Giving up hobbies to go to war

As many of you know I am an avid history buff and have several hobbies including gun collecting, world war 2 re-enacting (living history), and model railroading.  I probably enjoy re-enacting the most because its like your in a movie everyday when you put on your uniform and you never know whats going to happen.  I mean we all know how the war ended, but anything can happen in a make believe battle.  You really get to feel what it is to be a soldier fighting during the 1940's.  People go all out to restore period vehicles, cook period food, and wear period clothes.  Whats even nicer is when a 1940's dance is hosted at an event and spouses get in the spirit by donning their period garb.  I have been involved the the hobby off and on since 2000 so I must say that I really must enjoy things a lot if I stick with it for 10 years.  I have invested a lot of time and money donning period weapons and gear.  I must tell you that is actually cheaper to get involved now than it was 10 years ago.  Before the uniforms were made in the united states by a company called At the Front which is located in Columbia, KY.  Retired employees of fruit of the loom would custom tailor each tunic and pair of kielhosen to exact standards taken from original samples.  10 years later with the state of the US economy and the textile industry in general it has become cheaper to move production of most uniform items over to china.  The chinese to put out a quality product and we reap the benefits of saving money.  Weapons come up and come down depending on the market, but its pretty much a buyers market right now.  I will attach some pictures for your viewing pleasure.  I hope to talk with everyone soon.

James Calton aka Dominic Kaelin SS Sturmann

That is me with my Walther P38 getting ready to get some action at The Secret City Festival 2010 in Tennessee.

An awards presentation at Jefferson Barracks, MO 2010.  Notice how short I am compared to the tall guy in the middle......LOL

Getting ready to go into action at Jefferson Barracks.  The Kubel belongs to a good friend of mine, David Ackerman, of Jeffersontown, KY.

Getting ready to march into battle during The Secret City Festival 2010.  I am second in line once again kind of short.

Waiting in line for pay at The Secret City Festival.  Wow I wish those German marks were real.....

Riding into battle on the STUG III at Jefferson Barracks.....This made me want to say Hooah, but I was playing army; not living the real army.  And I thought we had cool toys to play with now.