Please welcome Regina Jennings
who starts off our Friday Guest Posts for the New Year!
Regina is a wife, a homeschooling mother of four,
a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, and a voracious reader.
She is also the author of award-winning humorous,
inspirational, historical romantic fiction.
Miss Regina is giving away a print copy of her newest release ~
The Lieutenant’s Bargain
to one lucky person who comments!
By Regina Jennings
When I first heard about the competition, I couldn’t believe my luck. You mean there will be cavalry re-enactors showing off their cavalry skills at Fort Reno, the setting of my current series? Yeah, sign me up!
In late September, the U.S. Cavalry Association held their Bivouac and National Cavalry Competition at Fort Reno, Oklahoma—the setting of my current series. Once again, the fort sounded with pounding hooves, stirring bugles and that bluster and swagger that occurs before any contest. Now, I’m always supportive of events that honor our past, but this was at the fort…my fort! It was like I was standing beside Louisa and Major Adams watching the goings-on at the parade grounds.
In the first book of the series, Holding the Fort, most of the story takes place in the General’s House, which was the residence of the highest-ranking officer on the post. The General’s House had a central view of the parade grounds where the men drilled.
Here, in front of the General’s House, a participant competes in the Mounted Saber competition. The obstacle course includes spearing rings on the blade, slicing through apples, popping balloons and stabbing targets on the ground.
Another competition was Military Field Jumping. Behind this soldier you can see the long barracks that the troopers like Bradley Willis stayed in.
Besides combat horsemanship, mounted sabers, and military field jumping, they were also judged on the authenticity of the era they were portraying. Participants had several different categories that they could choose from. Naturally, I was drawn to those portraying soldiers from the Plains Indian Campaigns, since that’s the time I’m writing about.
These two soldiers are currently stationed at Fort Carson, but they were representing troopers from Fort Concho, Texas, during the Plains Indian Conflicts.
They are judged on the historical detail of their uniforms, weapons, gear and tack. Finding these guys is a researcher’s dream! I learned that they would’ve carried more ammo than food, because if you have ammo, usually you can get food. There’s not much room in those bags for fluff, but they liked having both a canteen and a tin cup.
And even though it was a toasty day, they favor the caped overcoat when they want to make an impression. I have to agree with them.
See the heart on the breast collar of the horse –
According to these presenters, the heart meant that the horse had already seen combat. Is that true? I haven’t found that referenced anywhere else, but I’m open to the possibility.
One of the funniest moments of the competition was when this guy was doing his historical authenticity interview. He rode up to the judges in a full Lawrence of Arabia get-up. He did his presentation to the cavalry judges, explaining that he’d been stationed in the Middle East and had put together his gear and clothing while there.
The two judges just listened in wonderment. Finally one of them said, “You’re giving me a lot of information, but I don’t have the foggiest idea of how to judge an Arab outfit. All I know is that horse is not an Arabian.”
Being at the Cavalry Competition set up the moment that will always be one of my favorite writer memories– the time my book cover came to life. One of the contestants was competing in the Mounted Saber course, when I realized that it was a scene straight out of The Lieutenant’s Bargain.
See that house behind him?
See the house on my book cover?
It’s the same! And while Lieutenant Jack isn’t wearing his caped coat on the cover, you’d better believe it’s a big part of the story!
I’m so grateful that our military encourages their young members to keep the legacy of their units alive through events like this, and I’m doubly grateful that they choose to hold the contests at historical sites. I’d imagine if walls could talk, the buildings at Fort Reno would say that they miss the rowdy cavalrymen and the spirited horses that used to populate their grounds.
If you’re free next September, get yourself to Oklahoma to support these brave men as they honor the heroes that came before them. And not to be pushy, but you might enjoy your visit even more if you’ve read a few fun books set there. Then you too can feel like you’re walking into history.
There’s just something right about bringing the cavalry back to Fort Reno.
Remember to comment to have your name entered
into a drawing for a copy of The Lieutenant’s Bargain!
** ** ** ** ** ** **
Happy New Year Regina- I hope it’s starting out great for you. Glad you stopped in to share your book. Have a great weekend.
So far, so good, Tony! Happy New Year to you, too!
