Brian Caldwell Pohanka

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Brian Caldwell Pohanka

Birth
Washington, District of Columbia, District of Columbia, USA
Death
15 Jun 2005 (aged 50)
Alexandria, Alexandria City, Virginia, USA
Burial
Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, USA GPS-Latitude: 38.8739686, Longitude: -77.0990535
Plot
Section J
Memorial ID
View Source
Cenotaph here.

Civil War historian, author, reenactor; battlefield preservationist, military consultant, and founder of the former Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites (now the Civil War Preservation Trust).
A familiar name and face to Civil War reenactors and historians all over the world for his appearance in many Civil War documentaries and movies, Brian was most well known for being the historical consultant for The History Channel's "Civil War Journal", he also loaned his vast knowledge to other historical programs such as Ken Burns' landmark "The Civil War"; motion pictures such as "Gettysburg", "Andersonville", "The Hunley", "Gods and Generals" and prior to his passing "Cold Mountain", among countless others. His commentary was always sharp, insightful, and to the point, as if he witnessed and experienced what he discussed first hand. He also shared his knowledge through many, many books and articles on the war, and helped other authors and future historians with advice and encouragement that was never ending. His true passion centered on the famous Zouave soldiers, especially the 5th New York Volunteer Infantry, Duryées Zouaves, of which for over the last decade he had been Captain. He was also a great admirer of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Major General Joshua L. Chamberlain and never missed the yearly reenactment at Gettysburg each July. He also enjoyed making his annual trip each June to Montana for the anniversary of the Battle of Little Bighorn, another of his favorites.
His most important contribution came in 1987 when he helped found the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites - now the Civil War Trust. He is to be highly commended for his commitment and fight to save these hallowed grounds. His dedication in life came in remembering these sacred grounds and the memories of those who fought and, in some cases, gave their lives on the very battlefields he strove to protect.
In addition to his father, John "Jack" Pohanka, he is survived by his wife, Marylynne "Cricket" Bauer; brother, Geoffrey Pohanka; sister, Susan Pohanka; numerous cousins, and adoring nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Pohanka, who departed this life in 1987.
"Thus to each and all of these things - from that inspiration I've drawn, what I have endeavored, have accomplished, aspired to or become - I take solace, and satisfaction, and am at peace. I love you, my dear ones, my true friends, forever and through all eternity." -- Brian C. Pohanka
Cenotaph here.

Civil War historian, author, reenactor; battlefield preservationist, military consultant, and founder of the former Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites (now the Civil War Preservation Trust).
A familiar name and face to Civil War reenactors and historians all over the world for his appearance in many Civil War documentaries and movies, Brian was most well known for being the historical consultant for The History Channel's "Civil War Journal", he also loaned his vast knowledge to other historical programs such as Ken Burns' landmark "The Civil War"; motion pictures such as "Gettysburg", "Andersonville", "The Hunley", "Gods and Generals" and prior to his passing "Cold Mountain", among countless others. His commentary was always sharp, insightful, and to the point, as if he witnessed and experienced what he discussed first hand. He also shared his knowledge through many, many books and articles on the war, and helped other authors and future historians with advice and encouragement that was never ending. His true passion centered on the famous Zouave soldiers, especially the 5th New York Volunteer Infantry, Duryées Zouaves, of which for over the last decade he had been Captain. He was also a great admirer of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Major General Joshua L. Chamberlain and never missed the yearly reenactment at Gettysburg each July. He also enjoyed making his annual trip each June to Montana for the anniversary of the Battle of Little Bighorn, another of his favorites.
His most important contribution came in 1987 when he helped found the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites - now the Civil War Trust. He is to be highly commended for his commitment and fight to save these hallowed grounds. His dedication in life came in remembering these sacred grounds and the memories of those who fought and, in some cases, gave their lives on the very battlefields he strove to protect.
In addition to his father, John "Jack" Pohanka, he is survived by his wife, Marylynne "Cricket" Bauer; brother, Geoffrey Pohanka; sister, Susan Pohanka; numerous cousins, and adoring nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Pohanka, who departed this life in 1987.
"Thus to each and all of these things - from that inspiration I've drawn, what I have endeavored, have accomplished, aspired to or become - I take solace, and satisfaction, and am at peace. I love you, my dear ones, my true friends, forever and through all eternity." -- Brian C. Pohanka