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Meet Our All Volunteer Staff
Email addresses are highlighted in blue!
Betsy_Bashore - Finance Officer -
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 2004. 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.
Brittany Gnizak - Fund
Raising and Volunteer Coordinator - 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 who 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 WAVE's and the Nursing Corps.
Krysta
Fairclough - Secretary - Krysta joins D-Day Conneaut in assisting 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.
Lisa Torey
- Chairman and Public Relations Representative -
Lisa has been researching and reenacting for over 20 years spending early years
in Medieval and Civil War. In 1997 she moved into the WWII Era. Her
focus studies the Army Nursing Corps, in particular the
48th Surgical/128th
Evacuation Hospital 1941-1945, which her impression represents. Lisa
was on the D-Day Conneaut Planning Committee in 2005 and was offered to take
over the coordination of the event in 2006. Acting as the Senior
Event Coordinator for 2006-2007 event, she returned in 2009 and continues in
2010 to assist with planning, fund raising and public relations.
Adrian
John - French Resistance Coordinator - 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. As to not give away his identity to Axis forces,
his photo will not be published. 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.
Adrian
Rittner
- Commonwealth Combat Commander - 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 Conneaut's over the years.
Chris
Bartone - German Representative - Chris began reenacting the American Civil
War in 1996, and then in 2000 was inspired by the very first D-Day Conneaut to
became involved in WWII. He resides in Conneaut and has been a participant
in every subsequent D-Day except 2005. Chris is a social studies teacher
and as a member of 2nd Panzer Division. He enjoys interacting with the
public during living histories and showing how the "other side" lived and fought
during the war. Chris had at least 6 relatives serve in the Army in Europe
and the Pacific, including one grandfather who came ashore at D-Day in the 5th
wave on Utah Beach.
Dan
Merzke - Axis Camp Coordinator and Authenticity - 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.
Dave Lari - Vendor
Coordinator - 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 2010 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 your 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.
John Harris - Commonwealth
Representative - 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 honoured to be recognized
and able to portray this proud regiment with permission from Regimental Command
authority for both WWI and WWII periods. Our groups primary goal is to
never let Canada's WWII contribution and legacy to be forgotten.'
Michael
Boyle - US Infantry Training Officer -
Michael has been a living historian of the 29th Infantry Division since 2004.
Often times you will find him in a field kitchen cooking for the boys. He
joins D-Day Conneaut as coordinator for 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.
Michael
Pihajlic - US Airborne Commander - 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 reenacted (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.
Robert Trumbull - Allied Representative. Rob is a 30+ year veteran of living history,
both in a volunteer capacity and professionally. Rob has participated in Conneaut D-Day landings for
since 2002 years 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 has 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.
Ryan Gray - Landing
and Safety Coordinator - Ryan has been a reenactor for fourteen years
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.
Tim Torey - Allied
Authenticity and Combat Representative - 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.
Eric
Montgomery - Website Coordinator & On-Line Registration, Bridge Battle Coordinator and Veterans Representative -
Reenacting since 2003, his 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, flyers, posters, handouts
and promotional videos plus is involved with other fund raising
activities. You can reach Eric at the Naval Beach Battalion Bunker during
the show.
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www.ddayohio.us is assembled by "Stitch"