Happy New Year your book sound good. Men in uniform on a horse gets my heart pumping. Thankyou
They were quite dashing!
I bet you were excited to witness this competition! I’m still thinking of a book that the majority of it takes place in the house. I can’t even imagine what happens! I have never read one of your books. I’m a virtual newbie to the reading world though. I started reading again in November of 2016 and I’m fixing to start my 200th book! I’d love the opportunity to read one of your books and a giveaway is an awesome way to find a new author to add to my go to authors list!! Happy New Year!
Welcome back to the reading world, Stephanie! It sounds like you are jumping in with both feet! Good luck in the drawing!
Hi Regina, Happy New Year. I enjoyed your post and the pictures. You are a new Author for me & I’m looking forward to reading your book.
Thank you, Carol! Happy New Year to you, too!
I enjoyed reading your post today. Your book looks really good. I hope you have a wonderful year.
You too, Janine!
I would love to see the re-enactment, but I am elderly and Oklahoma is really far from Oregon.
That’s the beauty of books and blogposts. 🙂
Hi Regina … thoroughly enjoyed your blog and the introduction of your new book. The pictures were amazing and fun to see! Thank you!
I’m grateful that the Fillies invited me. 🙂
I would love to see that. Thanks for the great post
You’re welcome!
Love the cavalry, Regina, I have a series of books with cavalry officers in them. So much wonderful history, and Fort Concho re-enactors are the best!!! You have some wonderful pictures. I’m hoping to go to see more re-enactors this spring.
Thanks, Hebby. I hope to make it to Fort Concho one of these days. I hear they have a lot of good events as well.
I want to just say thank you. Your post has brought new light to my very limited book reading knowledge. This would be a great opportunity it expand my reading venue. Again thank you and Happy New Year to you and your family.
Happy New Year to you, as well.
In western nebraska they have someone that dress up as William Buffalo Bill Cody and does reenactments of Cody, One of his homes is in North Platte Nebraska still standing today. Half the land is owned by the state and the other half is still owned by his decendents.
Cool! I’ve never been up that way, but I’d love to go.
Happy New Year, Regina! Thank you for sharing your wonderful post.
You are welcome! Happy New Year to you, too!
Reenactments are always interesting and a good way for us to have some inkling of how things were in the past. I’m sure you were estatic to see a reenactment at the fort where your book was set in. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
I was excited. Thanks for your comment.
Thank you for stopping by P & P to share a bit about yourself and your books, Regina! I so enjoy learning about the “behind the book” happenings. This re-enactment must have been such a fun find for you!
It was, Kathryn! Good luck in the drawing!
Welcome back, Regina! We’re happy to have you visit. I love old forts and here in Texas we have quite a few. Some are just ruins but others have been restored, at least some of the buildings. Enough to give you a feel about what the soldiers faced. They played such a huge part in settling Texas.
Best of luck with your new book! It looks wonderful.
Thank you, Linda. It makes me happy to see the historic sites preserved. With the forts, it’s such an arduous process because of all the red tape involved on federal property, but I think it’s worth the effort.
I love reliving those days through books and your book sounds so good. I would love to see a reinactment but it isn’t possible. So I will settle for reading and enjoying your book.
Books are definitely more convenient, especially on these cold days. 🙂
Loved reading about this! I enjoy your books as well! You are one of my favorite authors!
Thank you, Paula!! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! What a fascinating post with great photos. You’re right, everything has come to life. I have always enjoyed historical spots like this. Makes you feel like part of the history. Thanks for the giveaway.
You are welcome, Sally. Good luck!
Happy New Year
You too!
I just.ove the cover of this book and the story sounds great as well. Happy Newyear.
They do a great job with the covers, don’t they?
That is really neat that they do that! Seeing history come alive is so amazing, especially when it’s something you’ve read about in a book.
I was thrilled to see all the work they put into the contest.
I just loved the book. I got the chance to borrow it new from the library, and now it is making the rounds. What wonderful characters and fun predicaments! All that and inspirational, too. Thanks for the behind the scenes look and the chance to get my own copy. Definitely one of my new faves. My favorite line was on page 272, but I won’t give the story away. Amazingly written!
I looked up page 272, just to see…. Yes, oh yes! 🙂
Thanks for the kind words, Kathleen! Good luck in the drawing!
