To say that Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce (1842-1914?), whose life spanned 72 years (possibly more), lived an interesting life is an understatement.

This month's program will be an overview of how the lessons of the Civil War impacted the U.S. Armed Forces as they went to war with Spain in 1898. Virtually every single major commanding officer of both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy during that conflict had seen service between 1861 and 1865, and not an insignificant few donned the grey, including Major General Joseph "Fighting Joe" Wheeler, Thomas Rosser and Fitzhugh Lee.

The talk will concentrate on the Army officers, including Generals Miles and Shafter, Civil War veterans and ironically enough, non-West Pointers. It will also cover the commanders of the Navy, men like Dewey who served along the Mississippi, and Robley Evans, who first achieved glory at Fort Fisher. We will also discuss how the aftermath of the Spanish-American War was bittersweet for the Civil War officer in high rank. The soon-to-be President Roosevelt, having been disappointed and angered by those whom he served under, would soon establish a mandatory retirement age for General Officers, much to the detriment of those vets who were still able and energetic.

Alan Rockman has spoken extensively before Civil War Roundtables in Southern California within the last 10 years. Although he has relocated to Phoenix, he is still a member of the Inland Empire CWRT. A UCLA grad, Mr. Rockman is also the co-author of a children's history\activity book "Civil War: Garments, History, Legends and Lore" (available through Barnes and Noble and Amazon - and he'll bring copies to our meeting).

Come join us as we explore the stories of how these veterans continued to serve their country in the Spanish American War

Please join us as we learn more about this colorful character, and enjoy one of his best known stories.

Janet Whaley
Program Chair

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