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The full schedule of events planned for this year can be found on this year's schedule page.  |
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A Salute to Our Veterans Honor a Veteran with a Star in Conneaut! A Partnership Program in Conjunction with the Conneaut Community Center |
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If you are a Veteran who requires special needs or would like to be personally recognized at the event, please contact: Eric Montgomery. |
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Get Involved!  Donate or Volunteer! |
Meet our All-Volunteer Staff
Chief Executive Officer
Betsy Bashore
A 25 year plus veteran of living history, Betsy has actively participated in event management for over 60 various living history events and is a frequent speaker at early 19th century living history conferences. Betsy has assisted with D-Day Conneaut since 2006. Captivated by the heroism of combat photographers in WWII and the impact of photography and motion picture art on the war effort, she recreates a WWII era photo lab at several events. Also interested in women’s contributions in warfare, she frequently portrays a US army nurse.
Chief Operating Officer
Lori McLaughlin
Owner/Operator of Biscotti’s Restaurant, Conneaut, OH. As a supporter of the event since its inception, Lori has seen it evolve into the premier reenactment it is today. In 2009, she responded to a request for more local support and has since been managing an energetic group of local supporters involved in fundraising, marketing, procurement of goods, living history displays, and other various volunteer tasks needed by the organization. Having lived in Conneaut her entire life, she is a self-proclaimed cheerleader for the city and is involved with many community organizations serving on several local boards. Her community service was recently rewarded by being voted the Chamber of Commerce 2010 Citizen of the Year.
Chief Financial Officer
Jennifer Palagyi
Jennifer Palagyi is the franchisee owner of H & R Block in Conneaut for the past 16 years and has been doing taxes for 22 years. She has joined D-Day and will help support the financial management of the organization. We have three additional volunteers who will assist in general or specifically with finance items (Chris Heim – direct donations, David Owen – grants, and Anne O’Dae – TBD) along with Patti Rowbotham who has been helping with the records management.
Volunteer Coordinator
Brittany Gnizak
Brittany has spent her life embracing history. Her love of the WWII era was sparked by her research of her grandfather's service in the United States Navy as he served as a Chief Petty Officer on the USS Yorktown. She began reenacting with the help of a 4-H Shooting Sports Project titled Living History. The project was designed to help children "become a person" from a time period of their choice, then research the character to develop a personal story, assemble a costume and develop their skill. In 2004, she choose to recreate a WWII War Correspondent impression. Over the last few years she has expanded her impressions into portraying a WAVE and a member of the Nursing Corps.
Assistant Volunteer Coordinator
Patti Rowbotham
Patti will be helping Brittany with her many tasks. Please feel free to contact Patti as well to volunteer to lend a hand.
Event Clerk
Krysta Fairclough
Krysta joined D-Day Conneaut to assist with the clerical duties of the organization. Her impression of Rosie the Riveter is a hallmark symbol of the effect the war had upon the home front.
Vendor Coordinator
Dave Lari
David continues his role at D-Day Conneaut by assisting our growing population of on-site vendors. In 2009, over 15 vendors came to D-Day Conneaut. In 2011 we expect an even larger cross-section to attend. Dave's specialty is small toy soldiers so even after the event is over, D-Day can be recreated on your living room. If you are a vendor and have questions or would like more information regarding the vendor experience at D-Day Conneaut, please contact Dave by sending him an email.
Vending Layout Coordinator
Todd Knighton
Todd joined D-Day Conneaut in 2010 assisting Dave Lari in Vendor operations. With the continued growth of D-Day Conneaut, including adding additional food vending, Todd will be developing a layout plan which serves our growing audience. Todd is a member of the U.S. 1st Infantry Division Reenacted and has been an active participant in D-Day Conneaut for a number of years.
Allied Representative
Robert Trumbull
Rob is a 30+ year veteran of living history, both in a volunteer capacity and professionally. Rob has participated in Conneaut D-Day landings since 2002 and has served as a member of the event staff for 5. An avid researcher, Rob finds studying the narratives of WWII soldiers an enriching experience that provides a glimpse of the trials of the common GI. The written and personal perspectives of WWII veterans have helped him frame reenacted vignettes to better share their legacy with their families and communities. Rob is assisting in the restoration of PA 36-9, a Higgins boat located at Old Fort, OH.
Allied Battalion Commander - 1st ID
Scott Clark
Allied Battalion Commander - 29th ID
Greg Stapleton
Allied Battalion Commander - Replacement Battalion
Tom Schiffer
US Infantry Training Officer
Michael Boyle
Michael has been a living historian of the 29th Infantry Division since 2004. Often you will find him in a field kitchen cooking for the boys. He joins D-Day Conneaut as coordinator for the training portion of allied forces living history program. Given the 29th's historical significance to D-Day, he's a natural fit. This exciting portion of our program will highlight activities at the Assault Training Center located in Woolacombe, Devon, England in 1944 brought forward in time to D-Day Conneaut.
