Gen'l Beck Retires from Trans Miss Brigade -- Mississippi Valley Brigade

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Date Posted: Friday, December 10, 12:59pm
Author: Mike Ventura
Subject: Gen'l Beck Retires from Trans Miss Brigade

John Beck Retires from Trans Mississippi Brigade Command

Wichita, KS - December 10, 2004

Brigadier General John Beck has announced his retirement as Brigadier General Commanding the Trans Mississippi Brigade of the First Confederate Division citing health reasons. The First Confederate Division is a member of the North-South Alliance and is comprised of four brigades, making it the largest organized Civil War reenacting organization in the country.

John Beck started his Civil War reenacting career as a Private soldier in the First Colorado (US) Infantry in 1981. In 1985, he joined Company B of the 9th Texas (CS) as a Corporal rising to the rank of Captain by 1990.

With the formation of the First Confederate Division and the North-South Alliance in 1990, John became Colonel of what was then called the Fourth or "Extra" Battalion of the First Confederate Division. The Extra Battalion grew in numbers and became the Trans Mississippi Brigade in 1998 and John Beck rose to the rank of Brigadier General as Commanding General of the Brigade.

John was very active in creating four events for the North-South Alliance - First Belmont, MO in 1993; Pea Ridge, AK in 1995; Second Belmont, MO in 1997 and Wilson's Creek in 2002.

John Beck is well known in Civil War reenacting circles. He is a published author of Civil War historical tracts, has appeared on both then front and back covers of Camp Chase Gazette (in the same issue) and is well known for his "Ape Lord" speech.

"It has been my privilege and pleasure to participate in this great endeavor we call a "hobby" for over twenty-five years," said Beck in announcing his retirement. "Together, gentlemen, we have not only re-created historical events, but we have made history ourselves. The events of these years have been often epic in their scope, sometimes difficult in their execution, but always memorable."

"We'll miss John Beck's presence in the First Confederate Division," stated Division Commanding General Mike Moore. "John was there in the beginning and has contributed to the growth and influence of the FCD. We wish him well and want him to know that there will always be a place reserved for him at our campfire,"

Born in Texas, John Beck has been a resident of Wichita, KS since childhood. He has been married to Yvonne for almost 30 years. He has been a avid motorcycle enthusiast all his life -- even pursuing some professional racing for a time. At one timehe was a partner in a local motorcycle dealership. He taught motorcycle and small engine repair at the Wichita Area Technical College for a number of years, before retiring from teaching. He is currently employed as the senior technical writer for Big Dog Motorcycles.

John is an avid reader and student of Texas Revolution history, as well as the Civil War. Ask him just about anything about the Alamo and he will know the answer. John is also an avid collector of Civil War flags with a collection numbering almost 50 flags.

Also retiring is Lieutenant Colonel Mike Bolley who has served as General Beck's Chief of Staff.

Colonel Willie Huckabee, commanding the First Arkansas Battalion has been promoted to Commanding General of the Trans Mississippi Brigade to rank as Brigadier General as of December 8, 2004. Colonel Rob Sanders has been promoted and selected to command the First Arkansas Battalion. The Trans Mississippi Brigade is also made up of the First Missouri Battalion commanded by Colonel Doug Moody and the Independent Guard Battalion commanded by Colonel Warner Todd Huston.

The First Confederate Division will take the field September 30 - October 2, 2005 near Corinth, MS to re-create key elements in the Battle of Corinth, fought October 3-4, 1862.

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