A blast from the past Fort Concho style Published March 11, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Devin Boyer 17th Training Wing Public Affairs SAN ANGELO, Texas -- The 17th Force Support Squadron invited Goodfellow members to an overnight excursion Feb. 28 through March 1 at Fort Concho to experience the life of a military member in 1885. The overnight excursion consisted of a dinner and dessert cooked in a Dutch oven, a presentation of period-specific weapons, uniforms and money, and the opportunity to sleep in an 1870's bunk. Goodfellow members learned about the history of Fort Concho during their overnight excursion. "Most of what we learned, or at least what I retained, was about the really intricate inner workings of how Soldiers did things back in the day, from attire to battle tactics, all the way to daily life," said Airman 1st Class Michael Hillman, 17th Training Wing Knowledge Operations management technician. Members of Goodfellow found the overnight excursion to be an enjoyable experience. "It doesn't get any better than experiencing history firsthand," said Marine Corps Maj. Devin Rullman, Marine Corps Detachment Commanding Officer. "Sleeping in the barracks and the same uncomfortable rack that a fellow service member slept in more than 150 years ago was an awesome opportunity." Not only did this experience consist of old beds and weaponry, but re-enactors came to the barracks to talk about the history here at Fort Concho. "It was an incredible opportunity that you don't come across every day," Rullman stated. "To learn the history of Fort Concho and the impact it had on the local community from great story tellers was a nice complement to reading about it online and in books." Rullman says this is an opportunity service members and civilians living in the San Angelo area should participate in. "This is a unique opportunity for all service members, history enthusiasts, families and children," added Rullman. "Our military roots in San Angelo were established at Fort Concho. The bonds they established with the community then have only grown stronger." For more information about this event and future events, call 325-654-3211.
