Command and Staff
The Western Independent Grays is an organization of individuals dedicated to accurately portraying, to the best of their ability, the soldiers who fought in the Western Theater during the American Civil War.
We strive to be a functioning military organization and we feel that every individual has something to contribute and help make the WIG the best unit on the field. To make this happen, everyone who wishes to participate with the WIG should be prepared to commit to do the best soldiering and living history that we can.
The Western Independent Grays have only one elected position, Commander. The Commander is then allowed to appoint any staff he feels is necessary.
Our current Commander is Col. Matt Woodburn. Currently, he has two standing field positions, Sergeant Major, and Inspector General. Company Commanders are assigned on a per event basis at the discretion of the Commander. In addition to field staff Col. Woodburn has two administrative positions, Newsletter Editor and Webmaster.
Commanding Officer
Brian Hicks is retired professional Marine Non-Commissioned Officer having served in the Infantry for over 20 years. He has been involved with the Western Independent Grays for the past 10 years and served as the Battalion SgtMaj for four of those years. During the past three years he has been serving as a Company level Officer within the Battalion.
As with all of the previous Battalion Commanders, it is Brian's intent that the Western Independent Grays continue to stay involved in the type of quality events we have come to be known for. Brian also realizes that we must acknowledge that during the 150th anniversary cycle, many of our members are wanting to particiapte in the larger anniversary events, as such, Brian will be working with other like minded individuals and groups to try and provide W.I.G. members with a familiar home at these larger events.
Inspector General
Patrick Craddock is currently serving as Inspector General for the WIG. Mr. Craddock is a founding member of the Battalion and our first Commander. He has a passion for history which is reflected in his education. Mr. Craddock holds degress in history from the University of Wales and Mississippi and Historic Preservation from Middle Tennessee State University. He is the owner of the Craftman's Apron, which makes quality and custom Masonic regalia unlike that you have seen anywhere else
Adjutant
Justin Runyon is serving as the WIG Adjutant. Justin has been an active WIG member for many years. He has served on the WIG staff before as Adjuntant under Art Milbert. Justin is a member of the GHTI and has participated in events all over the country.
Webmaster
Tripp Corbin, past WIG Commander, is our webmaster. Tripp has been with the WIG since the beginning serving in every rank from private to Battalion Commander. Tripp has over 18 years of living history experience in the authentic community. He is also a founding member of the Armory Guards (www.armoryguards.org) Living History Association. When not reenacting, Tripp is the CEO if eGIS Associates, a geospatial services and products company based in Marietta Georgia.
Newsletter Editor
This position is currently open. Please contact Brian Hicks or Justin Runyon if you would like to volunteer.