Post by Willie on Apr 20, 2017 0:02:35 GMT -8
1) Name, Age, and Location.
My name is William Fontana, I am 18 years old, and live in Yosemite National Park, California
2) How did you hear about Fox Company, 506th?
A friend from Colorado who I frequently research WW II history, develop contemporary uniforms, and share info with and I are both trying to get into re-enacting. While he was looking at units he pointed me this way because I am already developing a set of uniforms and gear around the 101st. I took a look at this unit and a few others, and this unit's dedication to veterans and history was what drew me in.
3) Do you have any reenacting experience? Have you done World War II reenacting before?
I have only very limited reenacting experience - I have attended 4 Civil war reenactments and have never attended a WW II reenactment - everything I know about re-enacting comes from doing my research online and reading books by WW II vets. I do hope to attend Ohio D-Day next year though! (with the same person I mentioned in question 2)
4) Why do you want to join our unit? What drew you to us instead of some of the other Allied units in the CHG and RPS?
The focus on bringing history to life, historical accuracy, and support for our veterans brought me to this unit. For me, this is about history and preserving stories, not a "game" or anything to be taken too lightly. I love to have fun, but draw the line where history is being ignored or damaged for "fun".
5) What knowledge do you have of the Second World War? Are you familiar with the roles of the American paratrooper?
I've read many books on the Second World War, as it has been my primary interest since I was about 6. I am very familiar with the roles, responsibilities, and purposes of most unit types during the second world war, including infantry, tankers, 10th mountain, paratroopers, and others.
6) Have you had any contact with World War II veterans previously?
Two of my uncles served in the Navy during the second world war, one was deployed in the pacific, the other in the Atlantic. Both survived. Unfortunately, both also died before I was born, my father was born in 1944 so I have spoken with him many times about what veterans have told HIM (including my uncles). Of course, every opportunity I can find to talk to a vet about their stories I will ALWAYS stop to talk - and I like to spend time in war museums and veterans day events respectfully listening to anyone that will talk!
7) What can you bring to this unit? Will you be an asset?
I'm dedicated, always researching(but by no means an "expert" - just an enthusiast that dreams of being an expert), disciplined, used to orders and the outdoors. I imagine that I can be an asset to the group by being informed, respectful, and, I hope, someday, to be an asset by picking out future candidates after many years of loyal and dedicated service to the unit.
8) Anything else we should know about you?
-I'm an Wilderness EMS worker during the school year, and a art sales representative in the summer
-I have a good portion (probably about 75%) of the historically accurate gear the unit asks of it's members, including a functional M1 built in 1941 that is 100% original parts as far as I can tell (serials match) with bayonet. I can provide a full list of what I do have and what I don't if you want
-I will be attending school in Alaska for the next few years, but will be around all summer and more than thrilled to go to events in the summers and during my many breaks from school! (and keep up with training and history the rest of the year) (I will be in California about 40% of the year)
-I plan to join the United States Navy when I'm in my mid twenties (after college)
-I have a lot of public speaking experience and training
-I have a history in theatre and have been involved in a documentary and a large-scale play
-Physically, I am fit (For example I am going on a 150 mile mountain bike ride starting this coming sunday from Grand Junction, CO to Moab, UT)
-I will represent the unit honorably at all times, in or out of uniform
I can't wait to hopefully meet you all!,
-William Fontana
My name is William Fontana, I am 18 years old, and live in Yosemite National Park, California
2) How did you hear about Fox Company, 506th?
A friend from Colorado who I frequently research WW II history, develop contemporary uniforms, and share info with and I are both trying to get into re-enacting. While he was looking at units he pointed me this way because I am already developing a set of uniforms and gear around the 101st. I took a look at this unit and a few others, and this unit's dedication to veterans and history was what drew me in.
3) Do you have any reenacting experience? Have you done World War II reenacting before?
I have only very limited reenacting experience - I have attended 4 Civil war reenactments and have never attended a WW II reenactment - everything I know about re-enacting comes from doing my research online and reading books by WW II vets. I do hope to attend Ohio D-Day next year though! (with the same person I mentioned in question 2)
4) Why do you want to join our unit? What drew you to us instead of some of the other Allied units in the CHG and RPS?
The focus on bringing history to life, historical accuracy, and support for our veterans brought me to this unit. For me, this is about history and preserving stories, not a "game" or anything to be taken too lightly. I love to have fun, but draw the line where history is being ignored or damaged for "fun".
5) What knowledge do you have of the Second World War? Are you familiar with the roles of the American paratrooper?
I've read many books on the Second World War, as it has been my primary interest since I was about 6. I am very familiar with the roles, responsibilities, and purposes of most unit types during the second world war, including infantry, tankers, 10th mountain, paratroopers, and others.
6) Have you had any contact with World War II veterans previously?
Two of my uncles served in the Navy during the second world war, one was deployed in the pacific, the other in the Atlantic. Both survived. Unfortunately, both also died before I was born, my father was born in 1944 so I have spoken with him many times about what veterans have told HIM (including my uncles). Of course, every opportunity I can find to talk to a vet about their stories I will ALWAYS stop to talk - and I like to spend time in war museums and veterans day events respectfully listening to anyone that will talk!
7) What can you bring to this unit? Will you be an asset?
I'm dedicated, always researching(but by no means an "expert" - just an enthusiast that dreams of being an expert), disciplined, used to orders and the outdoors. I imagine that I can be an asset to the group by being informed, respectful, and, I hope, someday, to be an asset by picking out future candidates after many years of loyal and dedicated service to the unit.
8) Anything else we should know about you?
-I'm an Wilderness EMS worker during the school year, and a art sales representative in the summer
-I have a good portion (probably about 75%) of the historically accurate gear the unit asks of it's members, including a functional M1 built in 1941 that is 100% original parts as far as I can tell (serials match) with bayonet. I can provide a full list of what I do have and what I don't if you want
-I will be attending school in Alaska for the next few years, but will be around all summer and more than thrilled to go to events in the summers and during my many breaks from school! (and keep up with training and history the rest of the year) (I will be in California about 40% of the year)
-I plan to join the United States Navy when I'm in my mid twenties (after college)
-I have a lot of public speaking experience and training
-I have a history in theatre and have been involved in a documentary and a large-scale play
-Physically, I am fit (For example I am going on a 150 mile mountain bike ride starting this coming sunday from Grand Junction, CO to Moab, UT)
-I will represent the unit honorably at all times, in or out of uniform
I can't wait to hopefully meet you all!,
-William Fontana
"In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised." -General George Patton
