D-Day Ohio Staff

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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.