Colonel Chad Greene

Chad Greene is a veteran reenactor with more than 25 years experience in the hobby. Chad’s reenacting experience includes packing a rifle as a private with the 7th Kentucky Infantry to eventually being Captain of that organization. He was instrumental as a staff member of the Western Brigade under Commander Chuck Warnick serving in the position of Major and Lt. Colonel. He served as Captain of the 42nd Indiana for several years as well as being a member of the Buckeye Mess for several years. He raised several ad-hoc companies under the umbrella of the Army of Tennessee U.S. with his pards John Crabb and Danny Cheatham. In 2002 the Army of Tennessee amalgamated with the Army of the Pacific, he continued service with the AOP as a Major until it ceased field operations in 2007. He developed the platform of the Western Federal Blues in 2008 and enjoyed a successful year in the field as that organization’s Colonel in 2009.

His personal as well as professional life revolves around history. His wife Joni House is the Preservationists and Program Director for Perryville Battlefield, and his step-son, Jacob, has been reenacting since he was a small boy. Professionally, Chad serves as the restoration carpenter for Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, one of the premiere historic villages in the United States. He served for several years at the Facilities Director for the Perryville Enhancement Project and now serves as the President of the Friends of Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site. 

Chad’s philosophy is to provide the best experience to the men that serve with him and honor the men who wore the Federal Blue during the American Civil War. He has long been considered a leader in the “progressive” movement within Civil War reenacting; however, he has always been open to hobby’s many sides to help teach and improve the impressions of his fellow reenactors. This commitment comes from his drive to employee Civil War reenacting and reenactors as a tool in preserving and interpreting American History.

Micah Trent - WFB Adjutant

Micah has been a Civil War Living Historian for over ten years. Getting his start with the 9th Michigan Volunteer Infantry and learning under the late William “Bill” Morris, he would take over as the commander of the 9th in 2005. In 2006, he followed former 9th member, Steve Ewing to the campaign side of reenacting by joining up with the Tar Water Mess and the George H. Thomas Invincible’s. In October 2008 he teamed up with Chad Greene and Robert Preston to help build the foundation for the Western Federal Blues serving as the Adjutant. He has also associated with the 10th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry US, 6th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry Co. C, CSA, and the Western Independent Grays. Micah brings to the Blues years of on field experience, a passion for preservation, and a willingness to serve.

Off the field, Micah has spent numerous hours toward preservation and has helped raise funds and awareness in various efforts throughout Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia, West Virginia and Virginia. He currently is a Civil War Specialist for the Hardin County History Museum in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, sits on the Council for the Friends of Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, and has volunteered with the Friends of Fort Duffield. 

 Micah is also a Past Camp Commander for the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Fort Duffield Camp #1 in West Point, Kentucky, an officer for the Sons of Veterans Reserve Company A, First Regiment, Capital Guards, and has sat on the Council for the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Department of Kentucky. 

Lt. Colonel Robert Preston

Lt. Colonel Robert Preston is a veteran Civil War reenactor of twenty years. He is passionate for the preservation of Civil War history. He enjoys participating in period educational living history events when not reenacting.

From an enthusiastic spectator to becoming a Private in the 11th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, serving as a Corporal in a light artillery unit, and later forming the 10th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, he has made an attempt to experience the various roles of a Civil War soldier. He brings this experience with him as a member of the Western Federal Blues. Robert’s goal is to honor the men that served, fought and sacrificed for their country.

Lt. Colonel Preston is a supporter of the Perryville Battlefield historic site and the Richmond Battlefield association. He currently serves as Vice President of The Friends of Perryville Battlefield state historic site and is a board member of the Battle of Richmond association. 

Sergeant Major Ken Cornett

Ken Cornett has been involved with Civil War reenacting for over ten years. He first joined the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry in southern Ohio, and was quickly taken under the wing of John Crabb. He has served the Sixth in all NCO positions and is currently one of their officers.

In 2003, Ken, along with Joe Liechty, Eric Tipton, and Evan Zimmerman, formed the authentic mess known as Mess No. 1. Using the Sixth as a bloodline for numbers, Mess No.1 quickly proved itself in the authentic side of the hobby as contenders and contributors. Ken and his mess have been known to organize large scale authentic events such as Rich Mountain in 2006 and Bummers in 2009 where preservation was a priority. He and his friends raised approximately $25,000 with these two events, plus countless contributions for other events as well.

Ken has also been associated with the Western Independent Grays in the south, most recently serving as their sergeant major. He associates with many groups and constantly keeps an open network flowing.

Ken has a degree in education and is a 21 year veteran of the US Army. Both being key ingredients for his love of reenacting. He has been a constant volunteer at the Perryville Battfield and is looking forward to helping the Blues advance in many different aspects.

Wayne “Taz” Peters – Commissary Officer

Taz has been a Living Historian in Kentucky for about ten years now with a wide range of experience. Getting his start in Artillery where he was a Captain, he would go on to also be a Sergeant in the ranks of Infantry. He also currently practices medicine where he has been Lieutenant and Major in the medical field. In 2008 Taz came on with the Blues as the head Commissary Officer as a Lieutenant. He is without a doubt the most busiest man the Blues have as he prepares and hands out rations and supplies, constantly keeping up with the paperwork, as well as assisting in others areas where needed.

When not busy on the field or working late hours at work, Taz is volunteering with BORA, where he serves on the reenacting committee and helps out with the FoPBSHS. He also has much experience at helping put on events throughout Kentucky. He is glad to have a chance with a group who wants to keep history alive and is doing it the right way.

Jimmy "Doc" Nelson

Jimmy is a veteran reenactor, that brings over 20 years of experience to the field. He first got his start in the hobby in 1989. Beginning his journey as a Private with the 1st Battalion, Virginia Regulars, Co. B (Confederate). Shortly afterwards, the 1st Battalion changed their unit’s impression to that of a volunteer regiment (32nd Virginia Infantry, Co. H, “The Warwick Beauregard’s”).

In 2004, Jimmy moved his family to Kentucky . Knowing he couldn’t stay out of the hobby for long, he sought a local group to join. During this time, he found out his 3rd-Great Grandfather served as the Surgeon of the 4th Georgia Infantry, CSA during the War. After learning this, he decided to change his impression, to that of a Surgeon. Well, after a short search, Jimmy was invited to join the 9th Michigan by, then, Captain Micah Trent, commander of the 9th, to be their “Surgeon”. During his time with the 9th Michigan and 6th Indiana , Jimmy founded “What a Medical Mess”, a group dedicated to the research and presentation of period battlefield medicine. After serving with the 9th Michigan and 6th Indiana for a couple of years, Jimmy came onboard the Western Federal Blues, as their “Surgeon”. Today, Jimmy portrays both, a Federal Surgeon, and Assistant Surgeon. Basing his impression upon the event attending. His desire is to honor the sacrifices of so many brave soldiers (on both sides) by bringing history alive through an accurate historical impression, and takes pride in doing so.