US Airborne Commander
Michael Pihajlic
Michael began reenacting in 1977 after proudly serving our country. He is a life member of the 101st airborne division association (www.screamingeagle.org) and of the American Legion. He is also a co-founder of Able Company 506 Parachute Infantry Regiment reenact (www.able506.com). The latter group not only reenacts but they also organize tribute dinners and assist in fund raising for veterans and active duty military. They are most proud to assist in funding of the Ohio Desert Angels honor flights to Washington D.C. so that WWII Veterans can visit their memorial free of charge.
Road to Victory Battle and Safety Coordinator
Ryan Gray
Ryan has been a reenactor for over a decade beginning with the American Civil War and then branching into WWII in 2000. His impressions include the 6th Naval Beach Battalion, 5th Rangers, and the 11th SS. Ryan is also assisting in the restoration of PA 36-9, a Higgins boat located at Old Fort, OH.
Allied Authenticity and Combat Representative
Tim Torey
Tim is an active Non Commissioned Officer in the United States Army serving his country since 1992. He began re-enacting WWII in 1997 and organized the 5th Ranger Battalion in 1998 with fellow members of the United States Army. To date they are one of the only re-enacting organizations to hold an open invitation to the WWII Ranger Reunions and are partners in education with the WWII Ranger Battalions Association and the Ranger Sons and Daughters.
German Representative - Axis Camp Coordinator and Authenticity
Dan Merzke
Dan has been re-enacting since 2006 with the 1st SS Living history association. He joined the D-Day Ohio planning committee after the 2009 event. Dan will aid in assuring accuracy for Axis living history and authenticity of the camp and battles as well as being the direct point of contact for all Axis forces.
German Command
Matt Gajkowski
French Resistance Coordinator
Adrian John
Adrian is a retired Social Studies teacher who began reenacting in 1989. Portraying an 18th century courier du bois aka a French fur trader at events, he enhanced his reenacting realism by traveling in a birch bark canoe in summer and by dog sled in winter. After witnessing the 2002 D-Day Conneaut event, Adrian returned the following year to portray a Maquisard of the French Resistance. His French ancestors settled in Boston in 1630. Later generations fought in the American Revolution and the Civil War. More recently his uncle, Bob Basket, was killed in action in France during WWII. It is encouraged that all members of the Resistance contact Adrian prior to the event so that espionage and sabotage activity can be coordinated through him.
Commonwealth Combat Commander
Adrian Rittner
Back for his second year as combat commander for Commonwealth Airborne Troops, Adrian Rittner proudly represents the extraordinary leadership exhibited by British and Canadian airborne forces that first landed in France. Hailing from Ontario Canada, Adrian has participated in many D-Day Conneauts over the years.
Commonwealth Representative
John Harris
John is currently entering his 31st year of re-enacting participating in re-enacting various time periods. John is actively involved with the Canadian Military Heritage Society. His impression at D-Day Conneaut focuses upon the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, a regular Canadian Infantry Regiment still in service and deployed with the present day Canadian Army. "We are very honored to be recognized and able to portray this proud regiment with permission from Regimental Command authority for both WWI and WWII periods. Our group's primary goal is to never let Canada's WWII contribution and legacy to be forgotten."
Veterans Representative, Commemorative Merchandising
Eric Montgomery
Reenacting since 2003, Eric's focus at D-Day Conneaut lies in remembering his great uncle, Amin Isbir, killed on June 6, 1944, while serving in the 6th Naval Beach Battalion. Amin's story, as well as additional family members, can be found on Montgomery's web site at www.soldiersandsailors.us . Eric also designs our D-Day Conneaut Challenge Coins, promotional videos and is involved with a number of other fund raising activities. You can reach Eric at the Naval Beach Battalion Bunker during the event.
Web Site Coordinator, Marketing, PR and Event Photography
Wayne Heim
New to D-Day Ohio, Wayne Heim is a certified medical illustrator and photographer with many years of experience in the advertising and marketing field. Wayne currently maintains the D-Day Ohio website and is involved in coordination and production of most of the promotional materials we produce. Wayne also serves as one of our Event Photographers and can be found wandering the grounds in a maroon shirt and camera in hand.
Chief Executive Officer
Betsy Bashore
A 25 year plus veteran of living history, Betsy has actively participated in event management for over 60 various living history events and is a frequent speaker at early 19th century living history conferences. Betsy has assisted with D-Day Conneaut since 2006. Captivated by the heroism of combat photographers in WWII and the impact of photography and motion picture art on the war effort, she recreates a WWII era photo lab at several events. Also interested in women’s contributions in warfare, she frequently portrays a US army nurse.
