Members

Name: Cinnamon aka "Minne the Moocher"
City and State: Columbia MO
Rank: Private
Unit Impression: Camp Dog
Military Vehicle Owned: N/A

Year Joined Railsplitters: Late 2004
Year started Reenacting: 2005
Short History of your reenacting: I am new to reenacting but my owner is the CO of this unit and is educating me as a "Wardog". It's a dogs life but I am "Living the Dream".
Why you chose the Railsplitters: A lot of attention at events. Plus free snacks
Civilian Profession: Domestic Canine Professional.

Name: Keenan Akin
City and State: Marthasville MO
Rank: Sgt
Unit Impression: Radio Operator/Commo
Military Vehicle Owned: N/A

Year Joined Railsplitters: Late 2004
Year started Reenacting: 2005
Short History of your reenacting: I am new to reenacting but have always been interested in WW2 history.
Why you chose the Railsplitters: Their helpful attitude toward newcomers as well as proximity to my home town.
Civilian Profession: Aerospace Engineer at Boeing

Name: Gregory Alexander
City and State: Reeds Spring Missouri
Rank: Staff Sgt / Unit Webmaster
Unit Impression: Driver, Medic, Rifleman
Military Vehicle Owned: 1942 WC-54 Ambulance
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2003
Year started Reenacting: 2001
Short History of your reenacting: I started years ago as a collector of mostly WW2 USAAF gear and uniforms. I became interested in Living History and started attending air shows and making talks at school functions and Veterans programs in Branson Missouri. I still do many air shows in the summers and have a 1942 WC-54 Ambulance which is under restoration.
Why you chose the Railsplitters: I chose the Railsplitters after attending a USO dance that was sponsored by one of the members. I met the rest of the group and was impressed with their attitudes. I enjoy presenting displays and Living History demonstrations.
Civilian Profession: Teacher, Building Trades, Gibson Technical Center.

Name: Susan Alexander
City and State: Reeds Spring Missouri
Rank: Captain, Commander of 12th Army Group WAC Detachment
Unit Impression: WAC / Nurse
Military Vehicle Owned: NA
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2003
Year started Reenacting: 2001
Short History of your reenacting: I have attended air shows and do impressions of a WASP and a WAVE. My impression with the Railsplitters is as a WAC Nurse due to my husband owning a WW2 Ambulance I am also the commander of the 12th Army Group WAC Detachment. A new unit in HRS for the women reenactors.
Why you chose the Railsplitters: I chose the Railsplitters because of the attitude of the leaders and members of the group. All have a common thread which is the love and admiration for the Veterans of WW2.
Civilian Profession: Teacher, Art, Reeds Spring Middle School.

Name: Greg Bates
City and State: Booneville Missouri
Rank: Staff Sgt
Unit Impression: Rifleman, MG Squad, Driver
Military Vehicle Owned: 1942 CCKW, 1943 CCKW, 1953 M38A1 Jeep
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2004
Year started Reenacting: 2002
Short History of your reenacting: Started out with 1st SSF out of Illionis in 2002 thru 2005
Why you chose the "Railsplitters" Moved back to the central Missouri area and found this to be a great unit to be in.
Civilian Profession: Petroleum Equipment Service Technician

Name:
City and State: Mexico Missouri
Rank:
Unit Impression:
Military Vehicle Owned:
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2003
Year started Reenacting:
Short History of your reenacting:
Why you chose the "Railsplitters"
Civilian Profession:

Name: Michael S. Bonak
City and State: Morton, Illinois
Rank: 1st Lt, Executive Officer
Unit Impression: Motorpool / Rifleman
Military Vehicle Owned: 1944 Ford GPW "jeep" & Bantam T3 trailer
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2003
Year started Reenacting: 2000
Short History of your reenacting: Has been mainly living history & educational displays, very little actual "combat" re-enacting. Have portrayed various ranks & impressions, including medic, doctor, motor pool, signal corps & infantry.
Why you chose the "Railsplitters" I enjoyed the group
Civilian Profession: Service Manager for Chrysler-Dodge dealership

Name:
City and State: Mexico Missouri
Rank:
Unit Impression:
Military Vehicle Owned:
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2004
Year started Reenacting:
Short History of your reenacting:
Why you chose the "Railsplitters"
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Name: Ray Brown
City and State: Columbia, MO
Rank:
Unit impression: Rifleman, .30 cal Gunner, Driver
Military Vehicle Owned: 1942 Willys MB
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2004
Year started Reenacting: 2004
Short History of your reenacting: New to reenacting
Why you chose the "Railsplitters":
Civilian Profession:

