Shelby Hauck "Sergeant William Butler"

 

When did you join the 1st Dragoons?

I joined the NWTA in 2000, and am a founding member of the 1st Dragoons which was formed in 2003. 

 

What was the major factor in you joining?

My family has been involved in living history since before I was born. As a young man of about 14 I was approached by the commander of a different dragoon unit and asked if I wanted to be their drummer. After joining their unit I fell in love with the dragoons and knew that I had found a home. After the dissolution of that unit I was very lucky to be able to be involved in the creation of the 1st Dragoons. One of my biggest ties to the dragoons is that I had a relative that served in the 3rd Dragoons during the war.  

 

What do you do in real life?

I am a licensed plumber who spent 10 years doing residential and highrise buildings in Chicago. I now work in the office designing plumbing systems for large commercial and residential buildings. 

 

What is your favorite aspect of re-enacting the American Revolution?

One of my most favorite things is being able to recreate the lifestyle and military structure of these brave men. I find spending the weekend teaching people things they would not read in a book and being able to show them things first-hand they have only read about very enjoyable. 

 

What is your fondest memory from your time with the unit?

For me there is no one memory that stands above the rest. Re-enacting has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. For me the people in our unit are what make it special. They are as much a part of my family as any blood relation. I would have to say what I find most moving is when I come walking up on our camp seeing the members of the unit interact, laugh and joke with one another. Something about that warms a man's soul. 

 

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I am quite handy and enjoy making things and working with my hands.