Chief Operating Officer
Lori McLaughlin
Owner/Operator of Biscotti’s Restaurant, Conneaut, OH. As a supporter of the event since its inception, Lori has seen it evolve into the premier reenactment it is today. In 2009, she responded to a request for more local support and has since been managing an energetic group of local supporters involved in fundraising, marketing, procurement of goods, living history displays, and other various volunteer tasks needed by the organization. Having lived in Conneaut her entire life, she is a self-proclaimed cheerleader for the city and is involved with many community organizations serving on several local boards. Her community service was recently rewarded by being voted the Chamber of Commerce 2010 Citizen of the Year.
Chief Financial Officer
Jennifer Palagyi
Jennifer Palagyi is the franchisee owner of H & R Block in Conneaut for the past 16 years and has been doing taxes for 22 years. She has joined D-Day and will help support the financial management of the organization. We have three additional volunteers who will assist in general or specifically with finance items (Chris Heim – direct donations, David Owen – grants, and Anne O’Dae – TBD) along with Patti Rowbotham who has been helping with the records management.
Volunteer Coordinator
Brittany Gnizak
Brittany has spent her life embracing history. Her love of the WWII era was sparked by her research of her grandfather's service in the United States Navy as he served as a Chief Petty Officer on the USS Yorktown. She began reenacting with the help of a 4-H Shooting Sports Project titled Living History. The project was designed to help children "become a person" from a time period of their choice, then research the character to develop a personal story, assemble a costume and develop their skill. In 2004, she choose to recreate a WWII War Correspondent impression. Over the last few years she has expanded her impressions into portraying a WAVE and a member of the Nursing Corps.
Assistant Volunteer Coordinator
Patti Rowbotham
Patti will be helping Brittany with her many tasks. Please feel free to contact Patti as well to volunteer to lend a hand.
Event Clerk
Krysta Fairclough
Krysta joined D-Day Conneaut to assist with the clerical duties of the organization. Her impression of Rosie the Riveter is a hallmark symbol of the effect the war had upon the home front.
Vendor Coordinator
Dave Lari
David continues his role at D-Day Conneaut by assisting our growing population of on-site vendors. In 2009, over 15 vendors came to D-Day Conneaut. In 2011 we expect an even larger cross-section to attend. Dave's specialty is small toy soldiers so even after the event is over, D-Day can be recreated on your living room. If you are a vendor and have questions or would like more information regarding the vendor experience at D-Day Conneaut, please contact Dave by sending him an email.
Vending Layout Coordinator
Todd Knighton
Todd joined D-Day Conneaut in 2010 assisting Dave Lari in Vendor operations. With the continued growth of D-Day Conneaut, including adding additional food vending, Todd will be developing a layout plan which serves our growing audience. Todd is a member of the U.S. 1st Infantry Division Reenacted and has been an active participant in D-Day Conneaut for a number of years.
Allied Representative
Robert Trumbull
Rob is a 30+ year veteran of living history, both in a volunteer capacity and professionally. Rob has participated in Conneaut D-Day landings since 2002 and has served as a member of the event staff for 5. An avid researcher, Rob finds studying the narratives of WWII soldiers an enriching experience that provides a glimpse of the trials of the common GI. The written and personal perspectives of WWII veterans have helped him frame reenacted vignettes to better share their legacy with their families and communities. Rob is assisting in the restoration of PA 36-9, a Higgins boat located at Old Fort, OH.
Allied Battalion Commander - 1st ID
Scott Clark
Allied Battalion Commander - 29th ID
Greg Stapleton
Allied Battalion Commander - Replacement Battalion
Tom Schiffer
Tom Schiffer joins the D-Day Ohio team for the first
time this year. Tom is a four year Active Duty Army
Veteran, and has been re-enacting WWII for about 15
years. Tom has been doing living history since age 4 or
5 with his parents in the Kentucky Corps of
Long-Riflemen. These days Tom’s usual impression is
that of an Infantry Line Company on the Italian Front.
This is to honor his great uncle, John F. Schiffer, who
in 1942 was drafted at age 39, and made the landing at
Salerno, Italy with the 36th Infantry Division. Tom also
has a more direct connection to Northern European
Theatre as his wife’s uncle, Stanley Isaacs, was a
paratrooper with the 17th Airborne Division.
For D-Day Ohio Tom puts on a First Army Patch, assuming command of the Replacement Battalion. He has designated it the 191st Ordnance Battalion in honor of the thousands of non-divisional support troops who worked long hours under less than ideal conditions keeping the fighting men fed, equipped and supplied with ammunition. Tom works as a machinist, and lives with his wife in Cincinnati, Ohio.
For D-Day Ohio Tom puts on a First Army Patch, assuming command of the Replacement Battalion. He has designated it the 191st Ordnance Battalion in honor of the thousands of non-divisional support troops who worked long hours under less than ideal conditions keeping the fighting men fed, equipped and supplied with ammunition. Tom works as a machinist, and lives with his wife in Cincinnati, Ohio.