Name: Ray Brown
City and State: Columbia, MO
Rank: Private
Unit impression: Rifleman, .30 cal Gunner
Military Vehicle Owned: 1942 Willys MB
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2004
Year started Reenacting: 2004
Short History of your reenacting: New to reenacting but I have been collecting WW2 stuff since I was about Ten.
Why you chose the "Railsplitters": Read a book about a Railsplitter and found out that a unit is right in my hometown!
Civilian Profession: Student at RBHS

Name: John Cullifer
City and State: Paris, Mo.
Rank: Sgt.
Unit Impression: Platoon Sgt. of a heavy weapons company
Military Vehicle Owned: NA
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2002
Year started Reenacting: 1995
Short History of your reenacting: The Captain and I formed the unit.
Why you chose the "Railsplitters" Because it is an infantry unit. It was basic and it relates to the common "GI" who fought.
Civilian Profession: Law enforcement/ Security

Name: Matthew Dodd
City and State: Fulton, Missouri
Rank: Private
Unit Impression: Rifleman
Military Vehicle Owned: NA
Year Joined Railsplitters: Joined 84th in May 2004
Year started Reenacting: Started in 2004
Short History of your reenacting:
Why you chose the "Railsplitters" Railsplitters were the closest and recommended to me
Civilian Profession: High School Student ( Senior)

Name: Lee Ellis
City and State: Taylorville, IL
Rank: Private
Unit Impression: Rifleman/Sniper
Military Vehicle Owned: N/A

Year Joined Railsplitters: 2004
Year started Reenacting: 2004
Short History of your reenacting: I learned about it in my ROTC class and Maj. Scherrer, showed me as well as helped me get into it.
Why you chose the "Railsplitters": I chose them because they are one of the most active units I have found as well as one that is close to where I live.
Civilian Profession: I work on a farm and drive a truck for my uncle during the summer and I am a full time student at the University of Missouri, Columbia.

Name: Allan Ensor
City and State: Hallsville, Missouri
Rank: Sgt
Unit Impression: Driver / Rifleman
Military Vehicle Owned:
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2002
Year started Reenacting: 2002
Short History of your reenacting:
Why you chose the "Railsplitters"
Civilian Profession: Director of Special Education Missouri School for the Deaf

Name: Allan Ensor
City and State: Hallsville, Missouri
Rank: Depends on impression
Unit Impression: WAC / 12th Army Group
Military Vehicle Owned:
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2002
Year started Reenacting: 2002
Short History of your reenacting:
Why you chose the "Railsplitters"
Civilian Profession:

Name: Ian "Doc" Fawks
City and State: Missouri
Rank: Depends on impression
Unit Impression: Surgeon
Military Vehicle Owned:
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2006
Year started Reenacting: 2002
Short History of your reenacting: Attending events, set-up of displays
Why you chose the "Railsplitters" Common interests
Civilian Profession: MD, Physician

Name: Elizabeth Grugin
City and State: Columbia, Missouri
Rank: Captain
Unit Impression: Founder and first Commander of 12th Army Group WAC (Womens Army Corp)
Military Vehicle Owned: NA
Year Joined Railsplitters: Formed WAC Unit in 2004
Year started Reenacting: 2002
Short History of your reenacting: Started reenacting as a WAC with the Railsplitters by assisting with the camp setup at various events and the WWII Convoy through Missouri Wine Country. Two highlights for me have been participating in an event simulating the landing at Normandy and portraying a gunner in a Stuart Tank.
Why you chose the "Railsplitters" To support Tim Scherrer who was also instrumental in helping me to get the 12th Army Group WAC Detachment started, and to honor my Grandfather who served in WWII. The Railsplitters are a great group of people and do their absolute best to portray the Railsplitters accurately and professionally at events. They have been very supportive of finding ways to include female reenactors.
Civilian Profession: Government Consultant

Name: John Harpet
City and State: Columbia Missouri
Rank:
Unit Impression: Motorpool
Military Vehicle Owned: None but he keeps em all running.
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2004
Year started Reenacting: 2004
Short History of your reenacting:
Why you chose the "Railsplitters"
Civilian Profession:

Name: David Hensley
City and State: Pratt, Kansas
Rank:
Unit Impression: Driver
Military Vehicle Owned: 1945 Willys MB
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2002
Year started Reenacting: 2002
Short History of your reenacting:
Why you chose the "Railsplitters"
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Name: Keith Hensley
City and State: Pratt, Kansas
Rank:
Unit Impression:
Military Vehicle Owned: 1945 Willys MB
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2002
Year started Reenacting: 2002
Short History of your reenacting: Currently starting a British Paratroop Unit / Dual Membership
Why you chose the "Railsplitters"
Civilian Profession:

Name: William D. Hobbs
City and State: Columbia Missouri
Rank: General
Unit Impression: Douglas Macarthur
Military Vehicle Owned: NA
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2003
Year started Reenacting: 2003
Short History of your reenacting: Excellent impression of General Macarthur
Why you chose the "Railsplitters"
Civilian Profession:

Name: Eric Hogan
City and State: Wyconda, Missouri
Rank: First Sgt
Unit Impression: Rifleman
Military Vehicle Owned: NA
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2003
Year started Reenacting: 2004
Short History of your reenacting: I joined the Railsplitters after reading an article about them in the Rural Missouri magazine. I have always been interested in WWII History, so I thought, "What better way to learn what happened during the war than to reenact it!"
Why you chose the "Railsplitters" I didn't know much about WWII reenacting, and it was the first group I came across. So far, it's been great. I don't know of any other group of people that are this wonderful.
Civilian Profession: Farm Agency Representative / agronomist with the Missouri Farmers Association in my hometown.

Name: Richard Houf
City and State: Fulton Missouri
Rank: Private
Unit Impression: Rifleman / Sniper / Divisional MP
Military Vehicle Owned: NA
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2002
Year started Reenacting: 1997
Short History of your reenacting: I started reenacting the civil war about 1997 with the
17th Mo. Vol. Inf .I also wanted to do other time periods , such as WWI,
WWII up to Vietnam I have a large collection from these time periods ,
both original and reproduction.
Why you chose the "Railsplitters" Local WW2 unit in my area
Civilian Profession:

Name: Jamie Huff
City and State: Columbia Missouri
Rank: Private
Unit Impression: Rifleman
Military Vehicle Owned: NA
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2005
Year started Reenacting: 2005
Short History of your reenacting: New to reenacting
Why you chose the "Railsplitters" I have always been interested in History. "My grandfather served with the 71st Infantry Division from January 1945 until the end of the war. Raised on stories about himself and others of his generation I felt a desire to honor them all by becoming a living historian and keeping their accomplishments, efforts, and memories alive for future generations."
Civilian Profession: Carpet Layer, Former USMC

Name: Lauren Kemppainen
City and State: Springfield Missouri
Rank: Private
Unit Impression: WAC Clerk / 12th Army Group WAC Detachment
Military Vehicle Owned: NA
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2005
Year started Reenacting: 2005
Short History of your reenacting: New to reenacting
Why you chose the "Railsplitters" I have always been interested in History. My Mother and Father are involved in reenacting.
Civilian Profession: Customer Service Technician / Bank One

Name: Chris Larsen
City and State: Leavenworth Kansas
Rank: Staff Sgt / Training NCO
Unit Impression: Trainer
Military Vehicle Owned: NA
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2005
Year started Reenacting: 2005
Short History of your reenacting: New to reenacting
Why you chose the "Railsplitters" I have always been interested in History. I have written a book on tactics. I instruct reenactor groups in tactical methods.
Civilian Profession: Instructional systems designer for Command and General Staff College

Name: Tim Linder
City and State: Columbia, Missouri
Rank: Private
Unit Impression: Rifleman / Driver
Military Vehicle Owned: Jeep
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2005
Year started Reenacting: 2005
Short History of your reenacting: New to reenacting
Why you chose the "Railsplitters" Common interest in WW2 Military Vehicles
Civilian Profession:

Name: Karen Livingston
City and State: Knoxville, Tennessee
Rank: Sgt
Unit Impression: WAC / 12th Army Group
Military Vehicle Owned: Jeep
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2006
Year started Reenacting: 2005
Short History of your reenacting:
Why you chose the "Railsplitters"
Civilian Profession:

Name: Steven Livingston
City and State: Knoxville, Tennessee
Rank: Sgt
Unit Impression: WAC / 12th Army Group
Military Vehicle Owned: Jeep
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2006
Year started Reenacting:
Short History of your reenacting:
Why you chose the "Railsplitters"
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Name: Todd S. Metzger
City and State: St. Louis Missouri / Lake St. Louis
Rank: Cpl "Official H Company Clerk"
Unit Impression: Rifleman
Military Vehicle Owned: N/A
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2005
Year started Reenacting: 2005
Short History of your reenacting: Previously a gun/WW2 collector turned reenactor
Why you chose the "Railsplitters:" Close to my hometown and the members were very friendly, courteous and knowledgeable when I contacted the unit prior to joining.
Civilian Profession: Mechanical Engineer

Name: Angie Metzger
City and State: St. Louis Missouri / Lake St. Louis
Rank: 1st Lieutenant
Unit Impression: Army Nurse / 12th Army Group WAC Detachment
Military Vehicle Owned: N/A
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2005
Year started Reenacting: 2005
Short History of your reenacting: Husband is Todd Metzger, Previously a gun/WW2 collector turned reenactor
Why you chose the "Railsplitters:" Close to my hometown and the members were very friendly, courteous and knowledgeable when I contacted the unit prior to joining.
Civilian Profession:

