“Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
Winston Churchill
Project Statement
In 2019, my husband and I decided to start a Living History unit in our area. Though we had a great idea, we couldn't do it alone. Enter Phil Barnett, he became the help we needed to move forward with our ideas and our goals. The three of us have put in a lot of time, energy, and effort into creating something wonderful. This is the story of that unit and how much it has done for myself and for others as well.
These images are the lyrical documentary of the 45th Living History unit. They are the start and continuing story of where we have gotten and how we have gotten there. They depict the three individuals who created it, and all of the ways that we are involved in the unit. More important than that, they help to explain the importance of what this unit really does: remind and teach people about the lessons we have learned in World War II (WWII), as well as aid and support veterans of all eras.
The 45th living History unit was created for a few different reasons. One reason was to teach the public the lessons of WWII. The ones that we should never forget: Freedom is never free, War always has a high cost, and Every battle does too. This unit does not shy away from the brutality and reality that is war. They depict all aspects of WWII, even though there are no actual deaths in our battles. Another reason was to give historically minded people an outlet to apply all of the knowledge they have and to learn more and better themselves. The final, and particularly important reason for me, is to aid and support veterans by giving them like minded individuals to tell their stories to. Though this last one may seem trivial to some, it is by and far the most important. Veterans of all eras are uncomfortable telling war stories to those who may not understand, thus bottling the stories and all of the emotions that go with them. Long term, this is mentally detrimental. Having an outlet of like-minded individuals to have their stories heard, helps them so much more than one may think. With this outlet, it is also beneficial for the family, as they are able to hear more about the veterans’ time in the military than they had ever before.
All of this is accomplished though living history and not textbooks or museums. We act out battles, some would say we put on a show; we create elaborate displays that are interactive, and period correct; and we give hands on experiences to teach about WWII and the 1940s. Though our unit is primarily focused on the US GI’s involvement in the war, we collaborate closely with units that portray German, Russian, French, Resistance fighters and partisans as well.
This unit has helped me so much already and I have had the privilege to watch it help other veterans, unit members, and the public alike. The work we do is so important and valued. We never would have guessed that we would have become as strong a unit as we have in such a short time.
Fearless Leaders
These three decided to keep history alive in a time-honored tradition of living history. They began a unit with little more than what you see here: friendship, an idea, and some gear. In the unit, you see the second in command, Staff Sargent (SSgt) Phil Barnett, female WAC commander and War correspondent, Lieutenant (Lt) Ashlee Osterberg, and the company commander, Lt Jason Nadle. As this unit is like a family, they are the mom, dad and uncle for the unit.
Mom and Dad
Lt Ashlee Osterberg and Lt Jason Nadle are the husband-and-wife team that started the 45th Living historian unit in Oklahoma City. Ashlee was medically retired from the Air Force and a career she loved in December of 2019. She is also the War Correspondent for the unit, which is her most important job as it is our greatest recruiting tool. Her partner in crime and the bull head that wanted a unit closer to home, Jason, is still an active-duty pilot with the Air Force. Here they are both in 1940’s formal attire for a modern event.
Lengthy Preparations
Hair and makeup were essential accessories in the 1940s. To get the proper style for the public events, Lt Osterberg does the preparations the day before. She often does this in 1940s garb and always in front of her vintage vanity.
Witch Doctor
At events, Lt Nadle uses his 1942 Ford GPW jeep, Witch Doctor. As she is not a fast or young vehicle, she must be trailered to each event, stored between events, and taken care of diligently and carefully.
Testing
Lt Osterberg is testing the rifle grenade launcher SSgt Barnett created for the unit. She and the SSgt do this before allowing anyone else in case of issues or misfires.
Official Business
When the unit has meetings, they dress appropriately for WWII military members as this is the ‘business’ attire. They set the schedules, create new events or itineraries for existing events, and collect and discuss feedback to improve each event the unit has had.
Educating
Lt Nadle is creating a series of videos to help teach new reenactors and curious history lovers how to properly wear the WWII kit: the uniform and gear used by a US GI rifleman.
Morning Inspection
SSgt Barnett moves quickly to inspect everyone’s rifle for safety before starting training for the day. Each member of the unit holds their rifle at the ready and waits for the ‘all clear.’ Safety is paramount within the unit. Everyone is ready for a full day of training in the 1940’s. They will spend the day in the field, eating like the WWII GI would, and training on maneuvers while carrying their kit, just like in the 1940’s.
Needs of Battle
During WWII, dry socks and boots were a precious commodity. Here SSgt Barnett has ordered two of the GIs to collect a pair of boots from the mannequin in the medic encampment. This is for one of the unit members whose boots got wet in the earlier battle. During the war, this happened often and is a reminder of how underprepared everyone was for war.
Storming the Field
Both SSgt Barnett and Lt Nadle train the troops on how to safely take an open area for the least number of losses possible. They stress the accuracy and physical fitness of the troops as they scale a sand dune or low crawl through the brush.
Roles in Battle
Every member of the unit has a role in each public battle. Here the radio man has become a victim of war and SSgt Barnett is using his radio to call for support and medical aid.
Defensive Position
During a battle, Lt Nadle defends the building our unit was using for radio communications as the unwitting German troops slowly approach.
Mourning
At the end of the battle, SSgt Barnett mourns the losses from battle. Paying his respects to his fallen comrade. He reminds us of the price of one small battle.
Death Notice
War correspondent Ashlee Osterberg is notified, during a public display, of her husband’s death during the last battle, again showing the sides of WWII that are not typically discussed in anything more than numbers and statistics.
Veterans
As a veteran herself, Lt Osterberg takes pride in the work they do with the veterans. Here she is being regaled by stories of both the Korean and Vietnam wars by an Army veteran. This is something that the veterans and the families love as our vintage military look opens doors to stories the families have not heard yet.
New Recruit
War Correspondent, and WAC (Women’s Army Corps) detachment commander, Ashlee has won the unit a new recruit for the WAC detachment of the living history unit, Szofia Nickell, with the assistance of one of the newer members, Private Chelsea Adamson. Growth in the unit brings new perspective and more ideas to make public displays and events even better for all involved.
In the End
At the end of the day, Lt Nadle, Lt Osterberg, and SSgt Barnett all get to go home, as do each and every member of the unit. This is a huge bonus of being a reenactor and living history in battle, we all go home. This is not the case of the battles that we are teaching the public about. For those battles, not every soldier comes home. Freedom is not free.
This Project is dedicated to Scott Meador. A beloved unit member and WWII helmet repair specialist.
You are missed by many dear friend.