US Infantry Training Officer
Michael Boyle
Michael has been a living historian of the 29th Infantry Division since 2004. Often you will find him in a field kitchen cooking for the boys. He joins D-Day Conneaut as coordinator for the training portion of allied forces living history program. Given the 29th's historical significance to D-Day, he's a natural fit. This exciting portion of our program will highlight activities at the Assault Training Center located in Woolacombe, Devon, England in 1944 brought forward in time to D-Day Conneaut.
US Airborne Commander
Michael Pihajlic
Michael began reenacting in 1977 after proudly serving our country. He is a life member of the 101st airborne division association (www.screamingeagle.org) and of the American Legion. He is also a co-founder of Able Company 506 Parachute Infantry Regiment reenact (www.able506.com). The latter group not only reenacts but they also organize tribute dinners and assist in fund raising for veterans and active duty military. They are most proud to assist in funding of the Ohio Desert Angels honor flights to Washington D.C. so that WWII Veterans can visit their memorial free of charge.
Road to Victory Battle and Safety Coordinator
Ryan Gray
Ryan has been a reenactor for over a decade beginning with the American Civil War and then branching into WWII in 2000. His impressions include the 6th Naval Beach Battalion, 5th Rangers, and the 11th SS. Ryan is also assisting in the restoration of PA 36-9, a Higgins boat located at Old Fort, OH.
Allied Authenticity and Combat Representative
Tim Torey
Tim is an active Non Commissioned Officer in the United States Army serving his country since 1992. He began re-enacting WWII in 1997 and organized the 5th Ranger Battalion in 1998 with fellow members of the United States Army. To date they are one of the only re-enacting organizations to hold an open invitation to the WWII Ranger Reunions and are partners in education with the WWII Ranger Battalions Association and the Ranger Sons and Daughters.
German Representative - Axis Camp Coordinator and Authenticity
Dan Merzke
Dan has been re-enacting since 2006 with the 1st SS Living history association. He joined the D-Day Ohio planning committee after the 2009 event. Dan will aid in assuring accuracy for Axis living history and authenticity of the camp and battles as well as being the direct point of contact for all Axis forces.
German Command
Matt Gajkowski
French Resistance Coordinator
Adrian John
Adrian is a retired Social Studies teacher who began reenacting in 1989. Portraying an 18th century courier du bois aka a French fur trader at events, he enhanced his reenacting realism by traveling in a birch bark canoe in summer and by dog sled in winter. After witnessing the 2002 D-Day Conneaut event, Adrian returned the following year to portray a Maquisard of the French Resistance. His French ancestors settled in Boston in 1630. Later generations fought in the American Revolution and the Civil War. More recently his uncle, Bob Basket, was killed in action in France during WWII. It is encouraged that all members of the Resistance contact Adrian prior to the event so that espionage and sabotage activity can be coordinated through him.
Commonwealth Combat Commander
Adrian Rittner
Back for his second year as combat commander for Commonwealth Airborne Troops, Adrian Rittner proudly represents the extraordinary leadership exhibited by British and Canadian airborne forces that first landed in France. Hailing from Ontario Canada, Adrian has participated in many D-Day Conneauts over the years.
Commonwealth Representative
John Harris
John is currently entering his 31st year of re-enacting participating in re-enacting various time periods. John is actively involved with the Canadian Military Heritage Society. His impression at D-Day Conneaut focuses upon the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, a regular Canadian Infantry Regiment still in service and deployed with the present day Canadian Army. "We are very honored to be recognized and able to portray this proud regiment with permission from Regimental Command authority for both WWI and WWII periods. Our group's primary goal is to never let Canada's WWII contribution and legacy to be forgotten."
Veterans Representative, Commemorative Merchandising
Eric Montgomery
Reenacting since 2003, Eric's focus at D-Day Conneaut lies in remembering his great uncle, Amin Isbir, killed on June 6, 1944, while serving in the 6th Naval Beach Battalion. Amin's story, as well as additional family members, can be found on Montgomery's web site at www.soldiersandsailors.us . Eric also designs our D-Day Conneaut Challenge Coins, promotional videos and is involved with a number of other fund raising activities. You can reach Eric at the Naval Beach Battalion Bunker during the event.
Web Site Coordinator, Marketing, PR and Event Photography
Wayne Heim
New to D-Day Ohio, Wayne Heim is a certified medical illustrator and photographer with many years of experience in the advertising and marketing field. Wayne currently maintains the D-Day Ohio website and is involved in coordination and production of most of the promotional materials we produce. Wayne also serves as one of our Event Photographers and can be found wandering the grounds in a maroon shirt and camera in hand.
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620 Jackson St. - Maumee OH, 43537
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