XI Corps has long been known for it’s
cosmopolitan mix of Nationals and languages. Aside from home born, Americans,
around the camp you will hear and find, Italians, Hungarians, Germans, Dutch,
French, Swiss, British and Africans, amongst others. It has been remarkable how
well the Brigade and Divisional Staff have done in welding this diverse group
of humanity into one of the finest Corps in the Army.
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| Italians, Hungarians and Swiss of Starbucks Brigade |
Tower of
Babel?
There are
a bevy of translators working at all levels to ensure that language is no
barrier to communication. Andy Hock of the 2nd Division Staff
is just one of many keeping Team XI Corps running smoothly. “It has been such
an inspiration to know that the life paths of so many men from so many diverse
backgrounds and cultures have led us all to come together here today. We have
all come to America to follow our dreams and if you ever need an example of
what being an American means, just look about you and marvel at the ‘Union of
peoples’ within this Corps. XI Corps is a true symbol of the United States and
what it stands for. Our diversity is a strength not a weakness.”
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| More of Starbuck's swarthy men |
Amen to
that I said as I tucked into lunch with the Italians of the ‘Syracuse
Chasseurs’. There certainly seems to be a more varied menu within the units of
this Corps!
If You
Cannot Beat Them, Join Them:
And so it
seemed, when I stopped off for a coffee with the 73rd Ohio Regiment
of Barlow’s Brigade. Since it was formed on 30th December 1861, this
Regiment of Volunteers has been kitted out with standard US Army uniforms. It
has just received a new issue of kit and has now turns out looking more like
French Colonials than all American boys. Their commanding officer, Lt. Col.
Maurice Orkurry told me that the Mess were keen to create a more
unique identity so that their Regiment would stand from other units. They were
inspired by some of the other international regiments within the Corps. They
now call themselves the ‘Chillicothe Zouarves’ and mighty fine they look too.
Hopefully M.G. Francis Barlow will approve which he returns from
convalescence!
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| 73rd Ohio Infantry - The Chillicothe Zouaves |
Along
with new uniforms, the 73rd have been issued with Breech Loading Rifles.
It looks
like the Zouarves may stand out on the field by more than just their attire in
future.
‘Now,
which unit should I visit for dinner?
