1st Illinois Battalion

Meet the Lt. Colonel

Lt. Colonel David A. Dellinger –

I grew up 45 miles NE of Gettysburg, PA and began reenacting in 1968 with a newly organized 87th PA Company "E" commanded by 2nd Sgt. Steve Sipe. I was elected Corporal in 1974 then went on leave-of-absence in 1976, serving with the United States Marine Corps (OoooRaaa) for eight years. Upon my return from military service, 1985, & with Company "E" disbanded, I organized the 87th PA Company "C" (which enlisted in my hometown in April 1861 and my family had 4 members serve.) The unit became a member of Vincent’s Brigade, 1990, ( Col.Wayne Wolf) and attached to 2nd Battalion commanded by Major Ron Palase. I served as 1st Lt. and then as Captain for the 87th "C" plus Adjutant for the 2nd Battalion. My wife and I moved to Central Illinois in 1999. I joined the 72nd IL as Private until Captain Rick Keating asked me to become a Sergeant Major and help form the 1st Illinois Battalion. Year 2000, Colonel Keating and I plus Captain Bill Turton reformed small independent Federal Infantry units into a fighting battleline with one over-all commander and headquarters. I was promoted to Major and assigned duties as Right-Wing Commander and Headquarters Officer-of-the-Day in 2002. In 2007, Colonel Keating retired from service and a new organization emerged. The 1st Brigade, Illinois Volunteers now includes Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, Engineers, Signals, Medical and other small independent organizations within the Federal reenacting hobby. In 2008, I was appointed Lieutenant Colonel, Chief of Staff, to the Brigade level Headquarters by the new over-all commander Colonel Robert Winter. I have 40 years of service (counting the Marines) in the hobby and in my time of service was a Private up to a General. (General S. Curtis at Keokuk, Iowa event for two years). I believe in the American Republic, the Constitution plus the American People. My motto is "Forever in Service" which it seems it has been Forever!

e-mail: headquarters1bn@aol.com