Name: Mike Orskog
City and State: Kirksville, Missouri
Rank:
Unit Impression:
Military Vehicle Owned:
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2002
Year started Reenacting: 2002
Short History of your reenacting:
Why you chose the "Railsplitters"
Civilian Profession:

Name: Tim Scherrer
City and State: Columbia, Missouri
Rank: Captain
Unit Impression: Company Commander / Safety Officer
Military Vehicle Owned: 1941 Ford GPW "Script Jeep" / 1945 WC-51 "Weapons Carrier"
Year Joined Railsplitters: Formed Unit in 2000
Year started Reenacting: 1983
Short History of your reenacting: Formerly reenacted German until I formed the "Railsplitters"
Why you chose the "Railsplitters" As a Major in the Army Reserves I was commander of H Company, 84th Infantry Division, 334th Regiment. I chose to reenact my unit in WW2.
Civilian Profession: Assistant Professor, Military History, University of Missouri, Columbia

Name:
City and State: Holts Summit, Missouri
Rank: Sgt
Unit Impression:
Military Vehicle Owned: NA
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2004
Year started Reenacting: 2004
Short History of your reenacting:
Why you chose the "Railsplitters"
Civilian Profession:

Name: Ozy Sjahputera
City and State: Columbia, Missouri
Rank: Private
Unit Impression: Rifleman
Military Vehicle Owned: none
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2004
Year started Reenacting: 2004
Short History of your reenacting: none
Why you chose the "Railsplitters": local unit
Civilian Profession: Bioinformatics research engineer

Name: Martin Thompson
City and State: Columbia Missouri
Rank:
Unit Impression:
Military Vehicle Owned: NA
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2004
Year started Reenacting: 2004
Short History of your reenacting:
Why you chose the "Railsplitters"
Civilian Profession: Student at University of Missouri, Columbia

Name: Chad Timmerman
City and State: Delton, Michigan. (Near Kalamazoo)
Rank: Private
Unit Impression: Medic.
Military Vehicle Owned: NA
Year Joined Railsplitters: Joined 84th: March, 2004
Year started Reenacting: 2004
Short History of your reenacting:
Why you chose the Railsplitters: Why I chose 84th: (This is the main reason I came to the 84th and reenacting..) My Grandfather was a medic in WWII w/ the 84th ID, 334th Reg. I want to honor him and the many vets we lose everyday.. If I can even experience a very small part and learn what it was like for him in those days, and meet like minded people, I will be very pleased. I've become obsessed w/ the 84th ID, and want to be part of it.
Civilian Profession: Engineer/professional musician/stay at home daddy :)

Name: Leslie Timmerman
City and State: Delton, Michigan. (Near Kalamazoo)
Rank: 1st Lieutenant
Unit Impression: Army Nurse / 12th Army Group WAC Detachment
Military Vehicle Owned: NA
Year Joined Railsplitters: Joined 84th: March, 2004
Year started Reenacting: 2004
Short History of your reenacting:
Why you chose the "Railsplitters" Why I chose 84th: (This is the main reason I came to the 84th and reenacting..) My Husbands Grandfather was a medic in WWII w/ the 84th ID, 334th Reg.
Civilian Profession: Registered Dental Hygenist

Name: Patrick Valant
City and State: DuBuque Iowa
Rank: Sgt / Motor pool
Unit Impression: Driver, Motorpool
Military Vehicle Owned: TBD
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2005
Year started Reenacting: 1998
Short History of your reenacting: Over 7 years experience, mostly German/Heer with 2.Panzer (HRS) and 116.Panzer "Windhund" (TSG/HRS) where I was Motor Transport NCO (Schirrmeister). Also held position of Squadron Leader of No. 602 "City of Glasgow" Squadron - RAF (HRS) for 2+ years.
Why you chose the "Railsplitters" I have known the unit commander for a few years, and found the 84th to be a first class reenacting unit, and relatively close to my home in Iowa.
Civilian Profession: Director - New Product Development, Corporate Graphics, Die Cast Promotions Inc. Manufacturer of High-Quality Die-Cast Metal Replicas.

Name: Randall Watts
City and State: Scott Arkansas
Rank:
Unit Impression: Dispatch / Recon
Military Vehicle Owned: Motorcycle and Sidecar
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2004
Year started Reenacting: 2004
Short History of your reenacting:
Why you chose the "Railsplitters"
Civilian Profession:

Name: Kristyn Watts
City and State: Scott Arkansas
Rank:
Unit Impression: Dispatch / Recon
Military Vehicle Owned: Motorcycle and Sidecar
Year Joined Railsplitters: 2004
Year started Reenacting: 2004
Short History of your reenacting:
Why you chose the "Railsplitters"
Civilian Profession: