The 2nd U S Cavalry Association Helena Montana

11/05/2026

I’m not looking for personal opinions. It’s either you do it or you don’t. If you are friends with me, you should be aware of my sentiments regarding Veterans so I am bringing it up. I am fairly confident that I already know two individuals who will assist, but I am hopeful that I will receive more responses, as this is a pressing concern. Twenty-two Veterans succumb to their struggles daily. May I request that two friends or family members copy and repost this message? Someone's life may depend on it. ❤️‍🩹
Call:
Veterans Crisis Line
Dial 988 then press 1
OR
Veteran's Hotline
800-273-8255
I am asking for just two individuals to respond with “done”

Send a message to learn more

11/04/2026

DISPATCH FROM CAMP COURAGE
Helena Montana Territory
This 5th day of the 11th month in the year of our Lord 2026

Greetings to all:
Old Business:
Balance of Cash on Hand as of 10-31-26 was $5745.

· We have to submit our final report on this year's activities to the 250 Grant Committee this month. The original grant totaled $14,000; we spent $10,447, leaving a balance of $3,553 and 775 volunteer hours across all events. The remaining balance is due to be refunded to the committee. However, I am requesting that we keep it to fund our January, February, and May educational events.

· I spoke to Chad at C & C Sutlery today. They will donate the following small, uniform articles valued at about $350.00 to the 2nd for display and live demonstrations.

o 2 Union uniform caps (one Bummer and one Kepi)

o 1 Sack coat, size 34

o 1 Shell jacket, size 34

o 1 1881 Anson Mills belt and buckle

o ◦ 2 M1874 belts

This meeting will be held by mail sent to the Regimental officers and directors via Email to all members that the regiment has addresses for and posted on the Regiment's page.

New Business:

Projected for 2027

January and February

The Board of Directors of the Lewis and Clark Historical Society asked the 2nd to host a two-month exhibit on Montana’s cavalry at its museum on Helena Avenue in January and February. We have a 10-by-10-foot gallery at the museum from January 2 through February 28, along with an evening presentation at the Society’s monthly meeting on February 9. The Lewis and Clark County Historical Society Museum is located at 618 Helena Avenue, Helena, Montana 59601. It is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM, or by appointment. We sent letters last week inviting all schools in the Helena area to visit the exhibition, as well as some government officials we know will remain in office after November. We have already received a positive response from Senator Sheehys. The exhibition and presentation will focus on the Montana Battalion's impact on Lewis and Clark County from 1868 to statehood.

The 2nd U.S. Cavalry Association has also been invited to the 1860-1870s Helena Christmas Formal Gala on December 8th, starting at 6:00 PM. Period dress is requested. Marian and I will be attending. The executive director of the LCCHS would like to know how many will attend. Please let me know if you are interested in attending. This Gala will be a good introduction to the people of Helena and Lewis and Clark County.

May

We have been invited to host “A Celebration of the Montana Territory” at the Huntley Museum Project on May 17 and 18, 2026. Huntley has sent invitations to schools, and advertising will begin in early 2027. Huntley received a letter from one school stating that they will visit us in May.

Montana Humanities is unsure about its funding this fiscal year, so Dr. Real Bird’s attendance is uncertain. I have another volunteer from Billings who teaches Plains Indian sign language and is willing to attend. I have heard from three volunteers for 2027, but I haven't heard from any others who attended last year yet.

July

In 2027, Old Bannack Days is scheduled for the weekend of July 17–18, 2027.

Activities usually include a breakfast hosted inside the historic Hotel Meade, live music, gold panning, old-time gunfight reenactments, and pioneer craft demonstrations like blacksmithing and quilting. John Philips will be sending registration forms in January of next year.

Old Bannack Days provides a pot for dinner Friday night, Breakfasts and Lunches on Saturday and Sunday, and a full volunteer dinner on Saturday night. Bannack wants to send out registration forms in January. This means we cannot send in revisions in June for July.

August: Last Chance Chapel (lastchancechapel.org) has offered us a venue for next year outside the city limits. The 2nd has set up there in past years, and they have room for a large encampment and a black powder live-firing range where we can perform demonstrations or allow visitors to experience shooting a period fi***rm. Details are currently being worked out. Going forward, this will be a great venue to hold our yearly Helena event. More to come.

Other Business

If any troop has an event scheduled for next year, please let me know, and I will add it to next month’s dispatch.

If anyone has promotions or other items to discuss, we can add them to next month’s dispatch agenda.

Since we are a 501-C-3, volunteers may deduct unreimbursed expenses incurred under the following regulations: Keep all receipts, a detailed log, and a summary of all your expenses (receipts/logs).

Respectfully Submitted:
This 5th day of the 11th month in the year of our Lord 2026
Captain Vincent Pontillo/s/
Captain Vincent Pontillo
Regimental Adjutant

Send a message to learn more

10/17/2026

New 2nd Cavalry video presentation

10/16/2026

The Lewis and Clark Historical Society has invited us to their December Second Tuesday event (December 8th). It will be a "Taste of Christmas in 1864." We plan to have non-alcoholic wh**ky ditches, sparkling c***r or ch*****ne, some treats, and a short presentation on Christmas in Helena in History. We'd like to invite you and any of your members who would like to attend in uniform. We're going to try to get some costumes for some of us to dress in period Christmas clothes. You're also welcome to attend without the uniforms, but John thought it would be fun to have some uniformed men, too. Their website is www.l-cchs.org. This should be a good time.

Send a message to learn more

10/05/2026

DISPATCH FROM CAMP COURAGE

Helena Montana Territory
This 5th day of the 10th month in the year of our Lord 2026

Greetings to all:

Old Business
• Financial Report: Cash on hand as of 30 September 2026 totals $5,645.

• Public Outreach and Social Media:

 The regiment’s page recorded 718 views, a slight decrease from last month, and gained 53 followers in August.
 The Regimental website recorded 52 visits in September.
 The Instagram page grew significantly—from 73 followers in August to over 150 in September. The Regiment thanks Jedd for his continued efforts to expand our digital presence.

Meeting Format: This month’s dispatch is mailed to Regimental officers and directors, emailed to all members for whom the Regiment has addresses, and posted publicly on the Regiment’s page.

New Business:

Expeditions Projected for 2027

January–February: Lewis & Clark County Historical Society Museum Exhibit
The Board of Directors of the Lewis and Clark County Historical Society has formally requested that the 2nd U.S. Cavalry Association host a two month exhibit on Montana’s cavalry at their museum located at 618 Helena Avenue, Helena, MT 59601.

• Exhibit Duration: 2 January – 28 February 2027 A 10' x 10' gallery space has been assigned to the Regiment.

• Public Presentation: A formal evening presentation is scheduled for 9 February 2027 at the Society’s monthly meeting.

• Museum Hours:
o Thursdays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
o Fridays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
o Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
o Additional visits are available by appointment.
School Outreach: Letters were sent last week to all Helena-area schools and to selected government officials whose positions will not change after the November elections. A positive response has already been received from Senator Sheehys.

If anyone wishes to provide additional invitations, should be contacted, or has relics they would like to display, let me know.

May: Celebration of the Montana Territory – Huntley Museum Project

The Regiment has been invited to present “A Celebration of the Montana Territory” at the Huntley Museum Project on 17–18 May 2027.
• School invitations will be issued this month.
• Advertising will begin in early 2027.
• C & C Sutlery has been contacted regarding loaned period clothing for student interaction; a response is pending.
• Montana Humanities has indicated uncertainty regarding fiscal year funding, leaving Dr. Real Bird’s participation undetermined at this time.

July: Old Bannack Days – 17–18 July 2027
Old Bannack Days will be held the weekend of 17–18 July 2027. Traditional activities include:
• Breakfast in the historic Hotel Meade
• Live music
• Gold panning
• Old time gunfight reenactments
• Pioneer craft demonstrations (blacksmithing, quilting, and more)
• 2nd Cavalry
• Live fire demonstration of period fi***rms

Meals Provided:
• Friday evening pot dinner
• Saturday and Sunday breakfasts and lunches
• Full volunteer dinner Saturday evening

Bannack will distribute registration forms in January. Volunteer forms are attached; members are encouraged to return them even if their participation is not yet certain.

August: Last Chance Chapel Event

The Regiment has been in contact with the Last Chance Chapel as a venue for its 2027 Helena event. I have reached out to Pastor John to discuss this further. The 2nd has successfully set up there in past years, with the cannon's live fire being highly successful. The chapel has been attempting to contact us to bring it back to their August Cowboy Church.

• The site offers ample space for a large encampment.
• The Chaple is outside the Helena city limits, allowing for live-fire demonstrations of period weapons.
• A black powder live fire range is available for controlled demonstrations and supervised visitor participation.
• The Chapel has previously requested the return of the Regiment’s cannon, which proved highly successful.
• This venue may serve as the Regiment’s primary Helena event location moving forward.
Further details will follow.

Other Business

• Please contact me if you are interested in volunteer forms for the Hunley project and Old Bannack Days, please send complete them even if you are unsure that you will be able to participate in the event.
• Troops with scheduled events for the remainder of the year should report them for inclusion in next month’s dispatch.
• Promotions or other matters requiring discussion may be submitted to next month’s agenda.
• Volunteer Expense Guidance: As a 501(c)(3) organization, volunteers may deduct unreimbursed expenses incurred in service to the Regiment. Members must retain all receipts, maintain a detailed log, and prepare a summary of expenses for tax purposes.

Respectfully Submitted:
This 5th day of the 10th month in the year of our Lord 2026
Captain Vincent Pontillo/s/
Captain Vincent Pontillo
Regimental Adjutant

09/15/2026

Thanks to AI I have finally been able to identify a pocket pistol that has been in my collections for years. It is a rare original C**t new line in 32 rimfire caliber from the the first run of revolvers in 1874.

09/14/2026

I shot my Jukar Kentucky 45 Caliber muzzle loader over the weekend and liked is so much that I stripped of the scratched black finish with vinegar. I am now in the process of polishing up the barrel to the period correct metallic finish. See before and after photos

09/10/2026

I am posting this early so that I do not forget

Memorial Message for the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001
NEVER FORGET
On this twenty fifth anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we pause in solemn remembrance of the nearly three thousand innocent people who were murdered by terrorists on that clear September morning. A quarter century has passed, yet the weight of that day remains undiminished. It lives in our national memory, in the families forever changed, and in the quiet courage of those who ran toward danger when the world seemed to be collapsing.

I remember Peter C. “Sidewinder Pete”, Martin‚ 43‚ lieutenant‚ FDNY‚ Rescue 2. A 22-year FDNY veteran‚ Martin was decorated many times for bravery and assisted in the search and rescue operation in Oklahoma City after the bombing of the federal building. Martin‚ a St. John’s University graduate with a B.S. in criminal justice‚ was an avid collector of antique ri**es. Most important in his life‚ however‚ were his three sons, and every first responder who gave their lives in service to others. Their sacrifice was not abstract; it was immediate, physical, and total. They climbed the stairs, entered the smoke, carried the wounded, and stood their ground with a resolve that defines the very best of the American spirit. Their names join a sacred roll of heroes whose actions continue to inspire duty, compassion, and courage.

I remember not only all who perished as well as those permanently affect by this day—mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, friends and colleagues—ordinary people whose lives were stolen in an act of hatred. Their absence is felt every day, and their memory compels us to stand vigilant against those who would commit such violence again.

Today, we all should reaffirm a simple truth: we remember. We remember the fallen, the brave, the grieving, and the countless acts of humanity that rose from the ashes. We remember that unity is possible, that courage is real, and that the legacy of those lost is carried forward in how we choose to live, serve, and honor one another.

May the memory of Lt. Peter Martin, and all who were taken from us be a blessing. May their families find peace. And may our nation continue to uphold the values they embodied—service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

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09/07/2026

DISPATCH FROM CAMP COURAGE

Helena Montana Territory
This 7th Day of the 9th month in the year of our Lord 2026

Greetings to all:

Old Business:

• Balance of Cash on Hand as of 8-31-2026 was $7,986
• Our page recorded 831 visits with a one day high of 223 and grew to followers 53 in August, and our website visits grew to 199 this month. As of August, we now have an Instagram presence thanks to 1st Sargent Jedd Levine. The page can be reach by searching for the Montana Battalion. The site went live in August and has 73 followers.
• No business could be conducted at this year’s Annual Meeting in Helena due to the lack of a quorum of members or proxies.
• This meeting will be held by mail sent to the Regimental officers and directors via
Email to all members that the regiment has addresses for and posted on the Regiment's page.

New Business:
August
Helena’ A celebration of the Montana Territory
After Action Report
2nd U.S. Cavalry Association – Helena, Montana
Engagement: Helena
Dates: August 29th and 30th
1. Situation & Weather Conditions

2. Reason for the Expedition
The Association was tasked with representing frontier history during the territorial period through historically grounded demonstrations and interpretive instruction. The mission objectives included:
• Branding, mining, blacksmithing, a frontier doctor (Dr. Glick), Flint Knapping and the three W vices of the frontier. These stations provided demonstrations and instruction on life on the frontier
• In collaboration with Humanities Montana, we had a special presenter on the 30th. Dr. Lanny Real Bird a member of the Crow Nation and a respected expert in the Crow sign language of the Plains Indians. During the Day he gave two-hour long presentation on sign language.
• Demonstrating cavalry equipment, fi***rms handling principles, and camp routines Captain Don Reed displayed a new exhibit 100 years of the fi***rms from 1776 to 1876 of the 2nd Dragoons and the 2nd U S Cavalry
• Encouraging public curiosity, respectful inquiry, and deeper engagement with Montana’s early history
3. Attendance
Even though the event was heavily advertised in Helena attendance was poor, with only about 100 to 150 people for the two days which included a large home school group.
4. Ex*****on
Personnel maintained a professional demeanor throughout the engagement, ensuring accuracy, safety, and accessibility for all visitors.
5. Results
The engagement was highly successful. All scheduled demonstrations were completed on time. No injuries, incidents, or equipment issues occurred. Public feedback was uniformly positive,
The Association’s presence strengthened its reputation as a premier living history organization in Montana and reinforced its role in supporting public education on frontier military heritage.
6. Conclusion
The 2nd U.S. Cavalry Association executed its mission at the Celebration of the Montana Territory with precision, professionalism, and historical fidelity. The expedition met all objectives, supported the park’s commemorative goals, and delivered meaningful educational value to the public.

Projected for 2027

January and February

The Board of Directors of the Lewis and Clark Historical Society requested that the 2nd consider hosting a two-month exhibit on Montana’s cavalry in January and February at their museum on Helena Avenue. I will met with board members on August 21 to finalize the details of what they would like and the size of the exhibit. If anyone has something they would like to include, let me know.

May

We have been invited to do “A Celebration of the Montana Territory” at the Huntley Museum Project May 17 and 18, 2026. Details to follow.

July

In 2027, Old Bannack Days is scheduled to take place on the weekend of July 17–18, 2027.
Activities usually include a breakfast hosted inside the historic Hotel Meade, live music, gold panning, old-time gunfight reenactments, and pioneer craft demonstrations like blacksmithing and quilting.

Old Bannack days provides a pot for dinner Friday night, Breakfasts and Lunches on Saturday and Sunday, and a full volunteer dinner on Saturday night.

August: We have been offered a venue for next year by the Last Chance Chapel (lastchancechapel.org) which is outside of the city limits. The 2nd has set up there in past years and they have room for a large encampment, a black powder live firing range where we can perform demonstrations or allow visitors to experience shooting a period fi***rm. Going forward this will be great venue to hold our yearly Helena event. More to come.

Other Business

If any troop has an event scheduled for the remainder of the year, please let me know, and I will add them to next month’s dispatch.

If anyone has any promotions or other items to discuss, we can add them to the agenda for next month’s dispatch

Since we are a 501-C-3, volunteers are allowed to deduct unreimbursed expenses incurred under the following regulations: Keep all receipts, a detailed log, and a summary of all your expenses (receipts/logs)

Respectfully Submitted:
This 7th day of the 9th month in the year of our Lord 2026
Captain Vincent Pontillo/s/
Captain Vincent Pontillo
Regimental Adjutant

Send a message to learn more

09/02/2026

Capt. Don Reed's new display "100 years of the 2nd Cavalry' Fi****ms from the 1776 2nd Continental Dragoons of the revolutionary war to 1876 and the 2nd U S cavalry of the plains wars