Wing reservist passionate about the Civil War

  • Published
  • By Stacy Vaughn
  • 445th Public Affairs
If you have a question about the Civil War, in particular the Battle of Gettysburg, there's an Air Reserve Technician assigned to the wing that may be able to answer your question. That Civil War buff is Master Sgt. Steve Dunn, maintenance operations flight. 

"I've been passionate about the Civil War most of my adult life. I go to Gettysburg, Pa., every year; sometimes two or three times a year, Sergeant Dunn said. He added that when he travels to Gettysburg to watch the annual Battle of Gettysburg reenactments, he camps out with those who participate. 

"Camping out at Gettysburg is quite interesting because everybody brings their own cannons and horses," Sergeant Dunn said. 

After retirement in four years from the Air Force Reserves, Sergeant Dunn said he would like to become a licensed battlefield guide at Gettysburg. 

"It's part of my post-retirement plan. Move to Gettysburg and serve there," he said.
Sergeant Dunn said Gettysburg is the only national battlefield that the U. S. government requires the tour guides to be licensed. The first step in becoming a licensed tour guide is to take a written test. He's taken the 3-hour exam three times, doing very well each time. 

"It's no pass or fail. What happens is they only pick the top 10 percent to come back. That group then goes through oral exams. That's the second step in the testing process. Then they invite you back to give your own 2-hour tour to a guide, who is an existing Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guide. If they select you, you can come back during the summer and earn your living that way," he said. Slots are limited each year. Those who are selected as a guide become licensed by the National Park Service. 

Sergeant Dunn's supervisor, Senior Master Sgt. Garry Merrill, said he was surprised what all one has to go through to be a tour guide at Gettysburg. 

"Steve told me about the process to become a tour guide at Gettysburg. It's real interesting what he's doing. I'm all for it," Sergeant Merrill said. 

Sergeant Dunn praises his supervisor for taking an interest in and supporting what his staff pursues outside of work. 

"Sergeant Merrill is real good about giving us time off when he can to chase down our passions and follow whatever our interests may be. You work with so many people with so many different kinds of backgrounds. I think that's what makes the work here so fun; everybody's got something to contribute," Sergeant Dunn said. 

Sergeant Merrill added that everyone in the office has been learning something new about the Civil War. 

"Not a day goes by that we don't get Civil War history. Each day starts out with, 'What happened on this date (during the Civil War)?' We already had our lesson this morning. Today (April 9) it was the day that Gen. Lee surrendered to Gen. Grant back in 1865," he said.