4th Alabama Cavalry - Co. F

with a major move and job change, Captain Hutchison, who owns a 12 pounder mountain howitzer, settled next to Mobile Bay in south Alabama, forming a new group called 1st Alabama U.S. Temporary command was placed in the hands of private Don Lay, the company adjutant. At Pine Mountain, Alabama, the first meeting of the new unit members, most of whom resided thereby, near Springville, Alabama, held elections, confirming Don Lay as unit commander, Thomas Bowers was chosen as adjutant, Scott Elliott as 1st Sergeant and Shane Elliott as corporal. New commander, Don Lay asked that his rank be lowered to 2nd Lt. so he could stay close to the men but still be seen as an officer at Alabama Division and other meetings. This request was affirmed by all present. As no one in the unit had a personal connection to the original Company A, it was decided that the new letter designation would be changed to company "F" since Lt. Lay's great-great grandfather was a trooper in that unit. It has remained unchained since. Additionally, to further enhance our persona as cavalry troopers, dismounted, we were added to the roster of the 4th (Duke's) Cavalry Battalion, 1st Confederate Division, for fighting at National events such as Perryville, Gettysburg and Chickamauga. Our Alabama Division was a spearhead in formation of the first confederate Division, counterpart to the first Federal Division. The 1st Confederate Division was a conglomerate, if you will, of regionally known and accepted reenactor groups from the south. The 1st Federal division was assembled similarly. Colonel Kevin Duke of Memphis retired as 4th Cavalry Battalion Commander as the 140th anniversary year of reenacting approached. Don Lay to be his replacement for the 140th anniversary reenactment of the battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Captain Jim Casey of the 7th Tennessee Cavalry took command of the Battalion after the 140th Gettysburg. Since the formation of the original unit, Co. A, and on into life as Co. F, there have been several leadership changes as follows:
Captains: Gary Presley, Michael Hutchison, Don Lay, Randy smith and Johnny cooper
Lieutenant: Michael Hutchison, Don Lay, Thomas Bowers
1st Sgt.: Scott Elliott, Scott Trucks, Randy Smith, James (Hollywood) Henderson, Matthew Smith
Corporal: Andrew Warren

An Inspirational Award was established to recognized persons of an inspirational nature. Being a company member, Division member or Battalion member are NOT a REQUIREMENT to receive this award. Persons from any walk of life are considered. The first Inspirational Award winner was Sgt. Scott Trucks, who at age 22, faced cancer. Through much hard work, positive thinking and action, and with God's will, Scott became a survivor and an inspiration to the many persons who were family, friends or observers. The second Inspirational Award was presented by Scott as the Scott Trucks Inspirational Award. Scott was present to present the award to our second Company commander and longtime friend and inspiration, Michael Hutchison of Point clear, Alabama. Mike was faced with a life changing eye problem which forced him to rethink his life and who he was. As a father and husband, he had family considerations to make change with. Mike started a home based business, Baldwin County Instrument Exchange, which has thrived ever since due to his diligence, and that of his family, hard work and foresight. It is time to make another selection and so many inspirational persons are out there, it will be interesting to see who is next.