Remembering the Past, Educating the Future
Member Biographies
Our group is diverse, and each member adds character to the camp's atmosphere. Please feel free to browse these biographies to get to know some of our members.
Daniel Sauerwein
Daniel is a historian by training and has been active in reenacting and living history since May 2010. He first fell in with 1st South Carolina, Co. H, a Confederate unit from southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, later joining Company D that summer, becoming fast friends with its members and participating in their events as well. Being involved in this hobby fulfilled a childhood dream for him to reenact since visiting battle events near his hometown of Jerseyville, IL and other places since the age of eight.
He has participated in several battle events, including Nashua, Iowa, Pipestone, Minnesota, and the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Wilson's Creek in Missouri, as well as over a dozen displays and programs around the region. His main impression is of an Infantry soldier. He currently serves as President of Company D.
Alan Fricker
I have always been interested in U.S. history, especially military and railroading history. Along the way, I acquired a master’s in U.S. history and some college teaching experience. The Civil War has been a special interest, and led to my joining the 5th Minnesota. Battlefields I’ve been to include Gettysburg; Yorktown; Wilson’s Creek and Springfield, Missouri; and Fort Abercrombie. As a native Illinoisan, Abraham Lincoln is important; I’ve been to several sites of the1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates; the Metamora Court House; the Springfield, Ill., home, Tomb, Museum and Library; Washington, D.C.’s Ford’sTheater and the Peterson house where he died.By becoming a re-enactor, I’ve become a practicing public historian-putting the degree to use by giving presentations. I’m proud that my son recently joined the 5th Minnesota, intending to do a musician’s impression.
Joe Dickson
Hello, my name is Joseph Dickson I am the Hospital Steward and treasurer of the group. Ever since I was a kid I loved history! I remember my first picture that I made was a picture of Washington. I also grew up around civil war reenactors, my uncle served with the 4th AL for the southern side. I also have a rich history that served in the war. My great X2 grandfather was John B Floyd General of the Confederacy and in command of West Virginia. I’m a Hospital steward because I am a paramedic and have been for 13 years and thought I could bring both my loves together. I look forward to continuing school to become an Historian and hope to share what I’ve learn to others.
Den Bolda
Den has been reenacting since 1994 and has been involved in several time periods. His reenacting resume includes Early Roman Empire, American Revolutionary War, French and Indian War, American Civil War, and World War Two.
Reenacting has allowed him to see and do many things. "I've driven some really neat WW2 vehicles, including a Stug IIIG and an Sd.Kfz251. I've also crewed some weapons such as a cannons, mortars, and machine guns." Den said that he likes to be involved with reenacting because hands-on experience helps his vision of first hand battle accounts.
His favorite reenactment was near Chicago, when a dusk battle was fought in a contructed 1944 urban Warsaw Uprising battlefield. The pyrotechnics and buildings were amazing.
Thomas D. Huether
Thomas has been reenacting since 2012 when he first attended the 2012 Custer's Last Stand Event at Hardin. Following that event he along with several others attended the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg where his passion for the hobby grew. He, along with two others, began forming the 1st USVI in Montana as the first Civil War reenactment group. Thomas has been to several battle events, including the 150th of the Battle of Platte Bridge Station, and several encampments. His most memorable event to date was the Fort Wadsworth Campaigner event. Thomas was transferred from the 1st USVI to the 5th Minnesota in the Spring of 2017 and has enjoyed working with the members of the group.