ETO Buff
New Member
First off, military enthusiasts should know this, but I usually have to explain the nickname to others. "ETO Buff" means European Theater of Operations history buff.
I'm a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve (1986-1994), where I was first a Communications Electronics Radio Repairer (MOS 29E at that time), then after a spine fracture, I was transferred to a different unit as an administrative specialist (71L, but I never became MOS qualified in that) so I could have easier duties with my new reduction in physical capabilities.
My primary interest is basically the American experience in the military history of Europe in the first half of the 20th century, especially World War II. Secondary to that is my interest in 19th century American military history, especially the American Civil War. My tertiary interest is the military history of the middle ages in Europe, especially what part my 31st great-grandfather William the Conqueror played in it, or mucked it up, as the case may be. :smile:
In Jan 2013 I joined the Southern Nevada Living History Association as a technical sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Signal Company (hence the 82nd motto as the title of this post) of WWII. My secondary impression is that of a corporal in Dog Company, 9th Infantry Regiment (Manchu Regiment), 2nd Infantry Division (Indian Head Division), 1942-1945, with a temporary rank of technical sergeant on parade days. That's because I'm the platoon drill instructor and I lead the formation in parades because even though we have sergeants in the platoon, I'm the one that has memorized WWII cadences and drill, and I have to wear a higher rank insignia than the other NCOs so that it looks correct to the public.
My tertiary impression is that of a private in the 71st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment in the Union Army.
I'm a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve (1986-1994), where I was first a Communications Electronics Radio Repairer (MOS 29E at that time), then after a spine fracture, I was transferred to a different unit as an administrative specialist (71L, but I never became MOS qualified in that) so I could have easier duties with my new reduction in physical capabilities.
My primary interest is basically the American experience in the military history of Europe in the first half of the 20th century, especially World War II. Secondary to that is my interest in 19th century American military history, especially the American Civil War. My tertiary interest is the military history of the middle ages in Europe, especially what part my 31st great-grandfather William the Conqueror played in it, or mucked it up, as the case may be. :smile:
In Jan 2013 I joined the Southern Nevada Living History Association as a technical sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Signal Company (hence the 82nd motto as the title of this post) of WWII. My secondary impression is that of a corporal in Dog Company, 9th Infantry Regiment (Manchu Regiment), 2nd Infantry Division (Indian Head Division), 1942-1945, with a temporary rank of technical sergeant on parade days. That's because I'm the platoon drill instructor and I lead the formation in parades because even though we have sergeants in the platoon, I'm the one that has memorized WWII cadences and drill, and I have to wear a higher rank insignia than the other NCOs so that it looks correct to the public.
My tertiary impression is that of a private in the 71st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment in the Union Army.
