Florida Battalion
One of the Premeir Civil War Reenacting Organizations in the Southeast
About Us
The Florida Battalion of Infantry is a 501(c)(3) American Civil War reenacting organization dedicated to bringing history to life through authentic portrayal of Union and Confederate soldiers. We attend or aid in hosting events all over the Southeast United States, primarily in Florida and Georgia, and we have members residing in several states, including Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Created in 1985, the Florida Battalion is one of the premier reenacting organizations in the Southeast US, widely regarded for our devotion to authenticity, knowledgable command staff, and dedication to excellence on and off the battlefield.
Our Companies
The Florida Battalion is comprised of four separate infantry companies, all with their own command staff, history, and identity. The order of which these companies are placed in line is dependent on the seniority of their company commander, and is reflected here.
Our Leadership
The Florida Battalion has some of the best leadership in the hobby, with well over 100 years of reenacting experience. All of the members of our command staff are more than just reenactors, we are also lifelong students of the Civil War and historians who strive for accuracy.
General
Thomas Jessee
Coming Soon
Colonel
Jay Welch
Jay has been reenacting for over 30 years, and now serves as the fourth colonel of the Florida Battalion, a position he accepted the position in April 2025. A master of the drill manual, Jay has served in almost every position at the company and battalion levels in his time reenacting.
Lieutenant Colonel
Keith Van Leuven
Keith has been reenacting for over 25 years, a decade of which he spent serving as the captain of his home company, 7th Florida Company K. A seasoned leader with ample experience, Keith was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in April 2025, and has since served the position well.
Major
Rob Simmons
Major Simmons has been reenacting for 33 years. He was promoted to his current rank in April 2025. Previously he commanded Shady Grove Mess. He has also served as a battalion commander for the Federal Army at Olustee several times.
1st Lieutenant - Safety Officer
Pat Adkins
Coming Soon
1st Lieutenant - Adjutant
Ethan Rogers
Coming Soon
Sergeant Major
Charles Swindle
Charles "Chucky" Swindle has been reenacting for six years and was recently appointed Sergeant Major. A recipient of the Bowman Award, Chucky is a leader, a teacher, and role model for all NCO's in the battalion. Chucky also serves as the Quartermaster for the Leon Rifles.
Colonel - Department of Tallahassee
Mark Rominger
Coming Soon
Major - Fort Clinch
Willie Evans
Coming Soon
