April 11, 2024 at 6:30 pm
In 1862, the War Department determined that Fort Delaware, located on Pea Patch island in the Delaware river, would be an ideal site for Confederate prisoners. During the course of the war 33,000 Confederates, political prisoners, and Federal convicts were imprisoned at the fort. Over 2,400 died while in prison. John’s presentation is a compilation of diaries and 1st hand recollections of Confederate Prisoners of War held captive there.
John is a retired, 21 year active duty, USAF Lt Col, Combat Air Rescue Command Pilot. He has flown Jolly Green Giants, Pave Hawks, Ospreys, and armed Predators. He has served in 14 countries, seven states, four wars, two major offensives. He and his aircrews have recorded 11 lives saved, one being Rescue Mission of the Year, and also recorded six assists. Retired Senior Program Manager. Multiple FAA Licenses and Ratings. Airplane Builder (full scale 1916 Sopwith 1&1/2 Strutter). BA History, and Masters Aeronautical Science. Proud member of the DeKalb Rifles Camp 1824, Sons of Confederate Veterans. Married to an “Ornery Old Woman” (see Youtube song by Dave Stamey); daughter, held captive as Textron Foundry Logistics Lead in MI: son, attorney in Guntersville. Highly lauded poop scooper for English Setter, Josey Wales, and warden for 12 captive yankee hens, providing 17+ dozen eggs monthly to descendants of Alabama Reconstruction survivors.
