Greetings to all unit members and visitors!  The LAH had a very successful re-enacting year in 2010 with over 25 events approved for attendance.  Overall unit member participation at most events was higher than previous years despite the current economy and gasoline prices.  Additionally, the LAH picked up many new members last year due to Internet inquiries and localized recruiting efforts.  So, the LAH is alive and well and hitting 2011 on the run.

In addition to new members, the LAH has also been picking up new vehicles.  Many of the vehicles have already been fielded during 2010 to include the Rappenschlepper, the Stug and the Mercedes staff car.  This is in addition to our already impressive array of motorcycles, SdKfz-251’s, Schwimmwagens, Kübelwagens, SdKfz-10, various PaK guns, trucks and other ancillary vehicles.  This doesn’t even include the many vehicles currently under restoration.   Additionally, 2011 should be the year for the debut of the recently restored “Gulaschkanone” mobile field kitchen which will add another authentic aspect to our unit, in addition to providing some delicious chow!  Needless to say, the vehicles add realism to our unit but it comes at a cost.  The owners of these vehicles expend a lot of time and money not only to restore them for our use and enjoyment but also pay to bring them to events.  So, the next time you see one of the vehicle owners, make sure you tell them thanks while you’re getting your picture taken standing next to it.

Our LAH Handbuch is undergoing another extensive revision as this is being written.  In addition to clarifying current policy, other information is being updated to ensure our unit is as authentic as possible in the performance of tactics, formations and drills.  It’s hard to believe that some information is just now coming to light but it makes things interesting and keeps the Handbuch refreshed.  Another aspect of the Handbuch being revised is the Awards Chapter.  After the last unit meeting, there has been extensive discussion on our current awards procedures and for the most part, our current policy has served us well for the past many years.  In fact, many other units use our policy of some derivative of it as the foundation for their awards programs.  However, since we are attempting to constantly improve, our awards program is being revised again to issue awards commensurate with ranks and duty positions.  As we all know, it would be very rare indeed for a Panzerobergrenadier to be sporting a Nahkampfspange in Gold!  The changes won’t be significant but will be the start of a continuous process of bringing us more closely in line with photographic evidence of awards worn by original members of the Wehrmacht.

To our visitors, I thank you for visiting our site and hope you’ve learned a little about our unit and the re-enacting hobby.  To our unit members, I thank you for your dedication, participation and commitment to the LAH.  I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your Kommandeur and I’m looking forward to serving with you through another outstanding year in 2011.

Dale Taylor

SS-Sturmbannführer

I.Btn.Kommandeur./1.Pz.Gr.Rgt L.SS.A.H.