Today (February 11, 2012) we met with seven candidates who passed the Antietam Battlefield Guides written test.  Called the “Mentor Meet Up” the seven highly motivated folks got to meet their mentors and plan for the additional training and practice that they will complete to become successful Antietam Battlefield Guides.  Both mentors and mentored are excited to begin the process.  Their motivation was demonstrated by their willingness to brave some rare (for this year) snowy weather to meet at the historic Newcomer House today.  The guides training and professional development committee planned the event.  Thanks go to Bill Sagle, Justin Mayhue, Brian Richardson and Jim Rosebrock for putting it together and to John Schildt, Brian Gamble, Dan Vermilya, and Randy Buchman who volunteered to mentor the Class of 2012.  Our seven candidates are Marty Pritchett, Sharon Murray, Matt Borders, Tim Ware, Dave Maher, Jason Campbell, and Kevin Pawlak.  Joining us were WMIA Director Bob Casey, and park rangers Mannie Gentile and Mike Gamble.

    (Left to Right: Jim Rosebrock, Marty Pritchett, Matt Borders, Bill Sagle, Tim Ware, Justin Mayhue, Dave Maher, Brian Richardson)