I joined the Tenth Foot in the summer of 2005 having never attended a re-enactment event, including the Battle of Lexington Green. I had moved my family to Massachusetts in 2002 to take a new job postion and had no idea of this holiday called "Patriot's Day" (frankly, I thought it had something to do with the New England Patriot's first NFL Championship win in Super Bowl XXXVI) nor the hobby of Revolutionary War re-enacting. My then 12-year-old son Ian loved history and learned of the Tenth Foot and wanted to join. As a minor, I would have had to attend all the events with him anyway, thus his logic that I might as well join-up was flawless. So, I joined along with Ian and we both were sworn to service as Privates in the Colonel's Co'Y on Patriot's Day morning 2006. That became the first Battle of Lexington Green I attended, as a participant... I still have never seen it as a spectator.
The time I spent on the Tenth quickly increased as I learned how to make leather goods (belting, cartidge boxes, etc.) as well as other accroutrements and help to produce and repair these items for the Regiment. Then the Colonel's Co'Y was disbanded at the end of the 2006 season and I found myself, along with other of my fellow "Hatmen", reassigned to the Light Infantry Co'Y under it's new Captain, Robert Falotico. There we worked to get all of the new Lights properly outfitted as we preapred for Patriot's Day 2007. Unfortunately, what would have been my second Battle of Lexington Green was cancelled that year due to a Nor'easter, but we forged ahead dedicated to making the 2007 season a success. For my efforts over the 2006 and into the 2007 season, I was awarded the Glibralter Award when we formed for the Memorial Day Parade in 2007 and promoted to Corporal moments later. I served in that postion until December 2007 when I was promoted to Serjeant in the Light Infantry. I proudy served in the position for 4 years as we grew the Co'Y and updated our uniforms, adding lace to our waistcoats and hatchets to our kit.
The Tenth eventaully became a family affair as my wife Valerie joined as one of our "Civilan Camp Followers". Even my mother Rose and daughter Natasha would joined in on occasion.
I was again promoted to Lieutenant and then Captain of the Grenadier Co'Y in 2011-2012 a postion I held until 2016 when I took on the role of Major and Regimental Adjutant. I returned as Captain of Grendiers from December 2020 to December 2023 at which time I was appointed Lieutenant Colonel and Commanding Officer, becoming the 10th CO of the Tenth.
Thus, over my 18 years in the Tenth I have served in all three armed Co'Y's, and held all ranks from Private through Lt. Colonel. During these same years, I have witnessed profound changes in the Tenth and have been privileged to work with so many talented individuals dedicated to making the Tenth Foot the premire re-created British Regiment of the Revolutionary War. Our members strive to recreate the life of an 18th century British Regiment as acurately as possible whether it be as an armed soldier, musician, or civilian camp follower. We are continuously researching our uniforms, clothing, kit, and drill adjusting these as we learn new details of 1770's life. The Tenth foot also takes a lead role in planning and organizing events and in sending our members to local schools to bring history directly to our youth.
As I take Command, the Tenth Foot is entering its 56th year of service and looking ahead to the coming Semiquincentennial. I am excited as we prepare to celebrate the 250th and in continuing the Tenth's mission of bringing American's history alive for another generation.
You too can get involved and be a part of history as we commemorate America's 250th. Join the Tenth Foot today and help us keep our history alive. There is a place in our ranks for YOU!
Lieutenant Colonel Michael V. Graves
Officer Commanding
26 December 2023