What a great event! And how fun that you were able to attend!
It’ll be on the calendar this year!
*No Entry* Thank you for sharing your photos here Regina! I loved this story.
For those of you Kindle readers, I don’t know how long it will last but this book,
“The Lieutenant’s Bargain” is on sale for $1.59!
Yes, it is on sale! Thanks for sharing, Andrea!
Happy New Year!
There’s a state park near me where there’s a Civil War reenactment each year. We went there once and enjoyed the set-up.
I’m amazed and humbled by the dedication those reenactors have! Happy New Year to you, too!
You really make me want to go there! I have been to a Renaissance Fair, a World War II reenactment, and visited places where people were so into their character you couldn’t get them to talk to you like they weren’t their character. This looks so fascinating, I wish I were closer!
🙂
Happy New Year Regina!
Such a wonderful post!
So exciting you were able to attend this fun & Historical event!
I’m adding Fort Reno to the bucket list of places to visit! ?
Congrats on “The Lieutenant’s Bargain”! I loved it! Seems like every new book you write becomes my new favorite! ?
Thank you, Emilee! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book! Happy New Year!
That is so cool! That the fort is even still there is amazing.
Those buildings are the oldest buildings in my county, but to be fair, this part of Oklahoma had very little in it until the late 19th century.
The Lieutenant’s Bargain was the first of my Christmas gift books that I read. I loved it! Thanks for this look at the competition at Ft. Reno.
Awww…. I’m glad you picked it up first, and even gladder that you enjoyed it!
My husband would love to attend the re-enactment, he is a history teacher and actually does Civil War re-enactments.
Regina, Thank you so much for this interesting post. We were at Fort Huachuca, AZ this past November. Unfortunately we were not able to get a chance to visit the museum or explore the base. The morning we left, there was some sort of event on the parade grounds and absolutely no place to park. We enjoy reenactments of all sorts and would definitely enjoy the event at Fort Reno. Hopefully next time we are out that way we will be able to spend more time. (our RV broke down in San Diego and we lost 5 days of travel, site seeing time on the way home). Will definitely have to include a trip to this competition.
The time frame is a bit earlier, but if you ever get a chance, attend the Rendezvous Mountain Man Reenactment at Fort Bridger, Wyoming. It is an 1825 to 1940 era and one of the largest mountain man gatherings in the country. The teepee village is huge. It is held in Aug.-Sept. The dates for 2019 aren’t set yet. We accidentally found it on a trip West about 15 years ago. We hope to get back out there again some time.
I will be looking for your books. I always like to read books set in places we have visited or are planning to visit. It makes them so much more real.
Hi! Thanks so much for an opportunity to enter a giveaway! Would love to win a print copy of “The Lieutenant’s Bargain”! I’ve had my eye on it, but, as yet, haven’t had a “chance” to read it. However, I do enjoy historical stories, so I’m sure I would enjoy this one! God bless and Happy New Year!
Regina, thank you for the blog and your new book. Since being married to a soldier for 48 years, I have a vested interested in the military and its longstanding traditions. I have even had the privilege of participating in a couple. I am so looking forward to reading your new book. If you wrote it in the same manner as your blog, we are all in for a great but crazy ride. Thank you again. And thank the fillies for inviting you and letting us get to know you and your books.
Hi Regina, I loved reading about the reenactment and I hope that the heart on the horse’s collar does symbolize their service.
I’m a big fan of historical fiction. Keep up the good work! Happy New Year!!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Hello Regina, Thank you for this fascinating post!
Happy New Year!
I thoroughly enjoy Regina Jennings’ books, and eagerly await being notified that my local library has her newest book. Libraries are a huge help for me, as I’m retired and living on a fixed income. Even better than the library, would be winning a copy of The Lieutenants Bargain.
Interesting information about the Calvary.
Your books sounds really good
Hi Regina, you always write such interesting books and your blog with pictures was awesome.
I would love to see this reenactment some time. Their uniforms, gear & tack really look authentic & the horsemanship, excellent!!! We need more interest in this kind of competition, instead of all the hate games people are playing these days. Your new books sounds great! Thanks, for a chance to win a copy. Happy New Year to you & your family.