time to head into the sunset.
 I hate to say over the last few year maybe a lot of them came to the 1940's. I feel we'll have to do something to repair the damage to the hobby.
I've thought that a lot for the last, say 10 years. CW people get burnt on their time period and come to another (WWI or WWII) and think it operates the same way. Alas, it doesn't, or didn't... it seems that some things are changing for the worse. thievery seems to be up. Chicken shite politics seems up a bit. I dunno.

I hear about units getting drunk and doing ignorant shite at events --if so, THEY need to be made to pay. Damage property, unit pays or people get banned. It seems a unit has been (or is being now) banned from FIG for having a bust of Adolf Hitler on a desk in their Stube (office)... as the unit is an W-SS one, I'd normally say "So what, period correct item..." but it seems these guys went and put a yarmulke on it, in a place where the PUBLIC could see this >:( D'OH! I mean really, it's DAMNED hard to get banned from FIG... hell, I've seen guys who's impressions make me cringe get allowed there. It really does take a lot to get the boot there. Dave Shaw wants his money by Gawd. I was told there was a big thread on this at the WW2 Proboards Forum... it seems a moderator there, willy-nilly just deleted it -- whoops! As long as people are talking in a reasonable manner and not threatening others, who cares. Discussion is good for the hobby. Attacks aren't though.

There has always been drinking at events... Hell, at my first WWII event, I got wasted-drunk (thanks to Butch Fogle's moonshine :O>@ ) and haven't done so since (hangovers hurt to much now). Anyway, I remember a bunch of us "Sieg-Heiling" in the barracks square... nowadays, I am sure this would not go over so well. It was the early 90's then. I can remember other things too... Oh well, it's WWII... during the real war, Germans did things that piss off Allies -- so do we 8) Things are a bit toned down now. However, we NEVER damaged barracks or property... That's a change and needs to be dealt with.
Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Chris Pittman on June 09, 2008, 01:36:12 PM
I wonder if there is any truth behind the story of the reenactors painting swastikas at a site. I reenact in New England and there were some rumors going around about swastikas being painted on buildings at a particular event. And I can say with certainty, that it never happened. There were a few reenactments each year in Kingston, MA at a site that is now off-limits to the hobby. Part of the site was an abandoned cement factory and there were some abanoned sheds and outbuildings there. My unit took part in an event there last year, there was a lot of spray-painted graffiti of all kinds on these abandoned buildings including swastikas and SS runes (not painted by reenactors, bonehead kids probably). Some of the guys in my group were out there after the battle spray-painting over some of that graffiti, they also spray-painted our unit emblem out there. The land owner was not happy with the Nazi graffiti but that had nothing to do with the reenactors, this was a site in suburban Massachusetts and not in the middle of nowhere, after all. I certainly agree that reenactors should not be spray painting anything at any site and we apologized for the unit emblem, certainly. There are some who would spread wild claims and rumors about these events (with a variety of motivations), these are not true. The person who coordinated access to the site (an area reenactor and police officer) said in response to some of the finger-pointing, "No one unit is was responsible. I did not say any unit but person(s) unknown.  The actions of one are the actions of all.  I know there was some there already." It is always the same people spreading these rumors, it occurs to me.

Title: Re: Behavior at Events
Post by: Antonescu on June 13, 2008, 09:51:49 PM
Chris,

Yes, it seems that there are rumors about units going around. The one that you described and clarified was told to another moderator by a member of 3rd Pz (II do not know who it was personally). The moderator said he didn't/wouldn't say what unit but those were what were told to him. If teens are doing this then it is really a shame since they do not understand the meaning behind it (I think they do) and just want to start something.

Now another one is seeming to have more truth. The Federation is contacting people after a member of their staff saw something in one of the units barracks that didn't sit too well with them. They are contacing individuals for a thorough investigation. The unit has already been banned from Gap II (that is what I have been told along with others on the forum), Newville WWII events and possibly another PA event (that coming from the Event Coordinators). That is what Marsh is talking about.

Agree, units that do stupid should be shunned by participants. Banning will work in some areas of the country but as you stressed in others the lack of units makes it difficult. To limit oneself to certain events seems out of the question due to the lack of events now in the area. I would love to come back up there since I know what events you guys run. In fact would love to come to Ft. Adams in RI in November since I will be in Pelham, NY close to I-95 and not the mess in NYC. I do come up to Haydenville and have been to Tolland twice. Quality events with quality units will get me there for sure.